me magazine spring 2014

a fresh new perspective on health and wellness | MassageEnvy.com

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How prenatal massage soothes the mind and body PAGE 10

PregnancyA Peaceful

SQUASHWEDDINGPLANNING STRESS

secretsto smaller pores

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| BRIGHT IDEAS FOR A BALANCED LIFEenlighten me

2 me magazine spring 2014

me massage envy magazine, spring 2014. MassageEnvy.com. Published for Massage Envy Spa by McMURRY/TMG, LLC. me massage envy magazine is published for the purpose of disseminating information for the well-being of the general public and Massage Envy Spa’s members. The information contained in me massage envy magazine is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing. Please consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. Copyright © 2014. All rights reserved. Creative direction by McMURRY/TMG, LLC.

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Keep It CleanPop quiz: Which room is the germiest in your house? Did you say the bathroom? Nope. It’s the kitchen. Keep the three ickiest hot spots in the house’s hub clean with these tips:

SINK: With all the raw food that tends to land there, it’s a veritable party of pathogens. Make sure to rinse it daily with soap and water. If you’re handling raw meat or poultry, wash your hands fi rst, then clean the sink before you put anything else in it. And pour diluted bleach down the drain every month or so.

SPONGE: The damp, tiny crevices make this handy kitchen tool a breeding ground for germs, which then spread every time you wipe your countertops. Put it in the dishwasher using the “heated dry” setting, or wet it and heat it on high in the microwave for a minute or two once a week.

CUTTING BOARD: Scrub it with a paste made from 1 tablespoon each: baking soda, salt and water. Then rinse it with hot water, run it through the dishwasher or microwave it on high for 30 seconds.

Why Does She Do It?As a massage therapist at Massage Envy Spa in Massapequa Park, N.Y., Cheryl Blumenthal spends her days helping others heal. But why does she do it?

I always knew I wanted to do

massage. It started when I was really little. I’d give everyone in my family back scratches and they loved it. And so did I. Most people dread their job. But I wake up looking forward to going to work. People feel awful when they come in to see me. But they leave feeling good. That inspires me, knowing how much of a di� erence I can make in someone’s life.

Cheryl Blumenthal

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MassageEnvy.com spring 2014 me magazine 3

Don’t Leave These at HomeIt’s finally spring break! Stay healthy while you travel by remembering to pack these items:

1. PrescriPtion medication. If you’re flying, pack your meds in your carry-on and bring copies of all prescrip-tions (including the generic names).

2. a decent first-aid kit. Besides the usual bandages and ointments, include insect repellent containing DEET, sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and antibacterial hand wipes.

3. an assortment of over-the-

counter remedies. Pack a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, antihistamines and an antacid to cover all your bases.

Massage Envy Spa experts answer your questions

Q & Ahhh

Q. i’m training for a marathon. What are the benefits of massage for long-distance runners?a. Massage therapy is very effective for any athlete, whether a marathon runner or a weekend warrior.

The body needs time to repair and strengthen itself between workouts. And regularly scheduled massage sessions—one hour each week is optimal—offer a space for relaxation while providing many physical and emotional benefits.

When training for a specific event, the muscles are often overworked and stressed, which can cause pain and shortened and fatigued muscles. Massage not only promotes flexibility, which will decrease the risk of injury, but has also been shown to reduce post-workout recovery time, loosen scar tissue, lengthen muscles, decrease stress and anxiety, reduce fatigue and improve balance and flexibility.

So lace up those shoes and go for it! But don’t forget to honor that incredible body of yours with rest and relaxation.—C.G. Funk, Licensed Massage Therapist and Vice President, Industry Relations and Product Development, Massage Envy Spa

Do you have a question for our experts about massage therapy? Contact [email protected]. Type “Ask C.G.” in the subject line.

Relax and RechargeIn today’s world, it’s practically a given to feel stressed. We all have too much to do and not enough time to do it. But keeping your tension in check can help you sleep better, get sick less often and reduce neck and back pain. How can you recharge your batteries?

breathe. Deep breathing relaxes your muscles and clears your mind. Try this: Each morning before you get out of your car to head into the office, take one slow, deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth.

Work it out. Exercising for 30 min-utes a day can help get those feel-good chemicals called endorphins flowing. If you don’t have 30 minutes at a time, that’s OK. Do three 10s instead: a 10-minute walk in the morning, another after lunch and a 10-minute power gardening session after dinner.

Pick uP the Phone. Talking to a good friend for a few minutes can give you a whole new outlook on your day. Even bet-ter? Chatting while you take a walk.

me massage envy magazine, spring 2014. MassageEnvy.com. Published for Massage Envy Spa by McMURRY/TMG, LLC. me massage envy magazine is published for the purpose of disseminating information for the well-being of the general public and Massage Envy Spa’s members. The information contained in me massage envy magazine is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing. Please consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. Copyright © 2014. All rights reserved. Creative direction by McMURRY/TMG, LLC.

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| helping you put your best face forwardrejuvenate me


Pore PrimerDreaming about smaller pores? Discover what you can do in the here and now

We all have our skin enemies. For some of us, it’s pimples. Others are looking to take down fine lines. But one of the most common foes of all: large pores.

“While sometimes an unattractive annoyance, pores do serve a purpose,” says Howard Murad, MD, founder of Murad Inc. “Pores house a hair follicle and sebaceous gland, and serve as a gate-way for sebum, our skin’s natural oil.”

If you have larger pores, you’re more likely to produce more of that natural oil, which makes you prone to blackheads.

“People with larger pores also have a dewy complexion, which some like, so it’s not a bad thing,” Dr. Murad adds. “It is truly a person’s pref-erence if they want a more matte finish versus a dewy finish.”

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We all have our skin enemies. For some of us, it’s pimples. Others are looking to take down fine lines. But one of the most common foes of all: large pores.

“While sometimes an unattractive annoyance, pores do serve a purpose,” says Howard Murad, MD, founder of Murad Inc. “Pores house a hair follicle and sebaceous gland, and serve as a gate-way for sebum, our skin’s natural oil.”

If you have larger pores, you’re more likely to produce more of that natural oil, which makes you prone to blackheads.

“People with larger pores also have a dewy complexion, which some like, so it’s not a bad thing,” Dr. Murad adds. “It is truly a person’s pref-erence if they want a more matte finish versus a dewy finish.”

Schedule a FacialWhether you’re unhappy about your pores or agonizing over acne, massage envy spa’s aestheticians can help. To learn more about the services available, visit MassageEnvy.com/Facials.

Ask Dr. MuradMassage Envy Spa skin expert answers your questions

In each issue, Howard Murad, MD, founder of Murad Inc., answers reader questions. This issue, he offers advice on acne.

Q. There are so many products out there that claim to cure acne, but most don’t really work. What should i be looking for in products that treat acne? A. Navigating the world of acne products can be confusing, and there are a few things to understand before you begin your search. First off, there are only three ingredients that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating acne—salicylic acid, sulfur and benzoyl peroxide—so look for these ingredients.

Secondly, it’s important to find products that address all of the issues that are causing the acne. This means incorporating

ingredients that not only treat the problem, but also those that will protect the skin’s barrier function and make it as healthy as possible so it can take care of itself. In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, seek out prod-ucts that contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and hydrators.

I recommend trying Murad’s newest kit, the Acne Healthy Skin Regimen Kit. It features Murad’s two newest acne products, which contain the ingre-dients needed to help you achieve a clear, healthy complexion.

Do you have a skincare question for Dr. Murad? If so, send an email to [email protected] or send a tweet to @DrMurad. Your question may be featured in the next issue!

If you’re looking for someone to blame for your pore size, blame your parents—as it is largely genetic.

“Aside from very invasive treatments, which do not always work, the actual size of a person’s pores cannot be changed,” Dr. Murad notes.

But you can alter the appearance of them. Debris can stretch them and make them appear larger, so removing that debris is key. Plus, black-heads occur when a follicle is blocked, causing oils, dirt and bacteria to accumulate inside the pore and make it appear larger.

Ready to slim down those dots? Follow this four-step plan.

1 keep pores clean and clear. To help minimize

the appearance of pores, cleanse your skin twice a day, and look for products that keep pores clean and healthy, such as Murad’s new Blackhead & Pore Clearing Duo. The first step, an extracting mask treatment containing volcanic mineral clay and shikakai extract, detoxifies skin and helps remove dirt and excess oil to visibly reduce the appearance of pore size. The second step is the Pore Refining Sealant, which protects pores from new debris, helping to keep black-heads at bay.

2 avoid pore-clogging producTs. Check the labels on your moisturizer and

makeup, and make sure they are “noncomedo-genic,” meaning they won’t clog pores.

3 Wear sunscreen. The sun’s ultraviolet rays damage skin and can lead to larger,

damaged pores over time, Dr. Murad says. A daily sunscreen can help slow the process.

4 add an anTi-aging sTep To your rouTine. “As you age, your skin loses

elasticity because of decreased collagen and elastin production,” Dr. Murad says. “The more collagen we lose, the weaker the pores’ natural support structure becomes, which allows more dirt and debris to collect.” Add an anti-aging element to your skincare regimen—consider an anti-aging facial at Massage Envy Spa—to fight back.

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| helpful hints for your good healthheal me


The Omega AdvantageGet your daily dose of these fatty acids to reap head-to-toe health benefits

Spend enough time reading health news or watching infomercials, and you’ll see what you likely already know: We’re all on the lookout for simple ways to be healthier.

Well, there’s one easy thing you can do today: Get your omega-3s.

Why you need themOmega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids. They’re essential to

our health but our bodies can’t make them, which is why getting them from foods and supplements is so important.

These healthy fats have been shown to play a role in reducing heart disease risk by helping to lower blood pressure and tri-

glyceride levels. And that’s not all, says Libby Mills, RDN, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

“Omega-3s are great anti-inflammatories,” she says. Some studies suggest that omega-3s can help with

conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflam-matory bowel disease. They’re also important for

brain health.

Where to get themThere are two main types of omega-3s.

The first can be found in plant sources, Mills says. Walnuts, flaxseeds, and soy-

bean and canola oils are great options, as are some vegetables, such as kale, cauliflower and spinach.

Find the second type in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines and albacore tuna.

Aim to eat a serving (3 to 4 ounces) of fatty fish at least twice a week. And add

walnuts or ground flaxseed to your morning oatmeal to further boost your intake, Mills says.

If you can’t seem to get enough omega-3s through food alone, talk to your doctor about supplements.

By adding these essential fatty acids to your diet, you’ll receive all the health benefits—without having to order anything

from a late-night infomercial.

Healthy TweetsFollow us on twitter at @MassageEnvy for health and wellness tips and tricks.

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|Tips for making fiTness a way of life move me

spring 2014 me magazine 7

Fitness FibsWe set you straight on four myths that persist

CrunChes are the key to flat abs. If you want to lose weight, just hop on the treadmill. We’ve all heard them (and believed them) at some point. Here, we sort fact from fiction with the help of Lori Michiel, a certified personal trainer with more than 40 years of experience and a member of the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Myth: no pain, no gain.FaCt: “You should expect to have some degree of soreness a day or two after a hard workout,” Michiel says. “But exercise shouldn’t hurt while you’re doing it, and if it does, then either you’re doing it wrong or overdoing it.” Stop, rest and see if the pain goes away. If it continues or increases after you reboot, it’s time to see a doctor.

Myth: the best way to get washboard abs is by doing crunches or using an ab machine.FaCt: Pilates, which works the entire core (not just the abs), is a better bet. But remember, you

need to get rid of belly fat before abs will be visible, and that is achieved through diet and exercise, Michiel says.

Myth: Losing weight means being a slave to the stair climber.FaCt: While exercise is certainly an important part of shedding pounds, what you eat is even more so. And to reach and maintain a healthy weight, you’ll need both.

Myth: energy drinks keep you hydrated and replace important electrolytes lost through exercise.FaCt: Most commercial energy drinks are full of processed sugar and megadoses of caffeine, Michiel says. Such beverages can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and stimulate the kid-neys to produce more urine, which in turn can actually have a dehydrating effect. Stick to the classic, always-hydrating H2O before, during and after your workout.

Stay Safe Out There

Balance your workout regimen

and reduce your risk of injury with

regular sports massage. to

learn more, visit MassageEnvy.com/Massage.

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| Food For thought about good nutritionnourish me


Do You Know Your Yogurt?Before you stock your fridge, learn more about what’s in that container

Yogurt is manY things to many people—a balanced breakfast, a speedy snack, an after-dinner treat—and for good reason. “Yogurt is packed full of nutrition needed for our bodies, including carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins and minerals,” says Kristi King, RDN, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

But with such a dizzying array of options in the dairy aisle, the question isn’t just, “Should I choose vanilla or strawberry?” We break down what you need to know to make the best choice.

taste: nutrition info: need-to-know:

reguLar Yogurt is made by adding bacte-ria to pasteurized milk. The bacteria ferment the milk and produce lactic acid, which causes the milk protein to thicken and take on its unique taste. Yogurt is then strained twice through a cheesecloth, allowing the liquid whey to drain off.

Creamy and slightly sour.

It is high in calcium and protein.

If you’re the tradi-tional type, this is for you. Just make sure to choose plain, non- or low-fat varieties, and add your own fruit if you need some sweetness.

greek Yogurt is strained three times (as opposed to two, like regular yogurt) so it has even less whey and, as a result, is thicker than regular yogurt.

Tangier and less sweet than regular yogurt.

It has less sugar and almost twice as much protein than its regular counterpart. However, it’s often lower in calcium, so check the label.

Greek yogurt is a smart substitute for sour cream and mayonnaise in reci-pes. It’s also lower in carbohydrates than regular yogurt, mak-ing it a good choice for those watching their carb intake.

iCeLandiC Yogurt, also known as skyr, is made with skim milk only, so you can be sure it’s fat-free. And like Greek yogurt, it is made with three times the amount of milk than more tradi-tional varieties.

Creamier than Greek yogurt and slightly tart.

It’s fat-free and delivers roughly the same amount of protein as Greek yogurt.

Icelandic yogurt is technically a soft cheese but contains live active cultures.

kefir is a cultured milk product that’s made with either kefir grains or a powdered kefir starter. Kefir grains aren’t actual grains—they’re made of bacteria and yeast.

Fizzy, light and foamy because of the yeast, which gives it a touch of natural carbon-ation.

It’s slightly higher in protein than regular yogurt (though slightly lower than Greek) and has a little more calcium than regular yogurt. Kefir also contains B vitamins.

You can drink kefir with a straw, so it’s slightly more con-venient than those that come in a plas-tic container. And because of its liquid consistency, it’s commonly used as a base for smoothies.

froZen Yogurt is made with cultured milk. In its original state, it has live cultures. Dur-ing the freezing process, however, the probiotics die off.

Tart or creamy and sweet, depending on what’s added to it.

Frozen yogurt is often lower in fat and calories than regu-lar ice cream. And while it does provide some calcium, there’s often quite a bit of sugar added to make it sweet, so be careful not to overdo it.

For someone looking for an occasional lower-calorie, lower-fat frozen dairy product, this is a good option.

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A Wholesome Online ExperienceFind more need-to-know nutrition nuggets on our blog at MassageEnvy.com/Blog.

TasTe: NuTriTioN iNFo: Need-To-kNow:

reGuLar YoGurT is made by adding bacte-ria to pasteurized milk. The bacteria ferment the milk and produce lactic acid, which causes the milk protein to thicken and take on its unique taste. Yogurt is then strained twice through a cheesecloth, allowing the liquid whey to drain off.

Creamy and slightly sour.

It’s high in calcium and protein.

If you’re the tradi-tional type, this is for you. Just make sure to choose plain, non- or low-fat varieties, and add your own fruit if you need some sweetness.

Greek YoGurT is strained three times (as opposed to two, like regular yogurt) so it has even less whey and, as a result, is thicker than regular yogurt.

Tangier and less sweet than regular yogurt.

It has less sugar and almost twice as much protein than its regular counterpart. However, it’s often lower in calcium, so check the label.

Greek yogurt is a smart substitute for sour cream and mayonnaise in reci-pes. It’s also lower in carbohydrates than regular yogurt, mak-ing it a good choice for those watching their carb intake.

iCeLaNdiC YoGurT, also known as skyr, is made with skim milk only, so you can be sure it’s fat-free. And like Greek yogurt, it is made with three times the amount of milk than more tradi-tional varieties.

Creamier than Greek yogurt and slightly tart.

It’s fat-free and delivers roughly the same amount of protein as Greek yogurt.

Icelandic yogurt is technically a soft cheese but contains live active cultures.

keFir is a cultured milk product that’s made with either kefir grains or a powdered kefir starter. Kefir grains aren’t actual grains—they’re made of bacteria and yeast.

Fizzy, light and foamy because of the yeast, which gives it a touch of natural carbon-ation.

It’s slightly higher in protein than regular yogurt (though slightly lower than Greek) and has a little more calcium than regular yogurt. Kefir also contains B vitamins.

You can drink kefir with a straw, so it’s slightly more con-venient than those that come in a plas-tic container. And because of its liquid consistency, it’s commonly used as a base for smoothies.

FroZeN YoGurT is made with cultured milk. In its original state, it has live cultures. Dur-ing the freezing process, however, the probiotics die off.

Tart or creamy and sweet, depending on what’s added to it.

Frozen yogurt is often lower in fat and calories than regu-lar ice cream. And while it does provide some calcium, there’s often quite a bit of sugar added to make it sweet, so be careful not to overdo it.

If you’re looking for an occasional lower-calorie, lower-fat frozen dairy product, this is a good option.

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MassageEnvy.com10 me magazine spring 2014

MMOMS-TO-BE ARE FAMILIAR with being a li� le achy, uncomfortable and, let’s be honest, out of sorts. But unlike those middle-of-the-night kicks to the lungs, you can do something about it. Prenatal massage, which is tailored speci� cally to the needs of the pregnant body, can make you feel like yourself again. Discover � ve of the hands-on bene� ts.

EASE THE BLUES. The way the greeting cards and baby shower bloggers tell it, pregnancy is the happiest, most smile-� lled time of your life. But sometimes, it’s just not. In a study pub-lished in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, researchers studied 84 depressed pregnant women during their second trimester. A� er receiving 16 weeks of 20-minute massage therapy sessions, the group felt less anxious and depressed, and had higher levels of the feel-good chemicals dopamine and serotonin. They also had lower levels of the stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine.

An added bonus for baby: In the study, the changes in hormone levels led to fewer com-plications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as prematurity and low birth weight.

MMama Massage

Pregnancy pains? Prenatal massage o� ers reliefBY LESLIE PEPPER

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Become a MemberMonthly prenatal massages are easy with a Massage Envy Spa membership. Visit MassageEnvy.com/Membership to learn more.

BANISH BACK PAIN. Carrying those extra pounds changes your center of gravity and puts added stress on your back, neck, ab muscles and shoul-ders. Is it any wonder your back feels as if it’s breaking? Massage not only stretches these tightened muscles but also helps move lym-phatic � uid, sweeping toxins away in the pro-cess. “The lymph system doesn’t have its own pump, so we have to help it along,” says Mau-reen Moon, a spokeswoman for the American Massage Therapy Association.

REMEMBER THAT YOU’RE STILL YOU. “Pregnant women catch a glimpse of themselves in the mirror and all they can think is, ‘Is that me?’ ” Moon says. A massage helps remind you that you’re more than just a belly that strangers feel compelled to touch. “You have a neck, hands, feet, shoulders—and they all deserve a� ention as well,” Moon says.

SOOTHE SCIATICA. As your expanded uterus rests on the pelvic � oor and lower back muscles during late pregnancy, it can create pain in the sciatic nerve. This can lead to shooting pain from your lower back to your legs and even feet. It can also cause a burning or pins-and-needles sensa-tion. A massage can help release tension in the muscles near the in� amed nerves in the area.

SLEEP BETTER. Are your hips hurting from all that side sleeping yet? Massage can reduce those aches, resulting in a more comfortable night’s rest. Plus, because massage relaxes the nervous system, you’ll be in a more tranquil state when you turn in.

Keep up your massage routine a� er delivery to help balance post-partum hormones and reduce stress. Finding the Right Fit

Your prenatal therapist should:Have experience. Look for someone who has educa-

tion and training specifi cally in prenatal massage, and follows safe practices for both pregnant mom and baby.

Never put you fl at on your back after your fourth month. Using supportive, soft cushions, the sideline position can take the strain o� the lower back and pelvic area.

Have unscented oils and lotions available to you. Some scents could turn you o� and some could even stimulate uterine contractions.

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MassageEnvy.com12 me magazine spring 2014

“Keep perspective on what the day actually means, and don’t sweat the small stuff.”— Jamie miles,

TheKnoT.com ediTor

“Once you’re married, you’re married,” Miles says. “There’s no need to rush to get there.”

2 Involve your partner. “Don’t feel it’s just on you as

the bride to put your entire wedding together,” Miles says. Make sure your significant other is involved. He might be more interested in music and food than the dress and flowers, she says. Take advantage of that. Plus, a wedding shouldn’t be a “surprise party” for your spouse. It should reflect you as a couple.

3 Delegate. While you don’t want to overload your brides-

maids and groomsmen, you chose these people for a reason, Miles says. Let them plan the bachelor party and bridal shower. Assign them tasks for the wedding day (such as giving the final check to the DJ),

TtulIps or tIger lIlIes? DJ or band? Steak or fish? Choosing the person you were going to spend your life with was easy compared to this!

With its time, expense and importance, a wedding is a naturally stressful time. In fact, in its 2010 Real Wedding Survey, media company The Knot noted that about half of the brides surveyed found wedding planning to be more stressful than they expected.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Make wedding planning easier with these seven moves.

1 slow Down. Feeling rushed is a major cause of unnecessary

stress, says Jamie Miles, an editor with TheKnot.com. Think about what you want your wedding to look like and how much time each week you have to devote to planning. Then, set a realistic wedding date.

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Make the Process PainlessFinding time to de-stress is important for every bride-to-be. Make monthly massages a part of your planning schedule with a membership to Massage Envy Spa. Learn more at MassageEnvy.com/Membership.

It’s All About YOUWeddings are exciting, and everyone has an opin-ion. And that can be stressful, says Allyson Levine Joseph. A wedding planner for 14 years who recently got married, Joseph knows the impact of outside forces.

“People tend to stress about … what it’s going to mean to everyone else,” she says. “Remember this day is yours. If something is causing stress and is more for somebody else than what you actually connect to as a couple … then it’s not worth having.”

If you’re worried about offending Mom, ask for her help on something else, suggests TheKnot.com editor Jamie Miles.

“Give her an outline in terms of what you’re looking for, and give her room to provide feed-back,” Miles says. Maybe you’re looking for a florist

in a particular area with a certain budget. “She’ll feel included, and it will feel like a special bonding moment.”

And if you don’t want unsolicited feedback from family and friends? Stay off of Facebook.

“Be cognizant about post-ing less on social media, and you’ll find you’re getting less feedback,” she says.

or have them over for a fun night of assembling wedding favors.

4 SEt a budgEt and Stick to it. “You want to avoid stressing

about the finances,” Miles says. Having a budget from the beginning of the planning process helps you prevent (or at least limit) bank-breaking splurges.

5 conSidEr a wEdding pLannEr. Wedding planners come at vari-

ous price points and can help ease your burden. You can work with someone throughout the whole process or hire a coordinator just to keep the big day on schedule.

6 ForgEt pErFEct. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be ‘bride perfect,’ ”

Miles says. If you didn’t have time for that spray tan session or you didn’t lose those last couple of pounds, no one will know. Remember what matters—and that’s the union you’re celebrating.

7 takE carE oF your-SELF. Don’t forget to take

time for yourself. Hit the gym, eat healthy meals and engage in stress-reducing activities like massage (make it a couples massage with your partner!), yoga or acu-puncture.

Wedded Blitz Seven ways to curb the

wedding planning craziness

By Stephanie R. ConneR

“Once you’re married, you’re married,” Miles says. “There’s no need to rush to get there.”

2 invoLvE your partnEr. “Don’t feel it’s just on you as

the bride to put your entire wedding together,” Miles says. Make sure your significant other is involved. He might be more interested in music and food than the dress and flowers, she says. Take advantage of that. Plus, a wedding shouldn’t be a “surprise party” for your spouse. It should reflect you as a couple.

3 dELEgatE. While you don’t want to overload your brides-

maids and groomsmen, you chose these people for a reason, Miles says. Let them plan the bachelor party and bridal shower. Assign them tasks for the wedding day (such as giving the final check to the DJ),

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| living every day to its fullestsoothe me

Moving OnHow to deal and heal after a breakup

Get a Pick-Me-UpTreat yourself by adding aromatherapy or sugar foot scrub therapy to your next massage. Visit MassageEnvy.com to learn more.


Breaking up is hard To do. And then there’s the whole wanting to curl up into a fetal position thing. But rest

assured that this, too, shall pass. There are even a few things you can do to hasten the process.

CuT Yourself some slaCkDon’t beat yourself up for not handling things perfectly or hang on to criticism that might

have been hurled at you in the heat of the moment. Accept the fact that you may not be

as productive at work or a particularly attentive friend

for a few days (or weeks). And understand that you need to go through a process

of grieving and letting go.

keep Your disTanCeAvoid contact with your ex, except where children are

involved (and then keep things only about the kids). “The more you stay in touch with your ex the harder it’s going to be for you to emotion-ally and cognitively disengage,” says Timothy J. Loving, PhD, an associate professor in the department of human development and family sciences at the University of Texas at Austin.

geT ouT ThereIsolation increases anxiety and stress levels. Now’s not the time to retreat, but instead to charge forward. Try things you’ve always been curious about (hot yoga, golfing, blogging) or reacquaint

yourself with hobbies you haven’t had time for.

Cheer upLook for healthy ways to blow off steam and get your endorphins going. Get a massage or take a bike ride. Making smart lifestyle choices will help you move forward with a positive perspective.

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|INSPIRATIONAL MEMBER STORIES massage and me

I SPEND A LOT OF MY TIME in my car or at my desk. That’s because I’m a real estate agent and a contracting manager for my family’s heating and cooling business. The summer months are especially busy in the air conditioning business, and that means a lot of stress.

I signed up for a Massage Envy Spa membership several years ago, and I’ve c ome to think of my visits as a necessary luxury.

I’ve been in mul-tiple car accidents, which have le� me with residual scar tis-sue. One accident resulted in so much back, neck and shoulder strain on

my le� side that I had to have physical therapy. I have full movement in my arm and shoulder now, but my neck has fused slightly. Massage—I get sports or deep tissue work—helps loosen my muscles and joints. It also makes it possible for me to continue leading an active lifestyle—li� ing

weights, running, hiking and biking.Massage Envy Spa therapists are very

accommodating and skilled. I really like the fact that when I am traveling, I can visit one of their spas and know that I will be taken care of. Whether I’m home or away, I know that I may go in all tied up with stress, but

I will always leave feeling really good. And of course that motivates me to set aside an hour and a half out of my busy schedule to go back for more. —As told to Jo Ostgarden

What’s Your Story?Tell us how massage improves your life and you could be featured in our next issue. Send an email to [email protected] with your name and phone number and a brief description of how you benefi t from being a Massage Envy Spa member. We’ll take it from there.

A Fresh PerspectiveMassage Envy Spa member Kendra Buscho has found the secret to easing her neck pain: massage

Kendra Buscho, 32, of Phoenix

Regular massage helps Kendra Buscho maintain an active lifestyle. She recently hiked Peru’s Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

PHO

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GIFT CARD

GOOD FOR MASSAGES, FACIALS AND

one great mom.Massage Envy Spa gift cards: New ways to relax for the

mom who does it all. Ready to gift for Mother’s Day, May 11

at your local Massage Envy Spa.

Rates and services may vary by location and session. Not all Massage Envy Spa locations offer facial and other services. For a specifi c list of services available, check with the specifi c location or see MassageEnvy.com. Additional local taxes and fees may apply. Each location is independently owned and operated. ©2014 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC.

CONVENIENT HOURS · LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE · FRANCHISES AVAILABLE · MassageEnvy.com

FdEVSP14_16_C4Ad.indd 16 2/27/14 4:04 PM

me magazine spring 2014

Documents

massage envy magazine

massage therapist

magazine spring

massage envy spas members

keephow prenatal massage

spring break

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