VISN 2: Veterans' Wellness, Winter 2007

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VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2

Winter 2007

VA Wellness Programs

Ask the Expert

This issue's expert:
John Rizzo, D.P.M., Podiatrist, Rochester VA Outpatient Clinic

Q: What’s the best way to prevent foot odor?

A: Don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day, and allow them to dry out before wearing them again. Removable insoles are also a good idea. Always wash your socks before using them again. You can also try an antifungal foot powder, but if this doesn’t work, see your doctor.

Q: Could my shoes be the source of my foot pain?

A: Shop late in the afternoon since your feet swell during the day. Have both feet measured since one is often larger than the other and buy the shoe size for the bigger foot. A properly fitting shoe shouldn’t touch the tips of your toes, cramp your foot’s width or slip off the back of your heel. Break in new shoes gradually to prevent blisters.

Q: Is foot swelling normal?

A: Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, particularly in older people. Possible causes include:

prolonged standing

long airplane flights or automobile rides

pregnancy or gaining weight

injury or trauma to your ankle or foot

If swelling is severe, see your doctor since it may be a sign of a more significant problem.

Q: Can corns and calluses be treated at home?

A: You can use a pumice stone to remove the thickened skin a little at a time or relieve pressure between the toes with a foam wedge. But if you’re unsure of what to do, consult a podiatrist who will be able to remove corns painlessly, apply padding or insoles to relieve pressure or fit corrective appliances for long-term relief.

Q: What is the proper way to cut toenails?

A: Cut or file your nails straight across and never shorter than the end of your toe. Use nail clippers; scissors; a rounded, diamond-chip nail file; or an emery board. If you have an ingrown toenail, see a podiatrist for advice.

VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York is dedicated to improving the health of our veterans. To help you stay healthy and informed, we are pleased to offer the following wellness programs designed especially for veterans. For more information including dates, times and locations, please call one of the numbers listed below.

Stress Management
Individual counseling is available to help you manage your stress. For more information, call:

Albany (518) 626-5339
Bath (607) 664-4331
Buffalo (716) 862-8595
Canandaigua (585) 393-7252
Syracuse (315) 425-3485

Diabetes Management
Develop self-management tools, learn tips on nutrition and exercise to reduce your risk of diabetic complications. For more information, call:

Albany, contact your primary care provider
Bath (607) 664-4614 or (607) 664-4626
Batavia (585) 297-1000, ext. 72555
Buffalo (716) 862-8884
Canandaigua (585) 393-7109 or (585) 393-7126
Syracuse (315) 425-2432

Understanding Your Medications
Individual counseling is offered for veterans who need help managing medications. For more information, call:

Albany (518) 626-5780
Bath (607) 664-4413, then press 2
Buffalo (716) 862-8881 or (716) 862-3223
Canandaigua (585) 393-7122, then press 2
Rochester Outpatient Clinic (585) 463-2697,
then press 2
Syracuse (315) 425-44 00, ext. 52026, then press 2

Depression and the Elderly
Individual and group counseling is available to help veterans deal with late-life depression. For more information, call:

Albany (518) 626-5339
Bath (607) 664-4301
Buffalo (716) 862-8595
Canandaigua (585) 393-7250
Syracuse (315) 425-3485

Dementia Care Services
Held quarterly in Albany and monthly in Buffalo, the workshop covers a variety of dementia-related topics
of interest to patients and caregivers.
For more information, call:

Albany (518) 626-6051
Buffalo/Batavia (716) 86 2-3158
Canandaigua (585) 393-7901

MOVE! Program
This national weight-management program is designed
to help veterans lose weight, keep it off and improve
their health. For more information, visit www.move.va.gov or call:

Albany (518) 626-6871
Buffalo (716) 862-8593
Batavia (585) 297-1030
Bath (607) 664-4912
Syracuse (315) 425-4400, ext. 52045
Canandaigua and Rochester Outpatient Clinic
(585) 463-2600, ext. 32531

Reviewed/Updated Date: February 20, 2008