Tag Archives: Spafinder.com

Top Five Pedicure Tips

pedicure 739073 Top Five Pedicure TipsI received a call yesterday from New York 1 requesting an interview about pedicure equipment at spas and what consumers should know to make sure they are safe when receiving a pedicure. Since manicures and pedicures are the most popular beauty services at spas, this is clearly an important topic.

With the hundreds of thousands of pedicures performed yearly most are excellent experiences with great results. Some people, however, are concerned especially if they read a story in the news that questions the safety of a pedicure. So here are some tips to help you be safe:

  • Skip having a pedicure (or manicure) if you have any open wounds. This is best for your health and is considerate of other spa-goers and the person performing your pedicure.
  • When you make an appointment, be sure to let the spa know that you are concerned about safety and ask them what steps they take to assure you will receive a safe manicure or pedicure. Be familiar with sanitation regulations. For example, in many states, nail care tools that can not be sterilized, including nail files, porous buffing stones and toe separators need to be thrown away (or given to you) after being used in your pedicure. Tools that can be sterilized must be sterilized after each use.
  • Licenses of technicians must be displayed at their stations.
  • Don’t assume that just because a pedicure is expensive, you will be safer. Sometimes the fanciest pedicure stations are among the most troubling. One of the most challenging sanitary issues regarding pedicures is the unseen piping and jets in pedicure tubs that can not be cleaned 100 percent.
  • If the spa has a whirlpool unit, ask if the technology is ³pipe-free². If they say no, ask to forgo the hydrotherapy portion of the treatment.

    I would love to hear feedback about your pedicure experiences from those who read my blog! Please post a comment by clicking on the link below that reads “Comments.”

How Did They Decide on the Name “Canyon Ranch”?

logocanyonranch 776046 How Did They Decide on the Name Canyon Ranch?In a previous blog entry, I mentioned how much I enjoy learning about the history of various spa brands. I love finding out whose idea it was to build the spa, why they built it, how the spa got its name, how much it cost, how the brand developed, etc. So as I began my research into the various brands for the Spafinder.com branding page, it seemed appropriate to begin with the one that stands apart from the rest: Canyon Ranch.

Many people know the story of the Zuckermans who founded Canyon Ranch, but few are familiar with the origins of the name “Canyon Ranch.” Someone at the company said he would ask Mel Zuckerman himself for the story. Here is a quick synopsis:

More than 27 years ago Mel Zuckerman had an experience that changed his life and sparked the creation of the world-acclaimed Canyon Ranch. At the time Mel was overweight and dealing with various health problems. So he went to a California spa for help. During this visit he had what he calls an A-ha moment when he realized how great he could feel simply by staying active, eating right, and living healthfully. He and his wife Enid, who was already a health enthusiast, soon made a commitment to build a haven for wellness and “living younger longer.”

They would build a revolutionary health-oriented resort in Tucson, Arizona. In 1977, they found the spot, the grounds of the old Double U Ranch. As soon as they saw this 70-acre oasis in the Sonoran Desert, they knew they’d found the place where their dream would come to life. Naming their baby took a little longer.

The property was just down the road from spectacular Sabino Canyon, in the Catalina Mountains. Mel had developed various properties in Tucson and always used “Sabino” in his subdivision names. They went with tradition at first, and the original legal papers referred to “Sabino Health & Fitness Resort, Inc.” A consultant was hired, and logos were being developed with that name. Enid, however, had grown tired of “Sabino,” and Mel agreed with her. Besides, this exciting new venture deserved a name of its own. After many hours of discussion, they simply joined the last words of Sabino Canyon and Double U Ranch to create Canyon Ranch.

Who knew then that the name would become a brand synonymous with life enhancement (currently encompassing two destination spas, three SpaClubs, and three Canyon Ranch Living communities). And, I hear, there’s more on the drawing board!

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