TAKE THE FIRST STEP. There's no need to be shy about those puppies at this upcoming community clinic event. (Photo via Facebook)

Have you taken a look down there recently? Your feet, I mean; It’s pretty easy to forget your steppers need to be taken care of just as much as the rest of the body, and if you’ve found yourself in that boat, this month’s Foot & Nail Care Community Clinic event is right up your alley.

From April 21-25, UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education will host the free foot and nail care clinic at Grace Lutheran Church (202 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire). The returning event has been organized by Continuing Education for the past 20-plus years, and continues to see a strong community need for in-person care.

“At the program’s inception, Continuing Education realized there was a need for additional foot care resources within the community while at the same time being made aware of the gap in foot care education for those working in healthcare,” Outreach Program Manager Amy Cummings explained.

Created by Dr. Tara Beuscher, a renowned healthcare professional and author of various foot and nail care texts, the program stepped into action with Continuing Education in 2000. Originally a two-day event, the program has now expanded into a multi-day event.

"It may seem like a niche offering, but it fills a very real and growing need." –Avery Shanahan, Continuing Education marketing specialist

“Foot care is such an integral part of a person’s health and well-being,” Cummings said. “Our clinic offers an invaluable resource to people in our community that have trouble caring for their feet themselves or neglect them due to medical or physical restrictions.”

Registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, and other health care professionals will be on-site to see people at the event. Avery Shanahan, a Continuing Education marketing specialist, said the clinic often sees returning individuals.

“Many of the folks who come to our clinic need a little extra help with toenail care, especially as it becomes harder to manage on their own due to physical challenges,” Shanahan said. “The nurses (and additional health care professionals) also assess any foot concerns related to diabetes and other potential issues that may be affecting their feet.”

While the event sees a lot of community engagement, it is also a sought-after experience for healthcare professionals.

“Our program is so unique, we get nurses from all over the country and even the world,” Cummings added. “Last year we had nurses come from Boston to Florida, California to Michigan, St. Maarten and even Japan! It is such an honor to not only be able to showcase our terrific program to see these individuals that come, but also our great community!”

As a beneficial, longtime event held in Eau Claire, folks who may be in need of help with foot and nail care can simply call (715) 836-3636 to schedule an appointment at the free clinic. Appointments at the free event typically range from 20-60 minutes and will be scheduled between the hours of 8:30am-4pm, April 21-25.

“It may seem like a niche offering, but it fills a very real and growing need,” Shanahan added.

Learn more about UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education online. Call (715) 836-3636 to set up an appointment at this year’s Foot and Nail Care Community Clinic, slated for April 21-25 at Grace Lutheran Church (202 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire).