Autumn is officially here and in most states and territories that means cooler weather. For some this is a welcome reprieve from what has been a particularly hot summer, particularly in the Southern states; for others it’s an opportunity to chase the warmth and travel.
So here are our 6 top tips for comfortable air travel to warmer climates.
1. Wear comfortable clothes
If you want to be able to sleep on the flight, try to wear clothes that are as close to pyjamas as possible and don’t forget your Slappa’s!
2. Escape from the noise
For long flights, noise-cancelling headphones are a must. If you don’t own noise-cancelling headphones and don’t want to invest in them yet, then bring earplugs.
3. Evade the light
If you want to sleep during the flight, bring a sleeping mask. Simply putting on your headset and sleeping mask can also mentally prepare you to sleep during the flight.
4. Drink enough water
While on the flight, it’s important to hydrate, hydrate and hydrate. Stay clear of alcohol and tea or coffee. Alcohol impairs your ability to sleep, as do caffeinated drinks. Moreover, these beverages dehydrate, while your body will need the exact opposite. So grab a large bottle of water after airport security, and try to finish it by the end of your flight.
5. Hydrate your skin
The air quality in the cabin can be detrimental to your skin. Before you start cracking up everywhere, be gentle with your body and apply some cream on your face, lips, hands – wherever you’d put some extra if you decided to go for a walk on a winter’s day.
6. Mindset
Stop fretting about the time lost in travel and use it as an opportunity to enjoy the time you get to yourself. Don’t consider your travel time as a useless vacuum in time and space, but fill it with activities you don’t get to do too often at home. Take some snacks you enjoy, read, meditate, listen to some music, prepare your senses for your next destination – simply shift your mindset and reframe your thoughts so that you can truly appreciate your personal time during the flight.
Travel safe this Autumn and remember to put comfort over fashion whilst travelling – your feet will love you for it!
The holiday season has passed for the moment, what a relief! Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with the family and enjoying the Christmas and New Year celebrations. But, it’s a bit overwhelming at times and I’m eager to get back into the business.
Of course, that said, there is another Public Holiday on the horizon and it’s a biggie….
Australia Day
Being an Aussie girl, born and raised I love enjoying a good Australia Day Barbecue and time at the beach. And, I also love that while it’s a big day it isn’t a break-the-bank holiday, it’s a simple holiday about coming together as a community.
Sure, it’s about National Pride but more than that Australia Day is about embracing our differences. And, nowhere in Australia is that more evident than in Darwin!
Call it bias, but in my opinion, Darwin is Australia’s best melting pot. Sure, we don’t have a China Town like most other Australian Capital Cities do but we do have a huge array of markets. In Darwin you can find a number of restaurants, you can eat food from a different culture every night if you want – it’s amazing!
That intercultural experience of people coming together, no matter their difference in background – that’s what Australia Day is all about to me.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi
As an Australian Business Owner, it’s important to me to support my fellow Australians when I can. However, as an Australian, I also believe it’s important to embrace what the world has to offer, which is why Slappa’s are manufactured in China (check out the Glimpse Behind the Scenes Blog).
Working the local Mindil Beach Markets every Dry Season, I know that no matter a person’s cultural background they can be exemplary. There are stallholders from a variety of backgrounds at the markets and they all do an amazing job. Of course, as far as I see it they’re all just like me- Australian Business Owners.
Celebrating Australia Day
Now for this Australia Day, I fully intend on enjoying time at the beach (unless it rains). But, mostly I look forward to getting together with everyone and celebrating what makes our country great.
No matter where you are from, I hope you have a terrific Australia Day. And, for those Aussies travelling abroad, I hope you enjoy your Australia Day too.
Thongs On!
Denise
What’s the best treatment for heel pain?
There are several treatment options for heel pain. Research shows that the best approach is to combine several therapies for best result. These include stretching, massage, ice therapy, strengthening exercises and custom orthotics.
Do orthotics work for foot pain?
Yes. Orthotics work by placing your foot in its most optimal functional position. This allows all the structures to function, as they should; avoiding muscle imbalance and reducing pain.
What conditions cause ball of foot pain?
There are many conditions that cause ball of foot pain including metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, capsulitis, arthritis, clawed toes, bunions and plantar plate tears. Contact your local podiatrist for more information.
How can lower back pain cause foot problems?
There are several ways that lower back pain can impact the foot. Nerve root issues in the lower back such as bulging discs or compressed nerves can radiate along the sciatic nerve and into the foot. Differences in hip levels can contribute to foot pain through jarring in the joints or increased pressures when the foot lands.
What is the difference between a heel spur and plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is damage to the thin band of tissue that connects the heel of the foot to the ball of the foot. It can develop as a result of repeat stress, injury or overuse of the foot.
A heel spur is a calcium deposit or growth on the heel bone that develops where the muscles in the foot connect to bone. These can often be asymptomatic but may become irritated due to extended periods of strain on the foot.
Why are my toes numb?
Numb toes can be related to metabolic, nerve and biomechanical issues. Peripheral neuropathy often caused by diabetes causes numbness beginning at the toes and moving up. Compressed nerves can cause numbness further down the limb into specific areas of the foot. Poor foot mechanics can lead to the collapse of the forefoot arch, putting pressure on nerves in the foot.
Why is big toe movement so important in total body function and prevention of pain?
The big toe joint allows for proper activation of the arch, as well as propulsion and shock absorption. If this joint is not working effectively it can lead to painful complications such as osteoarthritis and bunions.
Why Slappa’s Thongs work from a podiatry perspective for summer
Slappa’s thongs provide a great alternative to orthotics during the summer months. They provide arch support and will protect your feet during hot summer days.
Are all podiatrists the same? How do I find the right one for me?
No, podiatrists can specialize in different areas such as biomechanics, diabetes, rheumatology and pediatrics. Ring you local podiatry association to see who will be suitable for you.
One simple exercise to strengthen the arch
Toe raises strengthen the main muscle that hold up the arch- Tibilas Posterior. By completing three sets a day your foot strength will increase and reduce the need for orthoses.
Hope this information is helpful and remember it is in your best interest to investigate pain and dysfunction and come see experts like us at Sole Therapy.
If you are not in Sydney you can talk to your local podiatry state association and they will happily guide you to a local podiatrist that may help your pain.
“For excellent free foot tips and advice like us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SoleTherapyPtyLtd/and follow us on Instagram @soletherapysydney or check out our website www.soletherapy.com.au. Slappa’s Thongs are available from Sole Therapy or you can buy online www.slappasthongs.com.au/buy-slappas
Thank you to Nicole Reilly, Victoria Kokotastsios and all the team at Sole Therapy for being our Guest Blogger this month and answering our customers questions.
Spring is here, and you all know what that means… it’s time to break out of your winter footwear. Yep, time to get your tootsies ready for summer!
All across Australia, the temperature is starting to rise and here is sunny Darwin that means the build-up has kicked off. Of course, summer isn’t quite here yet, which is a good thing because that gives you plenty of time to condition your feet ready to begin beach hopping, backyard barbequing and every other fun in the sun activity you can think of.
Your changing feet
But let’s get serious for a moment. Feet change a bit during the winter and they change again once summer arrives.
Coming out of the winter your feet are a lot more vulnerable. If you’re starting a new exercise routine or getting active be sure to go easy at first and then gradually increase… and don’t forget to stretch out and wear the appropriate footwear.
If you have a foot related condition already, such as plantar fasciitis, then be extra cautious to take good care of your feet.
Foot care is more than just being careful and wearing the right shoes, though that does go a long way.
To make sure your feet look extra good and feel great, this summer then check out this article which has some quick tips for summer foot care.
Remember, if you have any issues with your feet then it never hurts to go visit a podiatrist. In fact, several of our stockists are podiatrists…which just goes to show how good Slappa’s really are for your feet!
Top tip for starting summer
After those cold months all wrapped up in socks and heavy footwear feet tend to soften up, and because they’re softer at the beginning of summer that means your Slappa’s might not fit quite right.
Take a little time to remould into your Slappas. If you aren’t sure how to remould your Slappas don’t worry, just check out this video.
Remember your feet deserve the best support they can get, and moulding your Slappas gives them just that. Check out our new colour range, and list of stockist to find one closest to you.
Thongs On,
Denise