Regarding that Superbowl Ad.
February 9th, 2010
I didn’t see GoDaddy’s ad during the Superbowl, but heard the fallout from it afterwards. This article captures my feelings about it very well.
However, massage therapists have been made fun of for a long time and mis-represented wrongfully for many years. We have worked hard and diligently to gain respect as health care professionals.
Do you see ads with a physical therapist seductively dancing around their client?
Ever see a commercial with a surgeon flinging off their clothes?
My point is that while it may be cute to some, perhaps, it is not suitable for the industry to be represented by any company or TV show in such an unprofessional manner.
via Careers in Massage: Representing the Massage Industry.
I would only add that by perpetuating an unprofessional stereotype, ads like this put me and my colleagues at risk for assault from clients who wrongfully believe that we offer “extra” services.
Feeling fat may be worse for you than being fat | Reuters
December 28th, 2009
“The obesity ‘epidemic’ might have a lot more to do with our collective preoccupation with obesity than obesity itself,” the study’s lead author, Dr. Peter Muennig of Columbia University in New York City, told Reuters Health. “We still need to focus on healthy diet and exercise as public health officials, but we need to take fatness out of the equation. Were we to stop looking at body fat as a problem, the problem may well disappear.”
via Feeling fat may be worse for you than being fat | Reuters.
Your Source for Sombra
December 22nd, 2009
I now have Sombra Warm Therapy available for sale, $8 for a 4 oz jar – enough to last you a good long time. I also have sample packets available, if you’d like to take some home to try.
Sombra is that “icy-hot” stuff I often use on aches and pains during a massage session. It comes in two varieties, cold and warm. I’ve found that the cold is good to use on tendon pain, such as sprains and tendonitis, while the warm is excellent on muscle pain.
Here’s why I dig this product: Sombra is not made with any animal or petroleum products. It doesn’t smell as medicinal as the stuff you can buy in the drugstore, and the camphor scent dissipates quickly. And unlike Biofreeze and other products, it’s gentle and doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky. Take some home today and use it to extend the benefit of your massage session.
Fixing Heel Pain
December 22nd, 2009
Many of us know this story too well: Each morning, those first few steps out of bed produce intense, sharp pain in your heels. As the day progresses, your heel pain subsides to a dull ache, but prolonged walking brings it back again, and the next morning those sharp pains have returned.
If this sounds familiar, the odds are good you have a condition called plantar fasciitis. It affects some ridiculously huge percentage of the population in this country, and seems to especially target women in their thirties and older. (Men get it too, of course.)
The plantar fascia is connective tissue that wraps the bottom of your foot, like a piece of thick plastic wrap. Muscles in your calf (gastrocnemius, soleus, and others) extend around the bottom of the heel — think Achilles tendon — connecting to this “plastic wrap” on the bottom of your foot. When your calf muscles are tight, they can cause strain on the plantar fascia.
When this strain is prolonged, irritation and inflammation can occur. If the problem isn’t addressed, your body can lay down new bony tissue, creating heel spurs (ouch).
So, how do we treat plantar fasciitis? If you see a physical therapist or doctor, they might recommend a night brace for your ankle, or they might recommend icing. Those are great to help you manage the pain and prevent it from recurring.
When you come see me, I will work on your feet, but I’ll also address your tight, overworked calf muscles. I might also spend some time stretching your hip flexors, since tight hip flexors can lead to overworked calf muscles. These efforts will reduce pressure on the plantar fascia, allowing the irritation and inflammation to calm down.
In between your appointments, ice your feet, wear a brace at night, and stretch those calf muscles with a stretch rope or towel! Try an “active assisted” stretch – ask me for a demo when you come in for your next appointment.
Antibacterial products can be harmful to health
November 25th, 2009
It’s always been my understanding that using too much antibacterial soap and wipes can cause children to develop overactive immune systems. And now, new research shows that bacteria on the skin actually play a useful role in keeping down inflammation. Check it out.
Children should be allowed to play in the dirt, new research suggests – Telegraph.
My Favorite Vegetable Recipe: Brussels Sprouts!
November 23rd, 2009
Most of us hated Brussels sprouts as a kid. And I still find them mushy and bitter whenever they’re cooked in any wet method. Dry-roasting, however, brings out their sweetness and gives them a crunchy texture.
And speaking of cold and flu season, Brussels sprouts are great immune-boosting food. They contain many disease-fighting phytochemicals, and are an excellent source of vitamin C. And they’re pretty! Here’s a shot from a recent harvest on the farm where I worked this summer.
This is more of a method than a specific recipe. Feel free to add fresh herbs, nuts, or whatever tasty additions you’d like. I also like this method for most fall and winter vegetables.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Rinse sprouts, and slice in half from end to end, through the stem, removing any dead or tough outer leaves. Add sprouts to a large bowl.
Drizzle a small amount of regular olive oil over sprouts, tossing and stirring to coat. You could add fresh herbs at this point if you’d like.
Distribute sprouts on a baking sheet, cut side up. Sprinkle coarse salt over sprouts.
Roast for 30-45 minutes, removing when sprouts are browned and crispy. Serve hot! Just like veggie popcorn.
New Gift Certificate Options Available
November 19th, 2009
I took advantage of the recent rainy weather to create some beautiful paper gift certificates. Your spouse, significant other, or friend will love such a thoughtful gift. Paper gift certificates are available in my office at the time of your appointment, or I can send one to you or anyone you choose via postal mail.
And if you’re looking for a last-minute thank-you or birthday gift, an instant gift certificate might be the perfect thing. These are available online, and arrive via email. You can opt to print these out yourself, or send the email directly to the lucky recipient.
Try it out by clicking below.
