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(ARA) - Women's bodies are built differently than men's bodies. This means that women's shoes, pants and even women's socks are constructed to fit women's unique proportions. However, when it comes to braces and supports, women have classically been forced to make do with equipment made to fit men.

For women, men-centric equipment can be both uncomfortable and ineffective, and can fail to deliver the necessary support that women need. Additionally, braces and supports meant for men can be bulky and unflattering. Many women choose to go without rather than use braces and supports that don't fit correctly.

Companies such as Wellgate for Women are leading the fight to make women-specific ankle, knee and wrist supports available. A variety of knee supports are now designed specifically for women. Because they are made for women, not only do they fit better, but they are also more comfortable and flattering to a woman's body.

For instance, Wellgate's Slimfit Ankle Support is designed to easily slip into a woman's shoe. There are no seams protruding under the foot and no bunching in the elastic support around the ankle itself, making them perfect for high heels. Wellgate's lineup even includes the only knee brace made to fit plus-sized women -- the Wellgate UltraLite Knee Support.

Megan Barclay, a New York City physical therapist, offers five ways women can help prevent injury this summer:

1. Brace your ankles to prevent sprains. Ankle sprains occur when a ligament is stretched or torn. Women are more susceptible to ankle injuries, as they have narrower feet than men, and their heels - in particular - are narrower compared to the front of the foot. Women who favor high-heeled shoes must be especially careful: The higher the heel, the more unstable the ankle is likely to be.

2. Support your knees when you go running, dancing, waterskiing or even just walking around. Women are up to four times more likely to suffer tears of the anterior cruciate ligament in their knees.

3. Use protection when typing, texting, tweeting or playing video games. Women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men. The modern age is full of repetitive wrist activities that can certainly add up over time. Using a wrist brace at work or at home can help keep pressure off your wrists and let you stay in touch and reduce the risk of injury.

4. Use a support that fits, especially if you suffer from arthritis or other joint problems. Women are 41 percent more likely than men to suffer from arthritis, in addition to many other muscle and joint problems as they age. Physical therapy and exercise help to alleviate arthritis symptoms, and a brace that fits the contours of the female body helps women to exercise more safely.

5. Get gear made for women. Why use equipment made for men when women's equipment is so readily available? Braces and supports made for women are as close as your local Walmart. Properly proportioned equipment can make a huge difference. For instance, women's hips are on average much wider than men's hips and women simply have different proportions all around. Make sure to wear apparel and equipment that takes this into consideration. Men would certainly never wear equipment built for women, so why would you use equipment made for men?

"Women may have different needs than men, but they have the same demands when it comes to quality, durability, and strength in their equipment," says Barclay. "Women never stop moving, and they need braces and supports that never stop supporting them."

For more information on products that specifically support women, visit www.wellgateproducts.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Maybe it's the bright sun and warm air. Or perhaps Mother Nature inspires us with the season's bright colors. Whatever the reason, something about summer makes us want to look our best. But sweat-inducing temperatures, active lifestyles and the inevitable stains that come from summer feasting can make it hard to stay looking good.

"Summer is a great time to freshen up your style," says Clinton Kelly, co-host of TV's "What Not to Wear" and best-selling author of "Freakin' Fabulous: How to Dress, Speak, Behave, Eat, Drink, Entertain, Decorate and Generally Be Better Than Everyone Else."

Summer brings its share of important style moments, like your favorite cousin's formal wedding or that once-in-a-lifetime summer getaway you'll finally be taking. But those opportunities also come with challenges. When temperatures soar, staying cool and feeling comfortable may replace staying in style as your top wardrobe priority.

"Don't let the lazy feel of summer, the hot temperatures or the active lifestyle convince you to set aside your sense of style," Kelly says. "The worst thing you can do is to opt out of fashion altogether. You can look great and still participate in all the fun things you associate with the season."

Kelly offers some simple advice for staying stylish this summer:

* Don't fear color. Mother Nature dons her brightest hues during warm weather and so should you. "This season, bright colors are in, especially yellow! Be on the lookout for pieces such as citrus-colored tops and accessories that will complement your existing wardrobe," Kelly advises. "Vibrant brights will add a sense of exuberance, especially when they are set against your neutrals."

* Dress appropriately. Floaty, empire-waist, spaghetti-strapped, floor-length gowns may be all the rage in your social circle, but if the style doesn't flatter your figure don't wear it. Likewise, if everyone you know is wearing short shorts this summer, but you don't feel your best in them, find a style of shorts that works for you. "Choose styles based on your body type and how you feel wearing them," Kelly says. "Not every trend will work for every person."

* Stains are the enemy of good style. Whether it's grass stains from that picnic in the park or a huge dollop of barbecue sauce on your favorite tank top, stains are real style-killers. Treat stains immediately and give your laundry detergent a boost with a stain-fighter like OxiClean Max Force Power Paks. Add one convenient pack to each load to help power out summer stains and keep whites white and colors bright. Visit www.OxiClean.com for more stain-fighting advice.

* Shop smart - even in summer. You may be tempted to go on a shopping spree, especially if you're preparing for a great summer vacation. But don't forget basic shopping smarts. Look for functional classics and choose pieces that fit and flatter your body, instead of following the trends. "I'm all about quality over quantity so get a few great pieces and take good care of them," says Kelly. Try on items before you buy. Look for clothes that fit the largest part of your body, and then have them tailored down for a perfect fit.

"Style is timeless and it should carry you from season to season, no matter what the temperature is - or what stains you might face," Kelly says.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - So long, snow boots, warm weather is here at last after one of the snowiest winters on record. But while you're skipping through summer in your saucy sandals or padding through the sand in your favorite flip-flops, what toll will your seasonal footwear take on your hardworking feet?

Nearly eight of every 10 Americans have experienced foot problems caused by wearing uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. "Many of us increase our activity levels in the summer, and that could mean an increased risk of foot and ankle discomfort or even injury," says APMA President and podiatrist Dr. Kathleen Stone. "Plus, many of the shoes we enjoy wearing during warm weather, like flip-flops and sandals, may not always be the best choice in terms of foot health."

The foot health experts at APMA offer some advice for taking care of your feet this summer:

Finding flip-flops

Once considered only beach wear, flip-flops have gone fashionable, now showing up in offices, classrooms and social events when warm weather arrives. But some styles may be more harmful to your feet than others and can cause blisters and foot pain. When shopping for flip-flops:

* Forego vinyl or rubber and look for high-quality, soft leather, which will minimize the potential for blisters and other irritations. The APMA certifies some footwear products with its Seal of Acceptance, which tells you a team of APMA podiatrists have evaluated the footwear to ensure it allows the most normal foot function and promotes foot health.

* Like all shoes, the flip-flop should bend at the ball of the foot. Don't buy it if the shoe bends completely in half.

* Straps should fit comfortably but not be too loose or too snug. Your foot should not hang off the edge of the flip-flop. The thong between the toes should not be irritating.

* If last year's flip-flops show severe signs of wear, toss them and buy a new pair.

* Don't wear flip-flops for long walks; even the sturdiest styles don't offer sufficient arch support and shock absorption for extended wearing. And never wear them when doing yard work or playing sports.

* If you suffer from heel pain or diabetes, avoid flip-flops altogether.

No sandal scandals

As popular as flip-flops, sandals are versatile options for warm weather footwear, but you don't have to sacrifice foot health to look good in them. Foot care specialists with the APMA suggest that you should choose a sandal as much for its comfort and support as its fashion appeal. Fortunately, following a few simple steps can ensure your feet look and feel good in the summers hottest fashion sandals:

* Flats and slides are comfy and convenient, but prolonged wearing and inadequate support and cushioning may lead to arch and heel pain. Use cushioned inserts to improve sandals' support, and choose styles that have soles that don't twist excessively.

* Gladiator sandals are back in step this season, but some styles may irritate the toes and cause calluses on the heels. Choose natural materials like soft, supple leather. Toes and heels should not hang off edges.

* Platforms and high heels may make your legs look great, but they can also put you at risk of foot and ankle injuries. Opt for heels less than 2 inches high, which offer more stability.

* Rubber soles with good traction, and a wider, flatter wedge are a must for anyone wearing wedges or espadrilles.

* Peep-toe sandals can put a lot of pressure on your feet, causing bunions and hammertoes over time. Wear them for short periods only and use APMA accepted toe inserts to improve comfort.

* Ankle-wrap sandals often lack true ankle support, and friction from the straps may cause blisters. Choose sandals with straps made of soft, breathable material like leather, cotton or satin. Never wrap the straps too tightly.

Podiatrists are uniquely trained to treat ailments of the foot and ankle, even serious conditions that may require surgery. If you suffer from persistent pain in your feet or ankles, it may be time to see a podiatrist. You can find a podiatrist by visiting the APMA's website, www.apma.org. You'll also find more helpful information on how to keep your feet healthy at any age, and during any activity, on the site.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

As the popularity of facial hair continues to rise, it's no surprise that a bevy of facial hair styles grace a wide range of men. Nearly 60 percent of men nationwide grow some style of facial hair, according to a recent survey by WAHL Trimmers. But, despite the growing popularity, many hesitate to let their facial hair grow because of the perceived challenge and responsibility of grooming and upkeep.

"The first thing people notice about you is your face. Well-maintained facial hair can make or break that all-important first impression," explains celebrity stylist, salon owner and WAHL master barber Ben Phillips. "Unfortunately, maintaining facial hair can be a game of trial and error for most guys. But it doesn't have to be. Making a few tweaks to your existing technique can make all the difference in perfecting your personal style."

According to Phillips, the key to a well-groomed look is understanding what shape best suits your face and finding the right grooming tool to deliver the desired style. When considering an electric trimmer, be sure to purchase one that has the power, precision, design and run-time to easily maintain your facial hair style.

Here are 10 tips to keep your facial hair looking good. More can be found at www.wahlnation.com:

1. Before you trim, first comb hair straight using a narrow tooth comb.
2. Trim when your hair is dry.
3. For most facial hair styles, start by outlining and shaping the hair with a beard trimmer.
4. Manage thickness with either a snap-on length-guide comb or an adjustable length-guide comb. For longer hair, comb and trim in the direction of the hair growth.
5. Under your chin, follow the contours of your face and jaw line, work toward your ear and upper beard line using an upward motion. Use a slightly shorter length underneath the jaw line as hair tends to grow thicker than on your cheeks and chin.
6. For above the jaw line, start near the ear on one side and trim down to the chin. Repeat on the other side.
7. Complete any look by cleaning up around your lips.
8. The style you choose will dictate the length of time between trims. For a goatee, that could be every few days. The size of facial hair should also be in relation to your facial features. For example, consider a full mustache if you have a pronounced nose and mouth.
9. Remember, it's about personal style. Experiment with different facial hair styles and shapes to see what best suits your face.
10. Make sure to choose a trimmer that is best suited for your desired facial hair. WAHL offers specific tools for each trimming style, including the Lithium Ion grooming kit, the first tool to harness the power of lithium ion technology.

If you've mastered these trimming tips and proudly sport facial hair, you could possibly be named a WAHL Man of the Year in the fifth annual search for the best mustache, goatee and beard in America. "What started out as a simple contest has quickly escalated into a growing community of men who believe in rugged individuality and expression through facial hair," Phillips says.

Winners of the contest will receive a 42-inch high-definition television. To enter the competition, simply submit a photo of yourself with a mustache, goatee or beard along with some basic contact information at www.wahlnation.com by Oct. 10.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - When fingers get pointed in debates over the obesity epidemic in the United States, technology sometimes shoulders some of the blame. Time in front of computer screens or television is often listed as part of the reason why Americans aren't as healthy as they have been in the past. But the truth is there are also technological advances that have the potential to guide you in your quest for a healthier lifestyle, whether that is eating right, exercising or keeping tabs on vital numbers that are important to your health.

Take smart phone applications for example. Nowadays, you can find applications for just about anything in life that might capture your interest, and healthy living is no exception. So if you're looking to stay fit and healthy, here are six mobile apps that give you and your family a little extra help:

Lose It!: Counting calories is perhaps the simplest and most effective way to keep track of your health goals, especially if it involves weight loss. But it's difficult to do all the adding and subtracting in your head, which is where the free app Lose It! comes in. The app allows you to enter what you eat each day and calculates not only calories, but fat, protein, cholesterol and carbohydrates based on portion size. It also allows you to enter different types of workouts, from walking to yoga, to see how many calories you will burn while you are exercising.

Carb Counting with Lenny: This app is designed to help children with diabetes count carbohydrates to help manage their diabetes, but can be of use to anyone. Using their mascot Lenny the Lion, who also uses insulin pump therapy, Medtronic Diabetes introduced this app, which allows children with type 1 diabetes to learn about carbohydrate levels in basic foods. The application also allows users to create a customizable food guide using their own photos or ones they find on the Internet, as well as play games to test their carb-counting knowledge. Periodic contests and giveaways (www.medtronicdiabetes.com/carb-counting-contest) are announced to reward registered users who get highest game scores. Medtronic Diabetes, which makes such products as continuous glucose monitoring devices, designed the app to be useful and educational for both children with diabetes and others who are interested in monitoring carb intake.

Size Me Up: Another application for kids. This one allows children to enter their current height and receive estimates for how tall they might be in the future, at any given age. This can be used to help keep your child motivated to eat right, so they can grow up to be tall and healthy.

BP Buddy: This application allows people who are monitoring their blood pressure to input their blood pressure numbers and heart rate numbers and log them for up to 60 days. An e-mail feature allows users to send their numbers to their doctor for analysis.

The Carrot: As an interactive journal, this application allows you to track multiple items related to health. In addition to entering information on meals, workouts, and even medication, you can also enter your assessment of your moods or the level of job satisfaction you are feeling at the moment to see if you can pinpoint what healthy habits work best for you.

FitReach: This training and diet application allows you to enter information on your meals, as well as workouts. It also encourages you to do regular weigh-ins so you can compare your weight loss with your goals on graphs that are a part of the app.

Applications are available on iTunes and can also be downloaded through your iPhone, smart phone or other compatible mobile device.

Courtesy of ARAcontent