Of the 2 million people in Canada with diabetes, approximately 4 to 10% will develop a foot ulcer (sore).   Up to 24% of those who do develop a foot ulcer will go on to have an amputation (partial foot or leg) because the ulcer did not heal.  (first 10 tips by Vancouver Coastal Health)

Reflexologists come in contact with millions of people worldwide who are diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes.  Those who have had Reflexology training are making a huge difference in the lives of these people.

1. Check your feet daily.  Look at your bare feet for red areas, cuts, swelling, blisters, rash, cracks, or signs of infection such as increased redness, pain, and/or drainage. Use a mirror for hard to see areas.

2. Wash your feet daily.  Warm water with mild non – perfumed soap and dry well, especially between the toes. DO NOT soak your feet.

3. Keep your skin soft.  After washing put on a thin coat of non-perfumed lotion.  Do not put any between your toes.

4. Trim your toe nails.  If you can reach AND see your toenails, trim them when needed, cut them straight across, not rounded. Nail clippers only, no scissors or sharp objects.

5. Proper shoes and socks.  Always wear shoes that fit well and offer good protection.  Wear cotton socks that are not too tight.

6. Keep the blood flowing to your feet.  DON’T SMOKE!!  Smoking reduces blood flow.

7.  Protect your feet from hot and cold.  Always check water temperature before putting your feet in it. Do not use hot water bottles, electric blankets, space heaters or heating pads to your legs or feet as these may cause burns.

8. Regular visits to your health care team.  Visit your doctor or community nurse regularly to monitor your feet and your health.

9. Activity and nutrition.  DO WALK!!  Being active stimulates blood flow, keeps weight down, helps with blood sugar control and is fun!  A dietician can help you make healthy choices for a well balanced diet.

10. Pay attention.  Remember that early treatment is always the best way to avoid major problems. Pay close attention to your feet and body and if problems arise visit your health care team.

11. Try regular Reflexology to relieve stress, balance your body and return to good health.

For a Free Reflexology Chart and a Free 10 Minute Stress Reliever Chart click here http://www.ReflexologyeStore.com

You can even learn to practice some helpful Reflexology moves buy Intro to Reflexology for special price of only $7  http://reflexologyestore.com/intro-to-foot-reflexology.

Jack Marriott is the Reflexology Coach with the Universal College of Reflexology specializing in online Reflexology training http://www.ProReflexology.com

The Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Economics, Lifestyle and Other Therapeutic approaches for chronic conditions (CAMELOT) study, at Monash University, is investigating the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) and chronic disease self-management among people with Type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease.

The focus of this research study is to determine the influences, costs and benefits of CAM use.  The initial phase of this study indicated that the participants recruited have not previously visited CAM practitioners.  So CAMELOT is now recruiting CAM practitioners to assist in this study.  Reflexologists in Australia are encouraged to recruit consumers who meet the following criteria:

1.  have been diagnosed at least 12 months ago with Type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease;
2.  have consulted any sort of CAM or integrative practitioner to assist in the management of their chronic illness or health more generally;
3.  speak fluent English.

Practitioners’ treatments will not be evaluated or critiqued by the researchers who are looking more generally at consumer actions and preferences.

To contact the researchers go to www.camelot.monash.edu.au for more information or email rachel.canaway@med.monash.edu.au

Thanks to FootPrints the Journal of the Reflexology Assoication of Australia March 2010 edition.

Breaking news today is that if you drink coffee and tea, and they mean lots of it every day you may be saving yourself from Diabetes.  By the way did you know that Diabetes type II is already an epidemic here in North America.  In fact according to the Canadian Diabetes Association in Canada, today nearly one in four Canadians either has diabetes or prediabetes and it’s no wonder the cost of Diabetes is unpleasantly referred to as an “Economic Tsunami”.

In fact, we’ve been advised by some of our native Reflexology students and clients that as many as 75% of first nations members in some areas are diabetic!

So, the fact that 18 scientific studies have found that drinking three to four cups of coffee per day was associated with a 25 percent lower risk of diabetes than drinking two cups or less per day needs to get out to the public. 

There were similar results for decaf coffee and tea.

For us tea drinkers seven studies also looked at the association between tea and diabetes risk. Again, pooled summaries showed that patients who drank more than three to four cups of tea per day had about a 20 percent lower risk of diabetes than those who drank no tea.

No word on putting sugar in your drink from this study.  My take is minimize or eliminate sugar and synthetic sweeteners from your cup of joe!