The Franklin Positive Ageing Expo has come and gone, but not without some awesome giveaways from Southern Podiatry.

There were two gift packs for people to choose from – a Sports pack and a Foot Care pack. Both packs were popular among all the entrants, but there could only be one winner of each.

• The Foot Care Pack was won by S Reeves (Papakura)
• The Sports Pack was won by S Robinson (Pukekohe)

And in support of all the people who gave their time and energy, we also had a separate draw for the Exhibitors.This prize was a pair of Orthoheel shoes/ sandels – won by Mr Gibbons (Waiuku) from the Lions Club – Waiuku branch.

Congratulations to the winners.

Thanks to our supporters and sponsors- those that we have listed here and so many more that we can’t list due to the number of wonderful people and companies. Please accept our acknowledgment of your time and effort to help this day continue to provide for the community. We couldn’t have done it without your help.

And big thanks to the team on the floor on the day- Siliva Havili, Sherri Ball, Crystal Tang, Rewi Manahi, Kimberly Scott, Treena Harris and Annie Soikham. There was no foot that we didn’t want to see- we could have talked feet all day long.

We are happy to support this great event once again. It is a free, yes FREE event that is available to all to attend.

There will be advice, help, and information available across a great many topics of relevance and importance to older people. This includes advice on residential care options and alternatives, resources and equipment for everyday living with a range of impairments or disabilities, information on volunteering, support to and for carers, and even professionals providing health screening and advice on healthy lifestyles.

On the fun side, there will be a range of activities, hobbies, crafts, sports, and a variety of exercises to help keep you happier and healthier, and yes even belly dancers will be there.

FRANKLIN POSITIVE AGEING EXPO

Date: Friday, 10th October 2014

Where: Pukekohe Indian Association Centre, Ward Street, Pukekohe
Entry: Free

The event is being held in the school holidays & children are welcome, there may even be some special surprises just for them! Ageing positively involves the whole Family

As with last year, admission will be totally free and there will be free refreshments available throughout the day courtesy of those wonderful RSA ladies. There will even be free draws for prizes and surprise gifts.

Over 65 and want to come but don’t have access to transport? Dial Driving Miss Daisy on 239 1377 to discuss free transport

For more information please contact Jacqui Church on 021 86 99 76 or jacqui.church@xtra.co.nz

Thanks to the POST newspaper for a great article and good exposure. Find out more about this award winning newspaper at http://www.thepostnewspaper.co.nz/

Wow- what an experience. A country that surprises and enthuses at every turn.

 The Teardrop Isle known as Sri Lanka- (Ceylon).

This trip to Sri Lanka has been in the planning for two years. And it was hard to dampen the expectations. I personally think that if people set their expectations too high, the trip will always fail to impress. But a small part of me still likes to dream and hope.

   Drying fish on sacking in Negombo

Sri Lanka proved to be a destination that I will recommend over and over again.

But you will have to find your own reasons for going. We all have different ideas about what excites us, and for me it is always the people. The Elephants came in a close second though. Althea and Treena with their Lily crowns.

I was fortunate to have my father (Gary) and his wife (Althea) accompany me on my journey. It was a country that appealed to all of us equally in many ways- particularly the climate at this time of year.

The pictures can paint the story here but if you wish to know more, I am sure I can be convinced to tell you of our travels when I see you.

I hope you have enjoyed the blog (my version of a postcard)- love Treena.

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

It is the ‘squeezing’ of the nerve placed between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal bones. Morton’s Neuroma is very similar to Metatarsalgia, but in addition displays symptoms like numbness and a tingling sensation in the toes. It can be quite painful at times.

A neuroma is a benign tumour of a nerve. Morton’s Neuroma is not actually a tumor, but a thickening or swelling of the tissue that surrounds the digital nerve leading to the toes.

Podiatrists can help identify the triggers that aggravate your neuroma and show you ways to alleviate the pain. Orthotic inserts can be placed in women’s high heel shoes as well as unisex flats. Modifications to the shoe may be recommended- with the Podiatrist placing specific pads to enable displacement of the pressure along the metatarsals.  How can Southern Podiatry help reduce your foot discomfort?Neuroma is not actually a tumour, but a thickening or swelling of the tissue that surrounds the digital nerve leading to the toes.

The Podiatrist may request an ultrasound to assist in determining the size of the neuroma if the discomfort persists, as in some cases surgery will be required. For more information, talk to your Podiatrist.

Call us today for an appointment- 09 235 2060

Treena is going to test the limits of her feet during an excursion in Sri Lanka next week. For years, Treena has suggested people search out warmer climates during New Zealand winter months, and she has decided to follow her own advice.

So Sri Lanka was decided on as the destination. Why? Because none of the touring party had been there before. As good a reason as any. Apart from the length of the flying- 16 hours one way, it promises to be an exciting trip. Mosquito repellent at the ready, cotton clothes almost in the suitcase, and togs thrown in for good measure. I wonder what type of foot problems she will encounter? I am sure it won’t be long until she spots something that fascinates her.
Treena will be unavailable from 27th July to 13th August with her Sri Lanka trip, immediately followed by a conference from the 15th August to 17th August 2014. Whilst she is having a break, Kimberly will continue with clinics scheduled in Waiuku, Tuakau and Pukekohe.

Watch this space for an update on what Treena finds over in Sri Lanka.

It may be the next hot spot for those with an adventurous heart.

#6 zones of medical grade compression support for the foot- can you afford to be without it?

For people that are sensitive to strapping tape, have a chronic foot condition that requires support, acute foot discomfort- then this product could be the one for you. Easy to apply to the foot, able to be used daily, and available in three colours- white, black and natural- we have the solution for you.

It is now being sold onsite in the clinics, and soon to appear in the website shop.

If you have any questions about this product, feel free to contact us today- 092352060.

This event was nicely covered by the Post Newspaper- 8th April 2014 edition. And well done to Frances Good- what an effort for the youngster- three awards this event. Watch out for her in the future. 

“Oxfam Trailwalker is the most life changing, team building, foot slogging, friendship forming, group hugging experience…ever!” This is what the official Oxfam Trailwalker website states, and the slogan is true to form.

For one of our team- Podiatrist Kimberly Scott, this is her third year providing podiatry support to a team- aptly named “Poverty sucks: Let’s walk about it” for the 24 hour period.

Lessons learnt and handy tips for others considering the event:

#1- Have good socks that you change regularly throughout the event.

#2- There is no substitute for comfortable supportive shoes. Disclaimer- A ten year old pair of trainers that feel like slippers are not deemed appropriate).

#3- Train, Train, Train! Your body needs to be prepared for this endurance event.

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Thanks to our supplier- Bentra Specialist Medical Distributors and “Maxigesic”, we won two tickets to see the Sky City Breakers play and win against the Sydney Kings on Thursday 30^th January 2014 at Vector Arena. Due to the nature of their high energy and high impact sport, Basketball players are prone to ankle injuries and therefore well known to the Podiatry profession.  What a great game, and a wonderful opportunity to see these athletes in action.

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