Use these tips to take care of your feet year-round.

By Stacey Colino

Whether you’re vacationing at the beach or relaxing by the pool, bare feet are almost an inevitable part of summer. Here’s some expert advice for dealing with five common foot problems so you can enjoy sandal season.

BUNIONS

• The fault: A bunion is a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe that can become painful, red and swollen.
• The fix: Apply ice and wear special bunion pads (available at drugstores). Custom shoe inserts called orthotics ($200 or more a pair) can help prevent worsening of the bunion, says Rock Positano, D.P.M., director of the non-surgical foot and ankle service at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Drugstore shoe inserts, such as Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotics ($50), are considerably less expensive and may also provide relief. If these measures don’t help, you may be a candidate for joint injections. A last option is corrective surgery.

CORNS

• The fault: A hard corn is a red or thickened plug of skin on the tops of the knuckles of the toes; a soft one develops between the toes. Corns can become inflamed, painful and even infected with repeated friction.
• The fix: Cover the area with a corn pad (available at drugstores). Use a pumice stone to shave down a corn, says Carol Frey, M.D., a foot and ankle specialist in Manhattan Beach, CA, and assistant clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles. But “avoid chemicals that burn off corns or ‘bathroom surgery’” in which you try to cut them off yourself, she says. If the corn continues to bother you, have it removed by a doctor.

HAMMERTOES

• The fault: Hammertoes are chronically bent at the first knuckle. The condition can be very painful, and the toes can develop blisters, corns and calluses on the tops of the knuckles.
• The fix: Wearing shoes with a deep toe box and a hammertoe pad can decrease pressure on the protruding bone. Wearing orthotics can prevent worsening of the deformed toe. If you’re in serious pain, toe-straightening surgery may be an option.

FUNGUS

• The fault: A fungal infection (aka athlete’s foot) can cause a red, itchy, scaly rash between the toes or on the soles. Nail fungus causes a patchy white or yellowish discoloration of the nail.
• The fix: For foot fungus, apply an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal powder or cream twice a day and keep your feet as dry as possible. To treat nail fungus, first trim and clean out the debris beneath the nail, says Jane Denton, D.P.M., a podiatrist at the Center for Sports Medicine at Saint Francis Hospital in San Francisco. Next try an OTC topical medication such as Mycocide Antifungal Treatment NS ($18). If this doesn’t help, you may need a prescription.

INGROWN TOENAILS

• The fault: With an ingrown toenail, the corner of the nail grows down into the skin, causing irritation that can set you up for a bacterial infection.
• The fix: Soak the area in warm water for at least 20 minutes, several times a day, advises podiatrist Jane Denton, D.P.M. Afterward, put a small piece of cotton underneath the edge of the nail to retrain it to grow upward and apply an antibiotic ointment. If you suspect the area is infected, see a podiatrist or dermatologist.

Do you have any other tricks for dealing with foot problems?

Colds account for more doctor visits in the United States than any other condition, according to the American Lung Association. Adults get two to four colds per year, mostly between September and May. If you’re an optimist who sees the glass of orange juice as half-full, that means we’re more than halfway through cold season. Here, four tips for making your cold more bearable.

1. Break out the (eye) glasses. Colds affect production of outer-eye fluids, causing dry eyes, says William Benjamin, O.D., Ph.D., professor of optometry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He recommends reducing contact-lens wear while you’re sick to reduce irritation, and swapping daily-wear contacts for extended-wear. But you might as well don your specs for ultimate comfort — you don’t really want a crystal-clear view of yourself when you have a cold anyway, do you?

2. Skip the hot toddy. The alcohol in this traditional cold remedy can cause dehydration. Instead, opt for broths, tea and water, says Winnie Yu, author of What to Eat for What Ails You (Fair Winds Press, 2007): “The extra hydration will help minimize congestion and keep the mucus from becoming too thick.” Recent research from Cardiff University’s Common Cold Centre in Wales found that hot drinks provide immediate relief for runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness and fatigue. The study involved warm fruit juice, so try heating up some apple cider or make some noncaffeinated tea.

3. Tickle your funny bone. Laughing hurts when your nose is raw and sore, but according to a study from Oak Crest Health Research Institute, the anticipation of laughter reduces stress hormones that are potentially detrimental to the immune system by up to 70 percent. Keep that immune system in check with The Little Cold Book (Quirk Books, 2005), which promises to keep you entertained for the duration of your cold, with home remedies, movie suggestions and how to figure out who to blame for your current misery.

4. Veg out with veggies. “Feeding a cold isn’t a free pass to eat whatever you want,” Yu says. She recommends fruits and steamed vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli and red peppers. Though dairy products increase mucus production in some, yogurt that contains probiotics has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of colds. The antioxidant minerals selenium and zinc, which help immunity, can be found in eggs, chicken and whole grains, Yu says.

The majority of lung-cancer victims (60 percent) are not current smokers; they either had quit or never smoked. Yet sufferers are often met with a lack of support or sympathy because people often believe that they have brought it upon themselves, according to the Lung Cancer Alliance, an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for people affected by the disease. “It’s not just a smoker’s disease,” says Kay Cofrancesco, the alliance’s director of external relations. “We want to shift the paradigm.” While smoking increases lung-cancer risk, it’s not the only cause. Secondhand smoke, exposure to radon gas and other harmful airborne materials are all believed to play a role. In addition, some researchers attribute a higher incidence of lung cancer in women to higher estrogen levels.

Early diagnosis is difficult because the symptoms of lung cancer are similar to other common illnesses, and many sufferers don’t experience them until they reach the late stages of the disease. If you have a history of smoking or a first-degree relative with lung cancer, or have been exposed to harmful materials, talk to a physician and discuss early detection strategies. After a physical exam, your doctor will likely recommend one of the following diagnostic tests:

Chest X-ray This is the most common test for lung cancer, but unfortunately, small tumors are not always visible on the two-dimensional image.

Computed tomography (CT) scan Also known as a CAT scan, this test can detect small tumors and help your doctor determine where the cancer may have spread.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Magnetic fields are used to create clear images that will spot tumors in tissues, muscles, nerves and bones.

Thoracoscopy A surgical procedure that explores the surface of the lungs and the chest wall lining.

To learn more as well as find a helpful list of questions to ask your doctor, log on to lungcanceralliance.org or click here to assess your risk with this web tool.

According to Washington, D.C.-based Sherry A. Marts, Ph.D., there are two ways the brain responds to smoking: the physical changes that the drug elicits in the brain, and the psychological craving for the act of smoking. It is the second component that women struggle with the most. “It’s often the feel of the cigarette in the hand or the taste of smoke that triggers more cravings in response to the environment,” Marts says. In other words, the act of smoking becomes a larger factor in the addiction than the nicotine itself, which explains why a nicotine patch alone might not be enough to kick the habit.

An estimated 75 percent of the United States’s female smokers say they want to quit. So how do you do it? Consider these three options, Marts suggests:

Prescription antidepressants. Short-term use of antidepressants has been shown to lower anxiety levels that drive addiction; see your doctor for more information.

Counseling and group support. Finding others who are going through the same battle as you can make all the difference, and having a counselor guide you through the process is a great motivator. For help in your area, call the American Cancer Society’s toll-free hotline at (800) 227-2345 or log on to cancer.org, or the North American Quitline Consortium website at naquitline.org.

Employee assistance programs. Many employers offer smoking-cessation programs or can direct you toward a support group; ask your human resources department for more information.

1. Know all your important numbers with Tanita’s new BC558 Ironman Body Composition scale ($299.99 thecompetitiveedge.com). Smart exercisers know that weight only tells a small part of the story: Just as important are muscle mass, bone mass, visceral fat and body fat — all of which the Tanita tells you.

2. How does one jump without a rope? With a JumpSnap ($59.95 jumpsnap.com), a ropeless jump-rope that calculates the calories you burn. No more tangling (or tripping)! Bonus: easy to pack.

3. Listen to tunes and lose pounds with the Sansa Clip (2 gigabytes, $59.99 sandisk.com), an MP3 player that has a built-in microphone and recorder so you can note the distance and time you ran before you forget.

4. Get in shape with the bodybugg (from $399 veritasfitnessgroup.com), a calorie-counting armband (the contestants on NBC’s The Biggest Loser are fans). Simply strap the bodybugg to your arm and go about your daily routine. The display shows how many calories you burn — whether you’re jogging a mile or vacuuming your living room. Also, take advantage of two free personalized phone sessions with a bodybugg coach and a three-month subscription to bodybugg.com.

5. Slide on the MIO Motiva watch ($100 miowatch.com), which records calories consumed and burned throughout the day. It comes with an alarm to let you know if you’ve gone over your daily calorie target and monitors your heart rate, too.

1. When you feel upset, and you recognize voices of self-blame and criticism within, stop and breathe mindfully for about a minute.
2. Set your intention. For example: “May this practice free me from the habit of self-criticism.”
3. Listen more closely, and imagine making space for all the negative thoughts. You don’t have to fight or argue with them, and you don’t have to follow them, either. Let them be. Let them go.
4. Bring mindfulness to your body. Notice any sensations of tension or holding. Breathe there. Let the space open around those sensations.
5. As you continue to breathe mindfully, gently ask, “Are those criticisms really true?” “How would I know if they were?” “How would I know if they weren’t?” Listen for any answers.

If you have a couple of hours a week …

• DO THE MAMBO. Dancing With the Stars brought ballroom back in a big way. Sign up at one of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio locations across the country ($40–$75 for two private lessons, with or without a partner fredastaire.com). Or find a class near you at accessdance.com.

• SKETCH IT OUT. Find a new creative outlet at a local college or art school — most offer night and weekend classes for adults in everything from painting to pottery throwing. Try the seven-week basic drawing course at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago ($318.75 saic.edu), then cajole your friends into sitting for portraits.

If you have a long weekend …

• CATCH A WAVE. After just a couple of days of instruction at one of Surf Diva’s weekend beginner clinics at La Jolla Shores, CA ($148.50 surfdiva.com), you’ll be paddling out, popping up and riding baby waves into the shore. The women-only, two-day course is offered year-round — wetsuit and board provided.

• BECOME AN ICING QUEEN. At the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, frosting guru chef Toba Garrett leads a two-day “Upscale Cupcakes” course that will have you whipping butter and sugar into miniature masterpieces ($230 iceculinary.com). No cooking school nearby? Find Wilton Method cake decorating classes nationwide at wilton.com.

If you have a week or two …

• LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE. What better way to master French verb conjugation than discussing the subtle differences between Latour and Lafite? Learn to talk the talk on a language immersion trip, like Languages Abroad’s wine tasting and French class package in the beautiful Bordeaux region of France (starting at $1,100 per week including accommodations languagesabroad.com).

• EXPLORE THE OCEAN. Book a trip to Hawaii, where you can snorkel alongside wild spinner dolphins (so named for their above-the-water acrobatics) in the open ocean. Sunlight On Water ($130 including gear sunlightonwater.com) offers four-hour trips all year long off the Kona coast on the Big Island.

The American Heart Association started the Go Red for Women program in 2004. It’s designed to help women build healthier hearts and lifestyles, and in the last few years, it’s added information on ways women can reduce their risk. To find inspiring stories, heart-healthy recipes, and a nutrient-filled grocery-store list, just log on to goredforwomen.org.

A few of the most recent findings on women and heart disease include:

1. HIP CHECK In a recent study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers found that women with a high waist-to-hip ratio were 91 percent more likely to develop heart disease than those with the smallest waists in relation to their hips.
2. SOY SOLUTION In a Japanese study, postmenopausal women who ate soy at least five times a week reduced their risk of cardiovascular disease by an incredible 75 percent. Try replacing a meat dish or two with soy proteins such as tofu or soybeans to help reduce your risk.
3. A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY If you’re overweight, even small changes can boost your heart health. In a study released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers found that even moderate exercise (three 10-minute walks per day, five days a week) might not peel off the pounds, but it can cut your chances of dying from cardiovascular disease significantly.
4. WEATHER THE WINTER Cold weather, holiday stress and overeating can all take a toll on our immune systems, which is why heart attack and stroke are more common in the winter months. A recent British study revealed that respiratory infections were a strong predictor of heart attack and stroke for about a month after the illness.

While some experts believe that good nutrition and stress management can help people with an overactive, underactive or otherwise malfunctioning thyroid gland, finding balance through rest and diet change alone is generally not enough. The truth is, for many people (even after medical treatment), thyroid problems are a struggle for life. In honor of Thyroid Awareness Month, here are a few things you need to know.

As one of the largest glands in the body, your thyroid controls the hormones that regulate metabolism. Thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism and the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (both of which result in too little thyroid hormone being produced); hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease (also an autoimmune disease), where too much thyroid hormone is produced; and other thyroid problems (including goiter and thyroid cancer), all of which affect an estimated 27 million Americans. Most sufferers are women over the age of 35.

While  thyroid disorders are common, more than half go undiagnosed because their symptoms — pervasive fatigue, irritability, weight gain or weight loss — often masquerade as signs of stress or are chalked up to the aging process, rather than something potentially more serious.

Take control of your thyroid health today by learning the common symptoms of thyroid disease. In hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), for example, symptoms can include forgetfulness, brittle nails, constipation and unexplained weight gain. In hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), symptoms may include increased heart rate, irritability, trembling hands, loss of scalp hair and unexplained weight loss.

A quick “neck check” at home can help determine if your thyroid requires a trip to the doctor. Here’s how to perform a neck check:

1.    Grab a mirror and glass of water.

2.    Locate your thyroid (it’s just below your Adam’s apple and above your collarbone).

3.    With your eyes on that spot, tilt your head back and take a sip of water.

4.    As you swallow, look at your neck for any bulges or protrusions in the area.

Try this a few times and see if you notice anything suspicious. If you do, it could be an enlarged thyroid gland or a nodule on the gland that needs to be checked by your doctor. Even if you don’t see a difference in your neck when you swallow, visit your physician if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned here. He or she will likely give you a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test to check your thyroid function and determine if your thyroid hormone levels are in balance. Depending on the results, your doctor may prescribe medication to control your condition along with lifestyle changes to help you get your thyroid back on track.

Want to learn more about thyroid disease and discover ways to diagnose and manage common thyroid troubles? Find a thyroid specialist near you by logging on to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists’ website at aace.com. For additional info, including access to interactive risk-assessment quizzes, checklists and more, visit thyroidawareness.com.

SPA VILLAGE AT PANGKOR LAUT, Malaysia
Situated on the Straits of Malacca, this private 300-acre island is home to a top-notch resort spa. Stay in one of the 22 villas that are set on stilts over the sea and choose your customized itinerary: Romance; Rejuvenation and Longevity; Relaxation and Stress Reduction; or Detoxification.
EDITOR’S TIP: Try the 45-minute Bath House Experience, which includes an authentic Chinese Foot Pounding; the three Healing Huts — Ayurvedic, Chinese Herbal and Malay — each have their own physician or healer on hand; and the Nap Gazebos, which overlook the sea.

ROYAL PALMS RESORT AND SPA, Phoenix
This romantic, Mediterranean-inspired resort just added the Alvadora Spa Suites. Private and serene, they’re ideal havens in which to take your spa treatments a deux.
EDITOR’S TIP: Sample the delicious honey-lavender smoothie welcome drink, which uses herbs just gathered from the garden; and any treatment or energy work with ultra-intuitive therapist and Reiki master David Wright.

PARROT CAY, Turks & Caicos
An exceptionally serene destination with whitewashed walls and fluttering cream-colored drapes, this celebrity-heavy resort is located on a 1,000-acre private island. Villas are a step from the beach. The COMO Shambhala spa focuses on Eastern-inspired therapies.
EDITOR’S TIP: Indulge in the private Spa Cottage for couples’ treatments or yoga classes in the pavilion that overlooks the wetlands.

LAS VENTANAS AL PARAISO, Los Cabos, Mexico
This resort spa is one of the best properties to indulge your sensuous side. Jacuzzi tubs for two in suites with ocean views and telescopes for stargazing or whale watching are just two of the special touches. The spa, with a focus on holistic and healing therapies, is set in a tranquil desert garden.
EDITOR’S TIP: Check out the new fitness center; the Tequila & Ceviche Bar; and leading-man-handsome chef Fabrice Guisset’s fresh, healthy, internationally inspired cuisine.