The difference between Minx Nails and Trendy Nails Unlimited

Minx nails is a great product, and the pioneer of nail wraps. They truly have given nail innovation a new name with Minx coming up across the media in the US and lots of celebrity exposure. But truth be told we do live in a market economy where competition is respected and it was only a matter of time before a competitor to Minx Nails came up, and so one did. Meet Trendy Nails Unlimited, the biggest competitor to Minx Nails is here. There are lots of questions continually coming up about the difference between Minx Nails and competing products, especially the Trendy Nails Unlimited line, so below is a breakdown of some of the key differences:

Application Process

Minx Nails are a heat activated product that is applied after the nail is prepped and shrink wraps to fit the nail. It is applied with a heat lamp, after it is cut to fit the nail. Trendy Nails Unlimited are also a heat activated product, but the difference is that they can be applied with either a heat lamp or a hair dryers, this helps remove expensive start up costs as most salons already have a hair dryer. They also are designed to work in conjunction with an acrylic or gel overlay. This means that its harder for the design to come off, get caught on anything or peel off, they also last longer. This brings us to our next point:

Longevity

Minx nails claim to last 2 weeks for fingers and 4 weeks for toes. But there are many reports of applications lasting only a few days. Trendy Nails Unlimited fingers last for 4-6 weeks thanks to the acrylic or gel overlay with toes lasting around 4 weeks.

Nail Wrap Cut

Minx Nails comes in a toe and a finger cut. This is fine for natural finger and toe nails but the problem with this is that the nail grows out and starts to look off very quickly. If you want to put a c-line cut into the design, you will have to do it manually. And if you don’t have super steady hands, you may lose consistency. Trendy Nails Unlimited (Metallic Nails in Australia) has a line for natural finger and toe nails, similar to Minx but also has a line called “Professional Cut”. This is designed with a c-line already cut into it, and works with artificial nails. The beauty of this design is that it doesn’t need to be cut by hand to be applied, and because it doesn’t run the whole way down to the bottom of the nail, it looks natural when the nail grows, meaning you can keep the same application on for longer.

Design

Finally comes the overall look and design of the wrap. Minx Nails and Trendy Nails Unlimited look almost identical when completed. If you have used a gel or acrylic overlay on TNU you might see a slightly glossier finish, otherwise, both products look stunning. They both have an unachievable metallic (almost mirror like) finish, unattainable my traditional polishes and both have highly intricate designs that you can’t get even with an airbrush. Minx Nails and Trendy Nails unlimited both have over 100 designs to choose from, but many of the designs are different, so the final decision may come down to personal choice in the designs that they provide.

Conclusion?

Both Minx Nails and Trendy Nails Unlimited give a stunning result, but there are some key differences as discussed above. But seeing how these are fashion products and style is king, the end decision may come down to the different designs they provide. Either way, both products are definitely worth checking out.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of skin of the foot, usually affecting the soles of the feet and the areas between the toes. Sometimes, it may also spread to the toenails. This skin disorder is caused by the fungus tinea pedis, which is contracted from public environments. The fungus thrives in damp and warm areas such as locker rooms and common showers, which provide an ideal breeding ground for them. Walking barefoot in such facilities, the fungus can easily be transferred from the barren floor into the foot. As the infection was common among athletes who used these facilities frequently, the term “athlete’s foot” became popular. Susceptibility to this infection is increased by poor hygiene, tight and closed footwear, prolonged moist skin, and minor skin or nail injuries. This infection is contagious, and can spread through direct contact, or contact with items such as shoes, stockings, and shower or swimming pool surfaces. They also can be transmitted from contact with pets that carry the fungus. Athlete’s foot infection may be brief or long-term and may recur after treatment.

The most common symptom of athlete’s foot is cracked, flaking, peeling skin between the toes. With the infection slowly developing, the skin surrounding the foot becomes dry and scaly. Inflammation and blisters may also develop gradually during the course of the infection. The blisters especially those found in between the toes are more likely to break out, exposing raw skin that can cause a great deal of pain and burning sensation. Itchiness on the surrounding skin is also one of the disturbing and troublesome symptoms of athlete’s foot. The affected area is usually red and itchy. In addition to the toes, the symptoms can also occur on the heels, palms, and between the fingers. If the fungus spreads to nails, they can become discolored, thick, and even crumble. It can also spread to other parts of the body, notably the groin and underarms, by those who scratch the infection and then touch themselves elsewhere. The organisms causing athlete’s foot may persist for long periods. Consequently, the infection may be spread by contaminated bed sheets or clothing to other parts of the body.

The best treatment of athlete’s foot is prevention. Its infection can be prevented by practicing good foot hygiene. Daily washing of the feet with soap and water; drying carefully, especially between the toes; and changing shoes and hose regularly to decrease moisture, help prevent the fungus from infecting the feet. Also helpful is daily use of a quality foot powder. One should take extra care in public places. It is best to avoid walking barefoot in places like locker rooms and use shower shoes instead. It is also advisable to wear a sock, like cotton sock, which keeps the feet dry. Also, it should be changed frequently if one perspires heavily. Wet or sweaty socks should never be worn. One can also find socks made of special “moisture wicking” fabrics in many sports stores – these are designed to keep feet dry. If possible, one should choose sneakers that are well ventilated – some sneakers contain small ventilation holes that help to keep the feet dry. Light and airy shoes should be given preference to other variety of shoes. A clean towel should always be used and it is better to avoid sharing towels because doing so can spread the infection.

Although, over the counter medications are available for treatment of athlete’s foot, the fungicidal and fungistatic chemicals, its main constituents, frequently fail to contact the fungi in the horny layers of the skin. If the topical antifungal treatments are not sufficient to control the problem, then an oral prescription treatment is often the next step.

However, these medicines have their own set of problems like side effects, longer duration of cure etc. Most recently, it is being replaced by colloidal silver, which has been found extremely effective in the treatment and prevention of athlete’s foot. Colloidal silver, which is nothing but ultra fine particles of silver suspended in water, is well known for its effectiveness in fighting against infectious organisms. Colloidal silver has proven itself useful against all species of fungi, parasites, bacteria, protozoa, and certain viruses. In the early 1900’s, colloidal silver was considered to be one of the mainstays of antibiotic treatment. It is still considered to be the most universal antibiotic substance that is non-toxic in its micro concentrates of 10-25 ppm. It is absorbed into the skin tissues at a slow enough rate that is non irritating to the tissues.

As stated earlier, cleanliness is one of the main factors in the prevention of athlete’s foot which is one the main virtue of the soap containing colloidal silver. The germ fighting capabilities of colloidal silver has been incorporated into soap and it is being extensively used for daily usage. These soaps help to maintain a healthy and clean skin because it has got the extra strength to fight the disease causing fungus. Colloidal silver is also found to stimulate healing process in the skin. This leads to a rejuvenating skin appearance because of regular usage of soap containing colloidal silver. Also, these soaps are considered to be purely natural because of its silver content. As a result, it is free from all toxic materials a normal soap contains. The soaps with colloidal silver are totally safe for human usage and they do not have any side effects. Also, the fungus causing athlete’s foot do not seem to build up a resistance to colloidal silver the way they do to pharmaceutical antibiotics. Antibiotics are becoming less effective as resistance to them grows. This also has led to such soaps being extremely popular in the treatment and prevention of athlete’s foot.

Who doesn’t love a good foot massage! Done right, it’s one of life’s great pleasures. It’s also very therapeutic according to reflexology’s school of thought.

It is thought that reflexology can relieve stress, promote well being and healing by applying pressure on specific areas of the hands and feet. By applying pressure, a reflex action occurs through the nervous system to corresponding organs and glands freeing up circulation and energy flow.

Although this practice of massage dates back as far as the Egyptians, Mayans and even Native Americans, it wasn’t until 1917 that Dr. Fitzgerald gave credibility to reflexology. He called it Zone Therapy. Whatever you want to call it, we know how relaxing and pleasurable it is to get a good foot massage. Even a completely untrained person doing a massage can get results. But if you would like some help with some of the basic techniques, then here are some steps you can follow to help someone relax, relieve stress or even pain.

Have the person soak in a foot bath for about ten minutes. You want to be sure their feet are really clean before you start.

Set the mood with some soft music and maybe some candles. Have the person lay down with their feet just over the edge of the bed. Place a rolled towel or pillow under each knee. Get yourself a chair or stool so you can be relaxed too. Note: You will do one foot at a time.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water and then apply massage oil. Start at the top of the foot near the toes, thumbs on the bottom and remaining fingers on the top. Make smooth upward motions towards the leg. Repeat this motion 3 to 5 times.

2. Place your hands on each side of the foot starting near the heel. (The next motion you make will be similar to washing your own hands where you rub your hands together as if you want to make friction). Slowly and gently rub the sides of the feet (your hands are moving in the opposite direction) and work your way up towards the toes. Go all the way up and then back down again in a smooth continuous motion. Do this 3 to 5 times.

3. Now the toes. Start at the base of the big toe, gently apply pressure at the bottom and slowly squeeze in an upward motion until you reach the top of the toe. Repeat 3 to 5 times and do that on each toe.

4. If the person is not too ticklish then you can run your finger between each toe. Do this 3 to 5 times.

5. You are now with your thumb going to put pressure on the bottom of your feet. Right under the big toe is the round fleshy part. Just underneath that is the beginning of the instep. Apply pressure, not too hard, and make tiny circles. Move downward towards the heel in that continuous circular motion. Then move back up. Do this 3 to 5 times.

6. Now do the opposite side of the bottom of the foot exactly the same.

7. Now you can massage the fleshy part right under the toes and the do the same with the heel.

8. You are now going to move away from the bottom of the foot and place you thumbs on both sides of the soft fleshy part between the ankle bone and the heel. In tiny circular motion massage in a circle around the entire ankle bone. Do this 3 to 5 times. This is the ‘reflex point’ that stimulates the male and female libido.

9. Repeat all 8 steps on the opposite foot.

And there you have it! A great foot massage that can really help someone!

Types of toe nail fungus remedy: There are two ways to destroy the toe nail fungus. One is the home remedy methods which utilizes the home culinary stuffs to fight the infection. The other one is the meditative method which utilizes the chemicals to kill the fungus.

Anti-fungal medications: There are two meditative methods to clear the infection. Topical ointments which are applied on the outside surface of the infected nails that helps to clear the infections. The other one is the tablets, which when taken orally can help to cure the toenail fungal infection.

Topical ointments: The treatment utilizes many active ingredients that are effective against the oncomycete fungi. These active ingredients kill the fungus by destroying their cell wall. In contrast some of the ointments take advantage of the anaerobic environment where the fungus thrives. To kill them, the ointment provides aerobic condition by filling the infected area with oxygen. Due to the increased level of oxygen, the fungus are destroyed and in turn the increased level of oxygen can help the re growth of the nails faster.

Oral tablets: This is one of the common ways to treat the fungal infection. Tablets like lamicine are the most common tablets that are used against the infections. These tablets should be taken twice daily until the fungal infection disappears. These have the active components that when get mixed up with the blood stream, effectively clears the infection. The advantage of using them is that the cure can be very effective and fast. But for some who are allergic to certain components can suffer from side effects like nausea, vomiting, headaches etc.

Home remedy: Home remedy is one of the most common treatments for the fungal infection. Treatment with alcohol, vinegar, tea tree oil and many more has been followed since ancient times to give a permanent cure to the toenail fungus problems. The disadvantage is that it might take a little longer time as compared with the treatment with tablets. The advantage is that, the remedy is completely organic in nature mostly from the plant sources and can very rarely have any kind of side effects.

For a safe and effective way to fight nail fungus, Zetaclear uses all natural ingredients to kill the fungus and fight bacteria living under your skin. Try Zetaclear today you won’t be disappointed!

Dark-colored streaks in toenails are common in the United States, especially amongst people with darker skin toes, particularly in African-Americans. For the most part, these streaks usually represent non-serious conditions. However, especially in fair-skinned people, the presence of these streaks could represent a deadly cancer. This article will discuss the common causes or dark streaks in toenails, and what condition is cause for alarm.

Before beginning, the reader should be aware while reading this article that the information contained is not meant to provide tailored medical advice specific for one’s own medical condition, but is meant as a general discussion on this health topic. Any specific questions or concerns for the conditions described in this article should be directed to one’s own general physician or specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The toenail is a dense tissue made of compressed keratin. The nail plate itself begins in the nail matrix, which is essentially the root of the nail. The outer edge of the matrix is seen externally as the lunula, or the white semi-circular shaped area at the base of the nail just beyond the cuticle. The nail slowly grows outward, sliding semi-loosely along the skin. The color of the nail itself is a kind of opaque white or cream, with some clearness in it to see the skin below it. Discolorations in the nail plate, be they solid white, yellow, blue, brown, or black, are abnormal and represent a disease process. The most common sources of toe nail discoloration are due to keratin debris built up under the nail from natural nail thickening and aging, as well as discoloration from a fungus infection. These typically create a white, yellow, or yellow-brown discoloration. Since both of these lengthy topics have been covered by this author in other articles, the causes of darker shades of discoloration will be presented here.

Dark toenail discoloration has several causes, and properly diagnosing the cause is key to a successful treatment. The most common reason nails become darkly colored is because of bruising under the nail. Bruising is essentially blood left behind by bleeding. It can occur under the skin, and can also occur under and over the top of the skin located directly under the toenail. Bleeding under a toenail can be caused by dropping a heavy object onto the toe, by pressure from tight fitting shoes, by toes jamming into the end of the shoe as seen often in runners, and by stubbing injuries that cause blood vessels to burst. Spontaneous rarely if ever occurs, and often if one does not remember injuring the toe it usually means the injury was minor enough not to cause initial, memorable pain. The bruising under the nail stays in the nail plate until it grows out with the nail.

Bruises that do not grow out as the nail continues to grow are cause for concern, and a podiatrist should be contacted. The potential cause for this will be discussed later. When the bruising takes up less than a quarter or a third of the nail, it can likely be left alone and the nail can be allowed to grow out. If the bruising is more extensive, covering the entire area of the nail, the nail plate should be removed. This is done for two reasons. Firstly, it allows the blood to properly drain, and limit’s the amount of damage the bleeding caused to the nail root when it slightly lifted the nail plate during the time of active bleeding. Secondly, the bleeding may have been caused by a deep cut to the skin underneath the nail plate during the initial injury, and this skin needs to be evaluated for any cuts that need to be stitched. Another concern, especially if a fracture has occurred to the bone under the nail, is pieces of bone sticking out into the skin externally. If these are not removed and the skin cleaned and treated properly, infection can develop which may spread to the underlying bone.

Another cause of dark discoloration is infection. As discussed before, fungus can enter the skin under the nail and cause discoloration, thickening, brittleness, and debris. This fungus is the same in the same group of organisms that causes Athlete’s foot, and from a color perspective can change the nail from opaque to solid white, yellow, grey, brown, or even black in some cases. Treatment is somewhat complex, as only certain medications have any scientifically proven effectiveness, and there are many home-spun treatments still used that simply fail to show any real worth. Another source of infection is from bacteria, specifically bacteria from a family of organisms called Pseudomonas. This bacteria is prone to invade skin that has been kept moist for awhile, and is commonly spread in whirlpools and hot tubs. The bacteria creates a green color change in the skin and nail tissue, presumably from iron pigment. The so-called green nail syndrome is common, and is treated with a special diluted vinegar solution (acetic acid) soak, or with specific antibiotics targeted against pseudomonas. This infection rarely progresses to a more serious condition in otherwise healthy people, and is usually easily treated.

Nail discoloration that moves across the width of the nail in a thin line from one side to the other side has many different causes to numerous to discuss in detail. The causes can include disorders of the kidney, deficiencies of certain minerals, toxic metal poisoning, heart disease, chemotherapy for cancer, certain chronic medications, and major injury to the body. Due to the wide variety of causes, a visit to one’s primary care doctor, dermatologist, or podiatrist is recommended. There is generally no immediate treatment for these lines, but one’s physician may be able to diagnose another condition that needs treatment through examining the nail, especially if something like metal poisoning or mineral deficiency is undiagnosed.

Nail discoloration that travels in a streak from the beginning of the nail to the end is the one symptom that is cause for the most concern. This streak is typically brown, dark blue, or black, and can be found on one side of the nail or in the center. Usually, this streak takes up less than one quarter of the width of the nail itself, although in some cases it can be wider. The usual cause of this streak is the overproduction of the cells that produce skin pigmentation, otherwise called the melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, which gives darker-skinned people their skin tone, and Caucasians their skin tan. It naturally protects the skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, although overexposure to sun can lead to a mutation in the production of melanocytes. This is technically a cancerous growth. In most instances of nail streaking and skin conditions such as moles, this is a benign growth. However, malignant cancer can develop which has the potential to spread to other organs, leading to death. This cancer is called melanoma, and it is deadly. Dark streaks beginning at the cuticle and traveling along the length of the nail are very common in those with darker skin tones, particularly African-Americans.

In fact, many people have streaks on nearly all their toenails, and have had them since birth. These do not generally represent melanoma of the nail, and are usually benign. When these streaks are newly developed in caucasians, or if there is a new growth or change in a preexisting streak in someone with darker skin, the nail and skin surrounding the nail needs to be assessed by a physician. This is especially true if a discoloration of the skin next to the nail is developing, no matter what the original tone of the skin. A biopsy of the streaked part of the nail, the nail root, and the surrounding area of skin needs to be performed to ensure there is no malignant cancer. This is a simple procedure, done usually in an office by a podiatrist, dermatologist, or sometimes a general surgeon or family doctor, and it heals quickly. The nail usually grows back healthy if the condition was benign. If melanoma is present, immediate attention must be made to the toe to prevent further spread. This usually includes amputation of the tip of the toe, or the toe in its entirety depending on the size of the melanoma. This is absolutely necessary to save one’s life and prevent spread of the cancer.

As one can see, dark discoloration of the toenails can have numerous different causes. Most are benign, and resolve with simple treatment. Some are simply genetic, such as the common nail streaks in darker-skinned individuals. Others are dangerous cancers that need immediate treatment. Due to the potential for cancer, this author recommends that all areas of dark discoloration in one’s nails be assessed by a physician to ensure the condition is benign. The least one wastes is a little time in the doctor’s office, and at best one can save their own life.

Every sport requires appropriate clothing to allow ease of physical movements. Proper shoes need to accommodate running, sprinting, quick side-to-side moves, sliding, quick starts, sudden stops, and anatomical support for the feet.

Do you know your feet? Do you have high arches, flat feet, short toes or long toes, weak ankles, or a foot problem that requires special attention to design, construction, support, size, and style?

Ankles and feet are under a great deal of stress during the game and while supporting the body. Our foot type, shoe environment, size, and usage need consideration in the buying decision.

Do not let the shoe size disturb you. Manufacturers use different measurements according to their brand names or location of country. Purchase a pair of shoes that fit.

The best time of the day to shop for shoes is during the late afternoon or early evening as feet tend to swell. Bring socks you intend to use when playing. Add a thumb’s width at the toe to allow comfort and fit. Walk on hard-surfaced areas of the shoe store checking fit and any irritations.. It is deceiving to walk on the carpet

A correct pair of shows will solve any personal or therapeutic issues. A good fitting pair of shoes do not require a period of breaking in. These shores need to be ready for the court.

The heel of the tennis shoe, the overall soft or hard construction the shoe body, and cushioning inserts help to meet surface playing conditions. Pay a price for quality; it is less costly than medical bills.

Foot problems before, during, or after wearing shoes:

1. Painful heels-plantar fascistic
2. High arches
3. Flat feet
4. Calluses
5. Corns and bunions
6. Ankle sprains or fractures
7. Achilles tendon
8. Stress fractures
9. Athlete’s foot
10. Inter-metatarsal neuroma-thickness of nerve tissue occurring between the 3rd and 4th toe in ball of foot

Members of the medical profession will help to define the problem and type of shoes required. Ask the shoe salesman for help.

Another consideration for purchasing shoes is the court surface being played on. Courts are layered with grass, clay, concrete, or artificial turf. Grass will require a soft shoe with a good grip for the slippery surface. The clay surface shoe needs grip, strong sides for sliding, and a good fit for security. Hard surfaces require a cushion insert and overall strong construction.

Types of Courts:

1. Grass presents a fast game and low ball bounce
2. Clay gives a slower game, and the ball bounces higher
3. Hard surfaces produce a fast game, a reasonable ball bounce, but is difficult on players.

Allow time for shopping to purchase the correct fit. It will also help to do some consumer research online to gain knowledge and help make a smart purchase decision.

Ever since the dawn of civilization, men and women have taken to the use of body jewelry as a means of expression. To some cultures, body jewelry was symbolic of religion. To others, the volume of the jewelry worn represented wealth and social status. All throughout human history, body jewelry has retained its significance. And at the early part of the 21st century, body jewelry has taken its own niche in the fashion industry. Read on to find the Top 10 Body Jewelry, which would make fine jewelry gift ideas for Christmas 2008.

1. Multicolor Swarovski Crystal Anklet – This fashionable piece features .925 Sterling Silver metalwork. It is accented by seven crystals of varied colors.

2. 14K Draped Bead Anklet – From the creative minds of JewelryWeb comes this fabulous 14K Draped Bead Ankle Bracelet. She can pair this up with a Venus-cut dress or a flowing maxi dress to complete an exotic look.

3. Tri-Color Heart Anklet – Show her how much you love her with this 14K heart anklet. This piece features tiny hearts lined up in 10 inches of tri-color gold.

4. White Gold Diamond Hoop Belly Ring – This piece from Body Candy features two 14K white gold hoops, which then adjoined by a genuine diamond gemstone in the middle.

5. Belly Chain – Belly chains are mostly used for their eye-catching effect. They manage to bring attention to those sexy abs and can effortlessly bring about an aura of mystery and allure. This piece from the ShalinCraft collection comes in pure sterling silver and is carefully handcrafted in Japur, Rajasthan. The maximum length is at 32 inches.

6. Gold 3-Heart Anklet – Who says that hearts are worn on the sleeves alone? This latest addition from Element Jewelry & Accessories features a 14K Yellow gold anklet, with a heart suspended at the center. Each order comes with gift box.

7. Diamond Toe Ring – Add some glitter to her toes. From Body Candy comes this toe ring made from 14 white gold and adorned with a genuine .02 Carat diamond. Each ring is adjustable to fit.

8. Butterfly Toe Ring – Make her feel made up from head to toe with this 10KT White Gold toe ring. Its beautiful detailed design of two butterflies can get her attention from the head down.

9. Moon and Star Belly Ring – She will undoubtedly shine in this perfect ensemble from the Pierce This 2 Collection. This piece is made of a 316L surgical steel helix made of quality materials. A pair of blue zicron gemstones are nestled at the heads of the threaded balls.

10. Turquoise Belly Ring – Bring out the gypsy in her in this eclectic piece from Pierce This 2. This piece is made of sterling silver and stainless steel material. Its uniqueness of design is owing partly to the sterling silver chain that connects to one side of the dimple ball and to the front of the main attraction: the turquoise centerpiece set in .925 sterling silver framing.

I was reading through the late George Knudson’s book, The Natural Golf Swing, and noticed this tip, which I hadn’t before. Knudson was a Canadian who played on the PGA Tour in the 1970s and had one of the best swings the Tour has ever seen. What he wrote might be just the thing you need to begin hitting solid golf shots.

Knudson said that early in his development as a professional he would always hit his driver on the heel of the club, breaking the wood on that side and hitting “these ugly little shots.”

“One day, I decided to try to catch the ball way out on the toe of the driver. I set up the ball on the toe and figured that’s where I would make contact, It wasn’t the sweet spot, but setting the ball up on the sweet spot hadn’t been doing me any good either. So what happens? I hit this thing and it files off the club like a rocket compared to what I’d been doing.

“…suddenly, after setting the ball up on the toe, the ball was coming off the face solidly. I decided that the clubhead must be pulling out, and accepted that…. I didn’t know that I was suddenly catching the ball in the centre of the clubface because of the centrifugal force that was pulling the clubhead out and down.”

What Knudson is getting at is that the centrifugal force of the swing pulls your arms and they straighten out a bit – they get longer. When they carry the club into the ball, longer, the center of the clubface will be lined up with the ball, if you start from the right place.

Remember that 5-iron you hit a few months ago that took off like it was launched and you wondered, “Where did that come from?” What you did was finally hit the ball in the center of the clubface, that’s all.

To do what Knudson suggests, you have to know where the toe of the club is. Look at the grooves on the face of an iron. They run out to a spot about an inch or so from the extreme toe of the club, and then there is smooth, polished metal. Put the center of the ball on that boundary between the grooves and the polished metal.

With a driver, it’s a little harder to find the right spot, because the ball sitting up on a tee introduces a parallax effect. The ball will look farther out toward the toe than it really is. Lining up the far end of the clubface with the center of the ball, as you see it on the tee, is a good place to start. Because driver heads come in different shapes, you will have to do a bit of experimenting to find just the right alignment with the driver you use.

If you want to hit the ball longer and straighter, there are two rules. Rule 1: Hit the ball on the center of the clubface. Rule 2: Hit the ball on the center of the clubface. (Same rule, isn’t it?) Forget swing speed, wrist cock, and all that. Hit the ball flush and you’ll get the distance and accuracy you’ve been wanting. What you have just read is one good way to do it.

While many consider podiatry to be an exclusive realm of all things below the ankle, the truth is that treatment of injuries and other problems of the feet affect the whole body. When the biomechanics of walking are misaligned by damage to the feet, it can cause overarching issues in the legs, knees, hips, and back. Chronic pain can reduce the desire to exercise, leading to lethargy and depression.

Help with toe pain

Toes are made up of multiple small bones, ligaments, and muscles. When something in these complicated constructs gets out of place, injured, or torn, the pain can be debilitating. A patient suffering from bunions or hammer toe should seek treatment sooner rather than later. Addressing toe pain earlier on can reduce the need for invasive treatments, and this may make treatment more effective in the long run.

Tendonitis and heel pain

Although tendonitis can happen in several places from the ankles to the toes, it’s most commonly diagnosed in the Achilles tendon. This inflammation can cause moderate to severe pain and make even light exercise difficult. It is most often treated with physical therapy, but other treatments can become necessary if the pain is severe. The normal causes are repetitive stress or not taking enough time to stretch before working out.

Leg, knee and back pain

Most people seek out podiatry treatment only after first consulting an orthopedic surgeon about their knee, back, or hip pain. Many patients don’t realize that the pain in their lower body may be caused by problems in their feet. Balance, movement, and articulation can be affected by injury or malformation of the feet. By treating the source of the problem, these kinds of injuries can be addressed more effectively than by treating the symptoms with painkillers or antidepressants.

Treatment possibilities

Many patients seeking out the care of a podiatry specialist expect surgery to be a part of their treatment plan. While some issues must be dealt with surgically, many can be addressed through less invasive means. X-rays can help pinpoint a diagnosis, and they are often necessary in devising a long-term treatment plan. The options for treatment may range from education about appropriate footwear, to physical therapy, to specialized orthotic inserts.

Preventing podiatry problems

Many patients don’t realize that feet change in shape and size long after puberty, unlike most parts of the body. Many podiatry problems can be avoided simply by having the feet measured when buying shoes, and wearing shoes that fit properly, especially for exercise. When there are problems with the shape of the feet, or an injury that causes problems with walking, custom-created orthopedic inserts may correct balance and other issues.

Seeking out orthopedic treatment at the first sign of pain or strain often prevents further injury. Foot injuries should be treated promptly to reduce the recovery time and help ensure the fullest possible recovery. Wearing the correct shoes for activity and exercise, and taking the time to stretch and warm up before exercise help prevent injuries.

This week we’ll be covering specific leg targeting exercises that flyers will find necessary while stunting. From the top of your legs, down to your ankles, we’ve made a list of the basics you need to get the leg-up on conditioning. Keep in mind with all of the exercises on the list: as you progress or just need more of a challenge, choose two dumbbells that you would consider a challenging weight and hold them at your side during the entire execution of the work outs. Remember that you will be holding these weights during the entire exercise, so make sure you will be within comfortable limits for your body. This resistance will provide great results and revamp the work out.

• Lunges: Stand in an upright position with feet hip distance apart with your toes, knees and hips in a straight line. Pull your belly button towards your spine and contract your abdominal muscles. Place your right leg a step ahead and bend your right knee. Remember to keep your back straight while you lower your body until your left knee touches the ground. Finally bring your legs together and repeat the exercise by alternating legs.
• Squats: Stand in an upright position with feet hip distance apart with your toes, knees and hips in a straight line. Pull your belly button towards your spine and contract your abdominal muscles. Slowly lower your body until your butt is in line with your knees (knees at 90 degree angles). If you can’t go down that low, go as low as you can. You might also find it helpful to extend your arms straight out in front of your for balance. As you are lowing, make sure your knees are behind your toes. While keeping your weight in your heels, slowly push your body back to starting position. Make sure to not lock your knees when you reach the top of the starting position. Perform in repetitions and increase the repetitions gradually as your body adapts to the exercise.
• Walking Lunges: Stand up straight with your shoulders back and down and place your feet together. Pull your belly button towards your spine and contract your abdominal muscles. You have the option of keeping your arms flat at your side, holding your hips or behind your head. Take a step forward with your right foot and bend both knees. Your front knee needs to be aligned over your ankle and the back knee should come close to the floor with back heel lifted off the floor. Before your back left knee touches the floor, push up with your left leg. Force your body weight through your right heel while bringing your left foot together with your right foot. Alternate legs without stopping and lunge forward with your left foot. Remember when bending knees, your left knee is aligned with your ankle and your right knee should come inches to the floor with the back heel lifted off the floor. Start with a shorter walking distance, then slowly progress further in distance as your body becomes more acclimated to the exercise.
• Calf Raises: Stand in an upright position and keeping your body straight, rise up on your toes onto your heels. Then lower yourself back down until your feet are flat. The key to success in this exercise is to execute it slowly. Perform in repetitions and increase the repetitions gradually as your body adapts to the exercise.

Remember to do an appropriate warm up and stretch before before executing any of these exercises a light stretch afterward to prevent soreness.