Cheap fixes

I saw these presented by regular everyday people on the Dr. Oz show and since they pertain to issues we may experience in our striding and summer season, I thought I should share them with you.

Blisters - 
The guest on the show said to rub deodorant (like a solid deodorant stick) on the part of the shoe that is rubbing.  WHAT?!?  She said it can work on heels, toes, arches, doesn't matter where the blister forms - just rub the deodorant on that part of the shoe.  She also said that it can help running shoes as well as dress shoes including heels.

Now from my experience....if you get a blister there is a really healthy and effective way to get rid of it.  Do  NOT pop it because the bubble of skin is protecting the damaged under skin.  A nurse practitioner shared this strategy with me and you absolutely have to believe me that it works - let the blister get as much air as possible.  Don't wear socks or shoes for as much of a day, evening, or night as you can - the air will dry out the blister and promote healing of the damaged skin.

If you get blisters from walking/running, I suggest that you first try changing the kind of socks you wear.  Talk with a running specialist at running store (i.e. 3 Rivers Running Store) about the vast array of socks that are available.  Just when you think socks are socks - nope, there's hundreds of kinds of socks.  Take it from me -it's essential that you find the sock that WORKS FOR YOU.  I personally ran in toe socks, but my running partner swore by smartwool socks while my other running buddy only wore the 2 layer socks.  Try a variety of socks and don't lose hope - you'll find the right one for  you.

After a great training session, you may want to celebrate with a cook out - here's some cool tips...
Mosquitoes -
Again, from a guest on the Dr. Oz show, cut a lime in half and put about a dozen cloves in each side.   Place these around your table and patio to ward off mosquitoes.  This natural solution is safe for pets and children and also smells nice.

Out for a training session in the woods - I suggest rubbing down with a Bounce dryer sheet.  You can even tuck a sheet into the back of your shirt, shorts, or hat for added protection.  This prevents the chemicals found in common repellants from being sprayed on your body and into the environment.

Cleaning the grill - 
I saw this demonstration on the Dr. Oz show and it was amazing - cut an onion in half  and then scrub the grill using the cut surfaces of the onion.  Really scrub it to see the juices of the onion froth into action removing burned on residue.  

Just a few tips to make your summer less stressful!