Saturday, July 09, 2005


The tropical sunset is alluring from Uncle Gelin's beach house in Manati, PR. Posted by Picasa

In their beautiful home above Moca, P.R., where most of my mother's family was born, my Great Aunt- Tia Julia with her daughter reminesce with us about when I was a young child growing up in Aguada and Ramey Air Force Base, P.R. Posted by Picasa

Lotchie and David Explore La Familia Roots in Puerto Rico


David and I explore Aguadilla, PR with Uncle Gelin. Behind us is where my mother and father met in the pharmacy where my mother worked and near where she grew up. (FYI:The clock came from Seattle, Wa.) Posted by Picasa

Sunday, June 26, 2005

Summer Festivities: Graduation and Robinson 30 year High School Reunion

After David graduated high school June 16, 2005 at the Bellevue Meydenbauer, we decided to extend the celebratations together at my 30th High School reunion in Florida. Robinson High School is in Tampa, Florida. My sister Barbara and son David joined me to socialize with a fun loving group of friends. After hours of catching up, dancing and reminiscing, we now move on to our "roots" in Puerto Rico to visit more family. David will be leaving for his college career in August at Arizona State University.

David K. Weber and his Aunt Barbara celebrate at the 30th Robinson High School Reunion dancing the night away June 25, 2005 at Safety Harbor Resort in Florida.  Posted by Hello

David K. Weber graduates from Mercer Island High School with honors June 2005. Posted by Hello

Thursday, June 23, 2005

Fairbanks Woman Makes 350-Mile Journey to Find Pain Relief after Years of Suffering

Z-CoiL® Footwear Quickly Becoming First Choice for Pain Relief

( Anchorage, AK ) – Millions of Americans suffer chronic pain, which can be debilitating and life-altering. According to an April 2005 poll by ABC News, USA Today and the Stanford University Medical Center, a little less half of the adult respondents have experienced pain in the last two weeks, and nearly four in 10 do so on a regular basis. A majority reported knee and back pain to be the most common.

For Fairbanks, Alaska, resident Leona Allridge, chronic pain was part of her daily routine, as she suffered from pain in her feet, back, and legs for many years. Pain was a powerful motivator for Leona, as she tried many remedies during the years, with no success. On a friend’s advice, Leona found an amazing pair of shoes that has made a complete change in her life.

Leona made the 350-mile journey to Anchorage to find Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™, at The Shoe Box, owned and operated by Mary DeZarn.

“I fell in love with the Z-CoiL® shoes as soon as I put them on,” she says. “Instead of experiencing pain within 30 minutes of being on my feet, I was able to walk for hours without any discomfort.”

Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™, unlike any other footwear on the market, is specifically engineered to help alleviate foot, leg, and back pain. According to hundreds of already satisfied customers, Z-CoiL® shoes have helped reduce the pain from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, arthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, chronic lower back pain, just to name a few conditions.

The unique footwear has three special components that combine to provide impact reduction, cushioning, and overall comfort. Z-CoiL® footwear features a conical shaped coil that compresses to reduce the shockwaves traveling through the body with each step. Built in each shoe is a rigid full-length orthotic that runs from the heel to the metatarsal heads, providing overall midfoot support. Superior forefront cushioning also lessens the impact of each step and helps provide comfort.

“These shoes are so comfortable that I absolutely hate to take them off. They are more comfortable than any other shoe, and even more comfortable than going barefoot!,” Leona says. “From now on, only Z-CoiL® shoes for me.”

Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ is available in Alaska only at The Shoe Box 4240 Old Seward Highway, A-15, in Anchorage. To contact Mary, call 907.336.7463.

Saturday, June 11, 2005


Dr. Larry Stemp of Stemp Family Chiropractic drove to Seattle today from Tacoma, Wa. in a rain deluge to pick up his third pair of Z-coils. Posted by Hello

Jack Anderson of Seattle, Wa. likes his Z-coils so much he just bought his third pair. He says:" I like them so much I wear them seven days a week , 365 days a year. They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I live in an urban setting and I walk a lot. I walk with friends around Greenlake and I have traveled to Eastern and Western Europe in them. I bought my first pair a few years ago and they don't show any wear. I would highly recommend them for those who exercise a lot and are growing older needing more support. They help prevent back and knee issues. I am 100% sold." Posted by Hello
In April 2004, Oprah interviewed Maya Angelou on her 70+ birthday.

Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older, and, there on television, she said it was "exciting."

Regarding body changes, she said there were many occurring everyday--like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which one will reach her waist first. The audience laughed so hard that they cried.

She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words! Quoting Maya Angelou...
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents,you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'.
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitton both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Z-Coil® Pain Relief Footwear™ Owners March In 17th Annual Fremont Summer Solstice Parade

Your2Feet Exhibits At the Fremont Fair For The Second Year


Seattle, WA - Dr. Lotchie Kerch, a Seattle podiatric physician and foot surgeon, her Your2Feet retail store staff and Z-Coil® Pain Relief Footwear™ customers are starting the summer season celebrating pain relief with other like minded people at this year's 34th Fremont Fair June 18 and 19 and marching in the Fremont Summer Solstice Parade beginning at high noon Saturday June 18.

“The theme for the Solstice Parade this year is Light and Dark.” States an enthusiastic Dr. Kerch. “We are incorporating this theme into our Spring into Wellness participation of Z-Coil® wearers. Come see the Z-Coil® wearing Avenger Superhero take on the forces of pain (darkness) in the classic battle of good against evil. We will have a booth on Phinney Ave (same place as last year). If you are a Z-Coil® owner, bring your favorite pair of Zs and a smile to share on the 1 and a half-mile march to Gasworks Park. Meet us before noon at the booth or at the parade itself that starts on 36th Ave. We want to spark audience participation with a trampoline to bounce on during the march. Z-Coil® provides more shock absorption (than regular shoes) with every step, up to 50%.

Fremont Parade

The Fremont Arts Council presents the 17th year of the largest walking PUBLIC art event in Seattle. Every year, the Seattle community gathers to create a Solstice celebration dedicated to building community through art. The canvas stretches from professional artists, and performers to community groups, schools and individuals creating beautiful, funny, satirical and often unexpected objects and performances. http://www.fremontartscouncil.org


Fremont Fair

Just about everyone in Fremont has helped or participated in the Fremont Fair in one way or another - it is truly a grass-roots community celebration and a product of all we know and love about the spirit of Fremont.

The Fremont Public Association (FPA) took over stewardship of the fair a few years after it's inception. FPA is also the beneficiary of revenue generated by the fair. During the first few years of FPA producing the fair, people were asked to bring canned food to help restart the Fremont Food Bank, which was relocating from the basement of the Fremont Baptist Church, or aluminum cans, to help launch the FPA's curb-side recycling efforts.

Many years later, FPA has grown to one of the largest human service agencies in the city, with almost 30 programs serving low-income individuals and families throughout Seattle, King County and beyond.

Z-CoiL®

Z-CoiLs®, often referred to as "the funny-looking shoes with the spring in the heel," are dramatically changing the lives of people across the country that once suffered from chronic, debilitating pain in their feet, legs and back. Many of the happiest Z-CoiL customers are workers in retail stores, restaurants, fairs, trade shows, hospitals and warehouses, who must spend hours every day on their feet, often on concrete floors.

For more information on Dr. Kerch and to listen what Z-Coil® Pain Relief Footwear™ customers have to say about adding a super spring in their step, visit the Your2Feet web site and here.

Friday, June 10, 2005

Special Olympics

This was my first time volunteering at a Special Olympics event. Our covered outdoor venue "Fit Feet" was sandwiched between the eye, ear, and general health booths at the Fort Lewis army base. I was doing foot screeings of the athletes and their chaperones promoting proper shoegear, socks, and assesing for foot conditions that might limit their endeavors. We handed out a hundred or so Wright Socks, donated by that company to the athletes.

I was impressed by the sincerity of this group of young people, their families and chaperones. We can see the world through their eyes by the efforts they expend doing the activities that come so easily for most of us. Congratulations to the many who participated and to those that make these events possible.

Lotchie Kerch, DPM

Special Olympic Athletes are receiving awards for winning or placing in their event. Posted by Hello

Eric Heit, DPM, Lotchie Kerch, DPM, and media coordinator for the Special Olympics June 5, 2005 Fort Lewis. Posted by Hello

Friday, June 03, 2005

Marchers Wanted! Join us June 18 in Fremont at noon with your Z-coils!

We are starting the summer season celebrating pain relief with other like minded people at this year's Fremont Fair June 18 and 19. The theme for the Solstice Parade, starting at noon Saturday June 18, is: Light and Dark. We are incorporating this theme into our Spring into Wellness participation of Z-coil wearers. Come see the Z-coil wearing Avenger Superhero take on the forces of pain (darkness) in the classic battle of good against evil.

If you wear Z-coils and want to join in the festivities, the Fremont Arts Council website link above gives more info. We will have a booth on Phinney Ave (same place as last year). Meet us before noon at the booth or at the parade itself which starts on 36th Ave.

Please bring your favorite pair of Z-coils and a smile to share on the 1 and a half mile march to Gasworks Park. We want to spark audience participation with a trampoline to bounce on during the march. The Z-coil gives more shock absorption (than regular shoes) with every step, up to 50%. Let's spread the word of our pain relieving message.

See you there! Lotchie

Saturday, May 28, 2005

your2feet

your2feet
There was a good turnout from dealers all over the US to the Second Annual dealers Conference this past week in Albuqurque, New Mexico. It was a time to go back to the well, get refilled, rejuvenated, and return with creative ideas to further reach out to the public sufferring from foot, leg, and back discomfort. What a pleasure to be in a room filled with those sharing the Vision associated with offering pain relief by a product such as this. Thank-you to Nora, Jean-Paul (Dah Yeah H'err), successful dealers and all the departments who put on this fun filled educational meeting. See you next time-Lotchie

Pictured to Lotchie's left is Andres Gallegos, current CEO of Z-coil corporate. To her right is Al Gallegos, inventor of Z-coil footwear and chairman of the board. Posted by Hello

Third place prize goes to "A Starry Night". THe ten entries showed a vast array of design reflecting the artists talent and individuality at the z-coil dealers decorating contest May 24, 2005. Posted by Hello

Second Prize awarded for the feathered look, Z-coil dealers decorating contest May 24, 2005, New Mexico. Posted by Hello

Closer look at winning shoes for $350.00 grand prize awarded by Z-coil corporate in Albuqurque. Posted by Hello

Owner of pair of winning 2005 Z-coil footwear entered in the Z-coil dealers decorating contest May 24, Albuquerque, NM. Posted by Hello

Friday, May 20, 2005

GET RELIEF FROM FOOT, LEG, AND BACK PAIN

Your 2 Feet Sponsors Free Foot Screening Day:

SATURDAY, MAY 21st 10am TO 1pm.

LOCATION

1201 Pine Street • Seattle, WA 98101 (1 block east of Boren)

PHONE 206.838.7338

iStep by Aetrex is an orthotic diagnostic tool which maps the pressure distribution of your feet in only 30 seconds. The Blueprints of your Feet will be analyzed and a Lynco orthotic will be custom selected for you by podiatrist Dr. Lotchie M. Kerch and pedorthist Ed Cael.

Encompass your new orthotic with innovative Z-coil pain relief footwear.

www.your2feet.com


Monday, May 16, 2005

I walk much better in Z-coils

Matthew Cohen has been wearing the High Desert Hiker Z-coil footwear since May 2004. Today he came in for his second pair. This time he bought a pair of Freedom 2000. He states the hikers have helped his arthritic knees so that he walks much better.

Lori Best has been a nurse at Children's for over six years. Last year the plantar fascitis heel pain began in her left heel. The Freedom 2000 helped that pain disappear after one week. Since then she started wearing the Z-coils less often. That is until last week when the right heel started to hurt. Se came in as a patient to see Dr. Kerch on a consultation for more ideas to dissipate the pain. The Prescription?: Wear Z-coils more often, add icing, stretching, night splint, Lyncos arch supports and a longitudinal arch support. She tried on the enclosed coil with her Freedoms, but decided she got more impact absorption with the open coils.





Lori Best and Mathew Cohen shared their Z-coil successes today (May 16) at Your 2 Feet with Dr. Kerch located at 1201 Pine St. Posted by Hello

Sunday, May 15, 2005

Celebrate National Women's Health Week by Treating Your Body to Pain-Relief

Celebrate National Women's Health Week by Treating Your Body to Pain-Relief: "Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear Improving Quality of Life for Thousands of Women
Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ Improving Quality of Life for Thousands of Women

( Albuquerque, NM ) – May 8-14 marks National Women’s Health Week. American women struggle with stress, obesity, diabetes, breast cancer, and many conditions causing chronic pain. May 9th marks National Check-Up day where women are encouraged to assess their health conditions and make steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

The Center for Disease Control’s Office of Women’s Health recommends women make 10 changes to increase health and wellbeing: eat healthier, maintain a healthy weight, get more exercise, quit smoking, get routine exams and appropriate adult vaccines, find ways to manage stress better, know your family health history and risks, take more steps to improve personal safety, and lastly find ways to “be good to yourself.”

Obesity is an epidemic that is a factor leading to other diseases and painful conditions. According to the 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, more than two-thirds of Americans are overweight and over 30 percent of those are considered obese. Being extremely overweight can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and hypertension, plus put additional strain on your back, hips, knees, ankles and feet, making exercise much more difficult.

Women nationwide are discovering a new line of footwear, Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™, which is helping to reduce pain and increase mobility. A great side effect for some is weight loss.

“I am 32 and I have been a hairstylist for 15 years now. I am also flat footed and very overweight. About a year and a half ago I started to have horrible pain in my heels and in the arch part of my feet. It got so bad I would cry and I would literally limp out to the car after work. Eventually it got to where I couldn't even walk around the grocery store it hurt too bad,” says Christi Burch of McKinney, TX. “The less I was mobile the more weight I would gain and the more pressure it put on my feet. It was a vicious cycle.”

Christi’s physician recommended she try Z-CoiL® footwear, and that recommendation has made all the difference for her.

“After wearing them for a couple of weeks I finally got up the nerve to go the gym and give them a whirl. It has now been about eight months since I first tried out my shoes and I am walking on the treadmill for an hour at a time on an incline no less! I am about 40 pounds lighter so far and I feel soooo much better,” Christi adds. “I am convinced that these shoes saved my life, I was on a fast down hill slide with my health and now, even though I have a lot of weight to lose, I'm in the best shape I have been in my adult life.”

Amy Mueller, a registered nurse from Traverse City, MI, says the footwear has also been a lifesaver for her and increased her exercise ability.

“After 30 years of hospital nursing in intensive care and maternity, my back and knees were feeling the painful effects of all the years of standing, twisting, pushing, bending and lifting,” Amy says. “I had four knee surgeries and two back surgeries and my hopes for relief were fading. Then I learned that I had severe degenerative osteoarthritis in my back and knees.”

“Walking is one of my favorite activities. I was reaching the point where my knees hurt so much I was afraid I would have to give up walking up my favorite hill,” she adds. “It’s hard to describe how beautiful it is, walking to the top of this hill and seeing all of Traverse City and both arms of the Grand Traverse Bay. The day I bought my Z-CoiL® shoes I walked up that hill twice.”

A small company on a mission, Z-CoiL Footwear is gaining a tremendous and loyal following nationwide as word of its pain relief benefits is spreading, with more than 200 authorized dealers nationwide. If you are interested in the Z-CoiL® footwear, based in Albuquerque, NM, call 800.268.6239 or visit the corporate website at www.zcoil.com.

Saturday, May 14, 2005

Diabetes EXPO May 2005 Seattle Qwest Field Event Center

Diabetes EXPO
It's a trade show. It's an interactive health fair. It's one-stop shopping for everything related to diabetes and healthy living.
ADA Diabetes EXPO provides the most comprehensive array of diabetes-related products, services and information available under one roof. An ADA Diabetes EXPO is for people with diabetes, those at risk for diabetes and anyone interested in healthy living. The event that began seven years ago in Phoenix, Arizona has grown to 16 cities around the country, and more sites are being considered.
An ADA Diabetes EXPO contains highly interactive events that include professional speakers, access to health care providers, a variety of ADA program and event information, exercise and cooking demonstrations, and much more.



The May 14 American Diabetes Expo is the largest event held by the ADA in Seattle of the year. Attendance numbers for the EXPO, at the Qwest event field, showed a good reception for the free health screenings, presentations, and learning about the newwest innovations for screenings/diabetes treatments. Posted by Hello

Dr. William Boegel, of Virginia Mason, and Dr. Lotchie Kerch volunteering at the American Diabetes Association May 14 Expo. Free foot Screenings were given to those attending the EXPO. Posted by Hello

Monday, May 09, 2005

Lyncos Complement Z-coil Foot wear

FYI: We are finding these devices are very effective for those needing amazing cushioning for their footwear. Added to the Z-coil pain relief footwear they complement the impact reduction by redistributing weight more evenly across the arch and forefoot.

Lynco 400-405-420-420 is sport orthotic version made from heat moldable thermosky. 400 is an arch support: 405 is both arch and Metartarsal support: 420 is arch support with an 1/8" medial posting: 425 is arch support with Meat support and 1/8" medial heel posting. Also available in 3/4 length version, styles 300-305-320-325

Lynco 600-605-620-625 is casual/dress orthotic version made in Germany from Chrome tanned leather for extreme durability. Great for heavy, oversized patients and can fit in a slimmer styled shoe. Not cushiony, very stable.

600 is arch suppor: 605 is arch support with Met support: 620 is arch support with 1/8" medial posting: 625 is arch support with Met support and 1/8" medial posting.

Lynco 200-205-220-225 is diabetic/arthric/neuropathic version made from 1/8" plastizote and 3/8" poron. It is acommodative and moldable on the surface. Not made to last over a long period of time. Keeps the foot encapsulated for shear force protection. 200 is arch support: 205 ia an arch support with Met support: 220 is an arch support with 1/8" medial posting: 225 is an arch support witih met support and 1/8" medial posting

Lynco 500-505-520-525 is dress 3/4 length version made from anti-microbial Carbosan material. Wont grow bacteria or fungi and has bottom layer of highly durable chrome-tanned leather. These are useful in dress shoes with little volume. The firmiest arch of all styles. 500 is arch support: 505 is arch with Met support: 520 is arch support with 1/8" medial posting: 525 is arch support with Met and 1/8" medial posting.

Diabetes Expo May 14, 2005

The fourth Annual Diabetes Expo 205 is Washington's Largest Diabetes Expo!
From 9-11 AM visit Dr. Kerch at the foot care booth at Qwest Field Event Center, Main Hall, Seattle, Wa. We have free passes at our 1201 Pine St store in Seattle, or our Ballard office at 1764 NW 56th St. Otherwise tickets are $5.00 general, $4.00 for seniors, under 18 years old are free.

Dr. Kerch will be screening for circulation and neurological status, as well as an overall general foot assessment. Come learn why diabetics are more at risk for foot problems.

The Expo is from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM featuring over 150 exhibits, with the latest products and services, answering questions by medical professionals, hosting seminars and more. Visit the website at www.diabetes.org/expo.

Dr. Kerch's presentation at this weekend's African American Kidney Center Conference
was greeted with many inquiries about the Z-coil pain relief footwear and how they assist in relieving discomfort for foot leg and back pain.

Saturday, May 07, 2005


Clint Brown presided over the booth displaying Z-coil pain relief footwear for those attending the African American Conference Saturday May 7. Dr. Kerch gave a presentaion for those interesting in "Foot Tips" to keep you walking. She also did foot health screenings assessing vascular status and neurolgical status. 16 million AMericans have diabetes, but only 11 million are aware. Kidney disease affects 20-40% of people with diabetes. African Americans and other minorities are 2-3 times more likely to develop diabetes and 2-4 times more likely to go on to kidney failure. Posted by Hello

Bessie Young MD, MPH is a nephrologist at the Seattle VA, an asst. professor at the UW, and director of home hemodialysis for the NW Kidney Center. Her presentation at the African American Kidney Health Conference included moderating a panel of those in current kidney failure answering the questions of those present. The most common cause of kidney failure is diabetes.  Posted by Hello

Chef Wayne Johnson of Andaluca getting thanks from Dr. Bessie Young and Heather Ross. Area cafes contributed food for conference goers.

 Posted by Hello

Friday, April 29, 2005

Arthritis Awareness Month

May is Arthritis Awareness Month:

Our store, Your 2 Feet, will be fitting the arthritis chair of the Mt. Vernon chapter who will be participating in the May 13 Mt. Vernon walk with Z-coil pain relief footwear after measuring for pressure analyses with the I-Step. This will allow a fitting for the proper type of Lynco arch supports/ orthoses.

Arthritis sufferers have benefited from wearing the pain relief footwear in many circumstances. Since there are over 31 adjustments, caution is recommended for a slow break in period until the proper adjustment has been obtained. The main effect of the shoes is to reduce impact. They have been shown to reduce impact by 50% or more. You will also notice your center of gravity changes when wearing the shoes. This engages different muscles, the lateral stabilizing muscles, with every step. It is often necessary to wear them for as little as an hour the first day, and increasing the wearing time gradually every day. As you become stronger, this sensation of "bouncing" and balancing dissipates during the break in period.

Depending on your type of arthritis, as well as which stage of progression you are in, this new way of combating the negative forces of gravity may prove very beneficial for relieving your arthritis symptoms. As you are reducing your impact via the coil action, there is a component of ground reactive forces that provides an energy return as well. This redistributes the forces through your lower extremity. I recommend caution in more advanced arthritis since the compensation necessary to accomodate for this redistribution may not be available. I see this footwear as a device to be added to the armentarium of arthritis sufferers, and the providers attempting to relieve their patients suffering. The results, positive or negative, are immediate, minutes or at least within five days. We allow a trial wearing for five days. Returns for full refund of footwear in resellable condition are allowed within that five day period.

Visit the "Your 2 Feet" store for more info and get your own evaluation in Seattle-1201 Pine St or 1764 NW 56th St. Or call 206-782-7300. See us at The Fremont Fair in June as well. May 21 is our in store event "Free Foot Screening Day". We will have pedorthist Ed Cael, and podiatrist Dr. Lotchie M. Kerch performing I-step evaluations for Lynco orthoses. Adding these devices to the footbed of the Z-coil pain relief footwear adds an increased element of support and cushioning making them the "cadillac" of impact reducing footwear with a rocker sole.

May is National Arthritis Month, and the Arthritis
Foundation is looking for walkers to raise money to
fight the painful disease.

About one of every three adults and about 300,000
children are afflicted with arthritis nationwide.

In May and June, Washington State Arthritis Walks and
health fairs are scheduled in four counties:

Skagit
May 14 at the Cascade Mall in Burlington

Kitsap
May 21 at Waterfront Park in Silverdale

Pierce
June 4 at Owens Beach at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma


Spokane
June 18 at Centennial Trail at Gonzaga University in
Spokane

The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve
lives through leadership in the prevention, control
and cure of arthritis and related diseases. The
Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation's
nationwide event that raises awareness and funds to
fight arthritis, the nation's leading cause of
disability.

The walk serves as more than a fund-raiser and roaming
support group. Another goal is to promote a greater
awareness that the condition victimizes even the very
young, contrary to the common misconception that
arthritis is a condition striking only the elderly.
Arthritis affects more children in the United States
than muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis and
sickle-cell anemia combined.

Thursday, April 28, 2005

Testimonial: Susan Rogers



I suffer with a disability known as "dropped foot" (also called "foot drop"). This is a result of a ruptured disc in my lower back, which has since been removed, but has left me with some lasting nerve and muscle damage, the worst of it being "dropped foot" on my left side.

I cannot lift my left foot at all and must concentrate on every single step I take. I walk with a limp and cannot run, jump, skip, or dance. Sometimes I stagger because I cannot support myself with my left foot. And because I also can't lower my body weight on the left foot, my whole left side takes an extra jolt every time I put that foot down when I'm walking.

It is jarring and painful and adversely affects everything from heel to ankle, knee, hip, and lower back. Chronic pain becomes a constant companion, and walking becomes an activity I want to do as little as possible, to avoid the pain. When I do walk, I must focus on each step to try to lessen the pain. I cannot walk along absent-mindedly, like most people do, or I will come down harder on the left side. Even with concentration, I could not avoid the limp and some pain, and after 10 years of this, I had developed a chronic pain in my left hip that kept me awake at night.

I would buy good running shoes, the ones with the most cushioning in the heel that I could find, and wear them until the cushion in the left shoe was mashed down from the pounding it had taken. The shoes would last two months at the most. I also own every gel and cushion insole out there.

Several weeks ago, my husband saw a colleague wearing [Z-CoiL® footwear] and asked her about them. She explained that she was wearing them because of knee and back pain and she said they helped her. He wondered if they would help me.

I contacted a dealer 29 miles away and he called headquarters in Albuquerque to inquire about any other people with drop foot who had been helped. I was encouraged when I learned that one gentleman with drop foot had great results. This encouragement was enough to get me beyond the negative Good Housekeeping review I had seen that was not very scientific or helpful. (more)

Saturday, April 23, 2005

Swedish Walking Program Keeps Ballard Healthy

I met with a lively group of morning people today at 8:30AM in the cafeteria at Swedish Hospital, Ballard Campus. After registration, Dr. Waymack performed individual healthy heart screenings while I gave a presentation on "Ten Tips to Keep you Walking". This was followed by a walk to the Ballard Locks and back. Many questions were answered about ways to avoid foot injuries as well as treatment options.

I showed everyone my Z-coil footwear and how they can aide on the road to recovery from injuries.

Call 206-782-7300 for a private consultation in my Ballard or downtown Seattle clinics so I can better assist you in developing your own personalized program for healing and non-narcotic pain relief for lower extremity problems. The walking program is monthly at Swedish Hospital, Ballard Campus.

I will be giving my next talk on this subject May 7, 11:00 AM at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The talk is entitled: Limp In, Leap Out in conjunction with the African American Conference on Kidney Health. I will also be performing foot screenings, free to the public at this event.

The African American Conference on Kidney Health is a one-day family event with the goal of educating the community about kidney disease, kidney failure, and the potential risk factors that make those worse. The event is free and open to the public. As you many know, it is estimated that over 80,000 persons in the Seattle-King County area have some form of early kidney disease, and that over 100,000 are eligible for early treatment intervention. Increasing education regarding treatment for high blood pressure and diabetes, which is the leading cause of kidney disease, can help in that process.

Workshop sessions are allotted 45 minutes total. Youth are welcome to attend; youth focused sessions will also be offered. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2005, 10a to 2:30p at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (1634-19th Ave, corner of 19th and Madison, Seattle).

Tip for the day: Warm up and stretch before and after walking.

Yours in Health,

Lotchie M. Kerch, D.P.M.

Thursday, April 07, 2005

2005 Northwest Women's Show: Laura_Sterling's Story



I got my Z-CoiLs because when I first put them on I could feel the difference in my low back. They had been saying that I had degenerative disk (disease) for several years and I knew that I had to take care of it and...
(Audio: 2 minutes, WAV)

Laura has been wearing Z-CoiLs for two years.

What is “Lumbar Degenerative Disk Disease?”
For most people with low back pain, an injury doesn't just happen. Instead, over the years, the stress your back has been subjected to begins to take its toll. The repeated sprains and strains and overuse add up and cause a slow degeneration of the disks of the spine. (more)

Saturday, April 02, 2005

Seeing is Believing

Using an i-Step machine, I tested my own feet. I actually was surprised to see just how great these shoes are. Below are the results:

"'The introduction of computerized foot analysis systems in the early 90's brought the science of pressure and gait analysis to an exciting phase. Using this new technology, scientific studies demonstrated that there is a direct cause and effect relationship between unbalanced pressure distribution during the gait cycle and lower extremity pain in areas such as the knee, ankle, or foot.' (View Video)

The red areas are those with the most pressure - the blue areas are those with the least pressure.

For this test I first stood on the machine barefoot, the results show a large amount of pressure on my heel and the outside edge of my foot. I roll my feet to the outside, this is called Over Supination. This is a common problem associated with knee and foot pain.

The popular shoe I tested had only been worn for a month and still look brand new. The popular running shoe did nothing but distribute the pressure around the whole foot no real impact reduction.

Next, I put a gel heel pad in my shoe, this took some pressure off my forefoot but my feet still absorbed most of the pressure.

Finally the Z-CoiLs - really do I even have to say anything? The Z-CoiL Spring actually absorbed most of the impact. And the Z-CoiLs I did this test with are a year and a half old.

This truly shows how great this product is."

Jeremy Brock
Feel Good Footwear!
Bellevue, WA

Friday, April 01, 2005

Press Release: April is Foot Health Awareness Month – Pamper Your Feet With a Z-CoiL® Treat

Uniquely Engineered Footwear Brings Welcome Relief to Sore Feet

( Albuquerque, NM ) — Your feet take tremendous abuse. The impact of walking can deliver a force that is two to three times your body weight, and three to five times your body weight when running! No wonder the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has declared April to be Foot Health Awareness Month, to focus attention on this often-neglected, yet hardest-working part of the body.

“I have been off work for over one year, now going on two because of plantar fasciitis. I have had three different podiatrists as well, numerous orthotics, then I was given a series of shots, from cortisone to steroids and even shots to dissolve nerves in my heels. Nothing worked!” says Jovonne Rodriguez of San Bernardino, CA. By chance she discovered Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ and says the shoes have made all the difference.

For millions of people like Jovonne who suffer from foot pain, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or lower back pain, finding relief from pain may be as simple as finding the right footwear.

“Your Z-CoiL® shoes are a miracle!” Jovonne adds. “Now I actually look forward to going to the mall or to any function just to walk around. I don’t go places and just sit anymore; I’m up and moving or socializing. People don’t realize that they don’t have to go through life with foot pain. I can’t say enough about how your shoes have helped me.” (more)