A Bundle of Love for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day came early at my house this year. I adopted a 13-month old Rottweiler from a rescue: www.petmatchmaker.org. My “bundle of love” is the sweetest, gentlest puppy you could imagine. He is essentially an 8-week old puppy in a much bigger body, in that he had never seen cats, horses, chickens, television and almost everything was “new” to him. He is quickly learning what his new world is about, and has readily bonded to Ron and me. Willie, our chocolate Labrador, still has her nose bent out of shape but she will get over it.

When I got him home I noticed he was tracking unnaturally and that one hip seemed painful. Big breeds are very susceptible to hip dysplasia and that was the obvious conclusion. I have always given my dogs 1000 mg of Vitamin C per day for immune and bone health and have never had this problem before. In researching what I could do from a natural standpoint, there are now several actual studies on Vitamin C or Ester-C® at 2000 mg/day that show it can reverse the symptoms of hip dysplasia and that it did improve the animals’ mobility and reduce pain.

Interesting to me, was that one of the studies did before and after x-rays showing the joint was only marginally improved, yet the dog was running, jumping and seemed to be pain free.

As a doctor, I know how vital Vitamin C is for connective tissue health, re-growth and repair. Connective tissue forms the basis of bones, ligaments, tendons, and the elastin and collagen fibers in the skin. These elastin and collagen fibers in the skin are responsible for helping to keep the skin smooth and wrinkle-free from repetitive movements such as smiling or frowning. They also form the foundation of the skin and keep it firm and supple, preventing “sagging”. derma e®’s Ester-C® Crème is the perfect moisturizing crème if your primary skin issue is lack of firmness. And of course, make sure you are taking at least 1000 mg/day internally to keep your body healthy.

My new puppy will be getting his Vitamin C regularly along with other joint-specific supplements and I hope that soon he too is running, playing, and pain free.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Yours in health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.

PS My puppy has a brother, Goliath, who still needs a forever home. If anyone is looking for a sweet, gentle and beautiful, Rottweiler please contact www.petmatchmaker.org in California.

Winter Skin Woes

I commonly hear the question, how can I keep my skin moisturized in the winter? This can be more challenging during this time of year because of chilly weather conditions, low humidity and indoor and car heating. A healthy lifestyle in combination with natural ingredients that effectively deliver moisture can help relieve dry, cracked and irritable skin.

I firmly believe that our skin is the outward expression of our inner health so make sure you drink plenty of water. At least eight glasses a day. A healthy, balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats and proteins are also essential. And don’t forget stress reduction – yoga, exercise, or whatever works for you.

To aid in hydration, apply crèmes directly to the skin that are rich in natural moisturizing ingredients. The first ingredient that comes to mind that delivers maximum moisture is Hyaluronic Acid. Nicknamed “Nature’s Sponge” or the “Moisture Magnet,” Hyaluronic Acid hydrates skin in a way that no other ingredient can, and is a recent addition to the list of exceptional skincare ingredients. This molecule earned these nicknames because of its remarkable ability to attract and bind water molecules, thereby hydrating, softening and smoothing dehydrated skin.

Daily application of crèmes enriched with Hyaluronic Acid restores needed moisture for plump, healthy and radiant skin.

If your skin becomes dehydrated to the point of cracking, it is essential to seek a combination of ingredients that not only deliver moisture, but that also offer anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to help relieve skin discomfort and repair damaged skin. An excellent combination would include Bay Leaf Oil, Arnica Extract, Clove Oil, Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil. derma e® has combined these ingredients in our Cracked Skin Relief Crème.

For healthy, happy skin this winter, remember to hydrate the inside with water, as well as the outside with crèmes rich in effective natural ingredients.

Yours in health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L. Ac., D.O.M.
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