Celebrating My Birthday On Earth Day

I have always been honored that April 22nd, my birthday, became Earth Day. I am very connected to Mother Earth and appreciate the myriad of complex relationships that make up the multitude of ecosystems that I have had the opportunity to explore.  

This year, I have decided to turn my special day into a special week and hike a tiny piece of the Pacific Crest Trail (Mexico to Canada, a total of 2,600 miles). I will be leaving this Sunday from Walker Pass and backpacking to Kennedy Meadows (52 miles total according to the trail map). I did some backpacking when I was younger and wanted to make sure I carried the lightest pack possible. So after pouring over backpacking reviews, I am carrying an Osprey Arial Pack and using a Mountain Hardware tent. Both are a little over 2 lbs each. All of my equipment was selected with weight considerations in mind. I carefully went through the rest of my list either cutting items or opting for the lighter alternative. For example, using a plastic spoon opposed to a metal camping spoon just to save a couple of
precious ounces. 

When I started to get my first aid kit ready, I had major issues deciding on what was really "necessary". I knew I wanted derma e® Skinbiotics® Treatment Oil (with Tea Tree and Oregano Oils) for its antibacterial and anti-fungal protection as well as to calm any insect bites I might get. Breathing these oils also helps keep my upper respiratory tract healthy and as I'm just recovering from a nasty cold that my husband gave me, this was essential. Next, I wanted to take the derma e® Intensive Therapy Foot Crème to soothe and help heal my feet after a long day but I couldn't justify even a couple ounces. The Anti-Ache™ Crème was another consideration but again those ounces were just too much to add. 

As for skin care, I wanted to take my Age-Defying Night Crème with Astaxanthin and Pycnogenol® to help keep my skin moisturized and healthy but realized I probably needed to wear an SPF if I was going to be in the sun 10-12 hours a day.  So, I am taking the Age-Defying Moisturizer SPF 15 with Astaxanthin and Green Tea. I also wanted to take my Tea Tree and E Face & Body Wash to protect against body odor and because of its anti-bacterial benefits, but again I had to choose an oatmeal lavender travel bar that weighs next to nothing.   

Well, my decisions have been sound ones and at the end of the day my pack with food and 5 liters of water (10 lbs) weighs just under 40 lbs. I'm still debating about a novel I'd like to take for the afternoon breaks. I am so looking forward to immersing myself in Nature and hope that the week will be a great salve for my body, mind and spirit.  

I hope your Earth Day is special too.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Linda Miles, D.O. M.