This weekend is Labor Day, that annual bookmark reminding us that Summer is over and football season is about to start. Here in beautiful Sarasota, Florida, it is a welcome sign that cooler days are ahead. Labor Day also just happens to be a great excuse to go to the beach and cook food on the grill.
Be smart and wear sandals or water shoes to protect your feet when at the beach. I know the title of my last blog may scare people away from flip flops, but the reality is you can get hurt much worse by being barefoot. I will never forget the Labor Day cook out we had at my house as a kid some 20 years ago. After all the food was done my father cleaned the grill and placed the inner metal part of the grill on the ground to dry off. My cousin, who coincidentally is also a podiatrist today, accidentally stepped on the grill and burned his foot.
This may sound like a freak accident, at it was to a degree, but it makes a good point. We are used to wearing shoes and not being overly concerned about where we walk. If you are going to spend any extended amount of time barefoot, like a Labor Day cookout or surfing in Costa Rica (see prior blog) you just have to heighten your situational awareness. Add to this sun exposure and alcohol consumption and you can really get into trouble. I am not trying to be a buzzkill. I love the beach and cook outs. I will be at one for sure. I just want everyone to be safe. Wear shoes whenever you are not in the water. Put sunscreen on the top of your feet. Limit your alcohol consumption and just generally be aware.
You never know when your crazy uncle is going to clean the grill and put in on the ground to dry off!
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com/
