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At Last

FOOT FACT:

Born in Suriname (to parents of Surinamese and Dutch descent), Jan Ernst Matzeliger developed his passion for machinery at a young age, while working with his father in factories. Upon immigrating to the United States at age 19, Matzeliger learned English and eventually settled in Massachusetts. There, Matzeliger began working for a cobbler and developed an interest in making shoes. Noticing that all the shoes were made by hand, Metzeliger sought out to find a more efficient approach to making shoes. The African-American inventor would go on to create his patented shoe last machine in 1883.

Matzeliger’s invention would revolutionize the shoe industry. Prior to Matzeliger’s invention, cobblers would manually attach the “upper” to the sole of each shoe individually- with the use of a wooden or metal shoe last- making up to 50 shoes per day. With the shoe last machine, up to 700 shoes could be made each day. Try THAT on for size!

Putting you best FEET forward,

SH

Turf War

FOOT FACT:
The Seattle Seahawks get set to battle the Denver Broncos at Super bowl XLVIII. But, that may not be the only nemesis that these two teams may be squaring off against this Sunday. Turf toe is a common condition that has slowed the play- and even ended the careers- of many football players. Its name stems from the synthetic “turf” that is commonly played-on by many athletes (most notably, football players). The injury occurs when the player’s cleat becomes firmly planted into the turf as their big toe joint becomes hyperextended (Seen below).

(Figure 1)

As a result, the big toe joint becomes sprained, causing damage to the muscles, ligaments, joint capsule, and bones surrounding the joint.

(Figure 2)

Players often complain of tenderness and swelling around the joint and serious pain with range of motion.

Putting you best FEET forward,

SH

Here's the Kicker

The Super Bowl is this Sunday and to help y’all get revved up for the big game, this week we at Southern Hospitality will feature interesting facts related to the great game of football.

FOOT FACT:

On November 8, 1970 New Orleans Saints kicker Tom Dempsey set the NFL record by boosting a 63 yard game-winning field goal to defeat the Detroit Lions. But here’s the kicker, he performed this great feat with only HALF a foot. That’s right! He was born with half a right foot, but was able to play pro-football for 11 seasons. His remarkable accomplishment established a record that would stand for 43 years -although there were 3 players who would tie the record during that time. The record was recently overcome by Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater with a 64 yard kick against the Tennessee Titans on December 8, 2013 (with a WHOLE foot...jus sayin lol).

Putting you best FEET forward,

SH

Frost BITES!

FOOT FACT:
9 out of 10 cases of frostbite in adults occur in the hands & feet (feet being the most common). Prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures can halt blood flow to your extremities, depriving them of oxygen, leading to nerve and tissue damage. Warning signs include: numbness, red to bluish-grey discoloration of the affected area, and “waxy” skin appearance. Skin that is not properly protected from subzero temperatures and intense windchills can fall victim to frostbite in just 10 minutes! It is a good idea to always bundle up with the proper attire to protect yourself before battling the elements. And remember…NO COTTON SOCKS!!

Putting you best FEET forward,

SH

Feel the Burn

FOOT FACT:
You may be thinking to yourself that pain is pain….right?...wrong!
A burning pain in the legs & feet could signal nerve damage (neuropathy). Damaged nerves send constant misfired signals to your brain triggering burning sensations of pain. Diabetes is the most common culprit… but alcoholism, Vitamin B12 deficiency and heavy metal poisoning are some other causes that can hold your feet to the fire.

Putting you best FEET forward,
SH

We’re Number…2?

FOOT FACT:
Did you know that for about 2 out of every 10 people, their 2nd toe exceeds the length of their big toe? Known in the podiatry world as Morton’s toe, however history buffs may know it well as “Greek toe.” That is because in ancient Greece, having a long 2nd toe signified beauty and royalty. Have you checked out Lady Liberty’s feet? She sports a notable long 2nd toe. Oh say can you see!!

Putting you best FEET forward,

SH

Hair It Is!

FOOT FACT:
Hair on top of your feet and (dare I say) toes is actually a good thing. That’s right!...it indicates good blood flow to your legs and feet. An absence or loss of hair on those “10 lil piggies” could be a sign of poor circulation. Blood carries nutrients to your hair follicles allowing them to grow and flourish. Lack of blood flow means lack of hair. In other words, the heart loses the ability to pump enough blood to you feet due to blocked arteries. Diabetics, smokers, and those with a history of heart conditions should especially take note!

Putting your best FEET forward,

SH

Swell No!!

FOOT FACT:
Listen up diabetics and the elderly!! Teeth-chattering cold temps during the winter months can often result in a drop in our activity levels. These factors can contribute to reduced blood circulation (especially in our legs & feet), leading to increased swelling of the ankles & feet. It is always important to maintain a healthy, routine activity level year-round. Cabin fever? Just say NO!!

Putting you best FEET forward,

SH

Jack Frost Nipping at Your…Toes?

FOOT FACT:

Avoid wearing cotton socks in frigid cold temperatures! Cotton socks absorb the sweat from your feet and with cold temps, cools the sweat, making your tootsies even more chiilled. Instead, look for socks made of synthetic materials (nylon, special polyesters, etc) to keep your feet on the go!

Putting you best FEET forward,

SH

New Year, New You: 4 Tips to Improve Yourself From Head to Toe

The ball has dropped, you’ve popped the cork, and partied the night away!  It is officially a new year!  But as we give a big ol’ hey y’all to 2016, here are 4 tips you should keep in mind while striving to become a New You in the New Year!

PARTY SMARTY
Whether you have been “cuttin’ a rug” to bring in the new year or have made that all-too-familiar new year’s resolution of finally shedding those unwanted pounds, the bottom line is that your feet take quite a licking. To reward your tired twosomes, it is always a good idea to keep them in tip-top shape. You can’t go wrong with soaking, scrubbing, and moisturizing!

RESOLUTION SOLUTION
As a new year arrives, so come the countless new year’s resolutions…and leading the way for the most common is…you guessed it…WEIGHT LOSS! Studies show that the average American gains up to 10lbs during the holiday season. But while we make these promises to shed our holiday spread, finding the perfect pair of “sneaks” is an absolute must for any successful workout routine.

EAT SWELL
Shedding those excess pounds is only half the battle to obtain AND maintain good health. A vitamin-rich diet matched with routine exercise is the perfect one-two punch for a healthy new you!

BOTTOMS UP
It is no secret how beneficial water is for our bodies. Drinking the recommended 9 glasses per day gives your body a much better chance in fighting such conditions as joint pain and relaxing those cramping achy muscles-just to name a few. It can also be quite helpful to prevent hangovers. Excess alcohol that is consumed dehydrates the body and contributes to the crummy, not-so-good feelings felt the morning after. Consuming water before, during, and after a night of drinking will work wonders. Cheers!

So here’s to 2015!!!!

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SH