Kids & Family

From Head to Toe: Older Adult Day

Active older adults were targeted at the annual special day at the Bayside YMCA in Barrington.

Bill Michonski has had a shoe fetish for most of his life.

“I took them apart when I was a kid,” Michonski said on Wednesday at the annual Active Older Adult Day at the .

Now Michonski puts shoes back together and tweaks them for clients as a certified pedorthist – a physical therapist who specializes in feet and making sure shoes fit a person's feet. He showed off his array of orthotics and custom-made shoes at a table set up by Olympic Physical Therapy & Foot Orthotics in the gymnasium.

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Michonski was busy answering questions and evaluating feet at the Older Adult Day. He also talked over lunch about “Putting Your Feet First.”

"Most people don't wear the right size shoes," he said. "Especially women, who often sacrifice comfort for style."

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If your feet hurt, he said, you’re simply not very comfortable. Start with your feet and you will enjoy life much better, he said.

Olympic Physical Therapy, a prime sponsor of the Adult Day, was just one of a host of vendors and health services at the YMCA event. Guests could learn about the Rhode Island Mood and Memory Institute, in Barrington, the Barrington Home Instead Senior Care, and other nursing and assisted living centers or services.

They could get blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and hearing screenings, have their posture assessed, and chat with a pharmacist. They could get a massage or a Reiki treatment and learn about home safety equipment. They could collect signatures at each table and qualify for prizes.

Edna Kurtzman, the Bayside YMCA’s active older adult coordinator, said the 'Y' has been offering this day for about 10 years. It seems to draw more older adults each year who really appreciate and take advantage of the free advice and information.


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