The holidays can be super stressful. When you throw in a pandemic, and everything else that has happened this year, it’s even more important to take steps to take of yourself.

Normally, getting massage on a weekly basis is part of my self-care.  But what does self-care look like for me right now, especially when I can’t get regular massage?

As always, it includes eating good, healthy food…lots of fresh veggies, whole grains, and drinking lots of water and herbal tea. Here’s a recent meal I made…kale sauted with carmelized onions, brown rice, and tofu marinated in Spicy Jerk Paste made by Raleigh’s Kitchens of Africa, one of the few companies that offered prepared sauces that I can feel good about buying.

And chocolate!  Did you see the recent study that came out of NC State?  Yet another reason to reach for some dark chocolate when you want a snack.  I highly suggest you support some local businesses while doing so. I am a HUGE fan of Videri Chocolate Factory and Escazu Chocolates, both located in Raleigh.

I also do what I can to get plenty of sleep.  It became somewhat elusive the past few months for me, and I was getting frustrated. A friend just gifted me a custom-made blanket from Carolina Weighted Blankets, and I am in love!  Have you ever tried a weighted blanket?  They are awesome!  When your nerves are frayed, and you can’t seem to calm your mind to fall asleep, they are, in my opinion, quite possibly the best drug-free way to get there (next to massage, of course). The owner (Kelly) asked what type of fabric I liked, sent me several to choose from, and found the perfect matching fabric to back the one I chose.  She made it extra-long for my tall body, and added a little more weight than your typical blanket at my request.  Kelly delivered it to my door, and that night was the first time in a few months that I got a solid night’s sleep!  If you’re looking for something special, I highly suggest you reach out to her.

Of course, moving my body is part of self-care as well.  I like checking out the trails in the area…Raleigh has a great Greenway, too. Fresh air and natural Vitamin D are good for both body and soul, and it gives me an opportunity to spend some (masked) time with a friend.  I also love to dance, and while I may not be able to get out to dance to my favorite bands live, I’ve been doing what I can to support those artists via their online livestreamed shows.

Speaking of art…This time of year, I would normally be going to a lot craft shows.  My favorite, the Boylan Street Art Walk, would normally be happening this coming weekend.  Like everything else, the physical event has been canceled and it has been moved online. Check it out, and support local artists when shopping for gifts this year.  You’ll even see work by some of the women who have displayed work in my lobby!

Artwork by Willa Stein

What do you like to do for self-care?

The best laid plans of cats and women…..

At the end of September, the percent positive rate for North Carolina finally made it to a 7-day average of 5%.  We hovered there for several days, and I got excited. I finalized all the Pandemic Protocols, had the carpets professionally cleaned, and began scheduling clients in hopes to reopen at the first of October.

And then, the numbers increased. Of course, because I am concerned about the possibility of unkowingly being a vector, I chose to not re-open. Massage therapy is considered a moderately high risk profession when it comes to contracting the virus…we are in an enclosed room for long periods of time in direct contact with many people. Even following strict protocol,with treatment rooms that has windows that won’t open, the risk feels too great.  Did you know that a recent study showed that the Coronavirus can live on skin for nine hours?!?!??

When people start doing what is necessary…wearing masks EVERY TIME they are around others who do not live in their home, not gathering with others in large groups, practicing social distancing, and being conscientious of others, the spread of the virus will lessen. With the relase of vaccines, hopefully, we will be able to get back to a more normal way of life.

It has been three very long, stressful months.  I don’t know about you, but I have spent the majority of the time at home.  I’ve been obsessively reading the news, learning all I can about COVID-19, disinfection, sanitation, and how to perform massage and reduce the risk of becoming infected and spreading the virus to others.
I’ve spent hours scouring the internet for items I need to reopen the doors of my business.  I’ve also run around town chasing leads on things that will work in the office (no harsh chemicals or strong artificial scents can be used on a regular basis due to respiratory issues).

What’s on that list?
Different  covers for the massage tables, face cradles, and pillows for disinfection protocol.
-Step-open trash cans in the treatment rooms.
-Medical grade HEPA air purifiers for every room.
-Covered toilet paper and paper towel dispensers.
-Automatic soap dispensers.
-Automatic hand sanitizer dispensers.
-Bins for clients to store their shoes,  and other personal items.
(shoes will be taken off upon arrival, and clean footie socks will be given to each client for use while in the office, which will be washed and disinfected between clients.)
-EPA approved cleaning supplies to disinfect every touchable surface (no harsh chemical or artificial scents)
-Hand sanitizer in large quantities
-Face shields, goggles, nitrile and KN95s for therapists.
-Nitrile gloves for therapists to use as needed.
-Disposable procedure masks for clients who forget their mask.
-Aprons to be switched out after every client.
-Forehead thermometer and oximeter.
-New dirty laundry storage.
-and more.

Because the types of supplies I need to run the business in the safest manner possible are in high demand, a lot of items I ordered in early April are just arriving now.  I resorted to playing the game of purchasing from a few different sources, with the intent of cancelling the ones that don’t.  Of course, a few repeat items shipped the same day, but fortunately, these are supplies that will get used up.

This entire time I have been monitoring the reports coming out from the state and federal governments in regard to statistics. Sadly, they have never gone in the direction I was hoping to see by now. With the news yesterday of the second highest number of new daily cases, I am not comfortable reopening at this time.

Why?

There are too many unknowns with this virus. A recent study suggests that the virus stays is airborne for up to 16 hours, and aerosol transmission is more important than previously thought. Even with the HEPA air filters I purchased, because the air in the treatment rooms becomes very stifling during a massage, there is a chance that if someone comes in who is asymptomatic, the virus would linger in the air…while very helpful, masks are not 100% effective in controlling it.

The current percentage of positive tests in North Carolina has been hovering about 9% since the end of May.  Leading health organizations suggest a 5% or less positive rate for 2 weeks before governments reopen their jurisdictions.  We are far from there at this point.

Then there are the health concerns:
-Approximately 60% of Americans have an underlying health issue that puts them at a higher risk of contracting the virus.
-Pregnant women are normally more susceptible to problems that affect the lungs. They are more at risk for developing severe symptoms if they contract the virus, are more likely to require hospitalization, and there may be an increased risk of negative pregnancy outcomes.
-Articles discussing the risk levels of different professions puts massage therapists at a 50-60% chance of contracting the virus. People with Type A blood are at higher risk of developing severe respiratory issues if the contract the virus.  I have Type A blood and a 50-year history of respiratory issues. Given my luck with health issues in the past year, these two facts combined make a bit nervous.

I hate this. I so want to reopen, but at the same time, I am not going to push it and risk the health and safety of my clients, staff, and myself.  And so, Metamorphic Massage for Women remains closed for now. I miss you all dearly…many of you have been seeing me so long, you are like friends and family to me.

Want to see us reopen soon?  Wear a mask, practice physical distancing, follow the guidelines set by leading health organizations, avoid groups of people who refuse to follow the guidelines, and encourage everyone you know to do the same,.  Remember:  We are doing this not only for ourselves, but the community at large.

Governor Cooper announced that beginning at 5 pm on May 22, some businesses, including massage therapy, can re-open under Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Pandemic .

At this time, Metamorphic Massage for Women is continuing to stay closed.  There are several reasons for this, and the decision is not made lightly.  While I began ordering anticipated supplies and equipment in early April that would help us all feel safer, there are many items that have still not arrived.  Until everything is in place that will ensure I am doing everything possible to keep clients and team members safe, we will not re-open.

In Section 5 of Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 141, it refers to Section 8, which keeps certain businesses closed, including those that “involve customers remaining in a confined indoor space over a sustained  period”.  To me, nothing is more confining that being in a small, enclosed massage room, working with direct contact for 60 to 90 minutes.  While it is only two people in the room, seeing multiple people puts the therapist, and therefore the clients, at risk of contracting the virus from someone who does not know they are infected, even if the therapist is using all the PPE there is, and cleaning between clients.

The CDC reports that 35% of COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic, and 40% of transmission happens before people feel sick.  Combined with the fact that it  can take six days between exposure and the first sign of illness, these figures provide cause for a pause..

This virus is too contagious for me to feel comfortable doing what feels risky right now, which means re-opening the doors of Metamorphic Massage for Women, when everything is not fully in place to help reduce the risk of contracting the virus.  (Pretty interesting, considering I have been known to take quite a few risks with my life).  With so many of my beloved long-term clients having underlying health issues, putting them at greater risk of contracting the disease, combined with the amount of pregnant women who come through the door seeking relief, I would not be able to live with myself if someone were to get sick.

I know there are many disappointed women right now, and I am sure there are many who feel a bit let down.  Please know that every decision I make holds the best interests of my clients and team members as a central factor in my choice.  I know that some businesses are re-opening, and for many of them the decision is purely financial.  I chose to take my financial situation our of the decision making process, as it would have clouded my vision. Metamorphic Massage for Women has always been about the clients, and it always will be.

I do hope that if you choose to go somewhere else, they truly have your best interests at heart.

You’re probably wondering what’s going on in the world of massage, specifically in the smaller world of Metamorphic Massage for Women.  We really miss being able to help our clients!  It’s especially challenging right now, in that this historically is “baby season” in the office.  Usually, from May through September, our schedules can be around 60% prenatal massage.  That’s a lot of mammas coming through the door!

It pains me to not be able to help them and the many other women who use massage to manage their discomforts.  I was just talking with a client the other day who is recovering from a surgery.  I’ve assisted her through several post-surgery rehabs, and she said this one is going much slower than the others, without her adjunct therapies of massage and acupressure.  And this is just one person.

But as you probably know, Governor Cooper announced that beginning May 8, the guidelines will be relaxed as far as what we are able to expect as far as what types of businesses and activities will be open. Massage therapy establishments will possibly be part of Phase 2, which means the earliest we will be able to see clients will be the end of May.

I’ve been spending a lot of time in the last week learning about increasing sanitation and safety guidelines.  I’ve sat in on a few discussions with therapists throughout the country, trying to figure out the best course for moving forward.  I am learning more about OSHA, the CDC, and the EPA than I ever thought was necessary for someone in my line of work.   I’ve read the guidelines put out by John Hopkins University, for governors for who are looking to begin re-opening their states. The information available is endless.  Good thing I have a lot of time on my hands!

I’ve gone down many rabbit holes, all while figuring out exactly what types of supplies, equipment, and protocol I will need to have in place when we re-open, to keep clients and staff safe.  As of this writing, I have not yet been able to fully garner the supplies I anticipate needing to work safely.  I’ve been busy reading all I can about the safety protocols other states are requiring, and am using those as a guideline, since North Carolina has not published anything yet.  I am taking extra precautions, as well, given there are so many pregnant women and folks with underlying issues coming through our space. Many items have been ordered, including HEPA air purifiers that filter down to 0.1 microns (which, by the way, are not easy to find for smaller spaces).

There will be major changes, most of which I hope we will be able to relax as time moves on.  It’s challenging, frustrating, and at times overwhelming, but I am going to do everything in my power to re-open in the safest manner possible.

You may have heard that there are some massage businesses that are open, after applying to become deemed essential businesses, thinking a letter from the Department of Revenue gives them permission to give clients massage. It doesn’t…the letter clearly states that if you cannot operate in accordance with the social distancing requirements, you must stay closed.  Because of this. Even with the letter, they’re still operating illegally. As licensed therapists, we are ethically supposed to follow the mandates by the governor.  I also shudder with the knowledge that these businesses are operating without full safety and sanitation measures in place.

I will not re-open until I have every necessary precautionary measure in place, and the governor and medical professionals agree it is safe to do so.  And when that day comes, I will be celebrating…because I miss our clients!

Notice anything different? 

I (Linda) turned 55 in January and wanted to do something a little different to mark the occasion.  I decided to add some color to my hair, but would do it with a twist. I chose to do a fundraiser for Love Wins Community Engagement Center, a local organization providing support to people experiencing homelessness.  With 28 inches of hair, I feared having an entire head of purple hair, and set a lofty goal of $5522.77.  With 28 inches of hair, that worked out to about $200 an inch.

I managed to raise $724 for Love Wins Community Engagement Center! And so, I colored about 3-1/2 inches of my hair purple.  We decided to go vertical instead of horizontal, as that way the color would be there longer, to remind folks of the plight of those experiencing homelessness….otherwise, it would be gone in my next  (albeit rare) haircut.

I’m not done.

It came to my attention last week that there is a woman with three children who is desperate for housing. The folks at Love Wins Community Engagement Center are trying to secure safe housing for her family. While they are trying to work with social services, the agencies are overflowing, and it is difficult to get an overworked social worker to even speak with on the phone right now. Until they can get housing, LWCEC is trying to pay for some time at a hotel, at the cost of $370.00 a week. (read the full story)

And so, I am at it again. If folks donate and help this woman out, I will dye two inches of hair for every week covered, or 2 inches per $370 raised. I will keep this up until the end of February. BONUS: If I raise $370 in the first week, which will cover an immediate week for the family, I will dye four inches for the first $370, but only if it is collected by 2/11. This time it will be blue.
You can donate by sending money directly to Love Wins Community Engagement Center via their website or by mail, but you must show me that you have done so for it to count towards the hair dyeing. You can donate via the link in the facebook fundraising event, and the money will go directly to Love Wins. You can also drop off checks written out directly to LWCEC at the office of Metamorphic Massage for Women, and I will bring it to them at the end of the month.

How blue will I be?  It’s up to you…

At the end of 2018, WRAL held their Voter’s Choice Awards contest.  Metamorphic Massage for Women won in the category of Best Massage!

I’d like to thank all our loyal clients.

Your support means a lot to me. I have worked hard over the past 13 years building a solid reputation as a leading provider of massage therapy for women, and I could not have done it without you!

Thanks to all who continue to support Metamorphic Massage for Women over the years. For trusting me with their bodies, and trusting my choice to hire another therapist to join me in offering services for women.

We will continue to grow towards what I envision…a place where all women can go for healing, rest, and support in all their wellness endeavors.

~Linda Zukowski, NC-LMBT #5951
Owner, Metamorphic Massage for Women

#WRALVCAs #BestMassageInTheTriangle

Breastfeed or bottle?

The choice is a personal one, and no one outside of the baby’s mother and her medical providers can or should have input into the decision. Of course, if the parents have a healthy relationship, the other parent can contribute to the decision.  I say this because not all pregnancies are the result of a healthy relationship, and I honor a woman’s choice to have total control over her body.

Why would a woman choose to breastfeed her child?   Most folks talk about the benefits breast milk has on the child.  But what about the mother?

On a physical level, the act of breastfeeding does amazing things for a woman’s body. Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, the “feel good” hormone produced in the hypothalamus that contributes to reproductive functions, which helps the uterus return to normal size and functioning after childbirth.

When a mother breastfeeds a child, it forces her to sit and rest.  There is no handing the baby off to a loved one. This allows the mother to rest her body.  The fourth trimester, which is the first three months post birth, are crucial to the proper healing of new mother’s body.

Producing milk is hard work.  Did you know you can burn 500-1000 calories a day while breastfeeding?  It helps your body return to a weight that is closer to what it was pre-pregnancy. Of course, no one should expect you to have the same exact body they had prior to becoming pregnant.  Our bodies just went through a major process, and they’re changed for life. I encourage you to embrace the changes, they are the marks of a mother and a warrior!

Breastfeeding can also reduce the risk of breast cancer. While women who breastfeed for longer than two years are the least likely to contract the disease, any length of nursing will help.  The longer you breastfeed, the lower your chances of contracting the disease.  It also lowers your chances of contracting uterine and ovarian cancer.

Most women who breastfeed have their favorite ways to hold their babies while nursing.  Did you know that how you hold your baby not only affects the health of your breasts, it also can affect your shoulders, necks, and arms?

Babies weigh a lot.  The average baby born in the U.S. weights approximately 7-1/2 pounds.  To sit and hold that weight every three hours can do a number on your upper body. (To make it real for those without an infant around, a gallon of milk weighs 8-1/2 pounds.  Imagine holding a gallon of milk in one position for 30-45 minutes every three hours.) The weight pulls on the muscles of your shoulder, chest, neck, and arms.  This goes for those who bottle feed, as well!

Switching the position of your body, and the position of the baby, can help reduce strain from overuse.  Different nursing positions can also help prevent clogged milk ducts in nursing moms!

Whatever you choose, breastfeeding or bottle, know that you are doing the best you can for your child.  Keep up the good work.