Preparing For Your Next Appointment

A doctor visit can be nerve-wracking, especially if this is your first time at a podiatrist’s office. But with some simple preparation, you can limit the anxiety you feel prior to your appointment and make the most out of seeing your specialist. At Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center, we take extra care in making sure your visit is as comfortable and helpful as possible! Below is a useful guide to help you prepare for your next appointment.

Before Your Visit

It might be helpful to make a physical or mental checklist of some important information to make your podiatrist’s questions easier to answer, such as:

• The symptoms you’re experiencing
• Any medication you’re taking
• Relevant lab test results
• Allergies they should know about
• Previous surgeries
• Any questions or concerns you have for your doctor

During Your Visit

• Expect your podiatrist to go over all the information listed above
• Be sure to ask for any clarification if you’re unclear with what your doctor is saying
• Take notes if you find it helpful
• If you’re attending a virtual appointment, be sure you arrive to your appointment on time and check that your technology is working properly

After Your Visit

• Make sure you follow your podiatrists’ recommendations for healing and recovery
• Pick up any medication your doctor may prescribe and take them as instructed
• Schedule a follow up appointment if necessary
• If your doctor has not gotten back to you with test results, give them a call
• Reach out to your podiatrist if you have any follow up concerns or questions

Schedule A Visit

It is recommended that you visit your local podiatrist once a year for an annual checkup. If you’ve been experiencing any foot or ankle pain, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist so they can examine and treat any problem you might be facing. To schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman, at our Montgomery County office, call (301)-825-9697 or visit our website for more information.

UV Safety Awareness Month

Summer is finally here! The great outdoors is beckoning. Many people tend to forget that their feet and ankles are just as vulnerable to harmful UV rays as the rest of their bodies. Sunlight is a potent source of ultraviolet radiation. Overexposure to the sun can cause a host of serious health issues such as skin cancer, heat exhaustion, and melanoma. At Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center, we want all our patients to feel safe and protected while still enjoying their favorite summer activities! Below you will find signs of skin cancer and tips and tricks to protect your feet from damaging UV rays.

Learn to recognize the signs of skin cancer. A helpful way to remember the signs of skin cancer is ABCDE:

• A is for asymmetry. Most moles are symmetrical. If you find a mole that is not symmetrical, bring it to your doctor’s attention.
• B is for borders. Be alert to a new or changed mole with irregular borders.
• C is for color. If you spot a mole with an unusual color, get it checked.
• D is for diameter. Any mole larger than the eraser on the tip of a pencil should be considered suspect.
• E is for evolving. Healthy moles don’t change.

How To Protect Your Feet from Damaging UV Rays

1. Always Apply Sunscreen. Most dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This will protect your skin from 97% of the sun’s harmful UV radiation.
2. Wear Shoes That Protect Your Feet. Flip-Flops and sandals are a summer favorite. But they are not the best choice for protecting your feet from the elements. Shoes such as Crocs can protect your feet while also allowing your feet to breathe. Plus, they are waterproof!
3. Cover Your Skin. Get settled under a tree or canopy. Alternatively, use breathable fabrics to keep you cool and protected from the sun!
4. Avoid Peak Sun-Times. In most places, the sun is usually the strongest from 10 am to 4 pm. If you are outside during these times, take precautionary measures and incorporate all our tips.
5. Drink Plenty of Water every day. Remembering to stay hydrated is especially important in the summer sun. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake to replenish your body is: About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men. About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women. When perspiring, drink even more water.

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman uses advanced technology and can treat a wide range of patients. To schedule an appointment, please call our Montgomery County office at (301) 825-9697 or visit our website for more information.

Global Running Day

Get your legs moving on the first Wednesday of June and celebrate Global Running Day! Whether you are a regular runner or a beginner, celebrating Global Running Day can be simple and exciting. At Kentlands Foot & Ankle Center, we want to inspire and support our patients to live healthy lifestyles. Below we have curated all the ins and outs of Global Running Day.

What Is Global Running Day?

Global Running Day is a worldwide celebratory movement to encourage people of all ages to get moving. Regardless of the experience or ability, Global Running Day serves as a reminder of the power of movement and unification. No matter where you run, we are all in this together to encourage each other to keep moving, stay connected, and be healthy.

Traditions

Every year for Global Running Day, millions of people worldwide pledge to participate in some running activity by submitting their names to the Global Running Day website. Traditionally, a 5k race would be held, or folks would hit the trails. Regardless of where you decide to get moving, Global Running Day celebrates the history of running- what running means to our ancestors and what running means today.

Global Running Day in Numbers

• 59,838,621 – the number of race miles runs in the U.S. in 2020.
• 55% – the percentage of women who accounted for road race finishers in 2019.
• 518,000 – the number of Americans who finished a marathon in 2019.
• $2.46 billion – the amount spent on running shoes in 2011.

Running Self Care

At Kentlands Foot & Ankle Center, we want to remind all our patients of the importance of self-care, especially when it comes to physical activities.

• Take At Least One Rest Day a week to allow your muscles to recover and rebuild.
• Fuel Up on High-Carb, and Moderate Protein Meals 3–4 hours before a long-distance training run or event. In the 30–60 minutes leading up to a run, stick with a light, high-carb snack.
• For any run that lasts longer than 90 minutes, make sure to fuel up with a refreshing sports drink and continue to stop and take water breaks.

Visit Your Podiatrist. At least once every year, you should check in with your podiatrist. A podiatrist can examine your feet and treat any potential problems before they worsen. To schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman, at our Montgomery County office, call (301)-825-9697 or visit our website for more information.