We do not think of flat feet as a serious medical condition. nevertheless, it can cause significant pain and damage to joints andmuscles. Some of the conditions that may cause flat feet are weight gain, wearing improper shoes for many years, arthritis, circulatory problems, and ligament and connective tissue dysfunction. However, there is no need for us to suffer fromany pain or damage to our joints if we do a few simple things to get rid of those flat feet. certainly, it should not be difficult to find a properly fitting pair of shoes that will help support your arches and put your lower legs and knees in proper alignment. There is an advertisement on television right now that extols over-the-counter orthotics (shoe inserts). It is difficult to know which kind is right for you, and you can spend a lot of money and not get good results. a better option would be to visit an orthotist, who specializes in creating and fitting those shoe inserts.

Perhaps the orthotist will suggest some exercises to improve the strength of your core in your abdominal and lower back areas.Do not dismiss flat feet as “no big deal.” Pain in your knees can be debilitating and affect your daily life, so it iswise to take action to prevent them.ORAL CANCER RISKSIn the last year, I have two friends who have developed oral cancer. The first, a man, has successfully beaten it. He had extensive surgery that included removing all of his teeth along with part of his tongue. He is able to speak clearly and eat everything, including chewing meat. The second, a woman, discovered hers a few months ago. At her annual dental checkup, her dentist discovered it and immediately sent her to an oncologist.Oral cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells in themouth. At high risk are those who smoke or use any type of tobacco products, have excessive alcohol intake, or have received radiation treatment to the neck or head area.Oral cancers are responsible for about 2 percent of all cancers in the U.S. Those having appropriate treatment will survive for more than five years. Some signs and symptoms of oral cancer include a mouth sore that does not heal, or one that bleeds. If you see a velvetywhite, red, or speckled patch in the mouth, have it checked out. If you have difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the tongue, seek consultation with your doctor.one certainway to find anykindof abnormalityin your mouth is to see your dentist regularly and to practice good oral health. I will write what my dentist tells me on each visit: Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, brush your tongue to get rid of any extra bacteria and floss each day.TEA TIMEIf you feel like getting away from reality and remembering the old days when we dressed in our fancy clothes, donned a hat and gloves, and relaxed and had fun, then I would like to make you aware of an event in Santa Paula.St. Paul’s-Emmanuel Church Women’s Group is holding its 10th annual spring tea from 2 to 4 p.m. May 7 in theParishHall at 117N. Seventh St. in Santa Paula. I have been there many times, and it is so nice to sit in an elegant setting with fine china and good food and enjoy the festivities. they have a wonderful silent auction and raffleprizes, and I can guarantee you will have a great time. of course, you do not have to wear a hat and gloves, but it is fun to do occasionally.To ensure a spot at a good table, call Cynthia Davis at 525-1519 or Marilyn Harvey at 647-5210.Margaret Nesbitt is a columnist for the Star. she can be reached by email at