Finding a Healthy Spa

Summer is finally here and the fun has just begun. Whether it is summertime vacations or planning for a family member's wedding, you want to look and feel your best. Maybe you've been thinking about getting a treatment at one of those new health spas. Before you invest your money, remember you are investing in your health, and you don't want your self -improvement endeavor to turn into a health nightmare. Here are some tips for checking out your spa to make sure that it truly is good for your health.

Before you book an appointment at the spa, call and ask if you can have a tour of the facility and ask questions about the services that they offer. The staff should seem to be willing to accommodate your request, if they seem to be reluctant, be suspicious. If they are agreeable, then that's a good sign. When you arrive for the tour, note the appearance of the facilities. Is everything clean and well maintained? Does the staff appear neat, clean, and well groomed? Are they professional looking? Is there evidence that the staff follow good hygiene precautions such as wearing gloves when necessary? Are sinks available for hand washing or hand sanitizer readily available?

Ask questions about the staff qualifications. Are they licensed? If you are thinking about having medical procedures such as Botox injections, who performs these? You want the answer to be a doctor. The same is true for laser resurfacing treatments. If you receive any other answer, immediately walk away. The staff should be will to give you the name of the physician who performs the procedures, you can then check with your state medical board to see if there are any complaints lodged against the physician.

You also want to see evidence that disposable equipment or individual portions of products are used when possible. This reduces the risk of bacterial contamination. Are guests provided with disposable slippers to wear in common areas of the spa that they must remove their shoes? Do you see multiple used towels strewn about? This is a red flag issue.