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Healthy feet are essential for overall good health, no matter your age, fitness level, or physical challenges. For people with diabetes, however, taking care of their feet is especially vital. More than 60 percent of all non-traumatic lower-limb amputations worldwide are related to complications from the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association.

A 2012 study by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) indicates Hispanics with diabetes are particularly in danger, because more than 90 percent of those with the disease or at risk for it have never seen a podiatrist as part of their health care.

“The leading cause of hospitalization among people with diabetes—regardless of ethnicity— is foot ulcers and infections, but most of those problems are largely preventable,” says Nicole Hancock, DPM, a podiatrist at Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center and APMA member. “It’s important for those with the disease to ‘knock their socks off’ and receive regular foot exams by today’s podiatrists.”

While ulcers—open sores on the foot—are the most common diabetes-related foot problem, several others are also serious and prevalent, including neuropathy, skin changes, calluses, poor circulation, and infection. The nerve damage that diabetes causes may mean a person with an ulcer or injury may be unaware of it until it becomes infected. Infection can lead to partial or full amputation of the foot or lower leg.

The good news is, regular care from a podiatrist can help reduce amputation rates between 45 and 85 percent, according to APMA.

People with diabetes need to inspect their feet daily and be vigilant for warning signs of ulcers, including irritation, redness, cracked or dry skin (especially around the heels), or drainage on their socks.

“Although ulcers can occur anywhere on the foot or ankle, they are typically found on pressure points on the foot, like the ball of the foot or bottom of the big toe,” adds Dr. Hancock. “If you discover an ulcer or have any symptoms, see a podiatrist immediately. In many cases, the foot can be saved with early treatment.”

In addition to examining your feet every day, and keeping your blood glucose in your target range, make sure to follow these foot health tips:

• Discuss your diabetes and the risks with your family. Diabetes can be hereditary, so talk to your family members about monitoring blood sugar and foot health.

• Never go barefoot. Always protect your feet with the proper footwear and make sure socks and shoes are comfortable and fit well.

• Trim toenails straight across, and never cut the cuticles. Seek immediate treatment for ingrown toenails, as they can lead to serious infection.

• Keep your feet elevated while sitting.

• Wiggle toes and move your feet and ankles up and down for five-minute sessions throughout the day.

“Successfully managing diabetes is a team effort, and today’s podiatrist is an integral player on that team,” Dr. Hancock says.

WRITER: FRED HILTON

Our dog Paris thinks she’s a cat. When she’s not eating, pooping or sleeping, she is constantly grooming herself. She incessantly licks her legs, paws and anywhere else she can reach. In addition to the constant grooming, Paris shreds approximately two cubic feet of white hair every day.

These factors combine to create what is undoubtedly the cleanest dog in Florida. But, when she gets caught outside during a rainstorm, a strange transformation takes place. She stinks – really, really bad. You know all about wet dog odor. It has a stench that permeates the room and violently assaults your sense of smell. On the international scale of foul odors, a wet dog ranks right between a paper mill and a teenage boy’s gym socks.

So why does a little water turn your furry friend into a four-legged bundle of stink? Blame it on chemistry. For something to smell bad, molecules need to leave the smelly object and reach our noses.

“The chemicals that make dogs smell are mostly what we call volatile, organic acids that they are produced by bacteria from the fats that are breaking down from sweat, and that’s maybe why we find these body odors unpleasant. They signal a presence of bacteria and decay and death to us,” said Dr. David Williams of the Veterinary School at England’s University of Cambridge.

When the dog gets wet, the organic acids are dissolved in water on its fur.

“As the water evaporates, the concentration of those smelly acids increases so there are more molecules in the air for us to smell.” Dr. Williams said.

The Internet blog, Kids ‘n’ Pets, agreed with Dr.

Williams: “Dogs, particularly if they go outside, collect all sorts of dirt, bits of food, leaves, sticks, and other debris in their fur. Their sweat also contains volatile organic acids, which consist of degrading fat and bacteria. When dogs get wet, this organic matter dissolves. It’s like pushing the ‘on’ button for smells!”

There are a few things you can do to reduce that doggy odor. Brush and bathe the dog regularly. Use a towel and hair dryer to hurry the drying process. Bacteria love warm, moist environments so the quicker you dry your dog, the better.

The simplest thing you can do is to keep your dog from getting wet, but that’s difficult because of the sudden rains we have in Florida. We’re trying to teach Paris how to carry an umbrella.

“Why do wet dogs smell?” TheNakedScientists.com, Institution of Continuing Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England http://www.thenakedscientists.com/ HTML/questions/question/3125/

“Stinky When Wet: Dealing with Wet Dog Smell,” Kid ‘n’ Pets , Kidsnpetsbrand.com, Paramount Chemical Specialties, Inc., Redmond, WA http://www.kidsnpetsbrand. com/2014/04/23/stinky-when-wetdealing-with-wet-dog-smell/

“Why Does My Dog . . . Smell When He’s Wet?” by Dr. Mary Fuller, Vetstreet. com, May 8, 2012 http://www.vetstreet.com/our-petexperts/why-does-my-dog-smell-whenhes-wet

“What’s Up With That: The Gross Chemistry Behind that Funky WetDog Smell,” by Nick Stockton, Wired. com, , 2015 http://www.wired.com/2015/01/whatsgross-chemistry-behind-funky-wet-dogsmell/

“What Causes Wet Dog Smell (and how can I prevent it?),” by Renee Moen, iHeartDogs.com http://iheartdogs.com/what-causes-wetdog-smell-and-how-can-i-prevent-it/