Volume 2 Issue 2 - Spring/Summer 2008

From the Editor

Summer is upon us, yet in some parts of the country spring never really happened! What a wacky year it has been, weather-wise, making one wonder whether the dips in the economy aren’t a direct reflection of the storms and wildly fluctuating temperatures we’ve been experiencing?

Ah well, as I was packing away my woolens and bringing out my summer clothes, it occurred to me that it’s high time to get this body ready for a bathing suit! How about you? Even if you’re svelte and in the pink of health, do me a favour and take a good look at those toes at the end of your feet. OK – now go ahead and book a pedicure at your favorite spa tout de suite!

For Leading Spas of Canada, this spring was incredibly busy. The Standards and Practices Committee has been hard at work assembling all the pieces for our Quality Assurance Program scheduled to debut in 2009. Both public and industry response has been overwhelmingly positive. Thanks to savvy spa-goers such as you, Leading Spas of Canada will be the first national spa association to implement such a program. This is not to say that our members don’t already comply with our Standards and Practices; on a voluntary basis - they do. The purpose of the QA program – “ensuring that all member spas deliver a superior spa experience to each of its guests” - is aimed at helping each and every spa become even better through workshops and coaching on everything from customer service to latest best practices in sanitation and safety. It’s a big undertaking, but one all of us at Leading Spas of Canada are excited about.

In this issue, you’ll also find information on what to look for at spas offering BOTOX®, how flip-flops can add up to serious problems and a bunch of good reasons to shun the sun. Sounds a little preachy, I know, but just as important in the long run as focusing on all the “sexy” aspects of spa like exotic treatments and gorgeous spa destinations!

Have a fantastic summer. . . .

BAREFOOT AND SHAMEFUL
THE EFFECTS OF LIFESTYLE ON OUR FEET

Flip-flop sandals have become the most popular footwear for summer months. Once upon a time, flip-flops were cheap, rubber thongs that mainly women wore to the beach. Today they come in many different styles and colors and have become just as popular for men, as well. Flip-flops give some basic protection to the bottom of your foot which is much better than walking barefoot around the pool or on a beach, but these shoes give no support whatsoever to the arch of the foot, nor do they provide heel cushioning, nor shock absorption. Read more

More importantly, the constant foot-slapping of the sandal against the heel, causes the skin to become traumatized which often leads to calluses and dry, rough skin especially on the lateral side. Flip-flops were never meant to be everyday shoes, but again, lifestyles today have allowed them to unfortunately become the shoe of choice for many.

Of course, flip-flops aren't the only popular shoes that can hurt your feet. With shoes achieving iconic status, women are squeezing into the latest pointy-toed,
towering stilettos. It is the individual’s choice to favor fashion over function; however as one ages, the ill-fitting shoe can result in debilitating consequences in later years.

In recent years a new, controversial trend of cosmetic surgery for feet has begun in order to either fit into those towering stilettos or to correct problems resulting from incorrect foot wear. It is sometimes referred to as a facelift for the foot and is getting mixed reactions from both the medical profession as well as from patients who have received these procedures. As every square inch of our bodies comes under increasing scrutiny, the appeal of beautiful feet may prove to be enough of a motivation for many individuals, especially those who have successfully undergone other cosmetic procedures such as facelifts, nose jobs (rhinoplasty) or breast augmentation, in hopes of getting the perfect Cinderella feet. Unfortunately, silicone implants or adding fillers to the ball of the foot is vastly different from the same procedure on other parts of the body. The most common procedures offered today are bunion removals, shortening of toes, most often the second toe, narrowing of the foot, Botox to eliminate excessive sweating and collagen injections or silicone implants for cushioning.

Conclusion
Over the course of a given day, the average person will place hundreds of tons of force on each foot and it needs to be stressed that with most foot surgeries, we might be affecting or possibly altering our mechanical foundation. For those individuals contemplating foot surgery, it is important to choose the proper procedure as well as the right surgeon and doing the homework as to the potential risks and complications. It is still generally advised that foot surgery should be performed to provide pain relief or to improve function rather than for cosmetic reasons alone.

Changing the shoe to fit the foot is usually better than changing the foot to fit the shoe!

Katharin von Gavel, author of this article, is a featured platform speaker and recognized educator in foot care, with degrees in Podology, Chiropody and Pedorthics, and is a Certified Master Pedicurist. She is also the owner/founder of Footlogix Pediceuticals – the next generation in skin care
for the feet.

NEW - Early Summer Savings Spa Package
from $299 per person, per night, when you book a two night stay
from $349 per person when you book a one night stay

Each night includes a one night's standard accommodation in a spa cottage; breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner; your choice of one wellness class; $100 worth of spa services; and complete use of the facilities.

Terms and conditions: You must book prior to July 15, 2008 in order to take advantage of the Early Summer Savings Spa Package for the month of August 2008. Valid Sunday-Thursday only from August 5, 2008 - August 28, 2008. Rates are based on double occupancy and cannot be combined with any other promotion or special offer. Subject to availability.

LEADING SPAS OF CANADA ROLLS OUT QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM

Spas continue to increase in numbers across Canada, popping up in cities and towns in every province and territory, as consumers respond to the message that looking and feeling good is not only OK, but an important part of a healthy lifestyle. And many of these spas are becoming increasingly specialized:
men-only spas, bathing spas, hammams, medical spas and a variety of other spas that respond to consumer demand across the board, regardless of gender or pocketbook, for different kinds of experiences.

As the spa-going consumer has evolved and matured, so have the spas of Leading Spas of Canada. The industry is at a turning point, as the need for a credible process that can give increasingly savvy spa consumers the assurance and comfort that spas provide quality spa experiences has become increasingly apparent.
Read more

President, Donna Holtom, says “ This is a defining moment in time. Leading Spas of Canada came into existence in recognition of the need for an organization that could provide a growing industry the tools they need to help grow and improve their businesses, and give consumers the assurance that they could expect and receive quality spa experiences at its member spas. We have the opportunity to further address the professionalism of the industry at a national level and the moment is now.”

Leading Spas of Canada is the only national spa organization with members from all regions of Canada and spa industry sectors. In articulating its vision, the association’s Board of Directors decided from the outset that “setting mandatory member guidelines for education, standards and practices” ranked first in order of importance (a process that is annually reviewed and updated).

Consequently, one of the first initiatives undertaken by the association after its incorporation in 1998 was to develop a set of Standards and Practices that would clearly set out standards and norms for its members in order to ensure their reliability, professionalism and credibility in the eyes of the consumer and amongst their peers. The Standards and Practices cover six primary areas: legal compliance, ethical practice, hygiene and safety, operation and function, education and training and customer service. Compliance is mandatory and until now has been verified by the spa member in writing upon joining the Association. The time has come to provide a mechanism for member spas to demonstrate that they, in fact, really do measure up and are the true leaders of this exciting industry.

LSC previewed its Quality Assurance Program at its 9th Annual Conference and Expo in Vancouver, B.C. in April. The QA program will be administered entirely under the aegis of Leading Spas of Canada and has identified Canada Select, a national accommodations rating program, as the entity most appropriate to perform LSC audits because of its reputation for reliability, impartiality and professionalism. Once the auditing body has been confirmed, Leading Spas will work together with it to perfect the entire process in order to assist member spas in improving their organizations and insuring they provide the highest standards of service excellence.

Trained advisors will perform audits of LSC members every two years, by appointment with each individual spa. Upon successful completion of the audit, the spa will receive a Leading Spas of Canada Seal of Approval; if there are any areas needing improvement, the spa will receive a conditional seal of approval with three months in which to rectify those areas. The actual program will commence in 2009 with 30 member spas representing each province across Canada participating on a voluntary basis. During 2009, the process will be further refined and then rolled out to the entire Leading Spas of Canada membership in 2010.

The Quality Assurance Program is aimed at providing spas a consistent, credible and reliable program that can be administered professionally and equitably from coast to coast. The consumer will have the confidence and comfort that a spa displaying the Leading Spas of Canada Seal of Approval can deliver a superior spa experience whether in New Brunswick or British Columbia. Most importantly, member spas will be able to proudly demonstrate that they stand head and shoulders above the competition.

It’s a win-win situation overall and will strengthen the Canadian Spa Industry and ensure its continued and sustainable growth far into the future.

AMERISPA INTRODUCES NEW TREATMENTS AND SKIN-CARE LINE: "VINTAGE ICE CIDER ELIXIR"

Made with pure Quebec Ice Vinegar and 100% Canadian products, these new avant-garde treatments and skin care-line are available exclusively in all of our eight reputable and highly renowned Amerispa locations in the Province of Quebec: The Fairmont Tremblant (Mont-Tremblant), The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu (La Malbaie), The Chateau Bonne Entente (Quebec), The Hilton Lac-Leamy (Gatineau), The Omni Mont-Royal (Montreal), The Sheraton Laval (Laval), The Westin Resort and Spa Tremblant (Mont-Tremblant) and The Auberge Godefroy (Becancour).

Please visit our website at www.amerispa.ca or call us at 1-877-AMERISPA for further information about these new treatments and products.

GOT MILK??

Recently, three of Canada’s top spas, Ste. Annes, Echo Valley Ranch and Spa and Amerispa teamed up with VIA Rail to offer three phenomenal prizes worth $10,500 each. From May 12 to July 4, the Dairy Farmers of Canada staged a contest aimed at health and wellness through milk: “Your Healthy Weight – shaping up with milk products.” 500,000 milk cartons across Canada carried the Leading Spas of Canada logo, along with other famous brands, directing consumers to a “Your Healthy Weight” website contest with over 17,000 prizes. Great visibility for Leading Spas of Canada and all of our members with well over 100,000 contest participants.

Visit www.yourhealthyweight.ca for tips and info on keeping in shape with milk.

A River Adventure and Ranch Experience with
Cariboo Chilcotin Jet Boat Adventures and Echo Valley Ranch & Spa

This package is specially designed for those seeking an extraordinary wilderness adventure and ultimate vacation experience. This 7 day package includes jet boat trip down the historic Fraser River from Williams Lake to the Big Bar Ferry, one of the most scenic and wild sections of the Fraser and eco- and soft adventures at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa.

3 Days / 2 Nights on the Fraser River- Canyon Lands and Bighorns
Discover B.C.’s rich heritage and majestic river scenery on the Fraser River as you cruise downstream in the comfort of a deluxe riverboat, making frequent landings to view wildlife, explore the wilderness and visit historical and geological sites. This 3-day adventure offers authentic First Nation Cultural experiences and Gold Rush history, as well as a walk in the footsteps of early explorer Simon Fraser as we read from his journal. Truly adventure for everyone.

Includes guides, all meals prepared by a professional chef, safety equipment tents (camping equipment extra), fishing demos and shuttle from Williams Lake. Be sure to arrange all aspects of the adventure at time of booking.

4 Days & 3 Nights at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa Eco and Soft Adventure
Explore countless trails designated for horseback riding and hiking. Fly fish at nearby lakes, pan for gold or go flight-seeing over mountain glaciers or sight-seeing in a 4X4 down into the mighty Fraser Canyon. Round out the day with pampering and rejuvenating spa treatments that include a full range of Western as well as Asian spa therapies, including our signature Thai massage, herbal aromatherapy massages, facials, body wraps, steam baths, hydrotherapy, pedicures and manicures.

Package Includes all meals, use of ranch facilities, wireless internet access, planned evening entertainment, unguided/mapped hikes, cooking and nutrition tips, life around the ranch, Ruesri dat ton lessons and other
spa/ranch related activities

Optional activities include: Thai and traditional spa treatments, goldpanning, fly fishing, horseback riding, guided hikes, bird watching, 4X4 safaris and more!

Prices: July 7-12, July 28-Aug 2, Aug 18-23, Sept 15-20, 2008
CDN $ 2749 per person plus 5 % GST and a 10% service charge/gratuity for staff

Note: does not include transportation costs to and from Echo Valley

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN SPAS THAT OFFER BOTOX®
With Medical Spas on the rise, BOTOX® has practically become a household word – regardless of whether you are for or against it. Considered by some as the penicillin of the 21st Century, BOTOX® is currently approved for 20 indications in approximately 75 countries. In medical esthetics, it is used primarily to immobilize specific muscles in the face with the goal of smoothing wrinkles, thus providing a more youthful appearance.

Possibly a spa or MD near you has added BOTOX® or other medical cosmetic procedures to their menus. But how can you be sure that you’re getting the best possible treatment if you’ve never had one before? Or maybe you’ve had a BOTOX® treatment, but didn’t see any appreciable difference. Read more

In reputable spas, a physician will be invited into (or is part of) the spa to administer injectables such as BOTOX®, Restylane, Juvéderm, etc., possibly accompanied by an assistant. If you’re booking a treatment at a non - medical spa offering these procedures, please make absolutely sure that the individual is a physician trained to administer BOTOX®, Restylane, Juvéderm, etc. or is a Registered Nurse working under the supervision of the physician. Also, be aware that simply being a Medical Doctor does not automatically qualify the person to administer injectables properly. Finding an experienced physician is of utmost importance, as many complications are the result of misplaced injections or too-large doses. Allergan, the producers of BOTOX®, have a complete listing at http://www.botoxcosmetic.ca of doctors in your area who they consider qualified.

As an informed consumer, don’t hesitate to ask the spa the questions below to help you get the most out of your BOTOX® treatment.

When booking:

• Make sure the spa is using real BOTOX® from Allergan; there are no other “generic” or cheaper alternatives.
• The person who is doing the BOTOX® injection should be an M.D., or R.N. (registered nurse). Check out http://www.botoxcosmetic.ca for a list of those physicians trained in the use of BOTOX® in your area.

Prior to the treatment:

• Make sure the spa asks you fill out a form that helps the doctor
  identify any reasons why BOTOX® wouldn't be appropriate for
  you. It should also inform you of risks.
• Make sure there is a consultation so you both agree on where
  the BOTOX® will be injected, how much will be used, what the
  results will be, and how much it will cost. Ask how conservative
  or aggressive they are in the amount they use. If you have a
  budget, tell your physician and agree upon what will give you the
  biggest bang for your buck!
• Check with your physician as to when the BOTOX® was diluted
  with sterile saline solution. If you can receive your injection the
  same day, that’s best. After that BOTOX® is less effective,
  though it will last up to a week.
• Watch to make sure the person doing the BOTOX® injection
  follows proper sanitation standards. This includes working on
  sanitized surfaces, washing their hands, using fresh needles
  just out of an opened pack, cleansing the skin with alcohol
  before the injection, and wearing gloves during the
  injection.

How Much Does BOTOX® cost?
Prices vary greatly. Some spas charge by the unit ($13-$15) and might use 25 or more in between the eyebrows and 10 to 20 in the forehead, so the cost will depend on how much they actually use. Other spas charge by area. Again, discuss the cost prior to the treatment to avoid any surprises and to see what will be most cost effective for you.

How Long Does BOTOX® Last?
The effects of usually last three to six months, gradually wearing off. The muscle also gradually gets weaker, and you may not need as much BOTOX® as frequently.

What Are Risks?
The most common side effects of injections around the eyes and in the face can include temporary bruising, eyelid drooping (ptosis), dry eyes, and double vision (diplopia) (Hsiung 2002; Tan 2002), and facial droop can occur with injections into the cheek. However, it is generally agreed that in the hands of experienced physicians, these side effects are considered rare.

When Should You Start Using BOTOX®?
If you habitually scowl or make another expression that isn't attractive and is already causing expression lines, you should consider BOTOX® . It is NOT a cure all for the aging process; the effects DO wear off but over time, in some cases, muscles can“forget” to frown or wrinkle. It should not be administered to anyone
under 18 years of age. See www.injectablesafety.org for more information on injectables in general.

Santé Elements 2 hours, 45 minutes $230
Experience the essential elements of Santé Spa.

Begin with a First Step Facial to analyze your skin, perform extractions and create a skin care program especially designed for your treatment and your continued home care use. Then you’ll be buffed from the tips of your fingers to the top of your toes with an Essential Manicure and Pedicure. Your fingers and toes will be softened in a soak with sea salt, then nails and cuticles will be properly groomed. A lower arm and lower leg massage will help ease tension before your nails are buffed to a natural shine of polished with your choice of colour.

Each Santé Elements summer special package includes a complimentary GentleWaves treatment for fine lines and wrinkles and a free nail polish. Value $60

STONE THERAPY 101

Stone Therapy has been around since it emerged on the spa scene in 1993. Since then, the treatment – either hot or cold – can be found on nearly every spa menu.

Stone Therapy History
Stone Therapy is a type of massage that uses either heated or chilled round, smooth stones that are placed on key points on the body. The stones are also used by the therapist to massage the body and transfer the heat or cold to the client.

The use of stones for therapeutic and healing purposes has been around for thousands of years. Read more More recently, Mary Nelson,
a massage therapist from Phoenix, AZ began to
incorporate the use of round heated basalt stones in her massage treatment. She was inspired to use smooth river stones during a treatment to offset stress and fatigue she was feeling in her hands, wrists, and shoulder. She began to research the healing properties and effects of both hot and cold stimuli in response to stress, injury, and tension. Her treatment was named LaStone® Therapy in August of 1993. Since then, massage therapists have developed their own versions of stone therapy using both hot and cold stones. For the therapist, the stones assist in providing deep even pressure during the massage. For both the therapist and the client, the stones’ tactile quality enhances the overall treatment experience.

Stone Therapy has steadily increased in popularity over the past few years, and with good reason. Heated stones combined with classic massage therapy provide soothing and penetrating deep heat, resulting in a relaxing and effective therapeutic treatment. Most of the contact with the client is facilitated through the stones.

Recently, The National Health Practitioners of Canada, after a rigorous ‘Modality Assessment Protocol’, recognized Stone Therapy as a competency based standard of practice modality. This means that therapists administering the treatment can be independently insured through the organization.

About the Stones
The stones used in hot stone therapy are round and smooth; and are most commonly basalt. They range in size from six inches in diameter (often referred to as the sacral stone) to dime-sized finger and toe stones. Basalt is rich in iron; this property allows the stones to retain their heat for a long period of time. The stones are heated in a temperature-controlled heating unit specifically designed for this purpose.

The stones used in cold stone therapy are commonly marble, and are generally the same size and shape as the basalt stones. A single treatment can utilize either hot or cold stones, or alternate both extremes depending on the desired outcome the therapist wishes to achieve. Marble stones are chilled in a freezer prior to use. A typical stone set contains 54 different sized stones. Most are used by the therapist over the course of a single treatment.

When conducting Stone Therapy sessions, client safety is of primary importance. Consideration must be given to the type of heating unit used, hygiene, and sterilization of stones. It is very important to follow strict hygienic protocol with regard to the use and care of the stones.

How the Treatment Works
The stones are used by the therapist in two ways during the treatment. The first is to transfer heat to the body by laying stones under the client (for example, under each shoulder when prone) or on top of the client (for example, along the spine starting with the sacral stone, graduating to smaller stones at the base of the cranium). The client is given an egg-sized stone to hold in each hand; similar sized stones are cradled in the foot arch. Smaller stones are often placed between the fingers and toes. As the stones cool, they are replaced with new stones from the heater.

While these strategically placed stones deliver concentrated heat in key areas of the body, the therapist massages the client with heated stones held in the palm of their hand. These stones are thus used to deliver both deep and superficial massage over the course of the treatment. The stone transfers heat to the client surprisingly quickly. As the stones cool down, they are replaced with fresh stones. This ensures that continuous heat is used throughout the treatment. The weight and density of the stones allows the therapist to easily modify the pressure, and many therapists feel that stone therapy is easier on their hands and joints.

The Benefits of Stone Therapy
Many people find the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting and get this type of treatment for relaxation purposes. The heat from the stones relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist to work the muscles without using deep pressure. People get hot stone massage to address a variety of health conditions, including back pain, poor circulation, arthritis pain, stress, and insomnia. Some of the benefits of stone therapy include:

• Deep muscle and tissue relaxation
• Alleviated stress
• Release of toxins
• Relief of pain
• Improved circulation

The use of cold stones is an effective treatment for inflammation and improved circulation.

- from the National Health Practitioners of Canada Association
www.nhpcanada.org

Summer Time at Au Naturel   Father’s Day is June15th. Treat Dad to a 19th Hole package including a pre-massage steam or hydrotherapy treatment, 60-minute massage, vital leg pedicure and protein shake, or try a gift certificate for our other popular men’s services.   Get ready for summer with an invigorating peppermint pedicure! To tone, firm and increase skin’s elasticity try a Body Strategist Refiner, a pampering anti-cellulite wrap. Mention this “Premier Spas Summer Special” when booking and receive $5 off either of these treatments. (Valid Mondays to Thursdays from June 1 to July 31, 2008.)   Au Naturel Spa and Brookstreet are doing their part for the environment. Au Naturel encourages patrons to join in our conservation efforts by providing incentives to spa devotees who bring their own flip flops. See www.brookstreet.ca/begreen  for more of our initiatives and tips.   www.brookstreet.ca/spa  | 1.888.826.2220

THE SPA PROVIDES MORE REASONS TO SHUN THE SUN


By now, we are all very familiar with the important consequences of long-term unprotected sun exposure. However, this knowledge is not always heeded. We should protect ourselves, year-round, from over exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.

Spa treatments now give us all even more reason to shun the sun. The exposure to sun makes the skin more sensitive and more likely to react adversely to most spa treatments and products. Most medical spas will advise to always avoid sun exposure before any laser or ILP treatments. It is recommended to avoid the sun for four to six weeks before and after treatments and to use sunscreen regularly. Clients are also advised to stay out of the sun for the entire course of the laser hair removal treatments - which may mean a period of 10 to 14 weeks. Read more

Following facial peels, waxing and aromatherapy, stay out of the sun. Retin-A and other chemical peels remove the top layer of skin and make the skin especially vulnerable to sunburn and sun damage. Even after waxing, although skin may appear normal, it has been treated with products and will be sensitive. Some of the oils and herbs used in aromatherapy treatments can make some people more sensitive to sunlight.

Many spa treatments are designed to correct sun damage - removing freckles, fine lines and wrinkles – and paying for these should be a great incentive to stay out of the sun and spend the funds on more therapeutic spa treatments like a relaxing body massage, hand and foot therapy and yoga, to name just a few. It is always a good idea to get advice from the spa aesthetician about sun exposure in connection with your specific spa treatments.

Sun Safety Year- Round
Q: What are the effects of sun overexposure?
A: Ultraviolet rays (URV) can cause skin health issues that include premature aging, abnormal pigmentation problems, reduced immune response and, of course, cancers such as melanoma.

Q: What is melanoma?
A: A melanoma is a cancerous (malignant) tumor that begins in the melanocyte cells that produce pigment in the skin. They are found in the bottom of the epi-dermal layer.

Q: How can I reduce the risk of developing melanoma?
A: Prevention is the key. Know what you can do to avoid melanoma, follow the precautions regarding sun exposure, check of new or changing moles and visit a dermatologist if you find any.

Q: How do sunscreens work?
A: Sunscreens are formulated with unique chemicals components to absorb Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). They use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to block the sun’s rays physically or absorbent ingredients that easily absorb the UV rays. Some sunscreen products use a combination of the two.

Q: How much SPF is enough?
A: The SPF rating was developed to describe the amount of protection that a sunscreen provides. The higher the SPF number, the more protection provided.
A recommended SPF of 15 for daily use and an SPF of at least 30 for outdoor activities such as golf or hiking.

Don’t be part of the rising skin-cancer statistics. There are plenty of options to keep your skin healthy and protected. In addition to sunscreens, make hats and cover-up clothing part of your everyday wardrobe. Your skin will thank you for it - year after year.

Reprinted from February 4, 2008 Surgery News

Please contact kathy@leadingspasofcanada.com with your comments, questions or suggestions.

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