The Vice-O-Meter: Dr. Oz Helps You Kick Your Worst Habits
Just how bad is it to eat a whole bag of chips in one sitting? Or sip more than one glass of wine a day? Here, a ranking of the things we do when we think no one's looking and how to stop.
By Dr. Mehmet Oz
Walking in Heels Every Day
Vice-O-Meter: 5
The Harm:
Heels can hurt more than just your feet. One study showed that teetering around in towering shoes disrupts blood flow in the legs, potentially causing venous hypertension and varicose veins. High heels can even alter the neuromechanics of your gait, due to the strain they put on leg muscles and tendons.
The Cure:
Go shorter, with low-wedged heels, as often as you can; they distribute your weight better and take pressure off the balls of your feet. If you're not ready to give up stilettos, at least change into more supportive shoes when you're walking farther than the printer, and at the end of the day, massage your feet to relieve tension in the tissues.
The Harm:
Heels can hurt more than just your feet. One study showed that teetering around in towering shoes disrupts blood flow in the legs, potentially causing venous hypertension and varicose veins. High heels can even alter the neuromechanics of your gait, due to the strain they put on leg muscles and tendons.
The Cure:
Go shorter, with low-wedged heels, as often as you can; they distribute your weight better and take pressure off the balls of your feet. If you're not ready to give up stilettos, at least change into more supportive shoes when you're walking farther than the printer, and at the end of the day, massage your feet to relieve tension in the tissues.
From the August 2012 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.