The Centers for Disease Control announced this week that a new, potent strain of the norovirus has been identified as rapidly spreading across the U.S. This ‘superbug’ stomach influenza is 50 times more contagious than previously identified versions of the strain. (more…)

We often think of moisturizing after a sun-drenched day in summer, but winter presents its own challenges to our skin, our body’s largest organ. While we most certainly are getting less UV damage during winter, indoor heated spaces slowly dry out the epidermis or outermost layers of skin. These cells are constantly replacing themselves, but even more so when the humidity levels drop.

If you are washing with commercially produced soaps drying can be even more of a problem. What makes many of these soaps super foamy, sodium lauryl sulfate, is very harsh on the skin and can irritate those who already have problems with psoriasis or dermatitis. Some of the older soap formulas contain lye (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) and can be so harsh as to burn the skin. Lots of bubbles does not necessarily mean cleaner skin and using more gentle soaps can do wonders for helping your skin survive cold winters.

Once you have exfoliated the dead skin cells in the bath or shower and dry yourself off (but before the skin dries), by all means use a good quality moisturizer. Shea Butter is high in vitamin A and E and contains compounds such as lupeol cinnamate and cinnamic acid which have demonstrated in studies to not only reduce inflammation but to prevent tumors. There are many different grades of shea butter, so quality is the key. The pure form is very pasty and tacky and works best massaged directly into calluses and hard skin. Whipped versions are best for all over applications. Other body lotions will work too, just be sure to find quality brands located in the natural food section of stores and avoid ones that contain propylene glycol, polypropylene or alcohol.

Supplements are a good idea in general considering our stress-filled lives and poor quality diets. Skin benefits most from vitamin A, E and D. A good quality multi-vitamin with beta carotene, calcium and magnesium should cover all the basics. You might consider an additional dose of vitamin D3 in winter. And of course, the greatest and most basic supplement of all is something most of us need more of: water. Re-hydrating from the inside is very beneficial on many counts.

I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend massage as a valuable treatment for skin. Massage increases the rate of skin regeneration as well as increases blood flow and circulation. Similar effects can be achieved in the shower or bath with a good scrubbing….I like the exfoliation gloves so that I can get between the toes, but brushes work too.

Rod Cain, LMT owns and operates Rod Cain Massage Therapy in Burlington, Vermont.

Massage is a nurturing field of work, and historically, service industries in which caring is the focus have been predominantly occupied by women. Nursing and teaching come to mind right away, but the massage industry has also been heavily populated with female practitioners. One would think that the gender of the therapist is of little significance…and for the most part, this is true. (more…)

For most people, if a full body massage is not available, the feet are a very willing understudy. They are literally the foundation on which we move and the bearers of our weight. Each foot has 26 bones (one quarter found in the body), 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons. This makes the feet, along with the hands, the more complex structures of the human skeletal system. Add to this approximately 7,000 nerve endings (more…)

The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, addresses specific information about massage therapy within its complex body of laws. This massive overhaul of health care in the U.S. is being implemented slowly with the major reveal happening October 1st. Those who have reviewed the act in its entirely believe that, in the future, insurance companies within the (more…)