Well, I just finished a quick video interview for NBC as part of a story they are doing on spa services such as the BlackBerry Hand Massage. They are trying to ascertain whether or not this is a trend. Since we had the BlackBerry Hand Massage as part of our "Hot and Getting Hotter List," it was easy for me to confirm that we do see this as a trend.

Preparing for the interview gave me a chance to read up on RSI (repetitive stress injuries) and to take a look at what spas are doing to address some of these technology-related maladies. I found names such as "tech neck," "BlackBerry thumb," and "iPod finger." Some of the more progressive spas out there are indeed offering treatments to help clients suffering from these problems.

It's fascinating how widespread (and expensive!) these injuries have gotten. Here is a quote I found astonishing: "Repetitive musculoskeletal injuries like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome have become the nation's leading workplace health cost. RSI represents 62% of all North American WC claims and result in nearly $15-20 billion in lost work time and Workers Compensation claims each year." That's from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

And I think this is just the beginning…..

I'm sitting in the cyber cafe of Bumrungrad International here in Bangkok, Thailand. Bumrungrad is the hospital that 60 Minutes called, "The number-one international hospital in the world." NBC's Peter Greenberg recently featured it on the Today show. It is getting a lot of attention because the price (low), access (you can walk in and see a doctor within 20 minutes), and quality (tops) are what everyone wants.

I've been told it is the health care of the future - so naturally I wanted to see for myself.

There are 750 doctors on staff, and they see one million patients a year. The nurses and large support staff (many of whom are concierges) have smiles and serve refreshments. The children's area was filled with little ones having fun on the colorful tubes - the kind you see at some McDonald's playgrounds - playing with toys, and crawling over couches and chairs that look like soccer balls. The doctor's offices for the kids resemble little play houses. I bet parents have no problem taking their kids to the doctor around here!

This large, very clean facility looks like a cross between a mall (with a Starbuck's, shopping, restaurants), hospital, clinic, and high-end hotel. The only thing they are missing is a really forward thinking spa facility which could be integrated for patients, visitors and staff.

People fly in from all over the world for low-cost medical procedures here, such as executive health physicals, heart surgery, plastic surgery, or Lasik eye procedures, to name just a few. Although they don't currently have a spa, there are some spa elements available: A gym, hair salon, and massage therapists who can come to your hospital room. There is also a rooftop garden overlooking the city of Bangkok with beautiful landscaping. As lovely as this outdoor space was, no one was using it. And because it is always hot and humid in Bangkok, I don't imagine it gets much use at all. (Looks like great space for a spa to me!)

Ruben Toral, the hospital's group marketing director who is quite passionate about the work they do there, gave me a full tour, explained the business model, and shared with me that they are expanding this facility and also building a new Bumrungrad in Dubai.

I hope he is right about their model - low cost, high quality and quick accessibility - being the future of health care. And now if they could get the spa element right, it would be a real winner.

Most people know Peter Greenberg from NBC, where he has been the Today Show’s travel editor for many years. He is also a best selling author – Travel Detective is one of my favorites. I was introduced to Peter several years ago by my friend Kim Marshall, who is involved in the spa PR world and is also a friend of Peter’s. I must say, I believe we got off to a bad start and it was really my fault. We met at an industry trade show, and after Kim introduced us we spoke briefly about travel and spa. Noting that Peter was somewhat overweight, I couldn’t help but suggest that a full-week stay at a weight loss spa such as the Golden Door or Cal-a-Vie might be a good idea. Well, that turned out to be a big blunder, as the look on his face--and the fact that our conversation came to an abrupt halt--told me that I had hit a nerve. There went any hope of his mentioning Spa Finder on the Today Show!

Well, I am happy to report that I ran into Peter again--this time at the Virtuoso Travel event in Cambodia--with much better results. I almost didn't recognize him as he has lost a great deal of weight and looked very fit! He enthusiastically shared with me that he has lost 35 lbs (while still traveling extensively) and is coming out with a new book in May called The Traveler’s Diet. What a great idea for a book! I can't wait to see what weight loss tips he has for travelers. I wonder if they will include forgiving rude people who bring up someone's need to lose weight? :)