06/11/2013    

PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS

Bigger Heels Equal Bigger Tips for Casino Waitresses: CT Podiatrist

Cheryl Haase has been serving cocktails for more than two decades, and the 52-year-old waitress says she has a list of foot ailments to prove it. The miles she has walked carrying trays of drinks through the Foxwoods Resort Casino in high heels have sent her over the years to chiropractors and podiatrists for injections to treat inflammation. Now, she and a union representing her fellow cocktail waitresses at the country's largest casino are fighting for the servers to wear shoes of their own choosing.

Dr. Eric Levine

A Connecticut podiatrist, Dr. Eric Levine of Norwich, said he frequently treats casino waitresses who wear high heels. He said many who come to him with painful conditions return to work with a recommendation to not wear high heels for medical reasons, but some waitresses confess they won't give them up easily. "Several have told me they're not going to stop wearing them. 'The higher the heel, the larger the tip,'" he said.

Source: Michael Melia, Associated Press [6/9/13]