BEST FOOT FORWARD

Summer's here and it's time to bare those feet that have been cooped up in heavy shoes all winter.

And if we're going to let them be seen, they might as well make a fashion statement all their own.

Next time you walk around the mall, take time to notice the tootsies that are peeking out from those strappy sandals. They'll be a little hard to miss. Bright pink, turquoise and dark blue polish seem to be making a hit. Emitting their own special glow are those neon shades of yellow and green. Also gaining in popularity is the pale yellow according to Ashley Williams, a Central Junior High student.

Just splashing that polish on any old toes doesn't quite have the effect it should, however. Feet that are going to be on display should be properly taken care of.

Dr. Zenon Duda of the Cape Foot Clinic offers several suggestions for keeping your feet both healthy and beautiful.

"The nail should be trimmed straight across," he said. He warned that cutting the nails on the side adds to the risk of ingrown toenails. Feet that are exposed tend to dry out more easily and going barefoot or wearing shoes without backs seems to make the skin crack more easily. Be sure feet are dried thoroughly after bathing and apply a good lotion.

If you're going to bare those piggies for the first time in awhile, you might consider having a professional pedicure. Just think about relaxing in a comfortable massage chair while your feet are soaking in a whirlpool tub of soapy water.

"We do more than what you could do for yourself at home," said Sara Ludwig of Elan Day Spay and Esthetic Centre. "We smooth calluses down, massage the feet and ankle area and trim the nails and cuticles," she said. The entire process takes about an hour and is popular with both men and women.

Now that you have your feet looking good, it's time to doll them up. Toe rings are very popular again this year, but they aren't a new trend. Toe rings have been around in America since the 60's.

Wearing jewelry on the feet is a little risky and most people don't want to invest a lot of money. That isn't a problem according to Sandy Campbell, store manager of Claire's Boutique.

"Most toe rings range from $3 to $6," she said. "Right now they seem to be most popular with the college crowd." Claire's has just received a new summer shipment and the hottest item this year is the leopard skin toe ring.

"They're just awesome," said Campbell.

Toe rings are normally worn on the second toe. Chelsea White, 14, of Cape Girardeau sports a ring on each foot.

"I've worn the one for about two years," she said, "then I saw another one I liked so I bought it."

If you'd like to go a little farther in decorating your feet, you could always have your toe tattooed.

Chris Rose, tattoo artist and body piercer for A Different Drummer, advises that tattoos for the feet be small such as sunflowers or ladybugs.

"Feet shed more skin than any other place on the body," he said. It isn't wise to invest a lot in something that may not stay for long.

A few brave soles may consider having a toe pierced. "If you can pinch it you're supposed to be able to pierce it," said Rose. Rose doesn't plan on piercing any toes though.

As you plan your trips to the pool or beach, be sure you don't forget to take special precautions for your feet. Fungus spreads easily around the damp pool areas so it's always a good idea to wear some type of shoe. Also before you spend all those hours sunbathing, don't forget to apply the sunscreen to your feet. They'll burn just as easily as the rest of you and sunburned feet can be quite uncomfortable.

Donna Bedwell may be reached at 335-6611 ext. 211 or by e-mail at dbedwell@semissourian.com.

CARE TIPS

*Dry feet thoroughly.

*Use lotion.

*Trim nails straight across.

*Use sunscreen.

*Wear shoes around pool areas.