National Women’s Health Week is May 13-19, 2012

It’s your time!

National Women’s Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women’s health. The theme for 2012 is “It’s Your Time.” National Women’s Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority. It also encourages women to take the following steps to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases:

Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings.

 *Get active.
*Eat healthy.
*Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
*Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.
**Part of being and staying healthy is receiving regular massage.  Regular massage can help you mind, body and spirit.**

Fore more information about National Women’s Helth Week, visit:  http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw/about/

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Susan Clingman, RMT, A Healing Experience Massage, 5031 S. Federal Blvd., Suite 3, Englewood, CO 80110, (303) 726-2575; susanmclingman@comcast.net; www.ahealingexperiencemassage.com

To read articles and information about massage, modalities and health/medical issues, please visit:  http://www.ahealingexperienceco.massagetherapy.com

This article discusses Diabetes, foot care, and how frequent foot massage combined with essential oils may help reduce one of the biggest complications associated with the disease.

Diabetes
Millions of people suffer from the debilitation of diabetes, and have to plan their lives around this health condition.

Diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. This high blood sugar produces the classical symptoms of polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger).

There are three main types of diabetes:

*Type 1 diabetes: results from the body’s failure to produce insulin, and presently requires the person to inject insulin. (Also referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, IDDM for short, and juvenile diabetes.)

*Type 2 diabetes: results from insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly, sometimes combined with an absolute insulin deficiency. (Formerly referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, NIDDM for short, and adult-onset diabetes.)

*Gestational diabetes: is when pregnant women, who have never had diabetes before, have a high blood glucose level during pregnancy. It may precede development of type 2 DM

Foot Care
When you have diabetes, proper foot care is very important. Poor foot care with diabetes can lead to serious health problems, including possibly having to remove the foot or leg (amputation).

It’s important to understand the connection between diabetes and foot care. As a person with diabetes, you are more vulnerable to foot problems because diabetes can damage your nerves and reduce blood flow to your feet. The American Diabetes Association estimates that one in five people with diabetes who seek hospital care do so for foot problems. By taking proper care of your feet, most serious health problems associated with diabetes can be prevented.

Here are some diabetes foot care tips to follow.

Wash and Dry Your Feet Daily
*Use mild soaps.
*Use warm water.
*Pat your skin dry; do not rub. Thoroughly dry your feet.
*After washing, use lotion on your feet to prevent cracking. Do not put lotion between your toes.

Examine Your Feet Each Day
*Check the tops and bottoms of your feet. Have someone else look at your feet if you cannot see them.
*Check for dry, cracked skin.
*Look for blisters, cuts, scratches, or other sores.
*Check for redness, increased warmth, or tenderness when touching any area of your feet.
*Check for ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses.
*If you get a blister or sore from your shoes, do not “pop” it. Apply a bandage and wear a different pair of shoes.

Take Care of Your Toenails
*Cut toenails after bathing, when they are soft.
*Cut toenails straight across and smooth with a nail file.
*Avoid cutting into the corners of toes.
*You may want a podiatrist (foot doctor) to cut your toenails.

Be Careful When Exercising
*Walk and exercise in comfortable shoes.
*Do not exercise when you have open sores on your feet.

Protect Your Feet With Shoes and Socks
*Never go barefoot. Always protect your feet by wearing shoes or hard-soled slippers or footwear.
*Avoid shoes with high heels and pointed toes.
*Avoid shoes that expose your toes or heels (such as open-toed shoes or sandals). These types of shoes increase your risk for injury and potential infections.
*Try on new footwear with the type of socks you usually wear.
*Do not wear new shoes for more than an hour at a time.
Look and feel inside your shoes before putting them on to make sure there are no foreign objects or rough areas.
Avoid tight socks.
*Wear natural-fiber socks (cotton, wool, or a cotton-wool blend).
*Wear special shoes if your health care provider recommends them.
*Wear shoes/boots that will protect your feet from various weather conditions (cold, moisture, etc.).
*Make sure your shoes fit properly. If you have neuropathy (nerve damage), you may not notice that your shoes are too tight. 

Massage
Massage can be very beneficial in improving circulation in the legs and feet, as well as helping to improve the integrity of the skin and underlying tissues. A form of massage therapy, called Reflexology, which is done on the feet and hands, can indirectly have an affect on all areas of the body.  Working Reflex areas that correspond to the kidneys and endocrine system, for example, can also help diabetics by increasing the circulation to these areas. Although essential oils cannot do anything to help stabilize blood sugar levels, it can help with one of the side effects of diabetes-poor circulation.  Aromatherapy in conjunction with massage can be of great benefit to assist with improving circulation. 

Massage Lotion Foot Blend
I have developed a special foot balm/lotion just for Diabetics, which when used regularly, can improve circulation in the legs and feet, thereby reducing one of the complications often associated with Diabetes. 

Some of the ingredients in my custom-made foot balm/lotion include:
*CypressOil
*Menthol
*JuniperBerry
*Lavender
*Rosemary
*Peppermint
*Aloe Vera
*Vitamin E 

Conclusion
Regular, daily foot care, along with regular massage, can greatly reduce the foot complications frequently found in diabetics.  Foot massage is quick, noninvasive, and can be inexpensive compared with the possible complications caused by untreated diabetes.  While I am not saying massage is a cure, it can greatly reduct the side effects of diabetes.

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Susan Clingman, RMT, A Healing Experience Massage, 5031 S. Federal Blvd., Suite 3, Englewood, CO 80110, (303) 726-2575; susanmclingman@comcast.net; www.ahealingexperiencemassage.com

To read articles and information about massage, modalities and health/medical issues, please visit:  http://www.ahealingexperienceco.massagetherapy.com

As we begin the New Year, there are so many resolutions we hope to keep.  I have one change or addition (not resolution) I would like to encourage everyone to make:  receive regular massage and/or bodywork.

How can regular massage help?  We all get busy in our daily lives – family, work, and other commitments draw us in so many directions.  We need to take the time for us, so that we do not burn out.  Stress affects so many diseases out there – from migraines to high blood pressure.  If you don’t get on top of those diseases and keep them under control, the disease will take a toll on your body and age you faster and lead to more serious complications.  Massage may also lessen your dependence on certain medications (but do not stop your current medications without first speaking with your physician, adeptly stopping some medication can due more harm than good).

Regular massage and/or bodywork is not a luxury, it is a necessity.  Think of it as preventative medicine – keep your stress under control and you will be happier, healthier and better able to deal with the obstacles of life.  Even fifteen minutes of regular massage has been shown to increase the feel-good hormones and help you sleep more soundly.  Regular massage has been shown to help increase one’s body image, which in turns increases confidence and decreases mood swings.

But what is meant by regular massage, you might ask.  Each person is different, but regular massage can mean anything between several times a week to once a month, or even every couple of months.  But the affects of massage build with regular sessions, just like regular chiropractic work.  The more often you receive massage, the greater the effect on your body.  If you only go once a year, or less, the body is going to forget those positive effects and revert to what is normal (or even abnormal) for the body.

Massage is also useful if you are recovering from injury or surgery (depending on the surgery – ask your physician when massage is acceptable after surgery).  Regular massage will help the tissues heal faster, relieve swelling and reduce bruising due to injury or surgery. 

The best part about massage is that it just makes you feel good – and in this busy world, that is priceless.  Even if you don’t think you have any stress, or think you handle stress well, massage can help you relax and unwind.

Add regular massage to your calendar, and make time for it.  You will feel and see results in no time.

Massage Therapy Englewood, CO  

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Susan Clingman, RMT, A Healing Experience Massage, 5031 S. Federal Blvd., Suite 3, Englewood, CO 80110, (303) 726-2575; susanmclingman@comcast.net; www.ahealingexperiencemassage.com

To read articles and information about massage, modalities and health/medical issues, please visit:  http://www.ahealingexperienceco.massagetherapy.com

Massage Therapy Englewood Colorado

Economical and effective

Employers and employees alike are finding that chair massage at the work site is one of the most economical and effective ways to help reduce the effects of stress.

What is chair massage?

A chair massage is a massage routine given to a fully-clothed employee in a specially designed chair with comfortable support for the face, arms, legs, and torso. The chair allows the professional massage practitioner to easily give a relaxing, yet energizing routine to the neck, head, shoulders, back, arms, and hands. In only 10-20 minutes, a chair massage can break the cycle of tension and increase a feeling of physical relaxation and mental renewal.

How chair massage can help

Chair massage helps employees cope better with everything from deadline pressures to environmental factors such as background noise. Massage has been shown to help reduce accumulated muscle tension, muscle stiffness, mental fatigue, back and neck pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Massage quiets the nervous system, improves energy levels and mental clarity, and helps prevent overuse syndromes such as tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and headaches.

Because chair massage guarantees the immediate result of decreased mental and physical tension, it is always a popular program. And if the stress relief and increased body awareness from regular chair massage helps a single employee avoid a job related injury, a massage program could pay for itself in future medical costs avoided. 

Beat workplace stress

Employers are increasingly taking steps to prevent stress overload and promote morale and productivity. Chair massage is one step that can lower health care costs while it increases job satisfaction. In a Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine report, the authors stated, “Health care expenditures are nearly 50% greater for workers who report high levels of stress.” Equally as telling, the St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Co. reported that “problems at work are more strongly associated with health complaints than any other life stressor … more so than even financial problems or family problems.”

Many stress-induced symptoms and conditions are preventable. Chair massage is very effective in helping people cope with both physical and emotional stress.

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Susan Clingman, RMT, A Healing Experience Massage, 5031 S. Federal Blvd., Suite 3, Englewood, CO 80110, (303) 726-2575; susanclingman@gmail.com; www.ahealingexperiencemassage.com

To read articles and information about massage, modalities and health/medical issues, please visit:  http://www.ahealingexperienceco.massagetherapy.com

Massage Therapy Englewood Colorado

How it works, self-massage tips

Research published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, the American Journal of Public Health, and Journal of Child Neurology indicates that massage can reduce the occurrence and frequency of tension and migraine headaches. This supports the experience of many massage clients who report a decrease in both headaches and headache pain.

How does massage help?

Massage relaxes tense muscles. When tension held in the muscles of the head, shoulders, and neck eases, there is less pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that supply them. Blood flow improves and muscle spasms are often relieved.

Trigger points in the neck, head and shoulders can be another cause of pain which respond well to specific massage techniques.

These factors add up to relief of tension or migraine headaches.

Massage therapy often reduces the anxiety and worry that can accompany headaches, too. As overall stress eases and muscle tension that can trigger headaches lessens, headaches can be prevented as well as relieved.

Self-massage for stress and headache relief

If you can’t get in for a massage, the following moves can help relieve stress and pain. 

1. Press the palms into the center of the forehead. Using a comfortable pressure, stroke across the forehead outward.

2. Find the center line of your forehead with the first two fingers of each hand. Move the fingers about one inch horizontally to the sides of the center line. Press and release from the hairline downward.

3. Move your fingers one inch more away from the center line, and repeat the press and release movements. Keep inching away from the center line and vary using the fingers to press into points with making small circles.

4. Place your thumbs or index fingers at the center of your forehead, just above the eyebrows. “Draw” a line from the midline to the temples. Smooth the skin across the eyebrows, making small circles at temples.

5. Trace with your fingers from the temples down to the jaw. Make small circles into the jaw.

6. Move the fingers to the center of the forehead, and repeat the movements, again finishing at the jaw.

7. Place the fingers near the hairline and repeat the sequence.

If you’d like to know more, ask for help to develop one or more techniques to help manage your “hot spots.”

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Susan Clingman, RMT, A Healing Experience Massage, 5031 S. Federal Blvd., Suite 3, Englewood, CO 80110, (303) 726-2575; susanclingman@gmail.com; www.ahealingexperiencemassage.com

To read articles and information about massage, modalities and health/medical issues, please visit:  http://www.ahealingexperienceco.massagetherapy.com

Massage Therapy Englewood Colorado

1.   New clients – first visit only $39.99
2.   Half Off Wednesdays – 60 minute massage only $30.00.  Must call to make an appointment, no walk-ins, cash only.
3.   Three visit package – regularly $180.00, only $135.00, must pay upfront either by check or credit card.
4.   Polic/Fire/EMT – half off massages (every visit)

**SPECIAL OFFERS CANNOT BE COMBINED**

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Susan Clingman, RMT, A Healing Experience Massage, 5031 S. Federal Blvd., Suite 3, Englewood, CO 80110, (303) 726-2575; susanclingman@gmail.com; www.ahealingexperiencemassage.com

Massage Therapy Englewood Colorado

Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach to bodywork. It focuses on the bones of the head, spinal column, sacrum and the underlying structures. The main objective of this work is to find restrictions and/or compression in these areas and use specifically designed techniques to release these areas.

The cranial sacral system produces a rhythm, much like the cardiac and circulatory systems. This movement is referred to as the cranial rhythm. Learning to feel the movement of the cranial rhythm enables a therapist to identify restrictions and compressions. Restrictions and compressions reduce or inhibit the cranial rhythm. Restrictions and compressions may even show up as areas of non-movement. Restrictions and compressions in the cranial sacral system are caused by injury or trauma and if not corrected can cause dysfunction and disease in the body.

Once a therapist determines areas of restrictions or compressions, gentle, non-intrusive techniques are applied to release these areas. CST can be used only or incorporated with other bodywork.

General Indications
• Chronic pain, especially in the neck and back
• Headaches (tension, migraine, cluster)
• TMJ dysfunction
• Emotional trauma
• Auditory problems
• Stress-related dysfunctions
• Arthritis
• Colic, inner ear problems, or learning/behavioral disorders in infants and children

General Contraindications
• Acute intracranial hemorrhages
• Intracranial aneurysms
• Recent skull fractures (less than six weeks)
• Severe grand mal seizures (acute)
• Recent strokes (less than six weeks)
• No compressions techniques in children under nine
• Recent concussions (less than six weeks)

Signs of Restrictions Releasing
• Heat
• Fluid releasing
• Softening
• Body movements or twitching
• Body relaxing
• Swallowing
• Breathing changes
• Therapeutic pulse
• Rapid Eye Movement (REM)
• Somato-Emotional Release (SER)

The Cranial Sacral System

The Cranial Sacral System is made up of the following structures:
1. The Brain and Spinal Cord: The brain and spinal cord are very important parts of this system. The brain creates all thoughts and movement and the spinal cord relays the information to the rest of the body. If pressure or compression occurs, adverse messages can cause dysfunction.
2. Meningeal Membranes: This membrane system is made up of three layers: dura mater, arachnoid membrane, and the pia mater. The membranes envelope the brain and spinal cord and contains the cerebrospinal fluid.
3. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): The CSF maintains the environment in which the brain and nervous system function. The cranial sacral system is responsible for the production, circulation, and reabsorption of the CSF. If an injury or trauma has occurred to the craniosacral system and inhibits the flow of CSF, dysfunction and disease can be created.
4. The Bones: The bones of the head, spinal column, and sacrum are an important part of this system. They serve as handles as to what is going on underneath. Their movement or lack of movement indicates where dysfunction lies. Compression or injury to the bones can adversely affect the underlying structures of the system.

Massage Therapy Englewood Colorado

Time Saturday, July 2 · 11:00am – 2:00pm

Location A Healing Experience Massage
5031 S. Federal Blvd., Ste 3
Englewood, CO 80110

More Information Held In conjunction with @5280connect
Join us for coffee, pastries and community service networking!!! Attendees will
receive special gift certificates for services from our sponsor…A Healing
Experience Massage!!

This event will benefit Dress for Success!! We are asking you to bring your gently used business attire, including shoes and accessories, to the event to be
dropped off at Dress for Success. GREAT NEED FOR PLUS SIZED CLOTHING!!

Can you imagine not having an interview suit, just when you FINALLY have a job interview? Do you have business attire that you have been meaning to donate anyway?

Dress for Success helps women enter/re-enter the workforce by outfitting them
in business savvy attire they could not afford otherwise. They are ALSO the
ONLY women’s organization that has standard follow up care. You should check
out their website, here: http://www.dressforsuccess.org/home.aspx

PLEASE HELP A DIVA-IN-TRAINING BY DONATING YOUR GENTLY USED BUSINESS ATTIRE!

GUIDELINES PER DRESS FOR SUCCESS:
“We provide job interview and work appropriate attire for women. We
provide all sizes for women. We do have guidelines for what we accept and on
donation day we accept the following items:

* Business Suits
* Blouses
* Slacks
* Jackets

We also accept:
* Handbags
* Costume Jewelry
* Scarves
* Nearly new professional shoes

Please keep in mind that the clothing we give to women is primarily for job
interviews. We can only accept items that are:
* On hangers
* In season (Spring/Summer season only)
* In style
* In excellent condition
* Clean

*Garbage bags filled with clothing are not permitted and will be turned
away.”

____________________________________________

Susan Clingman, RMT, A Healing Experience Massage, 5031 S. Federal Blvd.,
Suite 3, Englewood, CO 80110, (303) 726-2575; susanclingman@gmail.com; www.ahealingexperiencemassage.com

To read articles and information about massage, modalities and health/medical issues, please visit:  http://www.ahealingexperienceco.massagetherapy.com

Massage Therapy Englewood Colorado

I am now a Network Provider of Massage Therapy Services for:
1)  Anthem HMO and POS Plans Administered by Landmark Healthcare
2)  Anthem PPO Plan Administered by Anthem

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado (Anthem BCBS)
includes a Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) benefit as part of its core HMO and PPO Plans.  The CAM Benefit gives
Anthem’s members access to a wide selection of services, which includes
combined coverage for chiropractic, acupuncture and massage therapy.  Landmark Healthcare is responsible for administering the CAM benefit for the HMO product, including eligibility and benefit verification, utilization management and claims processing.  Anthem BCBS is responsible for administering the CAM benefit for the PPO product.

Please contact me prior to setting up the appointment with
the information on you membership card so that I may confirm your benefits and eligibility.  I can contact Landmark at the time of your appointment, but this may delay treatment.

I will collect applicable co-payment (per Landmark) at time
of service.

When prior authorization from Landmark is required:
1) If member is under 18 years of age
2) If a member needs more than 3 visits within either (a)
January and June or (b) July and December.

 
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Susan Clingman, RMT, A Healing Experience Massage, 5031 S. Federal Blvd., Suite 3, Englewood, CO 80110, (303) 726-2575; susanclingman@gmail.com; www.ahealingexperiencemassage.com

To read articles and information about massage, modalities and health/medical issues, please visit:  http://www.ahealingexperienceco.massagetherapy.com

Massage Therapy Englewood Colorado

CCD Business Spring Fling May 2011

WHAT:  A business networking event exclusively for brave, bold, fantastic women.  Come build business contacts, gain exposure for your business and have fun!

WHEN:  May 3, 2011, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:  Choppers Sports Grill, 80 S. Madison, Denver 80209 

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Susan Clingman, RMT, A Healing Experience Massage, 5031 S. Federal Blvd., Suite 3, Englewood, CO 80110, (303) 726-2575; susanclingman@gmail.com; www.ahealingexperiencemassage.com