By: Emma Carter
Updated: November 15, 2019
We all find ourselves in need of new shoes from time to time, whether you’re a dedicated shoe enthusiast or someone who only buys a new pair once a year. It’s essential to try on shoes to ensure they fit comfortably before making a purchase. When it comes to kids, guessing their shoe size is nearly impossible since they grow so quickly. Thus, taking them along to the store is usually the best approach.
However, shoe shopping with children can be quite the ordeal. I remember a time when my son threw a monumental tantrum on the floor of the shoe aisle, completely overwhelmed by the shopping experience. I’ve also learned through trial and error that finding a shoe that fits his wide feet can be time-consuming. So, I make it a point to shop in-store to avoid the hassle of online guessing.
When preparing for shoe shopping, I always pack a pair of socks in my bag. I mean, I’m a shoe lover at heart, and you never know when you might find that perfect pair. Plus, when I take my kids, they often wear flip-flops or go sockless. They might roll their eyes at my “purse socks,” but I refuse to take any chances.
This habit dates back to my childhood when my mother insisted on keeping socks handy to shield our feet from germs. While I understood the need to protect from common foot ailments like athlete’s foot or plantar warts, I never considered that wearing socks could prevent something much more severe.
Recent reports highlight a shocking incident involving a little girl named Lily Bradshaw from Cardiff, who developed sepsis shortly after trying on shoes without socks. Not long after their shopping trip, her health deteriorated rapidly, and she was “fighting for her life” within just 24 hours. Doctors suspect that bacteria entered her body through a cut or graze on her foot during the shoe fitting.
Her mother, Sarah, is now sharing their story to warn other parents about the dangers of neglecting foot protection. “I always knew about minor risks like athlete’s foot, but blood poisoning is a whole different level,” she expressed.
Lily’s infection began in her foot and spread quickly, causing a high fever. Just before reaching the hospital, she was shaking and twitching, a sight no parent should have to witness. Fortunately, doctors managed to treat her infection with an antibiotic drip, avoiding the need for surgery.
Sepsis, while not extremely common, is a serious condition that can be life-threatening. Some early symptoms include a fever, rapid heartbeat, and shivering. It’s essential to be vigilant for additional signs such as dizziness, nausea, and cold skin. Each year, sepsis claims the lives of approximately 4,000 children under the age of five, making it crucial to take preventative measures.
Next time you’re tempted to try on shoes bare-footed, remember that wearing socks can protect your child from severe infections. So, stash a pair in your purse or keep them in your glove compartment. You’ll be grateful you did, and so will everyone else trying on those shoes. For more insights on safeguarding your family’s health, you might find our other blog posts helpful, like this one on home insemination.
In conclusion, always prioritize foot protection while shoe shopping to prevent unnecessary health risks. For more information on pregnancy and related health topics, check out Healthline for excellent resources.
Keyphrase: Child sepsis prevention
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]