Children's Foot Health Campaign Helps Parents Stay a Step Ahead

Maintaining foot health essential for proper growth and development

News provided by

American Podiatric Medical Association

Apr 01, 2014, 09:00 ET

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) today launched a new online educational resource for medical professionals and parents. The "First Steps: Keeping Kids' Feet Healthy and Happy" campaign aims to educate the general public about the importance of maintaining children's foot health at all ages, and the role today's podiatrist plays in promoting positive foot health.

"The most critical stage of the foot's development is during a child's first year, when feet grow rapidly," said APMA President Frank Spinosa, DPM. "It's important that parents pay close attention to children's feet even before they start to walk, beginning at birth and continuing as they take their first steps, go to school, and participate in sports."

Today's podiatrists are uniquely qualified among medical professionals to treat the complex structure of the foot and ankle, based on their level of education, training, and experience. They can provide guidance for keeping children's feet healthy at all developmental stages and treat any injuries or abnormalities.

A suite of education materials are available as part of the First Steps campaign, including an online resource page, poster, brochure, videos, and a Pinterest board of children's products that have earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance. For more information on First Steps and essential tips on foot care for kids, visit www.apma.org/firststeps.

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation's leading professional organization for today's podiatrists. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are qualified by their education, training, and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and structures of the leg. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of more than 12,000 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www.apma.org.

Contact:
Brielle Day
301-581-9220
[email protected]

SOURCE American Podiatric Medical Association