Wellness Week deals at Long Island spas

Spa treatments, meditation and exercise sound great in theory, but most people spend a lot more time in the car cursing rush hour traffic than they do chanting on their yoga mats.

That's why SpaFinder.com, a website dedicated to connecting people with spa and wellness resources all over the world, started Wellness Week in 2010.

"Wellness Week is the centerpiece of a nationwide movement dedicated to helping people take charge of their health," says SpaFinder's Sallie Fraenkel. "It was created to shine a spotlight on the wide range of wellness options, from spas and gyms to yoga and pilates studios, available in communities across the country."

More than 20 business on Long Island are taking part from March 19-25, offering free workshops, consultations and discounted treatments.

Aria 366, a spa in Commack, will give free facial mask applications and mini-massages to tweens. Owner Jamie Laurenzano hopes this will show young girls how easy and fun it can be to take care of their skin.

"If they start these regimens and are proactive now, they'll be able to prevent skin issues when they're older," she says.

Today spas are seeing a wide age range in their customers, according to Marla Kaplan-Pelle, director of Hands on HealthCare Massage Therapy and Wellness Center in Commack, who says family treatments are becoming a trend. Among their Wellness Week offers will be 50 percent off a family foot soak, a 60-minute honey and green tea scrub in their six person foot sanctuary. They will treat children as young as 7 years old.

WELLNESS FOR LESS

On a regular week, Fraenkel suggests going to the spa on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings to find special rates. She also suggests trying express options like mini-facials, massages and beauty treatments to get the spa experience for less.

For those who don't see spa time in their future, there are easy steps to take at home to improve wellness.

"The best thing you can do for your skin is protect it from UV rays," says Fraenkel. "Some great, easy ways to do this is through wearing cover-ups, wide-brimmed hats, and tightly woven, dark fabrics in the sun. Then of course apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and reapply every few hours if you'll be outdoors."

Changing what's on the menu for breakfast is another quick health fix.

"By simply starting your day with a big bowl of oatmeal or other high-fiber foods like fruit or whole grains -- rather than a high sugar, high fat selection -- you will focus better, improve your ability to think and generally feel more energetic," she says.

Want to get involved? Take the Wellness Week Pledge.

FREE EVENTS

Hands on HealthCare Massage Therapy and Welness Day Spa

208 and 210 Commack Rd., Commack; 631-462-4263

March 12, 7 - 8 p.m.

Learn how to take care of your face from a licensed esthetician, who will demonstrate proper cleaning techniques, exfoliation procedures and more. Participants will take home easy to make natural beauty recipes. Seating is limited.

Aria 366

366 Vets Hwy., Suite 2, Commack; 631-486-6655

March 23, 5 - 8:30 p.m.

Tweens will receive free facial mask applications, mini-massages and will learn to have a healthy skin care regimen. Call for appointment.

Red Hots Sun Lounge and Day Spa

1512 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn; 516-484-8267

March 24, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Receive a complimentary 10-minute guide to meditation.

LOCAL DEALS

Many local spas are offering $50 treatments or 50 percent off special services from March 19-25.

Aveda Red Bell Spa

107 Newbridge Rd., Hicksville; 516-433-1517

Element Nature massage, Fusion hot stone massage or Element Nature facial, all with organic aroma therapy, $50.

Fit Body Boot Camp

Gold Medal Gymnastics Center, 1 Shrine Place, Greenlawn; 631-909-8347 and 41 Homer Ave., Deer Park; 631-806-5799

16 day slim down, $45; Four week total body transformation, $60.

Frasada Salon & Day Spa

2785 Long Beach Rd., Oceanside; 516-766-7076

De'Lage anti-aging facial, $65; Wellness Week aroma massage, $57.50; Couples massage, $100; Hot stone pedicure, $30.

Fusion Skin Spa

798 Grand Blvd., Deer Park; 631-940-1672

The Fusion Zen-Harmony facial, $45; Microdermabrasion, $50; Teeth whitening by WhiteScience, $64.50.

Oliver West Day Spa

28 Railroad Ave., Sayville; 631-589-5739

60-minute acupuncture treatment, $50; Soothing rejuvination facial, $50; Reflexology, $50.

For more Wellness Week deals and events on Long Island, visit SpaFinder.com/WellnessWeek.

DO-IT-YOURSELF BEAUTY

Kaplan-Pelle shared these recipes that can be made with everyday ingredients.

Milk and Honey Facial Scrub

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of milk

3 tablespoons of honey

1 tablespoon of crumbled oatmeal

Optional: Add a feel-good pinch of cocoa for some anti-oxidants or a pinch of coffee grinds for a quick wake-me-up.

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together. Apply to face and gently massage with small circular motions. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Simple Morning Scrub

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of coffee grounds

1 tablespoon of salt (optional)

Directions:

Enjoy your cup of Joe and then use the leftover warm grinds for a full body scrub.

Chocolate Milk Bath

Ingredients:

1/8 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

1/3 cup of instant non-fat dry milk

1/2 cup of unscented bubble bath (optional)

Directions:

Add ingredients to warm bath water and soak. The scent of chocolate triggers the release of chemicals in the brain that produce a similar feeling to those when one first falls in love.