Ask the Doctor: Seal of Acceptance on Shoes; Broken Light Bulb Hazards; Daily Aspirin Timing
Q: I’ve seen shoes that have an American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. Is this a genuine endorsement? What criteria do the shoes meet if they carry it?
A: Yes, it is a genuine endorsement that is awarded to shoes and insoles that promote good foot health. Shoe manufacturers have to submit 10 pairs of the shoes they wish to be considered for the seal to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), and these are tested by a committee of podiatrists.
The evaluation includes an assessment of comfort, size range, weight, breathability, and durability of materials used. Other factors considered are the dimensions of the internal toe area of the shoe, flexibility, slip resistance, shock absorption capacity, internal cushioning, and how easy it is to remove the insole.
Log onto http://bit.ly/1jcDhNq to see a list of shoes and footcare products that carry the seal.
Q: A friend told me the energy-efficient light bulbs I use in my home could harm my health if they break. Is this true?
A: The light bulbs you use aren’t dangerous as long as they are intact. However, they can be potentially harmful if they break, because they contain mercury, which is a neurotoxin (a toxin that targets the nervous system). If one of the bulbs breaks while you are changing it, open the windows and leave the room for 10 to 15 minutes, to ensure that any hazardous airborne chemicals dissipate (if you have central air conditioning, turn it off as you leave so that chemicals aren’t dispersed throughout your home).
After it is safe to return, wear disposable gloves while cleaning away the broken bulb, and try to avoid touching the shards of glass—scoop them up with a damp paper towel, or use duct tape. Place the pieces inside two plastic bags and dispose of them in the outside trashcan, and then vacuum if necessary, keeping your air conditioning off and your windows still open. Empty the contents of the vacuum into a plastic bag for disposal outside.
Q: I’ve recently been advised to take low-dose daily aspirin to protect my cardiovascular health. Does it matter what time of the day I take it?
A: You can take aspirin at any time of the day, but take it about the same time every day to help keep the drug’s anticlotting benefits consistent. Also, do not take aspirin on an empty stomach.
Be aware that aspirin’s effectiveness can be altered by several other medications, including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). If you take multiple medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about a schedule for your medications.
If you are planning a surgical procedure or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist about your aspirin use well ahead of time, so appropriate precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
—Editor-in-Chief Orli R. Etigin, MD
The post Ask the Doctor: Seal of Acceptance on Shoes; Broken Light Bulb Hazards; Daily Aspirin Timing appeared first on University Health News.
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