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We went straight to the experts for this shoe review: We asked a group of doctors from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) to help us ferret out styles that blend fashion and comfort. Several podiatrists wear-tested and evaluated each of these shoes for comfort, support, stability, flexibility, and construction. "Any podiatrist will tell you that a major source of foot problems and pain may be poorly constructed, inadequately supportive, and improperly fitted shoes," says Lyle Haskell, DPM, and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

The article focuses on several eye conditions that have gone undetected in children due to poor vision screenings and eye charts at schools. Jean Ramsey, MD, director of pediatric ophthalmology and pediatrics at Boston University, claims that early eye treatment can cure conditions like amblyopia. Advice and statistics are offered by The American Optometric Association and Glen T. Steele, OD, of the Eye Center at Southern College of Optometry.

The article offers tips from women in the U.S., including mother Jo Ronneberg and pediatricians Laura Jana and Jennifer Shu, on how to leave the house with a baby. Ronneberg suggests to keep the wallet, keys and other essentials in the diaper bag. Jana advises to get into the habit of checking and refilling the diaper bag. Shu states that it is better to have extra bottles of water, formula and other important things.

The article discusses ways to create a breastfeeding-friendly environment. In 1991 the World Health Organization and UNICEF launched the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, which identifies 10 practices that encourage breastfeeding. According to researchers from Boston University in Massachusetts, nursing rates in hospitals with the Baby-Friendly program are double the U.S. national average. Websites are provided for further information.

Discusses the increase of disability rates for adults, which parallels the United States' obesity epidemic. Back pain and diabetes as the leading disablers; Importance of managing one's weight.

Provides information on child car-seat safety measures. Results of a survey on kids' car seat installation; Access to free-inspection stations in the U.S.

Reveals that adults and children alike assumed that they drink more from a tall and slim glass as compared with a short wide glass based on a study conducted by researchers at the Marketing Science Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Presents information on a Yale University study regarding the relation between cigarette smoking and the risk for diabetes.

Presents a workout by Mindy Solkin, coach and owner of Running Center in New York City, that boosts strength and speed.

Focuses on the Chicago, Illinois-based company Field Trip Factory that parents, teachers or school principals can contact to arrange fitness, nutrition and other health-related field trips for children from kindergarten through eight grade across the U.S. Comments from Susan Singer, company president; Variation in trip times; Range of its trip destinations.

Evaluates the affordable, biodegradable waste bags provided by the company Oops...I Pooped for easy cleanup when a pet owner is out walking a dog.

It is no surprise that exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, but most of the studies have been done on Caucasians. A study appearing in the 'New England Journal of Medicine' September 5, 2002 issue finds that these benefits are consistent in women regardless of ethnicity. It also finds that women do not need to exercise hard.

March may not be peak hiking season, but it is a great time to explore off-road trails. The days are getting longer, the sun is shining more frequently, and the wind is pushes a walker along at a brisker pace. One can enjoy beautiful views that are usually obscured by tree leaves at other times of the year. And there is more wildlife since no one else is around to scare them away.

Presents the winners of the Presidential Sports Award for walking in which contestants wrote an essay about their experience. The winner received a weekend in Washington D.C., including airfare, hotel, and dinner and walking tours with Prevention Walking Editor Maggie Spilner. Honorable mentions received a walking calendar and a 'Prevention' magazine pedometer.

Cranking up the incline on a treadmill will firm up a person's muscles and also rev up the calorie bum by up to 60 percent. To safely take walks to the next level Kara Witzke, associate professor of exercise science at the Norfolk State University in Virginia, offers some guidelines. Alternate five minute hills with five minutes of level walking. The key is to maintain the same speed during the hills as with no incline. Stretch longer. Start easy.

From February 14 to 17, 2003, you can assist research scientists at Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology by joining the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). It's a fun way to make time fly while you get in a walking workout! Just count the number and types of birds you see, and submit your findings online. This gives scientists information about where birds are migrating, flux in populations (possibly a sign of disease), and how temperatures affect our feathered friends. Just map out a 30-minute route from your house(or do two 15-minute laps); Then, walk it on any or all of the 4 days of the bird count, To learn birding basics and how to submit your numbers, visit the GBBC Web site; you can find a link at www.prevention.com/links.