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as told by Erma Jordan
 thought 80 years was a long life, but here I am, just over 100, still enjoying good health. People often question my secret to living so long. I always tell them protecting the body is key–stay active, eat right, don't smoke and exercise.
 I have always focused on good health, but there's one thing I failed to take care of during my younger days and that was my feet. As a young girl, I walked one mile and three quarters to school every day. For years, I ran a paint business in Chicago and was a schoolteacher. There was not a day I wasn't on them. However, it was not the standing and walking, but the high heels that truly took a toll on my feet. As a result, I developed bunions–one of the most painful problems I have ever dealt with but a problem I, nonetheless, caused.
By the time I was 85 years old, I squinted in pain whenever I was on my feet. It did not take long for me to realize something had to be done. Dr. James Ringstrom, my podiatrist at Gundersen Lutheran, suggested surgery to correct the problem and ease my pain. I could not have been happier with the results. Not only did I recover quickly, but thanks to him, I have been using my feet everyday for the past 15 years.
A lot of things have gone under the bridge in 100 years but one thing I learned is you're never too old for anything. Dr. Ringstrom convinced me of this 15 years ago and I have trusted my care to him ever since. Without my bunion surgery, I wouldn't be staying active and enjoying life like I am today. Even at my age, I still read the paper daily, dress myself, keep abreast of my finances and participate actively at my church.
If you have bunions, you shouldn't suffer along with them. Find yourself a good podiatrist like Dr. Ringstrom who will help correct the problem. This month, I turn 101 years old and Dr. Ringstrom is still doctoring my feet.
For all the miles I have covered and all the places these feet have taken me, I don't think I could find myself a better-looking pair. |