Commissioner in foot education program

The Australian Podiatry Association (Vic) and Commissioner of Police, Ms Christine Nixon recently joined forces and became involved in a program to educate the community, in particular the younger generations on the importance of proper foot care and footwear.

The program, entitled “Feet of Fame” was initially part of the Association’s 2001 Foot Health Week campaign and was on view at the Scienceworks Museum, Spotswood from mid-September to November. Subsequently the display will be expanded into two exhibits “Feet of Fame – Sporting” and “Feet of Fame – Community”, each section to have its own permanent site.

“Correct footwear and foot care are most important, particularly in the workplace. Many people are unaware that the average person takes some 7000 steps, or walks approximately 8 kms a day,” Ms Nixon said. “At work such a distance could increase in some environments to 24 kms a day. These statistics are extremely relevant when considered in terms of the potential workplace problems that can be caused to the engine room of the human body – our feet.”

“The Feet of Fame exhibit displayed foot casts of the feet of well-known identities from sporting, entertainment and public life fields. The exhibit is designed to illustrate that all feet are different, that our own two feet will never be exactly the same, and no matter what we do in life we should care for our feet,” Podiatry Association President, Matt Dilnot said.

Whilst having her feet moulded for the program, Ms Nixon contemplated the millions of kilometres spent on foot by police members each year. “Feet are the casualty of any workplace and they certainly take a beating. Nearly 20% of all workplace injuries occur to the feet and lower limbs.”

“Our profession used to be recognised by the amount of time spent on foot, on the beat. Due to technology and other reasons that has changed, but irrespective of our daily workload and workplace environment our footwear must be a good fit, comfortable and not create any soreness or fatigue,” she said. “And if we cross-reference that to a family environment it is no different to having a child’s first pair of school shoes, footy boots or runners fitted. Their comfort and fit is of paramount importance.”

Foot problems occur in the majority of professions with a recent survey showing that on average foot and toe injuries result in a seven-week absence from work with a cost per injury of $5000.

“The Victorian Podiatry Association appreciates Commissioner Nixon being involved in the Feet of Fame project. Leading by example, Ms Nixon has created, along with other participants, considerable awareness of the importance of proper foot care and footwear,” Matt Dilnot said. “In addition, we know her efforts have created further interest in foot health within the Victoria Police Force through requests for registered member podiatrists to give talks and carry out foot assessments at suburban police stations.”

“Look after your feet – they work overtime every day was the recent Foot Health Week theme. Podiatrists recommend that the community together with industry and commerce make every week a foot health week,” Mr Dilnot said. “Furthermore the podiatry profession understands workplace limitations and the occupational standards that must be met. Its role can be as small as assisting an individual with problem feet find properly fitting shoes or it could involve consultations on environmental and workplace changes.”