Recently, it was 36 degrees in Miami, Florida, a record low temperature last seen in 1928! Most of the rest of the country was also in a deep cold snap, but were much more prepared than those of us in Florida. Being prepared is key to many things, including when people with diabetes deal with proper foot care, especially during the winter.Here is your winter foot care list to prevent any foot injuries or complications:

Blood Sugar Control – Maintain healthy BG levels and try to achieve an A1C of 6.5%-7.0% at all times. This can delay small vessel disease, which includes the eyes, kidneys, and feet.
Daily Foot Exams – This is a MUST – especially for those with neuropathy. Perform a foot exam at the same time each day, including the soles of the feet. It is necessary to identify any color change (red or purple), blisters, open sores, swelling red streaks, peeling or cracking. For those who can not see the soles of their feet, you can use hand-held long-arm mirror to inspect your feet. Check toenails to see if they have fungus or are ingrown or have infections.
Keep Feet Clean and Dry – Wash feet daily with lukewarm water at 90 degrees or less. Use a mild hypoallergenic soap with a soft wash cloth or sponge. Do not soak feet for longer than 10 minutes. Dry skin carefully by patting, not rubbing. Make sure to dry between each toe which reduces the risk of fungus or athletes’ foot.
Moisturize and Hydrate – Diabetes can damage the nerves, causing you to perspire less, which leaves your feet very dry. This can cause itching, peeling, and a risk of infection due to cracks in the skin. A good moisturizer can be a friend to your feet. The best time to apply moisturizer is when the skin is damp from a bath or shower. Apply cream on the top and bottom of the foot, but not between the toes to lessen risk of fungus forming. Drink plenty of water during the day – indoor heat can cause dehydration.
Proper Nail Trimming – Nails should be trimmed straight across with a nail clipper. File any rough edges with a nail file. If you can not reach your toe nails or they are thick, splitting, or yellow, please consult a podiatrist.
Wear Clean, Dry Socks – Socks are a MUST. Make sure the sock fits properly, not too tight or too loose, which can cause rubbing and irritation. Make sure you NEVER go barefoot even indoors. Socks should be made of mixed fibers such as cotton and acrylic and not nylon. This will help wick any perspiration from your skin. Avoid socks that have tight elastic bands or that are thick or bulky. Avoid wearing socks with thick seams at the toe. This can cause irritation.
Wear Comfortable Shoes – Avoid wearing tight toe boxes and high heels. Pointy high heels are dangerous for your feet and promote bunions that may require surgery in the future. Wear waterproof boots in the rain and warm boots in the cold.
Treat Wounds Quickly – Even the smallest cut or scrape can cause an infection, so use a topical antibiotic ointment after washing with mild soap. If it does not improve within a few days, a visit to the podiatrist is necessary. Do not use over the counter corn, callus or wart remover. These chemicals can burn or damage the skin – instead, consult a podiatrist.

A few simple backpacking tent care and storage tips can make the difference between a tent that lasts for one season and a tent that lasts a lifetime.

A backpacking tent is a serious investment and one of the most important pieces of equipment a backpacker carries. You want your tent to function well for as long as possible, keeping you warm and dry on many backcountry trips. Take good care of it, and a good backpacking tent can last for many years.

First, I recommend that you buy the highest quality tent you can afford. Cheap tents are made with cheap materials that don’t hold up well to the rigors of wilderness travel. A more expensive tent will probably cost you less over the long run, because you won’t have to replace it every year. Also, high-end tents are simply more comfortable, adding to your outdoor enjoyment.

That being said, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good quality tent. Some companies like Kelty and Eureka make affordable tents that are very durable and well-designed. Do your research before you buy to ensure that you’re getting a well-made tent.

A good backpacking tent is made to take a certain amount of abuse; after all, it’s designed to be out in the elements, protecting you from wind, rain, snow and bugs. But that doesn’t mean you can’t seriously damage it if you aren’t careful when handling it.

Pack the tent carefully in your backpack. Make sure your liquids are sealed well and packed below the tent; stove fuel in particular can do real damage if it leaks. Keep sharp objects like knives and trekking poles away from it.

Pitch your tent on a hard surface that is clear of sharp sticks or rocks. Consider using a ground cloth to protect the tent floor. I don’t normally use a ground cloth when backpacking, to save weight; but I always use one if I’m car camping.

If you expect any wind or rain, stake the tent down using all available guy lines. Try to get even tension all around; don’t overstress one side of the tent fly or body.

Don’t pitch the tent near a campfire. Sparks from the fire can land on the tent, burning holes in it.

Keep sharp objects away from the tent, and don’t lean on it. Backpacking tents aren’t designed to bear a person’s weight.

Don’t leave your tent out in the sun any longer than necessary. UV rays break down the fibers in the canopy over time.

Keep your tent as clean as you can. Leave your muddy boots outside, and shake out the dirt when you’re taking it down. If it’s really dirty when you get home, wipe it down with a mild soap solution.

When you take the tent down, break down the poles from the middle first. This keeps the tension of the inner cord even, preventing overstretching.