To a lot of us sleeping seems like a waste of time, especially when we have tasks from the day left unfinished. Not to mention stressing over…AM I GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP??????? That’s the worst, laying in bed worrying about not being able to sleep and all the things you know you have to do the following day. Ugh!!!!
It’s really no joke, this country is sleep deprived. Leaving us all with a greater risk of depression, heart disease, cancer, impaired memory, weight gain and basic moodiness. We are even more likely to have an accident when we don’t get enough shut-eye.
Tips to help you get enough rest:
1. Set your body’s internal clock. This can be done by going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday.
2. Say no to late-night television. The light from the TV suppresses melatonin and the programing can be stimulating instead of relaxing.
3. Get up and do something. If you feel drowsy after dinner try doing laundry or some other mild activity. Do not lay down on the sofa.
4. Exercise! Keeping with a regular exercise routine like HOTWORX, is a definite way to help you get some sleep.
So, what’s the magic number? According to the healthfinder.gov website the amount of time needed to keep your body and mind healthy is listed below.
Adults need 7-9 hours,
Teens need 8-10 hours,
School- aged children need 9-12 hours
Preschoolers need 10-13 hours (naps included)
Toddlers need 11-14 hours (naps included)
Babies need 12-16 hours (naps included)
Written by Alison Pitre, Marketing Director
The Plant Beach 3-step system is an easy to use skin care regime. It is good for all skin types and will help you achieve that healthy, sexy, vibrant glowing skin that everyone desires.
Step 1- Cleanse– This herbal gel cleanser should be applied in upward strokes to the face and neck, allow product to dry for 1-2 minutes before flushing off with warm water. This is also a fantastic full body wash and is safe for your sunless tan. Use this product morning and night for best results.
Step 2- Polish– This is a great facial exfoliator and should be used 1-3 times a week following your use of Cleanse. Dry skin types should use only once a week, combination skin should use twice a week and oily skin should use three times a week. Gently massage Polish into wet skin with a sponge or finger tips, follow up with a warm water flush. The menthol effect of this product is intensified when you use warm water. This is a very invigorating, uplifting feeling and an amazing way to wake-up!
Step 3- Energize– This ester-C facial serum can be used morning and night. Apply to clean dry skin in an upward motion. The scent of this lotion is a delightful aroma of orange creamsicles.
These products may be purchased separately or in the 3-step kit for your convenience. You can find these products at your local Planet Beach or look for them on www.planetbeachshop.com.
Written by Alison Pitre, Marketing Director
One of the latest foods to be labeled a “superfood” is coconut oil. Its unique combination of fatty acids has been shown to promote better brain function, healthy heart functions, weight loss, lower cholesterol and other health benefits.
You may have already made the switch to coconut oil in the kitchen, but did you know that the benefits of this wonder oil go beyond the kitchen? This do-it-all ingredient may have more uses than baking soda.
I decided to incorporate this multitasking product into my daily regime and have been VERY impressed with its performance. Below are my favorite uses so far.
#1 EYE MAKE-UP REMOVER- Coconut oil is a great eye make-up remover. Scrape out about a teaspoon of oil and either rub between your fingers to melt or pop it in the microwave for a couple of seconds. Gently rub it onto your eyelids and lashes than wipe clean with tissue or cotton.
#2 UNDER EYE MOISTURIZER-We all know how delicate and thin the skin below our eyes is, leaving it prone to fine lines and puffiness. Rub a pea size amount of oil between your fingers to warm it up than gently rub around your eyes before bedtime.
#3 CUTICLE SOFTENER- Say goodbye to ragged cuticles! Rub a small amount of the oil onto each of your cuticles and allow it to sink in. The coconut oil will strengthen your nails and hydrate the delicate cuticle skin, making your hands look and feel more youthful.
#4 FRIZZ FIGHTER- Coconut oil can be used to prevent damaged hair while controlling frizz. Rub a pea size amount in your hands to warm the oil up than rub onto the ends of your hair. This can be done before blow-drying to prevent damage and after to smooth out the ends.
#5 SHAVING OIL-You can soak a jar of coconut oil in warm water to soften it up, than rub some onto your legs before shaving. This will leave your skin very soft and will also help prevent razor burn. PLEASE DO NOT USE IN THE SHOWER. Coconut oil may cause you to slip if it gets on the bottom of your shower.
Written by: Alison Pitre, Marketing Diector
We all know the key to living well is to stay balanced. So staying cool, physically, mentally and emotionally, when it’s hot outside, is a must. So below I have listed a few tips to help you beat the heat…both physically and mentally.
#1 Stay away from ice water– Drinking room temperature water is the best way to stay hydrated in the heat. It will be assimilated into your body much faster.
#2 Eat foods that keep you cool– Sweet ripe fruits like watermelon, cherries, plums, avocados, pineapples, mangoes and grapes are great. Some vegetables to enjoy are asparagus, cucumbers and all green leafy vegetables. Mint and Cilantro are great herbs to help beat the heat.
#3 Turn down the heat– Stay away from spicy foods like curries, chillis and hot peppers.
#4 Make lunch your main meal– Your digestive system is strongest in the middle of the day so this is the best time to eat your largest meal. Do not skip meals, this can make you feel cranky and irritable, which in turn will make you feel heated.
#5 Cool down the mind– Set aside some time every day to cool down the mind. Meditating, listening to relaxing music and taking an afternoon nature walk are great ways to soothe the mind and body.
Stay cool my friends!
Written by Alison Pitre, Director of Marketing
Here in the United States of America we may not see eye to eye on all political views. We may also follow different religious beliefs, but we are all Americans.
I have an abundance of respect and interest in other countries across the globe, but I know that I live in the best one…land of the free, home of the brave. I can speak my mind, I can choose the person/people I love, I can choose my own career path and praise whichever God I prefer. I know this is all possible because of the Americans that came before me and the one’s that continue to fight for all of our many freedoms.
Since I am a woman, I would like to focus on honoring some very well deserved females throughout American history. These women were proactive and forward thinking for their times, paving the way for female greatness.
1500’s- Lady Deborah Moody, known for her activism, was responsible for bringing settlers seeking religious freedom to New York.
1600’s- Margaret Brent, thought to be North America’s first feminist, she became one of the largest landowners in Maryland.
1700’s- Phillis Wheatley, a former slave, showed tremendous human spirit and became the first significant black poet in America.
1800’s- Clara Barton, started the American Red Cross, organized and delivered aid to Confederate and Union soldiers. She also started a free school in New Jersey.
1900’s- Clare Booth Luce, is known for several successful plays, such as The Women. She was also the managing editor of Vanity Fair in the 1950’s
2000’s- Janet Wolfenbarger, was the first female four-star General in the U.S. Air Force.
Happy Birthday Country!
Written by: Alison Pitre, Director of Marketing
Literally energy means “the power to do.” When someone says they like your energy, they are referring to the things you do and the things you say and how it affects others.
It’s important to remember that our actions can have a major affect on others, for good and bad. Everyone should try to impose positive energy into the world. Positive energy is contagious, when you take in positive energy from your world, it will be visible in the outer world.
In order to work on your positive energy, you must work on yourself (your soul). Everyone has different ways to create positive energy but some of the most popular are: meditation, organized religion and yoga. Other ways can be to volunteer, like at an animal shelter, soup kitchen or a hospital. Helping other lives, whether it be 2 or 4 legged, can enrich your soul. Not only does it make you feel good, but it sends the life you are helping positive energy.
Not only do your actions affect the people around you, so do your thoughts. When you have bad or malicious thoughts it creates bad energy. Always try to think positive and look for the good in people…there is good in everyone.
All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.” ~Buddha
Written by: Alison Pitre, Marketing Director
In our fast-paced world there seems to be stress around every corner. We all know that a vacation may help soothe your mind, body and soul but not everyone has the time or the finances to support a long distance journey. The perfect alternative is to give yourself a regular spa day.
Spa services can help improve your quality of life, stimulate your mind and boost your self-esteem in many ways. Below are 5 of the top reasons to visit your local Planet Beach spray & spa.
Deter Aging- Facials, HOTWORX and red-light therapy are 3 great ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing, giving you a youthful look.
Decrease Stress- Having regular massages helps your body to relax and a more relaxed body has less stress.
Improve Sleep- Participating in a weekly HOTWORX session will help improve your sleep. Regular massages will also help your body to rest better and we all know having a well rested mind and body is a necessity for success.
Increase Strength and Flexibility- Sticking to a regular HOTWORX schedule, using the variety of workouts, will help improve your strength and flexibility. This will allow you to have more stamina throughout your daily routine.
Improve Your Look- Using one of the Planet Beach spray services will give you a sun-kissed, sexy glow. This is like giving your self-esteem a B-12 shot in the arm….minus the needle of course.
To find a Planet Beach location near you click here.
Written by: Alison Pitre, Director of Marketing
Planet Beach is gearing up for the 6th annual National Sunless Day! Our spas will begin celebrations the week leading up to the holiday on Saturday, June 25 and run through the end of the month. Planet Beach’s National Sunless Day was established to promote UV-free tanning services and products.
Planet Beach will recognize the holiday by offering exclusive specials and discounts. First time guests can receive a free sunless session on National Sunless Day and current members have the opportunity to win various prizes and packages by posting their sunless results on social media and tagging #SunlessSelfies. Contact the Planet Beach location near you for more details.
“Customers want a healthy glow, but may not want to expose their skin to the sun or may not be a fan of traditional UV tanning. Now is a great time for them to get their glow on!” said Planet Beach’s CEO, Stephen P. Smith.
For the past decade, consumer interest in spray tanning services and sunless products has been on the rise. Planet Beach offers the latest in UV-free services and sunless collection products. One of the newest options is the pbGlow by NORVELL, which delivers an even, flawless golden tan. This service offers unique features with four-minute tan options, trinity mist sprayers, a comfort dry pass, and simple positions. The quick-drying formula is stocked with pH balancing prep, clear DHA, bronzed DHA, and moisturizers to mix and match. Customers can also take the sun home with the pbGlow by NORVELL sunless collection, which is specially formulated to maintain flawless, professional color.
Planet Beach is the world’s largest spray & spa franchise. Our services include massages, facials, sunless spray tanning, teeth whitening, HOTWORX, hydration treatment, red light therapy, guided meditation, and oxygen therapy. Planet Beach provides members with convenient spa services and high-quality skincare and nutrition products to achieve total wellness, relaxation, and stress relief.
***Planet Beach, based in New Orleans, La., is the leader in self-automated spa and sunless services and creator of the automated spa concept. The mission of the international franchise is to “change the way the world rejuvenates” by providing affordable and high quality skincare and spa treatments. Founded in 1996, Planet Beach has grown to more than 200 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.myplanetbeachfranchise.com.
Written by Alison Pitre, Marketing Director
Did you know that scientists believe, in the beginning, everyone had the same blood type? They believe it was type O. This is why everyone has the underlying blood type of O, which is why it is the Universal donor. It can still be seen in groups of ancient people like Native Americans, whom are still predominantly type O.
As humans migrated, their bodies were forced to adapt to their changing diets which provoked changes to their digestive systems. This was the beginning of the very complex structure of different blood groups.
There is a great book, Eat Right 4 Your Type, written by Dr. Peter J.D’Adamo. It is one of the most interesting and informative books you will ever read. Dr. D’Adamo describes in detail the history of “why and what” you should be eating. He even goes into certain personality traits of the different types. I created a brief summary of each type’s ideal diet below.
Basic Summary of the right diet for your type:
Type O blood should have a high-protein diet, heavy on lean meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables, and light on grains, beans, and dairy. They tend to have various tummy issues, so should look to supplements that aid in digestion.
Type A blood should basically have a vegetarian diet. They should primarily get their protein from legumes and whole grains, avoiding dairy. They should focus on fresh and organic due to their sensitive immune systems.
Type AB blood should have a balance of lean protein, organic vegetables and grains. Their main health issues focus on autoimmune diseases.
Type B blood should eat a balance of just about everything but stay away from chicken, corn, lentils, peanuts and wheat. When B’s are out of balance, they have an increased risk of depression and insulin resistance.
Please donate and give the gift of life. Below is a link to find a blood center near you.
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Written by Alison Pitre, Marketing Director
Hot Box Detox, a very unique combination of isometric style exercises inside of an infrared sauna, guided by a Virtual Instructor, has blown away both owners and users. The results achieved by regular workouts inside the Hot Box Detox speak volumes- from military officials looking to stay in shape to soccer moms looking to shed those few extra pounds. In just over a year, Hot Box Detox has sold over 60 units to various businesses in the beauty and fitness industries for commercial use nationwide, and to clients for residential use.
The decision to re-brand is never an easy one, but is sometimes a necessity. “There was just something missing from the name,” said Stephen P. Smith, CEO and Hot Box Detox creator. He went on to explain that the name Hot Box Detox fails to reference the workout done inside of the unit. Yes, you detox with the benefits of infrared heat, but what about the patent-pending fitness program delivering workout sessions through a Virtual Instructor?
Smith quickly began the exciting journey of re-branding in search of a new name that reflected the true essence of his creation and, of course, have a coolness factor that would resonate with both owners and users. HOTWORX was a name that embodied all that the brand needed, referring to the workout sessions done inside of the infrared sauna for maximum results.
Together with his executive staff, no time was wasted as the re-branding process was mapped out to ensure a smooth transition from Hot Box Detox to HOTWORX. As an extra effort, Smith has made the decision to go on a tour across the United States, visiting each location, to personally deliver HOTWORX marketing materials and replace the door on existing units with a new door displaying the HOTWORX logo. Visit HOTWORX.net for more information and updates on Smith’s re-branding tour.
Most of us are familiar with Sean Parker from the movie The Social Network. He was the “bad boy” character played by Justin Timberlake. Sean Parker was the cofounder of the file-sharing computer service Napster and served as the first president of Facebook.
What most of us do not know about Sean Parker is that he donated $250 million of his own money to cancer research through the Parker Foundation. A foundation that he started which focuses on life sciences, global public health and civic engagement. Collectively, the Parker Foundation has donated $600 million to medical research. A large portion of this has been allocated to the study of the cancer treatment known as Immunotherapy. Parker also formed a Dream Team of Scientist and teamed up with politicians like Vice President Joe Biden and Former President Jimmy Carter to help further his efforts.
It was the loss of a dear friend to cancer that sparked Parker’s mission to find a cure for the disease. He conducted his own research which lead him to becoming a true advocate for Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells.
Currently, Immunotherapy receives less than 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s research budget. Most of the budget is focused on novel chemo and “targeted agents.” This being the reason Parker felt the need to step in and help out with the progression of Immunotherapy.
The number of successful cases using Immunotherapy treatment has recently grown. One of the most prominent is the 91 year old former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
Parker has also pledged $24 million to allergy research. Thank you Mr. Sean Parker, please keep up the good work!
To read more about Sean Parker take a look at the two articles I found below.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sean-parker-cancer-research_us_570deae1e4b08a2d32b864b9
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tech-mogul-sean-parker-donates-250-million-cancer-research-immunotherapy/
Written by Alison Pitre, Marketing Director
