Thursday, December 3, 2015

HOW TECHNOLOGY AFFECTS US (PART 2) Continuing on our series of looking at various aspects of how technology affects us in our everyday life.

Technology and your mind – in a study from the University of Michigan, the more college-aged adults used Facebook, the worse they felt!,,,social media use led to a decline in happiness and overall life satisfaction. 

Another study from the University of Oregon found that heavy media multitaskers had difficulty switching between tasks and were more likely to become distracted while working.  This can result in numerous errors causing more time to be wasted having to go back over tasks to make corrections.

Solution? – try to find ways to build relationships, do work and spend time offline.  Consider taking a break from your social media accounts for a short length of time or at least dedicating one day a week as web-free! To also help clear your mind; call a friend to chat, go for a walk, have a bite to eat, or perhaps make an appointment with them at your local day spa for a massage, sauna, manicure, pedicure or facial – your body and most important – your mind – will thank you for it!   

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

HOW TECHNOLOGY AFFECTS US (PART 1)  Phones, television, social media and video games…over the next three weeks we will be looking at various aspects of how technology affects us in our everyday life.

Technology and your body – whether caused by tapping out texts or typing away at a computer, tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to pain and numbness in your hands.  According to the Neuro and Spine Surgery journal, when you tilt your head 60 degrees to read your smartphone, you’re adding an additional 60 pounds of pressure to your neck!

Additionally, according to USA Today, almost 70% of Americans say they have experienced some symptoms of digital eyestrain, including blurry vision or headaches. Several studies have also shown cell phones carry thousands of bacteria, potentially spreading common infections.

Solution? – to protect yourself from germs wipe down your phone and other touchscreen devices with a disinfecting wipe on a regular basis. Take frequent breaks when using technology, including smartphones, computer, tablets, TVs and video games. To soothe and loosen those muscles in your upper back, neck, shoulder and arms, call your local day spa and book a massage appointment. Tell the therapist exactly what’s going on and they will be able to work everything out for you.  Be aware of what’s happening to your body – don’t let technology get the better of you! 


Tuesday, October 20, 2015

CHILLY WEATHER IS HERE!  

Yes, Fall is here in all it’s glory bringing with it football, tailgating, changing of the leaves to gorgeous shades of red, yellow and orange, picking out pumpkins, dressing up for Halloween and…chilly weather!

It’s the kind of weather along with rain that can chill you right to your bones.  Hot apple cider and pumpkin lattes are great for taking off that chill but there is also something else you might want to check out.  A Far Infrared sauna can do wonders for warming you up and definitely chasing away that chill.  The heat from this type sauna penetrates deeply into your muscle tissues and along with sweating, is thought to be responsible for the healing effects and the other health benefits associated with infrared rays…natural pain relief, relief of muscle spasms, increase of circulation, decrease of joint stiffness, and relaxation.  

Give your local day spa a call and make an appointment for an infrared sauna and while you’re doing that, make one too for a massage before the sauna…you will love it and so will your body!   

Friday, October 2, 2015

Stress in the workplace!

Feeling overwhelmed at work? Too much to do and not enough hours in the day? Appointments not running on time - thereby throwing off the day's schedule? Wish you had four hands at times to get all the day's tasks done? Not appreciated for all the work you do? Snapping at friends and family after work? 

Well...you're not alone! Stress in the workplace can reach epic levels and stays with you even after you've left work for day. Trying to get a handle on it before it gets out of hand is in itself stressful! What to do?

A few things to keep in mind before heading out to work and during the day; start with a good protein and fiber filled breakfast to stave off hunger pains; mentally go over what tasks have to be done and write them down in order of importance; take a few minutes break each hour by getting up from your desk/computer and walking around to clear your head; do not eat lunch at your desk and try to go outside for a quick walk; leave all problems associated with your job at your job when you are done for the day!

Stress also worsens any kind of muscle aches in your back, neck and shoulder areas so give your local day spa a call and make an appointment for a therapeutic massage. You will leave feeling much more relaxed and stress free!

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Fall is here!

Yes, even though it's sad to say goodbye to the lazy, hazy, hot days of Summer, it's nice to welcome the cooler blue skies and brisk weather of Fall. It's a time for football, tailgates, pumpkins, ghosts, and goblins. 

But...it's also time for raking those falling leaves, getting your garden beds ready for the colder weather, and going for longer walks and runs. Which means sore and achey backs, necks, and shoulders, and tired legs.

Give your local day spa a call and book an appointment for a soothing, relaxing, and therapeutic massage to get all those kinks out and after that massage, give yourself a treat with a session in the sauna. The heat will enhance the benefits from the massage and relax you so that you will get the best night's sleep ever! Your body will say..thank you!!






Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Adult/Teenage Acne...

Did you know that acne is the most common skin disorder in the U.S., affecting approximately 40 to 50 million Americans? According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is not restricted to any age group and in fact, adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s can develop acne. 


Teens with excessively oily skin often develop blemishes in the T-zone and over the entire face. Adult acne, however, tends to appear on the chin, jaw, neck, back, and shoulders because of stress and hormonal fluctuations and can flare up on either combination or oily skin. Adult acne also differs from teenage acne in that it can be more persistent and susceptible to scarring, as aging skin loses its ability to easily repair and regenerate, and is also more prevalent in women, while teenage breakouts seem to be equally common in girls and boys. 


Seeing a dermatologist in conjunction with a professional esthetician will insure a proper treatment regimen that will be most effective and beneficial for your skin. A few important things to remember between appointments..


  • Wash face twice a day and after sweating.
  • Use fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Do not use a washcloth, mesh sponge, or products such as astringents, toners, and exfoliants that can irritate the skin.
  • Let skin heal naturally. Do not pick, pop, or squeeze blemishes as it will take skin longer to clear and will increase their risk of scarring.

Check in with your local day spa and make an appointment with an esthetician to have a skin analysis to insure the best possible facial treatment for your skin.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Good Snacking!

Stress and fatigue are notorious triggers for bad-food binges. That's why many of us grab chips or cookies and mindlessly devour them while multitasking. The problem is that stress causes chronic brain inflammation, and processed foods like cookies, sodas, and cakes only add fuel to the inflammation fire. They speed up brain cell destruction from stress, resulting in memory decline. 

If your workplace (or your home) is stocked with cookies, sodas, candies, and chips, of course you'll reach for them when stress hits. The remedy is to plan ahead. Bring your own healthy snacks...those that build memory capacity, improve physiological brain balance, help you perform complex mental tasks, reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety, and keep you focused...and eat them instead. 

Try an apple or banana with a handful of almonds or walnuts. Bananas are a quick source of glucose and potassium, and potassium improves physiological brain balance. Cottage cheese or yogurt are another good options because they include protein that's been shown to remove symptoms of stress and improve cognitive function. Bring a container of celery, carrots, and broccoli with organic almond butter for dipping for extra boost of protein. Finally, you can top anything with almonds, which improve cognition and memory.

And after all these good snacks, give yourself a reward for staying healthy and call your local day spa and book yourself an appointment for a mani/pedi, facial, massage, scrub, or whatever service you like...you deserve it and Happy Good Snacking!

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Let's get moving!!

Most of us sit too much. Waaaay too much. We sit in meetings. In front of the computer and tv. During the daily commute. And all this sitting, along with a lack of physical activity, has devastating effects on the body and the brain. 

Ready for the sitting list of results? Too much time in the chair leads to a decline in health, an increase in stress, poor posture and related aches and pains, and an unfocused brain that has a hard time thinking critically and processing memory. For every 1 hour of sitting make sure to get up and move around for 5 minutes…walk around the office or home, talk on the telephone, go up and down the stairs if available, etc. The main thing is to get your body MOVING!

And to help your body with all that stress, and related aches and pains, is to try and get a professional massage on a regular basis, whether it be every week, every 2 weeks, or even once a month. Massage is great for improving circulation, tension, and range of motion...and it just plain feels great!

Give your local day spa a call and make an appointment for a massage today...or in other words...Let's get moving!!


Monday, August 17, 2015

Summer Skin Care...

We all know that winter with it's cold dry air and indoor heating can dry our skin out causing fine lines and wrinkles...but did you know summer can be just as bad?

Air conditioning keeps us cool by taking moisture out of the air and lowering humidity levels. Unfortunately that moisture is also being taken out of our skin. Add on top of that sweating, multiple applications of sunscreen throughout the day, makeup, dirt, etc., and you wind up with skin that is in need of serious help.

Proper cleansing/moisturizing at night is necessary to remove all these impurities and to hydrate your skin while you sleep. In addition to your nightly routine, it is important that you follow up with a visit to your local day spa and make an appointment with an esthetician to have a professional facial. A one hour facial will consist of cleansing, steaming, exfoliation, extractions, and moisturizing on a much deeper level than at home leaving your skin glowing.

Why not give your local day spa a call now and book that facial?...you will love it and more importantly your skin will thank you for it!

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Sun and Sunscreens!

Somehow those two words just automatically go together...especially in these hot, humid days of Summer. Of course it feels good to lounge in the sun but it can hurt your skin in the long run. Over the years too much time outdoors can put you at risk for wrinkles, age spots, and uneven skin tone. 

Ultraviolet (UV) light in the daylight damages the fibers in your skin called elastin...especially on your face...and when that happens it begins to sag and stretch. 

Perspiration from walking, running, playing sports and dips in the ocean, lake, or pool can cause a sunscreen to lose its protection effect in just a matter of a few hours which makes it all the more important to use a sunscreen with a SPF or 30 or higher and keep re-applying every few hours. In addition to a good sunscreen wearing a hat and sunglasses also provides you with more protection. 

At the end of the day a good face cleaning is always advised before retiring for the night. This way all the day's dirt, grime, makeup, and sunscreen that builds up on your skin can be removed allowing for better absorption of night creams and lotions to keep your skin smooth and supple.  A call to your local day spa to schedule an appointment for a facial and/or microdermabrasion is an excellent way to help minimize those fine lines and uneven skin tone caused by that big yellow disk in the sky!...remember...OUT in the sun...ON with the sunscreen.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

June is almost here!

Yes...June is just around the corner bringing with it the official start of summer and the celebration of Father's Day!

What to get Dad? How about something different than just the usual tie or shirt? A great massage with a relaxing sauna afterward to help soothe sore muscles...a pedicure for his tired feet that he is on all day hard at work...or even perhaps a refreshing facial to make him feel special.

Check in or call your local day spa to see what services they may have that might appeal to Dad and to treat him to something different!

Thursday, May 21, 2015

What exactly is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the art and science of essential oils which have been extracted and distilled from flowers, stems, leaves, barks, roots, herbs, and has been in use for thousands of years. Yes, thousands of years! 

Over 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians were using such oils as frankincense, cinnamon, and myrrh and in 1920 when the tomb of Tutankhamen was opened, they discovered a jar of what they believed to be Egyptian perfume. It still smelled faintly sweet when they opened it and turned out to contain frankincense and spikenard.

The ancient Greeks and Romans used aromatic oils in their daily lives for healing, home care, body care, and beauty. 

Today, research can now prove there's a real science behind these ancient remedies, and plants have potential healing powers. Aromatherapy is now being used in clinics and hospitals as a complementary therapy. 

Essential oils can also be used cosmetically to create healthier skin, and to balance the emotions through inhalation. An easy way to get these benefits can be through massage using such oils as lavender which can be relaxing on it's own or stimulating when combined with eucalyptus; peppermint is cooling and stimulating and can be used for respiratory problems when inhaled or for muscle pain; rosemary has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for relieving pain from sprains, joint aches and rheumatism. 

So the next time when booking an appointment at your local day spa, ask them if they have any of these essential oils that can be incorporated into your massage and see what a difference they can make!

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Are you getting enough water?

With the summer heat approaching, it's important to make sure you stay hydrated...really hydrated. Our bodies are over two-thirds water. Water is needed to transport all the nutrients, hormones, even wastes through our bodies, and to help our skin stay plump and moist, so it's important to avoid dehydration. With all the activities we are involved in during the summer months, and by the time we feel "thirsty", it is too late and most of us are probably dehydrated to a certain extent and not even aware of it. 

Do not underestimate the power of water in helping you to look and feel your best. Here are some great reasons for drinking water instead of carbonated beverages...

  • Maintain fluid balance in the body.
  • Help to control weight.
  • Increase energy.
  • Glowing skin.
  • Digestion.
  • Keep muscles functioning.
Dehydration can make your skin look deflated and wrinkled. Drinking water can help your skin look younger, brighter and healthier. You can boost the effect of water by using a moisturizer to "lock" the water in and having facials done on a regular basis at your local day spa. Most all spas have an Esthetician on staff to help you determine the best products to use to help maintain your skin for that moist, dewy look. 

So call your local day spa and make an appointment for a great moisturizing facial and don't forget to...Drink More Water!


Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Beautiful flowers!

Yes, flowers are one of Nature's most beautiful gifts to us. This time of the year we are beginning to see them everywhere from home flower beds, flowering shrubs on front lawns, wildflowers by the side of the road, and of course flower shops.

What better way to feel connected to Nature than to start planning and planting your own flower garden so that you can enjoy a beautiful color display outside all through the summer. Make sure to include "cutting" flowers such as tulips, roses, irises, hydrangas, and peonies to enjoy indoors or to give as a beautiful bouquet to someone special to brighten their day! 

After all the planning, planting, and fertilizing are done, why not treat yourself to a massage to relax and soothe all those tired and achy muscles? And while you're at it, how about a manicure just in case you didn't use garden gloves?

Call or check in to your local day spa and book yourself an appointment. You'll be glad you did and know it was all worth it as soon as you see all those beautiful flowers start to bloom!

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10th!!

That's right Mother's Day is almost here; which means time to start thinking what to get the person who means so much to so many of us. 

In addition to the usual gifts of flowers, candy, dining out, or breakfast in bed, how about a relaxing and pampering day at a spa? Away from all the hustle and bustle of her busy schedule, she can enjoy the many services or packages a spa can offer such as; manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, wraps and scrubs, to name just a few. You can pick out specific services for her to enjoy or if you're not sure of what she may like, a gift card in a dollar amount would allow her to choose for herself.

So call or check in with your local day spa and see what they have to offer and remember to ask about special packages for Mother's Day too!... 

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Are you getting enough Vitamin D?
We have all heard about the benefits and importance of getting enough of this important vitamin. Some of the many ways we are all familiar with of doing this are diet, supplements, and exposure to sunlight.

Researchers are finding out that diet and Vitamin D supplements go hand in hand. According to a new Pfizer-funded study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, eating a meal with fat can actually enhance Vitamin D absorption. They found that Vitamin D is fat soluble and the absorption process is similar to that of dietary fats; so try including nuts, avocados, walnuts, flaxseeds, trout, herring, and salmon into a meal taken with Vitamin D supplements. Cooking with vegetable, canola, olive, or sunflower oil will also help you get the essential fats you need to give your supplements a boost in your system

Exposure to sunlight can be tricky and not as easy to do as one may think. Even though the days are getting longer, a lot of people leave for work early in the morning before the sun rises, stay indoors for lunch, and come home after the sun has set allowing them no time to "catch a few rays". Using sunscreen and deeply pigmented skin also limits the amount of Vitamin D your skin can absorb from sunlight. 

Another way of getting enough of this important vitamin is by using a Vitamin D Bed which utilizes UVB rays to stimulate natural Vitamin D production in your body. It's made even better because it has three more beneficial types of light which are red, blue, and infrared light. A lot of day spas now have these beds so call or stop in to your local spa and check to see if they have one...and book an appointment! This way you can be sure of getting enough of this most important vitamin!  

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Secret to a good night's sleep!

We all know a deep, restorative sleep can do wonders not only for our physical but our mental well being. Not getting enough good sleep can make for a groggy feeling in the morning; carrying over through the day affecting our work and personal lives. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), we're a nation of toss and turners with more than half of American adults saying they have trouble falling asleep or frequently wake during the night several nights a week. Even those whose sleep is peaceful aren't getting enough of it. 

Starting a sleep diary for the coming week can help you to identify poor sleep habits and to take the necessary steps to correct them. Some of those poor habits might include: snacking before bed; caffeine through the whole day and after dinner; leaving tv, computer, and tablet screens on at night in the bedroom; not going to bed when starting to feel sleepy but instead waiting till overly sleepy; getting less than seven hours of sleep.

Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day; a walk after dinner; light reading; a warm bath; a relaxing massage; a soothing session in a sauna are just a few of the things that can help you get that good night's sleep that you need...and deserve! 

Stop by or call your local day spa and book yourself an appointment for that relaxing massage or a soothing session in a sauna and before you know it, you'll be off to dreamland to get fully rested and ready for the next day. 







Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Benefits of Body Scrubs and Wraps!

Spring is here with summer not far behind. Time to get that winter dry skin all polished and glowing again. How best to do that? With a wonderful, relaxing, and invigorating Body Scrub or Wrap

A scrub works in a few ways. The exfoliating granules or a Dead Sea Salt solution is massaged all over the body to help slough off dead skin, boost circulation, and increase blood flow to the skin's surface. After showering, the body is dried off, moisturizer is applied, and massaged; leaving the skin glowing, soft, and extremely smooth. 

Wraps can be done most commonly with volcano ash mud or seaweed. The product is applied to the body, which is then cocooned in a space blanket. The client relaxes for approximately 15 to 20 minutes after which the blanket and mud is removed with hot wet towels, the body dried off, moisturizer is applied, and massaged. These wraps leave the skin tighter, hydrated, and smoother looking through detoxification of the skin tissues by the trace elements and minerals found in these products.

So call your local day spa and book an appointment for either a Body Scrub or Wrap and get your skin ready for the summer months ahead. You will love it and most of all...so will your skin!  






Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Summer is almost here!

Yes...that's right. Summer is just around the corner bringing with it lots of sunshine and warmer days. Time to get your legs ready for the beach, bathing suits, skirts, and shorts. Which means getting rid of unwanted hair.

There are many different methods of hair removal but for longer lasting results, waxing is the best way to go. It leaves a softer, smoother look to your legs and arms allowing for more even tanning.

When removing facial hair, and are using products like Retin-A or Accutane, is your skin more sensitive to waxing?...then Threading is a great alternative for you. Threading is an ancient technique and a process in which unwanted facial hair is removed by using twisted 100% cotton thread to pull the hair from the follicle, lasting up to 4 weeks...and is less painful than waxing and more precise!

Check in with your local day spa and make an appointment for waxing and/or Threading and let's get rid of that unwanted hair...remember, Summer is almost here!

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

It's Spring! Treat your feet to a pedicure!

Even though it is still a bit cold outside, Spring has officially arrived. That means that Summer is not far behind bringing with it warmer weather and sunshine.  

After the harsh winter we had this past season, it's time to get your toes and feet in shape with a relaxing, rejuvenating, and hydrating pedicure. Being in boots most days and indoor drying heat plays havoc with your feet causing them to become dry and itchy with callus buildup at an all time high. 

Call your local day spa and make an appointment for a pedicure which will help hydrate and smooth your feet and toes so they will look and feel their best when sandal weather arrives. For an added benefit and special treat, ask about adding a paraffin wax treatment. You will love it and most importantly...so will your feet!

Remember...it's Spring...time to check into your local day spa and treat your feet to a pedicure. And don't forget to check all the beautiful new Spring shades of nail color!







Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Music can change your day...

Is there music playing where you are right now? If not, you may be missing the opportunity to energize or calm the way your day is going. Music is good for your mind and body and is one of the most potent life-enhancers around. 

Take some time to think about what you want to feel or accomplish and choose those sounds that help you do that. Favorite tunes cue your brain to release dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel good, and that's a boost anyone can use at any time.  

Sitting in traffic and getting irritated by the minute? Try something soft and soothing. Having trouble getting to sleep? Try some classical 30 to 45 minutes before bedtime. Not in the mood to exercise? Try something up beat to quicken your pace and make you fly through a workout. 

Remember too, getting a massage, facial, or relaxing in a sauna, at your local day spa, can all be enhanced by music to make that service more enjoyable!
Most day spas have a wide range of music selections to choose from, so check with them on your next visit...and remember, music can change your day!