Podiatry health promotion DVD launch

ACT Health Minister, Katy Gallagher MLA, has today launched a new DVD which will help older people maintain healthy feet.

“Foot health may not seem like a particularly glamorous topic, but maintaining healthy feet is so important for a person’s mobility, staying on their feet and minimising the risk of falls, and for their overall health,” Ms Gallagher said.

“It’s estimated that foot problems among older people are nearly double that found in the general population. Foot problems and poor footwear can cause pain and discomfort, changes in posture and walking style with more pressure on other joints such as the hips and knees, and poor stability with an increased risk of falls.

“As we grow older, feet, like many parts of the body, develop more problems but there are things that can be done to relieve pain and discomfort and help keep a person on their feet.

“Learning basic foot care techniques and how to choose the right shoe can help prevent painful foot problems from developing. This can help older people stay active, independent and free from foot pain.”

The Minister said the Footsure DVD would inform people about common foot problems and how to manage them. It would also provide information about foot care products as well as footwear that enables mobility and reduces the risk of falls.

The DVD has been based on a workshop developed to help older people maintain healthy feet. The Footsure program was initiated in 2006 and is funded jointly by the ACT Government’s Health Promotion Grant scheme and the Australian Government through the Home and Community Care (HACC) program.

Over 40 groups and 2000 people in the ACT have participated in the Footsure program which is delivered in partnership with community organisations, including the YMCA and Carers ACT, as well as church and seniors citizens groups.

The DVD version of the Footsure program was funded through the ACT Health Promotion Grants program. It will be distributed broadly across the ACT to health providers to use as a resource to educate the public about good foot health.

“The Footsure DVD is an excellent development to help improve the self management of foot health in the ACT population,” Ms Gallagher said.

20 January 2010