Bunion blues: Don't think you're immune

Bunions are bumps that form on the outer edge of the big toe when the bone or tissue of the toe joint moves out of place. If you have a bunion, the spot is likely red, swollen and may hurt like crazy. About 23 percent of people between 18 and 65 have bunions, 35 percent of people older than 65 have them, and women are more likely than men to have them, according to a study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research.



According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, bunions can form at any stage in life, and several factors influence their growth, including:



* Genetics - People with flat feet, low arches, arthritis or inflammatory joint disease - all ailments that tend to run in families - are more prone to developing bunions.



* Footwear - Shoes that are too tight or that squeeze the toes together (like those stylish pointy-toe shoes you love) can aggravate a bunion-prone foot. In fact many of the trendiest footwear fashions are harbingers of bunions to come - so you can't possibly be too cool to develop a bunion.



* Injuries - Any injury that causes damage to the big toe joint could inspire the formation of a bunion.



If your bunion is just beginning to form, you may be able to inhibit its growth with a few lifestyle changes. Avoid wearing heels higher than 2 inches, and purge your shoe wardrobe of all styles that have tight toe-boxes. Using a bunion pad inside your shoes can also provide some protection and slow down the bunion growth.



But if your bunions are getting the best of you - and interfering with your mobility - it's time to see a podiatrist. Podiatrists are uniquely qualified to treat ailments of the feet and lower extremities, including bunions. Your podiatrist will be able to diagnose your bunions and he or she may recommend treatment options that range from:



* Using padding and taping to minimize pain and keep your toes in a normal position, which will reduce stress and pain.



* Prescribing anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone injections to ease acute pain and inflammation.



* Physical therapy, including ultrasound therapy.



* Orthotics or shoe inserts to control foot function and prevent bunions from getting worse.



* Surgery if your bunion problems are extreme.



Every year, bunions bring thousands of Americans into podiatrist offices around the country. A few simple lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of developing bunions, and treatment for existing bunions can help ensure they don't interfere with your mobility and enjoyment of life.

Simple designer tricks for creating a stunning master bedroom

"When designing a space in your home, it's always a good idea to go through the process in a methodical way to achieve the results you want," says Jill Winninger, Allied ASID, CID, and senior interior designer with Seaside Home in La Jolla, Calif. "Foundation, function and finishing details make the process fun and effective."



Here is Winninger's three-step process for creating a grand master retreat:



Step 1: Foundation



Start by choosing the flooring that matches your personal style and the functionality of the space. Nothing beats the comfort of carpet in a master bedroom. Carpet and a high quality pad keep floors warmer and enhance privacy by absorbing noises. Today's top trend in carpet is super soft and silky fibers that feel luxurious when you step, lie or lounge on them.



Think carpet is out because you have allergies? It's time to think again, Numerous medical and other studies show that people who suffer from allergies and even asthma do not have to live without the comfort and softness of carpet. That's because the dust that falls to a carpeted floor has a much stronger tendency to stay on the carpet until it is vacuumed away. Dust on hard floors, however, is stirred with every passing movement or footstep right back up into a room's breathing space.



Of course, regular maintenance is important. Frequent vacuuming with a high efficiency vacuum like the ones on the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval vacuum list, as well as periodic deep-cleanings are musts. -And, no matter what kind of floor you have, high-traffic areas should be vacuumed daily, with less frequently-used areas vacuumed once or twice a week.



Another important foundation element is the walls. When selecting colors, select hues that work with the rest of your home's decor so the spaces flow smoothly. You can't go wrong with basic neutrals. Foundation details like crown molding, wainscoting or wallpaper can add a splash of personality.



When deciding on foundation elements, keep in mind the focal points of the room. Is there a fireplace? A gorgeous wall of windows highlighting an exquisite view? Do you have a bed with a statement headboard that will be prominent? Highlight these focal points within your design decisions.



Step 2: Function



Beauty is just one part of the equation when designing a grand master bedroom. The space needs to function and suit your lifestyle.



Function is particularly important when selecting furniture. Do you need storage for clothes and accessories? Do you want to hide electronics? Do you have a specific bed size? After considering your options, choose wisely and allow enough room between furniture pieces so that you can move freely.



Privacy is also an important consideration. Like carpet, window treatments also help to control noise, plus they offer the added benefit of masking -windows in the evenings and when high levels of privacy are needed. From a decorative perspective, window treatments add softness and style, critical to designing a stunning room.-



Step 3: Finish



Some of the most important elements of master bedroom design are the details. This is where you can add a few personal touches to the space to create a truly individualized sanctuary.



Start by choosing comfortable, inviting bedding, pillows and throws. Create clustered vignettes of photos or personal collections to give the space your unique stamp. Appropriately scaled art and accessories add visual interest.



Remember, accessories are a good way to add splashes of color to your master bedroom. If you like a particular tone - like rich teals, ruby reds or baby blue - select a few accessories that feature that hue and strategically place them throughout the room. Accessories that feature different textures add interest and character as well.



"From carpet and furniture to photos and duvet covers, creating a master retreat you'll love is simpler than you think," says Winninger. "Just focus on the foundation, function and finishing touches, and the result is sure to be gorgeous."

3217 E 7th ST Des Moines, IA 50316

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/4D6AJM

Incredible investment or fixer upper opportunity! Spacious rooms and closets. Hardwood floors under carpet, enclosed back porch and jet tub in bathroom. Great northeast side location, close to schools, shopping, bus stops and more. Home sold "AS IS". A must see!

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1.00

Square feet: 1,167

Price: $69,900

For more information about this property, please contact Angie Robinson at 515-230-3683 or angie.robinson@remax.net. You can also text 3460189 to 67299.

See more listings at: angie.robinson.remax-central.com

MLS ID: 513906

411 SE Delaware AVE # 204 Ankeny, IA 50021

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/5FBQVN

Move in condition 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in Maplewood village. Adult living at its best. The work has been done for you in this updated condo, newer flooring, appliances, some lighting, paint. Furnace and AC are a Lennox brand top of the line unit. Kitchen features an eat at bar, computer desk area and lots of cabinets and cupboards. The master bedroom is being used as a second family room/den but proves to be large enough to seat your family on the holidays. Building has elevator and security. The association dues cover insurance, exterior maintenance, snow removal, lawn care, sprinkling system, trash collection, maintenance of the interior halls and commons areas, water and sewer and hot water. The building has a lounge plus a rec room with a pool table. A separate lodge features a pool, spa, sauna, exercise room, party room, kitchen and bathrooms.

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 920

Price: $90,000

For more information about this property, please contact Lois Lundgren at or loislundgren@remax.net. You can also text 3457084 to 67299.

See more listings at: loislundgren.com

MLS ID: 513775

This top garage trend keeps gaining momentum

(BPT) - The carriage house garage door is to your house what the little black dress and strand of pearls are to your wardrobe; classic style elements that never go out of fashion.



At the dawn of the automobile age, those who were affluent enough to own a car kept it in the carriage house, where the horses and buggy would have been stored. But this cohabitation became a little, well, smelly, and the need for separate storing structures was soon realized.



Enter, the garage. Built in the style of the original carriage house, the garage's sole intent was to store the car away from the animals and elements. The word garage actually comes from the French word, garer, which means to shelter and protect. Naturally, the garage needed a door to offer protection to the automobile. The ensuing "carriage house door"was a hinged, double door that swung outwards, and can be considered the original garage door.



In the early 1920s, the kickout door was invented and progress continued from there, bringing homeowners the modern convenience of today's overhead garage doors. Today's carriage house sectional garage doors open overhead and continue to gain in popularity, constituting 35 percent of the volume in the garage door industry with projections to remain a huge trend.



When it comes to the style of garage door chosen, most homeowners want something classic, that won't fade in popularity over the years and will also enhance curb appeal. This is especially true if home resale is a factor.



The carriage house door also offers a myriad of design elements. For example, the Classica Collection by Amarr offers a dual-directional wood grain design that provides the realistic look of wood with the practicality and low-maintenance upkeep of steel. With a three-section design and the option of larger windows, this door offers a more authentic carriage house look with the benefit of additional natural light flow into your garage. Two-tone looks are also available with many color combinations and panel designs, and hardware and window choices are plentiful. These different design options can be tailored specifically to your home's facade and will further enhance curb appeal.



If you're thinking of replacing a tired garage door in an effort to boost your home's curb appeal, consider the classic carriage house door whose popularity has only continued to grow over the last century. With a timeless design that can be specifically tailored to your house, it's a choice that both you - and future owners of your home - can happily live with for a long time.

710 NE 46th CT Ankeny, IA 50021

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/W7XGFD

Stunning 3 BR walk-out ranch boasts a perfect floor plan for entertaining & features birch cabinets, warm inviting colors & granite countertops. Relax on your covered deck or curl up in front of the cozy gas FP. Large kitchen features a multi-level island, tiled backsplash & stainless steel appliances, pantry & lockers off the garage. Master BR w/ a flat screen TV & stunning master BA w/double vanity, walk-in closet & tiled shower. The decorative touches & architecture in this home are amazing! Too many amenities to count including: landscaping, shed, garage w/epoxy floors/painted walls/cable hookups/gas heater, covered deck w/dimmer lights/fan/cable hookup, outdoor LED lighting on the front of the house w/dimmers, security system, new interior paint fall of 2015, stove upgraded in 2014, Bosch dishwasher, new toilets (Toto) 2015 & dimmers in LR & kitchen areas. Walk-out basement has partial finish including framing, fireplace & ventilation. This home is a MUST SEE in a great location!

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 1,464

Price: $270,000

For more information about this property, please contact Stephanie VanDerKamp at 515-210-3210 or stephanievanderkamp@remax.net. You can also text 3453800 to 67299.

See more listings at: www.VDKRealEstate.com

MLS ID: 513676

3632 E Sheridan AVE Des Moines, IA 50317

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/966M7H

Great investment or fixer upper opportunity! $41,500 less than zestimate as of 3/18/2016 and $ 30,000 less than Polk county assessment. Home needs work but great east side location. Tons of potential. Come check it out.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1.00

Square feet: 840

Price: $67,300

For more information about this property, please contact Angie Robinson at 515-230-3683 or angie.robinson@remax.net. You can also text 3453791 to 67299.

See more listings at: angie.robinson.remax-central.com

MLS ID: 513588