In "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" Dr. Seuss writes: "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose."

 

For folks who live to be 80, that can add up to 110,000 miles in a lifetime ... and 25 percent farther, if you get in our recommended 10,000 steps a day.

 

But that's a lot of wear on your toes, arches, 26 bones, and more than 33 joints that make up each foot and ankle. Showing your hardworking walkers some TLC makes you younger and more energetic, reduces stress and eases aches.

 

So here are some simple ways to pamper those puppies:

 

1. Foot check! (Daily, if you have diabetes.) Blisters or sores? Don't let them fester. Tingling or numbness? Could be from ill-fitting shoes or diabetic nerve damage. Aching feet also offer clues to your overall health. Sore joints may indicate arthritis. Puffy ankles or swollen feet may signal high blood pressure, heart, or kidney problems, or sitting too much! Mention persistent symptoms to your doc.

 

2. Relax with a 10-minute soak in warm water with Epsom salts — an anti-inflammation remedy for dry skin, sore muscles, and even small wounds. Then smooth rough spots with a pumice stone and moisturizer. Make sure not to breathe in the pumiced stuff; it can cause lung inflammation. Dry off and roll your arches over a wooden rolling pin. Ahh!