Princeton, NJ - May 17, 2005 -- At this time of year, gardeners are out in full force, reveling in spring blossoms and the promise of a lush summer garden. Though most aren't at all concerned with being stylish, podiatrists say they should be careful about choosing footwear that fits the activity and that protect feet while walking, digging and kneeling.

Warning against going barefoot or wearing sandals, podiatrists say cuts from rocks, broken glass, nails or other sharp objects can lead to infection from soil-borne bacteria. Fortunately, companies like Muck Boot Company offer a wide range of gardening shoes, from sturdy rubber boots to its "daily garden shoe" and garden clogs. Gardening shoes, including clogs, are designed to protect feet from moisture, dirt and mud while being comfortable and easy to remove and keep clean. However, Dr. Jack Morgan, a Monterey Park, California podiatrist, says shoe styles that leave skin exposed can contribute to the problem of dry, flaking, or cracked heels, so precautions should be taken. He says, " If you wear 'open' shoes, you must take care of your skin, since you greatly increase the chances of it becoming dry, flaking or cracked."

Dr. Morgan is a Board certified podiatrist and podiatric surgeon, who has lectured around the country on foot problems ranging from congenital foot defects in infants to problems specific to the elderly and diabetic.

Along with walkers and others whose feet get a real workout, gardeners tend to develop calluses and dry, cracked heels. Dr. Morgan says, "Among the many products for dry feet, only one, CalleX® Callus Ointment, contains natural plant enzymes, which have proven to be remarkably effective for softening and thinning calluses, exfoliating dry cracked heels and moisturizing dry, scaling skin."

Distributed by Xenna Corporation, newly patented, acid-free CalleX® Callus Ointment is safe for diabetic use, and has been shown in consumer studies to significantly reduce callus, dry, flaking skin and cracking on soles and heels within 15 to 30 days. The exfoliating enzymes in CalleX Ointment are selective to callused areas, leaving surrounding skin unaffected. According to podiatrist David Tsui, "CalleX Ointment works very well. I have used it on my patients and on myself. You see a real difference in one week." A gentle rubbing action with a wet, soapy washcloth is sufficient to gradually exfoliate callus and dry, cracked heels, as well as on hands and other hardened skin areas.

Gardeners may also find that their once clear, healthy-looking nails have become yellow, dark or discolored over time. In addition to wearing the proper shoes, podiatrists recommend NonyX® Nail Gel for yellow, discolored toenails.

NonyX Gel does this by exfoliating the dark, yellow or thick granular material called keratin debris, which can build up under nails over time, making them unattractive. Patented NonyX Gel softens keratin debris using natural ethanoic acid, and permits it to be scraped out from under the nail after about four weeks. NonyX Gel is also safe for diabetic use.

Once keratin debris is removed, NonyX Gel keeps nails looking clear and attractive with regular use. Dr. Morgan also recommends NonyX Gel. He says, "NonyX Gel is a very effective cleanser. Soap cleanses your body; NonyX Gel cleanses your nails of dark, yellow or thick keratin debris." NonyX Gel is an easy-to-use topical gel.

A recent clinical study confirmed NonyX Nail Gel significantly improves toenail color and clarity by exfoliating yellowing keratin debris from under the nail.

Carol J. Buck is CEO of Xenna Corporation. She says, "Gardening is my hobby and I must admit to buying dozens of gloves but NEVER anything special for my feet. As I grow older, however, my legs start to 'feel it' after three or four hours and my toes definitely complain if they're not happy in wet or ill-fitting sneakers. Now, I throw out any shoes or boots that my feet don't like and I am in the market for new waterproof gardening shoes or boots. Just as I've always protected my hands when gardening, now I'm committed to pampering my feet so I can keep going in the garden all weekend long!"

NonyX Nail Gel can be purchased in the footcare section of Walgreens, Rite Aid, Longs, Drug Emporium, Brooks and most Medicine Shoppe drugstores. You'll also find it at HEB and Brookshire grocery stores, through podiatric physicians, independent pharmacies and online at www.drugstore.com and www.xenna.com. CalleX Ointment is now available in the footcare section at Longs Drugs, from podiatric physicians and online at www.drugstore.com and www.xenna.com.

Xenna Corporation is a privately-held company which develops and distributes natural personal care products for skin, hair and nails.