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Winter Celebration featuring AirLIFE Santa

Santa Claus is Coming to North Central Baptist Hopital


   This year, enjoy two events in one location, The Stone Oak Winter Celebration and AirLIFE Santa. There's fun and entertainment for your entire family.

  • FREE rides on a life-size toy train
  • Real snow play area
  • Texas ice skating
  • Holiday crafts
  • FREE refreshments
  • Music
  • Plus much more

    Help us support the Toys for Tots program. Each child who brings a new, unwrapped toy receives a FREE photo with Santa!

    When:

    Time:

    Location:
    Saturday, December 12, 2009

    10 am - 2 p.m.

    North Central Baptist Hospital
    The Atrium
    520 Madison Oak Dr.
    San Antonio, Texas 78258
    Maps & Directions



  • Foot and Ankle Massage During Pregnancy

    For thousands of years, massage therapy has been an integral part of pregnancy for the very same reasons women today continue to benefit from this therapy. While some myths about the safety of pregnancy massage have diminished - fears continue to linger particularly regarding massage for the foot and ankle.  

    There are many different types of massage therapy that are recognized by most. Swedish/Effleurage is the most common type of massage that is very relaxing and soothing and commonly used for pregnancy massage. Swedish massage consists of long, soothing strokes the help increase circulation, remove toxins, sooth sore muscles and promote relaxation. Reflexology is another type of massage therapy and is often not recommended during pregnancy. Reflexology applies deliberate and direct pressure using a tool or the therapist's thumb/fingers - pressure is applied to certain "zoned" areas of the clients feet and hands that affect areas of the body such as the uterus and ovaries.  Acupressure uses similar deliberate and direct pressure throughout the clients body including feet and hands.

    Understanding the different types of massage and which types are not indicated during pregnancy is important when deciding on where to go for a pregnancy massage. A gentle, nurturing and therapeutic massage will benefit a pregnant woman in so many ways - including increasing oxygen flow to the baby by 40%. Long and soothing massage strokes are very important to a woman suffering with swelling during pregnancy. Pregnancy massage can alleviate the pain of swelling and cramping by increasing circulation and encouraging lymphatic drainage to the legs, feet and ankles.
        
    It is important to note that there are no studies that show that massage, reflexology or acupressure massage induce labor or are considered dangerous during pregnancy. Choosing a specially trained therapist for pregnancy massage is highly recommended. When booking a pregnancy massage, be sure to share information about your pregnancy and preferences with your therapist. A therapist will adjust your massage to make it very relaxing and based on your personal needs.

    Enjoy your massage Moms!

    Neva Fernandez
    Mom'ease Massage



    Summertime Fun Time!

    Join North Central Baptist Hospital for the 4th Annual Summer Celebration. 

    Your kids will love the fun activities, and you'll enjoy informative exhibits.

    - FREE t-shirt for the first 200 attendees who donate school supplies
    - Great giveaways from are businesses
    - FREE food and refreshments
    - Meet local OB/Gyns and Pediatricians
    - Games, crafts and much, much more!

    When:  Saturday, August 1st

    Time:  9 am to noon

    Location:  North Central Baptist Hospital's Atrium Lobby
                        520 Madison Oak Drive
                        San Antonio, TX  78258

    For more information, please call (210) 297-7005



    Summertime Stress

    Summer time can often get everyone off schedule from a routine such as diet and exercise.  Traveling and children's activities can often be draining - so it's important to keep some type of schedule for yourself that includes a bit of therapy (and pampering, of course!).

    It is estimated that stress-related disorders make up between 80-90% of the ailments treated by family practice physicians.  Massage therapy can mentally benefit a person by reducing hypertension, decreasing blood pressure, releasing endorphins that work as the body's natural painkiller, fostering peace of mind and improving quality of sleep.

    If you're one of those 80-90% - DE-STRESS, stay healthy and get a massage!  It will do the body good!!

    Neva Fernandez
    MomEase Massage Services



    Swelling Reduction

    Swelling is a normal part of pregnancy caused by approximately 50% more blood and bodily fluids needed to nourish and protect the growing baby.  Increased swelling is typically noticed in the fifth month and often continues throughout the last trimester.  Preeclampsia can cause rapid weight gain and sudden swelling of the hands and face and is a form of hypertension (high blood pressure).  This is a serious condition and should not be left untreated.

    During pregnancy, normal swelling can be reduced by avoiding caffeine, elevating your feed, wearing tights or stockings and avoiding long periods of standing.  Regular massage throughout ones pregnancy can help stimulate circulation and assists with removing bodily fluids and tissue waste.  Drinking plenty of water will help flush the body as well.

    With spring on it's way, summer will be here before you know it and heat is another factor that may cause swelling.  Stay cool, throw out those diet cokes, drink plenty of water and start scheduling regular massages before the summertime heat arrives!  Pregnancy massage will help relieve some of the swelling...not to mention it feels great and will help you relax!

    Happy pregnancy!

    Neva Fernandez, LMT
    MomEase Massage



    Take Time in '09!

    Throughout each year I get new massage clients, however, each New Year brings a whole new group of "regulars".  Why is that?

    At the beginning of each year, many people renew their contracts at the neighborhood gym, start taking those evening walks again after dinner and wake up earlier to run that extra mile.  Beside the normal day-to-day stresses we put on our body, muscles are more sore, tense and overused when exercise habits begin again.

    Everywhere you look there is a massage chair set up for you to get a quick fix for those aching shoulders or lower back.  Day spas are the new Starbucks!  You see them at every corner!  The popularity in businesses providing massage therapy for their employees is also on the rise - a win-win for both employees and employers!

    One might think that a 15-minute massage can't be effective enough to make a difference...but I beg to differ!  The next time you are in a grocery store, mall or airport, take 15 minutes for a neck and shoulder massage.  You'll be glad you did!

    Neva Fernandez, LMT, LE
    MomEase Massage and Massage for Everyone



    Guilt Free Massage

    As a licensed massage therapist I have found that the excuse I most often hear from moms who come in for an appointment with an ache or pain that has been bothering them for several weeks is "I haven't had time to come in sooner because it's been so crazy!"  Another reason that often sneaks past their lips is that they feel guilty about getting a massage.

    Okay, let me explain why it is called massage therapy!  The definition of therapy is a treatment to relieve or heal a disorder.  The definition for disorder is:  a state of confusion.  Hmmm...do we see the connection moms?

    Besides the sounds of crashing of ocean waves, birds chirping and gusting winds sweeping you off to your happy place during a massage, the nurturing and therapeutic touch that massage provides is very beneficial.

    Here are a few facts from the Touch Research Institute regarding massage.  Massage:

         * Improves blood pressure; reduces hypertension

         * Relaxes overused, tired or injured muscles

         * Boosts immunity by decreasing stress levels/cortisol production

         * Alleviates lower back pain and discomfort

         * Decreases the occurrence of headaches; increased serotonin levels

    So the question is…what are you waiting for Moms?



    Welcome

    The benefits of massage therapy during pregnancy are profound. While pregnancy is a time of joy and great blessing - it is also a time of transformation of the body that increasingly puts strain and tension on the muscles.

    During pregnancy the total blood volume can increase by as much as 30% to 50% often resulting in swollen legs and ankles by the third trimester. The circulatory benefits of massage promote the circulation of blood and lymph thereby reducing blood pressure and edema. Other benefits of regular massage are the relief of cramping and tense muscles, increased energy levels, helping to combat fatigue, preparing the muscles for childbirth and promoting a speedy recovery.

    A skilled therapist can provide emotional support and a nurturing touch during pregnancy. In some high-risk cases, massage may be contraindicated and a physician should recommend this form of therapy. Not all therapists are comfortable working with pregnant woman so it is important that you receive a massage from a licensed therapist specially trained in pregnancy massage.


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