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Get well · Stay well
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by Moira de Groot, foot health practitioner at Willow Brook Clinic
Summer shoes
hey may be fun to wear, but flip-flops are not good for your feet. They are fine when you walk across the changing room or from your deck chair to the pool. But, if they become your everyday footwear, even just in the summer, your feet and ankles could pay the price. Most flip-flops don’t offer much in the way of arch support. A lack of support can lead to inflammation and a condition called plantar fasciitis, which makes walking painful and can stop you getting the exercise you need. Flip-flops don’t hold your feet in place very well. You are at risk of developing blisters and calluses on your feet and between your toes. To keep a flip-flop on your foot, your toes must constantly grasp the shoe. Your toes have to do extra work to pick the flipflop up and move it forward. That means that your feet and toes are not working correctly. In flip-flops your feet are more exposed. Many people suffer with callouses and can develop corns. As your toes are not protected, it is more likely that you can damage your nails. Constant walking in flip-flops can be the start of musculoskeletal problems with your feet, knees and even your back and hips. You change the way you walk when you wear flipflops. Therefore, your entire body must adjust. Changing
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July/August 2021
News
New minister for Baptist Church is committed to connecting communities
your gait even slightly can lead to problems. Wearing the correct footwear will restore your body’s function and free you from pain. Find sandals with an ankle strap and a strap across your forefoot. Find a summer shoe that has an arch support and a small heel. If your feet hurt or you need treatment to help your skin and nails, give your foot health practitioner a call and they will give you the best treatment and advice tailored for you. Most importantly, enjoy the warmer weather, make sure you wear the right shoes and give your feet a chance to breathe in the fresh air. The Willow Brook Clinic First Floor, East Offices The Willow Brook Centre www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk
● See our advert on page 9.
Tania Vaughan with her ministry dog Marley
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n Sunday 1st August at 10.30am there will be an induction service at Little Stoke Baptist Church to welcome new minister Rev. Tania Vaughan. The previous minister, Rev. Neil Mobbs, who is still a member of the church, retired 15 years ago and since then the church has been served by a loving community of members and deacons. Tania and the church members believe that the recent pandemic has given people a renewed desire for community and connecting with one another. The church already runs a coffee morning on Thursdays at 10am, which is open to everyone, and is considering other ways in which the building can be used to connect with the community of Little Stoke.
Tania says: “My priority as I start this new role is to listen to the people of Little Stoke, to understand the needs and desires of the community.” Tania will be moving into Little Stoke with her husband Gary and their dog Marley. Marley is a great ministry dog who loves people and is always ready for a cuddle. Tania plans to be based in the lounge of Little Stoke Baptist Church on Kingsway on Mondays and invites people in the community to drop in for a chat and a cuppa. You will also see her out and about with Marley exploring the area and in local coffee shops enjoying her morning latte. Do stop and say hello. ● You can get in touch with Tania by email on lsbcminister@gmail.com
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