Six Local Businesses Make Healthy Living Easier

Written by on July 5, 2010 in Another Day in Paradise, Lifestyle Contest

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We live in a city and surrounding community that makes it easier to have a healthy lifestyle than in other parts of the country.

We have lots of places and options to be active, from walking the new rail trails or trekking through Maudsley, biking along the coast, kayaking in the river, swimming at the local indoor pools, playing tennis or climbing at Metro Rock (which I just tried for the first time and enjoyed).

We also have great services to support or reward healthy lifestyle choices, from massage and body work to healthy foods to go and in home cooking, as well as wonderful clothing stores and salons.

NewburyportThe lucky winners of last quarter’s contest awards got a chance to appreciate how much it helps to get support from local businesses in their quest for a healthy and active lifestyle. The three winners were each given two awards which came from the contest sponsors: Carry Out Cafe, Gentry’s Consignment, Grateful Spirit Massage and Wellness, in home cooking, Spa Paradiso & Salon and the YWCA of Greater Newburyport.

The winners learned how much it helps to use the services provided by these sponsors and how much better it left them feeling afterwards.

Carry Out Cafe – awarded to Debbie
This cute and convenient cafe, run by Paula Simpson, is located on State Street up by traffic circle. It is easy to find parking and just as easy to grab lunch or dinner while on the go. When Debbie went in, she didn’t have time to cook dinner and had her young kids with her. She felt welcomed and was pleased to see the refrigerator stocked with lots of healthy foods ready to go that looked delicious. For the kids she got the turkey pot pie and for herself she got a sweet potato burrito. She was thrilled that the kids loved the food as much as she did. Next time she’ll consider the salad bar or the hot entrees to go. Now she has a great option for days and nights when cooking is a challenge.

To see the cafe menu and daily specials, visit www.carryoutcafe.com.

Gentry’s Consignment Boutique – awarded to Cheryl
For fashionistas looking for ways to spruce up their wardrobes or reward themselves for getting into better shape, there is nothing like a stop into Gentrys at the Tannery for affordable top fashions. And that is what Cheryl got to do with her award. She had never been in before, and she was delighted to find a big selection of really nice clothing in regular and plus sizes and accessories – all in great condition. She picked out a beautiful sweater, tote bag and pocketbook, and looks forward to going back. She thought it was a great place to shop, and she agrees it will keep her motivated to stick with her healthier lifestyle choices.

To get updates on the latest fashions and deals in the store, visit www.gentryconsignment.com and see what Betsy and Richard are promoting. There is always something new.

Grateful Spirit Massage and Wellness – awarded to Tim
There is nothing like healing through touch, combined with movement. And that is what Kristen Harrison provides to her clients at 55 Pleasant Street. She mixes her expertise in Reiki energy work with aromatherapy, massage and foot reflexology to create integrative body work. This is just what Tim needed after a long day at the height of his busy season in his nursery. A session with Kristen leaves you feeling restored and rejuvenated.
Kristen will be providing massages and foot reflexology at Maudsley as part of Yankee Homecoming festivities.

To learn more about her services and events, visit www.gratefulspiritmassage.com

in home cooking – awarded to Tim
All the contestants knew how lucky Tim was to receive this award from Katie Habib of in home cooking. Katie had given the group a cooking demo a couple of months ago and wowed everyone with some tasty and easy vegetable recipes. Yet the thing she is probably better known for is her crock pot meals, called Crockpot Mondays. Once a week she delivers a crockpot filled with a hearty meal that feeds 6-8 people or 2 people for a few days, which is perfect for Tim.

To learn more about Katie’s crockpot specials, in home meals, cooking lessons or interactive dinner parties, visit her website at www.inhomecooking.net.

Spa Paradiso & Salon – awarded to Debbie
Across the street from David’s Tavern is the charming and elegant Spa Paradiso and Salon, run by Sharon and Don Pattullo and their friendly staff. Debbie chose a relaxing massage with her award. Before her massage she was seated in a comfy chair, with her feet soaking in a pretty basin, and given a refreshing cucumber water to drink. She felt totally pampered, and once on the massage table she relaxed into the wonderful massage from head to toe. She mentioned she had plantar fasciitis, and was delighted to then get a deep foot massage. As a mom, she appreciated how much everyone there focused on making the experience all about her as if she was getting special treatment. She loved it and can’t wait to go back with her mom, who she got a gift certificate.

For more information about all the services available at the Spa, visit www.spaparadisoandsalon.com.

YWCA of Greater Newburyport – awarded to Cheryl
The new wellness center at the YWCA on Market Street is bright, inviting and offers a wide array of health and fitness options. Cheryl received a 3 month Optimal Wellness membership, which included access to the pool, aquatic fitness programs, group strengthening classes, the fitness facility and classes for yoga, Pilates, Zumba and spinning. She was immediately impressed by how helpful, friendly and accommodating the staff was. They welcomed and congratulated her, and she appreciated how comfortable she felt right from the start – even in the pool. She was also impressed by the instructors. Now that her pass is up, she realizes she didn’t take full advantage of all the center has to offer and looks forward to going back.

To find out all the things you can do with an Optimal Wellness membership, go to www.ywcanewburyport.org.

Read What the Contestants Have to Say
Find out what else the contestants have to say about the local healthy services and options that support their new lifestyles, when they add their comments to this blog. And please share your own insights about what works for you. It may be just the spark that helps another person reading this blog.
For more information about the contest and contestants, visit www.aHealthyLifestyleWorks.com.

Have a fit and healthy week,
Alice

PS – The photo comes from 167 Water B&B, right here in Newburyport. My thanks to Anne Dodge.

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  • Michael

    Wow. It's now July and time to focus on my own healthy lifestyle choices. I read about my groupmates winning these awards and realize that it is now my turn to figure in the contest for some great rewards. I have made some significant changes in how I look at food and eating, along with increasing the amount of physical exercise I get on a weekly basis. It has not resulted in any weight loss, but my body is appreciating the difference. I don't get as winded from exercise and my body is certainly better prepared for my walks, swims and bike rides.

    Here's to continued healthy choices!

  • Michael

    Wow. It's now July and time to focus on my own healthy lifestyle choices. I read about my groupmates winning these awards and realize that it is now my turn to figure in the contest for some great rewards. I have made some significant changes in how I look at food and eating, along with increasing the amount of physical exercise I get on a weekly basis. It has not resulted in any weight loss, but my body is appreciating the difference. I don't get as winded from exercise and my body is certainly better prepared for my walks, swims and bike rides.

    Here's to continued healthy choices!

  • Lbourdeau

    We all agreed that when we started this contest it was about what we would achieve personally and not the prizes, but after hearing from my felllow contestants how awesome their massages and classes at the Y were I hope I am a winner this time! Thank you to all the sponsers for giving us a little more incentive.

  • Lbourdeau

    We all agreed that when we started this contest it was about what we would achieve personally and not the prizes, but after hearing from my felllow contestants how awesome their massages and classes at the Y were I hope I am a winner this time! Thank you to all the sponsers for giving us a little more incentive.

  • Debbie

    I used my gift certificate to spa paradiso a couple of weeks ago. I got a massage, it was AWESOME! I felt so relaxed afterwards. It was great! I love getting massages and it was exactly what I needed. They treat you like you are important from the minute you walk in the door. You don't get that very often, at least I dont. It was nice to be taken care of.

    I used my gift certificate to Carry Out Cafe a while ago. That was great too. One day I was on the go, as usual, and I knew I wasn't going to have time to make dinner so I went in and got lunch and dinner for myself and my family. It was great! My husband was thrilled! It's a really cute place!

    Things are going well for me lately. I have been doing great with my exercise, and continuing to make improvements in my eating habits. I went away recently and handled myself much better than I did the last time I went away. The last time I went away (to the same place with the same people) we did alot of drinking, which also leads to snacking and not exercising. After that weekend Alice asked me what I could do the next time to help myself make better choices. We discussed it and one of the things I thought might work is bringing flavored seltzer water. That way, I was still drinking something different and good so I didn't feel deprived, and also people around me don't know what I'm drinking. Sometimes when I'm with people that are drinking I feel a little pressured to drink too. I'm sure I do it to myself, but that's how I feel. So the next time I went away, that's what I did. It worked out great! I woke up feeling so much better then the last time. I took my dog for half hour walks every morning and has so much more energy during the day. I bought a kayak while I was away too. It is so fun! My husband and I went out for an hour and a half one morning, it was awesome! I took the kids out too, there were 6 kids that all wanted to go out on the kayaks. I took the older ones out for a while too. It was great! I cant wait to go again!

    I've also been going for more walks at home. I've been trying to jog during my walks also. I've been able to do more intervals too. I feel great!

  • Debbie

    I used my gift certificate to spa paradiso a couple of weeks ago. I got a massage, it was AWESOME! I felt so relaxed afterwards. It was great! I love getting massages and it was exactly what I needed. They treat you like you are important from the minute you walk in the door. You don't get that very often, at least I dont. It was nice to be taken care of.

    I used my gift certificate to Carry Out Cafe a while ago. That was great too. One day I was on the go, as usual, and I knew I wasn't going to have time to make dinner so I went in and got lunch and dinner for myself and my family. It was great! My husband was thrilled! It's a really cute place!

    Things are going well for me lately. I have been doing great with my exercise, and continuing to make improvements in my eating habits. I went away recently and handled myself much better than I did the last time I went away. The last time I went away (to the same place with the same people) we did alot of drinking, which also leads to snacking and not exercising. After that weekend Alice asked me what I could do the next time to help myself make better choices. We discussed it and one of the things I thought might work is bringing flavored seltzer water. That way, I was still drinking something different and good so I didn't feel deprived, and also people around me don't know what I'm drinking. Sometimes when I'm with people that are drinking I feel a little pressured to drink too. I'm sure I do it to myself, but that's how I feel. So the next time I went away, that's what I did. It worked out great! I woke up feeling so much better then the last time. I took my dog for half hour walks every morning and has so much more energy during the day. I bought a kayak while I was away too. It is so fun! My husband and I went out for an hour and a half one morning, it was awesome! I took the kids out too, there were 6 kids that all wanted to go out on the kayaks. I took the older ones out for a while too. It was great! I cant wait to go again!

    I've also been going for more walks at home. I've been trying to jog during my walks also. I've been able to do more intervals too. I feel great!

  • Maureen

    I already knew I was fortunate to be part of the greater Newburyport community, though it took me a long time to take advantage of the many opportunities available to me. Living a sedentary life for many years, it was hard to try new things and break out of old habits. Exploring the many options we have to be active has been more than rewarding. I've made great friends, learned I'm more capable than I ever would have imagined, and found support and encouragement in countless places along the way. I'm not surprised that
    so many local businesses have chosen to support and reward healthy lifestyle choices, but I am extremely grateful.

    As one of my fellow contestants noted, this contest is not about the prizes. Still, it's awfully nice to have these potential gifts in front of me as I look for additional ways to stay motivated along this path to self-improvement. Thanks to the 6 local businesses Alice mentioned, and to everyone who has been so supportive along the way.

  • Maureen

    I already knew I was fortunate to be part of the greater Newburyport community, though it took me a long time to take advantage of the many opportunities available to me. Living a sedentary life for many years, it was hard to try new things and break out of old habits. Exploring the many options we have to be active has been more than rewarding. I've made great friends, learned I'm more capable than I ever would have imagined, and found support and encouragement in countless places along the way. I'm not surprised that
    so many local businesses have chosen to support and reward healthy lifestyle choices, but I am extremely grateful.

    As one of my fellow contestants noted, this contest is not about the prizes. Still, it's awfully nice to have these potential gifts in front of me as I look for additional ways to stay motivated along this path to self-improvement. Thanks to the 6 local businesses Alice mentioned, and to everyone who has been so supportive along the way.

  • Cheryl M

    Wow-I cannot thank Alice enough for choosing me to participate in the healthy lifestyle contest. While the weight loss has been minimal to date, the change in my life has been huge! I entered the contest, stating that I could not tolerate exercise at all, but slowly began doing it. The best most recent news is that I have progressed beyond my wildest expectations due to Alice rcommending Labell Physical Therapy in Rowley, MA. Bryan Labell, the owner, is very motivating and doesn't take no for an answer. He encourages everyone to think forward and to not dwell on the past. When I stated that I couldn't walk on bricks or any hard surfaces, he said “not yet you can't!” After working with Bryan and his staff for a mere 3 weeks, I was able to walk around Newburyport during Yankee Homecoming without symptoms for the first time in 17 years! I had been to numerous doctors, thorugh many tests, exercise places, physical therapy places etc. through the years with no success and no answers. It is life changing indeed!

  • Cheryl M

    Wow-I cannot thank Alice enough for choosing me to participate in the healthy lifestyle contest. While the weight loss has been minimal to date, the change in my life has been huge! I entered the contest, stating that I could not tolerate exercise at all, but slowly began doing it. The best most recent news is that I have progressed beyond my wildest expectations due to Alice rcommending Labell Physical Therapy in Rowley, MA. Bryan Labell, the owner, is very motivating and doesn't take no for an answer. He encourages everyone to think forward and to not dwell on the past. When I stated that I couldn't walk on bricks or any hard surfaces, he said “not yet you can't!” After working with Bryan and his staff for a mere 3 weeks, I was able to walk around Newburyport during Yankee Homecoming without symptoms for the first time in 17 years! I had been to numerous doctors, thorugh many tests, exercise places, physical therapy places etc. through the years with no success and no answers. It is life changing indeed!