Moving to our new premises shortly – we have made every effort to go as green as possible without compromising quality or service.

1) Hot water is heated by the sun with solar panels for the showers, sinks, pool etc.

2) Low energy bulbs are used where ever possible.

3) Drinking water is filtered and goes through UVs, the Haven staff do not use bottled water, so we are not adding to the plastic bottle mountain. In fact all water entering the building goes through this process.

4) Fabrics and materials We did try to buy as much natural fabrics and materials as we possibly could. Organic cotton and bamboo fabric where ever possible.

5) Paint in Panama It has been difficult to get totally toxic free paint – we have opted for the least toxic on the market in Panama.

6) Loo paper is recycled

7) Bags used in our store are of brown paper instead of plastic.

Washing Machines We are buying extremely expensive washing machines that use the latest innovations – better washing techniques means less product and less fuel consumption.

9) Spa Products Our own spa products (Spa Naturals contain no harsh-chemicals and a high degree of organic ingredients)  are as green as they come. Even the company who manufactures them for us in the US is a very green company.

10) Aromas are from 100% natural therapeutic essential oils, no synthetics.

11) Cleaning products at the spa are green, environmentally friendly – easy to get these days – where possible.

12) The jacuzzi has several sophisticated gadgetry -  totally minimizing  the need for chemicals by 90%, the same goes for the swimming pool.

13) Organic – where possible we will have organic products and produce available.

14) Sewage All of The Haven’s sewage goes through two bio-digesters and then it is treated with Ultra Violet. The whole process is much safer for the environment, better for all of us.

15) Water – due to the type of water system we it cuts down enormously on water wastage. How? The hot water comes through much faster – so less water is wasted waiting for the hot water to come through to the facet.

16) Air-cons in the rooms are new generation - half the consumption.

17) Soap We use organic, green and environmentally friendly soap in the Hotel bathrooms.

18) Infra red saunas are different to conventional saunas – the biggest difference is they encourage a deeper detox - they heat up quicker and are more energy efficient. Check out the article on sweat analysis on this site.

19) Steam capsules are designed for efficiency and your comfort.

20) The tiles in general in the spa come from Europe and have been manufactured with respect for the environment. Taken from their website -

AtRoca Tile Group, we are fully conscious of the importance of preserving the environment and our future. We are actively developing innovative practices designed to obtain optimum environmental management initiatives.

As proof of our efforts, our facilities have been awarded some of the top certifications in the environmental sector.

• We were the first of the ceramic sector to be granted an Environmental Authorization Integrated (AAI) license.
• We have been recognized with diverse certifications of quality such as ISO 14001.
• We are unique in the Spanish ceramic sector to have received certifications from EMAS and ECOLABEL of the European Union.
• Our products are recognized and qualify for LEED.

These certifications support our management directives that environmental achievements go beyond what is required by legislation, including strict programs of continuous improvement that are audited periodically.

With respect to the environment, we introduce the new concept GREENTILES. With GREENTILES, Roca Tile Group communicates to the company and to our customers, our commitment to the environment will continue to be present in all the phases of our processes, from design to production, distribution and life-cycle of the product.

Electing GREENTILES, is to elect the best design and quality ceramics, with total guarantee of preserving nature and protecting the environment.

21) Our main feature in the treatment area is imported re-cycled tumbled glass

22) On order a water fountain – no need for disposable cups.

Other areas where water is available we will try not to use disposable cups.

23) The plumbing and water system has been designed in such a way the hot water arrives sooner – so less water in general is drained away and wasted.

24) We will continue to look at making The Haven even greener in the coming months and years.

Committed to your health and our environment.

Health Related films, documentaries, talks, comedies (laughing is healthy) etc etc every week

Tea and discussion after (optional)

Location at The Haven

Memberships – $30.00 for the year

plus $5.00 for each movie you choose to watch

I need a minimum of members to get it off the ground and before I invest in that many DVDs

Start date – May

A minimum of 48 films for the year (I am away for a little while later in the year)

Day of the week – Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon (if response is good then maybe both)

Time – 2 until 4.30ish

I THINK YOU WILL BE SURPRISED HOW VARIED THE SUBJECTS ARE

Let me know if you are interested – I will email you the 11 pages – list of films and their detailed descriptions (not my descriptions taken off a well known site)

Leave a message (its kept private) if you are interested

or click on link below to see the information

health-related-movie-club1

for information and articles click on picture below

or phone Mark or Howard on 730 9345

There are five inflammatory substances the body produces in response to various factors – environmental pollution, metabolic by-products, nutritional deficiencies and poor food choices, structural stress, digestive problems, infections, and pharmaceutical drugs.

1) Histamine – the mast cells produce histamine, I am sure you have heard of anti-histamine medication. Histamine is involved in the immune process for example – asthma, eczema, and hay-fever suffers produce high levels of histamine.

To counteract histamine – fruits like black currents, kiwi, and cherries,vegetables like onions and garlic, supplements like vitamin C capsules (particularly, quercetin capsules, and L-methionine capsules that help the liver to detoxify more efficiently, binding to excess histamine rendering it inactive.

2) Kinins – are found circulating in the blood stream, they are produced in response to tissue damage. Tissue damage can be caused by – high acidity levels, stress, high protein diets, dehydration, certain foods and drinks

To counteract kinins -a diet high in fruit and vegetables (other foods in moderation) will bring down acidity and maintain a good balance between acid and alkaline.

3) Prostaglandins – are short lived hormone type substances. They affect the tissue in their immediate area. The type of prostaglandins produced 1, 2, or 3, are produced as a direct result of the foods we eat. Prostaglandins 1 and 3 are very important not only as anti-inflammatory substances but they also help reduce cholesterol, prevent blooding clots and maintain good blood pressure.

To maintain a good balance -don’t overdo the meat consumption as it can encourage the production of the pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Bromelain capsules – blocks pro-inflammation and encourages anti-inflammation. Ginger capsules, vitamin C, B Complex and minerals like magnesium and zinc are needed by enzymes to quell pro-inflammation. Flax seed oil capsules or fish oil capsules, plus a diet that provides enough essential fatty acids – fish, raw nuts and seeds.

4) Leukotrienes – much less is known about these inflammatory substances. They are related to prostaglandins and are generated from arachidonic acid, which comes from a diet high in animal products.

To counteract leukotrienes – vegetables, spice turmeric, quercetin capsules, and L-Arginine capsules.

5) Complement – you may or may not have heard of this. It is a protein found in the blood stream. There are about a dozen different substances involved in the immune system, and in the release of histamine from the mast cells – encouraging inflammation.

To counteract complement – there are various nutrients and antioxidants – Vitamin A or beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Zinc. Fruits and vegetables colored red, yellow, and orange like pumpkin, beetroot, squash, carrots, all berries, nectarines are a rich source of beta-carotene.

Our general attitude to life will have a direct effect on every cell in our body. It will have a direct effect on every aspect of our lives. Making laughter a bigger part of your life and trying to make other people around you laugh is healthy. Laughter is a true gift and there is no other living creature on this earth that is so lucky, even the laughing hyena really doesn’t laugh.

Research reveals that laughter reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine, and adrenaline. All of these hormones when they reach chronic levels are destructive and will increase pain, anxiety, irritability, interfere with our quality of sleep, speed up ageing and slow down healing and repair. For others this can mean binging and/or comfort eating. At the same time laughter will increase levels of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins and neurotransmitters (happy chemicals). This means generally – you will feel better, have less pain, be in a much better mood, speed up healing and repair, sleep better, maintain better blood sugar levels and slow down aging.

Laughter increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T-cells. All this means a stronger immune system, which is a really pleasant way of protecting yourself from the viruses and ‘bugs’ that are around us all the time. We have all heard and used the expression “didn’t know whether to laugh or cry”? Though, they both provide physical and emotional release its more fun to laugh. A good ‘belly laugh’ exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward. This means less aches and pains in the neck and shoulder areas that are so common today. It even provides a good workout for the heart – known as a ‘hearty laugh’.

We stretch muscles in our face and body, our pulse goes up, we breathe more deeply, our heart rate goes up therefore increasing our oxygen supply to every part of our body. It is like a very pleasant mild workout. The research reveals that while watching a comedy blood vessels expand and contract normally with ease, however while watching a drama blood vessels constrict, hindering blood flow. Laughter has a positive effect on our blood sugar levels, too.

Laughter connects us with others, it is a very sociable thing to do and it’s wonderfully contagious. We are 30 times more likely to laugh if we are with other people.

Laughter moves the focus away from anger, worry, guilt, stress and negative emotions. Studies show – our response to stressful events can be altered by whether we view something as a ‘threat’ or a ‘challenge’. Humour can give us a more light hearted perspective and help us view events as ‘challenges’, thereby making them less threatening so we are able to deal with them more effectively. I wonder how and why we lose the ability to laugh so much? A recent study showed that pre-school-aged children laugh up to 400 times a day!!!! That is enviable wouldn’t you love some of that? How many times a day do you laugh now you are a sensible ‘grown-up’?

]]> http://boquetespa.com/2010/01/laughter-%e2%80%93-we-all-need-more-of-it/feed/ 0 http://boquetespa.com/2010/01/bodymind-integration/ http://boquetespa.com/2010/01/bodymind-integration/#comments Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:49:16 +0000 hs http://boquetespa.com/?p=1319 1.  Tai Chi/Feldenkrais Lessons

A balanced blend of Feldenkrais-awareness-through-movement and Tai Chi Calisthenics in a 60 minute work-out that will help you improve the flexibility and strength of your body.  Meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.  New group session starting Tuesday Jan. 12, 2010.  Classes open to members and non-members of Haven Spa.  For information regarding class packages contact the Haven Spa at: 720-1943 or 720-1324 or Gilberto directly at 6678-3297.

2.  Tai Chi Chuan – Short Yang Form

Introduction to the form developed by Cheng Mang-Ching on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  For information on times contact Gilberto at 6678-3297.

3. One-on-one Rubenfeld Synergy

Rubenfeld Synergy integrates the Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais Method facilitating the awareness and release of physical-mental-emotional (energy) blockages. Understanding and releasing these energy blockages will allow you to choose creative variations to re-vitalize your life.

For appointments and more information contact Gilberto at 6678-3297.

Does the idea of hitting the treadmill make your brain go numb and your body flinch? Do traditional exercise classes produce feelings of fear and dread? Does the notion of lifting weights with the muscle boys make you scoff and say, “yeah, right…”?

Who says exercise has to be traditional, boring or intimidating? Why can’t exercise just be fun?

In Apparatus/Fun and Games Fitness we will explore the idea of play – hopscotch, four-square, hula hoops, and dancing. We use everyday items such as broom handles, balls, and scarves to make getting and staying in shape feel fun and new! We also rediscover some of the old stand bys like medicine balls, hand weights, and exercise balls to reshape our bodies and our notions of what it means to “exercise”. The program is designed to work all muscle groups from legs, bottoms, abs, chest, arms – as well as your brain and your spirit!

Come play with us and rediscover the joy of movement and keep those New Years resolutions for a healthier and happier 2010!

Classes are taught by Pamela Pankratz and will be held Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 AM until 10 PM at the new Haven Spa in Bajo Boquete. The first day of play is January 13. Classes are open to members and non-members of Haven Spa.  For information regarding class packages contact the Haven Spa at: 720-1943 or 720-1324. For more specific information email Pamela at boquetefitnessfriends@gmail.com.

Motivation

Motivation is the number one reason people decide to invest in a Fitness Coach. It is about staying on track to feeling and being healthier. Fitness Coaches provide unparalleled motivation. They help you move past self-imposed limitations, stimulate a feeling of accomplishment in you, and help you achieve goals that you never thought possible.

Results

Studies have clearly shown that people who work with a Fitness Coach will achieve up to 80% better results AND three times faster than on their own. Every session is unique to your body type, needs, goals and the time frame in which you wish to achieve your results. These pre-planned workouts increase time efficiency.

Accountability

A Fitness Coach makes it easier for you to exercise consistently and helps you stay committed to your program. When you have a scheduled appointment and a smiling face waiting for you, you are a lot less likely to skip a workout.

You are new to exercise

A Fitness Coach will introduce you to a very simple, effective routine and build efficiency so before you know it, you have the confidence and knowledge to safely decide what is right for you.

Lose Weight

There is a good reason that many people hire Fitness Coaches to lose weight and get into shape — it works! If you made a resolution to lose the fat and build the muscle, a coach can keep you on track and help you realize that goal.

Safety

Fitness Coaches ensure that you exercise safely to prevent injury. Why do you take your vehicle to a mechanic? Because you trust them as a professional trained to do the job right. Think of your body like your vehicle and your Fitness Coach like your mechanic. You are worth the investment!

Break through plateaus

Ok, you are already in pretty decent shape, but you’ve been there for years. If you are stuck in the same routine and want to break out of a rut, a Fitness Coach is the perfect solution. He/She will jump start, not only your motivation, but your routine as well.

Learn how to go it alone

If you ultimately want to learn all the facets of designing your own routines so you don’t need to use a Fitness Coach, going for a few months may be all you need. All good Fitness Coaches will teach you the basics of building and modifying a fitness program to achieve your fitness goals.