Public Affairs

FPMA, through its Public Affairs Committee and a staff This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , maintains an active and successful Public Affairs program to inform and educate the public about foot health and the function of the podiatric physician as the foot specialist. New public service and awareness programs are developed each year to ensure that government officials, medical professionals, and consumers are educated about podiatric medicine and its importance to overall good health.

FPMA has served as a sponsor of the Florida ADA Step Out Walks for the past three years. For more information, click here.

To access the Today's Podiatrist web page on the APMA website, click here.

To see how FPMA members have what it takes to be Today's Podiatrist, click here.

APMA's Spring 2013 campaign, developed for Foot Health Awareness Month in April, focuses on Bunions, which are among the most common type of foot ailment today's podiatrist treats. Studies show that women are anywhere from two to nine times more likely to develop a bunion than men! While high heels and peep toes are partially to blame, foot type (which is inherited) is the true culprit.

The good news is that today's podiatrist is the true expert when it comes to diagnosing and treating bunions. Podiatric Physicians perform tens of thousands of bunion procedures every year, more than any other medical profession in the United States.

FPMA members can access information about the Beat Bunion Blues campaign by clicking here.

APMA's 2012 diabetes campaign kicked off National Diabetes Awareness Month in November. APMA’s “Knock Your Socks Off” (KYSO) diabetes campaign was brought back and once again targeted the U.S. Hispanic community, specifically, women ages 35-55, the primary health-care decision makers. Due to the success of the 2011 campaign and compelling data on the Hispanic community’s understanding about diabetes, a second year of outreach was warranted.

As today’s podiatrists, you play an integral part in not only treating patients with diabetes, but also educating them about the disease and its effects on the feet. APMA provides several educational tools to use in your practice and pass along to your patients: videos, posters, tip sheets, survey findings, and much more.

Nearly 26 million Americans now live with diabetes, and the number rises each year. The campaign goal was to increase awareness among Hispanic women of diabetes and the critical role today’s podiatrists play in treating those with and at risk for the disease. Visit the “Knock Your Socks Off” diabetes campaign Web page now and spread the message: “Knock Your Socks Off!”

To access APMA KYSO campaign information, click here.

To access diabetes information available on the American Diabetes Association (ADA) website, click here.

To access diabetes information available on the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) website, click here.

So you think you know everything there is to know about diabetes? Take the Knock Your Socks Off Quiz by clicking here.

Here's a surprising statistic: Six out of 10 teens just ignore foot pain! Because teenagers' feet are still growing, they have their own set of foot problems.

During Foot Health Awareness Month (April, 2012), APMA focused on teens, increasing their knowledge about foot health, explaining what Today’s Podiatrist does, and emphasizing that foot pain is not normal. The campaign, called myFEET, included informative, teen-focused materials that can be utilized for Foot Health Awareness Month and beyond.

Here’s how you can continue to educate this important age group:

• Visit the myFEET campaign page, and link to the resource on your own practice website or social media network.

• Discuss APMA’s 2012 survey results on teen foot health with your teen patients and their parents.

• Request a free poster/brochure combo for your practice by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

• Share myFEET information and materials in your practice’s waiting room, as well as with other physicians in your local area.

APMA's Spring 2011 campaign, which was developed for Foot Health Awareness Month in April, integrated the APMA "Today's Podiatrist" campaign with the First Lady's "Let's Move!" initiative. "Let's Move!" was launched by First Lady Michelle Obama to emphasize and help solve the problem of childhood obesity nationwide. APMA's campaign, Today's Podiatrist Keeps America Moving (TPKAM), shined a spotlight on the connection between childhood obesity and foot health.

Keeping a child’s feet pain-free plays a vital role in keeping him or her active and moving. As such, Today's Podiatrist has a critical role in diagnosing and treating pediatric foot conditions. Central to this campaign’s message is educating parents and children about the importance of shoes that fit properly, correct footwear for each activity, addressing foot pain of any kind, and visiting an APMA member podiatrist if problems are present.

FPMA members can access information about the TPKAM campaign by clicking here.

To access the Let's Move! web page, click here.