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Speak Up: Spas - The Healthy Choice!

Dear Editor, We find ourselves booking vacations a year in advance and looking forward to them with anticipation. We count down the months, weeks, and fi nally, the days. We anticipate the upcoming time that we will get to relax.

Why do we do this to ourselves? Our lives are busier than ever. Too often we hear, “I’m too stressed to relax,” or, “I’m too busy to take some kind of action.” This is crazy! As a people, we are so conditioned to be “on the go” that we do not stop and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Whether we’re looking forward to the weekend, or working toward the end of a workday, it is time to enjoy the moment! It’s time to enjoy the path. According to Stress Directions Inc, (a company specializing in stress knowledge, www.stressdirections.com), some $300 billion or $7500 per employee, is spent annually in the U.S. on stress related compensation claims, reduced productivity, absenteeism, direct medical expenses, and employee turnover.

Stress is linked to physical and mental health. Experts say the leading six causes of death in the U.S. are directly linked to stress.

A weakened immune response, memory loss, and obesity are also attributable to stress. Another side effect of stress may be a decreased will to take on new and creative endeavors. In fact, depression, forms only one type of stress reaction, and is predicted to be the leading disease of the 21st century. Depression is responsible for more days lost than any other single factor.

Dr. Barry Vesciglio, staff psychologist at the Counseling Center at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and co-founder of the Egyptian Revival Day Spa and Wellness Center in Carterville, has seen fi rst hand the effects of stress on patients. According to him, over 40 percent of adults experience negative health concerns as a result of stress and about 80 percent of all doctor visits are stress-related ailments and complaints.

Data collected at SIUC’s Counseling Center, shows that one out of every ten students sought counseling services last year. The top rated concerns reported by these college students included stress, depression, anxiety, self esteem issues, and sleep problems.

Vesciglio says that our bodies are designed to experience stress and react to it. However, when stress in our lives continues without relief, it can result in negative consequences.

One way to manage stress more effectively is to take advantage of certain spa services designed to help you relax and take better care of your body. These services might include a relaxation or deep tissue massage, a detoxifying body wrap, or a deep cleansing facial.

The soothing music and aromatherapy present throughout the spa helps soothe away layers of stress the moment one walks in the door. Personally, I can’t think of a better reason to go to the spa than to alleviate some of our stress. With all the pressures and expectations we encounter in our day-to-day lives, some of us simply cannot afford not to.

A 2006 article by the Mayo Clinic staff validates the importance of a massage.

“Massage can relieve tension in your muscles, and provide relaxation, relief of stress and anxiety, and reduce muscle soreness,” the article states. “Massage can also cause your body to release natural painkillers and boost your immune system. While more research is needed to confi rm the benefits of massage, some studies have found it helpful for anxiety, pain, immune system support, and self esteem.”

In interviews, I am frequently questioned about the affordability of spa services. Spa services are surprisingly affordable, particularly in comparison with other recreational expenses. I have been able to demonstrate that
even students on restricted budgets are able to afford an upscale spa experience on a regular basis.

Maybe the New Year should be the time to evaluate your stress levels and take a spa tour to see the options available to you. I think that you will fi nd spas to be the healthy choice!

Debbie Reiman
General Manager Egyptian Revival Day Spa and Wellness Center, Carterville.
618-985-8995 / www.egyptianrevivaldayspa.com

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