Allan buys his third pair of Z-coils at Your 2 Feet

Allan Turnipseed has worn his Z-coils faithfully for over a year. He purchased his Cloudwalkers and sidewinder sandals in Austin, Texas. Although he lives in Jalisco, Mexico, he came to Your 2 Feet to buy his third pair of Z-coiLs. He wants to wear the Freedom 2000 for the Alaskan cruise originating here in Seattle. Mr. Turnipseed said: "I tell everyone how my arch and heel pain went away after two months of wearing the Z-coiLs. Now I don't wear any other shoes."

Last Stop... Paris

My wards and I, stopped off at Notre Dame and other great sites in Paris before heading home.

Field of Dreams- Marienfeld, Germany

This is not the aftermath of Katrina. If you have wondered how to see the pope on World Youth Day, this is what it looks like. Take close to a million young people from all over the world, allow no tents (for security reasons) and open up a field for us to sleep. We were lucky it did not rain! Look at those clouds...it opened up rain before and after, though.

Pope Benedict back at Home and Down the Rhine

Our group of pilgrims eagerly anticipate seeing the pope traveling down the Rhine River in Koln (Cologne), Germany.

Travel to 14,000 feet (by train) and Wonders Abound

A quick stop at the ice caves in Grindevold, Switzerland on the way.

The "whole" gang visits: Major Basilicas and Cathedrals of Italy

We are on a pilgrimage from St. Monica's, Washington on our way to Germany to see the pope.

St. Francis de Assisi, Italy

I wore my Z-coil sidewinder sandals on the many treks including this one at St. Francis de Assisi. The teens from my church group were full of energy, cheers and songs. Needless to say what a change from my normally sedentary lifestyle.

Boeing Health Fair

This Boeing team was all smiles at the Boeing August Health Fair.

Transformations of Expression with Z-coil

The pre-strike August Health Fair at Boeing brought smiles from workers trying on the Z-coils.

Mrs. Kim Buys her Third Pair

Mrs. Kim shines in her third pair of Z-coils. She really likes the clog style, purchasing her second pair of Zueco clog.

Summertime Activities in Z-coils

Hi everyone,
I hope your summertime is as eventful as mine has been so far. A couple of weeks ago I trekked up (and down) the Pacific Crest Trail to the Kendall Cat Tracks in my Z-coil Cloudwalkers. It was exhilirating doing the 3500 feet elevation gain when I viewed the Mt. Rainier panaroma, then the marvel of the cut granite cat track. How did they haul out all that granite? I assume a diamond stone cutter was used, but how many men (women?) did it take to haul up such a massive one to cut away part of the mountain for the cat track I traversed to see Mt. Stewart? It turns out Mt. Stewart is the largest granite mountain in North America. I have not heard that on jeopardy lately.

For my birthday this past Saturday I actually convinced my eighteen year old computer/indoor lover son to accompany me on another backwoods summer outing. This time we camped out two nights at Cape Alava. The nine mile loop was level, but three miles of it was in sand and loose beach gravel. I was pleased to find out it could be done in Z-coil Sidewinder Sandals. We saw the Indian petroglyphs in the beachwalk carved in the rock. We timed it for low tide so we did not have to see them from the rope pulls. The wild life was abundant including several eagle sitings, a large sea lion population, a red topped wood pecker, friendly deer, a flock of multi specied birds feeding on the smelt or herring (they looked like egrets, cormorants, cranes, and various seagulls), many tide pools abundant in marine life-not to mention the cacophany made by a lot of crows. What a trip! It looks like it might be the last outing with my handsome son until his summer break from ASU next year.

Since my son leaves next week for ASU, I decided to sell my condo in Mercer Island and move back to Magnolia. It is a little closer to work and no freeway driving.
I will probably not be writing until my return from Europe the last week of August. My wonderful staff Karalee, Robin, Anne-Marie, Dorothy, and Clint will be holding down the fort while I am away. I leave next week for Italy and Germany for World Youth Day acting as a chaperone for a group of youth from my church. I will return with many stories I hope to share later.

Have a great summer!

Chao, Lotchie

Seven Pairs of Z-coils saved me from surgery

Becki Blackham shares her journey of pain relief using Z-coils for her recovery:

"I photograph babies being born at Swedish and Northwest Hospitals," says Becki Blackham. "When I would do my gardening in regular shoes I would come in and my feet would hurt so much, my husband (well known Seattle obstetrician Dr. Blackham) supported me in buying extra Z-coil's just to use for yardwork. I've been wearing Z-coils for four years ever since a friend told me about them in Quartsite, Arizona when I was diagnosed with heel bone spurs. Today I bought my third pair of Zueco clogs, but I also have the hiking boots, sandals, cloudwalkers, and Taos clogs. These Z-coils saved me from having surgery. On a pain scale of ten, I would have a ten out of ten of foot pain if I did not wear these shoes. Now I am focusing more on my 26 year old son who was recently involved in a surfing injury."

Becki Blackham visits our Ballard (Seattle) store to purchase her seventh pair of Z-coil footwear.

From Day to Night, exploring our family roots in Puerto Rico is full of adventure.

Cousin Chaguin and Eduardo (not pictured) join us for exploring the modern nightlife of the Babylon nightclub found at the El San Juan Hotel.

David imagines when San Juan, P.R. was a walled city protected by the four feet thick walls of El Morro. 

David and I explore the underwater depths, scuba diving off the coast of Fajardo, PR. 

David hears about the fruit bat chosen to denote the Bacardi trademark on a tour of their plant. 

It reaches out of this world- The world's largest radio and radar telescope in the world located in Puerto Rico. 

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

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.

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.)

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.  

David K. Weber graduates from Mercer Island High School with honors June 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.

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. 

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." 

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.

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. 

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

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