Renu Day Spa opens its doors in downtown Freeport

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island -  Relax,
rejuvenate and Renu your mind and body at Renu Day Spa on Mall Drive in downtown Freeport.

Unwind in an environment where
privacy and individualized attention are always ensured. Our Skin Care
specialists, Manicurists, Pedicurists, Makeup Artists and Massage
Therapists are at your disposal, bringing combined experience of over 20
years together to pamper you!

Acrylic
nail refills; gel nail polish; natural nail care; waxing; body scrubs;
facials; deep tissue, prenatal and therapeutic massages are merely...

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Bowling for Cancer

The lanes are being polished and participants are working on their skills that will give them a 'strike' when the 2nd Annual Cindi Smith Bowling for Breast Cancer rolls in.
The two-day tournament is being held in aid of all breast cancer survivors and their families. It is the only fundraising event for the month of October that the Sister/Sister Breast Cancer support group will host. The tournament will take place at Mario's Bowling and Family Entertainment Palace, October 20-21. Part proceeds will be donated to the group which offers financial and emotional support to cancer patients and their families.

The Sister/Sister Breast Cancer support group played an integral part in the life of Cindi Smith who passed away on June 17, 2012. She was 31.
Darlene Sands, Smith's sister is the organizer for the tournament. She said: "She was a wonderful person, who went through so much in her final years. To see and know she was going through so much pain was crushing. It was hard on us as a family because we wanted to help. We wanted to take the pain away. But there was nothing we could do in terms of getting relief for her. She would always ask for us to massage her feet and rub her where it hurt and we never refused. That was our little way of assisting making sure she was in comforted.
"When we first found out I leaned heavily on Shantell. She offered her support as a friend and a breast cancer survivor who is involved in the Sister/Sister Breast Cancer support group. We as a family needed that because it was new to us. Cindi was very grateful for all the support."
The annual bowling tournament is just one of many fundraising initiatives the female support group hosts. According to Shantell Cox-Hutchinson, a member of the group, more programs are being looked at to raise additional funds so more support can be given.

A public appeal was extended to individuals, families and small businesses as well as corporate Bahamas earlier this week. Since the main thrust of the support group is to assist women going through breast cancer treatment and those who were recently diagnosed, the venture can be very costly.

Cox-Hutchison explains: "I met Cindi through Darlene when she was diagnosed in 2008. Being a breast cancer survivor myself Darlene came and asked me to talk to Cindi at that time. I spoke to Cindi so I've been with Cindi and her family during the entire ordeal. It was very, very rough because Cindy was only 28 at the time she was diagnosed. She had a very hard time accepting that she was diagnosed and that she had any kind of cancer. I think that took a toll on her mental state. She was depress a lot.

"Being a part of Sister/Sister which is another arm that offers support during that entire time. In 2011 she needed to go for a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, she didn't know what it was. But she was having some issues with her bones. She was feeling weak and she had a lot of symptoms. This is what Sister/Sister is all about, garnering funds for these type of events. We help people to go and get PET Computed Tomography (CT). They can range anywhere from $3,500 to $5,000.

"This is one of the things we offer especially to young women and Cindi. When she took the PET CT and it came back we knew that something was wrong. The cancer had spreaded through her entire body, mainly in her pelvic area. That was one of the reasons she couldn't walk she had to be lifted everywhere. So the whole community was behind Cindi."
The bowling tournament will cater to teams who are encouraged to register by September 30. There is a small charge of $25 for the 10 person team. Trophies and other prizes will be awarded to the top three teams and bowlers.

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Primadona

Thursday 17th June 2010  5:00 PM

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Primadona! The Ultimate Designer Shopping Party featuring brands such as Donna Morgan, Tory Burch, Shumaq, Ali Ro, Noir many more. Hookah Bar | "How To Wear It" Demo | Acoustic Sunset Guitarist | Open Champagne Bar | John Hardy Jewelry Raffle | Complimentary Mini Massages & Awesome Designer Shopping! SHOP ~ MUNCH ~ SIP ~ TREAT Admission Only - $15 Admission + Primadona Tote - $35 Start Time: June 17th at 5:00pm End Time: June 17th at 9:00 PM Where: A Stone's Throw Away, Tropical Garden Road & Gambier Heights

The year of WikiLeaks

On May 23, The Nassau Guardian rolled out its biggest scoop of the year, something its team of journalists had been quietly working on for many weeks -- the WikiLeaks cables.
The Guardian offered its readers a series of unprecedented insights into The Bahamas' foreign policy and domestic affairs, diplomatic, political, economic, social, and cultural matters through the eyes of U.S. diplomats cabling the State Department in Washington, D.C.
The range of subjects, issues and persons covered by The Bahamas cables was extraordinary.  The range included The Bahamas' relationship with the U.S., Cuba, China, Haiti and CARICOM.  It covered issues and actions relating to cooperation in the fight against drugs, matters of immigration and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force's capacity to deal with a huge influx of migrants, the state of the Detention Center, crime, LNG, local politics and personalities, the state of the economy and tourism, the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the judicial system.
Politicians of all backgrounds, officials, pastors, businessmen, journalists and civil servants figured in the WikiLeaks Bahamas cache, which was made up of 415 U.S. cables relevant to The Bahamas (not all of them originating in The Bahamas) and totaled more than 367,000 words and 1,260 pages. They cover the years 2003 to 2010. The Bahamas cache is part of around 250,000 U.S. State Department Cables that were originally given to four publications around the world -- The Guardian , Le Monde, El Pais and Der Spiegel.  The Guardian shared the cables with The New York Times.
It was obvious from the cables that these American diplomats have been trained to listen, probe and prod, massage egos, work sources, report, and write -- providing accessible and, at times, witty and elegant headings and sub-headings to inform, analyze and amuse -- as though they were full-time journalists.
Most of the time the U.S. sees Bahamians and matters under scrutiny through its own interests.
The Nassau Guardian accessed the Bahamas Cables through an arrangement with WikiLeaks -- an organization devoted to having government become more transparent and govern in the sunshine.
The arrangement involved no financial transaction and no financial obligations between the parties.
In deciding what to publish, The Guardian chose subject matters that were considered of public and national interest.
Though the Americans condemned the publication of the cables, both Bahamian and U.S. officials assured that the relationship between the United States and The Bahamas remains cordial.

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Get the Comfort you Need: Adjustable Beds from Island Bedding

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island - Get the comfort you need with an affordable adjustable bed at Island Bedding and Furniture!

With its upscale features and congenial price tag, it's no wonder the
S-cape adjustable bed base is one of our most popular. The bed adjusts
to your every whim, soothes you with luxurious massage, and incorporates
the very latest in comfort technology. We appreciate your
individuality. So there's no limit to the number of position
permutations. Adjust away until you find your bliss. And then stop. Take
a deep breath, and savor the moment.

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John Bull's

Saturday 6th March 2010  10:30 AM

John Bull hosts a Beauty Festival. Festival features international makeup artists and offers beauty workshops, complimentary makeovers (by booking), skin consultations, mini massages, mini manicures, product demonstrations, special discounts and free giveaways. . Start Time: March 6th at 10:30am End Time: Marh 6th at 4:00pm Where: John Bull, Bay Street For more information, contact 242-302-2800

Massage for The Cure

Saturday 20th October 2012  3:18 PM

On Saturday October 20th 2012 a "Massage for The Cure" fundraiser will be held at Quality Markets (formerly City Markets) in Cable Beach. The general public is invited to a 12 minute massage by Escape Massage by Charisse Melissa and her team under the tent within the store. Cost of this de-stressing chair massage is $15 and part proceeds go to funding the purchasing of Port-a-Caths for cancer patients. For more information contact Tanya at 429-9658 or Charisse at 455-4515

Pedicure pointers for diabetics

It's almost summer and most women are looking forward to getting a pedicure and showing off those pretty toenails, but as diabetics, before you kick off your shoes, consider the potential downsides of pedicures.
People with diabetes are at high risk for a number of complications including infections, ulcers and amputations. If there is a break in the skin, it can lead to a leg or life-threatening infection. As podiatrists, we recommend that individuals with diabetes do not receive a pedicure because of the often questionable sanitary conditions of the beauty salon, the skills of the individual performing the pedicure and the cleanliness of the instruments used.
Regardless, many women (and, yes, even men) with diabetes are still heading to salons and spas. Aside from being a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, pedicures can ensure that feet are clean and moisturized, which is important when you have diabetes with dry skin. The reality is that women are going to get pedicures whether they are diabetics or not. If people with diabetes choose to have pedicures. they must be aware of the risk and follow these tips to keep their feet safe.

Know when to skip it: If you are healthy, with your diabetes under control and without complications, getting a pedicure may not pose as great a threat as it does for people with diabetic foot complications. If you have decreased feeling in the feet (neuropathy), an infection or an ulcer, don't book an appointment. An open wound will allow in any bacteria that may be hiding in the foot basin, the water or on the instruments. Further, because of the nerve damage you may not be able to tell if you've been cut or burned if the water is too hot.

Check out the salon: Before scheduling a pedicure at just any nail salon, it is wise to look into the cleanliness of the salon and its practices. It is important to look into all the salon's sanitation practices, the technician's training (make sure he/she is licensed), how the tools are cleaned and how the basin is cleaned. If the salon looks clean, but you're still not sure, don't be afraid to ask them how they clean their basins and instruments.
Foot baths and instruments should be cleaned with a hospital-grade, EPA-registered disinfectant after every client. If the salon or spa does not clean often enough or with the proper chemicals, don't take a chance on going there. There are so many things you can catch at a salon that is not clean including fungus or bacteria. It is recommended that you visit and check out the salon or get a manicure first before getting a pedicure.

Examine the foot bath: Foot baths provide a pool of warm, bubbly water that is relaxing. But they can also be filled with bacteria that can come from the water or from the basin not being cleaned properly after the last client. It is recommended that basins are thoroughly cleansed between each client.

Inspect the tools: Before you let a pedicurist touch your feet, find out how her tools are sanitized. All nail instruments should be cleaned after each use. Dirty instruments used on past customers or soaked in unchanged sterilizing fluid or open containers are very dangerous and can be the source of an infection. Pick a salon that uses stainless steel instruments, which are easier to clean rather than wooden sticks or porous files. To prevent the spread of infection, emery boards and nail buffers should be used once and given to the client or thrown out after each client. To ensure instruments are clean and safe, some people take their own tools to the nail salon. At the end you would take the tools home and clean them yourself.

Give instructions: If you have diabetes it is best to tell the nail technician you have diabetes. Give clear guidelines on how you want them to take care of your feet safely. Tell them that you cannot have your feet soaked in hot water. Request that the technician not clip your cuticles or file your heels or calluses with a blade.

Make sure the water is warm, not hot, and that your toenails are cut straight across. Moisturizing lotions or creams should be massaged into your feet, but not between the toes. Insist that the pedicurist avoid a credo blade or razor on your feet.

Consider the alternatives: These measures may seem a bit excessive, but consider the alternative. Unsterilized instruments can pass bacteria and infections between clients. The first thing to understand when it comes to diabetics is that pedicure risks in healthy people are multiplied in diabetics.
The first thing that a diabetic should do is to consult their podiatrist and ask them if they can have a pedicure. Sometimes patients with controlled diabetes can enjoy pedicures without much more risk than normal healthy people. However, nail technicians must remember that instruments should be cleaned before use and that diabetics are at increased risk for complication and that their skin should never be broken.
In the unfortunate situation that the skin of a diabetic is broken, or if there is pain or soreness you must take immediate steps to clean the wound and place a dressing on the wound. You should see a podiatrist as soon as possible if symptoms persist. When you have diabetes, any injury to your feet is a major concern even if it is caused by the manicurist. An injury is an open invitation for an infection. An infection can lead to higher blood sugars and higher blood sugars can interfere with healing, which can lead to ulcers and potential amputation.
When it comes to pedicures, persons with diabetes must ask themselves if it is worth the risk? People with diabetes should be seen by a podiatrist on a regular basis for routine foot care. It is best to see the podiatrist, regularly so any problem or potential foot complications can be dealt with early.

o For more information, email me at foothealth242@gmail.com or visit www.apma.org or pedicuretip.org. To see a podiatrist visit Bahamas Foot Centre on Rosetta Street or call 325-2996 or Bahamas Surgical Associates on Albury Lane or call 394-5820.

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Are the holidays hurting your feet

This is the season to be merry, however it is often not a merry time for the feet. Lots of holiday shopping usually means lots of walking and even sometimes running. In addition, it is time for lots of standing while cooking, during parties, at church and even at Junkanoo. In addition most people, especially women, will be wearing new shoes during these activities. All of these factors can add up to painful feet!
A survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) showed that painful feet are a common occurrence during the holiday madness, and the number one way women soothe their aching feet is by moisturizing them. Women admitted that stretching and massaging their feet is also on the list of favorite foot fixers. Here are more ways to keep your feet merry this holiday season.
Exercise your toes: Toe cramping is common due to long hours of walking, often in tight shoes. Avoid toe cramping by raising your toes, pointing and curling them for five seconds in each direction, then repeat 10 times. You can do this several times a day and you won't even break a sweat! But your toes will get relief.
Massage your feet: Women like it because it works! Massaging releases tension, increases circulation and rejuvenates the skin after a long day on your feet. Get out the lotion and rub those toes. Better yet, get a spouse, child or friend to do it. You can also use a foot bath or tub to massage the feet. Fill the tub with warm water and your favorite fragrant moisturizing soap and let the jets massage your feet. People who are diabetic should not soak or use hot water on their feet.
Elevate your legs: Long hours of standing, walking and evening sitting can cause the feet to swell, especially at the end of the day. Reduce swelling by elevating the legs, by sitting or lying down and lifting the legs above your heart.
Rotate your ankles: Because of swelling and long hours of standing and walking, the ankles can get tired and ache. Relax your feet by rotating your ankles, turn your ankle up toward your head, down toward the floor then right and left, slowly five times. This loosens up the ankle joints and increases blood flow to the area.
Wear smart shoes: For the most part during your holiday activities like shopping and cooking, wear sensible, comfortable shoes and avoid high heels! Save the high heels for actual dressed-up events. If you know you will be on your feet all day, wear comfortable shoes with arch support and a padded sole.
When purchasing shoes, do so in the afternoon and be sure to try them on and walk in them in the store to be sure they fit properly. Do not wear shoes that don't fit, they will cause blisters and other injury to the feet.
For people who already have problems with their feet, for example heel pain, Plantar fasciitis or even an injury to the feet, it is vital to follow the podiatrist's instructions and continue to wear the prescribed footwear during the holiday. It will prevent relapse and the return of pain and other symptoms after the holiday.
Prevent injury: It is important to not over-do it and prevent any injury to your feet while rushing to complete holiday activities. Pay particular attention to footwear and walking surfaces. Drinking alcohol and other substances also increases your risk of injury. Continue your exercise routine during the holiday season. Be sure to stretch before and after exercising. Wear new sports shoes cautiously, by gradually increasing the time your wear them each day until you adjust.
If you follow these tips and suggestions you can prevent injury and ensure that your feet are also merry during this holiday season. However, foot injuries and pain including fractures, ankle sprains, blisters, ingrown toenails, etc. are common foot complaints during and after the holiday. If you do get an injury or develop foot pain, see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Remember the reason for the season. Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.

For more information visit www.apma.org or to see a podiatrist visit the Bahamas Foot Centre, Rosetta Street - 325-2996 or Bahamas Surgical Associates, Albury Lane - 394-5820.

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48th annual Heart Ball set to be an unforgettable evening!

Nassau, Bahamas

- It's here!

Under the theme, "Repairing
a broken Heart...What a Gift", The Heart Ball Committee will host
the

48th Annual Heart Ball on Saturday, February 18th, at
Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort. This event will be held under the patronage
of His Excellency Sir Arthur and Lady Foulkes.

Awesome raffle prizes! 

Round trip
ticket for two to London, a round trip tickets for two to Canada coupled
with a hotel stay at One King West Toronto, a Men's Tissot watch,
a Ladies Double Heart Pendant, a John Bull gift basket, a gift basket
by The Perfume Salon, an annual physical, car rental, dinner for six,
facials and massages and many more prizes to be discovered when you
get to The Ball

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