CareerJournal | As Blogging Goes Corporate,

In its short lifespan, blogging has largely been a freewheeling exercise in online self-expression. Now it is also becoming a corporate job.

A small but growing number of businesses are hiring people to write blogs, otherwise known as Web logs, or frequently updated online journals. Companies are looking for candidates who can write in a conversational style about timely topics that would appeal to customers, clients and potential recruits.

Last year, Christine Halvorson was hired as chief blogger at Stonyfield Farm Inc., a Londonderry, N.H., organic yogurt company owned by Groupe Danone. She applied for the job after responding to an ad posted at Monster.com. A former freelance writer and Web content editor, Ms. Halvorson now writes four blogs for Stonyfield, including a blog about the company, the Daily Scoop, and Creating Healthy Kids, about healthy foods in schools. Her job entails researching, linking to news and providing personal insight.

"It's wonderful to write every day," Ms. Halvorson says. "The only challenge is keeping up with this rapidly changing blogging technology, like audio and video blogging," she adds. She earns an annual salary in the mid-$40,000s, she says.

Gary Hirshberg, Stonyfield's chief executive, says he plans to hire one or two additional full-time bloggers within the next two years. "The blogs give us what we call a handshake with consumers, a bond of loyalty and mutual trust that's different than the typical selling relationship, where it's all about price," Mr. Hirshberg says. "With the blogs, we are giving a little bit more access to us as a people with a mission."

Mr. Hirshberg says he looks for candidates "who are comfortable writing in a colloquial voice and who aren't overly programmed in their approach to writing." He adds, "You have to be conversational, and that sounds simple, but it's not." (more)


By Sarah E. Needleman
Wall Street Journal

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs): Special shoes put spring in your step

The Z-Coil shoe, with a steel spring mounted on the heel, looks a bit like the spring-loaded shoes wile e. coyote sometimes wears in his fruitless pursuit of the Road Runner.

Z-Coils may seem a novelty, but their purpose is serious: an escape from pain. the springs suspension system absorbs the impact of walking or running. And despite its high-heel look, the Z-Coil is designed to offer greater stability than other shoes.

Ruth Lamers, 70, of Colorado Springs has worn Z-Coils for about three years. the shoes have eased her chronic back pain and truly put spring into her step. Before, walking half a block was a struggle. Now she takes a half-hour walk on most days.

"I can go shopping," she says happily. "I still get tired if I do too much, but I can shop like normal people."

Albuquerque, N.M.-based Z-Coil Footwear has spread to more than 150 distributors nationwide since opening six years ago. Business, built largely on word of mouth, is booming. Z-Coil had $2.7 million in sales in the fiscal year ending June 30, a 270 percent growth over the year before.

In Colorado Springs, Valentine Comfort Shoe Specialists started selling Z-Coils last year. they have become the top seller or close to it among the store's 15 lines of shoes, says John Mishasek, who owns the store with wife Meg.

Mishasek, a certified Pedorthist - an expert in footwear and foot anatomy - was skeptical at first about Z-Coils. He peppered creator Alvaro Gallegos with questions by phone and visited the Albuquerque store with his wife.

"The store was packed," he recalls.

"It was people buying their third pair or their fourth pair, and it made us think it wasn't a fad. There must be something there." (more)

November 2002

View Spoonman Nw Spring Specs Eyewear

While attending the 34th annual Northwest Folklife Festival --
the largest folk, ethnic and traditional arts festival in North America over the Memorial Day weekend under the Space Needle in Seattle wearing a pair of black SideWinder Sandals, I discovered the above Spring Specs Eyewear.

A Report From the Z-CoiL Dealer Conference

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.

"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,

Dr. Lotchie Kerch
Your2Feet - Seattle, WA

Phoenix Magazine Best Of 2003: Best Cult Shoe Store

Phoenix Magazine Best Of: "Best Cult Shoe Store:
Z Shoe Store Etc.
7085 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale, AZ
480-946-4646

This Old Town Scottsdale shop specializes in the Z-CoiL brand, whose funky spring heel supposedly absorbs shock and thus diminishes back, knee and foot pain. The shoes look like something that a Matthew Barney model or the Jetsons’ robot maid would wear. But they’re becoming favorites of doctors, nurses, runners and others who need a little spring in their step. Also available at Z-Coil in Sun City West and Z-Coil Pain Relief Footwear in Peoria.

Testimonial: Alex Tate

As recently as 11 months ago, I was having severe problems with arthritis in both knees-so much so that I could barely get through a day at work. I work in retail, which requires being on my feet all day. I was also about forty pounds overweight, which my doctor advised was adding more to my problems. With all that pain, it was hard to exercise and thus all the more difficult to lose weight.


I read an article in our local paper about [Z-CoiL® footwear] and around the end of May 2004, I went to Spring Action Footwear in Overland Park to try a pair. I made the purchase and after wearing the shoes for a couple of weeks, I found the pain and stiffness had lessened enough that I could start walking on a regular basis again-at first just a little, and then more frequently and on longer walks.

Since the end of August, I have lost 59 pounds. I had to make some big changes in my eating habits. Weight Watchers® was a big help with that. They helped me see that the increase in exercise has been the piece that was missing in any prior efforts to loose weight. I could not have done that without my Z-CoiL® shoes.

Now I even lightly jog for a part of my walking time five to six days per week. I'm healthier now than I was in my 20's and the arthritis is a non-issue. I tell everyone that [Z-CoiL® shoes] were the best thing I ever did for myself.

Thank you so much,

Alex Tate
Overland Park, KS

Wearers of an unusual shoe swear it cuts foot, ankle, knee and back pain

"When Steve and Janice Dallas took the 2 1/2-hour drive from their home in Canton, Ohio, to Pittsburgh recently, they didn't come to watch the Pirates or visit one of the city's many museums.

They drove here to buy shoes.

Not just any pair, but Z-CoiLs.

'We've had stories of people who've traveled anywhere from two to eight hours to find a location because of how Z-CoiLs have helped people,' says Pamela Rachel Trhlik, communications manager for Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear of Albuquerque, N.M.
The shoes with a steel spring mounted on the heel definitely cause heads to turn. They don't make much of a fashion statement; the appeal is their ability to eliminate pain, advocates said.

'I felt immediate relief when I tried on my first pair,' said Stephenie Cready, 35, a hospice nurse from Eighty Four who has plantar fasciitis, a swelling of the thin layer of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. 'It feels like I have pillows on my feet.'

Cready bought her Z-CoiLs when she was vacationing in Arizona. She was so impressed that she convinced her friend, Nancy Kovach to get a pair to ease the pain in her arthritic knees and back.


William E. Hall, 79, of Mt. Lebanon, a retired oral surgeon, wears them on the tennis court four times a week.

"I play tennis in them and people will always say, 'You can't keep your balance in those,' and I say, 'Oh, yes I can!' "

Hall says standing on the job for 40 years affected his knees.

"These shoes don't cure anything. They won't make my arthritic knees any better, but they make living with arthritic knees better since there's not as much strain on my knees." (more)


By Carole Reinert-Lucas
Post Gazette
Tuesday, August 03, 2004

Z-COIL FOOTWEAR OF RUIDOSO 2003 AD

Z-COIL FOOTWEAR OF RUIDOSO features pain relief footwear with a twist...a spring that is. This fashionable shoe line was created in Albuquerque for individuals suffering from such maladies as heel spurs, plantar faciatis, sore knees, and aching backs. Patented and sold since 1996, the styles range from hiking boots to sandals to dress clogs, and all are in stock for your convenience.

Testimonial - Lois White

Lois purchased her first pair of Z-Coils about 18 months ago. She is retired and lists her occupation as a "hiker"! She loves to hike in the mountain trails around San Jose. She purchased her first pair of Z-CoiL's about 18 months ago with a pair of white Freedom 2000's and added a pair of balck Freedom 2000's shortly after that.

"Never have I had shoes as great as these! says Lois. "I will never go back to toe pointed shoes. I was starting to have hip problems but with the Z-CoiL, my hip is much better."

As she navigated the rocky rugged trail course in our store, she commented "I used to be afraid of walking on any rocks, but with these shoes, it's a breeze."

Today she wandered into the store to check out the painted clogs and to see if there were any new styles. The white Taos Clog Straps caught her eyes, and after a few minor adjustments, she was on her way. "My daughter is getting married, so now I have something to wear to the wedding," said Lois.

Till later,
Caesar Snee
EZ-Shoes
San Jose, CA

Albuquerque Tribune Online: Heel and woe

Postal Service rejects springy Z-Coil shoe

"The shoe with a spring has been stamped unacceptable by the U.S. Postal Service.

Z-Coil - the Albuquerque company that makes athletic and work shoes with a spring in the heel - is at odds with the Postal Service, which banned its employees from wearing the shoes to work.

The Postal Service evaluated the shoe last year and says the heel is too high and there is a risk of slipping. It says it won't reconsider the decision despite complaints from Z-Coil.

'Based on the height of the heel and the way it's constructed, and their (Z-Coil's) own literature that says it can cause a slipping hazard, it was deemed unacceptable,' said Cesta Ayers, a Postal Service spokesman in Dallas.

Not so, Z-Coil says." (more)



By Dan Mayfield
Tribune Reporter
Date: Unknown

Q&A with Kent Holyoke Mt. Vernon Dealer

How was the Skagit Arthritis Walk Health Fair May 14 at the Cascade Mall in Burlington (photo)?

I liked it

What was the interest level from the attendees?

Enthusiastic

Did you make any sales after the event?

One during, 2 more probable (NOTE: The mother of the coordinator of the Arthritis Foundation Washington/Alaska Chapter Cascade Mall Arthritis Walk in Burlington purchased the pair of Z-CoiLs. I have requested an interview with her. Stay tuned.)

Are you going to do it again next year?

Absolutley....recommended it to the Spokane dealer, too.

Was it worth your time?

Yes

What will you do different next year?

Promote more aggressively

Did any of your customers participate in the walk?

Yes, a couple of exercise instructors.

May Is Correct Posture Month; Help Align Your Spine With Appropriate Footwear

( Albuquerque, NM ) – May is Correct Posture Month and according to an article on Spine-Health.com, “Not maintaining good posture and adequate back support can add strain to muscles and put stress on the spine. Over time, the stress of poor posture can change the anatomical characteristics of the spine, leading to the possibility of constricted blood vessels and nerves, as well as problems with muscles, discs and joints. All of these can be major contributors to back and neck pain, as well as headaches, fatigue, and possibly even concerns with major organs and breathing.”

Our mothers and our teachers told us for years to stand up straight and sit up straight! Little did we know how important those words would be later in life. One small change could make huge improvements for posture and the painful effects after years of poor posture. Finding proper footwear could help with alignment and support.

A new line of footwear, Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ which is engineered to help alleviate foot, leg and back pain, is also helping to improve posture and body alignment.

“Since childhood, I’ve had a tendency toward flat feet, a slumped posture, and overall tightness in muscles and joints,” says Javan Oston, D.C. of Albuquerque. “Biomechanically, I knew I needed something more in the way of foot support, but had never had good results with traditional orthotics.”

Nearly a year ago, Javan tried Z-CoiL® footwear on the recommendation of two patients and he says it has made a huge difference for him. “To date, my posture is straighter, my arches are higher and stronger, and I am less tight and tired at the end of the day. Due to my better alignment in the Z-CoiL® footwear, I believe that all my muscles are more “switched on” and that it takes less effort to perform the same tasks. I wear my Z-CoiL ® shoes throughout my workday, and now cannot imagine doing without them.”

The unique footwear incorporates a rigid full-length orthotic for mid-foot support, superior forefront cushioning to help soften each step and a conical-shaped steel coil in the heel, which provides the extraordinary impact reduction. Even though pain reduction is the primary focus of the footwear, a positive side effect for many Z-CoiL® wearers is improved posture.

Dr. Aaron, Kaufman, D.O. from the Integrative Medicine Clinic in Albuquerque has also had positive posture results in the footwear.

“I immediately felt more relaxed in my back and straighter in my posture,” he says. “My feet stopped hurting and I wasn’t tired and in pain at the end of the day. It’s hard to think about wearing any other shoes now because these feel so good.”

Z-CoiL Footwear : To the Dealers Conference!

"I will be Missing In Action for the next week as I attend the Z-CoiL Dealers Conference in Albuquerque. It's a really special time for me due to a several reasons.

First of all, I get an opportunity to met with all of the great minds in the Z-CoiL World, including the other distributors, the Z-CoiL staff, and the inventor, Al Gallegos!

Secondly, I get an opportunity to learn how to better meet the needs of our customers, including fitting techniques for the hard to fit cases.

And lastly, I get to meet with all of my friends in Albuquerque! I used to live in Albuquerque and teach at the University of New Mexico. I still have a lot of great friends in that part of the country, and we spend time reliving the experiences of our past lives...

So, please excuse the absence, but I will be back in a week with more!

Till later,
Caesar Snee
EZ-Shoes
San Jose, CA

Z-CoiL is a registered trademark and Pain Relief Footwear is a trademark of Z-Tech, Inc. © 2005 Z-Tech, Inc. All rights reserved. 501 Eubank Blvd. SE — Albuquerque — New Mexico — 87123

Testimonial: Doyle Downs - The Boston Marathon

BOSTON MARATHON in Z-CoiL® Shoes

The Boston Marathon, every distance runner's dream. Well, I finally made it. Yes, I did have to wait for my age to catch up with my abilities. Turned 60, which means I needed a 4-hour time to qualify for Boston. Some might say anyone can go 26.2 miles in 4 hours, but go ahead, give it a try. I had never run four hours in any previous marathon, but I knew it was possible, especially with help of a running friend who became my personal trainer.

Now the bad news. After I ran the St. George marathon in October in 3:55 to qualify for Boston, I had a minor groin injury in December and lost most of the month. Then [I had] a lot of travel and conflicts in January. Got serious about training in February, and guess what? Hurt my foot/heel. At first, the doctor thought it was plantar fasciitis, but then my family doctor thought it was a bruised heel. Either way, the only training it allowed was some stationary bike riding, but not much. Couldn't believe it, ten years in preparation with no major injuries, except minor knee surgery, and now ready for Boston and hurt.

As a part of trying to recuperate from the foot injury, my doctor had recommended a shoe called Z-CoiL® that would save the day. I really didn't think I could finish the race, but since my friend was going, I decided to go and at worst I would get a better understanding of Boston, do a few miles and drop out, but be better prepared to go back next year.

These shoes saved the day for my heel. Well, at least allowed me to do a walk/run and finish the race. Pretty wild?

Didn't make my 4 hours, but made it. Foot hurt, but it was worth it. Without the [Z-CoiL® shoes] I would never have been able to finish. Really excited about how it will be next year when, hopefully, it will be well.

My foot is still healing, so whenever I don't wear my [Z-CoiL® shoes] the pain level goes way up. I am so very thankful to Z-CoiL. I plan to continue wearing my [Z-CoiL® footwear] for some of my training runs when my foot is back to normal. With it, I hope to get at least ten more years of running.

Doyle Downs
Woodway, TX

The HOPE crutch & Z-coil shoes

The HOPE crutch & Z-coil shoes: "My other must-have: I have also been using z-coil shoes for a while. They have a coil in the heel that reduces greatly the impact of walking, especially important now that I can't weight-bear on my left leg and must hop around my right. The work boot is one I used as a hiking shoe. It has the enclosed heel, which is now available for the other shoes as well. Some of the men didn't like the exposed coil because it looked like a 'high heel.' I get comments all the time about these shoes.

They really are the only shoes I can wear because of my neuropathy. I also like the sandal.

I don't recommend the clog. You really should have your heel enclosed to get the proper support from these shoes.


For more info: www.z-coil.com (I am not affiliated with them in any way)"

Skibummedout

Just call me "Spring-heel Jack" | In Passing...

Just call me "Spring-heel Jack" In Passing...: "This isn't an overheard thing; it's a shameless testimonial to my new Z-Coil shoes. Sure, they look ridiculous, but I've never owned a more comfortable pair of shoes.

Before I got them, I gimped around like a cripple for the first few hours of every day--the pain in my feet made it agony to walk, and it showed. And though the pain would subside somewhat after a while, it never went away. Now, I can walk without feeling like I have broken glass in my heels. The pain hasn't entirely gone away (but then again, I've only been wearing my Z-Coils for three days), but it's so much better I can hardly believe it.

Okay, so at $150-$200 dollars, they aren't for everyone. But the springs are the part doing most of the work, and so are the part most likely to wear out--and the springs can be replaced for $35 for a pair. The rest of the shoe can last years without showing significant wear and tear, even when worn daily. So even with the initial outlay, that's less than I used to spend on shoes, trying to find something--anything--that would feel better."

American Chiropractic Association Encourages Older Americans to Kick the Sedentary Lifestyle

"ARLINGTON, Va., April 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and public health officials across the country are using National Public Health Week, April 4-8, to encourage Americans to stay strong and healthy throughout their later years. Although recent federal data report that Americans are living longer, many older Americans continue to suffer from preventable health problems that could be diminished if proactively addressed.

'This week the American Chiropractic Association is encouraging older Americans to make lifestyle changes that will keep themselves strong and healthy,' said ACA President Donald Krippendorf, DC. 'It is never too late to incorporate simple activities that can protect your health and prolong your life.'

Many older Americans are moving away from the traditional model of "disease management" medical care to a new model of preventive care, and chiropractic plays a big role in that shift. Doctors of chiropractic believe that prevention is the key to health and wellness.

In fact, the ACA recently launched a new Web page devoted to Wellness Resources. For more information on ACA's wellness initiative, visit: http://www.acatoday.com/insurance/wellness/ResPatients.shtml. (more)

Testimonial: Joanne - Retired Nurse (Audio)

Hi. My name is Joanne and I've been wearing Z-CoiLs for about 9 months and... (WAV, 2 minutes)

source: your2feet @ the Puyallup Fair 2004

Nursing Stories

Claudia McIntosh, a nurse in Albuquerque

“Z-CoiL Footwear has literally changed my life,” declares Claudia McIntosh, a nurse in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “I suffered from severe foot pain from years of hard hospital floors and extremely long hours. The Z-CoiLs have taken all of my pain away and I have tons more energy on a daily basis. I have made such a stir in the hospital where I work that over half of the nursing staff now use Z-CoiLs.”

Deborah Brackens, a nurse for 26 years,
says the shoe has eased her aches and pains.

"I have osteoarthritis," says Brackens, an administrator at Prince George's Hospital Center who owns a pair of Z-CoiL clogs. "If you're a nurse, you're walking on concrete floor or linoleum all day. By the end of the day, your feet are tired and you're tired. For me, they lessen the pain on my hips. If you're trying to preserve your bones and joints, these are great."

Stephenie Cready, 35, a hospice nurse

'I felt immediate relief when I tried on my first pair,' said Stephenie Cready, 35, a hospice nurse from Eighty Four who has plantar fasciitis, a swelling of the thin layer of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. 'It feels like I have pillows on my feet.'"

“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,” says Amy Mueller, a registered nurse in Traverse City, MI. “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.”

Since finding Z-CoiL footwear, Mueller says she experienced almost immediate relief and has been able to resume her normal walking routine plus has been able to work more effectively with less pain. should always use caution around cords, hoses, and other tripping hazards.

Barbara M., Menlo Park, CA.

"No knee pain, especially when (going) up and down stairs. No more back pain. Nor more tired legs at the end of the day. I am a rheumatology/orthopedic nurse and my words count. I will send you my patients".

Joletta M., Milpitas, CA

"I am on my feet for many hours as a nurse and I have no more foot pain. These shoes are great!"

Susan W., Fresno, CA.

"As an ER nurse, I am on my feet 12 hours a day, running. With my Z-CoiLs, I have NO joint or foot pain at the end of the day!".

Jodi Butzerin, Federal Way, WA

"I had very painful heels and very bad callous before I started wearing the Z-CoiLs. I first saw the Z-CoiLs at the Puyallup Fair in September 2004. I tried on a pair of Z-CoiL shoes and I walked out with my first pair. I will never wear regular tennis shoes again. The Z-CoiLs will be the only shoes I wear. I have gotten so much relief from the spring in my step. I now have a new pair of feet, and my callous are so much better, too.

I am a nurse and a full-time mom of 2 children ages 7-9. I stand on my feet everyday with long hours. When I would work as a nurse, my shoes were on for about 3-4 hours and then I would walk around in my socks because my feet would hurt and ache. When I went home, they were aching/burning and I just wanted to cut my feet off and sew a new pair of feet back on. I now can work an 8 and-a-half shift without taking my shoes off. I rarely get a half hour break. So, I stand on my feet for at least 8 and-a-half hours straight. I now have new feet thanks to my Z-CoiL shoes."

National Physical Fitness Month Encourages Americans to Get Moving for Health

Press Release

Z-CoiL® Can Help You Get Moving With Proper Footwear

( Albuquerque, NM ) – May has been designated National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. It is the perfect opportunity to make a new commitment to personal health and fitness.

Obesity is vastly becoming the biggest health concern nationwide. According to the latest government statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 65 percent of Americans are overweight and nearly 30 percent are considered obese. The problem with extra weight is that it increases the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other chronic diseases. Additionally, the extra weight puts stress on the back and lower joints.

The government’s latest recommendations for weight loss include 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. However, being overweight and starting an exercising routine can be a Catch-22 because pain in the feet, knees and lower back often accompanies the workout. If the pain becomes too intense, workouts are abandoned and weight continues to increase.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, “the impact of each step exerts tremendous force on the feet. This force is about 50 percent greater than the person's body weight. During a typical day, the average person spends about four hours on his or her feet and takes between 8,000 and 10,000 steps. This means that the feet support a combined force equivalent to several hundred tons every day.”

Since walking is the best form of exercise that nearly anyone can do, walking smart can increase your exercise success. The best tool to help get moving is a proper pair of shoes. A relatively new line of footwear, Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ is specifically engineered to help alleviate foot, leg and back pain, in turn helping to increase activity levels and general mobility.

“I am a diabetic. I heard about your shoes from a friend and a nurse I know. My feet were in constant pain. I thought it was because I had a couple of toes amputated last year. I was only able to walk about a hundred feet without pain,” says Michael Weaver of Jonesboro, AK. “This week I purchased a pair of your shoes. I put them on in the store. Before I left the store, all the pain in my feet had stopped. The rest of the day I walked around, and the next day, and the next, and so on. I have gotten overweight due to sitting around with sore feet. But now I am walking every day. I know I am losing weight now. That can only be good for a diabetic.”

Michael is just one of thousands who are experiencing incredible results from Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™. The revolutionary shoes are helping to bring back quality of life for many.

Nurses Discover How to Take Care of Themselves to Improve Care to Others

Press Release

Z-CoiL® Footwear of Albuquerque Thanks Nurses during National Nurses Week, May 6-12

( Martinsville, IN ) – “I had severe pain in the heel area of both of my feet from spending so much time pounding my feet over concrete floors,” says Debra Davis, a traveling emergency room nurse, based in Indiana. “When I went home at night I couldn't stand to walk on my feet at all and would hobble around and sometimes had so much pain that even the next day I could hardly walk. I slept with my feet off the end of the bed every night so that my heels wouldn't touch the bed.”

Debra’s pain problems are not an anomaly in the medical profession. Doctors, nurses and medical technicians spend countless hours on their feet, taking care of patients, while often not taking care of their own pain.

May 6-12 is National Nurses Week and Z-CoiL Footwear of Albuquerque honors and thanks nurses for being such strong supporters of Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™. The unique footwear is growing in popularity throughout the medical community as its incredible pain-relief properties are being realized.

“I have been wearing them for a year now and the only time my heels have hurt in that entire year was on two occasions when I wore regular shoes to work instead of my Z-CoiL® shoes,” Debra says. “I don't wear my Z-CoiL® shoes anywhere except to work and I don't have problems with heel pain anymore!”

Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ is specifically engineered to relieve foot, leg, and back pain, through a combination of three special components. Most visibly is the large conical-shaped coil in the heel that has been tested by the U.S. Department of Energy to reduce impact and the force of each step by up to 50 percent. A built-in three-quarter length orthotic supports the foot from the heel to the metatarsal heads, helping to distribute pressure evenly throughout the foot. Additionally, superior cushioning under the forefoot helps to temper each step.

“It's really funny because some people say "WOW, those are the coolest shoes I've ever seen!" I tell them "I don't know about cool looking all I know is that my feet don't hurt anymore and they could look horrible and I wouldn't care at all,” Debra adds. (more)

Nurse Z-Story

"I am a nurse and I work with people who have extensive problems with their feet, as I do," says Diane Sepulveda of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. "Everyone states the shoes look strange, but once I tell them how great they feel, they are ready to buy two pairs (themselves). I really can't remember being so profoundly positive about anything in my life. These shoes are the best I have ever worn in my 36 years of nursing."

Happy Nurse's Week!

"The nursing community is one of my favorite walks of life. Maybe it is because my mother was a practicing nurse for 35 years and my wife was a practicing nurse for 12 years. I saw what these special people go through during the course of time, and it can really take a toll on their bodies. When you spend 8-12 hours per day on your feet on concrete, running after patients with hardly a break, it can cause foot, leg, knee and back issues.

Barbara Shannon is an RN who currently owns 6 pairs of Z-CoiL's. Although she lives 60 miles from here, she stops by regularly on her way down south to check out new styles and purchase a new pair.

'I have knee problems and didn't want surgery,' says Barbara. 'With Z-CoiL's, I now do not need surgery. I can do anything with Z-CoiL's on!'

Sue Parisi is another EZ-Shoes customer in the medical field who has benefited tremendously from Z-CoiL footwear. She spends hours at a time standing in the operating room assisting the doctors.

'Since wearing my Z-CoiL Shoes for exercising and work, I no longer have pain in my lower back,' says Sue. 'My legs do not feel as heavy after a workout or after being on my feet 8 hours at work. I would recommend these shoes for anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet at work or for exercising.'

We have hundreds of people in the medical community who have been fit in Z-CoiL's from our store. I understand what they go through and my hat goes off to this very special group of people!

So, if a nurse has touch your life in any way, take the time to say thanks for a job well done!

Till later,
Caesar Snee
EZ-Shoes
San Jose, CA

A special week to thank a nurse

South Florida Sun-Sentinel:


"National Nurses Week started Friday and runs through Thursday, a time to pay tribute to this country's 2.7 million nurses. The profession of nursing was added to a Gallup Poll ranking occupations for honesty and integrity in 1999, and since then has consistently finished at the top of the list.

At the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, we admire and appreciate the knowledge, skills and abilities that nurses bring to the care of the public. Nurses care, heal and comfort people. Imagine a world without nurses! Nurses are the eyes, ears, head, heart and hands of many health-care institutions.

Think of the last time you encountered a nurse. Nurses make a positive difference for people who are sick and cannot care for themselves. Nurses also promote health and educate people so they can manage their own health care regimens. Nurses inoculate our children. Nurses care for our elderly parents and make the communities in which we live healthier.

Front-line clinicians often touch us the most directly. In the background, nurses conduct research, teach and help to develop policy.

So this week, I invite you to do what many people think of, yet few act upon: Thank a nurse who has made a difference in your life. After you've done that, I invite you to share your story with the nurses in my organization at nursingknowledge.org and click on 'tell us your story.'"



Daniel J. Pesut is president of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International. In this role, he looks strategically at the organization’s future while maintaining a respectful commitment to the heritage of the world’s oldest nursing honorary. He comes at a critical juncture: Its membership faces the daunting task of transforming and streamlining the organization while leaving its venerable rituals intact.

Doctor Erwin Linzner Explains Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ And Good Posture

Press Release

Better balance, less impact on the back from standing, may help your posture, especially if there already is pain and inflammation in the affected area of the spine. Z-CoiLs® may actually help in maintaining our balancing system.

Santa Rosa, CA - This May, during Correct Posture Month, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) suggests that you talk to your doctor of chiropractic about ways to alleviate postural habits.

Docter Erwin Linzner shares his insights on Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ and good posture:

Good posture is an important strategy in protecting your spine and preventing soft tissue injuries, such as postural strains. Whether you are a nurse that is constantly on your feet, or a secretary that spends hours behind a desk and performs data entry, poor posture will inevitably lead to musculo-skeletal injury and pain. It therefore behooves all of us to use good posture in our daily activities, such as sitting, standing and walking.

Ideal posture is basically that body configuration that requires the minimal amount of energy to keep us seated or upright. Once you deviate from that position, certain muscle groups get fatigued and problems will result. For instance, if you are a secretary, and you do not use a headset, and you consistently tilt your head to the side to approximate the head to the phone, you are going to have neck pain. A chronically tilted head requires your lateral flexors of the neck to work overtime, resulting in sprains/strains.

While standing, our base support starts with our feet. Our spine by design has several curvatures to maximize our ability to balance, and at the same time minimizes the amount of energy required to maintain this posture. High heels, as worn by many women, of course forcibly deviates your body’s curvatures from ideal, leading to back pain, knee pain, and foot pain. An innovative new product on the market, called Z-Coil shoes, may actually help improve your posture. These shoes were actually designed to prevent foot, back, and leg pain. These shoes have a built-in orthotic, a rocker-bottom forefoot neoprene sole, and a metal coil under the heel for maximum shock absorption. Advantages of these shoes include impact reduction, stimulation of the balancing system due to the elasticity of the coil.

The loss of the ability to coordinate our muscles for balancing is one of the main reasons seniors fall and sustain hip fractures. I believe, Z-Coils may actually help in maintaining our balancing system, which of course involves the brain. This would be due to the fact that the coil has a give on impact, which forces you to work on your balance. Better balance, less impact on the back from standing, may help your posture, especially if there already is pain and inflammation in the affected area of the spine.

Since 1994, Doctor Erwin Linzner has managed a chiropractic practice in Rohnert Park, California. He uses manual manipulation, soft tissue manipulation and rehabilitation for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. He believes that wellness comes from healthful living, which includes proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep. These are the primary factors that prevent disease, but also need to be addressed in healing from any condition.

To ask Docter Linzner questions or to comment on this press release, go to the A Step Above Footwear LLC Blog

Testimonial: Teresa Downing - Nurse

We are multiple Z-Coil owners, purchased all our footwear at Shoe Safari in Silverdale, WA and have had a spring in our steps for over a year. Teresa Downing (Photo: Right)
Listen to what they have to say (WAV, 2 minutes)

source: your2feet at the puyallup fair

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

Press Release

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.”(more)

OSCAR - ARTHRITIS SUFFERING FONDA FORCED TO SLOW DOWN

"OSCAR-winning fitness guru JANE FONDA has been struck down with osteoarthritis, and is no longer able to exercise as much as she used to.

The 67-year-old movie icon, famed for her exercise videos in the 1980s, is slowing down her own regime due to the debilitating disorder.

"But I was doing yoga and lifting weights. I do try to stay healthy and I try to pay attention."



When I heard that Jane Fonda had osteoarthritis and is scheduled for hip replacement surgery at the end of her national promotional book and movie tour, I thought she would be an excellent candidate for Z-CoiLs and a 'multimedia membership' blog. Over the past several weeks, I have been exchanging e-mails with her management office - Fonda, Inc.

On Friday, Fonda, Inc. sent me the enclosed correspondence:


May 6, 2005

Thank you for your patience.

We have heard back from Ms. Fonda, and she appreciates your taking action against that blogging site. She is not interested in having her own blog, and she is also not interested in having her own official website.

Thank you in addition for the information about Z-Coils shoes, but she is not interested.

Thank you for inquiring about the upcoming media dates, but all of the national media programs related to the book tour have aired. However, she will be in the June edition of Vogue Magazine, and a review of her book was published in this month's O Magazine.

Sincerely,

Fonda, Inc.

Ms. Fonda’s reaction to Z-CoiLs is exactly the same I had received from countless attendees at the Puyallup Fair in September. These people think they know what Z-CoiLs are, but do not comprehend what they do.

Whatever.

In an attempt to get these individuals to understand what Z-CoiLs do, do, at the 19-day fall fair I would spray them with this made-up line:

“You can not see the springy soled shoe simply with your eyes – you must experience them ON your feet.”

Sometimes they would spend a couple of minutes trying on a pair, but most of the time they would walk on by.

I was dumbfounded by people like Annie H., who felt pain relief instantly with Z-CoiLs on her feet, but did not believe it. You can’t force people to do something even if it improves the quality of their lives unless a law is passed (like the seat belt law) or the insurance industry can reduce annual medical claims by a couple of percentage points.

Oh, well. What are you going to do? Focus on the positive and open minded people that will take the time to see Zs with their feet and spread the stories of real people that have had their lives changed for the better by adding a spring to their step.

BTW: I thanked Fonda, Inc. for their time and attention. Although, I couldn't find the O Magazine book review, I did discover a 2000 interview between Jane Fonda and Oprah Winfrey.

your2feet: African American Conference Seattle WA

"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. "

Testimonial: Carol L. Schmidt, RN

One year ago while in New Mexico visiting family and friends, I was introduced to an amazing product, the Z-CoiL® shoe, which literally was a Godsend to me.

Working in the nursing profession, I am on my feet generally for the entire shift.

After 17 years it has taken its toll on my body and joints. Last June was spent in excruciating pain in my knees, which led me to an orthopedic surgeon, who diagnosed me with bleeding bursitis within the knee joint.

Immobilization and physical therapy treatments did not seem to be working, as my knee re-bled four times within that month. Before leaving on my trip to New Mexico, I called my orthopedic surgeon’s office to setup an appointment to have surgery on my knee and clean it out, as I couldn’t continue as I was.

I headed to New Mexico in my immobilizer with my family and we were fortunate to meet AI Gallegos, the inventor of Z-CoiL® shoes. My nurse friends were all wearing Z-CoiL®s. Once they saw me hobbling along, they insisted I had to try these shoes.

My first impression was, “Well, I don’t know, those look pretty weird." Upon their insistence, I found myself at Al’s store in Albuquerque, and he fit me with a pair of his shoes after a thorough explanation of their design and function. Upon standing, I could immediately tell the difference.

The pain was tremendously reduced, and walking wasn’t the painful, laborious chore it had been over the last month.

After 24 hours in my Z-CoiL® shoes, I switched to just a knee brace. I didn’t experience any further swelling or bleeding and was able to walk on our adventures instead of being in a wheelchair.

At the end of the week, I returned to work with little to no pain in my knees. The other benefit I noticed was that I no longer had the chronic lower back pain I always had, another hazard of my profession. A few days later, I felt secure enough to go without the knee brace and I cancelled my ortho appointment.

The difference I felt in my Z-CoiL® shoes was immediate.

In the past, I’ve always had to buy insoles to make the shoes fit my arches, but not with these shoes. The built-in orthotic totally eliminated that need. I have worn my Z-CoiL® shoes for one year now, nearly 24-7.

Whenever I am wearing another pair of shoes, within 1-2 hours my knees are hurting, and the simple act of walking becomes very painful again.

Even though my shoes are a year old, they still give me the same support and comfort as the day I bought them. They have held up exceptionally well.

Normally in a year’s time, I have gone through at least three or four pairs of tennis shoes, because the support and comfort were gone in them.

Z-CoiL®s have saved me from surgery, buying extra shoes, and have given me pain-free movement again.

Thank you Al for designing such an incredible shoe!

A Z-CoiL® Wearer Forever,
Carol L. Schmidt, RN

Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ Nursing Testimonials Published Daily

Press Release:

In Celebration of National Nurses Week The Z-Blog Reporter Is Featuring Nurses With A Spring In Their Step



Port Townsend, WA - Thousands of nurses will celebrate National Nurses Week May 6-12 wearing "funny-looking" shoes with a big spring in the heel. The shoes, called Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™, have become a boon for medical professionals forced to work standing for extended periods of time. The Z-Blog Reporter, a syndicated blog maintained by a multi-Z-CoiL shoe owner (6 pair), will publish personal pain relief stories of nurses throughout the week. http://z-coil.blogspot.com

"Z-CoiL Footwear has literally changed my life," says Claudia McIntosh, an Albuquerque, New Mexico nurse. "I suffered from severe foot pain from years of hard hospital floors and extremely long hours. The Z-CoiLs have taken all of my pain away and I have tons more energy …"

Liz Pawlyk, a nursing student in Reading, Pennsylvania, says after trying Z-CoiLs "I never looked back…My feet are pain free and no longer an issue. I can't begin to express my gratitude to your company."

Founder and inventor Al Z. Gallegos opened his first Z-CoiL store in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1995. The company now produces a variety of styles, each featuring a thick, conical heel spring which absorbs up to 50% of the impact created by walking or running. The shoes also have a rigid, built-in orthotic that cradles the mid-foot, equalizing pressure distribution to help prevent heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.

Feet take tremendous abuse, many podiatrists and orthopedic specialists agree. The impact of walking and running can deliver forces up to five times our body weight. That's a lot, considering the average American adult weighs 140 pounds or more.

"I now commonly recommend Z-CoiLs to my patients for foot, ankle, leg, knee, hip, and all back pain," says Aaron B. Kaufman, an osteopathic doctor in Albuquerque, who also wears the shoes. "It's hard to think about wearing any other shoes now because these feel so good. I tell my patients that I'm addicted to my Z-CoiLs."

Z-CoiL, a small company on a mission, is gaining a tremendous and loyal following as word of its pain relief benefits spreads. It is headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and has more than 200 authorized distributors nationwide, including several in Canada and Mexico.

The Z-Blog Reporter is not associated with Z-CoiL or a Z-CoiL independent dealer. The focus of the daily online journal is on customer stories, customer satisfaction and community.

Testimonial: Joyce Seddon (Nurse)

"As a nurse working 12-hour shifts, my knees and feet were the first to tell me the day was long and laborious. I saw several waitresses and nurses wearing [Z-CoiL footwear] and they all had wonderful things to say about them, so I put them on my Christmas wish list a year ago. My wonderful husband bought me a gift certificate, and I was amazed at how great they felt.

Since getting them, they have been on my feet constantly when I work, play, shop, or just hang around. Why wear anything else?

My grandchildren call me Grandma Tigger. Although I can not jump as high as Tigger can in the Winnie-the-Poo books, I can smile and laugh like he does because I feel good.

Joyce Seddon
Surprise, AZ

Kansas City infoZine - National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week - USA

Kansas City infoZine - National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week - USA: "National Nurses Week (May 6-12) coincides with Florence Nightingale's birthday, May 12. Many consider Nightingale the founder of modern nursing.

The history of Nurses Week began in 1953 when Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare sent the proposal to President Eisenhower. In 1974, President Nixon proclaimed a 'National Nurse Week.' The celebration of National Hospital Week (May 8-14) began in 1921 when a magazine editor suggested that more information about hospitals might alleviate public fears about them.


Red Cross nurses during the early part of the 20th century.

Nurses in the United States

2.4 million
Number of registered nurses.

92%
Percentage of registered nurses who are women.

623,000
Projected growth in the number of registered nurses between 2002 and 2012. It is expected that registered nurses will experience the largest job growth of any occupation during this time period.

531,000
Number of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.

1.8 million
Number of nursing, psychiatric and home health aides.

1,181
Number of nurses per 100,000 residents in Massachusetts, the highest rate among states. (The District of Columbia has 1,498.) Nevada, with 517, has the lowest rate.

(more)

WFAA- TV | Coils: Easy on the feet? (Video)

WFAA.com News for Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas : By MACIE JEPSON

"They're not for being cool," said shoe distributor Teri Hernandez (TNT Z-CoiL Footwear). "They're for pain relief."

Spring-loaded shoes are designed to absorb skeletal shock. They're popping up on feet all across North Texas.

"I walked into the store in pain - a severe case of tendonitis in my Achilles tendon," said customer Mark Burkhall. "I tried on a pair of shoes and walked around, and the pain went away - and they had my attention."

Hernandez said the shoes are ideal for people with moderate to severe sciatic pain, back pain, hip, knees, ankle and foot problems.

Cosmetologists are on their feet all day, and they're usually considered fashion-forward. But Michelle Molnar is more concerned about comfort.

"They distribute your weight more evenly, so you're not leaning on the toes of your feet," Molnar said. "They straighten your back out."

But how do they work? We went to the Texas Back Institute to find out. Employees wear them, and so does orthopedic surgeon and TBI founder Dr. Stephen Hochschuler (Photo).

"What the coil does is unload your back, and stops some of the impact loading," Hochschuler said. "You're still impacted, but it's not the same hard end to the impact."

They make look unstable, but Hochschuler wears his in surgery.

"If you walk, you feel that springiness, but you're not wobbling on them," he said. (more)

Watch Video (WMV, 2 minutes)

Testimonial: John Christmas

In my sixty-two years of life I have never written a letter in regards to a product, but the change in my well-being has caused me to set into print a letter of appreciation.

For the last five years I have progressively been getting more and more stooped over because of pain in both my back and hips, to the point that I thought that I would have to have my hip joints replaced. The pain would get so bad that I could only walk a few feet some days.


Then I found your store and tried on [Z-CoiL® shoes]. With some adjustments that Nancy [Aubry, Z-CoiL® distributor] made, I left the store and enjoyed the first comfort in a long time.

Two days later I came back in for another adjustment. . . . We found out that my right leg is shorter than my left, and this is what was causing my posture and hip problems. Within ten minutes I could tell the difference and two days later I was without any hip pain.

I now can enjoy walking in the stores and standing in line, something I dreaded before.

My wife Raylene also bought a pair of [Z-CoiL® shoes] because of foot pain caused by bunions and having had a bone replaced in her toe. Raylene loves her shoes and wears them every day.

I will recommend these Z-CoiL® shoes to everyone I come into contact with. Nancy and Ed, it has been a pleasure doing business with you. Your professional way of handling my problems is very much appreciated. I look forward to coming in to see you again.

P.S. You may share this letter with all others who are thinking of buying [Z-CoiL® shoes].

Sincerely Yours,

John Christmas
Torrance, CA

Press Release

Christmas Gets a Miraculous Gift from Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™

American Nurses Association | National Nurses Week

National Nurses Week starts May 6 and ends May 12 on Florence Nightingale's birthday. This year's theme is: "Nurses: Many Roles, One Profession."

An annual weeklong celebration is promoted primarily by the American Nurses Association with the goal of raising awareness of the important role nurses play in our lives.

"This year's theme underscores the breadth of directions that a nurse's career may take," said ANA president Barbara Blakeney, MS, RN. "Although nurses historically have provided hands-on patient care at the bedside - and will continue to do so - nurses also are deeply involved in health education, research, business and public policy," she added.

Registered nurses (RNs) represent the largest, single component of the health care profession with an estimated 2.7 million RNs in the United States. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. currently has a nurse shortage of nearly 150,000 RNs and will have a shortage of more than 800,000 RNs by the year 2020. "One of the goals of National Nurses Week is to remind the public of the critical role that nurses play," said Linda Stierle, MSN, RN, CNAA,BC, ANA's chief executive officer. "However, it also is important to point out what nurses need to provide top notch patient care," she added.

The week celebrates nurses' unending commitment to helping people lead better, longer, more fulfilling lives. Nurses are the front line of health care, providing care to individuals directly. Nurses help treat and comfort patients through every step of the health care system. In hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools and workplaces, nurses give themselves to better the health and well-being of their patients. (full press release)

ArthritisCentral Blog: New Podcast Technology Helps Create First Arthritis Radio Program

Thanks to a number of pioneers before me, the world of “podcasting” now basically enables people to create their own radio-like programs out of their own homes or offices. When I became aware of this technology, I was quite elated because I realized that it would give me another really wonderful platform for patient education. We call our program “Arthritis Central News and Views” and you can find it right next to the Arthritis Blog on the home page. You simply click on the link button and then wait for five to ten seconds or less for the program to open up and download onto your computer. It will then start playing on its own in your default media player such as iTunes, Windows Media Player, Winamp, etc.

I am planning on doing a number of things on the AC News and Views program. First off, I will bring you up-to-date on some of the latest arthritis-related news stories. Secondly, I plan on interviewing patients about their experiences in coping with their rheumatic diseases. I also will see how they are utilizing the various exercise and other coping DVDs available at ArthritisMall.com. Have these made a difference in the way they feel? Also, which of the twelve steps in the Take Back Control of Your Arthritis: The 12 Critical Steps book has helped them the most. Are they following the roadmap that I provide for them and has this changed their lives in any significant way? We will touch on some issues that the book raises during these interviews and discussions.

Finally, I hope to interview rheumatologists and other experts from around the country and get their points of view regarding the latest information in the diagnosis and treatment of the rheumatic diseases. I will ask about exciting new research and advances that we should expect to see in the coming months and years. New scientific discoveries and innovative therapies offer hope to the arthritis sufferer. I plan on making this show inspirational in any way that I can. If I can empower you with the knowledge that you need to “take back control” and get you not to despair and lose hope, then the Arthritis Central News and Views Podcast will be considered an enormous success to me.


Joel Rutstein M.D.

Visit the Podcast Page to start listening

“Health Forum” to Feature Z-Coil Footwear

Press Release

April 16, 2005 -- You may have heard the expression “Put some spring into your step.” Now, one can quite literally do that with Z-Coil and diminish pain.

It all began when Alvaro Z. Gallegos set out to cure his own foot pain. He figured out that the source of his pain was from impact; he came up with the idea of a shock absorber, similar to those on a car, to reduce the impact on the heel. He decided to experiment with adding a spring to the heel of his shoe, and it gave much relief to his pain. He then decided to market shoes to those that suffered from similar back, leg and/or foot pain. Many do not even realize that what they wear on their feet might be the cause. Z-Coils are designed to relieve pain from heel spurs, arthritis and lower back pain. (more)

Health Forum is a show by doctors for doctors. The TV program is designed to inform and educate the medical community in all facets - from nursing to pediatrics, oncology, pharmacology, and other specialties.

Sandi Newmark
PLATINUM TELEVISION GROUP

American Chiropractic Association: Good Posture Key to Overall Health

Press Release

Celebrate ‘Correct Posture Month’ this May

Arlington, Va. (May 3, 2005) — Do you spend all day tapping away on a keyboard at the office only to come home and slouch in your recliner for hours while watching TV? In both the home and the workplace, countless posture pitfalls await the unsuspecting.

In fact, poor posture can result from simple everyday activities -- leaning over paperwork or straining to peer at the computer screen – and the result is muscle tension, stiffness, backaches, neck cramps and fatigue. In fact, some 80 percent of Americans have not only endured back pain, but contribute to it in the way they sit, exercise, work and sleep.

This May, during Correct Posture Month, sponsored by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), talk to your doctor of chiropractic about ways to alleviate the postural habits that can have a negative impact on your overall health.

“Once established, poor posture creates a chain reaction throughout the body,” said Jerome McAndrews, DC. “The digestive and respiratory systems will be affected by poor posture, especially poor sitting posture. And in more serious cases, where poor posture has had major effects on the musculoskeletal system, there can be a resulting negative impact on the vascular system.”

“On the flip side, maintaining good posture is a way of doing things with more energy, less stress and less fatigue. It is never too late to change our behaviors in an effort to improve our posture,” Dr. McAndrews explains.

What constitutes good posture? Good posture keeps all body parts balanced and supported. When standing, it should be possible to draw a straight line from the earlobe, through the shoulder, hip, knee, and into the middle of the ankle.

Because people find themselves in several positions throughout the day (sitting, standing, bending, stooping and lying down) it's important to learn how to attain good posture in everyday situations. The ACA offers these suggestions:

At the Office

According to ACA’s President, Dr. Donald Krippendorf, “Today, it is not only jobs in construction or other labor-intensive fields that cause on-the-job-injuries. Typing at a computer all day can be equally stressful on a person’s wrists, shoulders, neck and spine, resulting in painful impairment.”


If you work behind a computer, work to improve your sitting posture by:

• Making sure your chair fits correctly. There should be 2 inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees.
• Sitting with your knees at approximately a 90-degree to 120-degree angle. Using an angled footrest to support your feet may help you sit more comfortably.
• Positioning your computer monitor so that the top of the screen is at or below eye level.
• Keeping your wrists in the neutral position while you type, not angled up or down. A wrist rest can help you to keep a more neutral wrist posture.
• The mousing surface or mouse pad should be close to the keyboard, so you don’t have to reach or hold the arm away from the body.
• Taking frequent, short breaks from your work. Be sure to stretch your hands, arms, shoulders and legs during your breaks.

Lounging and Sleeping

Sometimes the simplest of activities—such as relaxing or even sleeping—can wreak as much havoc on our bodies as spending long hours at a computer can. According to Dr. Krippendorf, “People spend a lot of hours sitting in chairs and recliners. The painful fact is that much of the furniture we sit in can damage our bodies. It is so important to select furniture that employs sound ergonomic principles.”

Keep the following in mind when selecting a living room chair or recliner:

• Look for furniture that fits the person who will most often sit in it. The “one-size-fits-all” approach is not a good idea when selecting furniture.
• Find a chair that offers plenty of support to both the neck and the lumbar region (lower back).
• Purchase a portable footrest that can be moved around a room. This will help smaller people use chairs that may ordinarily be too high for them.

If you can only dream of getting a good night’s sleep with that uncomfortable mattress and sagging pillow of yours, consider the following simple tips to help you select the right mattress and pillow:

• When choosing a mattress, look for one that is comfortably —and selectively—supportive.
• Selective support allows you to press down one area of a mattress, leaving other areas unaffected.
• Be sure to choose a mattress that is finished on both sides so you can “rotate” it, just like you would your car tires. Every few months, turn it clockwise, or upside down, so that body indentations are kept to a minimum.
• Be selective when choosing a pillow. When lying on your side, your head and neck should remain level with your mid and lower spine. When lying on your back, your head and neck should remain level with your upper back and spine. In other words, your pillow should not be so thick that it causes your head and neck to be propped up or angled sharply away from your body.

For more information on the importance of correct posture or any of the tips mentioned above, contact the American Chiropractic Association at 800-986-4636 or visit the organization’s Web site at www.acatoday.com.

Testimonial: Boyd and Valery Williams

Boyd purchased his first pair of Z-CoiLs from Al Gallegos in Albuquerque, NM and another pair from Shoe Safari in Silverdale, WA. The William's each own five pair of Z-CoiLs.

Valery has arthritis in her knees.

Listen to what the Williams had to say about wearing Z-CoiLs in an exclusive Audio Interview (2 minutes, WAV) at the Puyallup Fair, September 2004.

Take a look at Boyd's right foot.

source: your2feet at the puyallup fair

Press Release: May is National Arthritis Month; New Alternative on the Market to Help Ease Arthritis Pain

Albuquerque, NM – According to 2005 statistics from the Arthritis Foundation, nearly one in three American adults has arthritis, adding an $86.2 billion hit to the U.S. economy due to health care needs. More than 100 conditions are classified under the term arthritis including: fibromyalgia, rheumatoid, gout, lupus and scleroderma. Arthritis affects more women than men by nearly a 2 to 1 ratio and is crippling or life-altering for more than 7 million people.

Prescription pain medications are often the first attempt to solving pain issues, but recent popular pain meds for arthritis have been pulled off the market due to serious side effects. Now hundreds of arthritis suffers are looking to alternative pain relief resources. A relatively new line of footwear on the market, Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™, is specifically engineered to relieve foot, leg and back pain. Testing conducted by the U.S Department of Energy (The Los Alamos National Laboratory Report - PDF) finds the footwear helps reduce the force and impact by up to 50 percent, while providing 40 to 50 percent energy return back to the body.

“I developed osteoarthritis several years ago and have had considerable pain for the last three years,” says Victoria Meindl, a healthcare professional from Waveland, MS. “My passion is travel! My husband and I have had to accommodate my "infirmities" to enjoy our recent travels. I have not been able to walk unassisted for any length of time.”

Victoria purchased her first pair of Z-CoiL® shoes on Thanksgiving Eve 2004 and has been walking with joy since then. “After two knee surgeries and physical therapy, all it took was a pair of shoes. I am so grateful to have my mobility back.”

The unique footwear incorporates a rigid full-length orthotic for mid-foot support, superior forefront cushioning to help soften each step and a conical-shaped steel coil in the heel, which provides the extraordinary impact reduction.

“I couldn't walk around the grocery store or the mall without a lot of pain in my arthritic knees,” says Barbara Swords of Shasta Lake, CA. “I have been wearing my Z-CoiL® shoes for two months and the pain has decreased 99.99 percent. I can walk longer and even run now.”

“A large percentage of our customers nationwide are arthritis sufferers,” says Z-CoiL communications coordinator, Pamela Trhlik. “In 2004, the Arthritis Foundation included the Z-CoiL® Cloudwalker style in its Walking Guide as an appropriate walking shoe. So the word is starting to spread about how our footwear is helping those with arthritis.” (more)

NOTE: The 2004 Walking Guide is no longer available and has been replaced with the 2005 Walking Guide. Companies pay to have their products included in the annual publication.

Z-CoiL® is currently in the Arthritis Foundation's Product & Services Directory.

Arthritis Walk 2005: Improved Quality Of Life Product Donations To Washington Walk Chairs and Honorees

Arthritis Walk 2005: Improved Quality Of Life Product Donations To Washington Walk Chairs and Honorees

Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ Independent Dealers Provide Tools For Individuals With Arthritis And Related Diseases

Port Townsend, WA May 2, 2005 - Washington state Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ independent dealers are providing the “ultimate arthritic foot bed”: springy soled shoes, elastic Knoty Boy shoe laces, Sof Sole Socks, Sof Sole Comfort Insoles and Lynco arch supports/orthoses. The products will be presented to Arthritis Foundation Washington/Alaska Chapter (Blog) Arthritis Walk chairs and honorees with arthritis at all four state events.

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.

Participating Washington State Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ Independent Dealers

Shoe Safari – Silverdale Arthritis Walk Health Fair/Z-CoiL Donation

Our mission at Shoe Safari is to help relieve the pain of those with foot, knee, or back problems. We have an impressive track record of dramatically reducing the pain of arthritis sufferers by reducing foot shock and impact stress on the entire skeletal structure. Many of our clients have dramatically reduced the need for pain medications.

A Step In Time – Spokane Arthritis Walk Health Fair/Z-CoiL Donation

Spring's Pain Relief Z-CoiL Footwear – Tacoma Arthritis Walk Health Fair/Z-CoiL Donation

Feel Good Footwear (Bellevue) Z-CoiL Donation, Tacoma

EZ Step – Burlington Arthritis Walk Health Fair/Z-CoiL Donation

Your2Feet – (Seattle) Z-CoiL Donation, Burlington

Washington State Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™ Independent Dealer Contact Information

“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,” writes Dr. Lotchie M. Kerch, D.P.M, Seattle Podiatric Physician & Foot Surgeon, on her Z-CoiL blog. “The main effect of the shoes is to reduce impact. You will also notice your center of gravity changes when wearing the shoes. This engages different muscles (the lateral stabilizing muscles) making it 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. Depending on your type of arthritis, this may prove very beneficial for relieving symptoms. You are reducing impact and getting energy return, which causes a differing weight distribution.”

Knoty Boy (FST) – The Ultimate Shoelace
Transforms lace-up footwear into an ease of use; slip-on slip-off, for Arthritic ease

Revolutionary - Footwear Stabilization Technology (FST)

Converts each eyelet along the shoe upper into an isolated ‘tension zone’;

Re-emerging knots maintain adjusted tension or looseness and never need tying.

Footwear can now be comfortably adjusted for:

• Natural foot profile stabilization
• Problem feet
• Sport specific demands
• In-step sensitivity relief

Enhances footwear technologies: outsoles, insoles, and orthotics.

About Sof Sole
Sof Sole is the #1 insole, lace, and shoe care brand in sporting goods and shoe stores, with distribution in thousands of retail outlets across North America, and in 55 countries throughout the world.

Z-Blog Reporter
Z-CoiL Customer Stories, Information, Resources, News, Links and Updates
http://z-coil.blogspot.com/

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San Marcos Daily Record: Z-Coil footwear good for walkers, but how about runners?

San Marcos Daily Record: "The San Marcos Runners Club will meet this Tuesday, May 3rd at the San Marcos Activity Center at 7 p.m.

Even if you are not a club member the meeting is open to the public and there is no fee to attend.

This meeting will be of interest to any individual that walks, jogs or runs and knows how important getting the right pair of shoes is. Two representatives from Z-Coil Pain Relief Footwear as scheduled to be the guest speakers.

As David Alexander, the club president, mentioned in his notice to club members if you are not familiar with these shoes it will be worth the time to find out about them. You can look up information about them on the web at: www.zcoil.com.

The representatives will have shoes at the presentation and even let you try them on to see how they feel and if it is a shoe you might want to consider buying.

If you have not seen these shoes you will recognize them immediately if you see someone wearing them. Instead of the normal heel cushion that you see on running or walking shoes these shoes have a metal coil leading from the shoe itself down to the sole of the shoe. It looks like you are walking with a bedspring attached to your shoe." (more)



By Moe Johnson - Running Columnist
San Marcos Daily Record
Posted: Sunday, May 01, 2005 - 11:59:25 am CDT

Dr. Maurice Johnson is an instructor in the Department of Exercise and Sports Science at Texas State University. His column appears every Sunday.

Arthritis Community & Forum: Share Your Story

Try These instead of drugs!!!!

Debi
Unregistered
Posted on 03 Jun 2004 at 08:29.15 PM

After a couple of really bad falls - right on my knees on concrete floors, I began to develop osteoarthritis - but slowly, over time.

Now, like 10 years later, my right knee is bone-on bone and my left is just about that way too. I was in almost constant pain for the last 4 years - drugs didn't help, cortisone helped a little - for a while - but really nothing helped much.

I was looking at TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT at age 52.

Then someone told me about these Z-Coil shoes for pain relief and after doing some research and talking to a doctor, I decided to try them.

I drove over 300 miles to get them - from Lexington, KY to Atlanta, GA. And they were worth it. I can walk without pain!!!!!

So my very best advice for anyone with arthritis is to get yourself some Z-Coils. Its a shoe, with a built-in orthotic and a steel coil on the heel which acts as a shock absorber. It is amazingly effective. It depends on your condition and how bad it is, but these were wonderful for me.

They were tested by the US department of Energy and found to reduce the IMPACT if your body weight as you walk (normally 2-3 times your weight), by 50% or more!!! THAT makes a difference! It will significantly reduce PAIN - in some cases completely. They do look a little "different" but, for me, its better than the big old metal brace like I used to wear or me limping and all hunched over (the shoes also help your posture - because they help you walk correctly).

There are a lot of adjustments that can be made for specific problems too, like pronation and flat feet. Anyway, after wearing these awesome shoes for several months, my husband and I had become such believers, we decided to become dealers. Never sold shoes before in my life, but I am now - I am actually working now - when I was unable to do anything but a sit-down job before - and even that was difficult.

They may not be the answer for everyone, but I tell you, they seem to help about 95% of the people who come in to our little store. I think everyone should check them out and give them a try - may be able to delay or even avoid surgery.

I CANNOT sell them online, so don't ask. People have to be properly fitted. So go to the website: www.zcoil.com. Read about them and then go and find a dealer near you - you will be glad you did! Hope this helps.
_________________
Debi

"Those must be comfortable shoes. I bet you could walk around all day in shoes like that and not feel a thing" - Forrest Gump