Earlier this week, NYSPA hosted their annual two-day symposium in Rye Brook, NY, with an excellent program put together, as usual, by Cornell Professor Mary Tabacchi. The first day of the program was mostly focused on the wellness aspects of spas, including prevention and healing, and the second day was more focused on the spa business development.

Dr. William Borden of Cornell Weill Medical College opened up the program with a simple and powerful presentation on cardiovascular disease management. His first power point slide was a photo of FDR, smoking a cigarette, and the second was a photo of the headlines from the day after his death, noting that “his death came out of the blue.” Apparently, no connection was made at the time between smoking and heart disease, but today we are fortunate to know that through healthier living, we are able to moderate the effects of the “lifestyle” diseases such as type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Dr. Borden discussed 3 points; 1) What is cardiovascular disease, 2) Am I at risk, and 3) How do I stay healthy? This simple approach could be a great way to introduce spa clients to the idea that their own decisions and actions, especially regarding diet and exercise, affect their health status for years to come. Stop smoking, eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and give yourself 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise, and you’re on your way to living a longer life.

Corporate VP of Spa for Starwood Jeremy McCarthy shared “Positive Psychology and Disease Prevention: Understanding the Link Between Happiness and Health.” McCarthy received his graduate degree in Positive Applied Psychology last year, and consistently demonstrates ways that the spa industry can help our clients to leader happier, and therefore healthier, lives. Spas are well-positioned to teach our clients about the latest wellness trends including the roles of sleep, rest & recovery, and positive mindset on our health. But we need to do more to address mood and emotion for our clients, not just the physical benefits of spa services. McCarthy says “Spas should be places that make people feel good while making them feel well. Being pampered and luxurious does not exclude being wellness-oriented.” Click here to read more about this topic on his excellent blog.

McCarthy suggested that rather than start these efforts with a “corporate” edict, just to get a few of your staff members on board with the idea, lead by example, and let it flow naturally.

Additional presenters on the spas and health track included, among others, Michael Jabbour, VP of the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Douglas Drummond on Yoga, Matthew Walsh on Salt Therapy, and Dr. Anthony Cahan on today’s treatment methods for breast cancer patients. Speakers on the spa development track included Todd Walter, CEO of Red Door, Andrea Foster, VP at PKF Consulting, Wendy Bosalavage, VP of American Leisure, Jim Cox, Founder of Cox Concepts, Stephanie Perrone Goldstein, VP at Coyle Hospitality, and our own Dan Chandre, VP of Operations for GramercyOne. If you can plan to attend this event in the future, it is always a worthwhile.