Bella Fontana Spa On-Line with BellaSpaDiva

All About the Fish Pedicure from Bella Fontana Spa

2008-10-20T16:46:32Z

Have you heard about the fish pedicure? Imagine placing your feet in a receptacle, e.g., fish tank, so that the fish eat the dead skin from your body. Very popular in the most hip of spas. It is an interesting idea, and maybe you have had that sensation before while visiting Lake Texoma or some other lake with lots of fish.

Although I have had a couple of clients inquire, we are not providing the fish pedicure at Bella Fontana Spa!Sanitation is a big thing for me, and part of our practice. I direct my employees to use EPA rated cleaning solutions that protect client and employee from bacterial, viral and fungal infections in and on all of our equipment. Also, I direct my employees to use each implement on only one customer. No double dipping!

The problem with the fish is that neither they, nor their tank can be effectively cleaned and sanitized between customers, putting us all at risk for infectious diseases. Even the State of Texas has put an advisory on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation that since the same fish are used on multiple customers and the holding tank cannot be cleaned according to the rules for pedicures that this procedure cannot be offered in cosmetology and barber establishments.

Specials right up front with On-line Booking

2008-09-30T13:02:46Z

Our on-line booking process has just become a little easier so try it now!

Free NutriTest®!

2008-09-19T10:52:28Z

WHAT VITAMINS & MINERALS ARE YOU LACKING?

The NutriTest® can tell you!
Click Here for More Information or to Order Now!

Bella Fontana Spa is pleased to announce a partnership with Smith-Reid Laboratories, a leading provider of customized nutrition based on their revolutionary NutriTest® The NutriTest® is a helpful tool for patients wanting to know more about their specific nutritional needs.

The American Medical Association recommends that all adults take a multi-vitamin daily, but how can the typical one-size-fits-all multi-vitamin sold in drug stores be right for everyone? Through Bella Fontana Spa’s partnership with Smith-Reid Laboratories, you now have access to a supplement that has been customized for you based on a scientific assessment of YOUR nutritional needs. No matter what your age, body type, diet, or activity level, you can be confident you’ll get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to achieve optimal health.

Download a brochure or call Smith Reid Laboratories at 1-866-949-9969 and ask to speak with customer service.

The NutriTest® and Customized Multi-Vitamins perfectly complement Bella Fontana Spa’s approach to provide exceptional healthcare services with a focus on prevention.

Customized Supplements for Optimal Health

Your formula is based on your unique nutritional needs as revealed by the NutriTest®

Your multi-vitamins contain customized amounts of 25 powerful vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.

Choose to include customized probiotics with individualized amounts of seven active probiotic strains to facilitate and maintain opetimal digestive health.

For convenience, supplements are shipped directly to your home.

Take advantage of our special pricing!

Get a FREE NutriTest® when you order 3 months of Customized Vitamins.

To order simply click here

For more information about the NutriTest® and Customized Multi-Vitamins, call Smith Reid Laboratories at
1-866-949-9969 and ask to speak with customer service.

Sincerely,

Ruth Cox

Great Prices for Laser Hair Removal

2008-09-12T18:03:16Z

Our prices begin at just $55.00 for laser hair removal, and consultations are always free! Book your appointment today at www.bellafontanaspa.com or read more about our Medical Spa Services at http://www.bellafontanaspa.us/Medical_Spa.html or http://www.cutera.com/patient-information.asp?show=hairremoval.

We offer the most advanced permanent laser hair removal and spider vein therapies. Our Q-Switched Laser treatment is specifically designed for gentle, permanent tattoo removal. We provide professional skin care services from topically applied hyaluronic acid wrinkle fillers to european facials, microdermabrasion, gel peels and chemical peels. You can be assured that we use only the best equipment and physician grade skin care treatments and cosmesceutical products. We ...

MonaVie

2008-09-11T18:09:12Z

It is the latest in anti-oxidant superfoods and is beginning to appear as an additive in lots of juices and health products. The best known is MonaVie and we have it here at Bella Fontana Spa. You may have seen it on television or being used by celebrities. It looks like a bottle of wine sitting on my counter, and tastes great. It even comes in a gel that can be used as a salad dressing or other topping. Get creative with your smoothes, margaritas and desserts!
If you want your skin to look great, and to feel good right down to your bones, try the gel next time you are at the Spa and mix it with a little carbonated water, soft drink or one of those creative uses. Consumption of MonaVie increases antioxidant capacity and results in a decrease in free radical damage of fats in the majority of those tested within two hours.
If you don't want to purchase it at the Spa, you can sign up on the team in have it autoshipped directly to you. Just call us at the Spa and sign up! 903.893.6222 or email spamail@bellafontanaspa.com

On-Line Booking at Bella Fontana Spa

2008-07-24T08:48:00Z

You deserve Bella Fontana Spa! We are recognized for our hospitality. Our employees are highly qualified licensed massage therapists, cosmetologists and aestheticians. We feature a full range of traditional day spa treatments, along with medical spa treatments such as laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments, laser facials, microdermabrasion and chemical peels, as well as a full service salon.

To achieve the goal of maintaining world class services, we stay focused on what makes visiting the Spa easy for you. For those of you that appreciate the ease of internet scheduling we offer on-line booking for most of our services!

To book on-line, simply browse and select the treatment or package and select the date and time. You can even select among our many spa technicians. Try this link: or simply go to our home page at www.bellafontanaspa.com to find out more about us. When you book on-line, you can manage your spa schedule at your convenience. This convenient feature even assists you in synchronizing your spa schedule to your outlook calendar. It's easy!

SkinCeuticals

2008-05-30T10:15:10Z

SkinCeuticals - Medical Grade Skin Care

When you have serious issues, you want clinically proven results!

For example, since birth I've been treated with various corticosteriods. The first non-prescription relief I've found has been from SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair. This product is intended for skin that has been compromised by surgery or laser treatments, but it also works for me!

Read more about the SkinCeuticals product line, and even order on-line, just make sure you REGISTER to get special email updates and information and don't forget to select Bella Fontana Spa as your local skin care professional. Register and purchase on-line, or call us at 903.893.6222 and we can special order for pick up at the Spa. Stop by anytime for a free skin care consultation and find out what will work for you.

Link to download - Jenn Falik’s E! News “Beach Beauty Must Haves” segment that ran May 28, 2008. SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense is featured as the number one must have and a favorite of Jennifer Lopez.

Spa Travel - 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston, TX December 14, 2008 on the Carnival Conquest

2008-05-30T10:13:17Z

"Passing on a great deal to our friends!!

I wanted to say thanks for all who have wished us well in our new travel venture. We have been offered an amazing deal from Carnival Cruise line to help us get started in our new business. We can not use radio or TV to advertise this rate do to contractual agreement with carnival. Please let your friends and family know about this offer. It is a great opportunity to vacation in one if the most exciting all inclusive vacations ever. Cruising!

These prices include cabin fees, port fees, fuel surcharges and pre paid gratuity (no tipping while on board.) You are responsible for drinks and transportation to Galveston and I can help you with transportation if needed. Also I rounded everything to the nearest dollar.

Sail date is December 14, 2008 out of Galveston on the Conquest and is for a 7 day cruise to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel . Please email me or call 903-965-7924 if you are interested. Because of the pricing I have a very limited window on these bookings. All it takes is a $25.00 non refundable deposit and you’re in. Can you think of a better Christmas present? By the way the average temperature that time of year is in the mid to upper 70s. Thanks for all your support and I hope I can help you with all your travel needs. Email me or call if I can help you with any of your vacationing needs or visit my website at www.mydreamjourneytravel.com . Help make our first big group booking a success.

Inside cabins 4A (single cabin)

2 person $1400.00

3 person $1805.00

4 person $2210.00

Inside cabins 6A (Sea Side Window)

2 person $1600.00

3 person $2035.00

4 person $2470.00

Inside cabins 8A (Sea Side Balcony)

2 person $1960.00

3 person $2445.00

4 person $2930.00

Deposit Due / per person

First June 10, 2008 $25.00

Second July 10, 2008 $250.00

Paid in Full by September 23, 2008"

My Dream Journey Travel
Billy and Samantha Burgess

903.965.7924 (Office)

903.209.6001 (Samantha)

903.821.7094 (Billy)

News Release from Allergan Cosmetic Treatments with BOTOX®

2008-02-08T00:34:51Z

News Release From Allergan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALLERGAN, INC. RESPONDS TO PUBLIC CITIZEN’S ALLEGATION REGARDING A FATALITY FOLLOWING BOTOX® COSMETIC TREATMENT

- - ALLERGAN CONFIRMS FATALITY NOT CAUSED BY BOTOX® COSMETIC - -

(IRVINE, Calif., January 25, 2008) – In response to public reports suggesting a causal link between a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment in 2003 and a fatality, Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN) today provided further assurance to patients and the public about BOTOX® Cosmetic and BOTOX® (Botulinum Toxin Type A).

On January 23, Public Citizen, an advocacy group founded by Ralph Nader, filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting labeling changes for botulinum toxins marketed in the United States. In media interviews today, a representative of Public Citizen appeared to suggest that BOTOX® Cosmetic caused the death of a single patient in 2004. This is untrue.

“Since its approval, over a million people have been treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic. In its entire history, there has never been a single reported death where a causal link to BOTOX® Cosmetic was established,” said Dr. Sef Kurstjens, Allergan’s Chief Medical Officer. “In a recent interview, a representative of Public Citizen appeared to suggest that there was a reported fatality associated with BOTOX® Cosmetic. A medical review of this actual case demonstrates that the patient passed away in the winter of 2004 from complications associated with staphylococcus pneumonia, not from a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment the patient received 7 weeks earlier. This conclusion is consistent with the assessment of the treating physician.”

BOTOX® Cosmetic is approved in the United States for the aesthetic treatment of glabellar lines (the vertical lines between the brows). Additionally, under a separate label, BOTOX® has been approved for more than 18 years to treat serious medical conditions such as cervical dystonia, strabismus (crossed eyes), and blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking). BOTOX® is often administered to patients who suffer from other chronic, debilitating neurological conditions who are at increased risk for mortality from underlying diseases, concomitant medications and other risk factors which themselves can cause serious adverse events. Nevertheless, reported serious adverse events after therapeutic treatment of BOTOX® are rare.

In the United States, adverse event reports are reported into the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) database. The AERS database is intended to encourage physicians to report any drug reaction; however, the report of the event does not by itself mean that the treatment caused the event, just that the event occurred after treatment with the drug. As the FDA cautions, “for any given report, there is no certainty that a suspected drug caused the reaction.”1 So, for instance, if Allergan is notified of an adverse event from any source, it is required to make an “adverse event report” to the FDA even if Allergan or the physician has not established that BOTOX® caused the event and, indeed, even if the treating physician has affirmatively concluded that BOTOX® was not the cause of the event.

In its petition, Public Citizen cites adverse event reports culled from the AERS database over a 10-year period from 1997 through 2006. A representative for Public Citizen stated in press interviews that there is a definite causal relationship between BOTOX® and these adverse events. This conclusion, however, is contrary to Public Citizen’s own admission in its petition which explicitly states that “causality cannot be proved” with respect to these adverse event reports.2

“Our first priority is the safety and well being of the patients who use our products,” added Dr. Kurstjens. “In the last 18 years since BOTOX® was first approved by the FDA to treat rare eye disorders, Allergan has vigilantly monitored the use of the product and worked closely with the FDA to ensure that all appropriate warnings and guidance are in the product labels. We also work closely with the medical community to educate them on the safe administration of the product. And we proudly stand behind the more than 20 years of research that has supported the approval of 20 different indications for BOTOX® around the world.”

For any medical inquiries related to the proper use of BOTOX® Cosmetic or BOTOX®, please contact Allergan’s Medical Information Department at 1-800-433-8871.

# # #

Important BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Information
BOTOX® is indicated for the treatment of cervical dystonia in adults to decrease the severity of abnormal head position and neck pain associated with cervical dystonia.

BOTOX® is also indicated for the treatment of strabismus and blepharospasm associated with dystonia, including benign essential blepharospasm or VII nerve disorders in patients 12 years of age and above.

The efficacy of BOTOX® treatment in deviations over 50 prism diopters, in restrictive strabismus, in Duane’s syndrome with lateral rectus weakness, and in secondary strabismus caused by prior surgical over-recession of the antagonist has not been established. BOTOX® is ineffective in chronic paralytic strabismus except when used in conjunction with surgical repair to reduce antagonist contracture.

And BOTOX® is indicated for the treatment of severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis that is inadequately managed with topical agents.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is approved for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people ages 18-65.

Important BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Safety Information
BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment should not be injected in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s) and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation.

Serious heart problems and serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely. If you think you’re having an allergic reaction or other unusual symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, call your doctor immediately. Individuals with peripheral motor neuropathic diseases (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or motor neuropathy) or neuromuscular junctional disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome) should only receive BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic with caution. Patients with neuromuscular disorders may be at increased risk of clinically significant systemic side effects with BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic. For full prescribing information, please visit www.botox.com and www.botoxcosmetic.com.

BOTOX® for Blepharospasm in Patients > 12 Years of Age: Reduced blinking from BOTOX® injection of the orbicularis muscle can lead to corneal exposure, persistent epithelial defect and corneal perforation. The most frequently reported treatment-related adverse reactions in these patients are ptosis (20.8%), superficial punctate keratitis (6.3%) and eye dryness (6.3%).

BOTOX® for Strabismus in Patients > 12 Years of Age: Inducing paralysis in one or more extraocular muscles may produce spatial disorientation, double vision or past pointing. The most commonly reported adverse effects are ptosis (16%) and vertical deviation (17%).

BOTOX® for Cervical Dystonia in Adults: There have been rare cases of dysphagia severe enough to warrant the insertion of a gastric feeding tube. The most frequently reported adverse reactions in patients with cervical dystonia are dysphagia (19%), upper respiratory infection (12%), neck pain (11%), and headache (11%).

BOTOX® for Severe Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis Inadequately Managed with Topical Agents: The most frequently reported adverse events (3 - 10%) are injection site pain and hemorrhage, non-axillary sweating, infection, pharyngitis, flu syndrome, headache, fever, neck or back pain, pruritus, and anxiety.

BOTOX® Cosmetic for Temporary Improvement in the Appearance of Moderate to Severe Frown Lines Between the Brows in Adults 18-65: The most common side effects following injection include temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements,” including statements regarding the safety, effectiveness and adverse events associated with BOTOX®.

These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Allergan's expectations and projections. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, general industry, biologic and pharmaceutical market conditions; technological advances and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in the research and development and regulatory processes; inconsistency of treatment results among patients; potential difficulties in manufacturing; and governmental laws and regulations affecting domestic and foreign operations. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors can be found in press releases issued by Allergan, as well as Allergan's public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under the heading "Risk Factors" in Allergan's 2006 Form 10-K and Allergan's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 2007. Copies of Allergan's press releases and additional information about Allergan is available on the World Wide Web at www.allergan.com face=Verdana size=1> or you can contact the Allergan Investor Relations Department by calling 1-714-246-4636.

About Allergan, Inc.
Founded in 1950, Allergan, Inc., with headquarters in Irvine, California, is a multi-specialty health care company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative pharmaceuticals, biologics and medical devices that enable people to live life to its greatest potential – to see more clearly, move more freely, express themselves more fully. The Company employs more than 7,500 people worldwide and operates state-of-the-art R&D facilities and world-class manufacturing plants. In addition to its discovery-to-development research organization, Allergan has global marketing and sales capabilities with a presence in more than 100 countries.

SOURCE: Allergan, Inc.

Allergan Contacts
Jim Hindman (714) 246-4636 (investors)
Joann Bradley (714) 246-4766 (investors)
Emil Schultz (714) 246-4474 (investors)
Caroline Van Hove (714) 246-5134 (media)
Leslie Bryant (714) 246-6948 (media)
Cathy DiRamio (714) 246-5551 (media)

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation Research, Office of Post-Marketing Drug Risk Assessment. File for Quarterly Data Extract from the Adverse Event Reporting System. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/aers/extract.htm. Accessed: January 25, 2008.
2. Citizen.org. Petition to the FDA requesting regulatory action concerning the possible spread of botulinum toxin (Botox, Myobloc) from the site of injection to other parts of the body (HRG Publication #1834). Available at: http://www.citizen.org/publications/release.cfm?ID=7559.Accessed: January 25, 2008.

Funky Fish Update

2008-02-08T00:35:39Z

Greetings All,

Just a quick update. I have been hard at work learning a new skill - working with chain maille. While it is great fun learning new things, I have yet to perfect my technique in all the myriad variations of chain maille. Look for some new things in the future, but for now, enjoy the items I currently have at Bella Fontana.

As always, feel free to contact me with any special requests or orders. I'll reply to you ASAP, although lately I have been under the weather. Unfortunately, the only cure for my illness seems to be sinus surgery. I'm down, but not out, however, the thought of facing surgery without health insurance is almost as bad as the illness itself. That is just the way it goes, sometimes.

Let me know if there is anything I can make for you or your special Valentine.

Enjoy,
Michele

Reading Can Save Your Life

2008-01-19T19:02:35Z

Okay, I may have overstated my case in the headline, but I got your attention. At a minimum, sitting down with a good book can relieve some stress. Or, at a minimum, minimum, it can give you a momentary escape from the kids, the job, money worries, relationship woes, and unexplained weight gain.

But any reader worth his salt will fess up that part of the pleasure of reading is being able to do it alone. It doesn't much matter whether I'm reading a thriller by James Patterson or a Pulitzer winner by Cormac McCarthy—reading is a way for me to get away from everyone and everything.

So, when you do get a few moments of solitude, what exactly should you read? Let me give you a couple of suggestions for books you might otherwise overlook.

First, The Wishbones by Tom Perrotta. This is basically a chummy romantic comedy. It’s about Dave, 31, who still lives at home and it’s hilarious. Really. After witnessing an unexpected death, Dave goes a little wacky and it’s this wackiness that makes the book so endearing. The first chapter is an absolute joy to read and ends with a subtle punchline that still has me giggling. I read the first chapter aloud to my girlfriend and wouldn’t let her off the couch until she agreed with me this is funny stuff and Perrotta is a genius.

And second, Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami. Murakami is one of Japan’s most celebrated writers. Kafka is a coming of age story about three characters—15-year-old Kafka Tamura, a savant-like man who can talk to cats, and a youngish guy with a dead end job who helps Kafka find an ordinary stone that has the power to change the world. It’s a about the quest for love and autonomy. It’s weird. It’s quirky. It’s a must read. Pick up both books. Read them. You won’t be disappointed.

Latham Shinder is the author of The Graffiti Sculptor and founder of Shinder Consulting, a network of professionals who provide writing, editing, and proposal management services for organizations and individuals. Visit Latham at
www.thegraffitisculptor.com.

Stressed Out? Transform - as published January 2008 in Info Magazine

2008-01-02T23:31:50Z

Stressed Out? Transform!
as publisned in Info Magazine January 2008
www.infomagazine.biz
“Please let me know if there is anything I can do.” Well intentioned words that are expressions of concern heard by anyone facing life’s major events. We all have these events, good and bad, and they all cause something we call ‘stress’.

One way to look at Stress is that it is simply our physiological response to change. We are ready for the fight or flight. Our body’s systems respond to chemicals released increasing heart rate and blood pressure, breathing, perspiration, pupils dilate and often we experience a burst of energy or strength. It is when these responses happen too frequently or when they last too long that our body becomes damaged and our ability to respond appropriately is impaired. The stressors in our lives may be obvious or not be so clearly defined. Sometimes we have maintained a high level of stress for such a long time that our body responds like a full rain barrel and just a tiny tempest causes a spill. Good News! We can learn to manage our response to stress and become healthier.

“Please let me know if there is anything I can do.” There are those words again. Like you, I heard them often during several particularly “stressful” times. I was also fortunate. Some of the people offering those words backed them up with action. They knew how to cherish and comfort someone confronted by the big stressors of life. A local veterinarian and his wife even did my laundry on several occasions! What I learned from these ‘doers’ was that letting others help and feeling gratitude was a blessing and a key to happiness. More importantly, I learned that taking action on my own or as part of a group to create a moment of relief for someone else produced even more happiness – for everyone. The seed that took root over a period of several years was that the continuous action of cherishing people was my passion, and that I was determined to find a way to make it happen every day. Over a period of seven years, I evaluated a many employment and business opportunities while climbing the corporate ladder. Through it all I kept coming back to what helped me the most. As a young widow and single mother, a few hours was all I could manage or afford so on business trips, over a lunch hour or on the weekend, it was the Spa that allowed me to temporarily provide some peace and quiet for my mind. Finally, I quit my corporate job, bought a building and created a Spa as close as possible to the world class Resort and Day Spas I visited in my travels.

Now success is creating the best work place and benefits for my employees that I can offer while achieving our mission to collaborate to create a moment of peace and serenity for our customers by providing personalized medical, traditional and wellness spa services in a warm and beautiful environment resulting in an improved sense of well being. Our services deliver real results that help the client with pain relief, cosmetic enhancements or body image. More importantly, I hope Bella Fontana Spa helps transform both those that give and those that receive into happier and healthier people.

What do you do to relieve stress for yourself and those you cherish? People matter and people want to help, even if they don’t know exactly what to do for themselves or for others. Here are some transformational things you may allow others to do for you, or you may do for others next time those words, “please let me know if there is anything I can do” come up, and remember, you can always come to the Spa!

Make a schedule to help manage time more effectively! Allow for Sleep.
Create Fun and Laughter, and it can come at the oddest times.
Celebrate events and milestones. Be grateful and make the best of the good days
Provide meals, whether you cook or source it;
Child care, in our community both young parents and grandparents are primary caregivers for children;
Clean the house or do the laundry, if it is too intrusive, hire someone;
Run errands, pick up and drop off a few essentials like eggs, bread and milk;
Touch and Communicate! Listen and let someone know how much you care.
Relieve physical stress and manage pain by walking, massage, and/or prayer.
Develop a network to help with medical appointments, group support and time to be alone.
Start a Care Page (http://www.carepages.com) to keep everyone informed; and,
Sometimes stress is too much to handle alone, see a qualified professional.

Ruth Nuckols Cox In the Press November 2007

2007-11-13T19:03:22Z

If you want to live a great life, do what you love! Know what makes you happy. Understand your values in dealing with people. Live your principles. As a mentor for VocationsVacations, Ruth Nuckols Cox guides mentees in understanding these questions for themselves because the answers will determine success or failure.

ExecuNet, Where Accomplished Executives Find Executive Jobs and Opportunities Every Day recently included an article about VocationVacations and Ruth in their newsletter.

Read more about it! VocationsVacations in ExecuNet

...

Ruth Nuckols Cox and VocationsVacations In the Press Fall 2007

2007-11-13T18:44:10Z

Our founder and CEO was mentioned in the Fall Issue 2007 of Texoma Living. The article by local writer Dianna Niemann-Harris outlines how one can explore a 'dream job' through VocationVacations.

"Clients, called "vocationers," get a chance to spend one to three days engaged in a vocation of interest, guided by a mentor who is an expert in that field."

Our own Spa Diva Ruth, is just such a mentor. We have had three vocationers traveling in from Greensboro, North Carolina, Detroit, Michigan, and Seattle, Washington just to learn more about the spa business.

Read the entire article! Texoma Living Fall Issue ...

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Survey of Women 20% Don't Want to Know

2007-10-28T22:21:38Z

The New York Post reported October 27, 2007 that an online survey by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists showed that:

20% of the women responding don't want to know if they have cancer
63% believe that if they have no family history, they are unlikely to develop cancer
7% believe that Pap Smears and Mammograms are a waste of time
18% feel that Pap Smears and Mammograms are unnecessary
52% feel they are not doing enough to reduce cancer risk

The survey was comprised of the responses of 1,664 respondents online between October 1 - 3, 2007. One of the points the article makes is that many women do not have access to health care. As a business owner, I provide my employees with three medical plan options so that they can have access to both preventative and major health care coverages.

A popular on-line blog by Dr. Erika Schwartz attributes the apparent skepticism from this survey to the way findings about cancer are managed by the media, pharmaceutical companies and medical establishment. These are my terms for her opinion, to read her own go to: http://www.drerika.com/blog

One of the most interesting questions she asks is: how many times do we see an ad on how to prevent cancer? Good point. Findings continue to show that managing our weight by eating healthier foods, anti-oxidants and avoidoing smoking and other risky consumption based behaviours help us prevent cancer. But doesn't it all come back to that old adage - all things in moderation? If we put taking care of our selves first, and indulging ourselves on the back burner, won't we all be healthier? Here's to improving your health and your sense of well being.

To read the original article follow this link: http://www.nypost.com/seven/10272007/news/regionalnews/deadly_ignorance.htm

Funky Fish News

2007-10-15T16:49:54Z

Greetings All,

It was great meeting all of you who visited the Bella Fontana booth at the Wine and Music Festival. I had a blast. I even gave several Henna tattoos, which is always a fun thing to do. I just got a new shipment of beads that I'm working on turning into beautiful jewelry- just in time for the holiday season. Keep an eye at the Spa and you will see all the new things I'll be making.

Look forward to hearing from or seeing you all.

Enjoy!

Michele & Funky Fish ...

Funky Fish Update

2007-10-05T15:31:43Z

Greetings,

Funky Fish would like to thank all the customers who visited the Bella Fontana booth at the Sherman Arts Fest. Thank you for making the day such a success. I hope that those of you that who bought jewelry are enjoying it. Come to the Spa and see the new pieces I put out on Friday, I'm sure you'll find something you just HAVE to have...

Also, keep this date in mind, October 6th, for the Sherman Wine & Music Festival on the Sherman Municipal Grounds, 4-9pm. Come to the Bella Fontana booth where I will be doing henna tattoos (one of my MANY talents). If you have never heard of henna before, it is a plant based dye that creates a temporary tattoo lasting up to three weeks. Henna has been used for centuries in the Middle East and Africa, and is safe and painless. Henna is a great way to decide if tattoos are for you. Come check it out, I'm sure you'll like henna as much as I do.

I look forward to seeing you there

TTFN

Michele

Laser Genesis Skin Therapy from Bella Fontana Spa

2007-09-25T07:23:52Z

Laser Genesis Skin Therapy

Treatment of Wrinkles and Redness, Management of Large Pores and Skin Texture

Laser Genesis skin therapy is an innovative, technologically advanced way to promote vibrant and healthy looking skin in men and women. Now you can have a youthful appearance by treating those conditions that are typically associated with premature signs of aging and sun damage, such as excessive redness, large pores, uneven texture, and fine-line wrinkles. The Laser Genesis procedure has been scientifically proven to produce new collagen.

The Laser Genesis difference.

The Laser Genesis procedure utilizes non-invasive laser technology to safely, discretely and effectively treat fine-line wrinkles, diffuse and excessive redness and help manage large pores, uneven skin texture, and scars. You can expect to see subtle yet consistent results after each treatment, without unwanted side effects such as bruising or excessive skin irritation. Treatments can be performed in a relaxed, comfortable manner without the use of topical anesthetics or gel.

How does Laser Genesis work?

By gently heating the upper dermis well below your skin's surface, Laser Genesis stimulates collagen regrowth. Additional heat is generated in dilated capillaries to reduce redness.

How many treatments will I need?

The treatment results are often subtle. On average, you may require four to six treatments in order to achieve optimal results. Every patient's condition and needs vary. For more information about your expected results or the number of treatments necessary, consult your healthcare professional.

What are the possible side effects?

Although most patients report few if any side effects, the most common is a slight redness that disappears within a few hours of treatment. Consult your healthcare professional for complete information about the benefits and risks of treatment.

What kind of textural improvements can you expect with Laser Genesis skin therapy?

Over the course of four to five treatments, Laser Genesis can help restore the skin's youthful glow and appearance by smoothing out uneven texture caused by aging, sun damage or scars. You will see a more even, healthy complexion as large pores are reduced in size, and minor imperfections are diminished. The individual treatment results are subtle, but the overall effect of multiple treatments can be quite dramatic.

Read more about it in Patient Brochure LaserGenesis. Consultations are always free! Call us at Bella Fontana Spa, 903.893.6222 or visit our websitefor more information on skin care.

Photo Facial - Photo Genesis Brightens your Skin with Light!

2007-09-25T07:27:28Z

Photo Genesis - Our Cutera XEO System

Treatment of Skin Redness, Brown Spots and Sun Damage

Photo Genesis is an innovative way to quickly, safely and comfortably improve your skin's texture, tone and color on your face, chest, arms, and hands, without gel or topical anesthetics. Signs of sun damage and age spots will usually flake off after one or two treatments, leaving clearer, younger looking skin.

The Photo Genesis difference.

Comfort. We have created a pulsed light system that is exceptionally effective for treating skin redness (rosacea), brown spots and sun damage at a very comfortable energy level. There is no need to apply topical anesthetic or gel beforehand, and you can realize remarkable results in just one or two treatments.

What does the treatment do?

The visible light delivered by the Photo Genesis procedure is selectively absorbed by the pigmented spots and red areas on your skin. It's the heating of the pigmented cells that causes the therapeutic effect.

What do treatments feel like?

When the handpiece is placed on your skin, it will feel cool and comfortable. When the pulse of light is delivered, you may feel a mild, brief pinching sensation.

How many treatments will I need?

Typically, one or two treatments are sufficient to see dramatic results. Additional treatments may be required for very large or dark spots, densely freckled areas, or excessively sun-damaged skin.

When will I see results?

Many patients see significant improvement within two to three weeks of treatment. Your complexion will be clearer and younger looking. However, your final result may not be apparent for a month or more.

Download our Patient Brochure PhotoGenesis for more information. Consultations are always free! Visit our website for more information or call Bella Fontana Spa 903.893.6222.

Shop Downtown for Shoes!

2007-09-11T23:49:22Z

If you only thought they could repair your shoes, try again! I just stopped by Risk's when walking around downtown Sherman and noticed they had expanded their retail offerings. If you are into comfort shoes that look great, you need to stop by too. Please tell them I clued you in!

I bought a great pair of Merrell's in Athens, Georgia this summer, and was excited to find out that Risk's could order them for me. They also have Clark's and Born. Born clogs are great with everything!

Risk Shoe Store & Repair

102 S. Crockett

Sherman Texas 75090

903-892-2238

I asked them to send me a summary of their offerings:

We offer a line of comfort shoes for women, In stock we carry a large collection of Clarks, Privos, Indigos, Artisia by Clarks and the new Un Collection. Which is a new line by Clarks that is UNbleavable! Also in stock we have a large line of Born shoes. We offer the Thorlo brand of socks for women and men.

We can order Softwalks, Merrell, and Keds for men women.

We carry many styles of steel toe work boots and shoes, for those who work industrial jobs.

We carry Aetrex shoe inserts for better arch supports, and we can order the Aetrex tennis shoes.

Also we offer Embroidery Services for those thing such as towel sets, shirts etc.

Thanks again

Naif Risk