Barefoot Running Grows in Popularity but Calls for Careful Foot Conditioning
Foot care expert C. J. Buck says that skin on feet must be conditioned gradually before it "toughens up." When transitioning to barefoot running, skin will probably develop calluses that may be uncomfortable, or even crack and split into fissures. She suggests keeping Xenna's CalleX Dry Heel Ointment on hand to help ease the process. Acid-free CalleX uses natural enzymes to remove dry, cracked, or scaly buildup, while it moisturizes and rejuvenates dry, cracked heels.
(PRWEB) March 13, 2007 -- The popularity of barefoot running has been steadily increasing among recreational runners, inspired by athletes like South Africa's Zola Budd and marathoners Abebe Bikila and Charlie "Doc" Robbins. Enthusiasts say that insulating feet with shoes interferes with sensory feedback and the natural function of the foot, and they point to the fact that the fastest runners move in a style very similar to that of a person running without shoes.
While it may be true that many foot problems prevalent in "civilized" countries are almost non-existent in barefooted populations, the fact remains that most Americans have been raised in shoes. Foot care expert C. J. Buck, CEO of Xenna® Corporation, a distributor of natural foot care products (www.xenna.com), says, "Americans start wearing shoes even before they can walk. The fact that at one time many people had their baby's first shoe cast in bronze is a testament to the importance Americans have traditionally attached to footwear. However, the current trend, even with footwear, is to bare the foot as much as possible."
Some tips for transitioning to barefoot running include:
1. Start very gradually, giving both the muscles and skin on feet a chance to adapt.
2. Begin with a relatively soft surface such as a golf course or dirt trail.
3. Avoid hard, hot surfaces such as concrete or any terrain that may have hazards such as broken glass.
4. Begin with a quarter mile the first day, and gradually increase distance.
Buck says that skin on feet must be conditioned gradually before it "toughens up." During the transition period, feet will probably develop thicker skin pads on the running surfaces. She suggests keeping Xenna's CalleX® Dry Heel Ointment on hand to help ease the process. Acid-free CalleX Ointment uses natural enzymes to remove dry, cracked, or scaly buildup, while it moisturizes and rejuvenates dry, cracked heels.
Although most runners are primarily concerned with performance and the health benefits to be derived, Buck says the majority are also concerned about their appearance. She says, "Athletic or not, many people are just too embarrassed to go barefoot because of the way their feet look. CalleX Ointment quickly takes care of any dry, flaking or hardened skin on the heel and sole, and it is diabetic-friendly."
For unattractive toenails, Buck suggests patented, natural NonyX® Nail Gel, a topical, easy-to-use gel that breaks down and removes keratin debris - the discolored, yellow or thick granular buildup under nails which causes toenails and fingernails to appear yellow, dark or discolored. Diabetic-friendly, NonyX Nail Gel uses natural ethanoic acid to soften and remove keratin debris buildup, leaving nails clear and healthy-looking with regular use.
CalleX Ointment is sold in the footcare section of Walgreens, Rite Aid, Longs, HEB, Kerr Drug and many Medicine Shoppe pharmacies, and online at www.drugstore.com and www.xenna.com.
NonyX Nail Gel is now a leading foot care brand and can be purchased in the footcare section of Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, Wal-Mart, Longs, Eckerd Pharmacy, Brooks Pharmacy, Duane Reade, HEB grocery stores, Kerr Drug and most Medicine Shoppes. Online, it is also available at www.drugstore.com and www.xenna.com.
For photos of toenails and heels before and after using Xenna products, click on www.xenna.com.
Xenna Corporation is a privately-held, woman-owned company based in Princeton, NJ which develops and distributes natural personal care products for skin, hair and nails. To contact them call 800-368-6003 (business hours, Mon-Friday Eastern Time) or email info(at)xenna.com.
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