April 22 is Earth Day.

Yes, April 22 is Earth Day. Long before it was officially Earth Day it was my Birthday. SHARE

I have always thought it appropriate that this day was chosen to honor Mother Earth and encourage healthy and sustainable environmental practices. I am very proud of the efforts that derma e® makes toward a healthier planet:100% wind energy, recycling at all levels of the company, recyclable packaging for our products, and Guyra Paraguay (part of The Paraguay Project) works directly on preserving the rainforest and other ecologically rich lands.

Since I was a child I have always been a “naturalist”, spending most of my waking hours outside, hiking in the local hills and observing all the wildlife (insects, reptiles, mammals and of course the plants). I marvel at how they interact and feel that we (humans) need to preserve wild spaces, that this planet is ours to share, not own, and that all life is interconnected in some grandiose cosmic plan.

In my adult life I have been involved in community planning, in trying to preserve “open space” and “scenic corridors.” Gardening is one of my spring and summer pastimes and I compost (red worms) year round.

I had read an article some time ago that challenged each one of us to live one day “trash free.” That doesn’t sound like much of a challenge at first glance but when you start to look at our lifestyles and habits, it is a huge challenge. I suggest to you that for at least one day on Earth Day, why not try to live “trash free”?

Like Mahatma Ghandi, I believe that “you must be the change you want to see in the world”. Happy Earth Day.

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

KISS A GIRAFFE?

Did you know that a giraffe’s mouth is one of the cleanest of any mammal? Their saliva is actually anti-bacterial to help guard against infection from the many mouth wounds they get while snacking on the thorny Acacia trees. I learned this and more while visiting Giraffe Manor. And Laura, the resident mascot, was very willing to give all guests a big wet kiss!

But for those of us who can’t keep a giraffe in the backyard, Mother Nature has provided easier and more effective natural anti-bacterial agents. Both Tea Tree Oil and Oregano Oil are highly anti-bacterial and also anti-fungal. Even Bottom Line newsletter recommended carrying a bottle of Tea Tree Oil when traveling (try derma e® Tea Tree and E Oil). They suggest rubbing a small amount between the palms and then breathing in the vapors to ward off colds and flu.

Several studies have shown that Tea Tree Oil is as effective as over-the-counter remedies for eliminating fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete’s feet, jock itch, etc. Tea Tree Oil as an ingredient within a soothing moisturizing crème is the answer for preventing or relieving idiopathic dermatitis (dry, itchy irritated skin with no known cause).

So, even though Laura is lovable and pet-able, keeping a bottle of “Nature’s First Aid Oil” in the medicine cabinet is probably a better idea.

Healthy Wishes, Dr. Linda Miles D.O.M. SHARE

TEA TREE OIL PEDI-CURE

Volunteering as an Acupuncturist/Herbalist at MEND (Mend Each Need with Dignity, a non-profit poverty-relief agency), I see patients whose primary complaints usually include pain.

However, in the course of treatment I cannot help but notice that many suffer from nail fungus that is disfiguring their toes. I always give them a bottle of derma e® Skinbiotics® Oils, a blend of Tea Tree Oil and Oregano Oil, and tell them to soak their feet in warm water with ¼ teaspoon of the oil mixed into it, for about 15 minutes a day. Additionally, twice a day, I suggest they take a cotton swab soaked in the oil and dab the nail bed and under the nail as well. Do this for 10 to 14 days.

It is always personally satisfying to have my patients come back at the end of this time period and show me how good their toes look. The smiles on their faces are worth so much to me!

Healthy Wishes, Dr. Linda Miles D.O.M. SHARE

BODY CARE IS HABIT FORMING

... and should be! As with any healthy routine, it is important to create a habit of caring for your self. This helps you to be consistent (and so will be your results). Eat a balanced diet. Exercise. Get rest! Reduce Stress. And, nourish your skin - especially while you sleep. This is an optimal time for products to go to work for you while your body rejuvenates in slumber.

Body care can easily become part of your bedtime routine. First, find the products right for your skin with your personal derma evaluation™. Every night, cleanse your face, then tone to restore pH balance and close pores, tand apply a nourishing anti-oxidant formula to help prevent or to diminish the signs of aging. Rub on derma e® Anti-Aging Hand Crème, smoothing from forearms to fingers. And remember your feet. Massage them with Vitamin E Crème or Cracked Skin Relief Crème, and enjoy the calming results.

Healthy Wishes, Dr. Linda Miles D.O.M. SHARE

derma e® suggests you DRINK HEAVILY

Water, lots of water. It is important to hydrate so that your skin is nourished from the inside out - then the products you apply topically will have a better chance to work from the outside in.

Water is a conduit for plumping skin and for cleansing. To help boost the benefits of hydration, nourish your skin with topical formulas rich in natural nutrients and vitamins. Super anti-oxidants such as Pycnogenol® or Astazanthin protect and optimize the health of the skin in topical formulas.

Carry our Anti-Aging Hand Crème to help keep your hands healthy as you reach out to quench your thirst. And for maximum benefits, try our naturally inspired Hyaluronic Acid products; often referred to as a “moisture magnet,” Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water while it binds moisture to tissue.

Healthy Wishes, Dr. Linda Miles D.O.M. SHARE

RAISING YOUR ARM TO THE POWER OF NATURE & NATURAL REMEDIES

On my recent vacation, one of my travel partners was an 80 year old MD. He started complaining the first day that his arthritic shoulder was killing him and he could only raise it a little without pain. I told him "I can fix that.”

His response was “yeah right,” but he was willing to have me treat him and see what happened. I told him that if he didn’t have an open mind that I wouldn’t bother. He assured me he would give it a try. The next morning when another member of the group asked him "how's your shoulder?," his response was “worse than ever.” I assumed that he had mentally blocked the treatment.

But, the following morning he came to breakfast and demanded to know “how did you do this?!” as he raised his arm over his head with absolutely no pain. He had zero pain and complete range of motion the rest of the trip.

I am constantly amazed at the power of acupuncture but I also knew that if he had been taking a quality formula of Glucosamine, MSM and Chrondroitin for his arthritis, he wouldn’t have had the issue to begin with. Methyl Sulfonyl Methane is an especially amazing nutrient that is extremely good for connective tissue issues and for skin. That is why derma e® chose it as one of the key ingredients in our Anti-Aging Hand Crème.

Healthy Wishes, Dr. Linda Miles D.O.M. SHARE

CARING FOR YOUR SKIN

Skin is the largest organ system of the human body. It has three main functions: thermoregulation (shivering and sweating), disposal of wastes/toxins, and to protect the body from physical or biological intruders (splinters or pathogens). It also absorbs nutrients. This is a very important role to remember when caring for the skin.

For optimal benefits, look to nature for the most powerful, most easily assimilated nutrients and ingredients. Vitamin E is a natural moisturizer, antioxidant and healing vitamin that encourages cellular regeneration and protects the skin's fatty acid components. This single ingredient inspired the brand of derma e® products. Our Vitamin E 12,000 IU Deep Moisturizing Crème is excellent for all skin types. It strengthens the barrier function of skin. Apply it wherever you wish to prevent or soothe dry chapped skin.