Notes from Nikki
Summer is DEFIANTLY here.  Which means more heat, more sun and more outdoor activities.
 
In this month's Health & Healing News we are giving you recommendations for staying safe from toxic chemicals while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.  In addition we are offering a special Summer Reflexology Special and Re-Introducing our Energy Healing Circle. 
 
Sarah's Suggestions
 
*Natural Bug Repellent*

  If you have ever checked the ingredients or warnings on your bug repellent it is not so appealing. It may sometimes be painstaking to make the choice between covering your body (and your loved one's) with chemicals or getting bites! 
As mosquito season approaches, you will be happy to know there is a safer alternative: essential oils. Essential oils have a wide variety of uses and benefits. The following is a simple recipe to make your own bug repellent:
 
10 drops Citronella
10 drops Geranium
10 drops Tea Tree
2 tbsp. Olive Oil
 
Combine all in a spray bottle, squirt bottle, or jar. May be used as a spray or as a lotion. Shake well before each application. Avoid contact with eyes. Do not ingest. Please note: essential oils are very strong and should never be applied directly to skin. Always dilute in a carrier oil, any vegetable based oil is suitable. Enjoy!
Essential oils may be found in the supplement section of the East End Food Co-op and the Whole Foods Market.
 
*Easy Citronella Candles*
 
 You may also add 1-2 drops  Citronella oil
as needed to the melted wax of a burning candle for a simple and inexpensive alternative to premade Citronella Candles.

Health & Healing News
June/July 2008
Greetings!

We hope that you are enjoying the beautiful sunny days that we have been having,  I know I certainly am!  One of my questions every year though is about the safety of SPF's that we are putting on our skin.  Years ago I went for some intensive skin care training in Salt Lake City where this topic was finally verified by the urgency of concern that the trainers expressed.  They would not give specific details, but ensured us that in future years we would see more and more evidence to the HARMFUL EFFECTS OF SUNSCREEN! 
 
I know you are thinking, You've got to be kidding me right?  Just one more thing!
 
But the truth is that many sunscreens have chemicals like like Padimate-O and Parsol 1789, that may actually increase the damaging effects of the sun.
 
When ingredients such as these are activated by the heat of the sun they can actually allow the sun to cause more skin damage than the sun itself.

Concerns are especially strong for children under 6 months of age, and the American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending that only a small amount of sunscreen on exposed areas of skin, such as the face and hands to be used on children. Opting to cover up and stay out of the sun.  
 
Now by no means do I encourage you to go out on a 90 degree day without any protection, or avoid the sun altogether, but there are some suggestions for which sunscreens are safer than others if you go to Skin Deep's website showing the EWG's safety recommendations.
 
Here in Pittsburgh we need to soak up the beneficial effects that the Vitamin D from sun provide, like strong bones, balanced moods, and better sleep/wake cycles.  So enjoy the beautiful weather, but be safe, smart and healthy.

Energy Healing Circle
 

Our Energy Healing Circle is back by popular demand! It will be held the first Monday of each month from 7:00-8:30 beginning the 7th of July. All are welcome to come and participate. The Circle will begin with a guided meditation to get everyone grounded. After that, everyone will have a chance to give and receive a healing. No experience is necessary, just an open heart and open hands.  Whether you are an energy worker or just looking for a new experience, the Circle is happy to have you. The session is free of charge but you may offer a donation if you like. The Energy Healing Circle will be facilitated by Lili and Sarah. If you have any questions, feel free to contact them at the office. We hope to see you there!

Summer Relief for Sore and Tired Feet

by Beth Celender 

 Well, the summer is finally here and I am sure we have all pulled out our summer clothes and shoes for the season.  Sandals are wonderful in the sense that that we are able to give our feet the feel of fresh air out of our socks and boots for a while.  Unfortunately, we all don't invest in the most supportive and comfortable sandals.  Within a week or two of the new season our feet are throbbing and tired from walking around all day and enjoying the activities of summer.  I know this happens to a good bit of us and it seems to be something we just try to put up with and ignore. 
 
Instead of ignoring your foot pain , why not take care of yourself and enjoy a fifteen minute peppermint soak and scrub followed by forty-five minutes focused entirely on your tired  and aching feet. Foot Reflexology is an extremely thorough approach to relieving the pain in your feet and stress in your whole body too! It is a great way to kick up your feet and enjoy this summer while taking care of your body as whole.
 
Special Summer Rates!
 
1 Hour Foot Reflexology and Peppermint Foot Treatment                                 Only......$50
 
*Mention Promo: Summer Special*
Enjoy the Sunshine!
 
Nikki Remic,  Lili Gill, Sarah Bauer, Beth Celender and Leslie Aronson
(412)242-4220