Foot health is important says Lesley (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Foot health is important says Lesley

12:50pm Tuesday 9th February 2010

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LESLEY Tanner is passionate about health. It is what motivates her as a Slimming World consultant, as she helps people to shed weight and live healthier lives.

She has been busier than ever during the past year, as she has qualified as a foot health practitioner.

Lesley, 47, took part in a year of study, which culminated in a two-week practical placement, where she learned about what poor foot health can lead to.

Now she has become a foot health consultant.

Her first step in the new role was to offer advice to members of her weekly slimming classes, at Colchester Rugby Club and in High Woods.

Lesley said: “I am passionate about health, I always have been, so this was something I was really interested in doing.

“I want to let as many people as possible know how important good foot health is. You would not believe the things I saw when I was on my practical training.

“I think I got interested because so many people who are overweight have problems with their feet, because of the added pressure. Being overweight can also lead people to develop type 2 diabetes, which has its own problems.”

She said some people who have diabetes have to have a leg amputated because the condition leads to neuropathy, which means they are unable to feel things.

Lesley added: “If they get a stone in their shoe, they might not know and this could rub into the foot and cause infection. If this is not treated, it could lead to the leg needing to be amputated.

“I want to help get the message out there for people to look after their feet.

“The obese and those suffering from diabetes are the most susceptible to foot problems, infections, ulcers and, ultimately, gangrene, leading to amputation.

“Fifteen per cent of diabetics lose a lower limb, which is a terrifying thought.”

Now she hopes to spread her knowledge, offering her services to those susceptible to foot problems.

She said: “Hard skin can lead to things like corns, which are terribly painful and difficult to get rid of, so I am encouraging people to get rid of that before it develops into a worse problem.

“Verrucas, which children are particularly susceptible to, should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Because they are viral, they never go away. The elderly, many of whom are unable to cut their toenails, are also at risk.”

Lesley hopes to treat people, including rugby players, many of whom she says suffer from ingrowing toenails, and shop workers, who spend long periods on their feet.

She said: “It is so important to look after your feet.”

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