A Spa Vacation

School is back in session. Family life is ramping up. We find ourselves in run mode trying to accommodate all of the demands on our time. We long to get away. Many things can get in the way of the desire to escape. Sitters for the kids, someone to walk the dog and finances are all hurdles to an imagined oasis. The effort to plan a getaway can be enough to discourage the steps necessary to put together an itinerary.

It doesn't have to be that complicated. You can give yourself a break and book a treat right in your own backyard. We are blessed to live in a community rich in resources that can take you out of the day-to-day rat race that is “normal” to a resort of your own making.

You may not be able to get away for a few weeks, but if you are lucky enough to have trusted family members or friends to care for children and pets, book a night at a local inn, have a lovely dinner and spend the next day at the spa to create your own appointment plan with your spa professional. If an overnight is out of the question treat yourself to a day at the spa, on your own or with your partner. Book a day of appointments; enjoy a massage, a facial and a manicure/pedicure and go home refreshed.

When you take care of yourself you are better able to care for others. A day of self pampering can fuel you to get back to “normal” with renewed energy and calm. Remember it doesn't have to be complex you can stay in your own backyard and still get refreshed.

Pedicures are more than relaxing…

Summer is winding down. Our thoughts are turning to fall, sweaters, and close toed shoes. Some of you may have booked what you think of as your last pedicure for the summer. But do not put pedicures on the shelf with your sandals. We abuse our feet daily; men take 7192 steps and women take 5210 step per day.

An average person, with an average stride who lives to the age of 80 will walk about 108,000 miles. Often we wear shoes that are uncomfortable or wrong for the job at hand. Calluses build on our feet that can cause imbalances and negative impact on our posture. When you have calluses on your feet they cause uneven pressure when you walk or stand for extended periods of time and this leads to foot pain. Over long nails can become ingrown and heels can become cracked and dry.

A professional pedicure includes exfoliation to removal dead skin and smooth calluses, and massage to stimulate blood flow and increase your relaxation response. A pedicure also includes trimming the nails and grooming the cuticles. Nail color (polish) is a secondary benefit and may be skipped. Women often forgo polish in the winter months to give their nails time to breath and so that they will better accept needed moisture in the dry weather. But in warm weather pretty toe color is icing on the cake!

The health benefits of pedicures are not imagined. Once foot care was viewed as a luxury for women; however the health benefits are not gender specific. Everyone deserves an hour to relax, be pampered and to take good care of their feet.