March - Mosinee School District

SCHOOL NURSE NEWS FROM SUE POHLKAMP,RN:
Flip Flops: Helpful and Harmful
Fun for the beach and pool. Not good for school.
Adapted from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, July 2009
Foot specialists say there are two sides to the flip-flop. One on hand, they provide basic
protection to the bottom of the foot for walking around the pool and beach, and safeguard against athlete’s
foot and plantar warts in public showers.
The flip side, however, is that wearing them for extended period of time, or under the wrong circumstances,
can lead to pain and injury.
To wear flip-flops safely, and protect your children’s feet and ankles from pain and injury:
- Choose the right shoe for the occasion. Long walks require a supportive shoe,
so leave the flip-flop home if you’re going to be on your feet for an extensive period
of time. Opt for shoes or sandals that offer more support.
- Never run or play sports in flip-flops (including playing during PE and recess).
Orthopedic surgeons report sprained ankles, fractures and severe ligament injuries
in patients who have tried to run, jump, play Frisbee, and participate in other
sports while wearing flip-flops. Instead, choose a good athletic shoe.
- Don’t hike or walk through grass or brush in flip-flops. Because they are open, you are more prone to insect
stings, stubbed toes and cuts from unseen objects.
- Diabetics should avoid flip-flops altogether. Medical experts warn that any foot injury can become serious,
and flip-flops pose more of a risk than any other shoe. Diabetics should opt for a shoe that covers the
foot completely.
Page 7
Mosinee Elementary News
Volume 15 Issue 8 March, 2012