Your health is one of the most important things that you should constantly monitor throughout your life. It can be difficult to know exactly what your body needs, but there some warning signs that will lead you in the right direction. Take a look down at the ground at your feet; these little guys can tell you a lot more about your body than you think.

Dry Skin
Is the skin around the heels of your feet dry and cracked? If so, you could possibly have a thyroid condition. Since the thyroid controls hormone production for your metabolic rate, blood pressure, and nervous system, dry feet could signify a potential issue. While dry skin can be caused by a lot of different things, it might be your thyroid if you’re also experiencing weight gain, vision problems, or loss of feeling in your hands.

Numb Feet
It’s common for your foot to fall asleep if the circulation is cut off or if the foot is rested in an irregular position. However, if your feet are going numb when you’re sitting normally or while you’re active, it could mean something worse. Numbing of the feet is common for those with type 2 diabetes and neuropathy. Consult a doctor immediately to diagnose this issue, and also take steps to improve your diet and exercise more.

Black Spotted Toenails
If your toenails have black spots or line underneath them, but you haven’t hurt your toe, then there may be something else affecting your health. Sometimes these marks could just mean that you have a fungal infection, but other times it can be a sign of a hidden melanoma. This form of cancer is highly treatable so it’s important to be checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.

Your feet can do more than just help you walk, they’re also there to help point out any possible health issues. Luckily, at The Arbors communities, we have on-site doctors that are readily available to check up on any resident at any time. If you’re interested in learning more, or visiting The Arbors Assisted Living community, schedule a tour by contacting one of our five convenient locations:

Bohemia
Hauppauge
Islandia East
Islandia West
Westbury