Dr. Footsie
Dr. Footsie, (Dr. Martin Marks), has been in practice since 1969 and is a graduate of the California
College of Podiatric Medicine. His first office was in an inner city area of Los Angeles.
In 1972 he started a non-profit organization called Footsteps Sports Club, Inc. It gave inner city youth an alternative to the environment surrounding them, using the motto “Healthy Feet, Sound Mind, Run from Drugs, a Life without Crime.”
After being involved with this community organization, he realized the need for health education programs for the residents. He wanted to raise awareness at an early age so his programs were aimed at school children. His original programs were anti-smoking and substance abuse prevention.
Dr Footsie has written articles on health issues and was featured on the front page of the Los Angeles Times. He has spoken and made presentations at local schools and service groups (Lions. etc). He has written a series of short stories known as Dr. Footensteins’ Tales from Toeland.
He has designed and fabricated floats in several parades and was the recipient of the Best Float in the Compton Xmas Parade. He was an exhibitor at the National Conference on Tobacco or Health in Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, Seattle and Phoenix.
The 20 Tips Tobacco Prevention Program for 2nd and 3rd grades was approved for use in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
As with many of these programs, he has used cartoon characters in a fun and educational manner to involve children or adults in a friendly learning style.
His latest program is called Club Sugarfoot, a program on Diabetes care designed for seniors. He emphasizes the importance of foot care, diet and exercise to prevent and control serious complications (e.g. loss of limb).
Belmont Village – Palos Verdes, CA
Dr. Footsie is available for speaking engagements and presentations nationwide. He can be contacted:
Website: www.drfootsie.org
Tel: 1-310-639-3338
Dr. Footsie columns on Defeat Diabetes Foundation website:
