The Mayo Clinic Health Letter has these tips to reduce swelling in the feet:
Cut back on salt. It contributes to fluid retention.
Put your feet up. On your back, rest feet at least 12 inches above your heart 10 to 15 minutes three or four times a day.
Use support stockings. Most medical supply or drug stores carry them. They can limit gravitational movement of fluids to the feet and promote circulation.
Exercise regularly to improve circulation.
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Lose excess weight. It slows circulation and puts extra pressure on veins.
Avoid long periods of sitting. Get up and walk every one or two hours.
Review your medication with your doctor. Some contribute to swelling.
See a doctor if you have persistent swelling, concurrent shortness of breath and weight gain or damaged skin.
Staph moves into community
The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most-frequent causes of skin infections worldwide, according to The Double Helix, a publication of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Staph aureus can also cause less common, but more-severe infections such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections and heart valve infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is "completely resistant to all penicillin-related antibiotics."
The infection is common in hospital settings. It's now beginning to be more common outside the hospital setting. Community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) affects people living in crowded settings, with persistent skin diseases and sharing contaminated items.
Best bets
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Fri. Oct. 29
Mayo Clinic cancer specialist Dr. Edward Creagan, will share health tips at 7 p.m. at Best Western Apache, 1517 16th St. S.W. in Rochester. Tickets: $20 at the door. Advance tickets available by calling Rita Jones at 281-3733 or Sara Holton at 287-6923. Proceeds benefit Paws and Claws Humane Society.
