The worst shoes for your feet

All our lives we've grown with the slogan "Beauty is pain", come to think of it, does it really have to be pain? and if at the end of the day we are left sporting 'avoidable' deformities, where is the beauty in that?

Today, we focus on the 6  worst shoes for your feet and if you are willing... the solutions.

1) Ultra-High Heels

Heels are getting higher and higher, ultra-high heels can lead to everything from ankle sprains to chronic pain.  

(A) Pump Bump

Whether they're sky-high or mid-heel, this style is notorious for causing a painful knot on the back of the heel. The rigid material presses on a bony deformity some women have called a "pump bump."  The pressure leads to blisters, swelling, bursitis, even pain in the Achilles tendon.  Ice, orthotics (a specialty within the medical field. An externally applied device is used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system) and heel pads may provide pain relief …along with better shoes. The bony protrusion is permanent.

(B) Unnatural Foot Position

Ultra-high heels force the feet into a position that puts stress on the ball of the foot. Too much pressure can inflame these bones or the nerves that surround them. Chronic stress to the foot bones can even lead to hairline fractures.

(C)  Ankle Sprains
All high heels boost the risk of an ankle sprain. The most common problem is a lateral sprain, which happens when you roll onto the outside of your foot. This stretches the ankle ligaments beyond their normal length. A severe sprain may tear the ligaments. A sprained ankle should be immobilized and may need physical therapy to heal properly. The risk of developing osteoarthritis rises with a severe sprain or fracture of the ankle.

Solution: Go Low

Switching to lower heels will help you avoid problems. The lower you go, the more natural your foot position will be. We suggest choosing heels that are no more than 2 inches high -- and even those should be worn in moderation.

2) Stilettos

Although all high heels can cause problems, the ultra narrow heels of stilettos are particularly risky. The weight is pinpointed on one area,that makes you wobble like you're walking on stilts. The result is that you're more likely to trip and sprain your ankle.

Solution: Chunky Heels

A chunky heel has more surface area and distributes your weight more evenly. This makes the feet much more stable when compared to stilettos or spindle heels. Although thick high heels can still put stress on the ball of your foot, they may reduce the tripping hazard by minimizing your wobble.

3) Ballet Flats

These dainty shoes can be compared to walking on cardboard. There's no arch support whatsoever, which keeps the feet from functioning optimally and can lead to knee, hip, and back problems. Poor arch support is also associated with a painful foot condition called plantar fasciitis.

Solution: Orthotic Inserts or just buy a 'Not So-Flat' shoe

Inserts may help prevent mild foot pain. Heel pads can provide extra cushioning for achy heels. And custom orthotics can ease a whole range of foot pains and problems. Podiatrists prescribe these inserts to provide arch support and reduce pressure on sensitive areas.

4)  Platform Shoes

Platform shoes and wedges tend to have rigid foot beds. Your foot is trying to bend a certain way, but the shoe is fighting you because it's so rigid. If the heel of the platform is much higher than the toe area, the shoe also puts pressure on the metatarsal bones.

Better: Flatter Platforms

Although still not recommended, a flatter platform shoe may put less strain on your feet than its peers. Look for a wide wedge or platform that is nearly parallel with the ground. This will lessen the pressure on the ball of the foot. However, the rigid sole remains a barrier to the natural walking motion.

5) Pointy Toes

They might be stylish, but shoes with pointy toes squeeze the entire front of your foot together. After time, this can cause nerve pain, bunions, blisters, and hammertoes. Some women even develop bruises under their toenails from the constant pressure

(A) Bunions

A bunion is a painful lump at the base of the big toe, which may cause the toe to bend unnaturally. It forms when the tissue or bone at the base joint gets displaced. This may happen after years of abnormal pressure and movement. Pointy-toed shoes are a common factor, which explains the prevalence of bunions among women.

(B) Toe Deformities

 

High heeled shoes push too much body weight toward the toes and then squeeze them together. Over time, the result can be hammertoe (early stage, lower right), abnormal bends in the toe joints that can gradually become rigid. Surgery is sometimes needed to relieve the pain of severe hammertoe. Crowding can cause other toe deformities, along with continuous shoe friction, leading to painful corns and calluses.

Solution: Wide Toe Box or  Performance Pumps

You can avoid the pointy toe perils by selecting boxier shoes. If that style doesn't appeal to you, look for shoes that slope to a point beyond the edge of your toes. A healthy style won't pinch the tips or sides of your toes.

Many women are unwilling to trade style for comfort, but you may not have to choose between the two. Performance pumps offer a sound compromise, taking both fashion and your health into consideration. They are typically made with reinforced heels, athletic shoe construction, and more wiggle room for your toes.

6) Wrong Size Shoes

Nine out of 10 women are wearing shoes that are too small. The consequences aren't pretty – calluses, blisters, bunions, corns, and other problems. The constant rubbing can irritate the joints in the foot and lead to arthritis. Research suggests many kids are also wearing the wrong shoe size, which puts them at risk for foot deformities as they grow.

Men's Trends

Pointy-toed shoes have crossed the gender line. This footwear fad carries the same risk in men as in women – including hammertoes, bunions, and pain. To avoid these problems, stick with a boxier toe. At the office, a classic pair of oxfords or loafers may not turn heads, but your feet will thank you.

Fitness Trends: Minimalist Shoe

Newer additions to the shoe scene are minimalist shoes. They aim to mimic the natural feel and mechanics of walking barefoot. Please note: There's no support for your heel or arch and no shock absorption.

3 Tips for Better Shoes

If you're ready to do right by your feet, Brenner offers these three tips:

1)      Make sure the shoe bends at the toe box, but is not too flexible.

2)      Make sure there is a sufficient arch support.

3)      Choose a chunky heel that is less than 2 inches high.

Ref: WebMD

God Provides Strength in Trying Moments - First Lady

The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has remarked that it is the Almighty that provides strength in trying times. The First Lady made this remark today, 27/07/2013, in her home in Otuoke, Bayelsa State when members of the Anglican Diocesan Women's Guild, Bayelsa Chapter, led by its president, Mrs. Ayebaene Oruwori held a prayer session during their condolence visit to the First Lady over the death of her mother, Madam Charity Oba.

Dame Jonathan noted that it was important to trust in God at all times, as it is only the Almighty who has the ability to fill the vacuum created by the death of her mother, who was fondly called "Mama Sisi".

The First Lady has continued to receive various traditional, religious and social groups in Otuoke who have come to commiserate with her and offer prayers for the extended family and for the soul of the deceased.

Women of the Ohaneze N'igbo Women's Wing, led by its chairperson, Mrs. Grace Onyeali, were among the callers who offered prayers for God to grant eternal rest to the gentle soul of Madam Oba.

While receiving traditional delegations, the traditional ruler, Chief Nzekwe Kelly from Anambra State, observed  that it is always painful when one loses a beloved mother. He however urged Mrs. Jonathan not to be disheartened or sad as the Almighty would console her.

Meanwhile, the residence of the late Charity Oba, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has continued to receive an influx of people from all walks of life who have come to sympathize with family members. This was the first place Dame Patience called at when she arrived in Rivers State yesterday. She held a private meeting with family members and also received sympathizers including Mrs. Judith Amaechi, Wife of the Rivers State Governor.

Mrs. Amaechi who was accompanied by the State Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, signed the condolence register which was placed in front of a large portrait of Madam Oba and a photograph for her grandchild, Favour, who also died in the car accident.

Update on the Child-Bride issue by Inyingi Irimagha

Constitutional Amendment Controversy over Section 29(4)(b): A Note on Meeting with Senate Leadership, Abuja, Wednesday 24 July 2013.

A cross-section of advocates, including representatives of senior public officers, civics and professionals met  at the premises of the Senate with the leadership of the Senate led by the President of the Senate, David Mark, GCON over the fallouts from the vote of the Senate to reverse itself on the deletion of Section 29(4)(b) from the Constitution.

Organised under the Gender & Constitutional Reform Network (GECORN), the advocates, who  were led by the Honorable Minister for Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina, included two former Ministers, Josephine Anenih & Oby Ezekwesili; member of the African Committee of on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, Mrs. Maryam Uwais; Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Anselm Odinkalu; Executive Secretary of WRAPA & member of the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission, Saudatu Mahdi; Executive Director of the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund, Ayisha Osori; Country Director of Action Dr. Hussaini Abdu; country Vice-President of FIDA, Hauwa Shekarau; National Women Leader of the Labour Party, Mrs. Ebere Ifendu; and representatives of several other non-governmental organizations.

Led by the Senate President, the Senate delegation included Senators Ningi, Chris Anyanwu, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Ganiyu Solomon, Nenadi Usman, Anyaogu Exe, and James Manager and later swelled to include Senator Helen Esuene. Outside Senators Kabir Gaya and Nuru Abatemi, among others, also engaged the group

In introducing the dialogue, the Minister for Women Affairs informed the Senate President about the worries of Nigerians which led to the visit of the delegation. Hajiya Saudatu Mahdi presented a two page petition calling on the Senate to re-visit its vote to retain Section 29(4)(b) and making the case why this is both lawful and in the overall interest of the country. The petition also made the point that this is about citizenship and not about religion.

The Honorable Minister, who had called short a working visit to Geneva to attend this dialogue with the Senate formally presented to the Senate President 14,129 hand-written signatures in support of the petition.

In his response on behalf of his colleagues, the Senate President acknowledged that he agreed with the position articulated in the petition. He explained that the Senate on its own took initiative to move, in keeping with the wishes of Nigerians, the deletion of S. 29(4)(b) from the Constitution and reported that when the first vote was taken on this proposal, 85 Senators voted in support of the deletion.

To re-visit this vote successfully, the Senate requires the affirmative vote of 73 members, constituting two-thirds of the 109 members of the Chamber.

He regretted that a member of the Chamber chose to inject religion into the debate and, as a result, sowed division in the proceedings, pointing out that, as a responsible institution, the Senate has always strived to eschew sectarianism from its proceedings. He equally regretted that as a result of the act of this Senator, some of his colleagues “were blackmailed” to revisit their votes and, as a result, when the vote was taken again, they had lost 25 votes and the 60 affirmative votes were not enough to sustain the deletion.

He reported that as he left the Chamber to go home after the vote, he was deluged with calls from all over Nigeria, saying: “some of them didn’t even bother to hear my explanation. They just told me to go to hell.” He said that the Senate was on the side of Nigerians and that they were not happy with being called “paedophiles”, child molesters and the various other names that have been circulating on the social media.

The Senate President said that they have been deluged by the calls and messages of angry Nigerians and affirmed that they were willing to consider re-visiting this vote. He appealed for more education on the virtues of religion scholars and those knowledgeable in these issues, so that people can understand that the vote has nothing to do with religion but is only about citizenship. In his words, the Senate is willing to “find a way forward…. I know that we brought this one on ourselves but please help us to get out of it. We are doing our best to get out of it.

The civic advocates also requested the Senate to hasten action on pending legislative measures affecting the protection of women in Nigeria, including the Violence against Persons Bill, which has been passed by the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, two members of the House of Representatives: Minority Whip, Monday Osagie and Chair of the Diaspora Committee, Abike Dabiri, have introduced a Bill in the House of Representatives for the deletion of Section 29(4)(b) from the Constitution. 

First Lady Pays Tribute to her Late Mother - Press Release

The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has paid glowing tribute to her late mother, Madam Charity Oba, stating that she was “a mother in a million who was a devoted mother and a devout Christian.” 

The First Lady stated this on wednesday, when she arrived in the country from a trip to Geneva and was received in the State House Abuja by the President, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who was accompanied by former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Anthony Anenih and some top aides.

The First Lady recalled that Madam Charity Oba, who was the younger sister of her biological mother, had raised her from a tender age and made her the person who she is today. Dame, Patience who sat next to her mother-in-law, Madam Eunice, in a room full of sympathizers, remarked philosophically that “God knows best.”

Earlier, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, had offered prayers for the deceased and members of the extended family.

In a related development, the First Lady also received State Governors who came to commiserate with her over the death of her mother. Speaking on behalf of the Governors, Dr. Godswill Akpabio, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom  State, urged Dame Jonathan to take heart, while offering the deep condolences of the PDP family to the First Lady and her extended family.

In response, the First Lady thanked the governors for their prayers and for their concern.  State Governors present included that of Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa,  Delta, Kogi, Katsina and  Enugu States.

Also present were Ministers, Heads of Government Agencies, wives of top government officials as well as Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Ambassador of Nigeria to Spain.

A.O. Adesugba (Mrs.)

Director (Information)

State House