health and wellness
Still Holding Out on Getting a Massage?
Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by Daily News Staff
Elements Massage debunks massage myths that scare clients the most.
Highlands Ranch, CO, October 31, 2016 (Newswire.com) –It’s shocking that more Americans are not taking advantage of the preventative and healing benefits of massage because people have fears and misconceptions about massage.
Massage is a drug-free, non-invasive, humanistic approach to wellness, based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It may also be of help in treating high blood pressure, lower back pain, post-surgical care, arthritis and depression. But even when there is not a specific health issue, massage can have other benefits, including:
Exposure is game changer for many people, especially for first-time clients. There is a power differential between a therapist and client. People feel vulnerable when they take off their clothes. It’s important for people to know that there are proper draping techniques that therapists are trained in, and that the amount of clothing a person wears during a massage is optional. Eric Stephenson, Director of Education, iMassage.com
- Increased circulation
- Stimulation of the lymph system, the body’s natural defense against toxins
- Release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller
- Improved range of motion and decreased discomfort in back muscles
- Relaxation of injured and overused muscles
- Reduced muscle spasms and cramping
- Increased joint flexibility
- Aid in recovering from strenuous workouts
- Reduced post-operative adhesions and edema, as well as reduced scar tissue
Yet in 2015, a survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) found only 19 percent of women and 16 percent of men reported having a massage in the past 12 months. Now that’s a frightening statistic!
Eric Stephenson is the director of education at iMassage.com, and has been a consultant for Elements Massage™ (Elements) since 2009. He says there are many misconceptions about massage therapy people need to be educated about. Topping the list, you have to get naked.
#1 Exposure
“Exposure is game changer for many people, especially for first-time clients,” says Stephenson. “There is a power differential between a therapist and client. People feel vulnerable when they take off their clothes. It’s important for people to know that there are proper draping techniques that therapists are trained in, and that the amount of clothing a person wears during a massage is optional. They can be fully clothed if they prefer. This is totally up to the client.”
Clients who have concerns should ask the massage studio or spa about its draping policy and what to expect during a massage to ensure their modesty is protected at all times.
#2 Body Image Issues
Many people avoid massage because they are uncomfortable with how they look. They think they are too heavy, too thin, they forgot to shave their legs, or have been traumatized by a past experience that makes touch by others stressful and difficult. A good massage therapist is never judgmental and may very well have a team of local specialists to whom they can refer troubled clients.
#3 It’s Too Expensive
Cost is subjective for most people. If massage is important, it can be as simple as a trade-off, substituting a massage for two or three meals out during the month. Stephenson also says franchise organizations like Elements have brought the cost of massage down and carved out a niche for people who are cost-sensitive. Membership programs and incentives can bring costs down even further.
#4 Massage Hurts
Massage therapists typically offer a variety of pressures and types of massage. Swedish massage for example, is typically more relaxing, whereas deep tissue and sports massage might be more oriented to helping cope with injuries and sore muscles. Massage clients should be able to ask for what they want in any session.
For example, Element’s therapists are taught to ask clients about the amount of pressure to apply within the first five minutes of a massage. Clients who believe in the old adage, “no pain, no gain” can ask for deep pressure, or those who wish for a relaxing massage are encouraged to state their preferences and give their massage[CS1] therapist direction throughout the session. If a therapist is not receptive, it might be wise to seek a different therapist. .
#5 I Need to go to a Therapist Often to Get Any Results
While it’s true that therapists may recommend more frequent massages for certain conditions, such as back pain or Plantar Fasciitis, the goal is to leverage massage therapy for healing, so that clients can achieve a maintenance level where fewer massages are necessary.
#6 Gender Bias
The ratio of women to men receiving massages used to be about 80:20, but not anymore. Men have become more savvy about the health benefits and they have more location options. The franchise model has helped in this area as well. Men no longer have to go to female-dominated health and beauty spas for a massage. There are also more male massage therapists in the workforce, so individuals who feel more comfortable seeing massage therapists of the same sex can do so.
#7 Drink Lots of Water
There was a time when it was believed drinking water before and after a massage would eliminate toxins from the body. This has been debunked. Many therapists still offer water to clients, but only for hydration. Everything in moderation is typically better for your overall health and well-being.
#8 Prenatal Massage is Dangerous
While it was believed that pregnant women should not get a massage, particularly in the first trimester, this belief most likely came about because more miscarriages occur during this time and many massage studio owners wanted to avoid this offering for liability reasons. Now, therapists are being trained and certified in prenatal massage and the risks are minimal.
A Simple Truth about Massage Therapy
As society embraces preventative care as a way to allay the need for medical treatment, the use of massage therapy as part of a wellness program continues to grow. It is a way of treating pain without medication. It can relieve anxiety and stress, and may lessen the risk of stress-causing diseases. As research continues to uncover the medical benefits of massage, it is important to note that its therapeutic advantages also come with some pleasant side effects.
“Massage is great way to come back to the soothing benefits of touch,” adds Stephenson. “Babies cannot survive without touch, so why do we deprive ourselves as adults?”
Source: Elements Massage
Author
health and wellness
Heart Risks Go Beyond the Heart: Don’t Forget to Check Blood Sugar and Kidney Health
Heart Risks Go Beyond the Heart: Don’t Forget to Check Blood Sugar and Kidney Health
(Feature Impact) Diabetes and kidney disease are major risk factors for heart disease, yet many cases are undiagnosed. In fact, most people don’t realize their heart, kidney and metabolic health – how the body creates, uses and stores energy – are connected. Understanding these connections can help you take steps toward protecting your long-term health.
Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a health condition that includes heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity. Many people don’t realize they’re at risk, though, because they aren’t aware of health risks beyond the heart. Almost 1 in 4 U.S. adults with diabetes are unaware they have it, according to a 2026 statistics update from the American Heart Association. In addition, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that as many as 9 in 10 adults with chronic kidney disease don’t know they’re living with the condition.
Learning about CKM syndrome can be a helpful step in understanding your overall health picture.
How are CKM conditions connected?
Heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes have shared risk factors – including high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar; excess weight; and reduced kidney function – and they’re closely linked. Having one condition often increases the likelihood of developing the others.
“We are encouraging people to become aware of the connection between conditions so they and their health care team can think about their overall health beyond individual conditions,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and senior vice president of women’s health at Northwell Health. “Understanding the connection helps you better prevent complications through lifestyle changes and appropriate treatment.”
The biggest health threats from CKM syndrome are disability and death from heart disease and stroke, which make up the “cardiovascular” part of CKM. The “metabolic” part includes diabetes and obesity. Kidney disease is closely linked with both metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
How common is CKM syndrome?
CKM-related risks are common. Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one risk factor for CKM syndrome. The 2026 statistics report showed about half of all U.S. adults have high blood pressure, about 1 in 3 has high total cholesterol, more than half have prediabetes or diabetes, about 1 in 7 has kidney disease and more than half have a high waist circumference.
These risks often develop slowly, with few or no symptoms at first, but you can stay informed. Rosen emphasizes regular screening of your cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic health, which can catch problems early.
“Due to the current risk factor rates, everyone could benefit from being screened this way,” she said.
Regular check-ins with your health care team can offer a clearer picture of your CKM health. They can check your:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol panel (total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol and triglycerides)
- Blood glucose (blood sugar), measured in either the short term as fasting glucose or long term as A1C
- Body weight and size, measured by body mass index and waist circumference
- Kidney function, using both UACR and eGFR
These results can be used in the PREVENT online calculator to estimate your risk for cardiovascular disease over the next 10 or 30 years. CKM syndrome can often be prevented and improved with healthy daily habits like those in Life’s Essential 8 and science-based treatments.
The CKM Health Initiative was introduced by the American Heart Association to raise awareness of the connections between CKM syndrome conditions and improve diagnosis rates. It’s supported by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, supporting sponsors Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Bayer, and champion sponsor DaVita.
Visit Heart.org/myCKMhealth to learn more about CKM health, including screening and treatment options.
SOURCE:
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Last Updated on April 6, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Feature Impact) Heart disease is something many adults push to the back of their minds if they are not experiencing symptoms; a concern for “later” in life. However, that mindset may be changing. New research suggests younger generations are thinking about their cardiovascular health earlier and with greater urgency.
They’re right to be thinking about it, too. Data from the American Heart Association shows heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of Americans. In fact, someone dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds in the United States.
Risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease are on the rise, too. Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure (47%), and obesity (42%), and more than half (57%) have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
Despite growing concern about heart health, many adults remain unclear about their personal risk. In fact, a majority of respondents (62%) in a survey conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Doctor’s Best said they don’t know their current risk for heart disease. To provide context on these findings and highlight emerging heart health trends, Dr. Tania Elliott, a dual board-certified physician in internal medicine, offers some insights.
Feeling Fatigue
In the study, only 50% of respondents reported feeling energetic on a daily basis. Among those who reported feeling fatigued, 46% listed stress as their top perceived contributor, followed by insufficient sleep (38%), both of which are closely tied to cardiovascular health.
Troubling Symptoms
Among Gen Z respondents, 25% reported having shortness of breath during activity or while lying down, compared to just 16% of Baby Boomers, which is commonly associated with compromised heart health.
Statins and Youth
Statins, which help address cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in America, with more than 92 million Americans currently taking them, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Although most survey respondents (76%) aren’t currently taking a statin, 17% of adults ages 25-34 reported using statin therapy, which is an unexpectedly high proportion given their age and the group’s low anticipated risk of cardiovascular disease.
Side Effects of Statins
Among those taking statins, which are considered a first-line treatment for treating high cholesterol and reducing heart disease risk, 54% reported experiencing side effects, particularly muscle pain (23%) and fatigue (31%). However, taking statins can also affect levels of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which supports cellular energy and cardiovascular function.
All About CoQ10
Cells use CoQ10 to produce energy and detoxify. Studies have shown people with heart failure who took CoQ10 had around a 50% reduction in mortality. Despite this, awareness is low. Nearly two-thirds (66%) of respondents had never heard of CoQ10 and that number jumps to 76% of adults ages 25-34. Additionally, only a small percentage of respondents (8%) who were on a statin reported having their CoQ10 level tested.
“We have a real opportunity to help younger adults take a more proactive approach to heart health,” Elliott said. “CoQ10 plays a critical role in cellular energy production and heart muscle function, and it can decline with age and statin use.”
If you’re among the 71% of survey respondents who expressed a willingness to learn more about improving your heart health, talk with your health care provider and visit DoctorsBest.com to learn more.
Strategies to Support Heart Health
While some risk factors for heart disease, like age and family history, are out of your control, you can make lifestyle changes to help lower your risk:
- Eat Whole Foods: A heart-healthy eating plan includes plenty of lean proteins as well as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and foods high in omega-3s, such as salmon, nuts and plant oils.
- Know Your CoQ10 Levels: If you’re low, look for a high-quality, bioavailable formula, like Doctor’s Best High Absorption CoQ10 with BioPerine, which supports energy production and muscle function.
- Get Moving: The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week to help control weight and lower the risk for conditions that negatively impact the heart.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (woman with hand over chest)
SOURCE:
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Community
Viewpoint Hosted by Dennis Quaid Brings Attention to a Little-Understood Condition Affecting Families Nationwide
A new Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid segment with APFED raises awareness of eosinophilic esophagitis, its subtle symptoms, and its impact on families.
For more information, readers can visit viewpointproject.com and apfed.org.
For many families, health conditions do not always begin with a dramatic diagnosis. Sometimes they show up in small, everyday habits that seem easy to explain away. Cutting food into tiny bites. Drinking extra water with every meal. Quietly avoiding certain foods altogether. A new educational segment from Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid is shining a light on those subtle warning signs through a collaboration with the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders, helping more people recognize the realities of living with eosinophilic esophagitis, or EoE.
Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid
The segment, distributed to Public Television stations across the country, focuses on making this chronic inflammatory condition easier for the public to understand. For viewers, that matters because EoE is often misunderstood or overlooked, even as it affects daily routines, family meals, and quality of life. By connecting medical information to real-life experiences, the program gives audiences a more human picture of what people with the condition may be facing.
When everyday habits tell a bigger story
Eosinophilic esophagitis occurs when eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, build up in the esophagus, causing inflammation that can lead to tissue damage and narrowing. But what stands out most in this story is not just the science. It is the way people often adapt without realizing it. Behaviors like chewing excessively, avoiding certain textures, or relying on liquids to help swallow can become so routine that they no longer feel unusual.
That is one reason the segment carries real community value. It encourages people to look more closely at symptoms that may have been normalized for years and to seek evaluation from specialists such as gastroenterologists or allergists. It also raises awareness among parents, caregivers, and primary care providers who may be the first to notice that something is not quite right.
More than awareness
The program also explores the emotional and social side of the condition, especially for people navigating dietary restrictions and the uncertainty of delayed diagnosis. In that sense, this is not only a story about medicine. It is also a story about advocacy, support, and the importance of helping people feel seen.
APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel noted that many people with EoE do not realize they have adapted their lives around a medical condition. That message gives the segment its strongest human element: awareness can change lives, not only by leading to diagnosis, but by helping families better understand experiences that may have felt isolating or confusing.
Originally distributed in January 2025, the documentary will continue to be made available to stations through March 2027, extending its reach to more households nationwide.
Related Coverage
Read more from STM Daily News on community issues, public television, health awareness, and stories that connect national topics to everyday life.
For More Information
- Visit the official Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid website
- Learn more about the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders
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