Contributing Writer: Andrea Lopez | Images: BRFC —
Maintaining a routine can help you stay focused to complete a goal. These 5 healthy routines are to help you live a healthier life, checkout them out!
- Drink plenty of Water. Water is good for your health because it has no sugar and it keeps you hydrated. It also helps your skin look clear and youthful.
- Turn off all electronic devices an hour before you go to sleep. Your electronic devices can keep you from getting 8 hours of sleep. Turn it off so you don’t get distracted, and get a goodnight sleep!
- Add more green to your plate. To get your full value of nutrient for the day add fruits, and vegetables to your meals. You can start off your day by drinking a fruit smoothie, or you can add you favorite fruits to your water for an exciting new taste.
- Stretch after waking up. Open up your mind and breathe in the fresh air. Stretching can help relieve pain if you slept wrong.
- Think positive, don’t think about the negatives for too long, maintain positive and be optimistic.
Good luck, and may you live a long and healthy life!
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Contributing Writer: Andrea Lopez | Image: Alicia Lopez
Manassas City Public School (MCPS) seniors graduated on June 13th at Jiffy Lube Live, but today June 16th, MCPS says goodbye to all of their students for the summer!
Although, this summer will be different from the years before because MCPS will be participating in the Summer Food Service Program. This means that children will be able to go to one of their local elementary schools to get breakfast and lunch for free. MCPS students will be returning to school in late August.
Enjoy summer vacation, and remember Bull Foot Clinic is here to help you with any foot and ankle injuries to keep you active throughout the summer!
BRFC helps fight fungus
Posted on: May 24, 2016
- In: Education | Health | Skin
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Contributing Writer: Bull Run Foot Clinic | Images: BRFC —
The warm weather feels even greater when you don’t have to worry about the appearance of your feet. Fungus leads to embarrassment, but some treatments can help. Dr. Mahavadi, Dr. Cardinal, and Dr. Arminio have all helped fight fungus for years and are here to help you understand fungus.
Bacterial fungus can infect your toes, usually starting on the skin, also know as athlete’s foot. If left untreated, it can infect the nail bed. This infection can cause your nails to appear thick, discolored, brittle, or black. Fungus grows in dark, moist, warm areas such as shoes; you can get fungus by being barefoot in common areas. In order to prevent fungus, our doctors recommend patients to keep their feet clean and dry daily and change their socks and shoes everyday.
At the clinic, our doctors offer three different treatment options for fungus. One option is an oral prescription, in which a blood test is needed. Another option are topicals, which are medications applied on the toes like a nail polish. Lastly, there is the laser treatment option, called HyperBlue Plus. This option is a 10 minute painless treatment that requires no blood test.
If you are sick of having fungus, come to the office today to have healthier toenails by the end of the season!
Nature’s Trails
Posted on: May 19, 2016
- In: Athletes | Excercise | Exercise
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Contributing Writer: Bull Run Foot Clinic | Images: BRFC —
If your doctor recommends daily exercise, try new things. If you are feeling adventurous, you should try hiking. Hiking is a great form of exercise because the fresh air enables you to think clearly, and to be stress free; which is not only good for your physical health, but it is also good for your mental health.
In Manassas, there is different hiking trails that you can explore. The nearest trails around here are the Bull Run Occoquan Trail, the Bull Run Mountains, and the Manassas National Battlefield Park. The Occoquan Trail has a beautiful sight of the Occoquan River and it is 7.8 miles long. You can find a nice 5 mile trail at The Bull Run Mountains, and there is a run down historic that is a must see. The last trial, at the Manassas BattleField Park is a 8.6 mile trail that has a stone house and canyons spread around the park. All of these hiking trails are beautiful historic sites that you should checkout.
Although Hiking is great, you should also keep in mind that your feet need to be protected from the uneven terrain to prevent injuring your foot. To prevent injury consider getting hiking shoes or at least a shoe with a thick sole, and remember if you ever have a foot injury come to Bull Run Foot and Ankle Clinic to get treated.
Amazing 62 mile hike
Posted on: May 17, 2016
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Imagine walking a 62 mile hike! On April 30th, the Sierra Club hosted their One Day Annual 62 mile hike which took place from Thompson Boat Center all the way to Harper’s Valley, West Virginia. This hiker in the picture above took 20 hours and 20 minutes to complete this amazing hike.
What will you accomplish today?
Welcome Dr. Greg Cardinal
Posted on: May 11, 2016
Dr.Greg Cardinal, is a hardworking, friendly, and outgoing. Before becoming a podiatrist, he was a musician for 15 years, which is where he started to impact the lives of others. He helped hundreds of people who were serving in the military by performing therapeutic music.
He decided to continue his passion for helping others by pursuing a career in podiatry. His interest include all aspects of primary podiatric care. After years of hard work, Dr. Greg Cardinal is recognized as a graduate of a dual degree program in Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Master of Science in Healthcare Administration and Management. He is also affiliated in 6 other institution. Dr. Greg Cardinal is experienced and ready help with any podiatry related problems.
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Contributing Writer: Bull Run Foot Clinic | Images: BRFC —
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by eating traditional Mexican dishes at these local restaurants!
Zandra’s Taqueria: a restaurant located in Old Town Manassas. Inside they have a rustic bar, and outside they have colorful picnic tables that you can choose to sit from. As for the food they offer a variety of different tacos options such as shrimp, BBQ chicken, carne asada, and more! On Cinco de Mayo Zandra’s will be celebrating by having live music and raffles. If you choose to go here make sure to get nachos and a side of skillet queso!
Guapo’s Rotisserie Chicken & Tex Mex Grill: Guapo’s is excellent for lunch, and they have combo meals so that you just don’t have to settle for one thing. Their chicken is a must try, and their rice is excellent, but they have other options such as quesadillas and pupusas!
El Rey Tolteca: this restaurant has a nice colorful atmosphere that is perfect to get in the Cinco de Mayo mood, and their dishes are big enough to hold up to four different foods. They have enchiladas, burritos, and so much more!
Have fun celebrating Cinco de Mayo, and be safe!
Looking for a fun way to stay healthy? Look no further we have a list of places that will help you live a healthy lifestyle.
Hylton Performing Arts Center: enjoy a live show at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
Prince William County Fair: This event is very anticipated because it is the largest fair in Virginia. The have a demolition derby, clown circus, monster trucks and other attractions.
Center for the Arts: Are you an art critique? Well even if you’re not, the Center for the Arts has beautiful artwork displayed that will certainly inspire you.
Manassas Museum: There is so much rich history in the Manassas Museum. Visit the Manassas Museum to enhance your knowledge on the beautiful City of Manassas.
Splash Down Waterpark: A perfect way to cool down in August — soak and float in the refreshing pool and lazy river.
Bowl America: The bowling alley is a perfect place for some friendly competition, even if it’s your first time bowling, give it a try — it is easy to learn.
Manassas Battlefield Park: Have a picnic or host any outdoor activity at the Manassas Battlefield Park. The park is massive and rich in history.
Vertical Rock Climbing & Fitness Center: Enjoy a challenge? Then vertical climbing is for you. It is safe, but you can challenge yourself to reach higher and higher heights.
Magic Putting Place: The magic is all in your skills. It is perfect for families and friends looking for an affordable way to spend the day out.
Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center: The Freedom Center has so much to do. They have the biggest indoor pool in Northern Virginia, a racquetball room, small track, basketball court, volleyball court, weight lifting room, and a cardio room. They also have classes and trainers to help you make most out of your experience.
Jiffy Lube Live: There is always something live at Jiffy Lube. Artist such as Kanye West, Ozzy Osbourne, Kiss, Toby Keith, Jimmy Buffett, Dave Matthews Band and Metallica have performed at Jiffy Lube Live. Check out their upcoming events to see which one you would like to attend.
Signal Hill Park: Signal Hill Park is the perfect place to take a walk or splash in their water park. They have walking trials around the park that are even perfect for a dog walk.
Sports Network and Fitness: If you are a fan of playing soccer or enjoy watching a game, then go to the Sports Network and Fitness in Manassas. They have an indoor turf field and even a section to play volleyball.
Harris Pavilion: There is always something going on at the Harris Pavilion such as live music, movie night, and more.
Click on the links to find out more!
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Contributing writer: Carmen Thorpe––
If you are looking to participate in some great activities and you like fun events for the entire family, free parking, and free food then this is the event for you. Come out to the Manassas Campus NOVA for STEMFest on Saturday, April 25th from 10 a.m. –3 p.m. The location of this grand event is at NOVA, Manassas Campus, 6901 Sudley road, Manassas VA 20109. This Free event invites you to explore the exciting world of STEM; some of the activities will include:
- 3D Printing
- DNA Activities
- Robotics
- Live Music
- Treasure hunt
- and more…
There is also a chance to win a Tablet…and much more when you come to the STEMFest! It is important to point out that all lab activities require long pants, closed shoes and shoulders to be covered. No shorts, sandals or tank tops are permitted inside the labs.
Come join us at NOVA on April 25 to explore!
- In: Health | Hiking
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Contributing writer: Carmen Thorpe ––
According to the Appalachian conservancy website, the Appalachian Trail is one of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, measuring roughly 2,180 miles in length. The Trail goes through fourteen states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian mountain range from the southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia, to the Trail’s northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine.
A tough and long trail that many have failed to complete –once, but a woman by the name of Emma Gatewood was the only person (in 1955) to have walked the 2,050-mile Appalachian Trail not once but three times! In an excerpt of this amazing biography of Emma Gatewood, called Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story Of The Woman Who Saved The Appalachian Trail written by Ben Montgomery, we catch a glimpse of who Emma was, the power of walking, nature, and how the two merged two create a since of clarity for her on her hikes –at age 67!
Emma Gatewood told her family she was going on a walk and left her small Ohio hometown with a change of clothes and less than two hundred dollars. The next anybody heard from her, this genteel, farm-reared, 67-year-old great-grandmother had walked 800 miles along the 2,050-mile Appalachian Trail. And in September 1955, having survived a rattlesnake strike, two hurricanes, and a run-in with gangsters from Harlem, she stood atop Maine’s Mount Katahdin. There she sang the first verse of “America, the Beautiful” and proclaimed, “I said I’ll do it, and I’ve done it.”
The story of Grandma Gatewood will inspire readers [and hikers] of all ages by illustrating the full power of human spirit and determination. Even those who know of Gatewood don’t know the full story—a story of triumph from pain, rebellion from brutality, hope from suffering. This was a quote from Ben Montgomery.
This book is the Winner of the 2014 National Outdoor Book Awards for History/Biography, and definitely worth a glance in our book!
- In: Athletes | Exercise | Family | Running
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Contributing Writer: Carmen Thorpe
Now that we have officially crossed over from winter to spring it is time to get out of the house and go outside for some much needed fresh spring air. What better way to accomplish this task –and help out a cause– then to run/walk in a race? Haven’t you ever wondered what it would be like to run alongside a super hero? You don’t have to wonder anymore! You can sign up for one of these great races listed below. Some of them are super hero themed and some are more focused on just getting you up and active. Whichever you choose to run or walk in will surely be a good time! So take a look at the sites and click on the video link to see all the fun that is to be had this April and May of 2015.
A great opportunity to race comes from Crystal City; which has an event for the month of April called the Crystal City 5k Fridays and is sponsored by Pacers. You could run in all 4 races or pick the friday that works best for you, there is a race on April 3,10,17,and 24th. You can find out how to get involved with this race for this friday or the next by clicking here to gain more info on this Crystal City fun!
A 5k & Fun Run is happening in our nation’s capital on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Hains Point DC. This event promotes the idea of being a “Hero for Youth in DC’s Foster Care”, that is, it is a celebration of the everyday heroes who make a positive impact in the lives of the youth in the DC’s foster care system. What a great reason to come out and race along side those heroes –in super hero costumes of course (not required but welcomed)! Click here to find out more on how you can get involved and make an impact in young lives. Also, check out this video on the race to see just how fun it will be!
Osbourn Highschool Manassas City is having a Soaring Eagle 5k /1mile fun walk on April 18th. The goal of this event is to raise funds for the athlete scholarship programs. They will be welcoming runners, their families, and friends to their Fifth Annual Soaring Eagle 5K Run. This event is sponsored by the OHS Athletic Boosters and will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Osbourn High School located at 9005 Tudor Lane, Manassas, VA 20110. Race day registration is available from 7-730a for $35. Students under 18 can register for the race anytime for $15. Please register online before the event.
Another awesome race is taking place in Loudoun County, promoting a SuperHero 5k Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run. This race takes place on Sunday, April 19, 2015 beginning at 8 a.m. This event is also superheroes themed and though it is not required to wear a mask or costume it is more fun to do so. What’s cooler than to be dressed up as a superhero and fight for what you believe in? Absolutely nothing. This is a great event that invokes the superhero in us all; we may not be fighting crime, but we are fighting for a good cause and kicking those “winter blues” away! Click here to find out how you can get involved in this race, make donations, and participate as a sponsor or superhero!
The Manassas Runway 10k is happening on Sunday, April 26th The event is promoted by the Bull Run and Manassas Rotary Clubs. Participating in this Manassas City race will be a great way to launch you into the spirit of spring! Click here to find out more on how to join in on this event either as a sponsor or as a runner.
Bodies in Motion 5k/10k is happening on Sunday, May 17th in Warrenton, Va. All race proceeds benefit the community by way of the Blue Ridge Orthopaedic Foundation. SFMC Inc. is one of the great sponsors of this event and with the help of such businesses, more than 25 non-profit organizations have received $55,000 from race proceeds since it’s inception 4 years ago. Click here to find out more on how you can get involved in this great opportunity!
We know that you are excited to lace up and race now, but here are some key things to remember when you are out there: make sure that your shoes have the proper support for your feet and your ankles (very important), stay hydrated, and have fun!
2015 Cherry Blossom Parade
Posted on: March 30, 2015
- In: Excercise | Family | Orthotics
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Contributing writer: Carmen Thorpe––
With this seemingly never ending winter, one could almost forget that spring is here –technically– and with that comes the Cherry Blossom celebration in our nation’s capital. This year, like those previously, will prove to be full of outdoor activities; tons of walking around around in the city, paddle boating around the Jefferson memorial –for a great unobstructed view of the cherry blossom trees– and more!
Before heading out into the city to catch a glimpse of the beautiful pink blossom, it is very important to make sure that you are wearing the proper shoes for this occasion. No, we don’t mean the latest spring fashions, but we do mean the most supportive and comfortable shoes –preferably with orthotics. With standing all day, sometimes in the same place (parade watching) your feet will become fatigued – and there isn’t always a place to sit down– so make sure that your shoes give your feet the most in arch support, are sturdy enough in structure, and extremely comfortable. Your feet will thank you later for wearing such shoes. You can also do the following below throughout the day:
- Heel raise exercise – while watching the parade
- Standing calf stretch – up against a tree
- Foot massage –while having a picnic under the cherry blossoms
Here are a few links on how to get around in the city during the parade, specifics on dates to visit D.C., and how to maximize your overall cherry blossom experience!
The 5 things you need to know…Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms’ blooming forecast
Remember that the peak bloom season is April 11-14, but the celebrations are beginning as early as April 4th!
To Wear or Not to Wear Flip–Flops
Posted on: March 10, 2015
Contributing writer: Carmen Thorpe––
Flip–flops, let’s talk about them. Some doctors say that they are “OK” to wear and others are against them. We know that spring is here and soon we will want to show our tootsies off with lovely polished nails and stylish flip–flops, but are they good for our feet? With tons of questions swirling around this topic, we have put together a list –below– of the pros and cons on the matter.
Pros
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Perfect for the warmer weather
- Showcases our painted toes
Cons
- Can’t be worn for extended amounts of time
- Some have little to no arch support
- Not enough support for the foot –as a whole
- Expensive; with no real benefits for the feet (which supports the weight of the body)
With this list in mind, we checked out APMA’s site (American Podiatric Medical Association) to see what they had to say on the matter and we found this: You can wear flip–flops, but in order to avoid having problems with your feet later you could perform this simple checklist prior to purchasing your shoes. Click here to see the list and read more about what APMA has to say on the topic.
Technology and Obesity
Posted on: March 4, 2015
Contributing writer: Carmen Thorpe––
A connection between obesity and diabetes has already been made in healthcare, this we already knew, but did you know that the connection between obesity and diabetes has created a correlation with amputations?
As stated by The American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry (ABMSP), it is “the leading cause of non-traumatic limb amputations in the United States…” The ABMSP has “paved the way in board certification in: foot and ankle surgery, primary care, prevention and treatment of diabetic foot wounds and diabetic footwear–– and now in the field of limb preservation and salvage.” Click here to read more from the article.
For those who worry that they may fall into this category, there is good news insight. According to Brian Kilen, writer for Mayo Clinic, Gentag and Mayo Clinic have “reached an agreement to develop the next generation of wearable biosensors designed to fight obesity and diabetes”, essentially removing the prospects of the non-traumatic limb amputations. This technology may potentially be “a game-changer…” these were the words of James Levine, M.D., Ph.D., A Mayo Clinic endocrinologist and obesity researcher. Mayo Clinic partnered with Gentag, Inc. because they are pioneering the use of disposable, ultra thin, wearable and immunoassay biosensors… Read more from the article here.
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Shake off that winter chill and get ready to step into spring. Historic Downtown Manassas, Va. is ready for the new season and bursting with fun and interesting events that will be entertaining for all! Bull Run Foot and Ankle Clinic is ready and excited for all the up coming events. Here are the ones that made our top 5 list for March:
1.) 1st Friday in Historic Downtown Manassas; on the first Friday of every month, from 5 p.m. to 9p.m.
2.) Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, March 14
3.) Spring Restaurant Week, March 22-28
4.) A MCP Division Wide Wellness Night –happening this March on the 25th from 5 to 7 p.m. One of the best things about this event is that it is Free and open to al! Not only is it free admission for all to come, if you choose to exhibit, that is free as well!! There will be healthy give aways too. Contact Sandy at (571) 377-6043 for more information on this event.
5.) A Live Well Festival & Downtown Merchant Sidewalk Sale on the 18th of April
Send us your thoughts; what would you like to see –up for a raffle– at the Wellness event?
Fun in the snow
Posted on: February 25, 2015
- In: Children | Excercise
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Contributing writer: Carmen Thorpe
This was the first time that a young boy named Colby had ever seen snow. Can you remember the first time you played in the snow? It was probably something like the video above; exciting, scary, and above everything else fun – and bit tiring too! These last few snow falls have given us that beautifully fluffy, white winter that people call “winter wonderland”. A plethora of social media sites were filled with pictures and videos of people loving the snow – making the best out of the “snowmageddon” situations – and some not so much. After all, some of the days had been so cold that the feeling in your toes were almost nonexistent. So, to prevent freezing extremities – on your feet and your pet’s paws as well – and disliking the season, we here at Bull Run Foot and Ankle Clinic put together a great checklist on how to enjoy yourself in the “winter wonderland”.
Here are some essentials:
1.) Thermos Hot cocoa – a definite must if you are venturing out in the snow. It helps to warm you from the inside out and it tastes great too!
2.) Hand and feet warmers – sometimes your toes (and hands) need a little extra help from you in order to maintain warmth.
3.) Shoes – now we can all use more shoes, but the proper shoes for this winter weather are waterproof and made for this season (typically boots).
4.) Socks – an obvious fact, but wool socks work best for these winter days.
5.) Equipment – having the tools that make this weather so much more enjoyable, i.e., sled, skis, inner-tube, and a snowboard.
Pets’ checklist
1.) Fleeced lined jackets – if your pet needs it
2.) Paw protection – rock salt can potentially cause harm to their paws; they make winter protection boots for pets too!
So, now that you know what the essentials are, go out and enjoy the season with your friends or your pets!
Contributing Writer: Carmen Thorpe
An artistic, visually interesting, interpretation of the traditional high heel is stepping into the pictures of Instagram and the feed on Twitter. The #heelconcepts are pictures of people –actually their foot– creating a high heeled or a heeled shoe from an assortment of items; anything can create a heel, from donuts and coffee to make-up and more. Pictures have been posted from all over and we have compiled our Top 5 Favorites (counting the one above) :
APMA reports this on the actual wearing of high heels: http://bit.ly/10grwNw
On this day, World War I ended. At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Great War was over for the United States, Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary, France, and Great Britain. Germany had signed an armistice agreement with the Allies.
The First World War left nine million soldiers dead and 21 million wounded. The Treaty of Versailles officially ended the conflict in 1919 and forced punitive terms on Germany that destabilized Europe. This laid the groundwork for World War II.
Today in the United States, we honor all the veterans that have served their country from these great generations:
- The Lost Generation: born between 1883 to 1900 and typically fought in World War I
- The Greatest Generation: born 1901 to 1924 and includes the veterans who fought in World War II
- The Silent Generation: born 1925 to 1942 and fought the Korean War and Vietnam War
- The Baby Boomers: born 1943 to early 1960s and were born following World War II during a time of increased birth rates.
- Generation X: born early 1960s to early 1980s after the Post-World War II baby boom. The Cold War was 1947 to 1991 and the Persian Gulf War was 1990 to 1991.
- Millennials: born early 1980s to early 2000s and followed Generation X. The War on Terror began in 2001.
- Generation Z: born mid or late 1990s to mid-2000s and is the generation currently being born.
Some of the dates for these generation time periods are debateable, however, each group is unique because of the events in their history.
On Veteran’s Day, remember all of those heroes that have marched before us and those who are still active in protecting our freedom in this great country.
Share a photo(s) or an experience of an American military hero.
- In: Children | Exercise | Family | Health
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Keep on moving, winter is coming. Outdoor fun things to do are plentiful this time of year. Staying active will help your health.
5 fun ways to stay active in autumn
1. Dust off the rake and start a leaf pile.
When the pile is huge, jump! If you have no leaves at home and just want to play around, go to a park and bring your rake. Roll in them, throw them, bury yourself in them — you will feel like a kid again. And if you have kids, let them cover you in the multi-colored foliage, it will be a blast.
2. Start a fall nature collection.
Acorns, twigs, walnuts, pine cones and leaves are just a few textured items to collect on a fall walk. A pond edge speckled with maples, oak and willow leaf shapes is a perfect place to add items to your collection. Press them in a thick book to save as a treasure.
3. Visit a petting farm.
Not only will the hungry ducks surround you for a treat, the small farm animals will love the attention. Pull the kids in a wagon for an extra workout.
4. Hike to a pumpkin patch.
The best choice of jack-o-lanterns are found in a farm field. Wear sturdy shoes and follow a path to the display in the hay. The bigger, the heavier, so lift with your legs, not your back. Grab a tractor hay ride on the way back for relaxing fun.
5. Carve your pumpkin.
Check out some cool carvings online and make your pumpkin a masterpiece. Or let the kids draw their own unique face on their pumpkin, but save the cutting to the adults. Carry them to your front step and take a stroll through your neighborhood to compare and enjoy the Halloween happenings.
Share your favorite autumn activity — or how about your favorite pumpkin design?
Healthy Foot Notes 