Don’t let the shorter days or colder weather keep you from having fun outdoors. Winter sports can actually help to increase your cardiovascular fitness, burn calories, and strengthen muscles. Whatever you need to do to enjoy some exercise this season, make sure you take the steps to prepare your body – and especially your feet – for the months ahead. YOUR FEET IN THE WINTER It’s easy to see why winter weather may be harsh on your feet. Cold weather can cause many foot-related problems, and when you participate in winter sports the risk increases. Some winter related foot conditions include: • Cracked Heels • Dry Skin • Blisters • Athlete’s Foot and other Fungal Infections • Foot Pain and Discomfort Winter Sports and Your Feet SKATING & HOCKEY Skating is a great way to get out side for some exercise. Joining a recreational hockey league is a sure way to stay in shape no matter what your age. Before you hit the ice, it’s important to make sure your skates fit properly. Skates need to be snug, but not too tight, so that the pressure exerted does not result in blisters. If you do get a blister make sure not to pop it. Punctured blisters or the removal of that protective skin layer can lead to an infection. Make sure to clean the area as you would any abrasion.Footlogix® DD Cream Mousse can assist in faster healing, due to the anti-microbial properties of the bioactive patented Spiraleen®. When used daily, DD Cream Mousse, with its Dermal Infusion Technology®, will act as a skin protectant and prevent this type of skin irritation. HIKING Hiking is a fantastic way to get out in the great outdoors for some much-needed exercise during the winter. Whether you’re in the heart of the city or out in the country, there are always trails nearby, ready to be explored. But the combination of heavy boots and socks in wet snow can cause your feet to have an unpleasant foot odour. Did you know that your feet have four times more sweat glands than anywhere else on your body? Footlogix® Foot Deodorant Spray is proven effective to kill odour-causing bacteria. It is formulated with Tea-Tree Oil and Menthol to neutralize odours and leave a refreshing scent. And don’t forget to keep your boots and shoes bacteria free. Footlogix® Shoe Fresh Deodorant Spray is effective in neutralizing boot and shoe odours while killing odour causing bacteria. Spray into boots daily or after a long day on the trail to keep them fresh. SKIING One of the best parts of the winter is being able to head out on a trip with friends and family and hit the slopes for a weekend of fun at a chalet or lodge. If you decide to ski, keep in mind that skiing can put an undue amount of stress on the muscles of your lower extremities. Make sure you loosen up your muscles by stretching beforehand, such as squats, lunges, and calf raises, and useFootlogix® Tired Leg Formula après ski. Footlogix® Tired Leg Formula has “vaso-active” properties which are important for skiers after a long day on the slopes. If you suffer from cold feet after a full day skiing, try using Footlogix® Cold Feet Formula, containing arnica and rosemary, before venturing outside as it is effective in stimulating skin circulation and keeping them in a normal state. SNOWBOARDING Snowboarding is another very popular winter activity, as it combines the fun of skiing with the element of balance that is reminiscent of summer sports like surfing. But snowboarding relies on hefty boots that might be on your feet for most of the day. This can result in itchy, burning, redness and peeling conditions. With this in mind, Footlogix® Peeling Skin Formula can provide effective relief of peeling skin on the soles and between the toes caused by Athlete’s Foot. As an added note, to prevent Athlete’s Foot, wear moisture-wicking socks because they are specifically designed to eliminate the griminess and wick sweat and moisture away from your feet. BECOMING A WINTER WARRIOR Staying active during the winter is important – and it’s fun! Consistent exercise helps to keep blood flowing, and provides both positive physical and mental health. With the right preparation, the winter months don’t have to bring you down – instead, you can conquer them, and enjoy the best of the season as a winter warrior! FOOTLOGIX NEWSLETTER MARCH 1, 2018