Destination Spa Vacations with Michelle

Empowering Healthy Children

We've all heard about the "obesity epidemic" among children in the United States. Nearly one-third of children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 years are considered to be either at risk for overweight or overweight. To help fight the epidemic and promote healthy lifestyles at a young age, several Destination Spas have teamed up with organizations and created a health program for children in their communities. Since the children can't go to to the spa, the spa is coming to the children!

As part of an ongoing commitment of corporate social responsibility in the local community, Chiva Som's Health & Education staff regularly visits local schools to teach students the importance of good nutrition, fitness, personal hygiene and massage therapy. Where was that when I was in school? Check out the pictures from a recent exercise training session for 305 students at Da Run Suk Sa School. They are proof that living healthy is also a lot of FUN!

Follow-suit at home and involve the whole family in building healthy eating and physical activity habits.

• Encourage healthy eating habits
• Encourage daily physical activity
• Discourage inactive pastimes

Most importantly, be a positive role model. Children are good learners and they learn what they see. Choose healthy foods and active pastimes for yourself. Your children will see that they can follow healthy habits that last a lifetime.

The Biggest Loser

For those of you that missed it last night, one of our member spas - Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa  - was featured on the fitness challenge in an episode of The Biggest Loser. Suspended 10 feet above a pool of water and walking backwards, the players competed in an endurance competetion on treadmills. The prize  - a week long vacation at the spa! Lucky Mark! Check out the video!

Coming in August, Fitness Ridge is running their own competetion - "Battle of the Bulge". If you have been inspired by the show or just want to join in on the competetion, book now as they are filling up fast.

If you are looking for a jumpstart to healthy living,  Fitness Ridge or any of the Destination Spa Group member spas can get you started!

Dietitians are THE nutrition experts

March is National Nutrition Month and today (March 10) is Registered Dietitian Day!

Who is a Registered Dietitian (RD)?
Registered dietitians are food and nutrition experts, translating the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. In other words, registered dietitians know the science of nutrition. They have degrees in nutrition, dietetics, public health or a related field from well-respected, accredited colleges and universities. RDs must also complete a supervised examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and earn professional education credits to maintain registration.

Note - a Nutritionist does not mean the same thing as a Registered Dietitian. If someone claims to be a nutritionist, you should ask if they are also a registered dietitian. To read a funny article about "Eddie the nutritionist" (an 8 year old cocker spaniel), visit http://eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/media_16217_ENU_HTML.htm

What can an RD do for you?
When you need food and nutrition information based on facts or need to know how a healthy diet improves health and fights disease — rely on qualified professionals in the field. Registered dietitians draw on their experience to develop a personalized nutrition plan for individuals of all ages. They are able to separate facts from fads and translate nutritional science into information you can use. A registered dietitian can put you on the path to lowering weight, eating healthfully and reducing your risk of chronic disease. Top 10 Reasons Why Consulting with an RD Can Benefit You

Looking for a Registered Dietitian?
With approximately 65,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. When you need trusted, accurate, timely and practical nutrition advice, seek the services of a registered dietitian that belongs to ADA. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.

There are several spas that employ registered dietitians, especially Destination Spas, where the entire environment is geared towards health and life enhancement. In fact, Canyon Ranch and Green Mountain at Fox Run have a team of dietitians available to work with guests, while others generally have one or two dietitians on staff. At the Destination Spas, dietitians conduct nutrition and wellness discussions, market tours, cooking demonstrations, and interactive classes for guests as well as individual private consultations.

Examples of classes include:
Stress Busters
Master Your Metabolism
On the Run – fitness and eating
Supermarket Savvy and Food Labeling
Eating in Restaurants
Managing Food Cravings
Realistic Resolutions
Designing a Personal Eating Plan
Cooking for Fun, Pleasure, and Health
Mindful Eating Series™
Body Image and Self-Acceptance
Organic Gardening

Individual consultations are generally 50 minutes, similar in length and price to most spa treatments. The sessions are designed to provide guest’s with practical, customized, science-based advice about food, nutrition, and eating so that they can implement strategies when they return home. In a private session, dietitians will ask personal health and lifestyle questions to assess the guest’s needs and preferences and proceed to recommend an individualized eating plan.

Celebrate National Nutrition Month and schedule a session with a registered dietitian - at home or at the spa!