Health
Fight the Winter Blahs with Friends and Massages!
This month at Saltwater Massage Studio, our February Special is one built for two – sweethearts and lonely hearts and everything in between… 90 Minute Massage For Two! (45 min each)
This is our twist on a “couples massage” — TWO 45 Minute Massages Sessions booked back-to-back. The truth is, we think the whole side-by-side thing is a little goofy and we want to give you our full attention so you get the full therapeutic benefit of a great massage. So grab a buddy, book it together, and enjoy a nice cup of tea while you wait for your turn for bliss… ($55/person)
** To book online, schedule a regular 90 min session and note both names on the appointment. Or just call us at 978-390-7600 or email info@saltwatermassage.com to set it up!
p.s. We expect Valentine’s Day weekend and the week of 2/15 – 2/20 to be especially busy, so we recommend planning ahead
p.p.s. Community Night is next Monday, February 7th from 4 – 7. $10 mini massages! Last month was a hit, and we hope you can join us!
Got Soup?
Hearty Soup
Got Soup? Today temperature’s are climbing back into the twenties! Practically a heat wave! With bone-chilling winter temperatures in New England, nothing says ‘comfort and warmth’ as much as a steaming bowl of soup. Soups are inexpensive, easy to make, delicious and nutritious. Explore recipes or get creative and make your own. One of my favorite winter standbys is my ‘chock-o-block’ vegetable soup, made with 10 different vegetables, potatoes, and a variety of beans. You can mix and match vegetables and spices in soup to your liking.
Serve soup steaming hot. Mix in some fresh greens at the last-minute for added nutrition. Add a hunk of warm bread on the side for added comfort. Enjoy!
Nutritional Value of Soup. Soups are often full of a variety of nutrient-dense vegetables, legumes, other fiber-filled ingredients, and spices offering great flavors, aromas and health-promoting nutrients in one bowl. *Avoid high salt intake. *If your doctor has advised a sodium restricted (low sodium) diet, avoid processed and canned soups that are often high in sodium. When eating out, ask about the salt content before ordering. Fresh is Best. Ask your local restaurant or deli to add low-salt soups to their menus. Home-made soup allows you full control over the amount of sodium. You can substitute salt with herbs and spices for great flavor!
Soup Recipes. Shop at one of Cape Ann’s bookstores or stop by the library for cookbooks with soup recipes. For a fun event, join the Manchester Public Library for the next Seasonal Cookbook Throwdown on Soups and Stews. Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. The Library has copies of two different soup cookbooks, “Soup Night” and “Soup Club,” available at the front desk. You can check one out, try a recipe, then come back and sign up to make that recipe for the throwdown. The library provides, cups, napkins and spoons for the event. Healthy soup recipes can also be found in magazines such as Cooking Light, Healthy Cooking, Vegetarian Times and the cookbook In Cod We Trust by Rockport’s Heather Atwood, and many more. Check out the redfish soup in the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Cookbook: Stories and Recipes and GMG’s own Sista Felicia’s Sicilian Cookbook for her recipe for minestrone soup.
Butternut Squash Soup. On a recent trip to Africa, we learned that ‘butternut squash soup’ is the unofficial national soup of South Africa. This recipe has healthy butternut squash, apples, onions, curry and nutmeg.
Eat Local. If you don’t have time to make your own soup, stop by one of these great restaurants on Cape Ann and purchase an inexpensive, nutritious meal for lunch or dinner. Soups at these restaurants are homemade and change daily, offering a wonderful variety of flavors and nutrients. Today (January 21st) the Willow Rest in Riverdale Gloucester is serving a Mushroom soup and a Tomato Curry Soup. Along with meat-based soups, the Common Crow offers organic, gluten-free and vegan choices. On the menu today is an Italian wedding soup with meatballs, which they say “sells out quickly!” They also have a veggie, miso noodle soup, a sweet potato, corn, kale soup, and a white bean veggie chili. Today at the Essen in Manchester-by-the-Sea they have a beef chili, a tomato basil soup, and a white bean soup. Though not on today’s menu, the Essen often serves a carrot-ginger soup that is ‘to die for.’
For a richer meal, you might try a New England seafood or clam chowder at one of Cape Ann’s many local seafood restaurants – Halibut Point, Seaport Grille, Latitude 43, or the Causeway in Gloucester and Periwinkle’s or CK Pearl in Essex. Or try the seafood stew made with a tomato saffron broth, mussels, haddock, shrimp and scallops at the Blue Lobster Grill in Rockport. And for the ultimate ‘comfort food,’ Hula Moon serves a grilled cheese sandwich to go with your chili, soup or chowder.
Nutritious and Delicious. Add a side salad to your soup or chowder to round out your nutritious meal. Bon appetite!
Do you have a favorite soup recipe or go-to restaurant for soup and chowder on Cape Ann? Share your favorites with GMG. ~ Karen
Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit. A Registered Nurse for more than 30 years, I love learning about and sharing health information with family, friends, clients and my community. www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated.
Community Night! $10 massages at Saltwater Massage Studio
This winter, we’re trying something new and debuting our “Community Night” on Monday, January 11 from 4pm – 7pm. Drop in for $10 mini massages* focusing on either neck/shoulders or calves/feet.
It’s a great way to get a little “spot treatment” or sample our services. Come see what we’re all about!
And don’t forget about our January Special: $65 60 minute on Mondays.
Call to reserve your spot! (978)390-7600
65 Pleasant Street. Gloucester, MA
info@saltwatermassage.com
*Massages will last for approx. 10 minutes and will be done clothed while lying on a massage table. Wear a t-shirt/tank and either loose fitting or yoga pants for leg/foot focus.
Teach your body to feel better.
Resolve to Achieve Your Healthy Goals for 2016!
Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit
New Year’s Resolutions – The tradition of New Year’s resolutions can include the promise of self-improvement or doing more to help others.
According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, listed among the top 10 Resolutions in 2015 were –
#1 – Lose Weight. #5 – Stay Fit and Healthy. #7 – Stop Smoking
All 3 Can be Helped Through Reiki, Meditation and Hypnosis! The 2015 Holiday Season has come to a close and now it’s time to get back on track with healthy eating, exercise, and other positive, healthy goals.For the full list of ‘Top 10 Resolutions in 2015’ – Statistic Brain Research Institute
A Google Consumer Survey found the top 2 Resolutions for 2016 were –
#1 – Enjoy Life to the Fullest #2 – Enjoy a Healthier Lifestyle.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said – “The 1st Wealth is Health.” Enjoying greater levels of health and well-being allows you to more easily Enjoy Life to the Fullest. And, resolving to make positive changes towards a healthier lifestyle allows you to be Healthier and Enjoy Life to the Fullest for a Lifetime!
If YOU Want to Make Positive, Healthy Changes in 2016, Consider Reiki, Meditation and Hypnosis to Help You Successfully Achieve This Year’s ‘New Year’s Resolutions.’ Reiki, Meditation and Hypnosis are natural ways to reduce stress, relax the mind and body, and improve focus. These techniques added to other comprehensive, evidence-based programs for healthy eating, weight reduction, exercise, and strength training provide a more collaborative approach to improving your success rate.
Gift Certificate Sale at Saltwater Massage Studio
This Thursday night 12/17, Saltwater Massage Studio will be having our final gift certificate sale of the Holiday season. Stop by our Open House during Men’s Night from 6 – 9pm. We will be offering:
- 10% off all Gift Certificates
- $10 mini massages by Heather (free with a gift certificate purchase!)
- Yummy appetizers by Sheila Jarnes, personal chef
We also have a brand new collection of gifts in our boutique to make you happier, healthier and more at ease! Come say hello – all are welcome.
Can’t make it on Thursday but need a gift? We’ll be open for gifts daily the week of Christmas:
Sunday 12/20 12pm – 3pm
Monday 12/21 – Wednesday 12/23 4pm – 7pm
Christmas Eve: 10am – 2pm
Gift Certificates can also be purchased online or just call us at (978)390-7600 and we’ll help you out! For more info: saltwatermassage.com
De-Stress During the Holiday Season … and Beyond
Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit
Got Stress??
You are not alone. And the Holiday Season can be an especially stressful time for many with added financial strain, grief and sadness over those we have loved and lost, and overwhelming, over-commitments.
According to the 2014 annual Stress in America™ survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) the Top 4 sources of stress are –
Money, Work, Family Responsibilities, and Health Concerns.
The APA study also found –
- 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at least some of the time during the past month.
- 22% said that they experienced extreme stress about money during the past month
- Parents, younger generations and lower-income households (less than $50,000.00 annual income) have higher stress than others overall
- Some people are putting their health care needs on hold because of financial concerns.
- Stress about money impacts relationships
- 22% say they are not doing enough to manage their stress.
- American stress levels have been trending down since the annual survey first began in 2007, but still “higher than healthy levels.”
Here’s Some Good News –
- Americans who have some emotional support report lower stress levels
- Help is Available!
If you are experiencing negative stress in your life, or feel overwhelmed by stress seek help! Talk to your doctor. Ask about professional counseling. Look into resources in the community. Talk to family and friends for emotional support.
Remember – You are not alone! Stress is a normal and unavoidable part of life. Some stress is even considered positive, such as the stress that motivates us to accomplish a task. But too much negative stress can negatively affect your emotional and physical health and wellbeing. Especially when it occurs on a daily basis.
Stress Response – The response to stress can be physical and emotional tension, pain, lowered immune response, and inflammation. Chronic stress can lead to chronic disease including high blood pressure, endocrine, metabolic, autoimmune, and mental health disorders.
RELAX and DE-STRESS – The opposite of the stress response is the relaxation response. Methods to relax and de-stress include: acupuncture, art therapy, deep breathing, exercise, hypnosis, laughter/humor, massage, mindfulness, meditation, music and dance, reading, reiki, tai chi, and yoga. Consider incorporating complementary and integrative therapies into your ‘wellness care plan.’ Learn techniques that you can incorporate daily for ‘best results.’
REMEMBER to BREATHE. When stressed, people often breathe more shallow or even hold their breath. Breathing relaxation techniques are simple to learn, fast and effective to use, and available 24/7.
WALK or DRIVE by the OCEAN. Views of the water can change your psychology and physiology. Just ask Joey who is lucky to enjoy the View from the Dock every day! Take a drive along BackShore Gloucester or walk Good Harbor or Singing Beach and you will a relief of tension and experience your blood pressure lowering.
Lucky to Live on Cape Ann!
December 1st Community Reiki Share
Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit
Monthly Community Reiki Share – Tuesday. December 1st. 5:15 – 8:15 P.M. $20.00 Suggested Donation. Portion of the proceeds go to charity.
Join us for some relaxation for this holiday season. The holidays can be joyful, but can also create additional stress for many. A session of Reiki can help relieve stress and promotes a greater sense of well being.
Come for the whole evening to enjoy the beginning meditation and Japanese reiki practices of a mawashi (circle) and open reiju (attunement.) Or pre-register for a scheduled session of Reiki.
You can come for some or all of the evening and enjoy the sense of peace and calm, and healthy snacks and tea. You don’t have to be a Reiki practitioner to join in. Those attending often comment on “how welcomed” and “relaxed” they feel and “how peaceful” the evening is.
Where – Manchester Community Center. 40 Beach St. (Harbor Place) in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Every 1st Tuesday of the Month.
This month we are hoping to help increase awareness of Lung Cancer, which is the #1 cause of cancer deaths in men and women in the U.S., more than breast, colorectal and prostate cancer combined. Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment SAVES LIVES!
This month the charity we are teaming up with is www.LungForce.org and for those effected by Lung Cancer. Cheryl, a 34-year-old woman was diagnosed with lung cancer in October. A wife and mother of an 8 month old, Cheryl never smoked and lived a healthy lifestyle. She is currently in treatment and we wish her well.
You do not have to smoke to get lung cancer – exposure to radon gas and other chemicals and toxins in the environment are linked to lung cancer. Essex County and Cape Ann have a higher radon level than average, due to the large concentration of granite. Test Your Home or Place of Business – order a radon test kit! I got mine from the American Lung Association. You can also order them through the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency.)
If you currently smoke, STOP! As a registered nurse in critical care and cardiac rehabilitation, a former smoker, certified hypnotherapist and tobacco treatment specialist, a large part of my work has been helping people stop smoking and live healthier lives. Contact me for help to stop smoking or http://makesmokinghistory.org/1-800-quitnow.html. Take Back Your Health and Your Life! You’ll be glad you did.
Practice Gratitude – It’s Good for Your Health
Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit
grat·i·tude ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/
noun
-
the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.“she expressed her gratitude to the committee for their support”Synonyms: gratefulness, thankfulness, thanks, appreciation, recognition, appreciation
A Sense of Gratitude Improves Your Health
Studies on gratitude support an association between gratitude and a sense of well being. One study by Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami, leaders in the field of research on gratitude showed that after keeping a ‘gratitude journal for 10 weeks, people were
- more optimistic
- felt better about their lives
- began to exercise more
- went to the doctor less often.
Practicing Gratitude Enhances Relationships
In one study, individuals who took time to express gratitude for their partner felt more positive toward the other person and felt more comfortable expressing concerns about their relationship.
Expressing Gratitude to Employees Motivates Them
People want to feel that they are doing a good job and are members of a team. The best way to promote teamwork and motivate employees is to treat staff as valued members of the team.
10 Ways to Practice Gratitude:
- Count Your Blessings
- Keep a Gratitude Journal
- Thank Someone (Mentally or Out loud)
- Write a Thank-You Note Once a Week
- Practice Optimism
- Daily Prayer
- Daily Mindful Meditation
- Promote Teamwork (at Home and Work)
- Celebrate Successes
- Perform Acts of Kindness
Sources and More Information –
Digdon, N and Koble, A. Effects of Constructive Worry, Imagery Distraction, and Gratitude Interventions on Sleep Quality: A Pilot Trial. July 2011. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Vol 3. No 2. pages 193–206
Emmons RA, et al. “Counting Blessings Versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being in Daily Life,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology(Feb. 2003): Vol. 84, No. 2, pp. 377–89.
Grant AM, et al. “A Little Thanks Goes a Long Way: Explaining Why Gratitude Expressions Motivate Prosocial Behavior,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (June 2010): Vol. 98, No. 6, pp. 946–55.
Lambert NM, et al. “Expressing Gratitude to a Partner Leads to More Relationship Maintenance Behavior,” Emotion (Feb. 2011): Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 52–60.
Layous, K, et al. Delivering Happiness: Translating Positive Psychology Intervention Research for Treating Major and Minor Depressive Disorders. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2011; 17 (8): 675
Roberts, H. (2005). Creating motivation, identifying incentives and enablers, and encouraging staff development. Community Eye Health, 18(56), 122–124
Sansone RA, et al. “Gratitude and Well Being: The Benefits of Appreciation,” Psychiatry (Nov. 2010): Vol. 7, No. 11, pp. 18–22.
Seligman MEP, et al. “Empirical Validation of Interventions,” American Psychologist (July–Aug. 2005): Vol. 60, No. 1, pp. 410–21.
How to Keep a Daily Gratitude Journal– Write ‘3 things to be Grateful for’ Daily. Do this for 21 days and it becomes a habit.
Here are my ‘3 things to be grateful for today,’ –
1) I am Grateful for the Beauty of Last Night’s Full Moonrise Over the Ocean. (2) I am Grateful for Today’s Sunshine. (3) I am Grateful to Have Work That Brings Me Joy.
Easier to Feel Grateful When Living on Cape Ann. ~ Happy Thanksgiving. Karen
Cape Ann Wellness 