The Woes of Whiplash

If you have ever been in a car, bike, or other fast moving accident you most likely experience pain in the front or rear portions or your neck. Pain and motion restrictions are the concern of most individuals who have experienced whiplash. Pain can persist for weeks following the incident and once the pain is gone you think the injury is old news, but it’s not! Bouts of pain and a “stiff neck” can occur frequently and for years after on old injury.
In general whiplash can cause: Chronic instability and muscle weakness, restricted motion, severe to mild pain and vertigo ¹
My background with whiplash both personally and professionally has afforded me the capability to know what works in both acute (recent injury) and chronic whiplash cases. I would recommend a personalized plan of massage, heat or ice (depending on your unique circumstance), and a few stretching techniques. In the past I have reduced residual pain and broken up tissue restrictions, i.e. scar tissue, thus allowing my clients to once again move with a normal range of motion and no pain!

The woes of whiplash,

was presented by massage therapist Sarah M. Harris, LMT

¹-Til Luchau; “Working With Whiplash” Massage and Bodywork Magazine

So what’s the difference between chemical and non-chemical sunscreens?

Physical barrier sunscreens are non-chemical, containing either Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide as the active ingredient. They work to form a layer of opaque minerals on top of the skin that reflects or scatters ultraviolet (UV) light. These sunscreens can be applied just prior to sun exposure. We offer Jane Iredale as a chemical free alternative here at Meadow Creek.

Powder-Me SPF can be used on the body and face for a UVB/UVA SPF 30 protection. It contains titanium dioxide and a natural clay dried in the sun and is completely free of contaminants and atmospheric pollutants.
• Ancient clay contains minerals that nourish and calm the skin
• If you do get too much sun, smooth on Powder-Me SPF to help soothe the inflammation
• This product crosses all ages and genders and will be a staple year round.

Chemical sunscreens differ in that they absorb UV rays before they can do any damage. However, over the counter chemical sunscreens can be absorbed into the skin, and are more likely to cause irritations, allergies or other health concerns. Best to choose a high quality sunscreen that has even more benefits for your skin. Some of our top picks for sunscreen protection are

The Eminence
Tropical Vanilla Body SPF 32
Description:

Natural SPF Protection for All Skin Types
Skin Type: All skin types

Key Ingredients:
•Shea Butter: calming and moisturizing; it is an excellent emollient for skin and naturally occurring sun screen
•Zinc Oxide: astringent and anti-inflammatory; aids in healing skin irritations and blocks UV rays
•Vanilla: calming, soothing; improves circulation
•Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate: clear liquid compound that absorbs UVB light

And for your face try the Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream SPF 32

Natural SPF Protection for All Skin Types

Clinically proven to increase moisture content by 250%!

Skin Type: All skin types

Key Ingredients:
Shea Butter: calming and moisturizing; it is an excellent emollient for skin and naturally occurring sun screen
Zinc Oxide: astringent and anti-inflammatory; aids in healing skin irritations and blocks UV rays
Vanilla: calming, soothing; improves circulation
BiocomplexTM: an antioxidant booster of Vitamin A, Vitamin C Ester, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid

Note that chemical sunscreens must be applied thirty minutes before sun exposure.

Why is sunscreen so important?
Sunscreen is so important because without the use of it our skin is exposed to free radial damage. Free radicals are what cause cancer and also break down the skins structural barrier of elastin and collagen, thus causing the skin to age prematurely. You should use a minimum spf of 30 or higher. Please use caution when outdoors and reapply your sunscreen every couple of hours that you are exposed. On another note enjoy the sun and its wonderful vitamin D but DO use caution!
This has been a sunscreen 101 tip from Aesthetician Stacey Beyhan and Owner Tara Smith  at Meadow Creek.

Welcome to our new blog… with Meadow Creek Spa & Salon celebrating 7 years in business this summer we wanted to come up with new ways to create more value for our meritorious clients, whom we could not have come this far without. As our special thanks to you, in the coming weeks we will be posting blogs with information that we think you will find useful. Our talented staff at Meadow Creek is always learning new information, or being reminded of something that we have learned in the past that we think will benefit you. So enjoy and remember the best way that you can show your appreciation for what we are sharing is to come in for a visit and let us show you how hard we can work for you! If you have any questions, feedback or your own testimonials of great experiences at Meadow Creek that we can share with everyone, please email us at info@meadowcreekspa.com. Thank you for a sensational seven years!
Posted by Tara Smith, Meadow Creek Owner & Executive Stylist