The Swine Flu & You, Part 2

In the past weeks, I have literally been inundated with Swine Flu/ H1N1 Questions from patients, friends, and family.  Perfectly normal considering it is something that threatens what we value most - our health.

This post is designed to answer some of the questions I have been receiving, and to educate you without the sometimes (ok, always) confusing lingo that epidemiologists usually speak in. And I have friends who are epi's so I can say that :)

I think it is important to understand what the virus is, and how it can or cannot potentially affect you.

I want to be clear that I am not expressing an opinion to get vaccinated or not to get vaccinated, or my thoughts on vaccines in general.  This is done from a standpoint of education so that you can make the appropriate decision for yourself.

----

Q1: Why is the H1N1/swine flu getting so much hype?

So, you need a wee history lesson on this. A short, but fascinating history lesson.

In 1918, there was a H1N1 swine flu showed up in the spring time, with little to nada impact.  Then, it showed up again in the fall of 1918, and by the end of it, the death toll was somewhere around 50 million people.  To put this is in perspective, that is more than 1.5 x the Canadian population.

So really - this is why everyone is paying attention to it - because there is a historical, well-documented, devastating pandemic that initially appeared similar to this current strain.

*However* : The strain we are talking about now, in 2009, has a few very important distinctions from its 1918 cousin.  I will discuss these in a minute.

I think it is also important to point out that in 1957 and 1968, similar strains also caused pandemonium.  This is because the viruses of these years underwent a makeover (called 'subtype changes' - eg - where an H1 changes to a H3) so that the immune systems of the people did not recognize it ...hence the pandemics in those years. 

In 1976 - there was another small H1N1 scare (4 soldiers) and in the US, over 40 million people were vaccinated for a H1N1 strain because one of the soldiers died.  This particular vaccine was stopped abruptly after people started suspecting that more people died from the vaccine than from the virus itself.

The important differences between the 2009 strain and the 1918 strain are the following:

1st - the 1918 flu virus went batsh*t in the colder months of the year.  As do most influenza strains.  Winter months = flu season most of the time.  This 2009 strain did not apparently get that memo: we have been hearing of cases turning up all summer in Mexico, in the USA, etc.

2nd - (and imo the most fascinating) is that is seemingly has a much bigger impact on younger kids, not the older population. Typically most influenzas seem to like innocent, sweet, older people.  With the 2009 H1N1 strain, the older the person is, the more immunity they seem to have!

So, epidemiologists and the like are worried that this flu might have the same kind of impact as the 1918, 1957, and 1968 strains.  Some media channels have locked onto this as they sometimes do, and are talking about it on a daily basis. 

While it is a good thing to have people aware of it, I saw on the news this morning that hospitals in Toronto (my home town) have been swamped with concerned mothers and fathers with children with the sniffles, thinking it is swine flu.  It may be over-cautiousness.  It may be sensationalization by the media gone amuk.

---

Q2: Is this a mild flu, or is it something to be scared of?

I think no one would disagree with me if I said "It's anyone's guess".

From the data that I have read - here is how it can become significant (without relapsing nightmares of biochem class):

Situation 1

The current 2009 strain would need 3 separate mutations in a specific area of the genetic code of the virus' DNA in order to look like the 1918, 1957, and 1968 strains.  This is extremely extremely rare.  One in a quadrillion, according to Peter Palese (head of microbiology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine).

Situation 2

Something called "reassortment".  Which is basically when 2 virus strains occupy the same cell and then swap genes which each other to acquire a more potent combo of genes.  Similar to when you borrow your friends [insert something you want from your friend : shoes, bags, etc] to look more 'potent' yourself.

All jokes aside, this is actually far more common and can easily happen.  But, like your friend, if you are a size 9 shoe and she is a size 7, you may be able to get the shoe on, but there is no way you are walking in them all night.  The virus works in much the same way - it may be able to swap genes with another virus - but there is no guarantee that it will work.

This is why you may hear the 2009 H1N1 virus strain being referred to as "The 0.5 Pandemic". Meaning, not really one.

----

Q3 : How can I avoid getting sick?

Well, if you follow my blog - you will know I am a huge advocate for taking responsibility for your own health.  Not in a self-consumed, hypochondriac kind of way, but in an easy, logical, and daily thing.  Prevention is the key. Always.

First : read this. 

Second: the same kind of prevention practices you should be doing anyway for flu season:

• take multi-vitamins that contain Vitamin C, and Vitamin D


• wash your hands


• don't sneeze into the open air


• exercise regularly


• stay away from excessive sugars, and dairy (which temporarily depresses the Immune System)


• stay home if you feel sick (and sleep and rest!!!)


• drink lots of green or white tea


• have probiotics (either in supplement form, through yogurt or kefir)


• wash your bed sheets at least once/week

There is one final thing that you can or cannot do - which is get vaccinated.  I think this is a highly personal choice and you need to weigh the risks out with the benefits.  Are you healthy?  Do you or one of your loved ones fall in the demographic that is most susceptible? 

This year's H1N1 has really revived the debate of whether or not to be vaccinated.  I recommend you speak to a few different kinds of practitioners that you trust: medical doctors, naturopaths, chiropractors, etc.  Weigh out the benefits, and make the decision which is appropriate for you. 

Be Healthy.

Dr. Stephanie

Aldo Fall/Winter 09/10 : Part 2

Warning - Shameless Self Promotion :

Apologies for the lack of posting late last week - I have been all but consumed working on the final touches of my new website.  There are still some minor things to tidy up - but basically ready to rock and roll!!  I would love you to browse around it - it will give you a better idea of who I am and what I do.  One of my favorite features is an online booking system where patients can book online and manage their appointments (it's like a virtual personal assistant), and coming very soon an exciting online shop where you can buy some of the stellar products I dispense to my patients. 

Ok! Enough about me.  Onto the shoes!  

Today we are continuing our journey in Aldo land.  Pumps and Flats are the topic of discussion today.  I have to say, while I love stilettos, I have a yuge (read: huge) crush on ballerina flats.  They have the essence of East Hampton, weekend brunches, and girly details all wrapped in a cute package. They are also the perfect thing for a heel orthotic. Why not take care of your feet and look fabulous? 

We start with the pumps:

1. BIBB
Black Suede or Grey (shown)
$ 90.00 CAD 
Heel: 2.5-2.75 '', Platform 0''

As with the Dehne from the Aldo Boots Post late last week - this is a wedge gallivanting as a heel.  Which suits me just fine, because this is not only a super hot shoe, but it is better for your foot.  When you have a wide base of support across the bottom of the shoe (like in this wedge) you are less likely to pronate.

2. Segura
Taupe, Black Patent, Black Suede or Medium Blue (shown)
$ 100.00 CAD 
Heel: 3.25-3.5 '', Platform ~0.5''

I will sheepishly admit that what originally drew me to this shoe was the color.  After examining it, I am happy to say it is (mostly) compliant of the rules :)

Nice chunky platform that reduces the heel-to-forefoot ratio, chunky heel that provides more stability (vs. a stick thin stiletto). Round peep toe at the front which allows for a more natural toe pattern.  I would, in keeping with the toe theme or a second, buy a half size to a full size up in these.  Big toes in peeps tend to get the short end of the stick - as they (being the biggest toe) need the most wiggle room.

3. Tomita
Black Suede and Taupe (shown)
$ 135.00 CAD 
Heel: 3.75-4.0 '', Platform ~0.5-0.75''

Um. So. Wow. Gorgeous criss-cross booties.  Almond toe, as discussed previously, is a much better option than a pointed toe.  It has the same elongating effect women are after, but also does not force the big toe to bend inwards like a pointed toe can.  The heel thickness is a little light, but it does widen to the base of the shoe.  I like the high sides of the shoe - which can give a bit more of a sense of where your ankle is, and help with a fancy term called "proprioception", which helps with balance.  If you have ever rolled or sprained your ankle - you know this is of utmost importance.

My only caveat with this shoe is that you practice a bit of walking in them first.  See the (gorgeous) detail of the lifted toe-box at the front?  This *may* give you a sense that you have more of a base on the foot than you actually have. 

4. Zabrocki
Black Suede and Taupe (shown)
$ 160.00 CAD 
Heel: 2.0-2.25 '', Platform 0''

So, yes, this has a pointed toe.  And yes, I am  aware that I go on about round > almond > points.  However, *if* you went up a half size up or more on these and *if* you paired this with a slender heel orthotic to help correct any forefoot variations -- deep breath -- you *could* get away with it because the heel height is so low. 

Love the metallic studded cuff, too :)

Flatty Flat Flats

Yes, I am almost giddy about flats. Look, don't get me wrong - heels are one of my best friends, but flats are like lululemons to me - they are the most comfortable, move-with-your-natural-shape-while-still-making-you-look-fabulous shoes.  When I come you go home, do you change from work clothes and heels to lulu's and flats or vice versa?  Uh-huh. Thought so.

So, lets have a looksie at some beyond-beautiful flats.  That you can slip custom orthotics in, that allow for full foot motion, that probably have a combination of bows, sparkles and ribbons.  Oh joy, oh joy.

1. Rubal
Black Misc, Blue, and Black Suede (shown)
$ 45.00 CAD 
Heel: 0.5 '', Platform 0''

Like a glittery rainfall of metallic-studded happiness. Love the low cut ballerinas to show off toe-cleavage and the round toe to let the toes be free.  Rubber sole allows good give when walking. A+

2. Chubb
Leopard (shown)
$ 50.00 CAD 
Heel: >0.25 '', Platform 0''

Oh well wouldn't you lovelies look happy paired with...just about anything.  Leopard is truly a neutral (except when paired with other animal prints!).  Looks particularly smashing with red.

What can I say?  Absolute perfection. Nice rounded toe, perfect heel to forefoot ratio. I love this flat with a pencil skirt and a blouse.

3. Strevels
Black, Blue and Grey (shown)
$ 55.00 CAD 
Heel: >0.25 '', Platform 0''

If you are not absolutely in passionate, mad love for flats after looking at these, well then I can do no more.  Absolutely spectacular flat - a flexible rubber sole that allows for full expression of the normal walking pattern of the foot.  It is made with nubuck and it has an ever so slightly pointed toe - which justifies at least a half size up than your normal size.  Oh, and it has A BOW. A PINK BOW.

4. Austill
Black, Blue and Grey (shown)
$ 60.00 CAD 
Heel: >0.25 '', Platform 0''

This looks so 70's | Adidas stripe-y | mod to me.  Which is probably why I am in love with them.  All 70's...all the time!

Another lower cut ballerina, with soft leather layers.  Great for full movement of the foot, easy on the forefoot and toes. Ooooh and the blue one with jeans.  Me likey.

5. Gollman
Black, Blue and Silver, Fuschia (shown)
$ 19.98 - 45.00 CAD 
Heel: >0.25 '', Platform 0''

I can understand if you need a minute to catch your breath.  Yes, these are full-on sequined, glittery, shiny goddesses that are offered in an array of colors.  Flexible sole and a rounded toe.  I am buying the fuchsia ones.  :)

----

Later this week we still have yet to cover a few other shops, so please stay tuned, tell your girlfriends if you think this is worth sharing, and comment!!

Dr.S

xo

Aldo Fall/Winter 09/10 : Part 1

This company makes me work so hard every season!  There are so many heels I get to go through (read: drool over) and see which make the cut.  Because of the volume of great shoes - I have divided this post up in 2 parts: Boots for today's post, Pumps & Flats in tomorrow's. Cool beans?

Boots

It is the season of the boot. High ones, low ones, tall ones, short ones!  They are errwhere.  The over-the-knee boot has dominated the trend this season.  So, to please my girlfriends, patients, and you, my readers, I have included some of these in here that meet the Dr. Stephanie criteria.

1. Illsley
Black Satin or Taupe (shown)
$ 85.00 CAD (Black Satin) and $59.98 (from $85 for Taupe)
Heel: 0 '', Platform 0''

I am a huge fan of this riding boot look.  It adds a little something special to your everyday outfits. The wide cuff mid-leg is visually interesting and shows well with skinny jeans or leggings. And, um...the price??  Phenomenal.

The low heel is optimal for everyday use as it allows for the best walking pattern possible (I can hear my stilettophiles groaning already!). The heel is allowed to properly move (as opposed to a thin heel where heel movement is limited) and hence you are less likely to pronate.

The round toe is the optimal shape for our toes...which means no extreme pressure on the big toe's joints (which over time can cause bunions and, frankly, really weird tough skin). See Posh's feet for a good example.  Extremely easy to slip in a custom heel or dress orthotic (speak to me or your chiropractor about these).

2. Dehne
Black Suede or Cognac (shown)
$ 150.00 CAD
Heel: ~2.5 '', Platform 0''

Is it a heel or a wedge?  These popped out instantly to me because they are, in fact a wedge acting as heel.  Cool, non?  Love the cognac colour - it so rich...and...well...cognac-y.

A very low heel here (about 2.5'').  Even though there is no platform, this is still a good heel-to-forefoot difference.  You could probably be in these girls all day.  The other thing that is quite useful is that they are, in fact, a wedge.  Wedges, unlike stilettos, allow the foot to better move through its natural motion, because there is constant contact with the ground by the foot in the shoe.  In a heel, it is like your foot is cut in half and you only have 2 moving parts that have actual contact : the heel and the balls of the feet.  This is why we pronate in heels.

These wedges are great for everyday as well.  The almond-shaped toe is a *much* better alternative to a pointy toe, while still having an elongating effect.

3. Treto
Black or Grey (shown)
$ 180.00 CAD
Heel: ~2.75 '', Platform 0''

I don't know about you, but I love grey shoes.  No, I lurve grey shoes. The new black imo.  And as I try to contain my squeals, I will direct you to the pleated detail at the ankle crease.  Is it not spectacular?  

The heel here is quite chunky which helps lend a greater feeling of stability and base of support.  The rounded toe helps with normal toe movement and the ideal shape for a boot.  Synthetic sole and leather material.  I would suggest going up a half size in these boots if possible - it gives more wiggle room for heels, the toes and ankle.

4. Crissey
Black Synthetic or Grey (shown)
$ 110.00 CAD
Heel: >0.5 '', Platform 0''

Another grey boot (see?! Totally the new black) with a great,subtle lace-up detail in the back.  These go over the knee, and with the lace-detailing, you can adjust how tight you want the upper cuff to be.  Brilliant. So hot for everyday.

I like how these boots are constructed.  There seems to be more room in the heel (which means less blisters, hurrah!) and the material is very comfortable.  I would venture to say these are also vegan- friendly. 

Low, wide heel means heels are happy to move freely and help maintain its proper position through all walking positions.     

5. Hlywa
Black Synthetic or Grey (shown)
$ 90.00 CAD
Heel: ~2.5 '', Platform 0''

Other than the vowel-less name, these booties are a great price and utterly fabulous.  Love the buckle detail around the heel. The boots have a flexible lip at the top that makes it possible to roll up or down (looks really good flipped down) and they are suuuuper comfortable.  

The material is synthetic so it is slightly more flexible than a leather bootie would have (and vegan friendly too).  It also satisfies my checklist for a healthy shoe: rounded toe : check; chunky heel : check; good heel-to-forefoot height difference : check, check, check!

6. Babinski
Black (shown)
$ 160.00 CAD
Heel: ~3.5- 3.75 '', Platform 1''

I love this shoe.  In fact, I have 2 shoes just like it from a now non-existent store in NYC (I cried when they closed). Where on earth will I ever find Natalie Portman's vegan line of shoes again???? *tears up*

Sigh. That was seriously a sad day. But I digress.

This beautiful shoe does have a higher heel, but it is offset by the bold platform, rendering a 2.5-2.75 heel-to-forefoot difference. Pyramidal heel is not ideal, but it does widen at the heel box, so it is better than a regular stiletto.  Rounded toe for optimal toe wiggle and movement.  My recommendation here would be to put some shoe grips on the bottom, for better stability.

-----

Tomorrow, I will cover Aldo again - this time focusing on platforms and some beyond adorable ballerina flats.

Questions,, comments and requests in the comment section!

xxoo

BCBG F/W 09/10

This company always has their finger on the pulse.  The shoes are gorgeous (and comfortable!!).  I dare you not to go in to this store and not and walk out with a dress, some accessory that you had to have once you saw it, and of course, one of the following shoes:

1. Tall Boot With Buckle
Black and Brown (shown)
$644 CAD or 495 USD
Heel: 0.75 '', Platform 0''

Well now, here is a smart city boot.  Combines this season's knee-high trend with the sensibility of an oval shaped toe for great comfort in the balls of the feet and toesies.  These babies would be great for someone who is on their feet all day, running errands, or meeting the girls for lunch. 

Oval toe allows for lots of natural room in the toe-box area, and the low (to almost non-existent) heel make these puppies wonderful for maintaining a proper toe-to-heel height.  These would also be great for slipping in your custom heel inserts or shoe insoles.

I would pair these with a gorgeous 3/4 length pencil skirt, or skinny jeans.  Yum.

2. Perez Woven Peep Toe Pump
Chestnut, and Smoke Combo (shown)
$228 CAD or 175 USD
Heel: 4.6 '', Platform ~0.75 -1.0 ''

You know, the one thing that is a sure-fire way to make a shoe an instant favorite is to make it versatile.  With 3 different shades of the same colour (either 3 shades of grey, or brown) you are pretty much guaranteed that this shoe is going to go with your entire wardrobe. Oh yeah, and they are STU-NNING.

The 3/4 inch platform does well to balance the high heel, making the total heel-to-forefoot difference around 3.6''-3.8''. Not bad.  The suede fabric on the side makes standing in these heels uber comfortable, and reduces the likelihood of irritation on the skin from constant rubbing.  Ditto for the satin fabric covering the toes. 

I would just ensure that the toe opening in the front is comfortable and allows for enough rooms for the toes to move.  This might be an extra half size up to achieve this.

3. Ella Strappy Platform Pump
Black and Grey (shown)
$211 CAD (down from 423 CAD!) or 325 USD
Heel: 5'', Platform 1.5''

Wow.  These shoes are gorgeous!  Big dramatic straps, on a chunky heel with a zipper closure in the back.  The large heel reduces the heel-to-forefoot ratio, and after the math, you are walking in 3.5'' high heels.  Open-toe area, as long as the fit is right, allows for natural forefoot (balls of the feet and toes) movement, and normal toe movement during walking. Leather straps and sole.

If you know a good shoe guy, I would also put some grips on the bottom of the platform (no one can see this) just to give you a bit of stability if you happen to be walking around on a rainy day,

4. Mayda Platform Pump
Black and Elephant (shown)
$514 CAD
Heel:5.3'', Platform 0.5''

I saved the best for last.  These are my favorite shoes this season from BCBG.  I love the look of a deconstructed shoe. Very avant-guard, and surprisingly really comfortable. Definitely show-stoppers!

The heel height-to-forefoot ration is not the best we have seen - but the square-ish toe makes normal toe movement possible.  The large platform gives a larger base of support when walking and doesn't put you so much onto your toes, as pointed shoes often can. 

Editors note: The BCBG in Yorkville had only the "Elephant" colour, but it was absolutely gorgeous! 

---

My thanks to the Yorkville sales staff who were did not know why I was trying on so many shoes and examining them so carefully, but were so helpful nonetheless. :)

BCBG (Yorkville)

50 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON, M4W 3L8

(416) 642-1606

Hello world!

Welcome to Wordpress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!

Shoe Week Fall/Winter 2009/2010

Ah, so fall has really arrived.  After months of speculating that September and October will be the new July, Mother Nature has decided against it and has rewarded us with crisp cool fall mornings, and the potential to dawn our fall wardrobe.

Personally, fall is my favorite season of the year.  The humidity of summer is replaced with crispness, and the occasionally smell of wood burning, and cinnamon. 

This season, I found retailers took exceptionally long to get all their fall shoes out on the shelves.  Over the past few weeks I have visited BCBG, Aldo, Nine West, Browns, and my favorite online shoe e-tailer Saks.  If not just to buy, but to drool over.

I have a range of fall and winter boots I will be pouring over -over the knee boots, work heels, and heels for a night on the town.  I have looked for shoes that have a good balance of the following:

• Style (this is of extreme importance.  We can all wear orthopedic, supportive shoes. But who wants to? )


• Functionality (whether or not this would work for a gal who is on her feet every day or an office worker)


• Comfort (mechanics of how the foot works in the shoe)

I welcome your thoughts and feedback on the selection, and if you have other shoes you would like me to look at, please comment or email me.

Dr. S