Most people who are interested in the health benefits of swimming are also interested in anti-aging strategies to maintain or improve physical appearance. C. J. Buck, CEO of Xenna Corporation, (www.xenna.com) is one of them.

Buck notes, "While physical appearance is an important aspect of anti-aging strategies, many individuals avoid activities, such as swimming, that require them to expose an overweight body or unsightly toenails in public."

Ms. Buck adds, "Paradoxically, it's this reluctance that prevents them from taking steps to actually implement anti-aging strategies such as exercising in water. The key is to realize that regardless of what shape they're in, improved appearance is possible with today's personal care products and a healthy diet/exercise regimen."

To test your knowledge of the anti-aging benefits of swimming, take the following quiz (answers can be found at the end).

1. Swimming is an excellent activity for which of the following? a) Aerobic training b) Rehabilitating an injury c) Weight loss d) All of the above

2. People who have which of the following conditions should NOT do a swimming workout? a) Heart disease b) Parkinson's c) Asthma d) None of the above

3. Swimming improves which of the following: a) Cardiovascular conditioning b) Muscle strength and endurance c) Posture and joint flexibility d) All of the above

4. What are the benefits of swimming and warm water exercise for individuals with arthritis? a) Increased strength b) Relaxing sore muscles c) Ease in performing range of motion exercises d) All of the above

5. According to the Mayo Clinic, how long does it take to stabilize blood pressure after taking up an exercise regimen such as swimming? a) 1-3 months b) 3-6 months c) 6-9 months d) Exercise does not help stabilize blood pressure

Buck is an expert on foot care, and as a boomer herself, keeps abreast of developments in anti-aging strategies. Xenna distributes natural foot care products that address the problems of yellow, discolored toenails and dry, cracked heels - problems which are common among middle-aged and elderly individuals.

She says, "Xenna distributes diabetic-friendly NonyX® Nail Gel and CalleX® Ointment, which were developed and patented using formulations that focus on the exfoliation of keratin - the protein contained in dry skin, callus and nails. The result is innovative, natural foot care products that make embarrassing feet and nails attractive again."

Former All-American swimmer Dr. William Holmes used to be self-conscious about his feet and even stopped swimming at public pools until he used NonyX Nail Gel. Dr. Holmes says, "I had not considered anything topical for my nails in twenty years, but then I tried NonyX Gel and it made a huge improvement in the appearance of my toenails."

NonyX® Nail Gel is a diabetic-friendly, natural ethanoic nail 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. After using NonyX Gel for 3 or 4 weeks, keratin debris is soft enough so that it can begin to be scraped out from under the nail. Overall nail appearance improves over time as keratin debris exfoliates with continued use of this money-back guaranteed gel.

Also diabetic-friendly, Xenna's CalleX® Ointment smoothes and moisturizes dry, cracked heels. Its natural enzymes selectively exfoliate dry, cracked, thickened and scaly skin while its petrolatum base retains natural skin moisture. Peppermint-scented CalleX is also free of potentially irritating acids, mineral oil, colorants, parabens and lanolin and is also money-back guaranteed.

NonyX Nail Gel can be purchased in the footcare section of Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, Wal-Mart, Longs, Eckerd Pharmacy, Brooks Pharmacy, Duane Reade, HEB grocery stores and most Medicine Shoppes. Online, it is also available at www.drugstore.com and www.xenna.com.

CalleX Ointment is sold in the footcare section of Walgreens, Longs and many Medicine Shoppe pharmacies, and online at www.drugstore.com and www.xenna.com.

For photos of toenails and heels before and after using Xenna products, click on www.xenna.com.

Xenna Corporation is a privately-held, woman-owned company based in Princeton, NJ which develops and distributes natural personal care products for skin, hair and nails.