According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, most Americans log 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach the age of 50. Serious Striders -- those whose professions or lifestyles involve using their feet more than the norm -- reach the milestone much sooner.

The rigorous sports and fitness activities that many contemporary Americans now engage in -- while beneficial to overall health and well-being -- accelerate wear-and-tear in the feet and ankles. During running activities particularly, pressure on each foot can be three to four times normal body weight. Even walking can take its toll: a 150-pound person walking one mile exerts the equivalent of 63-1/2 tons -- 127,000 pounds -- on each foot!

Fortunately, the foot and ankle are well designed to handle this stress and to support us for a lifetime. But certain conditions -- if undetected and untreated -- can seriously sideline even the most fit individual. With proper detection, intervention and care, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented.

What potential effect does 75,000 miles or its equivalent have on your feet? To find out, take the following test.

1.	ESTABLISH YOUR BASELINE

Use the following formula to calculate the approximate number of miles your feet have logged:

4.3 miles/day* x 365 days x your age = _____________ miles

Circle your range from among the following:

 

	a.	30,000-45,000 miles	1
	b.	46,000-60,000 miles	2
	c.	61,000-74,000 mile	3
	d.	75,000 and up	4
			SUBTOTAL_________

* This is an average. To calculate your specific mileage, wear a pedometer for a week, add up the number of miles you walked each day, and divide by seven. Then, insert that sum into the formula to calculate your baseline mileage.

2.	WHICH CATEGORY BEST DESCRIBES YOUR CURRENT PROFESSION OR OCCUPATION? (Pick 1)

Easy Steppers

Examples:

1

Clerical/administrative positions

Data processing, computer programming positions

Accountants, attorneys

Executives

 

Moderate Movers

Examples:

2

Doctors, flight attendants, chefs

Teachers, military personnel

Bank tellers, store clerks

Homemakers, farmers

 

Serious Striders

Examples:

3

Professional athletes/dancers

Mail carriers, police officers, teachers

Factory workers, waiters/waitresses, nurses

Store clerks, retail salespeople

Aerobics instructors

SUBTOTAL__________