Dear Do-It Man: This is a dumb question, but what is the best way to dispose of hand lotion and hand cream? Because of the oil base, I'm reluctant to dump it down the drain. Should I just put the full bottles and jars in the trash? (I find I am allergic to some brands).
Perhaps your environmental experts would know.- A.A., Salt Lake City
Dear A.A.: We assume you've already considered the possibility of giving your lotion to someone in your family or perhaps a close friend, because the best thing to do with it is use it.
However, if you feel you have no alternative but to throw it away, there's nothing wrong with washing it down the drain. Use hot water so you don't clog your drain.
Small quantities of lotion would be so diluted by the time they reach a sewage treatment plant they wouldn't be a problem, according to Dennis Downs, director of the Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste.
But it's probably better to put them in your garbage. "Modern landfills are designed to contain materials so they don't leach into the water supply," he says.
Also, in the way of general information to our readers, Salt Lake County has a household hazardous waste program. The Salt Lake Valley Landfill, 6030 W. 1300 South, accepts paint, pesticides and yard chemicals from Salt Lake County residents every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Swimming for health
Now that the weather is warm and neighborhood pools are open, fitness experts are encouraging seniors to use water exercises to improve their overall health.
Champion swimmer and fitness lecturer Jane Katz, 52, suffered a debilitating accident 16 years ago and developed a series of water exercises to speed her recovery. "The water worked like magic," said Katz, who still swims every day.
People over 50 own about 30 percent of the home spas and above-ground and in-ground pools, according to the National Spa and Pool Institute.
Arthritis sufferers in particular can benefit from water exercises and pool walking, said Katz, who went on to get a degree in gerontology and advises many older clients. Just walking through water uses more muscle and energy than walking on dry land.
Another simple exercise involves leaning your back into the corner of the pool, and while keeping your torso straight, lifting your legs out to form an "L" with your back. Then swing your legs slowly to the left and then to the right. Repeat several times.
An easy arm exercise can be done standing in water up to your shoulders. With palms facing down, press your arms down towards the bottom of the pool. Then bring arms upwards in underwater semicircles. Repeat several times.
Leg lifts can also be done in the pool, alternating from one leg to the other. Using the water's resistance can help build strength and improve balance.
Along with increasing heart and lung capacity, water exercises improve endurance, strength and flexibility, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
For more information on how to use water to tone your body and keep fit, check your library for books and videos on water aerobics.
- Maturity News Service