February 2010 Archives

Super Plush, Ultra Absorbent and Slip-Resistant--New eQua Towel is the Ideal Accessory for any High Intensity Yoga Session

Manduka (www.manduka.com), the world's leader in high performance yoga gear, announced today the debut of the eQua Hot Yoga Towel--the newest addition to the Manduka eQua Towel Collection. For those that prefer their yoga hot, the eQua Hot Yoga Towel is the ultimate solution to sweat management--allowing the user to perfect their poses instead of dealing with a perspiring distraction from their practice.

Developed in response to the common problem of excessive puddling during a sweaty yoga session, the Hot Yoga Towel is created with ultra soft, double knit microfiber--that remains super gentle on the skin but tough against toxins. Outperforming ordinary cotton or polyester towels, when spread over the yoga mat the Hot Yoga Towel forms a plush, sweat-trapping barrier and slip-resistant, hygienic foundation--absorbing the maximum amount of moisture while keeping yogi's mat clean and dry.

"We know how distracting perspiration can be during a high intensity yoga session," said Manduka CEO, Sky Meltzer.  "So to assist the yogis that are heating up their practice, we wanted to offer a high quality product that allows the user to enjoy their practice without the diversion of slipping and sliding on their mat. The eQua Hot Yoga Towel is the perfect solution--not only is it super absorbent, but it also provides a hygienic barrier--keeping bacteria away from the user and off their mat."

Made to fit most yoga mats and user styles, the Manduka eQua Hot Yoga Towel is 72 " x 26.5" and is available in Candy (pink), Olive (green) and Scuba (blue). Able to withstand countless washings, the eQua Hot Yoga Towel is both machine washable and dryable--sweat it out, toss it in the wash and start your practice all over again. Whether you glow, perspire, sweat or seep--Manduka's eQua Hot Yoga towel has your mat and your mind covered.

Like all of the towels in the Manduka eQua Towel collection, the Hot Yoga Towel is created according to fair labor production standards.  For more information, please visit: www.manduka.com or become a facebook fan at: http://www.facebook.com/MandukaYoga

Founded in 1997, Manduka was built on the simple idea that a better yoga mat can make a world of difference. Manduka strives to support and enrich the yoga community by providing premium quality mats and products while respecting employees, customers, materials, and the environment. Created for and by yoga enthusiasts, Manduka's technical and purpose-driven product designs meet and often exceed the distinct needs of all practitioners. Today Manduka's products, which include yoga mats, towels, yoga straps, water bottles, and bags, are sold in more than 35 countries around the world. Not only focusing on superior design, Manduka also promotes their ethos of quality, thoughtfulness and sustainability in all realms of their business.

SOURCE Manduka

Featured speakers Andrew Weil, M.D., Sara Snow, Horst Rechelbacher, Margaret Wittenberg and Dr. Charles Benbrook to address guests on critical health benefits of organic food and farming

The Organic Center (the Center), a leading research institute focused on the science of organic food and farming, will hold its 7th annual VIP dinner during Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Marriott's Platinum Ballroom on March 12, 2010.  The cocktail reception will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. with the dinner following from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the Center's website at: https://www.organic-center.org.  A press briefing on 'the state of the organic industry' will be held at 6 p.m.

The event celebrates the Center's advances in understanding the science behind the benefits of organic food and farming and will raise funds for 2010 research initiatives.  The dinner will be attended by a cross-section of industry leaders, environmental advocates, health care leaders, business innovators, government officials and academics.  Guests will hear from key speakers Dr. Andrew Weil, renowned pioneer in integrative medicine, Sara Snow, green lifestyle author and TV host, Horst Rechelbacher, author and founder of Aveda and Intelligent Nutrients, Margaret Wittenberg, author and Global VP of Quality Standards and Public Affairs for Whole Foods Market, and the Center's chief scientist, Dr. Charles Benbrook, on the critical health and environmental benefits of organic food and farming.  In addition, guests will experience a gourmet organic menu created by Chef Sandy Gendel of Pace (pronounced PAH-chay), a Los Angeles-based restaurant specializing in rustic Italian cuisine created from locally sourced organic ingredients.  

"We find ourselves at a critical point in time where climate change and human health are increasingly pressing issues that can be positively affected through the adoption of organic farming methods and the consumption of its output," said Joan Boykin, executive director for The Organic Center.  According to Mark Retzloff, Chairman of the Board. "The Center's VIP Dinner is designed to celebrate everyone from newcomers to long-time advocates who have supported our mission of advancing and communicating credible science to help individuals live more healthfully."

In advance of the cocktail reception, the Center will host a press briefing where Dr. Charles Benbrook and key speakers will share insights on 'the state of the organic industry,' giving a recap of critical moments in the past year and projected trends.  Specific emphasis will be given to the Center's upcoming research focus, which includes the mounting evidence of health risks associated with pesticide exposure in the diet, food safety, and the role of organic farming practices in mitigating global warming.  To RSVP to the press briefing, please contact Mia Herron at mia@neighboragency.com.

To host a table for 10 guests, become an event sponsor, or make a tax-deductible donation, contact Steve Hoffman at shoffman@organic-center.org or (303) 499-1840.  For opportunities to donate product to the dinner, please contact Jamie Kelly at jkelly@organic-center.org.

The Organic Center's unique mission is to advance scientific research on the health and environmental benefits of organic food and farming, and to communicate those benefits to the public. As an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) research and education organization, we envision improved health for the Earth and its inhabitants through conversion of agriculture to organic methods. All of The Organic Center's research reports, publications, consumer guides and videos are available free of charge on our website, www.organic-center.org.

SOURCE The Organic Center

MOM's Organic Market, the Baltimore-Washington metro area's homegrown organic grocery chain, announced the Grand Opening of its new store in Bowie, Maryland. The MOM's Grand Opening Celebration will take place February 13th through the 15th. This sixth MOM's location is located at the newly renovated Hilltop Center, at the intersection of Annapolis Road (Rt. 450) and Race Track Road.

In addition to 100% organic produce, the new store will provide area residents with a large variety of organic grocery and dairy items, bulk foods, artisanal cheeses and breads, local and organic meats, sustainable seafood, gluten-free foods, supplements and body care products, environmentally friendly household goods, and holistic pet products.

"I was born and raised in Prince George's County.  I am extremely happy to be opening our 2nd store here.  The County has been largely ignored by national chains for as long as I can remember and the residents deserve a source for reasonably priced, healthy organic groceries," said Scott Nash, the founder and CEO of MOM's.

Grand Opening festivities will include:

• Free Goody bags to the first 50 customers.
• Green thumb fun, face painting, and other kid friendly activities.
• Food tastings including local cheeses, fresh organic produce, locally roasted organic coffee, and much more.
• Free samples, raffles, and prizes.  

Founded in 1987 in Scott Nash's mother's garage as a home delivery/mail order provider of organic foods, MOM's has grown to become the region's premiere chain of locally owned and operated organic grocery stores, offering an incredible selection of organic products at everyday low prices. MOM's currently operates six stores in the Washington/Baltimore area including: Rockville, MD, College Park, MD, Alexandria, VA and Columbia East, MD, Frederick, MD and Bowie, MD.

SOURCE MOM's Organic Market

February isn't all about flowers and chocolates, it's actually more about hearts than you might think.  This month is American Heart Month and February 5 is Wear Red Day, a special day to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S.  According to the Center for Disease Control, about every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about every minute someone will die from one.  The best weapons you have against heart disease are a healthy diet and lifestyle, and that's where the spa comes in.  

"Spas are the perfect place to learn heart healthy lifestyle techniques from relaxation methods to cooking tips," said ISPA President Lynne McNees. "The No. 1 reason people visit the spa is to reduce/relieve stress. What's more important than investing in your health? Wouldn't you rather relax and revitalize at a spa, then spend time in a doctor's office being treated for stress-related illnesses like heart disease down the road?"

ISPA members are recognizing American Heart Month:

• Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, Vista, CA - Heart Health Week programs include nutrition talks from Linda Illingworth, Registered Dietitian, and a presentation from Dr. Mark Drucker, Medical Director of the Center for Advanced Medicine in San Diego.
• Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, TX - From the Heart of Texas series features Nutrition for Heart Health with Dietitian: Terry Shaw on Feb. 9. Strong Hearts with Dr. Scott Gaertner and Wendy Gaertner, Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Professional will teach you how to find your heart rate zones, ways to maintain a healthy heart and workouts to strengthen your heart on February 10.
• Red Mountain Resort and Spa, Ivins, UT - Seeing Red: Getting Emotionally Fit with Andrea Hanson allows you to break free of debilitating emotions with a certified energy health practitioner and Kundalini yoga therapist. At $339 from February 10-14.
• Trump International Hotel, Las Vegas - The Healing Hearts Go Red package is available with a donation of $25 to Go Red For Women. It includes a 40-minute each pedicure, massage and facial, plus a 25-minute scalp massage.  All for $199, February 1-28.

SOURCE International SPA Association