The Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, and soon many Minnesotans will be heading outdoors for a weekend in the sun. The long weekend can be just what you needed, but it can turn sour quickly if you injure your foot. Below, we share a few tips to keep your feet injury-free during your Memorial Day festivities.
1. Lube Up
Although we can’t speak for everyone, a lot of people use the three-day weekend as an excuse to get outside. If you’re going to be in the sun for hours on end, be sure to apply sunscreen to your exposed skin, including your feet. Many people forget to get the top of their feet, and that can lead to painful sunburn. Remember to re-apply every couple of hours.
2. Barefoot Blues
If you’re going up a cabin or lake house for the weekend, it can be tempting to go sans footwear throughout the day. This can be problematic, as your yard or deck may not be clear of spring debris. Before you kick off your shoes for the weekend, sweep your deck or pier, and pick up any pinecones or stray rocks that may lie in your yard.
3. Pack The Right Shoes
No matter what you’re doing this weekend, you’re going to want to do it in the right pair of shoes. Whether you’re biking around the lake, taking the dog for a long walk or taking the kids to the zoo, make sure you do it in a comfortable shoe that will support your feet. Going for a run in sandals or walking through the zoo in heels can leave your puppies howling. Take care of them this weekend.
4. Pack The Bug Spray
Unlike year’s past, Minnesota had a pretty early spring this year. That means the bugs will be out in full force. A friend of mine said the mosquitoes were awful last weekend, and although overnight lows have dropped a bit this week, there will still be plenty of bugs out and about over Memorial Day weekend. If you’re going to be outside, pack a can of bug spray, and if you go barefoot, check your legs and feet for ticks at the end of the day.
5. Address Any Injuries Right Away
If you do suffer an injury, don’t ignore it. Whether it’s a sliver, scrape, cut or sprain, address your injury. If you don’t bandage your wound, dirt and other particles can get in your body, which can lead to infections. Clean out your wound, disinfect the area, and secure it with a bandage.
Have a great Memorial Day weekend, and take time to remember all those veterans who died serving their country this weekend!
