The Spa on Green Street

Gone are the days when random letter and number combinations such as “h1n1″ and “MRSA” were meaningless. Now, with “super bugs” on the rise, we all have seen just how important it is to keep our immune systems functioning optimally. In talking with other moms of preschoolers, I have realized that this year seems to be the year our kids are having a harder time shaking the colds and flus and runny noses that used to be no problem. Many Americans now understand the benefits of probiotics to boost the immune system; by ingesting beneficial “friendly” bacteria strains which compete with and inhibit the growth of the pathogenic “bad” bacteria. Because 80% of the immune system is contained in the digestive tract, the use of probiotic supplements can provide a real boost for the immune system (not to mention the other beneficial effects such as better digestive health).

Those of us who take Flora Synergy as part of our daily regimine of nutritional supplements will be happy to note that the strength of the Flora Synergy has been increased – providing you with 50% more of the “good bacteria” Lactobacillus sporogenes per capsule!

In addition, Energetix has also formulated a new broad spectrum probiotic supplement, Flora 12+ which contains 12 beneficial bacteria strains, which is especially helpful for people who have recently taken antibiotics, have problems with yeast (candida), or a wide variety of other digestive conditions. It can be taken as a complement to Flora Synergy or alone. Restore your digestive flora balance and strengthen your immune system with new Flora 12+ which is available in capsule form (and is easily mixed in milk or juice and never noticed by little ones- I promise!)

In today’s world we find that there seems to be little time left in life to take care of our health and fitness needs. Everything around us is pre-packaged and marketed for the on the go, fast paced lifestyle. The evidence has revealed itself that this has become destructive and is deteriorating our health. We are and have been too busy to take care of ourselves. Do any of us stop to think how our society has found itself in such a devastating place, both financially and physically? I don’t believe it’s a consequence that our country’s financial breakdown and our physical breakdown relative to disease and obesity are working out in a congruent manner.

When did we lose control and why do we seem to wait until something tragic happens before we consider our finances or our health? These are good questions to ponder in order for each of us to find a new starting point on the road map back to health. How many of us take the time to invest in what is most important, our health?

With the current pressures of keeping up and making ends meet, we have lost sight of our most basic and primary needs: sleep, exercise and good nutrition. The stress to maintain lifestyles and to produce results in business led to what I call the “clock out syndrome”. When we get into overload we tend to “clock out” and go on auto pilot and subconscious habits begin to take over. We will spend money without concern and eat mindlessly. Both of these issues tend to be emotional stabilizers for many people who are “busy” or overwhelmed. Sometimes years go by until something occurs that jolts us back to reality, we suddenly look in the mirror and are shocked by the reflection or we get devastating news from a doctor about our health.

Now is the time to take back the control that has always been yours to have. Start making choices with conscious deliberation regarding your heath, fitness and financial worlds. Use your resources to invest in education, fitness and health management through a variety of modalities. Did you know that just 3 months with a personal trainer can add years to your life, reduce body fat and lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease? If you are given the right instruction, you gain the ability to take care of yourself on a regular basis, forever. Make the time for a professional massage once a month, it can lower cortisol levels and boost your immune system, taking away the stress of dealing with doctors and insurance companies. Why not take the time and the resources that you have and begin to invest in your health? Let’s stop the “Clock out syndrome” before it’s too late and we teach our children how to perpetuate this pattern. Let’s instead model for them what it looks like to make heath and fitness a priority in 2010. Please call us today to book an appointment or to discuss your health and fitness needs.

There are many ways to get your car or house smelling fresh and clean. Most people rely on artificial air fresheners to do so, without realizing the hidden toxins in them. The vast majority of air fresheners sold in grocery and convenient stores contain harmful chemicals, including phthalates, which have been linked to asthma, cancer, and migraines. Instead of exposing yourself and your family to toxic chemicals, try plug-in aromatherapy diffusers in your car and home to freshen the air and improve your mood by using pure essential oils on the diffuser pad. Car diffusers plug right into your power source and start diffusing right away. Here at The Spa On Green Street, we carry electric car and room diffusers, as well as a variety of pure essential oils and blends. Plug in and delight your senses!

What a nice time of the year. Children are facing a new beginning, a new grade, and sometimes even a new school.
Perhaps now is the time for  mothers to also think about new beginnings for themselves. It’s a great time to do  something to take care of the care taker, start with enjoying  a Beginner’s Yoga Class. This class is perfect for new students or those who need a few refresher classes.
Yoga helps you learn how to let go of tension in your body, mind and breath. It  also helps you  learn to enjoy the physical movements of your body and the quiet  that can sometimes come to the mind. There are many beautiful moments  that we often miss because we fail to slow down. These moments are just within your reach with some consistent Yoga practice.
The key words  here are ”slow down” and the point at which that can happen starts within ourselves. Slow down and learn how to relax, breathe and move your body. Enjoy seeing the world through the eyes of a child, with newness and joy. All of us should take the time to  see the colors of the sun as it begins to set, or the wind as it blows through the leaves of a tree. When was the last time you stopped to appreciate the world and it’s variety of colors or the beautiful blue of the sky? We can learn to focus the eyes on beauty, when we do so, our worlds become better places and we become happier inside. Yoga is a wonderful way to start these changes. Come on October 13th at 6:00 pm. and experience our Yoga Open House Event. We will offer a complimentary class with snacks,door prizes and valuable instruction! See you there!

There are so many things to look forward to with the coming of autumn: the changing colors of foliage, cool weather, and warm, comforting scents, to name a few. Filling your home or office with the soothing scents of autumn is a simple way to provide great physical and emotional benefits. Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years to promote good health and emotional well-being. Some essential oils that are perfect for this season are:

 Cinnamon: this festive oil relaxes a tired mind, boosts brain activity, and lessens exhaustion, stress and anxiety.
 Cardamom: helps clear the conscious mind and reduce nervousness and mental fatigue.
 Sweet Orange: stimulating and energizing; Treats nervous anxiety, promotes happiness, helps relieve lethargy and tiredness, refreshes the mind.
 Frankincense: Reduces anxiety and nervous tension. It is elevating, warming, and soothing on the mind and emotions.

When using Aromatherapy in your home, be sure to take the following precautions:

 Use pure essential oils, not synthetic. Synthetic oils are made from petrochemicals and emit harmful toxins, including volatile organic compounds (voc’s)
 Avoid scented candles, which release pollutants such as acetone, benzene, lead, and soot into the air.
 Use candles made of soy or beeswax. Other candles are made from paraffin, an unhealthy petroleum by-product, that release toxins including carcinogens
 Use candles and tea lights with cotton wicks. Metal-wicked candles release lead into the air

The best way to take advantage of the benefits of Aromatherapy in your home is by use of a diffuser or burner and pure essential oils. The warming scents will fill your home and relax your mind in a pure, natural, and safe way.