KANSAS CITY, KS –November 20, 2007: Socks and stockings that actually can make you feel better and improve your quality of life? Therafirm’s gradient compression hosiery and SmartKnit’s seamless socks were selected by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) to use the prestigious AMPA Seal of Acceptance on product and marketing support materials.

The APMA is the leading professional organization representing the nation’s Doctors of Podiatric Medicine or podiatrists. The Seal of Acceptance is used to designate footwear, hosiery and other foot related products that promote good foot health.

The SmartKnit “family” of products receiving the APMA Seal of Acceptance include a patented line of seamless diabetic socks, a line of active running socks, and super soft seamless kids socks. All of these products are engineered to deliver healthy benefits and address specific needs for the wearer.

Jeff Dalbey, Director of Research and Development, stated, “We continually seek to develop healthy, innovative products that deliver more than just a covering for legs and feet.  We are on a perpetual quest to research new threads, yarns, and better techniques to provide products that support “healthier living” for people in all walks of life.”

Controlling moisture and reducing bacteria can be foot care issues for not only diabetics, but also for people on their feet for extended periods. SmartKnit offers products made from innovative yarns including CoolMax® and the silver fiber, X-STATIC®.  These yarns are “moisture-wicking” fibers that pull moisture away from the foot thereby reducing friction. These fibers also allow the sock to dry up to four times faster than socks made with cotton.  The antimicrobial X-Static silver fibers help reduce the growth of infection-causing bacteria within the sock and properties of these yarns help to keep the foot warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

“Health-focused education is a primary component of our marketing efforts,” says Jenni Grisso, Director of Retail Brands. “Partnering with the American Podiatric Medical Association allows us to join efforts in the education and promotion of good foot health.”

Therafirm products awarded the APMA Seal of Acceptance include graduated compression and anti-embolism hosiery. These products are comfortable and cool to wear. Most importantly, they have been clinically tested to meet the requirements of true graduated compression and manufactured in a U.S. plant subject to FDA regulations. Therafirm products are not only energizing, they also are effective as a treatment for spider veins, varicose veins, and other critical venous disorders. Educating the public on the benefit of various grades of compression hosiery will ultimately allow consumers to make educated purchase decisions for a healthier life.
Therafirm compression products and SmartKnit seamless socks are available through Podiatrists offices, select retailers, and on-line.

Therafirm and SmartKnit branded products are manufactured by Knit-Rite, Inc., a leading designer, marketer, and manufacturer of innovative textiles for medical and consumer markets. Founded in 1923, Knit-Rite remains committed to providing products that deliver healthy benefits for a better quality of life.

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Press Contact:
Jenni Grisso
Knit-Rite, Inc.
913. 279.6339
jgrisso@knitrite.com