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Dermaray Home Phototherapy

Phototherapy is a medical term used to describe treatment by controlled application and exposure of light. Many diseases and conditions respond to phototherapy; most noticeably inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and auto immune conditions such as vitiligo. Laser phototherapy is also used extensively in the treatment of hair loss. Traditionally phototherapy was only available at specialist hospitals and clinics. 

Due to the nature of light treatment, ongoing application is required usually 3 or 4 times a week for a number of months and then less frequently as required. The high demands of treatment would lead to a large proportion of phototherapy patients failing to complete their treatment program due to time and financial restraints. This has lead to the increased popularity of home phototherapy. Recent medical studies have proven that home phototherapy is as safe and effective as clinical phototherapy. But surprisingly, there have been no innovations in home phototherapy for decades.

When attending a clinic for phototherapy a nurse or doctor would calculate and administer each treatment given to a patient. Part of this process would be establishing an initial treatment length, frequency of treatments, and at what rate each subsequent treatment was increased up to a safe maximum exposure for all future treatments. These calculations are made with consideration given to the patient’s skin type, disease being treated and the overall power output of the phototherapy equipment being used. It goes without saying that establishing a safe and effective phototherapy treatment regime requires some experience and skill. So how do home phototherapy patients manage their own treatments?

Most phototherapy manufacturers expect home patients to establish and manage their own treatment programs. This often involves many calculations, record keeping in a diary, an external digital timer, some guess work and some trial and error. Unfortunately over exposure with Ultra Violet or UV phototherapy can lead to sunburn like symptoms such as burning, itchiness and blisters increasing the risk of skin cancer. Under exposure may mean less than expected results from the treatment. Dermaray Phototherapy systems address these issues removing the guess work from home phototherapy and automating the process of establishing an effective and safe home phototherapy treatment program.

Dermaray Phototherapy systems incorporate a built in computer system and trademark operating system that calculates each and every treatment. Unique safe guards help to prevent accidental exposure to the patient and also people. Dermaray systems are convenient to use with cordless battery operation and can be used and recharged worldwide thanks to a universal power adapter and charger. Dermaray products are suitable for the novice or seasoned home phototherapy user.

Dermaray phototherapy product range consists of two key systems; the Dermaray-UV and Dermaray-Laser. Dermaray-UV is based on proven Philips narrow band UVB-NB311 medical technology and is suitable for home or clinical treatment of psoriasis, vitiligo, dermatitis and acne. Dermaray-Laser is based on powerful industrial grade laser modules and has proven successful in the treatment of hair loss, physiotherapy, wound regeneration and pain management.

Nick Balgowan owns and operates TCG Industrial http://www.tcgindustrial.com.au which provides electronic and industrial design services specialising in the communications and health industries. Nick Balgowan has designed and manufactured Dermaray Phototherapy systems for the home treatment of psoriasis, vitiligo and hair loss. He can be contacted at nick@tcgindustrial.com.au.

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Dandruff Treatment and Effective Home Remedies for Dandruff

Dandruff can be distinct as the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. It is technically called as Pityriasis simplex capillitii. It can be cause by prolonged exposure to extreme cold and heat. It is not a disease in strict intelligence as it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off.

Thus, small flaking is usual and ordinary. However, there are some people who experience large quantity of flaking and it can be lead to redness and irritation.

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Read more on Home Remedy for Dandruff and Hair Care and Baldness Home Remedies

One common sign of seborrhea that affects the scalp is dandruff. Scalp seborrhea can also present as thick, flaky, localized patches of scale. On the face, seborrhea produces reddish-brown, dry-looking, or thick, greasy scales on the eyebrows, sides of the nose, and behind the ears.

Reddish, scaly patches may also emerge in the folds of skin mentioned above. Although skin affected by seborrhea may feel “dry,” moisturizing only makes them redder.

Dandruff is a kind of skin chaos that affects the scalp. Dandruff is a condition in which white, dry flakes of dead skin are shed from the scalp.

Normally dead skin cells are shed from the scalp, but it results in dandruff only when the scalp starts shedding thick layers of these dead skin particles. Seborrheic dermatitis or Seborrhoea is a disorder of the sebaceous glands which affects the scalp.

Scalp seborrhea and dandruff do not cause eternal hair loss. Often, scalp seborrhea doesn’t even itch significantly.

Seborrhea can appear during infancy, starting shortly after birth and lasting numerous months. It may affect the scalp (“cradle cap”) or produce scaly patches on the body. Adults of all ages may develop seborrhea, too, especially on the scalp and face.

Dandruff Treatment

Dandruff – dry, flaky skin on the scalp – is a ordinary and annoying problem. The usual cause is a state known as seborrhoeic dermatitis, which produces an itchy, scaly rash on the scalp.

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Sometimes other areas such as the eyebrows, beard, chest, back and even the groin are exaggerated too, and the skin in these areas may look red and inflamed.

Both dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis are thought to be triggered by hypersensitivity to yeast called pityrosporum. Everyone has small quantity of this yeast on their skin, but in people with scaly scalp problems, it may be present in large numbers.

Home Remedies for Dandruff

1.  Mix 1 teaspoons lemon juice with 2 teaspoons vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo.

2.  Take 1 part almond oil, 1 part pure sulphur powder, 2 parts ‘surgical spirit’ and 4 parts distill water or rose water and mix well. Rub on the scalp.

3.  Take 2 cup water, add 4-5 tablespoons dried thyme and boil for 10 minutes. Cool, strain, and use the mixture to massage scalp. Keep for half an hour.

4.  Dissolve 2 aspirins in any dandruff shampoo and wash your hair.

5.  Massage the scalp with almond oil. Dip a towel in boiling water and wrap it around the hair. Repeat it thrice or four times when the towel gets cold.

6.  Make a shampoo by mixing 100g each of amla (Indian goose berry), reetha, and shikakai, and boil in two liter of water until the liquid reduce to half. Use this shampoo for one month. Dandruff will vanish and your hair will become thick.

7.  Fenugreek seeds are also useful in the removal of dandruff. Grind fenugreek (methi) seeds soaked in water during the night. Massage this paste on scalp and hair and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with a mild shampoo.

8.  Wash your hair with warm apple cider vinegar. Then cover your head with a towel or a shower cap and leave for about 30-40 minutes. Rinse with plain water. Repeat 2 times a week awaiting your dandruff goes away.

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Herbal Treatment For The Hereditary Disease: Eczema

Also known as dermatitis, Eczema is the most chronic skin disease. It is a group of skin disorders. The term”Eczema “is derived from a Greek word meaning “to boil”. Inflammation of the skin results in the formation of pustules and later with discharge of clear fluid that causes itching, redness, dryness and flakiness of the skin. Usually, it appears on hands, wrists, arms, neck, face, upper chest and back of the knees.

Major causes of eczema are allergies, hereditary, varicose veins, faulty body metabolism, cold and dry whether, nutritional deficiencies and deficiency of vitamin B6. Its main symptoms include itching, redness on the skin, dry and flaky skin, itchy blisters, inflammation on skin, rough and thickened skin and small bumps on forehead, neck and cheek.

Eczema can be classified as

Atopic eczema,
Allergic contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis,
Infantile seborrhoeic eczema,
Adult seborrhoeic eczema,
Varicose eczema and
Discoid eczema

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. Mostly it is found in infants. Eczema is also grouped with the classic allergic diseases, asthma and hay fever. The eczema skin cannot protect itself from increased rate of evaporation and hence is always dry. The dry skin gets more irritated and itchy; leading to increased scratching that worsens the rash.

Treatment options:

When it comes to Natural Eczema treatment, it is very important to keep the skin well hydrated and moisturized. Using natural oils for an eczema cure is the best option. To the effected part, coconut oil can be applied as it helps the skin to remain soft. Oatmeal is considered to be one of the best natural eczema treatments that anyone can use. The application of mud packs is another natural Eczema treatment. This home remedy is very beneficial. Sunbathing is also beneficial as it kills the harmful bacteria. You can also use Turmeric powder mixed with the same proportions of bitter neem leaves. Cold wet fomentations or cold compresses are proved useful in Eczema treatment and a relief to any skin irritation.

Carrot and muskmelon are highly beneficial in the eczema treatment. For bathing and cleaning your face, use herbal soap with large block of olive or vegetable oil. Shark cartilage and lotion of blueberry leaves lessen inflammation. Massage your skin gently with this creamy natural exfoliating paste and you can then allow it to remain on your skin for about 10 minutes before you rinse it off. Application of spearmint leaf juice also reduces eczema. Mashed papaya seed on the effected part prevent itching on the skin.

Always avoid cosmetic products as the chemicals in them may aggravate the condition. Keep a good and clean skin together with the natural remedies. Stay away from substances that are allergic to. It is also important to check your diet as it can also be caused by food allergies especially in children. Food allergies are also spread through diet like milk, egg, fish wheat, citrus fruits, peanuts etc in children. To get rid of Eczema, it is necessary to follow the above guidelines strictly.

Archer Hariold, a renowned name in the health care world, writing about various skin ailments and skin conditions. Eczema treatment using natural methods is a very safe and potent means to get rid of it.
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Understanding Atopy

Atopy refers to an allergic hypersensitivity that affects parts of the body that do not come into direct contact with the allergen. It is sometimes referred to as an atopic syndrome.

While the terminology is a bit controversial…it was coined by Coca and Cooke in 1923. The controversy comes when applying the term to patient cases. Some physicians use the term to describe any IgE mediated reaction even if the reaction is appropriate. Others reserve the term to describe genetically mediated predispositions resulting in excessive reactions to IgE.

When described as “hyperallergic” or hypersensitive to allergens individuals can have a hard time pinpointing exactly what is meant. This can mean that a patient has suffered from frequent bouts of atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis since they were a baby.

Atopic eczema causes the patient to suffer itchy (extremely) patches of skin. The areas are often covered in rashes. Rashes most often appear on the crook of the elbows, back of the knees, or other flexural regions. But the rash can appear on any area of the body. Certain irritants exacerbate the condition.

Other conditions that may present as a result of atopy include:

1. Atopic Dermatitis

2. Eczema

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis

4. Allergic Rhinitis

5. Asthma

In most cases of atopy there appears to be a hereditary element. Studies indicate that the risk for suffering atopy increases by a factor of two with each additional 1st degree family member that is suffering from the condition. Atopic diseases are said to have experienced a steep rise due to the increased emphasis on hygiene.

In basic terms…the cleanliness of the environments we live in have resulted in a decline in the amount of infectious stimuli that are required in order to properly develop the immune system. others support the theory that the diet of pregnant women can be a cause of atopy in their offspring.

The first step in obtaining proper treatment for atopic rhinitis or any allergy related condition is to get in touch with an experienced allergist in your area for a proper diagnosis and to identify specific allergens triggering the condition.

Doctor Finders is an innovative on-line tool that allows the general public to find the right doctor for their needs, identifying doctors by geographic area, specialties, procedures, and more.

What Are Those Red Circles On My Body

Nummular Eczema or discoid dermatitis is a slight variation from regular dermatitis, which starts with very itchy patches or on the skin. These turn into coin shaped patches of dermatitis. As it progresses, it can get steadily worse. For a lot of sufferers this is chronic. I developed this during the summer of 2008. I had been perspiring in nylon clothing and the next morning I woke up with lots of round circles over my body.

 

One  way to prevent discoid dermatitis is to be very particular about the fabrics you have on your skin. The wrong clothing can cause your dermatitis irritation. Try clothing that is soft and 100% cotton. Wool fabrics are not good, as is anything even somewhat itchy. Also be aware of the fit of your clothes. Don’t wear anything too tight or clingy, because this is just as bad the wrong kinds of fabrics. I am not sure if it was the perspiration, material or other factors, but this combination triggered my eczema.

 

Fragrances, perfumes, and the detergent itself can have bad effects on normal skin, and even worse for dermatitis. If you’ve ever noticed a certain article of clothing that is just driving you crazy with itchiness one day, the problem is likely your detergent. You can reduce much of this by switching to a natural detergent which is unscented. This is good advice for both clothing and toiletries which come into close contact with your skin.

 

Sometimes people can suppose that they can prevent discoid dermatitis by increasing the amount of baths they take. This can be a double-edged sword. Indeed, bathing can minimize symptoms because it removes bacteria in the area which is causing the discomfort. However, the more you bathe, the more your skin becomes dry. This definitely worsens the skin condition. The only remedy is to moisturize.

 

A diet high in acid can prove bad for dermatitis skin. Scientists have discovered definite links to this, so it may be worth reducing the acidic content in the food you consume. This is difficult, unless you happen to be a diet specialist. If you aren’t you may need to consult a dietician for advice. There is a simpler solution; taking kelp supplements. The alkali content in the kelp will assist in canceling the acidity in the foods you eat.

 

No matter what kind of dermatitis you possess, it can make your life awful. I was able to control it through avoiding certain foods, lots of moisturizing, supplements such as flax seed oil and good nutrition.

 

 

Learn more about ways to Get Rid of Eczema and find relief for Skin Rash problems.

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Eczema – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Eczema is a form of dermatitis , or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. There are different types of dermatitis, and the disorder can have many causes and occur in many forms. Generally, dermatitis describes swollen, reddened and itchy skin. Approximately 10 percent to 20 percent of the world population is affected by this chronic, relapsing, and very itchy rash at some point during childhood. Fortunately, many children with eczema find that the disease clears and often disappears with age. In general, atopic dermatitis will come and go, often based on external factors. Although its cause is unknown, the condition appears to be an abnormal response of the body’s immune system .


People with eczema often have a family history of the condition or a family history of other allergic conditions, such as asthma or hay fever. Eczema might look different in different persons, and may occur in different parts of the body to different person. In adults, eczema most often develops on the hands and elbows, and in “bending” areas such as the inside of the elbows and back of the knees. In young children, eczema most often develops on the elbows, knees, face, neck, and scalp.


It is a disorder of the skin like psoriasis and it is related to malfunctions of the immune system. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a mild inflammation of the skin. It may occur at any time at infancy, later in childhood, or even an adult can suffer from it.


Symptoms of eczema may include red, itchy skin and sores that ooze and crust over. One out of ten children develops eczema, but more than half of them lose it by the time they reach their teens. It is a chronic inflammation of skin categorized by scaly and itching rashes. Dermatitis is a common condition that isn’t life-threatening or contagious. But, it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. A combination of self-care steps and medications can help you treat dermatitis.


Causes of Eczema


In most cases there is a familial predisposition. Atopy ( allergic rhinitis , asthma and hay fever ) is the term doctors use to describe this predisposition. However, the environment plays a significant role as well (such as heat in the summer and dry winters). There are two types of eczema. Atopic eczema is thought to be a hereditary condition . People with atopic eczema are sensitive to allergens in the environment which are harmless to others.


In atopic eczema there is an excessive reaction by the immune system. This type of eczema can worsen after eating certain foods or after being exposed to other allergens such as pollen or dust. Atopic eczema can be a long-term condition. Contact dermatitis is the most common form of the condition and is often the result of an allergic reaction after touching something. This type of eczema can be caused by many irritants including feathers, metals, wool, plants and animal hair, soaps and detergents, bubble bath, cosmetics, fabric dyes, etc.


Symptoms of Eczema


1. Itchy blisters


2. Itching


3. Redness on skin


4. Dry and flaky skin


5. Inflammation on skin


6. Rough and thickened skin.


Treatment of Eczema


1. Avoid frequent use of soaps, hot water, and other cleansing procedures (especially if you have a dry skin type) that tend to remove natural oil from the skin.


2. Topical corticosteroids , reduce inflammation in the skin and are usually safe and very effective in curing eczema when used correctly. Mild corticosteroids are generally used for children and on the face and flexures, eg crease of the elbow, behind the knees etc.


3. A very common treatment for treating eczema involves – applying lotions, creams, or ointments to keep the skin as moist as possible.


4. The use of immunosuppressant medicines , may be tried to bring the inflammation of skin under control.


5. Gamolenic acid (evening primrose extract) is an alternative remedy sometimes used to treat eczema. They increase the level of essential fatty acid.

Juliet Cohen writes for health disorders. She also writes articles for online health tips and skin disorders.

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Hair Loss Treatments For The Brave And The Bold

There are a host of products and methods which extol their prowess in hair loss treatment. Unfortunately, many consumers end up with monetary loss whilst still making no progress to the tops of their heads. Short of gluing down a wig for a dip in the pool or to forge through blustery conditions, one can always paint his scalp black and resemble a billiard ball. Although hair transplant stays put, the physical and financial ouch factors tend to make a mouse out of a man.

Since these are not means which most want to subject themselves to, the obvious is to take a good look at ones medicine cabinet and bathroom products. Taking several types of medications may cause certain interactions manifesting in loss of hair. A quick check with ones doctor should help to sort things out. Shampoos and conditioners meant to produce a bouncy and voluminous head of hair may also be the culprit as some may pose to be too harsh to sensitive or oily scalps, thus hastening loss. Hair styling efforts with an overdose of gels, mousses and sprays also prey on weakened tresses making them brittle. Perhaps it is time to give hair some space to breathe and recoup its strength.

Other forms of hair loss treatment include the ever popular products which tote stringent testing procedures in laboratories followed by user groups before release for public consumption. Although some have shown more significant results than others, there is a need for continual usage to ensure permanent results.

Alternative methods also exist for those who prefer a more lasting effect without the need for a strict regiment of popping pills and subjecting their scalps to sprays, creams and like products. By adhering to the principle of less is more, a tastefully designed hairpiece draws minimal attention to the faux thus putting the wearer at ease. Bravehearts opt for surgical hair transplants which do not grow nor promote growth, setting up permanent residence where once was sparsely inhabited.

Chris is the writer of this article , you can visit us for more information on Rogaine and Stop Hair Loss.

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How To Care Your Ear

Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema (the most common form of eczema). Atopic eczema mainly affects children, but it can continue into adulthood or start later in life. The word eczema comes from the Greek word ekzein meaning “to boil out”; the Greek word ek means “out”, while the Greek word zema means boiling.

Eczema is a chronic skin condition in which the skin becomes itchy, reddened, cracked and dry. Approximately 30% of all skin-related GP visits in Western Europe result in a diagnosis of atopic eczema. It affects both males and females equally, as well as people from different ethnic backgrounds. Most GPs (general practitioners, primary care physicians) in Western Europe, North America and Australia say the number of people diagnosed each year with eczema is has been rising in recent years.

Symptoms of Eczema


The symptoms of eczema are related to the skin, as eczema is a skin condition. Here are some of the eczema skin symptoms that may signify someone is suffering from eczema.

There is a rash
The skin is itchy
It may be dry, red, patchy or cracked
It may weep
The skin may feel rough
There may be lesions which become infected.

Causes of Eczema

There are two types of eczema. Atopic eczema is thought to be a hereditary condition. People with atopic eczema are sensitive to allergens in the environment which are harmless to others. In atopic eczema there is an excessive reaction by the immune system. This type of eczema can worsen after eating certain foods or after being exposed to other allergens such as pollen or dust. Atopic eczema can be a long-term condition. Contact dermatitis is the most common form of the condition and is often the result of an allergic reaction after touching something. This type of eczema can be caused by many irritants including feathers, metals, wool, plants and animal hair, soaps and detergents, bubble bath, cosmetics, fabric dyes, etc. It is important to remember many things can cause eczema.

Home Remedies for Eczema

Coconut oil can be applied to the portions with eczema. It helps the skin to remain soft. This is a good eczema remedy.

A light mudpack applied over the place of eczema is also very beneficial. Good home remedy for eczema.

Sunbathing is also beneficial as it kills the harmful bacteria.

Make a fine paste of 1 tsp camphor and 1-teaspoon sandalwood. Apply this paste on the affected eczema areas. This is very good and simple home remedy for eczema.

Water treatments have also been proved useful in eczema treatment like cold compress or cold wet fomentations. It can be applied twice daily depending on the severity of the problem.

Find powerful herbal remedies Natural Remedies for Eczema

Make a fine paste by adding 1 tbls of turmeric powder and 1 tbls of bitter neem leaves. Apply this paste to the affected areas. This eczema remedy is one of the effective home remedies for eczema.

Soaps, chemicals and other drying agents should be avoided.

Rub nutmeg against a smooth stone with a few drops of water. Make a smooth paste and apply. This is also good and one of the useful home remedies for eczema.

Application of spearmint leaf juice also reduces eczema.

Mash almond leaves in water and apply on the area, it will also help in the eczema treatment.

Also read about Skin Problems

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Eczema – The Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Eczema is a very common skin condition which affects as many as one in five children and around 10% of the adult population. In terms of children, thankfully one third of them will grow out of the condition by the time they reach puberty. Eczema will manifest itself in a dryness and inflammation resulting in red and very itchy skin. There are four main forms of eczema the first of which is called atopic eczema being the most common which frequently is a family condition closely connected to asthma and hay fever.

Allergic contact dermatitis, is an eczema condition instigated through an allergic reaction to a substance coming in contact with the skin. Commonly this manifests itself through wearing metal rings, belt buckle’s earrings etc. A further condition called irritant contact dermatitis is an irritation as a result of frequent contact with chemicals aggravating the skin. Finally, infantile eczema also known as cradle cap, is a condition which predominantly affects babies. Although it looks worse to adults it rarely bothers the baby and is easily treated with cradle cap shampoos.

Current medicines do not currently offer us an outright cure for eczema however, research is undergoing which aims to identify the causes. Early indications have shown that a specific gene has been identified within eczema sufferers which may be causing the condition. Although in the early stages, this new discovery may well lead itself to a whole new way of treating eczema. However, whilst we await further progress in this area here are a few tips to help alleviate the effects of eczema.

Use emollients and creams to help prevent the drying out of the skin. Creams can be used directly on the skin up to 2 times a day. If your doctor or medical practitioner has prescribed the use of steroid creams ensure you use them. Avoid extreme temperatures given both hot and cold temperatures are known to aggravate the skin. Ensure you keep your nails short given scratching is frequently more prominent at night time when you are asleep. If you suffer from this you may be well advised to purchase some scratch mittens to stop yourself from causing further damage to your skin whilst asleep.

The constituents of your diet is often a cause for eczema and therefore it is good idea to keep a food diary. Start to identify foods which cause more symptoms than others and slowly exclude these foods from your diet. The use of a food diary is best utilised in conjunction with a dietician, your doctor or medical practitioner will be able to refer you.

Jamie Noone has been penning articles online for several years and maintains many websites. His latest Whole House Water Filtration System website around home water purification methods is worth a visit. Check out his latest article around Water Filters Whole House and see what we have to offer.

A Chilean Immigrant Adopts a Sapling Atop Burbank’s Wildwood Canyon

Jogging along Sunset Canyon Drive in Burbank is great. You have the choice of peeling off into several great mountain trails, or you can just keep running the border line between the rugged Verdugo Mountains and the city of Burbank. From Sunset Canyon drive you are high enough to see to entire San Fernando Valley, as well as a glimpse of the Los Angeles skyline off to the south.

The best time is during sunset, as you see the tall Mexican Fan Palms dancing along the top of the city like a hundred green cotton balls and tumble weeds being whacked around the sky by tall Italian Cypress trees. The sunset brings out exciting colors of the palms, the city, and the rich reds, oranges, and the greens of the Verdugo Mountains. And the softness of the sun brings a warm softness to the community – a period of calm in a sea of dense humanity.

On those occasions when you really want a good workout, and have a burning desire to run the mountains, heading up Harvard Road to the Wildwood Canyon Road is a great place to unload excess energy. In addition, you will take the wonderful views you get on Sunset Canyon, and multiply them 10 fold. However you need to have a real feel for off road running, as the trails soon get steep, and are not that hospitable for the casual runner.

On a recent morning trip up a mountain adjacent to Wildwood Canyon, I spied an old man carrying 2 five gallon jugs of water up one of the steeper trails, which ultimately led to the peak. Overwhelmed with curiosity, and a bit of fatigue, I could not help finishing my trek up the mountain and find out what this old man was doing.

The Old Man of the Mountain

At the crest I caught up with the old man. He was watering a couple small saplings on top of the peak. Striking up a conversation I learned that he was 72 years old, had lived in Burbank since immigrating to the US from Chile following World War 2, and was retired. Thin, bronzed skinned, and in absolutely great shape, he explained that he hauled 10 gallons of water up the hill every morning to feed his saplings.

Why did he plant saplings on top of a mountain, so far away from everything, and visited by just a few people each day?

He exclaimed that at his age there is very little he can do to contribute to his city, neighborhood, or community. But he wanted to continue doing something useful with his life. A couple years ago the area burned during a wildfire (the “Castaway Fire” in late September 2005). Before the fire he enjoyed the beauty of Wildwood Canyon, the mountain trails running throughout the canyon, and the companionship he found with hikers who had nothing to do with him – except a mutual love of nature and the mountains.

As the entire area was burned to the dirt during 2005’s Castaway Fire, including all the trees and brush, he felt great sorrow at the loss suffered by nature, including animals native to the area and companions who drifted away following the fire.

He has no family left, completely on his own. He wanted to give back one small gift to Wildwood Canyon, the people of Burbank, and elsewhere who had given him such joy during his life. He knows fire is a part of nature that is necessary to replenish nutrients and eliminate dead fuel within the mountains and valleys of Southern California. On the other hand, he also believes that until it is time for the fires to come and take back the land, humans should use the land to enjoy their lives and indulge in the gifts of nature provided by his God.

And the old man is so happy. Smiling, laughing, ready to tell a story – he is enjoying his twilight of life.

Since meeting the old man, I have spent a lot more time on the mountain. Every time I climb to the peak, I can see the soil at the base of his saplings is still moist, assuring me not only he is still watering the saplings, but also that he is healthy and strong enough to climb the mountain for his daily chore.

What the Old Man has Taught Me about Watering Saplings

As an animal of routines, I have the need to do accomplish much of my life based on repetition. Now one of my repetitive tasks when in Wildwood Canyon is to carry a small bag, pick up the remains of those who have enjoyed the mountain, but may lack a bit of respect or discipline with their personal debris.

I don’t get angry, and have learned that beauty requires maintenance and effort. Wildwood Canyon will burn, but until the canyon’s time in the burn cycle is reached, there is a lot of fun to be had by all. Children, visitors, residents, anybody who needs to refresh their lives can accomplish their objective with a walk up the mountain. Maybe the old man has found a willing subject to pass the baton of love and responsibility of the canyon and mountain, or maybe I have just learned that a little bit of effort can have a huge impact on others.

Maybe it is not a deep thought, and maybe it has no real meaning in the big picture of life.

I hope everybody can find their own Wildwood Canyon, and maintain it with the love and passion of the old man.

I can’t stop thinking of the old guy, and will continue climbing the mountain in the hopes I will have the chance to meet and listen to him again.

John Savageau, Long Beach

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