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ANTI-AGING PROGRAMS IN SPAS? The Anti-Aging Revolution and Today's Spa: An Opportunity For Alliance by Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D. with Javier Contreras Martin, M.D. Surprise Surprise Looking up and to my right I almost fell over. I was so surprised that I could not believe my eyes! Who did I see walking up to me with a big grin on his face but Guy Jonkman, the editor of Spa Management Journal. Of all the places to run into Guy: The third annual conference of The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine at The Alexis Park Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Jonkman and I stood pool - side enjoying the crisp, clear, desert air and the warm morning sun. "What brings you here?" I asked, not hiding my amazement. Without hesitation Guy responded "Oh, you know anti-aging medicine is both in the forefront and in the future for spas and I must be in step with it." Guy said that he was enjoying the meeting, eaves dropping in on doctors discussing Melatonin, the aging clock, human growth hormone, DHEA, cell therapy and of course the latest scientific medical information on the life-extending benefits of aerobic exercise and anti-oxidant vitamins. I was pleased he also liked my presentations on creating a lifetime of peak mental performance as presented in my upcoming book, Brain Longevity (Warner Books), and the role of the human spirit in anti-aging medicine. It was time to finish our conversation and head into the big, white, outdoor tent where over 1300 people from around the world had gathered to attend this majestic conference. Before we parted Mr. Jonkman asked me to write an article about the use of today's spa as a partner facility in anti-aging medicine. Guy is indeed on top of his pursuit of the latest knowledge on the application of longevity and rejuvenation medicine in the spa setting. There is a tidal wave rising up from the depths of the sea. Let me tell you a bit about its ongoing ground swell movement because it's everywhere. For instance, over the past year I have personally been in contact with six international spa owners, developers or physicians to discuss the implementation of these exciting new concepts. Partnership Opportunities The use of the spa in strategic alliance with angi-aging medicine falls into three categories: 1) Proactive. The spa pursues legitimate anti-aging therapies utilizing the services of a qualified medical specialist. These therapies include a youth restoration program featuring advanced diagnostics and hormone replacement therapy. This is the cutting edge. There are no spas in USA or Canada offering these services at this time. The spa may serve as an aftercare facility for patients who have received their advanced anti-aging therapy in a physicians office or clinic and come to the spa for relaxation, body work and beauty treatments. Information, or personal training in aerobics and mind/body interactions is also part of their spa experience. The guest is there to learn and practice a healthful lifestyle to complement their physician's prescription. Any spa can do this These spas will happily continue doing what they have been, perhaps quite profitably, and not involve themselves in either marketing or providing services to the doctors or patients involved in the latest developments in the forefront of the medical practice of the future |