Disease Management and Prevention Seminars

The Back Rub Company also offers on-site Disease Management and Prevention Seminars facilitated by naturopathic medical doctors. Educate employees about health and well-being on a clinical level. These seminars include heart health, back care and more.

Holiday Gift Giving

The Holidays are just around the corner. Show your appreciation during the Holiday season with The Back Rub Company's Holiday gift certificates. Massage is the perfect antidote to stress and fatigue.

Purchase 30, 60 or 90-minute massage gift certificates for our Central Phoenix clinic or in-home sessions. Take advantage of our Buy 5 gift certificates, get 1 FREE Special. More details will follow later in November.

We are also taking bookings for Chair Massage at Holiday parties and events nationwide! Please Contact us to schedule.

How to Beat the Holiday Weight Gain Odds
Holiday eating begins for many of us at Halloween and then continues during Thanksgiving, throughout the festive season to New Year. Follow the title above for useful and practical tips for avoiding weight gain during this time.

Happy Holidays!

Plan for After the Holidays NOW!

Losing weight is often a personal goal after the Holidays. Why not make it a company goal to have employees who are within a healthy weight range? Employers can pay as much as an additional $1,500 to insure an obese employee versus a healthy weight employee.

Motivate and support your employees as they strive for their healthy body weight. Sign your company up for The Back Rub Company's 12-Week Weight Loss Challenge. Contact Us for more details.

The Plain Hard Facts of Smoking

(Source:American Cancer Society)


Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States.

Each year 443,000 premature deaths and 49,400 non- smokers die as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke.

It turns out that more than 70 percent of adult smokers say they want to quit, but without help, fewer than 5 percent succeed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the annual cost of tobacco use to an employer averages $3,783 per smoker per year.


Benefits of Quitting Smoking

• 20 minutes after quitting your heart rate and blood pressure drops.


• 12 hours after quitting the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.


• 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting your circulation improves and your lung function increases.


• 1 to 9 months after quitting coughing and shortness of breath decrease.


• 1 year after quitting the excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker.


• 5 to 15 years after quitting your stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker.


• 10 years after quitting the lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker. The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decreases.


• 15 years after quitting the risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker.

Workshop Spotlight - Smoking Cessation

Schedule a 60 minute Smoking Cessation Workshop or an entire 5-Week Smoking Cessation Program to kick off your company's Smokeout!

Participants will learn their unique smoking habits and triggers that lead them to smoking. They will be educated on effective smoking cessation methods and discover the correct stop-smoking method to QUIT today!

Schedule a Smoking Cessation workshop before 12/31/09, and each participant will be entered in a drawing to receive a COMPLIMENTARY Auriculotherapy/Ear Acupuncture session.

Auriculotherapy is the stimulation of the ear to diagnose health conditions in other parts of the body. It is also used to reduce the craving of smoking and treat addiction.

We conveniently bring our classes to your office or group. For more information please visit The Back Rub Company or contact us to schedule.

Health Update: Sigg Bottles Warning

Health Update: Sigg Bottles Warning

We like to keep you informed on health news. This month we bring you an article on Sigg bottles.

Going 'Green' has prompted many to buy reusable water bottles. We know that plastic bottles are unsafe due to the many carcinogens they carry, so people are turning to alternatives like stainless steel and the popular aluminum Sigg bottles.

Recent news that thousands of Sigg bottles have been lined with plastic containing BPA, a hazardous compound in plastics known to attribute to obesity, breast cancer, neurological issues and more has shocked many consumers.

The CEO of Sigg released a statement on October 1st stating that they have launched a new liner and anyone who has purchased a Sigg bottle with the old liner can exchange it for a new bottle through October 31st.

Workshop Spotlight - Soothing Soups Cooking Classes

Workshop Spotlight - Soothing Soups Cooking Classes

Cooler evenings bring the yearning for comfort food, especially after a stressful and busy day at work. Before reaching for high fat, low nutrition convenience foods, schedule one of our on-site cooking classes.

We are proud to feature Soothing Soups this Fall. Participants will earn how to prepare tasty, nutritious soups that will warm the whole family and help keep winter coughs and colds at arm's length, plus give you energy for work and life.

We conveniently bring our classes to your office or group. For more information on our on-site cooking classes please visit The Back Rub Company or contact us to schedule.

Book a Soothing Soups class through 11/30/09 and receive a FREE cookbook.

Avoid H1N1 Naturally! Keeping your Workforce Healthy During the Swine Flu Pandemic

While many workers are lining up for their flu shots, especially during the recent outbreak of H1N1, or "swine flu," others are keeping healthy naturally.

Companies are concerned about their employees’ health. Businesses can’t afford to have their employees sick right now.

By taking heed to a few simple tips, workers can prevent H1N1 and other viruses with natural low-cost methods and may avoid getting sick all together.

Boost your Immune System – Garlic, Vitamin C, Elderberry, Oil of Oregano and Echinacea are all great immune-boosters. They come in a variety of forms (teas, capsules, powders, tinctures, etc.). Visit your local health food store and stock up. Get plenty of rest and adequate exercise.

Eat Healthy – Eliminate any foods that may suppress immune function. Avoid processed foods, white sugars and alcohol. Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of water.

Keep Clean – Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. You should wash your hands before and after eating, after using the bathroom, touching anything that may be contaminated, sneezing or coughing. Avoid touching your face if you haven’t washed or sanitized your hands.

Educate Yourself – Understand the symptoms. Any cold-like symptoms such as itchy throat, fever, body aches, chills, fatigue, cough, stuffy nose should be taken seriously. If you develop these symptoms, try to avoid school or work for a few days. If the symptoms don’t subside within three days, see your doctor.

Visit a Naturopath – Naturopathic doctors are equipped with a variety of natural remedies like homeopathy, herbals, detox treatments and more that boost the body’s immune system, rather than strip it.

The Back Rub Company offers a variety of wellness workshops including nutrition, supplements and more to assist with healthy immune systems. For information about The Back Rub Company’s Workplace Wellness Programs visit http://www.thebackrubcompany.com/.

Lavender Oil to Soothe and Heal

Essential oil of Lavender can be used for almost anything from sleeping problems to skin conditions to adding fragrance to a room. It's very safe and one of the few oils that can be used without dilution. Start with a good quality oil that you can buy from most health food stores.

• Add a few drops of lavender to a warm bath and pillowcases for a restful night's sleep.


• Massage a few drops into temples to help relieve headaches.


• To prevent dandruff, sprinkle a few drops to your hairbrush or add 5-10 drops to your conditioner.


• Use the oil in a compress for cuts, bites, strains and bruises.


• Treat pimples by dabbing them morning and night with just a drop.


• Place a few drops on a cotton ball and store in a plastic baggie. Inhale the scents when you're in need of a post-lunch pick-me-up or to focus.
  

Questions about other essential oils? Send us an e-mail or subscribe to our newsletter.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness

One of our wonderful Yoga instructors, Danae, has passed along some information about an Ovarian Cancer Awareness postage stamp. Danae has inspired us to sign a petition to request this stamp in post office's across the country. If you have been affected or know anyone who has been affected by this disease, please take the time to sign the petition.

More about Danae:
Danae's path toward Yoga began a decade ago wherein a brief love affair ensued. In 2005, Danae completed her teacher training program in magical Sedona, AZ. Danae radiates a strong sense of vitality and a genuine enthusiasm for others as she recognizes the value in what her students can and do 'teach' her. Danae encourages her students to smile in pursuit of their authentic self in Yoga.

Do You Know What's in Your Dinner?

Recently, The Back Rub Company attended a special showing of the film, Food, Inc.

The movie was quite an eye-opener, exposing the American food system and its effect on our health, our people, animals, the economy and the environment.

The film was preceded by a panel of local experts who are making huge strides in changing our food system.

We encourage anyone who eats to see this film.

Some Simple Changes:
1) Make informed choices - READ LABELS
2) Plant a garden
3) Buy organic food with little or no pesticides
4) Buy as much as you can from your local farmer's market
5) Write to congress

Valley Advocates:
Slow Food Phoenix
The Urban Farm
Duncan Family Farms - 623-853-9880
Mya's Farm
Phoenix Permaculture Guild
Double Check Ranch
Edible Phoenix

Make a Castor Oil Pack for Healing

Castor oil has a long history of traditional medical use dating back to ancient Egypt.

Castor oil packs are used to stimulate the liver, relieve pain, increase lymphatic circulation, reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

A pack can be placed on:
· the right side of the abdomen to stimulate the liver;
· inflamed and swollen joints, bursitis, and muscle strains;
· the abdomen to relieve constipation and other digestive disorders;
· the lower abdomen in cases of menstrual irregularities and uterine and ovarian cysts.

Materials:
(**Note - You can find castor oil and pre-cut wool pads at your local health food store)
Three layers of wool or cotton flannel large enough to cover the affected area
Castor oil
Plastic wrap cut 1-2' larger than the flannel (can be cut from a plastic bag)
Heating Pad
Container with lid
Old clothes and sheets. Castor oil will stain clothing and bedding.

1. Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in castor oil so that it is saturated, but not dripping.

2. Place the pack over the affected body part.

3. Cover with plastic.

4. Place the heating pad over the pack. Leave it on for 45-60 minutes and rest.

5. After removing the pack, clean the area with soap and warm water.

6. Store the pack in the covered container in the refrigerator. Each pack may be reused up to 25-30 times.

It is generally recommended that a castor oil pack be used for 3 to 7 days in a week to treat a health condition or for detox.

Castor oil should not be taken internally. It should not be applied to broken skin, or used during pregnancy, breastfeeding or during menstrual flow.

For more ideas or resources please contact us @ http://www.thebackrubcompany.com/

Simple Suggestions to Relieve Workplace Stress

Mishell Elliston of eightlim yoga in Central Phoenix offers tips to combat daily work stresses:

Create your work environment:
1. Take breaks throughout the day. It will help clear your mind and relieve pressure. Something as simple as going to the water cooler for a drink may do the trick.

2. Enroll in a noontime or an after-work yoga class. This will give you a chance to unwind and a way to relieve stress.

3. To help your workday go smoothly, try pacing your activities: do more demanding work in the morning, when your energy level is higher, and less demanding work later in the day, when you may be tired.

4. Get to work early or stay late once a week. Vary your routine.

If your stress comes from job insecurity, take stock of yourself. Update your resume and remind yourself of your skills and strengths. Also, make sure you keep up with new developments in your field. This will make you valuable to employers.

There's no better time to kick-start your yoga practice. Sign up for a 30 day intro offer for $30.00. Mention this newsletter upon sign up. Call 480-861-5148.

Is Your Office Ergonomically Correct?

Low back pain, wrist & arm pain and neck pain are among the top 10 complaints from workers who sit at a desk for prolonged periods of time. With the proper workstation and techniques, these problems can easily be avoided. Here are several tips by AWE Corporate Interiors in Phoenix.

• Adjust the height of your chair so that your feet are resting firmly on the floor.
• The depth of your seat should allow the back of your knees to extend beyond the edge of your seat and your thighs should be parallel to the floor.
• Your forearms should be at least 90-100% to your upper arm and your wrists should not be angled up or down.
• Set the height of your work surface so that you will not be slumping or straining forward. Arrange commonly used items so that they are within arms reach.
• The top one-third of your computer screen should be at or just below eye-level. The distance between your eyes and the monitor should be 18" or more.

AWE is a commercial furnituredealership that boasts a team with over 20 years experience in the industry. They create Aesthetic Working Environments and provide innovative design services, superior office furniture and comprehensive project management. AWE offers local and national clients a one-stop resource, regardless of budget, project size or style. For a complimentary ergonomic assessment of your office contact AWE at 602-841-7480.

Shape up for Men's Health Week

Men's Health Week is June 15-21. The goal of this national holiday is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

Here are a few tips on how you can make simple, yet impactful changes.

• Plan a 'Wear Blue' Day. Choose an organization to raise money for like the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Create teams, set your goal amount and pick a day to go all out from blue accessories to head-to-toe blue work attire. Make it fun! Put together a contest for the best 'Blue' attire.


• Set up an educational men's health presentation, such as a nutrition or stress-reduction seminar, or healthy cooking class.


• Try a new sport or activity like Yoga, Karate or Tai Chi. Bring an instructor in to the office for everyone to participate.


• Schedule a screening, such as heart attack or stroke to identify any risk and take action immediately.

Most importantly, take care of yourself and treat YOU right! For more ideas or resources, please contact us.

Father's Day Massage!

Father's Day is June 21st. Make Dad happy with a nurturing massage! It's a great way to say thanks for his support and for always being there!

Special: Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st
Any 1-hour massage at our Central Phoenix location is just $49!

Contact us for details. Schedule soon! We book up quickly during this special holiday.

Martial Arts Classes FREE

Kick Off Summer...Literally

With two-weeks of FREE martial arts classes at Way of the Dragon Karate in Phoenix.

Always wanted to learn martial arts but don't know what system fits you best?
Need to get in shape for swimsuit season?
Kids want a new summer activity or sport?

From June 1st - 13th, Way of the Dragon is offering every class from kids classes to women's self defense to conditioning for FREE!

COME CHECK IT OUT!

SE corner of 32nd St/Greenway

15227 N. 32nd St.

Phoenix, AZ 85032

602-971-9810

Job Depression

The thought of another Monday morning can always be somewhat of a downer. But according to a study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, some careers seem to cause more depression than others. Personal care and service workers ranging from child caregivers to beauty salon technicians reported a depression rate of nearly 11 percent. Engineers and architects were on the low end with rates of just over four percent. Lower incomes, part-time hours and age are thought to be the main contributing factors.

A Twittering We Will Go!

We did it! We have officially hopped on the social networking bandwagon.

You can now visit The Back Rub Company on:

Twitter

Facebook

Linkedin

Our Blog

Follow us for daily specials, updates and tips. See you in cyberspace!

Mother's Day Massage!

Mother's Day is May 10th. Put a smile on your mom's face with a nurturing massage! It's a great way to say thanks for her kindness, support and for being there whenever you need her.

Special: Sunday, May 10th
Any 1-hour massage at our Central Phoenix location is just $49! Schedule here.

Studio Portraits & Spa Treatments!

The Back Rub Company has teamed up with Kay & Co. Photography for professional studio portraits and massage treatments!

Packages include:
For Mom - studio portrait session and 8x10 print, professional make-up and hair, 1-hour massage or reflexology session - $335

Mother and Daughter - studio portrait session and 8x10 print, professional make-up and hair, 1-hour massage or reflexology session - $280 per person

Generation Experience (up to 6 people) - studio portrait session and 5x7 group image print for each person, professional make-up and hair, 30-minute massage or reflexology session - $205 per person

Gift Certificates Available for purchase. Special pricing through June, 2009.

Contact us for details. Schedule soon! We book up quickly during this special holiday.

The NEW Water Bottle

Summer is on its way and we'll be increasing our water intake soon.

Plastic is out! If you want to contribute to protecting the planet and your health, it's time to switch to materials like lined aluminum or stainless steel to store your water.

Not only do these types of bottles come in a variety of colors, sizes and patterns, they're better for the environment and you!

Pick these bottles up at any sporting goods store or order online.

Sigg - Aluminum bottles lined with a BPA-free resin for adults and kids.

Klean Kanteen - BPA and lead-free stainless steel bottles and sippy cups.

Think Sport - Insulated stainless steel bottles for hot or cold beverages.

If you have a question about green living, please e-mail us and we'll include it in a future article.

Employee Health on a Shoestring Budget

We all know the current state of the economy has taken a hit on our businesses and budgets. But employee health and wellbeing shouldn't suffer because of it.

So, how can you implement some unique health and wellness initiatives at your company without breaking the bank?

• Team Players: Employees work well in teams, encouraging each other and keeping their peers on track. Facilitate weekly group meetings where peers can set goals and share collective wisdom.
• Exercise: Set up a lunchtime walking group. 30-minutes for lunch and a brisk walk afterwards with peers will increase circulation, burn calories and encourage friendships. If you have an extra room available at your firm, have a few exercise dvds available for employees to do before and after work, or during lunch.
• Cook Off: Set up a fun monthly or quarterly healthy cooking challenge. Encourage employees to bring healthy dishes to share with others. Give small prizes (like yoga mats) to each winner!
• Rub Away Aches: Set up weekly on-site chair massages for employees to sponsor/pay for themselves. Massage helps reduce pain, alleviates headaches and improves alertness.

Now is not the time to put employee wellness on hold. Keeping workers healthy and vibrant reduces insurance costs and improves your bottom line!

On-Site Chair Massage Makes Any Teacher SMILE!

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8, 2009

Treat Your Teachers!
They deserve it! Schedule any on-site chair massage event during Teacher Appreciation Week for just $52/hour (regular $65).
Visit our website for more information about the many benefits of on-site massage.

Relieve stress - Reduce muscle tension - Rub away fatigue - Induce relaxation - Improve alertness - Reduce anxiety - And more!

Gift Certificates Available!
Purchase a gift certificate for a 30, 60 or 90-minute in-clinic or in-home massage!

Contact us for information.
Offer Expires: May 8th, 2009

On-Site Massage & More for Nurses Week

Nurses Week Massage Special
Schedule any on-site chair massage visit for just $52/hour!
5 to 30-minute sessions available.

"Nurses: Building a Healthy America." - On-Site Chair Massage shows much appreciation!

It's a profession that embraces dedicated people with varied interests, strengths and passions. Nurses work hard in emergency rooms, school based clinics, homeless shelters and much more. They serve many roles - from staff nurse to educator to nurse practitioner and nurse researcher - with passion for the profession and a strong commitment to patient safety.

This year, treat them to a little R & R with massage, mobile spa service, guided meditation, yoga class, healthy cooking class or empowerment workshop! Any service can be provided on-site at their location.

Call 480-330-2066 or e-mail for details.

Gift Certificates Available!
Massage Gift Certificates available. 30, 60 & 90-minute massages at one of our Valley clinics or the comfort of home!
Offer Expires: May 12, 2009

Nationwide On-Site Massage, Spa and Wellness
Visit our website for details

Employee Wellness Now More Than Ever

As more and more is expected of workers during these difficult times of layoffs and budget-crunches, maintaining good health is essential in the workplace. Without a healthy and vibrant workforce, productivity suffers, further increasing hardship on already-strained companies.

Most companies across the nation are cutting back to save money. However, the majority of our clients have realized that their employees’ health has a huge impact on their bottom line and have chosen to maintain or even ramp up their wellness programs.

We are the leading Arizona provider for on-site employee wellness and have recently announced our national expansion! The Back Rub Company provides workplace wellness programs that include seated chair massage, fitness classes and lunch & learn workshops, in addition to event and trade-show massage.

We’ve built an amazing team of experts across the country. From massage therapists to nutritionists to fitness authorities, we are truly the nation’s one-stop-shop for the best employee health and wellness services.

Even the smallest employee-incentives make a big difference. The American Journal of Health Promotions shows that for every dollar spent on wellness, employers can get up to $10 back through fewer medical claims, reduced absenteeism, improved productivity and other factors.

Smart companies understand that these programs increase their ROI, reduce worker's compensation and insurance claims and raise employee morale. We want to debunk the myth that wellness programs are expensive and only for corporate giants. Business owners quickly learn that weekly chair massage, for example, doesn't cost any more than an office lunch. These are affordable and one of the only things employees look forward to, especially when everyone is stressed, trying to stretch resources.

Businesses can never afford to have sluggish, un-productive workers, but as the crisis looms on, dynamic and healthy employees are essential to keep a company on track until things turn around.

For information about The Back Rub Company’s Workplace Wellness Programs, call 480-330-2066 or visit http://www.thebackrubcompany.com/.

Massage & More for Administrative Professional's Week

Administrative Professional's Week is April 19-25 and one thing yours won't have to take home with her (or him) is the week's cumulative stress.

You can treat the person who helps make your business a success (or afloat in today's economy!) with services from The Back Rub Company.

Our Massage & More Specials: On-Site Chair Massage and fresh spring flowers or a balloon bouquet delivered to the office; 60 or 90-Minute Massage Gift Certificate to be used at any time (in-clinic or in-home; and more!

Contact us for details and a quote. Schedule soon! We book up quickly during this week.

Is there really such a thing as biodegradable plastic bags?

Although those handy grocery store bags serve a wide array of functions, once they actually make it to the landfill they'll be there forever.

Conventional plastic is made of petroleum - 1.6 billion gallons each year! - one of the only materials on earth that never goes away. Even if it breaks down after being exposed to heat and sunlight, the tiny particles contaminate soil and water, eventually making into the food we eat.

Americans go through over 380 billion bags a year, and only an estimated 5.2% are actually 'recycled.'

The solution?

• Green: Don't just throw them away when you get home. Reuse the bags as a trash liner, littler box liner, etc.


• Greener: Take the bags back to your grocery store. Some stores like Whole Foods and Fry's give customers a nickle off for every bag they bring in to reuse.


• Greenest: Eliminate using plastic bags altogether and bring your own reusable cloth totes.

What about kitchen trash bags?
Manufacturers are making progress with biodegradable plastics that break down into water, carbon dioxide and biomass. However, there's a flaw. The 'new' biodegradable plastics are actually 'oxo-degradable,' meaning they only break down when exposed to air or light, not in an oxygen-deprived landfill.

• EarthSense Kitchen Trash Bags made with 70% recycled plastic, 10% post-consumer


• Seventh Generation Drawstring Tall Kitchen Bags made with 45% recycled plastic, 25% post-consumer
  

If you have a question about green living, please e-mail us and we'll include it in a future article.

What Every Cola Drinker Should Know

You've heard it all before - cola is bad for your health. Loaded with sugar, it affects your liver, blood pressure, teeth, etc.

So, what happens within the first hour of downing your favorite beverage?

• 10-Minutes: About 10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system, close to 100% of the recommended daily intake. This would normally cause a person to vomit, but phosphoric acid cuts the sweetness.


• 20-Minutes: You blood sugar skyrockets and your liver responds by turning the massive amount of sugar to fat.


• 40-Minutes: Your body absorbs the caffeine, your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises and your liver dumps more sugar into your bloodstream.


• 45-Minutes: Your body increases dopamine production which tricks you into feeling pleasure - a physically identical response to that of heroin.


• 60-Minutes: The sugar crash begins. As your blood sugar drops, you crave more.
  

Mmmm...yummy!

Source: Organic Consumers

Confused by Plastic? A common question answered

The not-so recent 'green' movement has produced some hard-hitting facts about many things, including the use of plastics. The plastic food container mystery has finally been solved!

Can I still use my plastic food containers?
Yes and no. I recently cleaned out my kitchen cabinets and ended up throwing many of my containers in the recycling bin.

• Look on the bottom of your containers. Each one has a triangular symbol with a number in it. Numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5 are safe plastics. Get rid of numbers 3, 6 and 7.


• Remove any containers from your cabinets that are cloudy or have scratches. Those are sure signs of deterioration and hidden bacteria.


• Make sure that if you use single-use containers, like butter tubs and yogurt cups, they are only used to store cold foods or for freezing. Do not store hot foods in these containers.


• Get rid of any plastic you've used in the microwave. Plastics that are mocrowaved transmit chemicals from the container to your food. Gross! Use glass or ceramic to microwave meals.
  

Stay tuned for next month's 'green' answer to "Are plastic bags biodegradable?"

If you have a question about green living, please e-mail us and we'll include it in a future post.

Who is The Back Rub Company??

The Back Rub Company is the nation's leading provider for On-Site Health & Wellness. Rejuvenate, relax and reenergize with our On-Site Corporate Chair Massage Services and Workplace Wellness Programs, Mobile Massage & Spa Services and our Massage & Wellness Clinics. Our services are provided in Metro Phoenix and Nationwide! Visit our website for more information.

We provide:

• On-Site Massage in the workplace; trade-shows events & health fairs; the comfort of your home!
• Corporate Wellness Programs including on-site chair massage; wellness & nutrition workshops; healthy cooking classes; fitness classes
• Mobile Massage & Spa services for girl's night parties; special occasions & holidays; reunions, birthdays & anniversaries
• Massage & Wellness Clinics in Central Phoenix, South Scottsdale and Mesa

Pomegranate Packs a Punch

I love Pinkberry! Unfortunately, there aren't any Pinkberry locations in AZ. But every time I visit my friend and fellow holistic healthcare provider, Jason, in Los Angeles, we make daily trips to the place. Just yesterday, Jason called to brag that they Pinkberry launched a new flavor: Pomegranate!

Although I won't be eating their pomegranate yogurt anytime soon, I can still enjoy the many benefits of the whole fruit. Pomegranates have been found to have antiviral and antibiotic effects. The fruit (and juice) can destroy cavities and help ease the effects of food poisoning instantly!

Although pomegranate season typically runs from October - January, you may still be able to find some of the fruit at your local Farmer's Market, grocery store or your neighbor's yard!

Healthy Nutrition Tips

OK, how are you doing with those New Year's Resolutions? We're almost positive that you had one on your list like, "Eat healthier" or "Lose weight," right? March is National Nutrition Month and it's the perfect time to revisit your goals, evaluate your current nutrition program and make some healthy changes to help you stay on track.

Here are six tips guaranteed to help you shed a few extra pounds and feel more energized:

1) Don't go anywhere without food!
Always carry a healthy snack like a handful of nuts or protein bar for that mid-day pick-me-up. It will get you through until your next meal and ensure that you don't reach for anything unhealthy.

2) EAT!
A common misconception is that skipping meals will help you drop unwanted pounds. This is entirely untrue. If you skip meals, your metabolism slows and your body goes into 'starvation mode,' holding on to whatever energy it can to sustain. Eat 4-6 small, healthy meals throughout the day and you'll burn calories more quickly and efficiently.

3) Skip the soda!
If you have a limit of 1,500 calories per day, make sure that 1,500 calories consists of food. Soda and coffee drinks rack up the calories (200+ in each drink). It's much better to eat your calories rather than drink them. If you can't skip your morning mocha, count it as one of your small meals.

4) Organic or no?
While it's always better to eat organic, it can really add up. Buying produce that's farmed locally is more important than buying organic in your local grocery store. Produce that's harvested closer to home retains more nutritional value than produce that has to be shipped across the country, or worse, overseas. Visit your local Farmer's Market to get the best produce (it's usually cheaper than the store!).

5) Cut back on processed foods!
Try to eat as fresh as possible. Add more lean meats, fresh fruits & veggies and whole grains to your diet. Avoid white sugar, white flour and boxed foods as much as possible. When grocery shopping, start by filling your cart up with items on the outside perimeter of the store first (produce, meat, dairy sections) and then go through the middle sections for healthy condiments, grains, etc.

6) Watch the sodium!
The natural foods section may lead you to belive that the items you'll find there are super healthy, but watch out! Those 'healthy' soups and frozen foods are oozing with sodium. Here's a guideline: don't eat over 300mg of sodium per small, healthy meal. Look for low-sodium condiments like salsa, to season food.

If you'd like additional health tips, please feel free to e-mail us and one of our nutrition experts will be happy to answer your questions.

National Nutrition Month is a great time to schedule an on-site Nutrition Lunch-and-Learn Workshop or Healthy Cooking Class. Contact us for details!

Upcoming Events and more reasons for Massage & Wellness!

Anytime is a good time to get a massage or participate in a health-related activity. Performance, whether at home or in the office, depends on your physical, mental and emotional abilities. When you take time to recharge your body, mind & spirit, everyone whose lives you touch is better for it.

March is National Nutrition Month - idea: schedule an on-site healthy cooking class!

April 22nd is Administrative Professional's Day - idea: give a chair massage at the office or a gift certificate for a relaxing table massage!

April is Physical Wellness Month - idea: offer an on-site fitness class to encourage physical fitness!

April is Stress Awareness Month - idea: schedule a guided meditation day to help employees de-stress and relax!

Cool Office Perks

Although companies are cutting costs, many still offer perks that are less-costly employee benefits. Fun and inexpensive office perks are a great way to increase employee morale and offset other benefit cuts due to the economy.

Here are some ideas:

Employee discount programs

Schedule flexibility

On-site child care

Time off for volunteer work

Gas cards

Relaxation rooms

On-site massages

On-site concierge

Your sweetheart will LOVE a massage this Valentine's Day!

Saturday Feb. 14th @ our Central Phoenix Clinic

Treat your loved one to a romantic massage on this special day. Your session includes a relaxing 60 or 90-minute massage*, a single long-stemmed rose and a box of chocolates.

*Couple's or private rooms available

Romantic additions:
Set the mood for romance...

Add a romantic blend of all-natural bath salt blends. Choose from Chocolate Dipped Almond, a seductive scent of warm almonds enveloped in rich dark chocolate; or Good Lovin', a romantic blend of floral rounded out with spice!

Float into relaxation...

Add a whimsical and romantic balloon bouquet. Get one Happy Valentine's Day balloon with red, pink and white accent balloons. Sure to make your sweetheart smile!

Limited sessions available at our Central Phoenix Clinic. Call to schedule your appointment soon! 480-330-2066

Gift Certificates Available!!

Can't make it on Valentine's Day? No worries, give the gift of massage to be used anytime. Gift certificates available for any of our three valley clinics: Central Phoenix, South Scottsdale, Mesa. Call for more information or visit our website.
Offer Expires: 2-14-09