If the shoe fits, it better be comfortable

Warwick — High heels, Dr. Bruce D. Fischer offers, are for special occasions. The rest of the time, women should wear comfortable shows or sneakers. Members of the held their monthly lunch and general meeting on Nov. 14, in the Greenbrier Room at Mt. Alverno Center. As part of a lecture series initiated earlier this year by St. Anthony Community Hospital Auxiliary, Fischer discussed foot problems among women during a Nov. 14 auxiliary luncheon. Fischer, who graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 1987, is board certified in both podiatric orthopedics and podiatric surgery. He shares an office with his associate, Dr. Melinda E. Viscusi, at 19 Edward J. Lempka Drive in Florid (845-651-3668). During his presentation, Fischer cautioned his audience that frequently wearing high heels or shoes that are too narrow or too short, such as those considered most fashionable today, could cause numerous foot problems. “Women’s shoes are made to look good and not feel good,” he said. “Try to wear sensible heels or limit the time you wear high heels. Wear comfortable shoes or sneakers most of the time and carry your high heels to special occasions.” Fischer also explained that as women and men grow older, their feet tend to become longer and wider. He recommended periodically rechecking foot measurements and not just asking for your regular size or purchasing any shoe that does not immediately feel comfortable. “And remember,” he added, “sizes may not be the same for all manufacturers or countries of origin.” The presentation, followed by a question and answer period, also included a discussion of the prevention and treatment of common foot problems including bunions, pump bump, neuromas and stress fractures. “We want to thank Dolly Freed, our program vice president, for organizing this luncheon lecture series,” said Terry Gavan, president of the auxiliary. “And we are especially grateful to Dr. Fischer for taking the time to participate in our series of informative presentations. We are blessed with an extraordinary number of medical professionals associated with St. Anthony Community Hospital who are willing to donate their valuable time to help SACHA and to help educate and improve the health care of everyone in our community.” This year, the auxiliary has significantly increased its membership and encourages men, as well as women, to consider joining its ranks. Some members are not able to attend the monthly luncheons but do volunteer their available time for various events, such as the annual June party. The St. Anthony Community Hospital Auxiliary is much different today than when it was founded in 1939. At that time it was primarily a group of women whose purpose was to roll bandages and compresses for use in the hospital. Today, the activities of SACHA are far more diverse, and the organization boasts more than 125 members, both women and men, from all walks of life. The auxiliary has pledged to every capital campaign including a “Caring for Life” campaign commitment of $75,000 to the Kennedy Birthing Center. And when the officers and members are between SACHA fundraisers, many offer their time and expertise to help out at other hospital fundraising events such as the Annual Spring Ball and the Annual Golf Classic.