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Although we don’t wear flip-flops on the BYU-Idaho campus, each of us loves to switch out our heavy boots each summer for our light and fun flip flops at home, at the pool, and around town. They don’t confine our toes, they’re easy to slip on, and although it’s just a flat piece of plastic with straps, they are downright comfortable to us!

While short periods of flip flop wearing are okay, the truth is, extensive sporting of these flimsy sandals can be dangerous to our bodies – especially our feet!

First and foremost, flip flops do not provide the support our feet need as we walk across hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and steel. Our feet are the first point of contact with the ground and flip flops have little or no shock absorption or heel cushioning from the constant impact. The position our feet land provides the foundation for the rest of our skeletal alignment, and a consistent bad foundation can lead to misalignment. (Also, when we walk in flip flops, our toes tend to grip the front of our sandals. This shortens our stride and creates an improper force/stress on impact as well.)

Second, flip flops have no arch support. When we wear flip flops, our feet become as flat as they possibly can. Although this may not be a problem for people with a good arch, it can cause more pain for those with already flat feet.

Third and finally, flip flops pose a greater risk for (foot) injury. Flip flops can easily lead to sprained ankles, tendonitis, stubbed or broken toes, cuts, punctures, torn nail beds, or smashed feet. Flip flops can also slide off your feet in the car and get lodged under the gas or brake pedal. Care should be taken when wearing flip flops!

Here are some “do and don’t” suggestions for your summer flip flop wearing:

DO: 

• DO choose more supportive flip flops.
• DO wear them to protect the bottoms of your feet in public locker rooms, at the pool or beach, or crossing hot surfaces.
• DO take care if you wear flip flops while doing yard work; watch out for lawnmowers, biting animals, tools, shovels, etc.
• DO use sunscreen to protect the top of your feet.

DON’T:

• DON’T walk in flip flops for extensive amounts of time.
• DON’T run or play sports in flip flops.
• DON’T disregard aches and pains. If your feet start hurting, change to a more supportive pair of shoes. 

Sources:
Csomor, Marina. "Flip-flops Present Feet with a Painful Problem." CNN. Cable News Network, 18 July 2012. Web. 25 June 2013.

Kam, Katherine. "Flip-Flops Comfy but Beware of Foot Pain." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 25 June 2013.

 The drinks were served from the breakfast room table.  The old green and white geometric homespun tablecloth belonged to our dear Nana.  The clear goblets are Godinger Sutton Place.  The cobalt goblets are from Dollar Tree.  I found the two wire baskets and decanters through One Kings Lane.  Today they held chilled water for our guests.

 KC decided to use the Reed & Barton Grande Renaissance and Francis I forks.


 Nana's pair of antique cloisonné peacocks were just right for KC's design.  They are quite heavy, and they kind of make me giggle a little.

 The Theodore Haviland Rani luncheon plates continued KC's exotic and elegant theme.

 She chose to also use the Royal Staffordshire Louis XVI to amend the Rani plates.

 The buffet was dressed and ready to party.

 KC placed one of Nana's antique runners underneath her centerpiece.  It featured wonderful stylized peacocks at each end.  I made the apple green tablecloth.

 Homemade goodies were presented on an assortment of silver and crystal serving pieces.

 Meltiing Moments...one of my favorites always go quickly when made into tiny bite size servings.

 A veggie tray is always welcomed by non-sweet eaters.  Tidbit: Have you ever noticed that no one ever eats the cauliflower?  I always toss it after the party.


 Brie en Croute...I assembled this one for KC.  I created the peacock from extra dough.  I spread a thin layer of blackberry jam between the Brie and the crust.  It was a hit!

 Chocolate Cream Sherry Bars...oh so delicious.

 Chess Squares, a.k.a. Neiman Marcus Bars.

 It was a beautiful day to celebrate a new marriage...

 KC did a gorgeous job creating her table design...

 Everything was organized and ready to go...now all KC had to do was welcome her guests and enjoy the party.

 Sophisticated...gorgeous...and staffed with friendly people.  It was a relaxing and enjoyable moment.  Now it was time to head for dinner.  Join me next time as we continue our Rome adventure.

You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube.  I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen.  You'll also enjoy reading back through her blog on this site.  The girl can really write!  Her latest CD is called "Orchid."  It is available on iTunes or through her website.  I hope that you'll give her music a chance.  I know that I have zero objectivity where she is concerned, but I think that you'll fall in love with her music and her!  

From the time you started using tampons, you have heard about toxic shock syndrome (TSS). You probably learned that this was an illness, that it was bad, and that it was somehow the result of wearing tampons. With that knowledge, you’ve tried to be diligent about your tampon use and you may even be very conscious about how your body feels during this time.

BUT do you know what this infection really is or the symptoms that go along with it?

Here are the facts about TSS.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare infection caused by bacteria. Although the relationship isn’t completely clear, superabsorbent tampons appear to be a related cause. Researchers suggest that it may not be the tampon itself that causes the illness, but the environment it provides for the bacteria to grow. Prolonged use increases bacteria growth in the vagina. In addition to tampons, contraceptives like sponges and diaphragms can facilitate bacteria growth too. 

TSS can also occur in non-menstruating individuals like post-menopausal women, children, and men. This occurs when the bacteria enters in skin wounds or during surgery. 

What are the symptoms?

-    High fever (102 F or above)
-    Vomiting
-    Diarrhea
-    Sunburn-like rash, even on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
-    Red eyes
-    Dizziness
-    Lightheadedness
-    Muscle aches
-    Drop in blood pressure
-    Shock, kidney and/or liver failure

If you experience these symptoms, contact you medical provider. This is especially important if you are on your period, just finished your cycle, have been wearing tampons or have a skin or wound infection.

How can I prevent TSS?

You can prevent TSS by alternating tampon and pad use. When you use a tampon, choose the lowest absorbency that will fit your needs and change it as often as directed (typically every 4-8 hours). If your flow is very light, avoid using a tampon at all. You should wash your hands before inserting a new one.

If you have ever been diagnosed with TSS, do NOT use tampons.

Sources:
"Toxic Shock Syndrome and Tampons." Mckinley.illinois.edu. McKinley Health Center, 22 Oct. 2008. Web. 17 June 2013. <http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/toxic_shock_syndrome.html>.

"Toxic Shock Syndrome." Kids Health. Nemours, n.d. Web. 17 June 2013. <http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/toxic_shock.html>.

"Toxic Shock Syndrome." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 07 May 2011. Web. 17 June 2013. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/toxic-shock-syndrome/DS00221>

 Ready to roll...