Prevent a Slip, Flip or Flop this summer

Summer is here and that means it's flip flop season.  While it feels good to get some air on your feet, flip flops are considered a "fall risk" and you might need to weigh the pros and cons before breaking out those summer sandals.

More about fall risk factors in my
book, Complete Guide to Fall Prevention

Here's why flip flops are a fall risk:  your feet are so busy clinging to the single strap that goes between your toes that you don't pick your feet up high enough when walking.  You trip because your foot is busy trying to keep the shoe on.  Result:  you don't pick your foot up and trip over your toes.

The way to prevent this type of accident is to wear sandals that secure around the front and back of your foot.  There are some stylish sandals that are light weight and keep your foot secure in the shoe.

Foot secure sandals vs flip-flops:
Pro:  Fitness and Safety
Con:  Fashion
Some of us are fashionistas.  I recognize that looking good is important and staying stylish matters to you.  However at some point you need to think safety first.  In my opinion, it's more important to stay safe and be comfortable than it is to look good.  After all, laying on the ground after a fall doesn't look good on anyone.

Another way to prevent a slip, flip or flop is to do specific exercises to strengthen your feet and toes.  These are simple exercises.  Are they easy to do?  Not always.  If exercise were easy, everyone would be doing it.  You want to do exercises that challenge you.  The only way to improve your situation is to challenge yourself because as we all know, growth happens outside your comfort zone.

Some of my favorite exercises for stronger toes and feet are:
1.  Toe Raises
2.  Heel Raises
3.  Foot waves

Take 5 to EXERCISE!!!
Here's my foot mobility routine that I do.  Learned from @Zhealth Performance Solutions.
If you're interested in learning how to do foot waves, contact me.