DoctorVikki.com - Footnotes

Volume 11

Summer 2007 Edition

HELLO !!

Summertime and the living is BUSY ! My office has been swamped. Who’s complaining ? Not me. I truly appreciate all the kind referrals from current and past patients. Additionally, many medical colleagues send patients my way when they feel I can treat the problem more effectively. One of the most rewarding activities away from the office every year is the Special Olympics weekend June 16-17. Everyone works hard and the emotional pay-off is huge. Another big event in June, where I ONLY attended as a spectator, was watching the Anaheim Ducks win the Stanley Cup four games to one over Ottawa. My husband, Tom and I attended the fifth and clinching game.

It was almost as cool as watching my Bruins beat the Trojans last year in football and basketball – twice (that’s a dig for all my USC friends). Tom and I also attended the Ducks’ big victory celebration June 9. (see photo) For those wondering, YES, my mom and I did pass our “belly dancing” class. Next up- “Dancing With The Stars !” On the home front we have remodeled our bathrooms into 21st century spa rooms including; sauna, whirlpool and steam shower. We’re debating if we should sell memberships to cover the costs. Doesn’t everyone love remodeling ? All in all, a busy. productive and fun summer planned. I hope this newsletter finds everyone in good health and spirit. Enjoy the rest of your summer !

Sincerely
Dr. Vikki

Santa Claus JOLLY Once Again

Charles Beals bares an amazing resemblance to Santa Claus. So much so, he has “played” Santa at countless holiday events all over Southern California the last 40 years. But there was nothing jolly about this retired L A County Sheriff when it came to treating his foot problems. “I tried just about everything for the sharp pain in my feet,“ said the Anaheim resident. “I went to two podiatrists with very limited success. I was diagnosed with idiopathic neuropathy, which means they really couldn’t tell me exactly what was wrong.” The search for relief continued. Charles tried another specialist, increased medication and even acupuncture. “It was so painful, I didn’t even want to walk to the kitchen for a cup of coffee,”Beals said. The pain and frustration continued until one evening his wife, Terri, spotted Dr. Foley discussing the new MicroVas treatment on the tv-show, “American Health Journal.” “Charles came to the office in considerable pain and on high doses of medication,“ said Dr. Foley. “His balance was also bad.” Dr. Foley quickly started MicroVas, which successfully treats peripheral neuropathy among other ailments. “By the second week I could feel the improvement,” says a thankful Beals.“I felt good about the entire procedure. Dr. Foley is wonderful. Anita and Terri really create a comfortable atmosphere.” “I was able to cut Charles’ medication and prescribe a milder one. He’s in much less pain, walks with more confidence,” says Dr. Foley. “It’s rewarding to help someone who has so much life get back in the swing.” As for Charles, it’s the simple things that he’s most thankful. “I look forward to afternoon walks with my German Shepard, Harley,”says the talkative Beals.

Foot Care Facts

3 out of 4 Americans experience serious foot problems in their lifetime.
The foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles.
1/4 of all the bones in the human body are down in your feet. When these bones are out of alignment, so is the rest of the body.
Your feet mirror your general health. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders can show their initial symptoms in the feet - so foot ailments can be your first sign of more serious medical problems.
There are 250,000 sweat glands in a pair of feet. Sweat glands in the feet excrete as much as a half-pint of moisture a day.
The two feet may be different sizes. Buy shoes for the larger one.
The average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day, which adds up to about 115,000 miles over a lifetime. That's enough to go around the circumference of the earth four times.
There are currently more websites on the Internet having to do with foot fetishes than with foot health. -comforting huh ?

New Look Billing Statements

You may have noticed, our billing statements have a new look. Patients can now pay with a credit card or check. We hope this new convenience makes it easier for everyone. >

These Olympics Truly “Special”

Dr. Foley again served as Clinical Director of Fit Feet at the Special Olympics on the campus of Cal State -Long Beach June 16 & 17. Dr. Foley coordinated the efforts of seven other podiatrists and 12 volunteers during the spirited weekend of competition. Over 1,200 athletes ran and jumped their way to glory. “We examined over 200 athletes with various ailments,’ said Dr. Foley. “My lasting impressions of the weekend are the happy participants. Everyone is smiling and the energy is so positive.You can always count on a lot of hugs.The events are competitive, but no one goes around with a long face if they don’t win.”

Review Closely Before Buying

People with foot problems often resort to desperate measures to relieve pain. Be wary of quick fix solutions or outrageous advertising claims. One new “brand” of shoe hitting the market is the Z-Coil. The company’s advertising states these special shoes can alleviate arthritis pain, lower back pain as well as heel spurs, plantar faciitis and metatarsal pain. “Before you buy anything, review the problem with a health professional,“ says Dr. Foley. “ The Z-coil can be dangerous for people with balance problems, Plus, if the coil part of the shoe lands on a rock or pebble, it’s easy to sprain your ankle. Dr. Foley recommends the store, FOOT SOLUTIONS, for some patients. “They produce a quality shoe and do a thorough job of fitting. I’ve heard good things about their MBT Exercise Shoes.” Dr. Foley warns that these shoe options can be expensive and often prove ineffective.

Sauteed Chicken Breasts with Fresh Herbs and Ginger: Low Carb

From Food Network Kitchen
Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, like soy or peanut
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, about 6 ounces each
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
3 tablespoons chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium canned
2 teaspoons finely grated ginger
1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves, torn
2 tablespoons packed fresh mint leaves, torn

Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and place them skin side down in the pan. Cook, turning once, until firm to the touch, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken breasts to a plate.
Add the lime juice to the skillet, and scrape up any browned bits that cling to the pan with a wooden spoon. Add the chicken broth and ginger, and bring to a boil. Off the heat, add the basil and mint to the pan and swirl the pan to combine.
Divide the chicken between the 2 plates and spoon the herb sauce over the chicken. Serve.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 315
Fat: 16 grams (2.5 g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 1.5 grams
Fiber: 0.5 gram
Nutrient Value Per Serving
Recipe Summary:
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

For all your cooking and baking needs this holiday season-visit Cookin’ Stuff in Torrance or shop online at www.cookinstuff.com.