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October 7, 2012

Dear Prudence,

I just listened to your radio show on Raw Apple Cider Vinegar and its many uses, after doing an online search for natural remedies for skin ailments. I am a single dad with two teenage daughters, and my 14-year-old who has a stubborn case of acne is trying to convince me that the only cure for her will be the birth control pill. Now, I try to be understanding, progressive, open and all, but I cannot bring myself to give in to this request without trying ALL other options, first! It makes me VERY nervous! So, after listening to your show, it sounds like ACV is a natural treatment for skin problems. Can you provide me with any more information about this and is there a specific product you can recommend?

Signed, Desperate Dad, Matawan, New Jersey

Dearest DD,

First I would like to take this opportunity to commend you on your commitment to your daughters; DD stands for Dynamic Dad, contrary to your description. The vanity that many find overbearing in teenagers I have found is actually an integral part of their growth into adjusted individuals. They are trying to find acceptance on the surface, because it is often times so difficult to find it within themselves. Healthy self-esteem is vital; kudos to you DD for addressing this! Much to my chagrin, I so vividly recall how the angry state of my teenage complexion fed my floundering insecurities; It still haunts me. Nip it in the bud, now-- anything to make life easier for your little lady, regardless of how often she scowls.

Yes DD, apple cider vinegar with the “mother." It has brown stuff floating in the bottle and has been one of my most successful self-experimentations! It TRULY has helped me on many levels, and I am happy to share this with you and yours! Even as an adult, my complexion has been temperamental; I have tried just about everything available to me to quell the breakouts, to no avail. Alas, after about 5 months of using raw, organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV) as opposed to ANY other variety (it must contain the “mother”) my complexion and overall health is brighter, in my humblest of opinions. I can safely say that I feel much better about the condition of my skin, in addition to my reflection at 6 a.m… oftentimes unnerving in hindsight. I boast BRAGG ACV as my magic elixir, for in my experience it is unprecedented. It is inexpensive, and I can purchase it at my local grocery store. If it is not available at yours, your local health food bodega is bound to carry it.

ACV has replaced shots of whiskey in my daily routine, although I have been witnessed twisting my mouth post-shot in a similar fashion. I simply shake it vigorously, add a tablespoon to an 8-ounce glass of water three times a day, and drink it down with a vengeance. It is an acquired taste, but you WILL get used to it. If not, you will happen upon many recipes that combine it with honey for a more palatable experience.

In addition, I use it as a spot treatment on my face before bed. I hold a cotton swab doused with the BRAGG ACV on each blemish for thirty seconds or so, and they really do seem to clear much faster. I have read accounts where people actually dilute the vinegar (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water) apply it to a cotton ball and use it on their skin like a toner in lieu of their regular skin products. I tried this, but found that I attracted flies, and repelled my family with my pickled persona. It was hard to convince them that the smell does dissipate. All jest aside, for me, the spot treatment works great along with three ACV cocktails-a-day; nothing less, nothing more.

DD, here are three websites that I have personally found very informative that share the benefits of ACV:

http://www.bragg.com

http://www.ehow.com/applecidevinegarbenefits

http://www.eatingbirdfood.com/2012/02/healthbenefitsofapplecidervinegar

Kindly, Prudence

p.s. – Your daughter is a lucky girl! If she looks at you with disdain when you suggest this method… just sigh and know that in 24 hours she will ask you if you’ve picked up the BRAGG’s ACV. Believe me, she is listening!

Amanda Grieme, Author of NewJerseyNewsroom.com advice column entitled “Dear Prudence” - Life Advice to Help YOU Cope, New Jersey is a former English/Creative Writing Educator and most importantly, mother. She LIVES with Bipolar Disorder choosing writing and Radio as her catharsis and creative medium to help others. Her life experience with mental illness, self-medication and ten years as an educator will lend listeners invaluable, often quirky life advice. Please check out her debut novel and radio show:

Author of “Dear Prudence” available at www.eloquentbooks.com/dearprudence.html and at your favorite independent bookstore or online venue.

Host of “Dear Prudence” Radio – Life Advice to Help You Cope http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dearprudence

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