Nik Wallenda Steps Into History Wearing Mother's Shoes

Last night, I not only watched Nik Wallenda's historic tightrope feat across Niagara Falls...but also his feet!  It was a smooth forefoot strike across a specially installed 1,800 foot, 2-inch diameter steel cable designed with help from his uncle, a NASA engineer.  He was in definite control of his gait amidst the swirling misty winds that surrounded him.

As for the shoes worn by the seventh generation circus performer, they were homemade by his own mother.  Wallenda walked the tightrope wearing elk skin moccasin-like boots with suede soles that Nik says grips better when wet.  Along with  his weather resistant exercise suit containing a plastic wrapped passport, Nik Wallenda literally stepped into the history book as he crossed the border to Canada. When asked by the Canadian border official, "What is the purpose of your trip, sir?"... his reply was "to inspire people around the world."

This man of great fortitude and faith accomplish his dream to be the first person to walk a tightrope across the mouth of the Horseshoe Falls.  Mom's shoes cradled the sole that carried him to his destiny.  I, for one, was inspired.

Could You Inherit Your Mother's Bunions?

Do your parents have bunions?  Well, there is a strong possibility you may inherit them.  A genetic study performed by Marian Hannan, D.Sc., of Harvard Medical School, Boston, is the first to examine specific genes and foot deformities.  Dr. Hannan and her research team found that 89% of adults younger than age 60 years who have bunions inherited the foot deformity.  This finding helps to identify people most at risk of developing a bunion so that early and preventative treatment can be performed.

A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony bump on the side of the great toe joint.  Often the great toe leans toward the second toe which can gradually worsen leading to greater change in angle of the bones over time.  For many, bunions are not painful.  But the tissues around the bunion can become swollen and tender.

When identified early, bunions can be managed more effectively.  Treatment may include:  bunion splints, foot orthotics, proper shoe selection, exercises, and stretches.  If you suspect that you are developing a bunion, see a podiatrist to discuss ways to prevent it from worsening.  Below is one strengthening exercise from Harvard Health that can help with mild bunions:

Place a large rubber or elastic band around the end of your big toes and gently rotate your feet away from each other with your heels on the ground.  This increases the range of motion in the great toe joint rather than actually correcting the bunion.

You can read more about Dr. Hannan's study from internalmedicinenews.com

Heavy D's Cause of Death: Blood Clot From His Leg

The sudden death of rapper Heavy D has now been reported to be caused by a blood clot in his lung.  The autopsy report released by the coroner's office revealed that he suffered from deep vein thrombosis that caused a pulmonary embolism.  The blood clot is believed to have been formed during a long flight home from London after performing at a tribute to Michael Jackson in Whales.

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in the leg.  During long periods of inactivity, like during a long plane trip, the blood clot can break off and travel to the lung causing a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs).

People most at risk of developing blood clots: have a history of heart disease, had recent surgery, are pregnant, are on birth control (oral contraceptives), are elderly, are obese.  There are in-flight exercises to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Read more at: Moving Your Feet Can Help Save Your Life: Exercises to Prevent Deadly Blood Clots

Heavy D, born Dwight Arrington Myers, also suffered from heart disease which likely contributed to his death.  He died November 9, 2011 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Star of Steven Spielberg's War Horse Ended Up With Trench Foot

Actor Jeremy Irvine spent so much time filming in the trenches that he developed a foot condition called trench foot.  Film critics described the movie's depiction of the Battle of the Somme as frightening realistic.  Spielberg went to great lengths by employing 750 people to recreate 250 yards of trenches.  The movie was filmed through the freezing rain and the actors had to perform in appalling weather.

Trench foot is caused by prolong contact with damp and cold conditions during limited activity in a confined space like a foxhole or trench.  The condition was described in soldiers during the world wars but can still be seen in outdoor enthusiasts like hunters and boaters.  Symptoms begin with numbness and tingling.  Then the limb becomes swollen and appears waxy and mottled.  Blistering, redness, bruising, and ulcerations may also occur.  Treatment involves protecting the skin and preventing further cold and damp exposure.

Source:  The Telegraph: Filming of War Horse so real that star ended up with trench foot