Advice Whenever You Need It

Just because the holidays are over, you don’t have to stop giving or caring. Show someone you care all year round with the Personal Health Advisor, a physician-reviewed service that provides health information, symptom assessment and referral services by phone, the Internet, printed materials and cable TV. This service, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is $8.95 a month: (800) 711-5949.

EVENTS

THURSDAY

Valley Presbyterian Hospital’s Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease is sponsoring a free lecture series beginning with For a Healthy You, Exercise! Exercise physiologist Tim Foy will discuss the benefits of exercise and the appropriate intensity and frequency of workout sessions based on the American Heart Assn. exercise guidelines. Valley Presbyterian Hospital, 15107 Vanowen St., Van Nuys: (818) 902-5772.

FRIDAY

A free PLUS Weekend Seminar is coming back to Long Beach, courtesy of L.A. Shanti, West Hollywood and the Ryan White CARE Act. It is for people affected by HIV or AIDS. The weekend will consist of presentations by HIV experts, doctors, insurance specialists and lawyers. Call (213) 962-8197, Ext. 315, to register.

SATURDAY

“Fitness on Call,” a one-day fitness hotline, will be held from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., courtesy of the American Council on Exercise and Family Circle magazine. Fitness professionals will be on hand to answer your questions: (888) 397-2473.

In Brief . . .

So what’s the deal with the skin on your feet? Here’s the skinny from the American Skin Assn.:

* Calluses: A thickening of the skin when it is rubbed repeatedly. Eliminate the cause of the friction with different shoes or equipment.

* Corns: A thickening of the outer layer of skin on toes or other bony areas of the feet. Poorly fitting shoes can be the culprit.

* Friction blisters: These typically occur on the feet because of constant rubbing, heat and moisture. Make sure shoes fit properly. Regular removal of calluses can prevent blisters from developing. Severe blisters should be managed under the direction of your physician.

* Athlete’s foot: The condition occurs when chronic perspiration softens the outer skin and allows fungus infections to develop. Wear absorbent socks and apply foot powder or use an anti-fungal cream daily.

* This roundup appears Wednesdays. Items to be considered should be mailed 3 1/2 weeks before the event to Christina Chaplin, Health Watch, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053. Fax: (213) 237-7355.