Healthy Skin

The skin, our outer covering, the facade that keeps our insides from falling out is an often neglected part of health care. While most people are concerned about wrinkles, not many take the proper steps to ensure healthy, wrinkle free skin. The secret to healthy, attractive skin is a balance between skin oil and skin moisture according to Dr. James Balch, M.D. The oil in the skin comes from the sweat glands, while the moisture comes from the water present inside the skin cells. This is a key point to remember. Water in the skin cells is what keeps the skin healthy and youthful looking. The oil and the moisture must work together. The oil acts as a barrier, preventing moisture from escaping. Since skin is predominately made up of water, it makes perfect since that to have healthy youthful skin, water must be imbibed on a regular and consistent basis. Dr. Balch recommends 2 quarts of quality water daily. Research has also found that consuming foods high in sulfur will help keep the skin healthy and smooth. Sulfur containing foods are garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus. One other important thing to do is find skin lotions that have humectants. Humectants are substances that attract water to the skin to seal in moisture. Typical humectants are Vitamin E, panthenol and glycerine.

Thought for the Week: "The nervous system plays an important role in both the control and the activity of the immune response. The sheer power of the brain to affect the body as a whole and the general state of health is amazing." ---- Human Anatomy and Physiology, pg 719

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: " The Subluxation (misaligned spinal bone placing pressure on the spinal nerve) alone is a rational reason for chiropractic care throughout a lifetime from birth."

------ Dr. Lee Hadley, Syracuse Memorial Hospital