What is Orthotics and Who Needs It?

Exploring parts of the world is truly exciting as it lets us immerse ourselves in cultures, savor unique dishes and forge lifelong memories. Nonetheless for individuals the adventure can become slightly arduous due to foot discomfort or other foot related concerns. This is where orthotics step in and we're here to provide insight on this subject while introducing you to Sanctifly—a leading travel wellness club dedicated to enhancing your travel experience by ensuring comfort and enjoyment..

What is Orthotics?

Orthotics, in simplest terms, are devices designed to adjust and control the function of our feet and legs to treat an array of biomechanical issues. Imagine you've been experiencing foot discomfort or have been diagnosed with a condition that affects your foot function; you're likely to have come across the term 'orthotics.' But, understanding what exactly orthotics are, and more importantly, who might need them, can feel like navigating a maze. Don't worry! We're here to guide you through the ins and outs of orthotics. Always remember to choose orthotics recommended by a podiatrist. Otherwise, you might end up worsening your condition and even causing further damage. Orthotics are essential, for maintaining foot health while traveling. Sanctifly goes beyond that by providing a travel comfort experience. If you're someone who faces foot problems during your travels Sanctifly grants you access to premium airport gyms, relaxing spas, refreshing pools and luxurious lounges. With Sanctifly you can confidently explore the world knowing your feet are in good hands.

Types of Orthotics

Orthotics are available in various shapes, sizes, materials, and functions to cater to different foot conditions. Below are the three most commonly used types of orthotics:

Functional Orthotics Functional orthotics control abnormal foot function by correcting any biomechanical issues. They are designed to redistribute the pressure and forces exerted on your feet, thus reducing discomfort and preventing further damage. Functional orthotics are usually prescribed for conditions such as flat feet, high arches, or overpronation.

Accommodative Orthotics Accommodative orthotics, also known as cushioning orthotics, provide extra support and cushioning for the foot. They are often made from softer materials and used for conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers, plantar fasciitis, or other painful foot conditions.

Custom-made Orthotics Custom-made orthotics are precisely tailored to fit an individual's unique foot shape and address specific issues. They are designed based on a podiatrist's assessment of your feet, including gait analysis, pressure mapping, and 3D foot scanning. Custom-made orthotics are often recommended for severe foot conditions or those that have not responded well to other types of orthotics.

Who Needs Orthotics?

Orthotics can benefit a wide range of people, from athletes looking to improve their performance to individuals with chronic foot pain. Some common reasons why someone might need orthotics include:

• Traveling athletes looking to optimize performance and prevent injuries.
• Individuals with chronic foot pain due to conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or other medical issues.
• Tourists dealing with postural issues leading to discomfort during long walks and exploration.
• Jetsetters with foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet.

However, the key takeaway here is that only a podiatrist can determine if you truly need orthotics. Their expertise is essential in identifying underlying issues and recommending the most suitable orthotic type for your specific condition.

What Are the Benefits of Orthotics?

Using orthotics can provide a range of benefits, including:

• Pain relief: Orthotics can help redistribute pressure and support your feet, reducing discomfort and relieving pain.

• Improved foot function: By correcting biomechanical issues, orthotics can improve the alignment and movement of your feet, leading to better overall foot function.

• Injury prevention: Wearing orthotics can prevent further damage and injury to your feet, ankles, knees, and even back caused by foot-related issues.

• Enhanced performance: For those adventurers who love staying active during their travels, orthotics can help optimize foot function and keep you on your feet longer.

Sanctifly offers a collection of travel tips, manuals and workout tutorials to provide you with the information and resources, for optimizing your travel experiences regardless of your location. Whether its learning exercises to alleviate foot discomfort during your trip or receiving expert guidance on exploring a city without putting too much strain on your feet Sanctifly aims to equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to travel comfortably and confidently.

How Much Do Orthotics Cost?

The cost of orthotics can vary greatly depending on factors such as type, material, and customization. On average, orthotics can cost anywhere from $200 to $800 per pair. Private health insurance may cover some or all of the cost, so it's best to check with your provider beforehand. If you think you may need orthotics, make sure to consult with a podiatrist who can assess your feet and recommend the most suitable type for your condition. Don't be afraid to ask questions and understand the benefits and costs before making a decision. Ultimately, choosing the right orthotics can greatly improve your foot health and overall well-being.

When Is It Time to See a Podiatrist?

If you're experiencing foot pain or discomfort that is affecting your daily activities, it may be time to see a podiatrist. Other signs that you may need orthotics include:

• Difficulty walking or standing for extended periods
• Frequent tripping or falling due to foot issues
• Foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet
• Chronic foot pain or discomfort that does not respond to home remedies

A podiatrist can assess your feet and determine if orthotics are necessary. They can also provide other treatment options, such as physical therapy, exercises, or footwear recommendations.

Conclusion

Orthotics are undeniably a valuable tool for treating foot-related conditions and enhancing overall foot health. They offer comfort and support to a wide range of individuals, from athletes seeking peak performance to those dealing with chronic foot pain. If you suspect you might benefit from orthotics, a consultation with a podiatrist is your first step towards happier, healthier feet.

And with Sanctifly your foot health and travel aspirations can now go hand in hand,, it's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about traveling with ease, comfort, and style, ensuring that foot issues never hold you back from exploring the world. So, whether you're in need of a workout, a spa session, a refreshing swim, or a serene lounge to relax in, Sanctifly has your back, and your feet, making every step of your journey a pleasure.

Travel with ease, comfort, and style, making every step of your journey a pleasure. Don't let foot discomfort hold you back; take care of your feet and embark on your adventures with confidence.

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4 Benefits Of Business Travel For The Business Traveler

Business Travel is great for business. Can it be good for the traveling employee too?

4 reasons business travel can be great for employees

1. Face-to-face meetings are more effective

2. Experience different cultures

3. Learn new skills

4. Build confidence

Last year, a lot of research came out about the negative effects of business travel. It’s not all that surprising, we have been talking about the negative impact of business travel on traveling employees’ health and well-being for years. But it can get a bit disheartening when you start reading all the stats and quite scary from a business point of view when you consider the real cost on employee productivity and loss. And while we try to provide positive, proactive tips for combating the negative effects, looking back over the last year it’s all been very doom and gloom.

There is one quote that we at Sanctifly constantly find ourselves referring to: Business travel is not bad; it is our travel habits that are bad. Business travel is great for business and necessary. Executives and traveling employees believe that 8% of business would be lost if business travel was ceased. And business travels can benefit greatly from business travel. On average US executives state that the return of business travel is between $10 and $14.99 for every dollar invested.

So that’s a pretty good argument for the businesses point of view, and it seems that businesses do not need to be convinced on the benefits of business travel. Business travel spend has grown year on year and is projected to reach $1.6 trillion in 2020. But are there any benefits for the business traveler? Yes, but only if travel wellness is made a priority. Here are some reasons business travel can be great for you, as a traveling employee.

1. Face to face meetings are more effective

In today’s high-tech world, it may seem like face to face meetings are becoming less and less relevant. As video conferencing and collaboration tools become more powerful and every company communicates online through email or messaging apps such as Slack you may wonder if there is really any need to hop on that plane and meet your customers or prospects in person? The answer is yes, after all business is conducted with people, not machines, and fostering and maintaining relationships is a vital part of the process. According to a report published by the Harvard Business Review a face to face request is 34 times more likely to succeed than an email request and 95% of people say that face to face meetings are essential for established long term business relationships. You can get more deals made and create longer lasting and stronger business relationships when you meet face-to-face.

2. Experience new cultures and different ways of working

Travel is a fantastic tool for broadening your mind and expanding your knowledge. When you travel for business you get the chance to experience new places, new cultures and different ways of working, all of which will help you build a more well-rounded world view. Interacting with and experiencing different cultures will also help to foster creativity, which you can then bring to your job. Research shows that business travel cultivated creativity and productivity, two traits which will help you get noticed at your job.

3. Learn and hone new skills

As much as I am trying to focus in the positives, there is no denying that business travel can be stressful. Things wont always go smoothly and sometimes you will need to think on your feet and take initiative to salvage a situation. While this can take a toll on your stress levels it can also be a great learning opportunity and help you to hone vital soft skills. Being able to handle stressful situations and make on the spot decisions is a valuable skill to any business and will help you stand out among your colleagues. Business travel also affords you great networking opportunities to help broaden your network and progress your career and bring bigger and better deals to your boss.

4. Build confidence

One of the most valuable benefits of travel is that it puts you out of your comfort zone and helps to build your confidence. We are all guilty of getting too comfortable in a situation whether that be in our personal lives or professional lives. The commute to the office becomes automatic, our everyday tasks do not challenge us, and we eat lunch at the same spot with the same people every day. Travel plucks you out of that routine and challenges you to adapt to a whole new environment. Navigating a new city successfully, understanding and acknowledging cultural differences and successfully building a business relationship or closing a deal will give you a huge confidence boost and help you navigate unfamiliar and challenging situations in the future.

There are lots of benefits to business travel, it can be a great perk to your job. However, if you don’t make your health and well-being a priority while on the road the negative effects of business travel will easily outweigh the positive. Make your health a priority with a Sanctifly membership. Get access to thousands of healthy airport activities all over the world so that you can make the most of your travel downtime and stick to your healthy routine while on the road. Freshen up with a shower at an airport lounge ahead of a long flight home or hit the gym at the airport hotel to help de-stress before continuing on your journey. Get access to all the healthy options when you are a member of Sanctifly. No matter how often you travel, we have a membership plan for you. Get in touch today an let’s discuss your healthy travel routine for 2020. Corporate packages are also available. Travel Well this year with a Sanctifly membership and make sure you experience only the positive effects of business travel.

The Surprising Effects of Business vs Leisure Travel

Do you care about your health and well-being? Here’s what business and leisure travel can do to you.  

While travel certainly may benefit your professional status or even be essential in getting you to your next vacation, often it has significant downsides. Even more so, the downsides are related directly to what people are working on optimizing: personal health and wellness. 

Recently reported in a survey conducted by YouGov, 20% of business travelers say business travel is bad for employees. While we’ve already compiled a list to work on improving company travel culture, what about personal relationships? Studies have shown that interpersonal stress can be a huge downside to business travel. Spouses and children have to pay the price. 

On top of that, both leisure and business travel have negative effects on weight management. Often we are drinking and eating more while exercising less, regardless of what kind of travel experience we may be embarking on.

It’s worth noting, that while there are certainly negative impacts of either type of travel, leisure travel has a redeeming factor. Leisure or vacation travel provides a unique balm to our frenzied schedules. On vacation we slow down, sleep more and are even nicer. All of this adds up to a reduction in stress, overall a huge win for our total health and well-being. 

Check out the full infographic below from Reservations.com, The Surprising Effects of Business vs Leisure Travel on Your Health and Well-Being. They’ve illustrated how travel takes a toll on us and even given the magic number of vacation days required to reduce stress.  

Sources available at: https://www.reservations.com/blog/resources/business-vs-leisure-travel/

One of the best ways to reduce travel stress is by making the most of your airport downtime and doing something good for your body and mind. Sanctifly is the leading travel wellness club, providing frequent business travelers with access to airport hotel gyms, pools an spas without booking a room as well as special rates on airport lounges and spas. Take back you travel downtime with a Sanctifly membership today.