ARTICLE - Finger and toes point the way to disease clues!

**Martijn (admin)** Fri Feb 18, 2011 1:39 pm

TALK TO THE HAND:
Your toes and fingers point the way to disease clues

By Bill Briggs - msnbc.com msnbc.com
updated 2/17/2011 8:19:32 AM ET 2011-02-17T13:19:32

For that storied window to the soul, we give you the eyes.

But for a snapshot of physical wellness, a glimmer of hidden health risks, and a peek at natural strengths, we give you the finger.

Now, don’t go away mad: We actually give you all 10 fingers. According to a bevy of recent medical studies, your digits hold clues to disease dangers along with hints of sports prowess, financial acumen and, possibly, your softer side.

This external roadmap of inner secrets extends down to the toes. Yep, those little piggies do squeal, revealing everything from how you’re eating to how your blood is flowing, says Dr. Michael Nirenberg, a foot specialist who practices near Chicago and who founded AmericasPodiatrist.com.

“Toes talk,” Nirenberg said. “They don't rattle on like some annoying relative. They do often mirror overall health — at times being the first place to show signs of serious medical problems.

“Nowadays, with MRIs, CT scans, and hundreds of blood tests to choose from, few doctors look at toes,” he added. “But in ancient times, examining the toes was as important as having patients stick out their tongue.”

So raise a thumb and take a medical hitchhiking tour through 10 traits or health concerns said to be associated with your appendages.

NOTICE: The full article includes the following topics:

Prostate cancer - Stroke - Money skills - Empathy - You're not eating right - Heart problems - Breathing problems - Sports stardom - Aches in your future - Boss potential

The full article is available here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41628458/ns/health-mens_health/