Rocking Device Gets Kinks Out of the Calf

ProStretch is a rocking device intended to stretch calf muscles before and after exercising to help prevent injury. The plastic, U-shaped rocker was designed by a former hockey player and is endorsed by former world-champion miler Marty Liquori and several professional athletes.

It is used by placing one foot in the heel cup of the device, standing an arm’s length from a wall or other support and slowly rocking the foot backward until you feel a slight tension. Hold the heel in place for 15 seconds. Manufacturers advise doing the exercise at least three times for each leg.

Randy Fodero, vice president of the New Jersey-based ProStretch company, said the device is used by professional basketball and football team members, including players from the Los Angeles Clippers, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Supersonics. Otho Davis, head trainer for the Philadelphia Eagles, said he has seen many leg-muscle stretching devices in his 35 years as a trainer and “nothing works as effectively as this.”

ProStretch is available in selected sporting goods stores nationwide and retails for about $30. If you can’t find it in your area, contact ProStretch, 125 Broadway, Long Branch, N.J. 07740; (800) 535-3629.

Dad’s Drip Strip Removes Latex Paint

Tired of scraping bits of dried latex paint from the floor or woodwork after painting? Consider Dad’s Drip Strip, a multipurpose, nonflammable remover that removes latex paint and appears to have little or no effect on oil-based paints, varnishes, shellacs or lacquers.

To use, apply Drip Strip to a soft cloth or paper towel and blot away spots. Then rub lightly. It dries fast and leaves no film or residue. It is a remover, not a stripper, said Phil Bradley, president of Sansher Corp. in Ft. Wayne, Ind., manufacturer of the product. It can be used on wood, glass, ceramic tile, Formica, metal, carpet and other fabrics and concrete.

Dad’s Drip Strip also can clean up glue, caulking, grease, tar, wax, crayon, ink, shoe polish, lipstick marks, and adhesive tape. An 8-ounce can retails for about $2.99. It’s also available in quart and gallon sizes. The remover can be purchased in selected home, hardware, paint and building supply stores nationwide. If you can’t find it in your area, contact Sansher Corp., 8005 N. Clinton St., Ft. Wayne, Ind. 46825; (219) 484-2000.

Murphy Oil Soap: Safe for 75 Years

Murphy Oil Soap has been around for 75 years. But if you’re searching for environmentally safe products, don’t overlook this one. It is all-natural, 100% biodegradable, nontoxic and phosphate-free. It now comes in a 22-ounce spray bottle, for small spills and touch-up cleaning on cupboards, etc., and retails for $1.89; $3.49 or a 64-ounce refill. In addition to cleaning wood surfaces, Murphy can be used on walls, linoleum floors, tile, patio furniture, leather and vinyl. Murphy representatives say it’s also effective as a laundry soap and for shampooing pets.

Murphy Oil Soap can be found in groceries, hardware stores, and home center chains nationwide. If you can’t find it in your area, contact Murphy-Phoenix, P.O. Box 22930, Beachwood, Ohio 44122; (800) 486-7627.