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January 2012

Happy New Year!

If you've been thinking about resolutions, here are a few suggestions:
resolve to eat more vegetables.
resolve to spend time with people you love.
resolve to do something you enjoy at least once a week. Although this is a case where more is better!

Seriously, resolutions often seem to be about punishing yourself, and they don't have to be!  They also don't have to be made at the beginning of the year. Make a resolution when you think it will benefit you, and you'll take it more seriously.  It's not just a new year thing!

Here's to a very happy new year to all of you!

Running and climbing stairs is possible with massage

Imagine you’ve been training to run across Michigan with a group to raise money for water purification systems in Mexico.  Since it’s a relay, you have other team members running and counting on you.  Then, 17 miles into your 20 miles, your knee gives out. 

That’s what happened to Michael Mulder in September 2009.  He walked the last three miles in a lot of pain.  It was 2 a.m. and there was a lot of time to think about what happened to his knee, and what he might need to do about it.  In Mike’s case, he had pre-scheduled foot surgery for a week after the race.  He knew he’d be on crutches for ten weeks, and he thought resting his knee for that long would take care of it.  However, that’s not what happened.  He was unable to go up and down stairs even after the ten weeks had past. 

He saw an orthopedic surgeon who suggested an MRI which showed that Mike had dislocated the knee.  The doctor also told Mike he wouldn’t run again.  Because it had been a while between the injury and the doctor’s visit, the knee had realigned itself, but there was a lot of scar tissue and inflammation.  The doctor gave him a cortisone shot to relieve the inflammation.  It gave him some relief, but he wasn’t pain free and still couldn’t get up and down stairs.  Then Mike began working with a physical therapist. 

“When I started P.T., I couldn’t run to the end of the driveway,” Mike said.  “After working with him on specific exercises, I was able to run two miles.  That was great, but then I was stuck at the two mile mark.”  He was still searching for ways to improve his knee and get back to running longer distances.

He found a chiropractor who helped a great deal.  In the meantime, his wife gave him a gift certificate for massage at Harbor Health and Massage, where she had been getting massages from Penny Edmison, MMT.  Mike decided to see Penny as well. “I’d had massage before, but Penny did a fantastic job,” Mike said.  “She’s thorough and she keeps good notes.  So when I come back, she knows what she did last time and where she needs to work.  I’m not coming in for a relaxation massage.  I want her to get to the areas that need help, and she can do that.  She works the area, but it’s not excruciating.  She does what needs to be done without overdoing it.”

Penny also recommended Mike try Pilates.  He wasn’t familiar with it, but he now believes that the combination of massage and Pilates, and the communication between Penny and his Pilates instructor has been beneficial. 

Penny has enjoyed working with Mike.  “He’s got great body awareness and he understands what needs to be done to keep his body working properly,” she said.  “He’s an organic farmer, so he’s conscious of what he eats, and he’s an athlete, so he knows how being active affects his body. “  One of the rewards for Penny has been watching his improvement.  “Since he comes often, I could really see how much change occurred from week to week.  It’s so great to see the results!  He also has done a good job of combining a few different types of therapy to give him the best results.”

Mike has been pleased with his progress.  He now runs 30 miles a week without pain, and can walk up and down stairs with no trouble.  “All of my symptoms are gone.” he said. 

 
Ed. Note:  We’re happy to work with other health professionals to provide you with the best care.  If you’re working with a physical therapist or other healthcare provider who will talk with us about ways to tailor our treatment, we’re happy to do that.  We find that when care is coordinated, our clients notice results faster. 

Do you have food allergies?

Join cookbook author Marcia Davis for a dinner of recipes from her book, "Nothing to Sneeze At: Main Dishes for People with Allergies." at Butch's Restaurant on Wednesday, January 18.  Dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. and the cost is $35 per person. Reservations are first-come, first-served and seating is limited, so call Butch's (396-8227) to get your name on the list! Marcia will be there, and you will be able to purchase cookbooks that evening.  If you have friends with allergies to wheat, corn, and/or cow dairy, please let them know about this special event!

December 2011

 

It's December again.  Does that excite you or fill you with dread?  More and more often, I hear people saying that they're filled with dread over the prospects of the holidays.  They are worried about getting it all done.  About having the perfect day.  About spending too much money. As much as we try to simplify, it seems that many people are still overwhelmed by what the holidays bring. 
So, what to do?  If you are willing to just go with it from year to year, not much will change.  So, the first step is to determine what's most important for you and your family over the next five weeks or so.  Is it spending time together?  Is it baking the Christmas cookies from great-grandma's recipe that you've shared with your family and friends every year?  Is it shopping?  Is it cooking a big dinner?  I'm not going to judge anyone's priorities. I am going to say that you don't have to do everything, so if you spend some time choosing what is most significant for you and your family and re-prioritize from there, you might find this season is a lot more fun, restorative and enjoyable for everyone.  And don't forget to breathe!!

Meet our new Acupuncturist Patricia Leighton!

We are excited to welcome Pat Leighton, dipl. acup., R.N., to our staff.  She has worked as an acupuncturist in Michigan for 12 years.  In addition to spending Fridays at our office, she practices in Grand Rapids and Stanton.  She is also a registered nurse and has worked in traditional Western medicine settings as well.  We've been so pleased to get to know Pat, and we think you will enjoy meeting her too.  So, we're having an open house to give you that chance!

Join us on Friday, December 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. for hot cider and treats and meet Pat.  She'd love to talk with you about acupuncture and how it might help you.  We'll also be giving away some fun door prizes.  We think it will be a fun night to come downtown and enjoy the activities.  If you're unable to attend the open house, but you'd like a chance to meet Pat, please give us a call. She will be offering free 10-minute consultations through the end of the year.
 

Gift Certificates .... Always the right size

We do want you to slow down this holiday season. However, if you are looking for a gift for that hard-to-buy for someone, please consider a massage gift certificate from us.  We can make this process super easy for you.  Just go to our website (www.harborhealthandmassage.com) and purchase online. We can send it to you or the recipient.  You can also give us a call, and we'll do it by phone; or feel free to stop in and make the purchase live if you'd prefer.  However you choose to do it, we'll make it quick and easy for you!

Thank you!

We like to take the time to say thank you to all of you at this time of year.  We are grateful for your support.  Thank you for coming to us for your massages. Thank you for referring your friends and families to us.  Thank you for reading our newsletter and for being a fan of our Facebook page.  Thank you for asking us to help you find the health specialists you need. We are honored to be a part of your healthcare team.  We wish all of you a joyous holiday and a very happy New Year!


October 2011

 

Isn't October a great month?  It's not too cold yet. The kids are settled into their school routine.  We aren't obsessing over the holidays ... yet.  Why not do something for yourself this month?  We would, of course, recommend a massage. And, since your on our mailing list, we're pretty sure you'd like to have one.  Did you know that studies show that one hour of massage is equal to approximately four hours of sleep in terms of repair to muscles aches and pains?  I know that getting my massage each week certainly keeps me feeling good and ready for anything!
Take a look below to get a first glimpse at our newest massage therapist (and learn about getting a great deal on your first session with her too), and to make it even easier for you to make an appointment, learn about our new online scheduler too!  Happy October to you all!

Welcome Stephanie Fegel

We are pleased to introduce you to our newest massage therapist Stephanie Fegel.  Stephanie joins us just after finishing her training in massage, so she's new to the profession, but she has great hands, a wonderful knowledge base and is great to work with. We're sure you'll enjoy meeting her, and you will LOVE her massages!  She is trained in hot stone, prenatal, deep tissue and she can do some trigger point work and other therapy as well.  She does a great combination of relaxation and therapy. 
We're offering you a special deal to try Stephanie this month.  Come in for your first massage with Stephanie during October, and you will receive a one hour massage for the price of a half hour.  That's $45 for a one session! That's a great deal and a great way to see if she's a good fit for you.

Book massages online!

We are using a new scheduling service that allows our clients to book their appointments online.  All you have to do is go to www.facebook.com/harborhealth. You do NOT have to have a facebook account to do this. You can access our page without an account.  When you get there, click on "schedule now" on the left side of the page under our logo. It will bring up a list of services and walk you through the scheduling process. You can even choose the massage therapist you prefer or let our system choose for you.  We are excited to offer this new way to help you schedule conveniently and we look forward to hearing what you think about the system.  Please do note that the system allows you to schedule appointments 36 hours or more in advance. If you are looking to get in sooner, please do call our office and we'll be happy to help you book your appointment.

September 2011

 When I was in grade school and wishing that I was a teenager, my mom used to tell me that it wasn't a good idea to wish my life away.  She told me that when I finished school, time would start to pass much faster and soon, I'd be wondering where it had all gone.  Back then, I just continued to wish to be a teenager.  Now, I realize just how right my mom was (there you go, mom .. it's a "you were right," just for you...and with an audience.  How can you beat that?). 

Here it is September and another summer is just about behind us.  Officially, we have a few more days, but unofficially, most people seem to think that once the kids are back in school, it's Fall.  So, I thought it was time to break out some tips for Autumn.  I didn't want to call them tips for Fall because in my profession, it would sound like I was just trying to find a way to generate more business.  (Sorry, bad pun).
Anyway, take a look at this month's issue.  It contains some helpful (I hope) tips for moving into the new season, a SALE (and it's a good one!), and information on our upcoming continuing education classes for body workers. 
Have a great time with cooler weather, leaves changing, apple picking and whatever else you do to celebrate the change of season!

Tips for Autumn

What do you do in the Autumn that you haven't done for a while?  Raking leaves, cleaning out the garden, closing up the cottage, cleaning out the gutters ... That list can go on and on, can't it?  I thought I'd give you some general tips for helping your body adjust to the change of seasons.
First, remind yourself that these activities are ones you haven't done in a while.  That means you need to be gentle with yourself and listen to your body.  O.k., I could probably use that very sentence ALL year long, and I do.... be gentle with yourself and listen to your body.  It's really important.
When approaching an activity you only do sporadically, think about the movement you'll be using.  Consider the supplies you'll need. If you are going to clean out the garden, have buckets or the wheel barrow nearby before you start.  Use the tools you have at hand to make the job easier on your body.  Don't haul the compost by the handful across the yard.  Bring the bucket as near to your work as you can.  And, don't overfill it.  It's better to make several lighter trips to the compost pile or trash bin than one heavy one.  Not only will you be toting a lighter load, you'll be moving more and increasing your blood flow which is a great way to keep soreness at bay.
Another important tip is to ask for help.  I have a number of clients who live alone. Some projects just aren't safe or wise to do alone.  Offer to help a friend with the yard and ask him or her to help you with yours.  Trade a service you're good at with a neighbor who is good at yard work (you make three nights worth of dinners for his freezer and he rakes and hauls your leaves).
Many clients tell me that when they're doing a yard project, they just want to get it done, so they'll continue to work even when they know they'll be "in trouble" when they're done.  One of these clients was in last week, and she told me, "Tammy, I realize that I have to pay for these things one way or another.  Either I pay someone to help me or I pay you to help me get healthy after I've overdone it."  There's truth to this.  If you choose to overdo it, you must know in advance that you've chosen to put up with whatever your body will do to you for that.  If you choose to spread the project out over a few days, stop when you're body says to, and maybe ask for some help, you'll still be able to enjoy the rest of what fall has to offer.  I'd rather go apple picking with my family than be home with the hotpacks unable to move!
Speaking of hotpacks, what can you do if you overdo it?  Here are just a few suggestions:
1.  epsom salt baths -- instructions are right on the package.  Two cups of epsom salt in a hot bath.  Relax for 15 or 20 minutes. When you get out, GENTLY move and stretch.
2.  ice -- for sudden onset injuries such as with yardwork, ice is your friend.  Ice will reduce inflammation allowing better movement and less pain.  Timing for ice is no more than 20 minutes then take a break.  You can make a nice, flexible and reusable ice pack by putting corn syrup (the only time I recommend the use of corn syrup)! in a double plastic bag and freezing it.  Thanks to our friends at Full Potential Physical Therapy for that tip.
3.  massage -- you knew I'd include this one, right?  We see many people who have been raking too much, pulling out the garden or doing other yard projects.  We can help normalize function in your muscles and get you back to feeling well quicker.  Better yet, don't overdo it, and let us help you keep your body feeling well instead of helping you get it well!
We'd love to be a part of your healthcare plan!  Give us a call if we can assist you.

Pre-holiday sale

We've put our holiday best sellers on sale NOW for you!  You can buy back wraps, hand or foot cozys (perfect for someone who always has cold hands or feet) and fleece scarves with hand warmers for 50% off!  This is the best price we've ever had for these items.  Sale prices range from $10 to $21.50.  Stop in today as our supply is limited. 
 

Values

We've recently written a value statement, and we'd like to share it with you:

The owners and staff of HHM believe in the inherent worth and value of every individual.  We believe that healing takes place in the presence of love and acceptance.  We honor, respect, accept and appreciate the uniqueness of every one of our clients.
We believe that everyone can be healthier with massage, and we'd like to help our community be a healthier place. Harbor Health and Massage chooses to maintain political independence as part of our non-discrimination policy.  We do not endorse political candidates or support political organizations.
 

Attention body workers:

We will be offering the Anatomy Trains introductory course again this year, as well as an advanced course in Neck and Jaw work.  This work is fantastic for anyone who works with the body.  If you'd like to learn more, visit our website at:
http://www.harborhealthandmassage.com/pages/anatomy-trains-2011