 "We take your health and safety very seriously (that has never changed)."
Yes, Coronavirus has affected our operations, like all of the country. We are trying to keep our information here short and sweet so as not to overwhelm, so if you need more details, please feel free to call us 308-432-4558. Until further notice, all of our standard policies and procedures will be trumped by the Nebraska Sate DHM (Directed Health Measures) in order to stay in compliance with applicable laws as far as possible. Thank you all for your continued support and patience as we collectively work through this. We are presently implementing some changes to our illness and operational policies, at least until the threat of this pandemic has passed. Here's what you need to know:
Please remember, as alternative healthcare professionals, our policies and practices have always been reflective of our desire to promote and maintain the health and safety of our clients (and we will continue to do so). We have always implemented the Department of Health's business practice guidelines and standards for hygiene and sanitation to minimize customer's exposure to ANY kind of communicable illness during your visits here. So, if you have been free of symptoms of communicable illness. we are still planning to see you for your scheduled treatments (unless the governing bodies tell us not to do so). We will still be washing our hands like crazy (as always), and properly sanitizing surfaces, so you can rest easy -- as always! For all who are home due to illness, and those simply avoiding contact with others during this time, we would be happy to share thoughts on home care and immunity boosting techniques. *NOTICE: We're not doctors, nor do we diagnose, cure, or prescribe for anything. All of the information contained herein is for educational purposes only. Use at your own discretion. The efficacy of essential oils and other treatments listed above may not have been evaluated or supported by the FDA (even though they may have been used by naturopathic advocates for centuries with reported benefits). If you believe you are sick, visit your primary care provider, as always.
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 Did you know that over half to upwards of three quarters of the body's entire immune system finds its home in your intestines!? It's true. Not only is our colon (aka: "gut"; intestinal tract) critical for digestion, it is essential for immunity too! 😷🤒
Initially researchers thought that the presence of both the high concentration of the body's immune system and the overabundance of bacteria and other microorganisms in the intestines was an indication of antagonistic forces needed to keep the body in check. In recent decades however, the discovery has been made that this, in fact, is not the case, but rather the presence of both is actually due to a symbiosis of sorts. In fact, the hyper-colonization of micro-organisms, in your large intestine (colon) especially, is part of what helps keep your immune system functioning at peak level -- or at least it does if you treat it well. You see, the bacteria in your colon help break down nutrients, build nutrients out of plant "chemicals", fight off invading pathogens, and many other things! "So, how can I take good care of my intestinal tract," you may be wondering. I'm glad you asked! In delving into the subject you may find yourself overwhelmed by words, phrases or acronyms like: "intestinal flora", PRO-biotics, PRE-biotics, polysaccharides, seroconversion, and LAB (Lactobacillus sp.), among other things. The truth of the matter is it really doesn't have to get that complicated for the general population, unless of course you want it to be. All you REALLY need to know is that your body, and your intestinal "microbiome" thrives best on fresh, raw fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes and vegetables as the core of a healthy diet. Why? FIBER (aka: prebiotics and "roughage"), along with the accompanying wealth of live enzymes, phytochemicals and nutrients. Did you know that there have been studies done comparing the overall health of countries where fiber-rich diets are the core of a people's "nutritional economy" versus populations where fiber is almost wholly replaced by fiberless eating. The inherent lack of fiber (and associated phytochemicals, enzymes and nutrients) found in the latter type of a people group's nutritional economy correlates directly with unhealthy microorganisms dominating the intestinal system, and as a result an increase in many of the diseases of our 21st century! "But I don't like vegetables," you may be saying to yourself. Did you know that by introducing new foods to your diet, little by little over the course of a few weeks or months, your dietary preferences can readily change? It's true! How so? Your body will learn to associate the tastes of healthy, fresh, new foods with the input of nutrients, phytochemicals, and live enzymes it desperately needs. Sometimes it is merely a matter of trying different methods of preparing these foods in ways that appeal to you. The EXCELLENT news is that the internet is currently riddled with trillions, maybe gazillions of recipes in the fiber-rich category that are good for you! We like to keep things as simple as possible -- we believe creation was intended to be that way. So here's a brief synopsis of what you need to know to keep your colon healthy (it's associated microbiome), and therein your overall immunity. MY HEALTHY GUT LIST 🌱🍊🌶️🌽🍠🍌🍈🌿 1) EAT LOTS OF FIBER RICH FOODS Many experts agree that upwards of 80% of your diet should contain some form of fiber. 2) VARY YOUR FIBER INTAKE Eating Kraft mac-n-cheese at ever meal with a glass full of Metamucil to wash it down is not the same thing as a healthy serving of broccoli, carrots, olives and multi-grain crackers with a little added dressing. Aim for a "rainbow" of fiber-rich colors throughout the week. 3) INCLUDE QUALITY PROBIOTICS WHEN NECESSARY, OR EVEN REGULARLY Watch out for over-the-counter brands here as many of the probiotic bacteria are dead-on-the-shelf before you ever buy them. Instead opt for refrigerated versions with a decent variety of bacterium, always checking the expiration date and pitching them when time runs out. Or better yet, opt to make your own kimchi, sauerkraut, or coconut yogurt 😋. (P.S. You can test the viability of any probiotic by emptying a few capsules worth as the starter culture for a batch of homemade organic yogurt; if your liquid doesn't congeal, it's likely because the bacteria are already dead.) 4) AVOID "DEAD" FOODS AND CHEMICALS Anything you put in (or even on) your body can impact the health of your intestinal microbiome, and therein your immunity. Dead foods include virtually anything that is not in it's "whole food" form, meaning it has been divided, stripped of nutrients or fiber, had a wealth of chemicals or preservatives added to keep it "fresh", or cooked to death in any variety of ways. If it comes in a tell-tale crinkle bag, has a huge list of unpronounceable ingredients, is likely doused with chemicals during it's growth or manufacture, or is even simply laden with refined sugar, salt or fat, try to get it out of your diet as fast as you can -- or at least only consume such things as a rare treat. And after a round of medications (for example, antibiotics), or a nibble on a bag of junkfood, it is wise to give your body a healthy dose of probiotics again. We all want to be healthy, and if you follow the above guidelines (doctor permitting, of course), even if you're doing little else, you will be off to a pretty good start. Remember though, if your diet is chemically laden, ripe with artificial ingredients, low in fresh, nutrient dense, whole-food forms of fiber (or any fiber), or you are on a wealth of medications and have a job in a chemicals factory, popping a few probiotic pills and adding a couple tablespoons of flaxmeal to a sugary bowl of corn puffs every day may be somewhat like aiming a garden hose at a raging house fire. This truly is an area that needs our best commitment. Your gut requires the best it can get, including proper nutrition, exercise (oxygen and vital blood flow), cleansing (via water and roughage) and rest (adequate sleep and fasting). If you're not sure where to start, but would like more information or recipes, we'd be happy to share some of our favorites! ------- NOTICE: Please remember that we are not here to diagnose, cure, or prescribe for any illness or disease. Any recommendations provided herein are intended for educational purposes only. If you are in need of medical care, please contact your primary care provider.  Sometimes you have to look for the silver lining in everything. For us and many others we know, being completely shut down for business, this task can seem daunting. But today we had a little chuckle when we found this little silver thread floating about. When you're in our profession for a long while, you tend to forget what it is like to have them (fingernails, that is). So, we'll continue to grow them out, and enjoy them while they're here.
All the fluff aside, we really miss you guys!! We can hardly wait to get back to work... even if the nails have to go! 🤗❤🙏  This is our prayer for you in this reflective season, that you may keep your eyes always upwards in hope, even in the midst of uncertainly. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Rom.15:13 RSV)  On Friday we received official word from the State of Nebraska that all massage therapists are also included in the Directed Health Measures (DHM) in order to help thwart the spread of Coronavirus. We know that many of you will still be experiencing pain and discomfort during this time and we can only encourage you to continue in your home care routines: adequate hydration, proper nutrition, exercise (strengthening, stretching, & cardio), quality rest, etc. We hope you'll stay tuned here for news, related updates and more info.
Have a wonderful day and stay safe!  Many foods trigger the production of mucus by the body and should be avoided or eliminated entirely from your diet while fighting respiratory illnesses. As a general rule, any food that is "acid forming" in the body (these generally cause inflammation) will typically pose a greater threat of contributing to the body's overproduction of mucus than foods that are "alkalizing" (these generally fight/reduce inflammation). The following are some of the greatest offenders:
1) SUGAR (cane or beet sugar, corn syrup, fruit juices, etc) 2) DAIRY (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, butter) & EGGS 3) GRAINS (whole grains, bread, pasta, cereal, etc) 4) ALLERGENS/SENSITIVITIES (foods you are personally sensitive to; examples might be wheat, corn, soy, nuts, some meats/seafood, cabbage, "nightshade" vegetables, etc) 5) CAFFEINE (coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda, chocolate) 6) TOXIC FOODS (super-refined foods, alcohol, high sodium, high fat foods, chemical laden foods, tobacco, etc) 7) MISC (bananas, oranges/clementines) Other foods can actually be beneficial to the body in helping clear up or prevent mucus formation (again, many "alkalizing foods" will help do this as they help combat inflammation). Here are some great options: 1) OMEGA-3 RICH SEEDS & NUTS (fresh ground flax meal, chia seed, hempseed, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, etc) 2) ORANGE COLORED VEGGIES (carrots, bell pepper, carrots, pumpkin/squash, sweet potato) 3) OTHER CITRUS (lemons, grapefruit) 4) "ORGANIC SODIUM" FOODS (celery, beets, strawberry, etc; table/sea/mineral salta are "inorganic sodium" sources) 5) SULFUR RICH FOODS (garlic, onions) 6) HERBS & SPICES (chamomile, cayenne, thyme, oregano, mint, turmeric, ginger) 7) MISC (pineapple, watercress, probiotics, local raw honey in moderation, extra virgin olive oil, low-sodium vegetable broth, decaf tea) While these are not exhaustive lists, and different variables may apply individually, this provides a good starting point for those seeking to weed out potential offenders, as well as introduce or increase foods that might especially benefit you. If you'd like further information, please also visit the Lung Institute https://bit.ly/2XmgffY or read this article on Inflammation and Mucus formation to understand the "why" of it all better https://bit.ly/2US3hoY NOTICE: Please remember that we are not here to diagnose, cure, or prescribe for any illness or disease. Any recommendations provided herein are intended for educational purposes only. If you are in need of medical care, please contact your primary care provider. Another great option for lung exercise if you find that you have weak lungs/breathing but cannot walk or perform other exercises due to other health issues like arthritis in the knees, sprained ankle, or you are simply temporarily quarantined. You can exercise your lungs with a large rubber party balloon (12-14" recommended for adults).
EXERCISE: Take a deep breath in and blow ALL of your breath out into your balloon, pinching your balloon closed with your fingers when your through. Keep the air in your balloon. Take another deep breath in, and blow ALL of your second breath into your balloon, pinching the balloon closed when your through. Keep the air in the balloon. If your balloon is large enough, repeat one more time with one more deep breath. Ideally you should be able to fill your balloon with 3 large breaths (the more air in the balloon, the more resistance you will get). If you can fill your balloon 3 times, repeat the above series 3 times, then rest. If you can only fill your balloon with two breaths, repeat the above series 4 times. It is recommended that individuals with weak lungs begin this exercise routine sitting. If you can complete this exercise without getting light headed or dizzy, to increase difficulty, you may try to blow up to balloon while standing (ensuring you do not bend forward to help expel your full breath). The goal in this is to strengthen the diaphragm muscle that sits under the lungs, and also the intercostal muscles, all of which help with inspiration of air into, and expiration of air out of the lungs. NOTICE: Please remember that we are not here to diagnose, cure, or prescribe for any illness or disease. Any recommendations provided herein are intended for educational purposes only. If you are in need of medical care, please contact your primary care provider. This exercise is designed to strengthen breathing PRIOR to respiratory illness setting in and may not be advisable once illness has set in. Please consult your doctor to determine if this exercise is appropriate if you have fallen ill.  If you need help, PLEASE reach out to a trusted public resource. There are countless individuals in our community who I know would help you to find a safe place to wait this virus out. You're in our prayers... you're not alone.
 We understand these are frustrating and confusing times. Stress levels for many are at their peak. All we want to do is grab a moment to relax, to come in and get a much needed massage. Trust us, we understand, and now even more than ever before we want to be here for you!
This novel (new and mysterious) Coronavirus is uncharted territory, not only for doctors and other mainstream health experts and professionals around the world, but for those of us in allied health fields too. We are humbly asking for your continued patience as we try to sort through the information and determine what our present course of action should be. We wish it were cut and dried, but as information is updated almost daily, you may find that our stance on available therapies and appropriate actions must change too. Last month we adjusted our illness policy to include the considerations for symptoms relating to the Coronavirus, but as incidences of COVID-19 begin knocking on our regional back door, and the risk of asymptomatic infection rises too, we are facing decisions that may affect you, and the treatments we can offer you. Here's a brief synopsis of why: 1) MASSAGE THERAPY IS CONTRAINDICATED (NOT ADVISABLE) FOR ACTIVE ILLNESS. Cold, flu, and we can only safely assume Coronavirus symptoms too can be exacerbated by receiving massage while active viral infection is present. Additionally, receiving massage in the early stages of flu can increase the severity of illness as it progresses. Because this Coronavirus is heretofore uncharted territory, but acts much like the flu in its symptomatology, we are following recommendations for flu protocol and asking clients not to come while suffering any symptoms of cold, flu or other respiratory infection (runny nose, sore throat, fever, cough, sneezing, body aches, difficulty breathing, etc). 2) CORONAVIRUS IS ESPECIALLY CONTAGIOUS. Though there are conflicting reports, according to medical experts we have trusted and followed for years previous to now, we are inclined to believe that Coronavirus is significantly more contagious than the average flu, in addition to being highly dangerous to immune compromised individuals (although our younger, "healthier" populations are surprisingly being affected too). At present, in conjunction with increased sanitation efforts, we have opted to focus our efforts on keeping immune compromised individuals safe and limiting their exposure by restricting access to our facility by persons who may have had potential exposure themselves. As Coronavirus nears our community boarder, however, the time will inevitably come where we will simply have to assume that virtually everybody has been exposed to this virus, and anyone, even if asymptomatic (without symptoms), is likely infected or already recovering. Again, as the spread of this illness continues, our approach may change. We are presently debating what our next move will be. Our main goal (wherever possible) is to try and help keep our client's immune system up and otherwise aid them in staying healthy. 3) OTHER PREVENTATIVE MEASURES MORE EFFECTIVE. While massage therapy has been proven to help boost immunity, it is meant to be used as a preventative measure while individuals are essentially healthy. There are times when it is not advisable to receive massage therapy, as outlined above, but there are other therapies that can be used for boosting immunity (even more effectively), as well as inducing relaxation. We are working to fully implement these other therapies for your benefit should the time come that we are not able to provide you with your standard massage therapy. 4) WE ARE REQUIRED TO CONSIDER LOCAL AND FEDERAL LAWS, AS WELL AS OUR OWN HEALTH AND SAFETY. It is a constantly shifting arena. New information, new mandates, new professional and personal considerations to make. We are doing our best to abide by the laws and regulations being made, and of course, try to help keep everyone healthy and safe. We know that some of you have ended up frustrated by social distancing and isolation requests/mandates, particularly those who have found it necessary to travel into areas where there have been incidents of COVID-19 and your potential exposure has almost been guaranteed. Once again we are asking you to please hang in there with us, as we are doing our best to navigate this sea of confusion. Our approach to your care during this time may be changing by necessity. We are actively doing everything we can to remain a viable and safe part of your wellness routine. If you have questions or concerns relating to massage or other wellness options, including home care, please feel free to give us a call -- we're happy to talk to you at any time. We apologize for any inconveniences to you in all of this, and thank you most sincerely for your patience and understanding! The Great Escape Massage & Wellness Center LLC Chadron, NE 69337 308-432-4558 |
COVID-19 INFORMATION
(Click here.) Coronavirus has affected our operations in reference to many of the subjects or services listed herein. Please see our dedicated COVID-19 page for information. Until further notice, all of our standard policies and procedures will be trumped by the Nebraska State DHM (Directed Health Measures) in order to stay in compliance with state law as far as possible. Thank you all for your continued support and patience as we collectively work through this. Jerri W., LMT, CWC
Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Wellness Coach with over 25+ years of experience in pain management, relaxation techniques and lifestyle education. Heather R., LMT, CWC
Certified Wellness Coach and Licensed Massage Therapist with a passion for helping others achieve optimal wellness through healthier living. Archives
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NOTICE: The information provided herein is meant for educational purposes only. We accept no liability for your use of the information provided. As always, use your best judgment and if in doubt, please consult your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your particular situation.
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