Negative SEO… Is it the Business Equivalent of Internet Bullying?

“Bullies are cowards.” It’s the sort of thing those of us who are parents might tell our children.

As adults, we realize that bullies are basically insecure people. Their dread of being scrutinized by others leads them to redirect focus onto the people they’re bullying to achieve a sense of empowerment. However, knowing this – whether you’re an adult or child – doesn’t make it any more pleasant if you happen to fall victim to a bully. Unfortunately, the Internet allows would-be bullies to hide behind that most cowardly of masks called anonymity. Worse, the Internet feeds bullies’ sense of empowerment because they have a forum to broadcast freely and en masse.

In this sense, “negative search engine optimization (SEO)“ is in many ways the business equivalent of Internet bullying. At a high level (and from this semi-novice standpoint), negative SEO is when someone tries to undermine a business’ online reputation and high search engine rankings through different means including by flooding the web with “backlinks” to that business’ website from “low quality” sites unrelated to the business -- especially things like adult, gambling, spam, and other sites in that vein. It came as a surprise to me, but a Google search of “negative SEO” will quickly reveal the extent to which businesses have had to deal with the actions of unscrupulous competitors and others who try to sabotage their brand and search engine rankings. Put in bullying terms, it’s cowardly, faceless, and, in the case of business competitors, it seems a de facto admission that the competitor isn’t able to compete on a footing like quality of service or value.

For those who aren’t familiar with negative SEO, you’re not alone. We had no idea what it was at our business either until it became clear that someone was engaging in it against us. Suddenly we were thrust into this strange and seedy world of “black hat,” “grey hat,” and “white hat” websites as well as being forced to look at things like the “quality of backlinks affecting search engine ranking.” Believe me, it’s not something that I ever imagined having to contend with when I graduated as a Chiropodist back in 1997!

So, what do you do if your business falls victim to negative SEO?

Another one of those parental idioms is to “just stand up” to the bully, but the shady, faceless nature of Internet business bullying makes it difficult to do directly. I’m certainly no expert on the subject, so the first answer was to research information and engage people who are the experts. There is an abundance of information, tools, and expertise out there, including through Google, to help deal with the issue. Also, slowly, it seems that civil and criminal law is catching up, too. One has to think that the more Sony’s and other big businesses (not to mention governments) that fall victim, the greater the legislative pressure and case law precedent there will be.

Certainly, I can’t bring myself to think that the answer here is to fight fire with fire. Instead, I prefer to fight fire with water. Don’t be distracted from your core focus and the things that make your business a success. Focus on positive SEO, a strong value proposition, and delivering a great product or service. Remember, even though we’re living in this "new" information age, the truth about positive word-of-mouth stands the test of time. Embrace this, and understand that in an era of Internet social media, you have an opportunity to generate positive word of mouth referrals to the world at large just by being good at what your business does and taking the time to incorporate this into your social marketing repertoire.

You’ll be better off and so will your business for not settling to the level of reprisal negative SEO bullydom. Call me old fashioned. Call me naive. But, it seems one of the best ways to “just stand up” is to be street smart but still choose to be one of the good guys.  

Mistle-"Toes"

Christmas is coming which, besides Santa, hearkens the arrival Old Man Winter. Winter can be especially hard on the feet of people with diabetes. So, if you want to stay on the right side of your Chiropodist’s naughty and nice list, here are four tips for people with diabetes to help keep their feet healthy for the winter season.

Moisturize. Diabetics are already prone to dry skin, and the low humidity of our northern winter climate makes the problem worse. Dry skin cracks easily, which can lead to skin ulceration or serious infections. Your Chiropodist can provide a proper moisturizer meant for the thick skin of your feet, regular wax bath therapy, and other treatments to combat the problem.

Proper winter footwear is essential. It needs to fit correctly, be in good repair, and be suited to your foot type. Poor footwear creates friction points that can lead to skin breakdown and ulcers for people with diabetes. It’s best to shop for your winter boots (or any footwear) later in the afternoon, since your feet swell during the day. If you wear orthotics, be sure to bring them with you for sizing. Your Chiropodist can provide unbiased advice and a prescription to help you shop for what will be best for you.

Remember the “wear” part of “winter footwear!” Those fantastic winter boots do you no good if they’re not on your feet. Many people with diabetes suffer from a lack of feeling called neuropathy. This puts them at real danger of frost-bite that can happen without them even knowing it. Also, neuropathy can make people more prone to falling. The warmth and extra traction of winter footwear helps guard against both of these concerns.

Just as in any season, regular visits to their Chiropodist are essential for people with diabetes to maintain good foot health and to keep their feet merry all year long.

Alien Invaders - Treating Plantar Warts

One day you’re taking your socks off and quite accidentally you notice a raised, hard, and rough area on the sole of your left foot. You wonder if you might be developing a corn or a callus. A few days after that you check again and ask yourself, “Is it getting bigger?” Several days later you swear that you see black dots forming under the skin. You begin to wonder. A little more time passes, and with some trepidation you inspect your foot once more only to find that the area is definitely getting larger, and it’s even beginning to take on the appearance of… cauliflower! To make matters worse, there appears to be another one beginning to form on your heel that’s really beginning to hurt. And wait! What’s this on the ball of your right foot?

Fearing that your feet have become the stuff of a science fiction-like alien invasion, you fumble nervously through the phone book to find the number of your nearest Chiropodist to book an appointment to either solve this mystery or send a sample off to NASA for further investigation.

On inspection of your feet, your Chiropodist reassures you that there’s no need to call in NASA, but that you’re not far off the mark suggesting an alien invasion. The unwelcome invader’s name is the papilloma virus. Diagnosis? A case of plantar warts.
Papilloma thrives in warm, moist places (like shoes and socks, swimming pools, locker rooms, public showers, and hotel bathrooms and carpets). People with diabetes or diseases that compromise their immune systems are particularly susceptible to developing warts. Once established, plantar warts can be very stubborn invaders, and, yes, if left untreated they are liable to spread on one or both feet, to other parts of the body, or to other people.

Ways to Prevent Plantar Warts

As with most health problems, prevention is the best medicine. Thorough washing with soap and drying of feet along with good cleaning and sanitization practices on surfaces prone to hold the virus will help prevent infection and re-infection. Never share someone else’s footwear. Even more importantly, always wear protective shoes, sandals, or slippers in public areas such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and hotel rooms that are at high risk of holding the virus.

Treating Plantar Warts

Although many people try off-the-shelf remedies first, it’s best to see your chiropodist for a proper diagnosis. Warts, corns, and other skin lesions are often confused, and we recently saw a patient at the clinic who had been treating a foreign body lodged in the foot for years with an off-the-shelf wart treatment. Your chiropodist is better equipped to diagnose and treat plantar warts most effectively using a range of approaches that will vary depending on the location, severity, and duration of infection.  Importantly, people with diabetes should never use off-the-shelf wart remedies since the caustic chemical damages tissues and can lead to serious complications like ulcers and bacterial infections. Some plantar warts can be painful, and so your Chiropodist may also provide temporary cushioning devices to “offload” pressure areas of your foot until treatment is complete.

During and after treatment for plantar warts it is important to always wear clean, dry shoes, socks, panty hose, and the like. Also remember that old footwear items must either be thoroughly sanitized or discarded or else re-infection is likely to occur.

For more information on your good foot health, you can always visit the Kawartha Total Foot Care Centre web site.

A "SOFT" Approach to Foot Pain

For anyone suffering from foot, heel, or ankle pain, the there’s nothing “soft” about it. In fact, the “hard” truth is that the pain can be so severe as to become debilitating.
However, the acronym “SOFT” (Structure, Over-use, Footwear, Trauma) is a helpful way for patients to understand foot-related pain and some of the things we look at as chiropodists when first diagnosing and treating it.
 
1. Structure – Just as no two snowflakes are alike, the same holds true for feet. The reality is that few of us are born with an “ideal” foot, but there is a range of normal in which your feet function most effectively. Structural issues like flat feet, high arches, or other concerns can be increasingly problematic the further they are from this normal range. The result can be pain in the feet, heels, and ankles, and may even affect joints and soft tissue right up to the back, since all of these are connected in what’s known as the gait cycle.
 
2. Over-use –The sudden onset of new activities or exercise, heavy physical training, or intensive work-related activity may cause tissues to become inflamed and tender. Over-use injuries are a sign that your body is trying to repair itself and that you need to give it a break. However, ignoring them can result in the pain becoming a more stubborn chronic (long-term) problem, and may even cause structural foot issues such as heel or bone spurs to happen over time.

3. Footwear – Okay, so most of us understand (but may choose to ignore it!) that footwear like high heels or flip flops are less than ideal. However, fewer of us recognize how important it is to match the kind of footwear you choose to your foot type. Not every shoe is suitable to every foot, and your chiropodist can provide unbiased, expert advice on the kind of footwear best suited to your foot either as part of your treatment for pain or to prevent it.

4. Trauma – Traumatic injuries like those experienced in car accidents and other less severe mishaps can have long-term impacts that result in chronic pain. The foot can be structurally disfigured or tissues can be damaged in ways that cause functional impairment – preventing your foot from working as it should. Your chiropodist’s treatment strategy will help to normalize foot function while addressing the pain.

For more information on your good foot health, you can always visit the Kawartha Total Foot Care Centre web site.

What's the Difference When You See Kawartha Total Foot Care Centre for Orthotics?

Would you see your optometrist for a cavity? It would be like seeing your dentist for a broken arm or your chiropodist/podiatrist for a spinal chiropractic manipulation. It makes no sense. The expertise and training is completely mismatched.

Yet, when it comes to treating foot pain, particularly in the case of prescription custom orthotics, people often see providers who claim to treat feet but are not regulated foot specialists. To be clear, the only legally regulated foot specialists in Ontario are members of the College of Chiropodists of Ontario – chiropodists/podiatrists. All other providers’ primary areas of expertise may be things like spine and joint manipulations, physical therapy, massage therapy, or unregulated retailers, all for whom orthotics are only a sideline business.

Orthotics are (or at least they should be) precision medical devices that have a profound and lasting impact on your feet and body. Does it make sense, then, to see anyone except your foot specialist… a chiropodist/podiatrist?

Here are four areas that set chiropodists/podiatrists apart:

1. Training: Chiropodists receive four years of comprehensive education in diagnosing and treating all foot pain and problems, which includes exhaustive study in biomechanics, gait analysis, and prescription custom orthotics. Other providers typically receive from ½ day to two weeks of training in orthotics. Frighteningly, some receive no training at all.

2. Breadth of practice: Chiropodists/podiatrists are not an orthotics “one trick pony.” They prescribe a set of orthotics only after taking into consideration your complete foot health and determining which approach or combination of podiatric medical approaches will relieve your pain and problems most quickly, effectively, and inexpensively over the long term.

3. Technique: Chiropodists/podiatrists use an approach that is considered to be the medical gold standard called “suspended sub-talar joint neutral.” This is accomplished using a plaster cast or highly-precise three-dimensional computer imaging along with the chiropodist’s/podiatrist’s calculations and specifications to manufacture the orthotics in a certified laboratory to rigorous industry-recognized standards for excellence and durability. Remember, three-dimensional imaging is VERY different from the step on computer pads, foam boxes, or other gimmicks and shortcuts to create orthotics. Think about it. A computer pad, for example, takes an image of your foot to create an orthotic in precisely the unhealthy weight-bearing position that is causing your pain or problem. Also, the image taken by the computer pad is extremely limited in that it’s only two dimensional – measuring just length and width – while your feet are most certainly three dimensional! Also, common sense applies here. If this approach used by the chiropodists/podiatrists takes four years to learn and perfect, it only stands to reason that there must be a substantial difference over the approach that was learned in a matter of days or hours. 
   Apart from the “flashy” marketing value, the benefit to users of gimmicks and shortcuts is that they require very little training to learn or use and are far more profitable. However, what the unsuspecting public may be purchasing is no more than an expensive arch support or a faulty device that is not suited to correcting their particular foot condition.

4. Regulation: Orthotics in Canada are not regulated. This means that anyone – despite their lack of qualifications – can post a sign and begin providing orthotics. This said, Chiropodists/podiatrists are legally regulated through the Chiropody Act by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario. Theirs is the only regulated body to specify standards for quality, care, and technique when it comes to orthotics.

In the end, it is a case of “buyer beware.” Before investing your hard earned money on a new or replacement set of orthotics, it is well worth seeking the advice of a chiropodist, even if for a second opinion. It’s a “step” your feet may thank you for taking.

For more information on your good foot health, you can always visit the Kawartha Total Foot Care Centre web site.

The Funniest Things I've Found in Patients' Shoes... that Demonstrate why Neuropathy is No Laughing Matter

By Fellow Kawartha Total Foot Care Centre Chiropodist David Murphy, M.T., D.Ch.

There’s a moment of wonder for every chiropodist before reaching into a patient’s shoes at what discoveries might be revealed. From pennies to pins and everything in between, I’ve seen my share of “shoe treasures” over the years. The sheer oddness of some of them may bring a smile to one’s face, but for people with diabetes and diminished sensation caused by peripheral neuropathy, the result can be anything but amusing – skin ulcers, serious infections, even amputations.

Here are a few examples of some shoe finds this year, and they make clear just how important it is for people with reduced sensation to check the insides of their footwear regularly.

1. Tacky Tricks
Shortly into back-to-school season, I removed the insole of one particular teacher’s shoes to reveal a bevy of thumb tacks! Unbeknownst to her, it seems she was the subject of some classroom pranksters. This “joke” could have become decidedly not funny very quickly had the tacks remained undiscovered.

2. Ho, Ho, Hold on a Minute!
The holidays are such a wonderful time full of tradition. Last season, a patient visited me shortly after the family’s annual Christmas tree cutting adventure. Just as he finished telling me that his work boots are the most comfortable boots he has ever owned, I reached in and pulled out a branch with an entire clump of pine needles that would rival any of Charlie Brown’s Christmas trees. Needless to say we went on to further sensation testing.

3. One Piña Colada Please… Hold the Cocktail Umbrella
A patient returned last winter from some fun in the sun with what I thought was a sliver embedded in his sole, perhaps picked up on a long walk on the beach. On closer examination of his deck shoes, I realized that I was right about the sliver but wrong about its origin. It was from an umbrella – a cocktail umbrella to be precise. Perhaps the next time the customs agent asks you to remove your footwear on return from your favorite all-inclusive winter destination you may also want to use this opportunity to check the insides of your shoes for unwanted stowaways!

4. Dog Gone It!
Attention pet owners… knick, knack, paddy whack give a dog a bone? This four legged member of the family used its owner’s shoe as a cozy hiding spot for a favourite bone. Unfortunately for the pet owner who was unaware of what was hiding in his Hush Puppies, the shards of fragmented bone had caused a severe infection by the time I discovered them.

5. Automatic Toe-nition
My last recollection is one that was quite remarkable and humorous to everyone involved… initially. This particular patient could not understand why on earth he could still start his car (push button ignition) when his keys had been missing for days, even leaving him to wonder perhaps about artificial intelligence or some sort of electromagnetic disturbance. He had even involved his mechanic who was also very puzzled. It was only when his wife noticed the bleeding in his socks that she checked his shoes and the mystery was solved. There they were – his full set of keys pushed into the end of his shoe. The patient was completely unaware, felt nothing, not even the bottle opener also attached to his key collection. The sad ending to this story is that complications developed and progressed to the point that his great toe required amputation.

These examples illustrate the severity and potentially life-changing impact of neuropathy. It’s something we see and treat regularly at Kawartha Total Foot Care Centre.

Know the Warning Signs and Your Risks for Neuropathy

Neuropathy can range from a mild tingling or a “pins and needles sensation,” to sharp stabbing pain, and complete numbness. This occurs when the nerves in the feet that supply the brain with sensory information are damaged. Neuropathy can result from a variety of factors such as chemical toxicity, alcoholism, and chemotherapy. However, the most common cause by far of neuropathy and neuropathic changes in feet is diabetes.

In diabetics, the neuropathic changes are caused by the fluctuating blood sugar levels. The inconsistent blood sugar levels, over time, erode the insulating layers that cover the nerves, leading to altered or complete loss of sensation.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Don’t let a nail in your shoe be the wake-up call to give your neuropathy proper consideration.

1. If you have been previously diagnosed with neuropathy, are diabetic, or have a family history of diabetes, it’s critical to have your feet examined and cared for regularly by a Registered Chiropodist. This assessment should include a full clinical vascular and neurological exam, dermatological exam, biomechanical evaluation, and a footwear assessment, along with ongoing foot medical care.

2. If you are a diabetic, controlling your blood sugar is crucial, having a healthy balanced diet and active lifestyle is a necessity, and getting enough restful sleep is essential in preventing or delaying neuropathic changes.

3. Self Examinations – use your hand and a mirror to check your feet as well as the inside of your footwear daily. This will become habitual and will likely prevent any close calls from becoming a more serious matter later on.

4. For those individuals who have diabetes and/or neuropathy and find their symptoms progressing or find they are having a big impact on daily life, then certain medications may provide benefit. Be sure to measure your blood sugar regularly – you can’t manage what you don’t measure! Bring these results to your family doctors and/or endocrinologist regularly and work with them to manage your condition.

5. At Kawartha Total Foot Care Centre, we have had success with weekly infrared light therapy sessions. This form of treatment helps treat the symptoms of neuropathy and although results are very specific to the individual, it may be the difference between keeping up with your normal daily activities or not.

My earlier stories might be a dose of lighthearted humour, but I know first-hand that neuropathy is no laughing matter. Remember that while we may not be able to reverse nerve damage, chiropodists can certainly help patients to better manage symptoms, prevent impacts from neuropathic foot changes, and improve quality of life.

For more information on your good foot health, you can always visit the Kawartha Total Foot Care Centre web site.

New Life for "Old Soles"

Kawartha Total Foot Care Centre has been collecting gently used shoes for the past few months so that these “old soles” can be reincarnated to help others. For young and old, footwear is an essential part of everyday life, whether for work, recreation, or basic mobility.

Kawartha Total Foot Care Centre
Chiropodists Nadine Webster
& David Murphy pose with
a sample of the shoes collected.

Yet, it’s something easily taken for granted. Socio-economic barriers, natural disasters or catastrophic events, and other issues can make access to footwear a challenge. A pair of high-quality, good- condition footwear can make a real difference in a person’s ability to work or find work, for a senior to maintain his or her mobility, for the family who has lost everything in a house fire, or for a child to participate in sport and play. Sadly, there are children even here in Canada who go to school with shoes that are full of holes and too small. Worse, now imagine it in the cold of winter.

It’s also a health issue. Good footwear supports physical activity, especially in Western society where we’re becoming increasingly sedentary. In colder climates like Canada, winter footwear is needed to protect feet from damage. There are also those with issues like diabetes, injuries or deformities, and other health concerns where proper footwear is vital to preventing pain and potentially serious complications.

Tremendous Community Support

“I’ve been incredibly impressed and touched by the generosity of those who’ve donated,” remarks Kawartha Total Foot Care Centre owner and chief chiropodist Nadine Webster, noting that the quantity and excellent condition of the shoes donated was well beyond expectations. “I remember one person, in particular, whose spouse had just passed away. She donated several pairs of his shoes, all in beautiful condition. It made her feel good for something of his to carry on and make a difference. It was so heartwarming.”

Initially, the shoe collection was something that Kawartha Total Foot Care Centre was taking on for a limited period of time, but with the level of support and the positive impact it makes they’re now going to make the collection permanent and year round. The clinic plans to direct the collected footwear to local agencies like “Women’s Resources” and “A Place Called Home” as well as internationally through “Soles4Soles Canada,” a charitable organization that distributes footwear free of charge to those in need in North America and around the globe.

Anyone wishing to make a donation of gently-used shoes or boots can drop them off to the clinic at 100 East St. S. in Bobcaygeon.

For more information on your good foot health, you can always visit the Kawartha Total Foot Care Centre web site.