W.F. Young makes pain-relief products for both horses and humans.

(NewsUSA) – When it comes to finding a great shampoo or topical pain-reliever, some consumers don’t horse around. Others do, and they just might tell you that it pays off.

Using horse shampoo or other products designed for animals may seem a bit strange, but according to some pet-care industry experts, there’s a growing trend of consumers doing just that.

W.F. Young, for instance, sells an equine topical pain-relief product called Absorbine Veterinary Liniment, but company officials say that some of their human customers use it for treating their own achy muscles and joints.

“We often hear from our loyal customers that in addition to using Absorbine Veterinary Liniment on their horses, they have found that they reap the same therapeutic benefits the liniment gives their pets,” said Jaime D. McKinley, corporate vice president of sales and marketing at W.F. Young. “Our customers tell us that when they apply the liniment to their horses, they feel the soothing, warm sensation on their own hands and it feels great.”

Horse products aren’t the only ones making it out of the barn and into Americans’ bathrooms and medicine cabinets.

Creams made for moisturizing cows’ udders are used by some people to moisturize their hands, while certain balms designed for soothing animals’ cuts and skin abrasions have also proved popular in recent years.

Such products are popular enough, in fact, to be sold at many major retail chains.

CVS, for instance, sells a cow ointment product in its skin-care section, as well as a shampoo initially developed for horses. And W.F. Young’s Absorbine Jr., a pain-relieving liniment made specifically for humans but similar to veterinary Absorbine, is also sold at CVS locations as well as Rite Aid and Brooks Eckerd stores.

So why might people use animal care products on themselves? At least in regards to Absorbine, perhaps it’s a question of commonality.

“Muscle pain and stiffness are conditions common to humans and animals,” says McKinley. “We all need a little relief now and then.”

In Romania, where poverty and hunger followed the breakup of the communist system, Heifer provided cows that made a difference.

(NewsUSA) – Oh, the holidays. You could prepare to wait in lengthy store lines in crowded malls to buy the same old gifts that will more than likely be returned, or you could just buy a cow.

That’s right, Heifer International offers alternative gift ideas that can help end world hunger by instituting self-sustainable communities where households receive training and livestock instead of food handouts.

Donors, while honoring friends and family members through their gifts, purchase more than just dairy cows, water buffaloes, goats or chickens. They help poor families achieve a life of dignity while also providing agricultural education for small farm initiatives.

“From Heifer’s training and the sale of our additional calves, I’ve been able to put food on my table, send my children to college and learn how to manage my finances better,” said Arthur Neal, a member of the Delta Livestock Enterprise in Tallulah, La.

The nonprofit’s Thailand program established improved agricultural techniques for families whose farming method quickly depleted the land. With starvation being a serious threat, people left home to find work that too often led to prostitution and drug addiction.

“Today we can establish ourselves as a community,” said Amui Wazu, Thai villager. “And Heifer has introduced us to kitchen gardens, which have been our savior. We have vegetables year-round!”

Founded by Dan West in 1944, Heifer International has impacted more than 45.3 million lives by providing so-called “living loans.”

Farmers prepare for the arrival of their animals through training sessions, by building sheds and by planting vegetation. The animals bring the benefits of milk, wool, draft power, eggs and offspring.

Families and communities repay their “living loans” by donating one or more of their animals’ offspring to others. This “passing on the gift” multiplies the impact of every donation-donations that support the entire Heifer mission and not just animal purchases.

So, this holiday season, give a unique gift and participate in a vision of a world without hunger.

For more information about this unique gift idea, visit http://www.heifer.org.

How A Forest Products Company is Making a Real Environmental Impact

(ARA) – Whether it’s five stories up in an apartment building or in a tiny backyard, it’s possible to grow greenery. As long as there is access to water and sunshine, people with the desire to add a little plant life to their living space can break out the watering can and create a green space.

Small-area and container gardening are easy, relatively inexpensive activities that people of all ages can enjoy. Today’s lawn and garden market is full of products aimed to satisfy the garden enthusiast in any location. Windowsill boxes, mini-herb gardens, packaged potting mixes and containers of all shapes and sizes make it easier than ever to grow something beautiful, no matter where you live.

“A container garden offers residents in smaller, often urban, spaces the chance to grow and eat fresh vegetables and enjoy beautiful flowers,” says William Moss, a master gardener specializing in urban gardening and author of the “Moss in the City” e-newsletter for the National Gardening Association. “A well-maintained vegetable container garden can produce enough vegetables to prepare nutritious meals and save money at the same time.”

Little Time, Big Convenience
One of the many benefits of small-space gardening is the small amount of time and effort it takes. As with any type of garden, it requires commitment and care. Ensuring plants get the proper amount of sunlight and water is crucial. However, a smaller space means less weeding and fewer pests. Slow-release fertilizer and automatic watering systems also cut down on time. Miracle-Gro Watering Can Singles are great time savers, making it easy to feed plants with convenient pre-measured packets of water-soluble plant food that can be quickly poured into a watering can.

Other considerations include the plants’ location. It is important to secure plants kept on windowsills or terraces so they won’t blow away during strong winds. If plants are frequently exposed to inclement weather, they should be moved to a sheltered spot or protected using supports and cages.

Doing a Lot with a Small Space
Another important benefit of small-space gardening is the amount of room needed. Depending on the plant, almost any container is acceptable as long as it can hold eight inches of soil and has holes at the bottom for water to drain. Rocks can be put in the bottom to assist drainage if there are no holes. Containers also tend to dry out quickly, so paying attention to watering and feeding is critical. Avoid filling the container with ground soil that can contain bacteria or fungi. Instead use packaged potting soil that is supplemented with fertilizer and other nutrients. Be sure to look at the care instructions that come with the plants and follow the directions on the potting soil and supplements to ensure the best outcome possible.

Growing For Food and Fancy
Different types of flowers, fruits, vegetables and plants thrive in containers. Vegetables such as peppers, garlic and lettuce are all easy to grow in containers. Herbs are especially well-suited for pots, and are easy to maintain since most pests tend to avoid them and they’re not susceptible to disease.

As long as there is adequate sunlight, herbs can be grown outdoors or indoors. Many herbs, like basil, dill, oregano and parsley, grow easily from seeds, which are less expensive than seedlings. Plant height is important to keep in mind, as basil, parsley and dill can grow one foot or taller.

For a plant that’s a beauty and easy-to-care for, try miniature roses. Available in a multitude of colors and varieties, it is easy to find one for just about any small space. Other colorful and low-maintenance container flowers are geraniums, impatiens, begonias, marigolds and zinnias. During the summer, Moss recommends growing plants with tolerant dispositions that can stand up to heat, pests and stormy summer weather. Flowers like the crinum lily, nasturtium, trailing petunia and moss rose are all colorful, low-maintence and grow during the summer months.

“Many different plants grow well in containers, but depending on location, some plants will flourish where others will wilt,” says Moss. “Check with local nurseries for flowers that thrive in your area.”

For more tips and fun ideas on starting a container garden or growing in small spaces visit http://www.itsgrotime.com  and check out Moss’ page on the National Gardening Association Web site, http://www.garden.org/urbangardening/  .

(NewsUSA) – Fresh air and natural landscapes invigorate and relax hikers, bikers and other outdoorsmen. But city and town dwellers don’t have to live without flora -; natural accents can turn any home into a nature escape.

Here are some tips for homeowners looking to get back to nature in their own homes:

- Landscape Your Living Room. Potted plants can provide soothing finishes in living areas and bedrooms. Home gardeners love ficus plants or fig trees, because they’re adaptable and require little maintenance. Orchids, which grow in either natural or artificial light, provide tropical color.

- Transform Your Bathroom. The right touches can turn your bathroom into an exotic retreat. Flowers provide elegance, while new, vanity lighting creates a luxurious note.

Organically inspired bathroom collections can turn regular rooms into spas. The Bamboo bathroom collection from ShowHouse by Moen emulates living bamboo canes and features an open waterway design, mimicking the flow of a natural waterfall. The falling water creates soothing sounds and sensations.

- Use Natural Colors. Natural hues, whether warm or cool, revive indoor spaces. Green, the color of foliage, creates a back-to-nature feel, while the right blue can turn any room into a beachside retreat. Pinks, yellows and oranges can add floral touches.

To bring the outdoors in, consider brightly colored window treatments. The right curtains can seamlessly blend outdoor colors with indoor décor.

- Reflect on Nature. A mirror, strategically hung to reflect an outdoor scene, can make a room feel more natural -; while also making rooms feel larger and more airy. Mirrorscapes Mirror Frames from Inspiration by Moen add the finishing touch to plate-glass mirrors, and install easily enough for decorating novices.

- See Your Aromatherapist. Refreshing, natural scents can really set a mood. Whether fresh, like cotton or linen, or floral, like lilac or gardenia, aromas can make rooms soothe.

Eco-friendly scented candles, like the soy or beeswax candles made by Bluecorn Naturals, burn cleaner than normal candles, helping to reduce indoor air pollution. Placing orange or lemon peels in small bowls around the house can create flame-free scents.

For more information about natural-looking décor, visit www.moen.com.

ARA) – Sure, you know greens are good for you. You occasionally toss a broccoli stalk or two into your chef salad – after all, anything tastes good with ranch dressing on it, right? And you often eat spinach when you visit your favorite neighborhood restaurant . . . and order the spinach-artichoke dip. Unfortunately, with that, you also get plenty of fat.

But if you still avoid more mysterious greens like kale, bok choy and mustard greens because you just don’t know how to prepare them so that they taste good, there’s a simple solution: green smoothies. A growing number of Americans, including TV personality Montel Williams, advocate the health – not to mention flavor – benefits of smoothies made with so-called “super foods” like green, leafy vegetables.

“Kids aren’t the only ones who don’t particularly like the taste of some greens,” says Jodi Berg, a fan of green smoothies and the executive vice president of Vita-Mix, manufacturer of commercial and household blenders, including one mentioned in Williams’ recent book on healthful living. “By incorporating raw greens in smoothies made with fruit and other flavorful ingredients, you can enjoy all the health benefits of these super veggies, plus the taste and fun associated with smoothies.”

The nutritional value of super greens has been well known for years, but the far-reaching positive impact of some nutrients is just now coming to light. From improving eye and blood health to lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, the nutrients found in leafy greens have multiple health benefits. “The challenge in reaping these full benefits has been the taste,” Berg says. “Many raw leafy greens have a bitter flavor that even cooking can’t completely mask. Most people expect a green smoothie to have some of that bitterness as well, but there is none. When you combine the right ingredients in the Vita-Mix machine, the result is silky-smooth and surprisingly sweet and delicious.”

So what’s the secret of whipping up a great-tasting, nutrient-filled green smoothie that both kids and adults will love? Here are some tips:

* Start with fresh fruit to provide the sweet flavor. Any fruit that you like will do the trick, but remember there’s an added nutritional benefit with some fruits. Blueberries or pomegranate, for example, will impart sweetness and an antioxidant punch. Pineapple or orange will deliver tart sweetness and plenty of vitamin C, while potassium-rich bananas will also add thickness and body to the smoothie.

* Next, choose a healthful green that you likely wouldn’t eat any other way, like collard greens, Swiss chard or bok choy. In addition to being an excellent non-meat, nondairy source of calcium and iron, the high fiber content in these greens balances out the sugar content of the fruit so that you don’t experience a spike in your blood sugar levels.

* Use fresh, filtered water and ice with the fruit and veggies. You can also add fat-free or low-fat yogurt, plain or flavored, to add nutrition and flavor to your smoothie. Do avoid high-fat additives like ice cream that also contain refined sugars.

* Be sure to use the right equipment. While the average blender may do just fine to mix milk and ice cream into a milk shake, you’ll need a heavier-duty device to chop, blend and smooth hearty greens. The Vita-Mix Super 5200 has the power and precision to completely pulverize whole foods and breaks them down to the cellular level. Nutrients are freed and valuable fiber is not stripped away.

Berg offers her favorite smoothie recipes to get you started:

“Green Goddess”
by Valerie Waugaman, American Gladiator star

Ingredients:

4 ounces vanilla soymilk, unsweetened
2 ounces pomegranate juice
3 cups fresh spinach leaves, gently packed
1 kiwi, peeled
1/2 cup green grapes or 1/2 pear
1/4 avocado, peeled
1/8 slice lime with rind
1 scoop protein powder (vanilla flavor)
dash of vanilla extract
5 drops Stevia (optional)
2 cups ice cubes

Directions: Place all ingredients in Vita-Mix blender and blend until smooth.

Going Green Smoothie

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh spinach or the leafy green of your choice
1/2 cup pineapple (fresh or frozen)
1 cup green grapes
1/2 banana
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup ice

Directions:

Place all ingredients in Vita-Mix container and secure two-part lid. Select variable speed 1. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to 10, then to High. Process for 1 minute or until smooth. Makes 3 1/2 cups.

To learn more about the Vita-Mix and for more recipes and ideas on incorporating super greens into your diet, visit http://www.vitamix.com .

(NewsUSA) – Farmers’ markets are not new, but they are gaining popularity in the United States.

In general, farmers’ markets comprise area farmers convening in one location, indoors or outdoors, to offer the freshest food available, including many canned or bottled goods and handcrafted items such as soap and clothing. Specialty items like jam and honey are also prominent at year-round markets.

The number of farmers’ markets has recently seen a dramatic increase. According to the USDA, the number of farmers’ markets in the U.S. increased almost 20 percent between 1994 and 2006. And in 2000, 19,000 farmers reported selling their produce only at farmers’ markets.

Honey, a year-round mainstay at most markets, is an all-natural food that leaves a small eco-footprint. Purchasing local honey may be beneficial to the environment because it promotes sustainability. Many farmers have hives on their land, in part because bees are responsible for one out of every three bites we consume. If there were a decline in honey bees, we could suffer from a limited supply of oranges, apples, blueberries, cucumbers, strawberries and other farmers’ market staples.

There are more than 300 different types of honey in the United States, each with a unique flavor and color profile influenced by the types of blossoms bees visit when searching for nectar. Floral source, location and climate affect local honey production. Regionally, one can find avocado honey in the west, blueberry honey in the northeast, cotton honey in the south, and one of the country’s favorites, clover, around the globe.

The following recipe, courtesy of the National Honey Board, highlights some of the freshest ingredients available at local farmers’ markets.

Yellow Tomato Gazpacho

Serves 6

Ingredients:

2 1/2 pounds ripe yellow tomatoes, seeded and chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped

1/4 cup chopped red onion

3 cups tomato juice

1 can (14 1/2 oz.) chicken broth

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients; whisk together until well blended. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Cover and refrigerate one hour or overnight.

(NewsUSA) – Americans love having backyards for planting gardens, holding outdoor parties and giving children a safe place to play outdoors. But some homeowners find themselves with less-than-ideal backyards. Maybe the backyard slopes too much for a picnic table. Maybe the home’s in an arid area, where green grass requires expensive irrigation.

For many homeowners looking to improve their backyards, concrete masonry might provide an unexpected, inexpensive solution.

Concrete can mimic any surface, like stucco, European cobblestone or aged slate, allowing concrete landscaping to blend into any area alongside any style of home.

Concrete masonry proves both stylish and durable. Unlike wooden decks, concrete structures require no upkeep and don’t succumb to termites, mold, rot, weathering or other problems.

One couple replaced their wooden deck with a concrete patio, then found themselves with an insect-free backyard. “With the wood deck, it seemed like mosquitoes would breed and then come up and attack,” said Melissa Werpy, who used concrete masonry to renovate her backyard. “We can now be outside until midnight, and mosquitoes aren’t a problem.”

Concrete masonry can build attractive desert landscapes, too. Some homeowners use water irrigation to grow green grass in arid regions. But irrigating a lawn costs money and wastes water, a precious natural resource.

Homeowners can use segmented, concrete walls to build attractive driveways and terraced landscapes without growing grass. The landscape might not look green, but avoiding irrigation helps desert homeowners save the planet.

In steep yards without flat surfaces for planting herb or flower gardens, setting up tennis nets or supporting tables and chairs, concrete walls can make backyards more enjoyable.

Landscapers can build terraced, concrete brick walls that create level areas for patios, garden planters and extra seats during large parties. Concrete masonry can help control erosion and water drainage, too.

For homeowners with problem backyards, concrete masonry can provide an inexpensive, durable and attractive way to make landscapes both people- and eco-friendly.

For more information about concrete masonry, visit www.ncma.org.

(ARA) – The ideal of a “paperless office” is still more fantasy than reality for many of us – whether we’re working for someone else or running our own business. In fact, since the arrival of the Internet and e-mail – the two vehicles that were supposed to make the paperless dream a reality – paper use in offices has actually increased.

In “The Myth of the Paperless Office,” authors Richard Harper of Surrey University and Abigail Sellen of Hewlett-Packard report that offices are now using 40 percent more paper than before the Internet. Even so, large companies do recognize the value of less paper, as evidenced by the millions they pour into document management systems.

Smaller offices, however, have been slower to pursue the dream, in part because the technology to reduce paper has been costly and geared for use by large companies. Yet small offices would seem poised to reap the most benefits from document management. Organization expert Eileen Roth, author of “Organizing for Dummies,” has said 80 percent of the papers people file is things they’ll never use again.

“Time is their most important asset for many small businesses,” says document management expert Jeremy Petty, developer of Dymo File document management software. “Small companies can save time – and dollars – with digital document management. And new software makes it easier than ever for a small office to go digital, even if they don’t have a document management expert or IT specialist on staff.”

If you’re not sure that digital document management will work for you, consider this:

* In 2006, more than 1.5 billion pages of documents were printed, according to industry analysts Lyra Research. Every man, woman and child in the United States uses 700 pounds of paper per year, and the average office worker generates 2 pounds of paper waste every day.

* Paper documents can be hard to find when needed. Software like Dymo File, a document management system specifically designed for use by small offices, converts paper documents to digital files that can be retrieved quickly and efficiently. DymoFile actually allows the user to search for a file with no more than a keyword that might be found in the text of the document.

* Paper documents require storage space. Digital document management eliminates the need for filing cabinets, boxes or any other filing system that takes up physical space in your office. Documents reside in your virtual office, where they create no clutter.

* Disaster recovery for paper documents can be difficult. If your office experiences a fire or flood and your paper documents are destroyed, you’ll have little recourse for recovering them. Digital documents, when backed up properly on a regular basis, allow for much quicker, more reliable recovery. Back up your documents daily to a zip drive that you can take with you at the end of the day, or, better yet, use an online service that allows you to back up your documents to the provider’s server.

* Sharing paper documents with clients or vendors via fax or courier can be costly and cumbersome. Digital documents can be shared and sent via e-mail with a few mouse clicks, for no cost at all.

* It’s difficult to protect the privacy and security of paper documents. “If someone can put their hands on a piece of paper, he or she can walk away with that piece of paper,” says Petty. Digital files can be protected with passwords and security software.

If you’re ready to go digital, Petty offers some advice for getting the process started:

* Don’t go completely paperless right away. Start out with the documents that are most critical to your business.

* Establish who will control the digital process. One person should lead the process and train others.

* Review your equipment. You’ll want to be sure you choose software that is compatible with the software and equipment you already have. If you already own a multi-function printer, you may be able to use the scanning feature to work with software like Dymo File. If your work volume will exceed what your current equipment can handle, invest in new equipment that will be able to keep pace with the work load.

* Consider software that will allow you to back up your software quickly and easily.

To learn more about DymoFile, visit http://www.DymoFile.com   .

Gift Ideas for the Person Who Has Everything

If you know someone who enjoys plants, flowers, vegetables, and all things green, a gardening gift is sure to brighten their day. Here are some ideas to make your favorite gardener happy:

1) Grow bigger and faster with oxygenized water.
How would your favorite gardener like to brag about having a 58 percent higher bell pepper yield and 28 percent more petunia flowers? Recent studies have shown oxygen is a key element for successful plant growth because it stimulates root systems.

The eco-friendly Enki Watering Device takes this knowledge and puts it right in the hands of gardeners. The enhanced watering device oxygenates water by up to 150 percent, far surpassing the oxygen levels in tap water or even that of rain water. Tests conducted by Dr. Albert Markhart, a professor of horticulture at the University of Minnesota, reveal substantial benefits. Super oxygenated water helps to achieve earlier flowering with more vibrant colors and increased numbers of flowers and vegetables. This unique gift idea can be used on both indoor and outdoor plants, and is great for container gardening.

2) Learn from the best with gardening classes.
Gardening classes are conducted at gardening centers and nurseries, schools and community education centers. Why not give the gift of knowledge for that special someone? Whether for your mother, the family gardener or your recently graduated cousin who just moved into a new home, a gardening or landscape class can benefit them. They might meet some new people that share their interest or can help answer their questions as well.

3) Accessories make any garden great.
There is such a variety of garden accessories available, it’s easy to pick out one for your favorite green thumb. New plant containers have intricate designs that mimic expensive materials at a fraction of the cost. Options are available that look like wood, stone, clay and other traditional materials, but are much lighter and last longer. Enhance any garden area with accessories like a small sculpture, a colorful gazing ball or a stone with an inspirational phrase engraved on it. A bird bath or bird feeder for feathered friends is also a popular gift idea.

4) Gift certificates are just the right fit.
Do you want to give something to your dad who loves to garden, but he’s so picky you’re afraid you’ll get him something he won’t use? Or maybe you’re not sure of your friend’s decor tastes, and think it’s best if she picks out her own garden accessories. The good news is that almost every garden center offers gift certificates, so you can show you care and they can go get what they really want for their garden. With more and more people buying gift certificates, it’s socially acceptable and a much appreciated gesture.

5) Gardening literature is the gift that keeps giving.
Books and magazines are a great way to keep your favorite gardener educated, and there are options available to suit any interest. From flowers to herbs to vegetables, reference books help encourage successful gardening year after year. Choose a book that is specific to the region in which the person will be gardening. An alternative is a magazine subscription, which keeps them thinking “green” all year long.

Gardening gifts are great for almost anyone, whether they are a casual gardener or die-hard green thumb. For more information on great gardening gift ideas visit http://www.MyEnki.com   .