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Kick up your heels – ballroom dancing offers benefits to the aging brain and could help stave off dementia

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/helena-blumen-1231899">Helena Blumen</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/albert-einstein-college-of-medicine-3638">Albert Einstein College of Medicine</a></em></p> <h2>The big idea</h2> <p>Social ballroom dancing can improve cognitive functions and reduce brain atrophy in older adults who are at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. That’s the key finding of my team’s <a href="https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2022-0176">recently published study</a> in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity.</p> <p>In our study, we enrolled 25 adults over 65 years of age in either six months of twice-weekly ballroom dancing classes or six months of twice-weekly treadmill walking classes. None of them were engaged in formal dancing or other exercise programs.</p> <p>The overall goal was to see how each experience affected cognitive function and brain health.</p> <p>While none of the study volunteers had a dementia diagnosis, all performed a bit lower than expected on at least one of our dementia screening tests. We found that older adults that completed six months of social dancing and those that completed six months of treadmill walking improved their executive functioning – an umbrella term for planning, reasoning and processing tasks that require attention.</p> <p>Dancing, however, generated significantly greater improvements than treadmill walking on one measure of executive function and on processing speed, which is the time it takes to respond to or process information. Compared with walking, dancing was also associated with reduced brain atrophy in the hippocampus – a brain region that is key to memory functioning and is particularly affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers also know that this part of our brain can undergo neurogenesis – or grow new neurons – <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0611721104">in response to aerobic exercise</a>.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/unmbhUvnGow?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">Research shows those who regularly dance with a partner have a more positive outlook on life.</span></figcaption></figure> <p>While several previous studies suggest that dancing has beneficial effects <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afaa270">on cognitive function in older adults</a>, only a few studies have compared it directly with traditional exercises. Our study is the first to observe both better cognitive function and improved brain health following dancing than walking in older adults at risk for dementia. We think that social dancing may be more beneficial than walking because it is physically, socially and cognitively demanding – and therefore strengthens a wide network of brain regions.</p> <p>While dancing, you’re not only using brain regions that are important for physical movement. You’re also relying on brain regions that are important for interacting and adapting to the movements of your dancing partner, as well as those necessary for learning new dance steps or remembering those you’ve learned already.</p> <h2>Why it matters</h2> <p>Nearly 6 million older adults in the U.S. and 55 million worldwide <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2019.01.010">have Alzheimer’s disease</a> or a <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia">related dementia</a>, yet there is no cure. Sadly, the efficacy and ethics surrounding recently developed drug treatments <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/21507740.2022.2129858">are still under debate</a>.</p> <p>The good news is that older adults can potentially <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6">lower their risk for dementia</a> through lifestyle interventions, even later in life. These include reducing social isolation and physical inactivity.</p> <p>Social ballroom dancing targets both isolation and inactivity. In these later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, a better understanding of the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214211005223">indirect effects of COVID-19</a> – particularly those that increase dementia risk, such as social isolation – is urgently needed. In my view, early intervention is critical to prevent dementia from becoming the next pandemic. Social dancing could be a particularly timely way to overcome the adverse cognitive and brain effects associated with isolation and fewer social interactions during the pandemic.</p> <h2>What still isn’t known</h2> <p>Traditional aerobic exercise interventions such as treadmill-walking or running have been shown to lead to modest but reliable improvements in cognition – <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691617707316">particularly in executive function</a>.</p> <p>My team’s study builds on that research and provides preliminary evidence that not all exercise is equal when it comes to brain health. Yet our sample size was quite small, and larger studies are needed to confirm these initial findings. Additional studies are also needed to determine the optimal length, frequency and intensity of dancing classes that may result in positive changes.</p> <p>Lifestyle interventions like social ballroom dancing are a promising, noninvasive and cost-effective path toward staving off dementia as we – eventually – leave the COVID-19 pandemic behind.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/194969/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/helena-blumen-1231899">Helena Blumen</a>, Associate Professor of Medicine and Neurology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/albert-einstein-college-of-medicine-3638">Albert Einstein College of Medicine</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/kick-up-your-heels-ballroom-dancing-offers-benefits-to-the-aging-brain-and-could-help-stave-off-dementia-194969">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Mind

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This common condition could be the cause of your heel pain

<p>When it comes to our feet, heel pain is one of the most common complaints. According to a 2017 report by podiatry groups My Foot Dr and Balance Podiatry, almost half of people wake up with heel and foot pain at least once a week.</p> <p>If you’re one of them, you’re probably wondering why you’re in so much pain. You might think it’s bruising, but the most common cause of chronic heel pain is actually a condition known as plantar fasciitis.</p> <p>Characterised by a sharp pain that feels like a pencil poking your heels, plantar fasciitis occurs when the fibrous tissue of the foot has been over-stretched, causing inflammation and pain.</p> <p>“Too many cases of heel pain are passed off as bruising or wrongly attributed to heel spurs or Achilles tendonitis,” Sydney-based podiatrist Dr Brenden Brown, founder of A Step Ahead Foot + Ankle Care, explains. “Addressing heel pain really does start with getting the right diagnosis.</p> <p>“Many people suffering from heel pain ignore their condition – hoping rest and time will cure it. Every day I see patients who have put up with their heel pain for months, years even. Unfortunately the ‘zero action approach’ will just prolong the pain.”</p> <p>So, how is plantar fasciitis treated? Well, there’s a number of treatment methods.</p> <p>First, avoid the temptation to go barefoot. “Walking around without shoes puts additional strain on the plantar fascia (the fibrous ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel bone to the toes) – particularly first thing in the morning, when the muscles and tissues are tight.”</p> <p>The same goes for thongs, fashionable footwear and other unsupportive shoes, which may only make the issue worse. Instead, Dr Brown recommends “a shoe with a firm shell and a small amount of structured cushioning”. Additionally, the shoe should never bend in the middle.</p> <p>Next, you need to focus on strengthening rather than stretching, which may worsen your pain. “There’s an increasing body of evidence to support strengthening exercises and isometric holds,” Dr Brown says. “These are relatively easy to perform; they don’t require fancy equipment but they help strengthen the plantar.”</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D8ApCyO9gGc" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Ultimately, if you’re experiencing any type of foot pain, it’s essential to seek help.</p> <p>“Choose a practitioner who understands heel pain and is open to new approaches,” Dr Brown recommends. “Ask the right questions to find out whether they’re experienced in dealing with this particular type of foot pain. You can ask: Is this something you treat often? How many patients do you see a day with heel pain? What’s your success rate?”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Body

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This $2 fix will save your feet next time you wear heels

<p dir="ltr">Heels might make us look great and feel confident, but they can come at a cost to our hardworking feet, namely aches, pains, and even blisters.</p> <p dir="ltr">Rachel Clinkard, who works at family-run shoe retailer Charles Clinkard, is all too familiar with this situation - and she’s got an easy fix she swears works wonders.</p> <p dir="ltr">She says that all you need is a $2 roll-on deodorant, as reported by <em><a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/bargain-29p-hack-stop-your-27221303" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Mirror</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Clinkard claims that by applying some deodorant to the areas of your feet you think will rub while in heels, it will create a barrier between your skin and the shoe and help to prevent chafing.</p> <p dir="ltr">This hack can replace bandaids, plasters and other products like gel inserts.</p> <p dir="ltr">With deodorant going a long way, each application will be significantly cheaper than many of the alternatives too. Plus they smell great too! </p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-150a6878-7fff-0fe5-6738-709a4e71e7c5"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Staying on your feet despite corns, calluses and cracked heels

<p>Corns and calluses are skin that has toughened and thickened due to friction and pressure.</p> <p>While corns maybe inflamed and occur on or between the toes, calluses typically grow in a large area on the balls of the feet or heels and don’t usually hurt.</p> <p>Try these techniques to prevent common foot problems.</p> <div id="page1" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <p><strong>Wear supportive shoes</strong></p> <p>Look for footwear that’s made of leather, is breathable and allows sweat to escape – the less you sweat, the less dried out your feet will become. Opt for shoes with ample width and toeroom.</p> <p><strong>Practise good foot hygiene</strong></p> <div id="page2" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> <p>This involves treating your feet to a bit of attention. Buff with a pumice stone and regularly moisturise.</p> <p><strong>Over-the-counter remedies</strong></p> <p>These are a good start in treating corns, cracked heels and calluses.</p> <p><strong>Corns:</strong><span> </span>Salicylic acid treatments are available as medicated patches or liquid drops and work by softening the thickened layer of skin. Follow instructions carefully.</p> <p><strong>Cracked heel:</strong><span> </span>As the skin on the soles of feet is about 2.5 times thicker than the skin on your face, use an intensive medicinal moisturiser that can penetrate the layers of tissue.</p> <p><strong>Calluses:</strong><span> </span>Shoe inserts and heel pads, available at your pharmacy, will help prevent calluses by providing additional cushioning and stability.</p> <p><strong>When to see a doctor or podiatrist</strong></p> <p>Make an appointment if you have a callus or corn that is painful or inflamed, or deep cracks that start to bleed – these are all signs of infection.</p> <p>This is vital if you have diabetes, poor circulation or impaired nerves in your feet.</p> <p><em>Written by Michelle Villett. </em><em>This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/beauty/skin/staying-your-feet-despite-corns-calluses-and-cracked-heels" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRN93V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></em></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Beauty & Style

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Duchess Meghan cradles baby bump wearing $800 heels in chic nude outfit

<p>The Duchess of Sussex has made her first official visit as a royal patron to the National Theatre in London.</p> <p>Meghan, who is six months pregnant, opted for a pair of $800 Aquazzura heels, the same style she wore during her and Prince Harry’s official engagement announcement in November 2017.</p> <p><img style="width: 276.0540970564837px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7823114/mm1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5676f188d33b40278ecfb694e00e96c6" /></p> <p>The 37-year-old was seen waving to onlookers as she cradled her baby bump and made her way into the theatre, on London’s South Bank.</p> <p>Welcoming her was Rufus Norris, the director of the National Theatre, who met with the Duchess privately in December before the patronage announcement was made earlier this month.</p> <p>The soon to be mother-of-one took part in a workshop with those who were responsible for the <em>Pericles</em> production, which was the first Public Acts production in 2018 at the National Theatre.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtQ6rk8lvXg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtQ6rk8lvXg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal)</a> on Jan 30, 2019 at 7:49am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The show was deemed a massive success, as the performance attracted over 200 people from all across London with Emily Lim directing the Shakespeare classic and six professional actors credited for an excellent act.</p> <p>The former actress then took the time to meet with apprentices and technicians from different departments, such as metalwork, painting and carpentry.</p> <p>According to Kensington Palace, the Duchess hopes to bring people together from diverse backgrounds and cultures with the help of art and will meet with the teams of the National Theatre to understand the work that goes behind each production.</p> <p>The National Theatre holds a special place in Meghan’s heart, as the royal was an actress for 10 years before marrying Prince Harry last year. Starring in the hit US show <em>Suits</em>, the Duchess graduated with a double major in theatre and international relations from Northwestern University.</p> <p>She has also previously volunteered at a performing arts after-school program for children who are enrolled in underprivileged schools.</p>

News

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How I fell head over heels in love with my pet

<p><em><strong>Barbara Binland is the pen name of a senior, Julie Grenness, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. She is a poet, writer, and part-time English and Maths tutor, with over 40 years of experience. Her many books are available on Amazon and Kindle.</strong></em></p> <p>So, you want a fur friend for your retirement! Domestic animals. For example, a dog. This is food for thought: who is these days domesticating whom? Exactly who invented emotional blackmail? Why, our pets.</p> <p>This is a little tale for you. Say you buy a puppy. Ooh, a cute fluffy puppy, like a Shi-Tsu. Ahh, cute and fluffy. You buy it a bed, a flash set of doggy bowls for food and water. You have to purchase it a leash, a collar, a coat, toys, flea and worming treatments. Plus your new owner, the puppy, shall need regular clippings. Ahh, a cute and fluffy puppy.</p> <p>Ahh, so cute. You place your puppy in the middle of the lounge room. Ahh, a little puddle. You promptly clean the carpet. Now you need to buy carpet cleaners and deodorants. Ahh, a cute and fluffy Shi-Tsu. So adorable. You buy a brush and puppy pen, and tenderly place your Shi-Tsu puppy in it. Ahhh, it does not like its puppy pen. It chews its way into the family room. You love this little fur friend already. So cute and fluffy.</p> <p>What’s next? Ahhhh, look the Shi-Tsu’s found your only pair of slippers. Ahhh, well, they were your slippers. Never mind. Ahhh, look, it’s time for a cute little puppy’s dinner. You kindly place appropriate puppy nibbles in its shiny brand new bowl. The cute and fluffy puppy does not want to eat the food! Ahhh! What is it going to eat? Looking in the fridge, you find some steak. Ahh, now you are cooking. Your cute and fluffy. Shi-Tsu thinks you are full of it, but basically lovable so long as you cook steak. Ahh, your puppy loves you. Ahhh, unconditional love. It has already acquired effective communication and emotional blackmail capability. Ahhh, little Shi-Tsu, so cute and fluffy, and funny.</p> <p>Look, now it is chewing the skirting board in the family room. Ahh, you love your puppy. Then, it is bedtime. Ahhh, you place your cute and fluffy Shi-Tsu in its bed, also cute and fluffy, with its brand new toys. You head off to bed after cleaning a couple more puddles. Ahhhh, exhausted, you sink into and turn off the bedside lamp. Wrong! A persistent whining and howling emanates from the family room. Ahhh, cute and fluffy Shi-Tsu is lonely. Ahhh, you pet your puppy. Ahhh, don’t wriggle in bed, your puppy might not like that. Ahhhh, your puppy snores! Delightfully cute. Ahhh, so cute and fluffy. Never mind, you can buy earplugs.</p> <p>See, you have acquired a canine who does not speak English, but it has already mastered effective communication. Never mind, “Tomorrow is a new day!” Your new cute and fluffy owner can sleep on your bed all day, while you drive off to the supermarket in the rain to buy it more steak. Don’t forget the earplugs!</p> <p>Never mind. You have been domesticated in symbiosis by emotional blackmail. Unconditional love? So, you wanted a companion fur friend in retirement. Yes, your dog shall make your world a better place…</p>

Family & Pets

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Men in high heels: Tramping The Remarkables

<p>My husband has never worn high heels before. He's always been extremely scathing about such silly footwear but on this occasion he thought they were practical and even enhanced his performance. Besides, the other two burly men in our party had donned high heels too so he would have felt left out without them. </p> <p>We were hiking uphill with snowshoes strapped to our tramping boots. Our feet were at a 90-degree angle to the slope thanks to a clever device which lifted the heels of our boots off the frame to the height of a reasonable stiletto.</p> <p>However, there was no mincing or prancing along in these high heels – the technique required a firm, deliberate stride engaging the rows of metal spikes on the soles into the hard-packed snow on the Remarkables. </p> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" class="photoborder" src="https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/8/4/d/z/b/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349.183tm8.png/1447969994454.jpg" alt="Lunch was simple but delicious." width="600" height="NaN" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><em>Lunch was simple but delicious. Image credit: Nigel Kerr</em></p> <p>The snowshoes were lightweight, high-tech models, much more streamlined than the cumbersome ones we had experimented with in Europe earlier in the year.</p> <p>The spikes ensured there was no slippage and with the addition of two height-adjustable walking poles, I felt entirely secure even negotiating quite steep slopes. A quick flick of the cleat engaged the high heel and saved our leg muscles.</p> <p>"Your calves will thank you for it later," said our guide, Shaun, who was practically sprinting up the slope despite carrying a full pack with lunch and snacks for our party of five,  along with a spade and other emergency equipment.Once into the rhythm of the snowshoes, which took all of 20 seconds to master, I forgot about them. It was just like ordinary hiking but with a footprint the size of Sasquatch. </p> <p align="center"><img class="photoborder" src="https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/8/4/d/z/f/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349.183tm8.png/1447969994454.jpg" alt="The secret snow cave where groups take shelter when the weather turns nasty." /></p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><em>The secret snow cave where groups take shelter when the weather turns nasty. Image credit: Nigel Kerr</em></p> <p>With every step the sound of the chairlifts, skiers and snowboarders faded and the grandeur of the mountainscape and the Wakatipu Basin unfolded. In a region where even superlatives fall woefully short, it's one of the most awe-inspiring of panoramas.</p> <p>Once we reached the remote, high-altitude Lake Alta cirque, the silence was sublime. The dead flat, smooth surface of the snow was the only indication there was a lake there at all. Shaun got out his spade and dug down through half a metre of snow to prove it . . . and to reassure us the ice was safe to walk on. With visions of cracking ice and plunging into frozen water, I had a strong urge to skirt around the lake edge but Shaun was one of those veteran outdoor Kiwi blokes who inspired total confidence. Still, I felt like a brave intrepid explorer setting off after him into the white wilderness. I expected to see wolves appear at any minute from behind the rocks.</p> <p>Our lunch spot was a rocky promontory just below the jagged jet black sawteeth of the Remarkables range, the reverse side of the iconic view you can see from Queenstown.</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><img class="photoborder" src="https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/8/4/d/z/k/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349.183tm8.png/1447969994454.jpg" alt="'High heels' engaged, heading straight uphill on the Remarkables." /></p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><em>'High heels' engaged, heading straight uphill on the Remarkables. Image credit: Nigel Kerr</em></p> <p>Bathed in winter sunshine, we looked down on our tracks across the frozen teardrop lake as we munched on huge wedges of pumpkin bread sandwiches stuffed with chicken, brie, salad and relish. Simple fare but delicious.The only sounds were the whoops of exhilaration from an occasional extreme skier or snowboarder plummeting down the narrow chutes above us. And the squawks of the kea, the cheeky mountain parrot with its lethal hooked beak and vivid red plumage on the underside of the wings. </p> <p>One of our Aussie companions was a bright spark marketing man. As we chatted over lunch, he decided snowshoeing was a clumsy term so he came up with sniking - snow hiking – with a nod to Nike as a company that might like to rebrand the sport. My contribution was shnoeing. Not quite as marketable.</p> <p align="center"><img class="photoborder" src="https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/8/4/d/z/e/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349.183tm8.png/1447969994454.jpg" alt="The view from a lookout on the Remarkables." /></p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><em>The view from a lookout on the Remarkables. Image credit: Nigel Kerr</em></p> <p>On the way down the mountain, we visited a secret snow cave where groups take shelter when the weather turns nasty or have lunch if it's too cold outside. Dug out under a huge jutting rock, it would hold eight to 10 people in cosy comfort. </p> <p>Shaun tailors the degree of difficulty of the expedition to suit the fitness of the group with some overseas visitors opting for a short play around in the snow and a photo opportunity and others climbing as far as the South Wye Saddle at 1950 metres.</p> <p>Ours was a serious workout. We covered about 6-8km with a climb of 300-400m  reaching an elevation of 1900m at the Grand Couloir, a gully between Double and Single Cone, the latter being the highest point on the Remarkables Range at 2319m.</p> <p>The snowshoe concept appealed to the greenie in me. In a tourist town famous for its expensive, high-octane adventures, it's the ultimate accessible low-risk activity. Apart from the 35-minute van trip from Queenstown, there is no artificial means of propulsion. And you don't have to be a finely-tuned athlete or even particularly well co-ordinated to master the technique. The prerequisites are two functioning legs with feet attached, mild to moderate fitness depending on the steepness of the gradient you opt for, and the taste for a gentle, scenic adventure in the Great Outdoors.</p> <p><em>Written by Justine Tyerman, 30/05/18.</em></p> <p><em>Justine Tyerman was a guest of Ngai Tahu Tourism who own NZ Snowshoe. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.ngaitahutourism.co.nz/" target="_blank">www.ngaitahutourism.co.nz</a></strong></span>; <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.snowshoeing.co.nz/" target="_blank">www.snowshoeing.co.nz</a></strong></span></em></p> <p><em>The writer flew Air NZ from Auckland to Queenstown return. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/" target="_blank">www.airnewzealand.co.nz</a></strong></span>  and stayed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Queenstown <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.crowneplazaqueenstown.co.nz/" target="_blank">www.crowneplazaqueenstown.co.nz</a></strong></span></em></p> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz.</span></strong></a></em></p>

Domestic Travel

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5 ways to fall even more head over heels in love with life

<p>If you feel like you are just getting through the day, and life has become more about surviving than living – you are not alone. For so many people, living a life of making do has become the norm.</p> <p>Many fail to see that the ability to love their own life comes from within. Rather than thinking that we are a victim of fate and circumstance, it’s time to take the power back and live a life of action and good intentions.</p> <p>So if you want to fall head over heels in love with your life, follow our five steps below.</p> <p><strong>1. Do more of what you love doing, and less of the things you hate</strong></p> <p>This might seem like a no-brainer, but the key to being happier is to do more of what you love. For so long we’ve been led to believe that life is hard, and tough, and you have to do what you can to get through it. But in fact we all have the power within us to do more of what makes us feel good. The time to act is now.</p> <p><strong>2. Start following your heart, not your head</strong></p> <p>It’s too easy to let your head make all of your decisions, which can often mean you choose the less risky options (and in turn, these can produce less rewards). Let your heart take the lead instead. It is tuned in to love, so by letting it lead your life you will bring more love in. Ask yourself what you heart is telling you to do, and go for it. </p> <p><strong>3. Have fun and be playful</strong></p> <p>Children are hard wired to be active, to play and seek pleasure. As we age we seem to lose this natural rhythm. We get bogged down in our to-do lists of jobs and responsibilities and this means that fun often gets shelved. Let your inner child decide what makes you feel good, have a giggle, and enjoy the moment. Life is sure to feel better if you do.</p> <p><strong>4. Reach out to similar people</strong></p> <p>Being surrounded by people that make you feel good and inspired is a sure fire way to improve your life for the better. Join a community that nurtures you and your interests, and makes you a better person than you could be on your own. Whether that’s a sports group, a cooking club, or an online connection – your friends can help you reach your true potential.</p> <p><strong>5. Don’t put things off until tomorrow</strong></p> <p>Instead of thinking that you will start next week, the time is now to make the changes in your life for the better. There will always be a reason not to do what makes you feel good, but if you prioritise yourself you will find that the end result is well worth it.</p> <p>So what are you waiting for? If it’s “a sign” you’re after here it is – do it now. Write your novel, travel the world, start your online business or sell your house in the city and move to the beach. Ditch the excuses and do what you need to do to live your best life possible, from today.</p> <p> </p>

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In pictures: the history of high heels

<p>Most ladies have (or have had) a pair of treasured heels in their wardrobe… but ever wondered how we came to clad our feet this way? Let’s take a look at the long and interesting evolution of the shoes we know today as high heels.</p> <p><strong>Chopines c. 1400s</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/5725/chopines-around-the-1400s_500x333.jpg" alt="Chopines Around The 1400s"/></strong></p> <p>These platforms were worn by Venetian prostitutes as it would raise women above their rivals and give a seductive gait. It eventually became popular among the aristocracy, both men and women, indicating they neither had to work or walk. Some styles would rise up to 70 centimetres and required assistance in order to walk in them.</p> <p><em>Photo credit: Northampton Museums and Art Gallery</em></p> <p><strong>First heels c. 1590</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/5726/first-heels-c-1590_500x333.jpg" alt="First Heels C . 1590"/></strong></p> <p>The exact origins of the high heels is debate but the first documented wearer of high heels is Queen Elizabeth I, who was painted wearing a pair. The heels used straps of lace and ribbons ties – the very early forms of shoelaces.</p> <p><em>Photo credit: Northampton Museums and Art Gallery</em></p> <p><strong>Men and women’s heels change c. 1660</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/5727/men-and-women’s-heels-change_500x333.jpg" alt="Men And Women ’s Heels Change"/></strong></p> <p>Men and women heel styles were similar until the 1660s. After that, men’s heels focused on practicality while women’s shoes become more ornate and fashionable.</p> <p><em>Photo credit: Northampton Museums and Art Gallery</em></p> <p><strong>Popularity spiked c. 1850</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="398" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/5728/popularity-spiked-in-1800s-to-1900s_500x398.jpg" alt="Popularity Spiked In 1800s To 1900s"/></strong></p> <p>The invention of the modern sewing machine in 1844 saw a surge in popularity of the heels as more diverse, stylish and intricate designs were offered.</p> <p><strong>Classic court shoes c. 1930</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="480" height="600" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/5729/classic-court-shoe.jpg" alt="Classic Court Shoe"/></strong></p> <p>What we know as the classic court shoe or pumps emerged during this period. During the Great Depression, heels became lower as people could not afford to buy expensive footwear.</p> <p><strong>The stiletto is born in 1953</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/5730/stilleto_500x333.jpg" alt="Stilleto"/></strong></p> <p>French fashion designer Christian Dior brought back the French shoe style but with a few adjustments: he lifted the heels on court shoes and made them more ornate. Shoe designer Roger Vivier, who worked for Dior, is credited for inventing the stiletto, which is named after a thin Italian dagger (and it certainly feels like you’re walking on some).</p> <p><strong>The kitten heels in 1960s</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="480" height="640" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/5731/kitten-heels.jpg" alt="Kitten Heels"/></strong></p> <p>Originally made as formal footwear for young girls because high heels were thought to be promiscuous, they soon became wardrobe stapes with all women as they were just so comfortable.</p> <p><strong>Groovy platforms in the 1970s</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="480" height="730" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/5732/platforms.jpg" alt="Platforms"/></strong></p> <p>The disco era saw the rising popularity of platforms. The chunky heels were surprisingly comfortable for dancing the night away.</p>

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