November 21 : Winter chill can be tough on your toes  

Wet feet lose heat 25 times faster than dry feet. When your feet are cold and wet, not only do you run the risk of developing frostbite, but you could also be prone to trench foot and athlete's foot, experts say.

To compensate for heat loss, the body shuts down peripheral circulation. Less blood circulating to the feet means less oxygen and nutrients. In a situation like this, skin tissue begins to die and may in turn lead to trench foot.

Because wet feet get cold more quickly, they are also at an increased risk of developing frostbite. Athlete's foot, a fungal infection, is also more likely to thrive in moist, damp places such as feet when sweat is present.

Fortunately, these prevention strategies can stave off all three of these conditions :

• Check your feet regularly to see if they are wet.
• If your feet are wet, dry them and put on a new pair of dry socks and dry shoes.
• Change your socks at least once a day.
• Do not sleep with wet socks on.
• Look for socks that are made of an acrylic fiber, not cotton. Acrylic fiber keeps moisture away from the feet.
• Choose shoes that are waterproof and insulated, and be sure to check insulated shoes for leaks before use.
• Make sure socks and shoes are not too tight, as this can impede circulation.

Finally, cover your feet with antiperspirant. The active ingredient, aluminum hydroxide, keeps your feet from sweating.

For more information, visit :

HealthyOntario.com

The McGuinty government is sticking to one of its core commitments and is seeking potential candidates to be representatives on the new national Health Council.

”Today we are keeping our commitment to support the national Health Council to foster greater public accountability in our health care system,” said Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman. ”We are looking for community leaders, healthcare experts, doctors, nurses and all who care strongly about our healthcare system to step forward and help strengthen healthcare in Canada. We need informed, passionate people to offer their challenging and diverse views.”

The new council, a key part of the February 2003 First Ministers' Accord on Health Care Renewal, will monitor and make annual reports on the progress of the accord. It will have 27 members, including a chair, 13 expert and public representatives, and 13 government representatives. The council will publicly report through the federal/provincial/territorial ministers of health. Participating jurisdictions can recommend up to four potential candidates as either expert or public representatives.

The deadline for the submission of names is November 24.

Those interested can find more information on the ministry's website at www.health.gov.on.ca or by phoning INFOLINE at 1-888-668-4636 (TTY is 1-800-387-5559).

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