While Health Clubs Say No to 'Canckles,' Leading Podiatrists Say No to Toen...( TORRANCE Calif. July 8 /- On...),Health

TORRANCE, Calif., July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of a new campaign launched by a national chain of health clubs to put an end to unsightly "canckles," Dr. Marc Mittleman, founder and director of Bay Harbor Podiatry Group, is calling on fitness clubs and their members to focus on a real health issue - common and highly contagious toenail fungus (Onychomycosis). Because fungi thrives in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, communal showers, pool and spa facilities, gym goers are at a higher risk of contracting nail fungus, which is both unsightly and a serious health concern.

According to the national fitness chain's advertising campaign, "canckles," a term for a disproportionate amount of weight between the lower leg and the ankle, is the fastest-growing aesthetic affliction in the U.S. However, Dr. Mittleman points out that canckles are not contagious, and nail fungus is.

"I'm a lot happier to see canckles than toenail fungus at a health club. While gyms aren't to blame, the warm and moist environment is ideal for fungi growth. Really, we need better education on preventing and treating toenail fungus, especially among those who already have the infection and who continue to walk barefoot in public places," said Dr. Mittleman.

Currently, 35 million people in the U.S., including over 50 percent of the population over the age of 50, suffer from toenail fungus, which causes embarrassing deformation and discoloration of the nails. While taking precautions, such as always wearing shoes in public places and keeping feet dry, Onychomycosis is a very contagious infection and spreads easily with even the slightest contact.

Bay Harbor Podiatry Group is one of the first medical practices nationwide to offer a revolutionary new laser treatment that is the most effective at eliminating stub
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