June 2010 Archives

Scottsdale's True REST Float Spa, the first in the United States to offer REST pod technology, is building quite a following - in terms of both customers and fans on its Facebook site.

Due to its popularity and consumer demand, the facility is expanding and now offers therapeutic massage, hot stone therapy and Reflexology in addition to its flotation therapy specialty. In Flotation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulus Therapy), a person floats effortlessly on top of a pool of saltwater - 10 inches of water and 1,200 pounds of salt - in a specially designed pod with minimal light and sound.

Benefits include pain and stress relief and a natural improvement of sleep quality. In a chronic pain study recently conducted, 70% of participants had absolutely no pain during Float sessions and all participants had some relief. The pain decrease lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few days and in rare cases even longer. Relief like this can enable pain sufferers to rebuild muscle, use limbs that they were unable to use and have a normal life again.

"While our customers flock to us for Flotation REST, we wanted to offer them an even greater range of services," said owner Nick Janicki. "Reflexology and Hot Stone Massage perfectly complement the relatively modern concept of Flotation REST, which was developed in the '70s."

Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that reflexes in the feet, hands and ears correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflex zones, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.

A one-hour float costs $79. Massage services are $110 for a 60-minute session or $60 for a 30-minute session. True REST is offering $20 off for first-time Flotation REST clients. Individuals can receive a coupon by signing up for the company's newsletter or joining its Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/truerest. Packages are also available, including use of the oxygen bar and more.

The facility is located at 15033 N Thompson Peak Parkway, Suite D101. For more information, visit http://www.truerest.com.

The True REST Float Spa was started by Nick Janicki and his wife, Holly, in 2009. Alex Janicki, Nick's brother, also works at the center and customers are likely to be greeted by one of their smiling faces upon each visit. "Everyone at the Spa is passionate about Flotation REST and we hope the American public can see the exceptional value of such a service," said Nick Janicki.

Sleep HealthCenters® is currently accepting registrations for the Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (A-STEP) for individuals interested in receiving formalized education and training in sleep technology -- regardless of experience level. The program will take place at the Forefront Center in Waltham, Massachusetts beginning July 12.

A-STEP is a two-step training initiative endorsed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). The A-STEP Introductory Course is offered locally by Sleep HealthCenters, one of the first accredited A-STEP providers in the nation. The next step is the A-STEP Self-Study Modules, which are completed on the AASM website in conjunction with your employer's on-the-job training program. Sleep HealthCenters first offered the A-STEP program, a combination of lectures and hands-on training, in June 2006. 

"Sleep HealthCenters is excited to offer A-STEP for individuals interested in gaining formal education in sleep technology," said Elise Maher, Sleep HealthCenters' Regional Technical Director and A-STEP Program Director. "It is an invaluable resource for the local education and healthcare communities because of its appeal to both experienced sleep technicians and new entrants to the field of sleep technology. A-STEP is one way that accredited labs can have their staff meet the requirements of the new accreditation standards. For those interested in starting a career in healthcare, sleep technology offers a rewarding career in a growing field that can be attained through work experience in a relatively short period."

Sleep HealthCenters is a network of sleep medicine specialty centers and the largest provider of such services in Massachusetts. Education is a critical component of Sleep HealthCenters' service model, supporting sleep medicine fellowship programs and organizing sleep medicine conferences, in addition to A-STEP classes.

A-STEP was developed to standardize training and to begin an educational progression for those interested in the field of sleep technology. As of July 1, 2009, all AASM-accredited centers must have at least one registered technologist on staff and all others must be enrolled in a training program such as A-STEP. As of 2010, A-STEP will be one of two educational pathways a sleep technologist must pass before sitting for the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) exam.

Individuals interested in enrolling in A-STEP should contact Jeff Johnson, Sleep HealthCenters' A-STEP Coordinator at 508-755-5283 x101. www.sleephealth.com

Gaylord Sleep Medicine will hold a Sleep Health Fair on Thursday, June 24 at 5:30 PM at Zandri's Stillwood Inn on 1074 South Colony Road, Route 5 in Wallingford, Connecticut. The Gaylord Sleep Health Fair will benefit people interested in learning about Sleep Disorders and Treatment options and is co-sponsored by Philips Respironics and Gaylord Sleep Medicine.

Speakers will include Meir Kryger, MD, Director of Research and Education for Gaylord Sleep Medicine, Keith Dixon, MD, Medical Director for Gaylord Sleep Medicine and Kevin Rush, RRT, RPSGT and Sleep Consultant for Philips Respironics.

Respironics, PROVENT® Sleep Apnea Therapy, J & L Medical Services and All-Med Health Care, Inc. will also be available with the newest sleep apnea and respiratory equipment as well as alternatives to CPAP that are exclusive to Gaylord Sleep Medicine. Dr. Stephen Palluotto, DMD will also show the dental alternatives to CPAP.

"This is an opportunity to learn about sleep apnea and other disorders that may be robbing you or a loved one of sleep that is vital to overall good health," Medical Director Keith Dixon said. "Sleep disorders have been linked to diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure."

Refreshments and snacks will be served. Please RSVP by June 22, 2010 via email to cpolaske@gaylord.org or by calling 203-605-2855.

Gaylord Sleep Medicine, the largest single provider of comprehensive sleep medicine services in Connecticut, treats patients with a range of sleep disorders including sleep apnea, hypersomnia and insomnia. Gaylord Sleep Medicine, also known for its acclaimed research program, is managed by Sleep HealthCenters with sites in Bridgeport, Hartford, Glastonbury, Guilford, North Haven and Trumbull.

Sealy, North America's No. 1 mattress brand, is helping Americans get a better night's sleep by making it easier to shop for a mattress. The new sealy.com solves mattress buyers' greatest frustration -- determining which mattress is most right for them.

"We conducted extensive consumer research prior to building the new website," said Jodi Allen, Sealy Chief Marketing Officer. "We found only 18 percent of consumers felt prepared to buy a mattress after conducting online research, and more than two-thirds said online research was not helpful in deciding which brand of mattress to buy, making the in-store shopping experience very confusing. We took their feedback to heart and designed the new site specifically to help end their confusion."

The website offers an easy-to-navigate user experience that is unique to the bedding industry, allowing consumers to explore the various types of mattresses as well as Sealy's portfolio of brands on the homepage before making a single click. In addition, the site features several innovative tools to help connect the online research experience to the in-store shopping experience.

The site empowers consumers by allowing them to easily search for mattress information in the way they request it -- by brand, technology or product promotions. It walks consumers through the mattress buying process effortlessly, breaking down industry terminology into relatable, clear language, while helping them learn which mattress best fits their sleep behavior and lifestyle. Sealy.com also features easy-to-understand video and text-based content that explains the different brands, products, features and technologies.

The site will feature the entire family of Sealy brands, including Sealy Posturepedic®, Stearns & Foster®, Embody® by Sealy and Sealy Brand. Once consumers identify which brand best fits their needs, they are able to access the first-of-its-kind Sealy mattress-builder, where they can choose the features that meet their personal preferences.

As consumers select features, the suggested retail price will adjust accordingly. Once the consumer has built their perfect mattress, Sealy's mattress-builder creates a printable fact sheet that consumers can take into the retail store when they are ready to purchase.

"In addition to conducting our own research, we looked outside of our industry at leaders who have changed the online shopping experience to better meet consumer expectations," said Margo Borgione, Director, Global Marketing for Sealy. "By listening to our consumers and utilizing best-in-class techniques from other industries, we have created a dramatically better experience for online mattress shopping."

Sealy worked with its marketing agency Cramer-Krasselt/Chicago to build and develop the new website. The new site is now live. For more information visit www.sealy.com.  

The "Sealy.com Mattress Study" survey was conducted online by MarketTools, Inc., on behalf of Sealy. The poll, which gathered feedback from over 1,000 mattress shoppers across the U.S. who had recently purchased a mattress or were planning to in the near future, was conducted in April 2009 in effort to understand the role the Internet plays when shopping for a new mattress.