Belonging Matters

From the Director: Sweet Summertime 

Long, sunny days empower both fanciful and practical dreams. Wearing sandals, the sounds of children playing outdoors, enticing smells from the barbecue, delicious fresh local fruit and veggies, splashing in local waters, and gathering with loved ones make July a month filled with delight.

Work and school responsibilities feel even more energized when the sun shines so brightly for most of our waking hours. It’s a good time to fuel our spirits and to help others fuel theirs, too. As KCHA enters the second half of the year, we hope you find yourself enjoying the sweetness of summertime.

My name is Catina Wrozek, a July 2018 graduate of IME, and I am the owner of Insight on Health, LLC, located at 103 E Chicago Street in Bronson, MI. Here is my story:

After graduation, I started renting a room from a salon in Coldwater. At the beginning of my career, despite being there and advertising every day, business was not going well. In fact, it was only generating enough to pay my rent. In that first year of being a licensed massage therapist, I supplemented my business by working at the casino and at another massage therapist’s business. As business was poor and some other life-changing things happened, I decided to give up my room at the salon. Along with helping another massage therapist, I traveled for a short while.

In time, I decided traveling wasn’t for me, so I took the plunge and bought a building in Bronson, Michigan. Then, COVID-19 hit. Though challenging in many ways, the pandemic gifted me time to paint and prepare my building for business. While Insight on Health, LLC is in a small town and still a work in progress, my efforts during that time allowed the business to grow and support my family. I went from working with nine clients a week to nearly thirty-seven.

That being said, it is important to note that I am not your usual therapist. I am also a holistic health practitioner. In addition to massage, I offer many other services in my practice, including a sauna, tanning bed, hydromassage table, spray tanning, foot detoxing, a salon with pedicure chairs, and many natural health services.

I am very proud to provide supportive services and education that many in my community find beneficial. Hard work, honesty, and great customer service are the keys to my success, and with the support of my community and clients, I recently won the Best Massage Therapist 2023 Community’s Choice Award for Branch County,

Thanks to the support of my family, friends, clients, and KCHA family, I have been serving the community since 2018 and look forward to doing so for many more years to come.

Insight on Health, LLC

Proper hydration is vital for numerous bodily functions. It helps regulate body temperature, aids digestion, cushions joints, and supports the transport of nutrients and oxygen to cells. During the summer, when we’re more prone to sweating due to higher temperatures and outdoor activities, it’s easy to become dehydrated if we’re not mindful of our fluid intake.

Recognizing the signs of dehydration is crucial for maintaining good health, especially during the hot summer months when fluid loss through sweating increases. Here are some common signs to watch out for:

Thirst: The most obvious sign of dehydration is feeling thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already experiencing mild dehydration, so it’s essential to drink fluids regularly, even before you feel thirsty.

Dark Urine: Urine color can indicate hydration levels. Dark yellow or amber-colored urine suggests dehydration, while light yellow or clear urine is a sign of adequate hydration.

Dry Mouth and Lips: When you’re dehydrated, your mouth may feel dry, and your lips may become chapped. Saliva production decreases when the body is low on fluids, leading to dryness in the mouth.

Fatigue and Weakness: Dehydration can lead to feelings of tiredness, weakness, and low energy levels. Without enough fluids, your body may struggle to carry out its normal functions efficiently.

Headaches and Dizziness: Lack of proper hydration can cause headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Dehydration reduces blood flow to the brain, which can result in these symptoms.

Reduced Sweating: Although it may seem counterintuitive, severe dehydration can actually reduce sweating as the body tries to conserve water. If you notice a significant decrease in sweating during hot weather or exercise, it could be a sign of dehydration.

Muscle Cramps: Dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which may cause muscle cramps, particularly during physical activity.

Dry Skin: In addition to dry mouth and lips, dehydration can also manifest as dry, flaky skin. Without enough water, your skin may lose elasticity and become less supple.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to rehydrate promptly by drinking water or other hydrating fluids like sports drinks or coconut water. Severe dehydration can be dangerous and may require medical attention, so listen to your body and take steps to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather or when engaging in physical activity.

Hydration isn’t just about drinking water; it’s about replenishing the fluids your body loses through sweat, helping you stay energized, focused, and ready to tackle your day.

Here are some creative ways to make hydrating more enticing.

Infused Water Creations: Add some summer flavors to your water by infusing it with fresh herbs and/or slices of fruits like lemon, lime, cucumber, or berries.

Hydration Station: Set up a hydration station at home or work with a variety of beverages, such as herbal teas, coconut water, or sparkling water. Having options readily available makes it easier to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Freeze Your Hydration: Make hydration fun by freezing your favorite fruits or beverages into ice cubes. Drop them into your water bottle or glass for a refreshing twist as they slowly melt.

Fruit Popsicles: Blend up your favorite fruits with water or coconut water, pour them into popsicle molds, and freeze them for a delicious and hydrating treat on a hot day.

Hydration Reminder Apps: Use smartphone apps or set reminders to drink water regularly throughout the day. Some apps even gamify hydration, turning it into a fun challenge.

Hydration Buddy System: Partner up with a friend or family member to keep each other accountable for staying hydrated. You can send each other encouraging messages or even compete to see who can drink the most

This summer, make hydration a top priority to keep your body feeling its best. With a little creativity and some mindful habits, staying hydrated can be enjoyable and effortless. So, whether you’re lounging by the pool, hitting the trails, or simply enjoying the sunshine, remember to keep that water bottle close and sip your way to a hydrated and happy summer!

This month symbolizes the peak of vitality, where the sun’s power is at its strongest, infusing the world with vibrant life force. A time of radiant energy, reflection, and a deep connection with Nature, July invites us to embrace our passions, pursue our interests with vigor, and live life to the fullest.

Myofascial Components of Head, Neck, & Shoulder Pain Class: October 12-13

Have fun while earning CEUs and exploring deep tissue structures of the upper body that are often the root of most client pain.

Join   KCHA as we host Pete Whitridge, BA, LMT. Founder and Past President of the Alliance For Massage, Pete has dedicated his career to helping establish high standards in massage therapy education and teaches throughout the U.S.

This two-day class offers a multi-disciplinary approach, including orthopedic assessments, fascial stretching, and myofascial techniques.  During this training, you will enhance your skills, deepen your anatomical knowledge, learn techniques to alleviate chronic pain, and collaborate with clients. Take the first step toward renewing confidence in your ability to promote pain-free movement by registering via email today!

Be sure to check out our updated calendar, which includes public events hosted by KCHA, including opportunities to participate in Yoga for Massage Therapists, CranialSacral Wisdom Classes, Post Natal “Closing of the Bones” Workshop, The Art of Marma Therapy: Ayurvedic Acupressure, and more!

Welcome the gift of renewal and receive a massage at Kalamazoo Center for the   Healing Arts Student Massage Clinic. Students are nearing the end of their training and ready to provide public sessions.

The sessions are relaxing, and the price can’t be beat!

Gift certificates are available, as are monthly specials. Check the booking site for more details.