According to David Janda, author of "The Awakening of a Surgeon," the process of aging itself and the "disconnect between the brain and the physical machine" makes it essential that boomers take a cautious approach to exercise in order to avoid injury. According to Dr. Nanda, sports-related injuries in this age group have reached "epidemic proportions."

While boomers want to deny they're "getting old", winter court sports such as basketball place great demands on aging feet because of hard surfaces and fast, lateral movements. Ankle sprains, stress fractures and plantar fascia or bone spurs are common. In basketball, injuries also occur when feet get stepped on in the middle of fast-moving action. For those who still want to play, the best way to avoid basketball or other court sports related injuries is to:

• Start with a thorough physical exam;
• Exercise moderately throughout the week instead of limiting yourself to rigorous weekend sports;
• Always warm up and stretch before getting into vigorous activity, including doing appropriate stretching for Achilles tendons and calf muscles;
• Invest in the right shoes and be cautious about adding new exercises and activities.

Podiatrists recommend that the best foot care and foot wear be incorporated into boomer anti-aging exercise or sports regimens. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), "Whether due to neglect or abuse, the normal wear and tear of the years causes changes in feet." These changes include spreading, loss of the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet, dry skin and thick, brittle toenails.

C. J. Buck, CEO of Xenna Corporation, says, "In addition to minor foot ailments like bunions, calluses and thick, brittle toenails, many boomers discover their feet simply don't look that great anymore. Yellow, discolored toenails or cracked, dry heels are unattractive and most boomers are too embarrassed to expose them in public."

Xenna distributes foot care products which address two problems that are common both for athletes and anyone over 50. . NonyX Gel is a topical, easy-to-use gel that breaks down and removes keratin debris - the discolored, yellow or thick granular buildup under nails which is the actual source of nail discoloration. It softens keratin debris using natural ethanoic acid, permitting it to be scraped out from under the nail after about four weeks. Once keratin debris is removed, NonyX Gel keeps nails looking clear and attractive with regular use.

Ted Arzonico, Head Athletic Trainer, Orlando Magic Basketball Team, is a NonyX believer. He says "I was skeptical in the beginning, but I stuck with it, using NonyX Gel twice daily and sometimes three times after workouts in the pool. I used it on one toenail that now looks better than ever. Basketball players are leery of new products, but when they see my results, it's a very different story. My nail looks really good."

Podiatrists, spa owners and salons also recommend the natural enzymes found in Xenna's CalleX® Callus Ointment to exfoliate calluses or moisturize and smooth dry, cracked heels. Acid-free and safe for diabetic use, CalleX moisturizes dry, rough or flaky skin, and exfoliates and thins callused areas, while leaving normal skin unaffected.

All Xenna products are unconditionally money-back guaranteed. NonyX Nail Gel can be purchased in the footcare section of Walgreens, Rite Aid, Longs, Eckerd, Brooks, Duane Reade 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, www.FootSmart.com and www.xenna.com.

CalleX Ointment is now available in the footcare section at Walgreens, Longs and most Medicine Shoppe pharmacies. CalleX can also be purchased from podiatric physicians and online at www.drugstore.com and www.xenna.com.

To view before and after photos, click on www.xenna.com.

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