WellSpring Life

Healthcare jobs in Kansas City are booming

2012-02-02T10:22:00.000-06:00

So by now we are all tired of hearing about the recession. Pay-freezes, intense job pressure, layoffs, a never-ending search for a new job, blah, blah, blah. Well there is some good news in one particular corner of the job market in Kansas City: healthcare jobs are booming. In fact, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care jobs in the local area were the only industry to show a gain in the number of jobs compared to when the recession began in 2007. The study compared the number of jobs across 15 industries. 13 of the 15 industries lost jobs since the recession began. Many of these industries were down considerably. However healthcare jobs in Kansas City had the most significant amount of gain with nearly an 11% increase. Equally important, this trend shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it is medical assisting, massage therapy, or personal training, a career in allied health offers a promising future. Come check us out and find out how WellSpring can give you the experience you need to compete in the hottest fields available.

PAWS for Wellness

2012-01-20T13:35:00.000-06:00

A dog in the office is one of the best ways of beating stress at work. Reduced stress, lower blood pressure and the release of human feel-good hormones are just some of the reasons why WellSpring celebrates PAW (Pooch At Work) Day. Additional benefits of keeping a dog in the office includes reduced nerves, indigestion, headaches, coughs and tiredness. But the real reason for having our dogs in the office – it’s just fun!

~ Wag more, bark less ~

Pictured from left to right are Charlie and Gracie Farquharson, Zoey Welch, Brosi Steiner, Jazzy-Rose Landry, Ella and Jessie-J Staley, along with some humans.

A New Year, A New You!

2012-01-19T11:28:00.000-06:00

WellSpring will host a complimentary fitness assessment on Saturday, January 21st.

Whether you want to improve your body a little or a lot in 2012, this free event is the perfect first step. Participants will be guided through several simple fitness assessments by a WellSpring instructor or personal training student. And at the end, you'll receive a personalized plan that you can work on to improve your fitness level over the new year.

To save your space for a personalized fitness assessment, email Bobby Breon at bobby.b@wellspring.edu or call 816.523.9140. You can also just stop by during the event and we'll work you in.

Saturday, January 21st 9 am - Noon
9140 Ward Parkway - Suite 100
(Northwest corner of 92nd & Ward Parkway)

If you have any questions, please call 816-523-9140.

Everything you wanted to know about financial aid but were afraid to ask!

2012-01-17T10:47:00.000-06:00

We are hosting a free financial aid workshop on Wednesday, January 18th at 5:30.

If you or someone you know is thinking about going back to school, but is unsure if they can swing it or not, this is your opportunity to hear from our experts. You will discover how you may be able to get started on a new career right now. Some of the topics that we will cover include:

Different types of financial aid (Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, Scholarships, etc.) and who may qualify for what.
How to fill out the government forms (the FAFSA).
Common mistakes made when filling out the FAFSA - and how to avoid them.
Determining how much assistance is available to you.
Other useful information to make the financial aid process a snap.
You can also learn more by viewing our financial aid portion of our website.

Reserve your spot in the workshop by emailing Jessica Fish at jessica.f@wellspring.edu.

Wednesday, January 18th at 5:30

9140 Ward Parkway - Suite 100

(Northwest corner of 92nd & Ward Parkway)

If you have any questions, please call 816-523-9140.

Winning the Battle of the Bulge

2011-12-28T14:29:00.000-06:00

Most would agree that obesity is a growing problem (no pun intended). However, 2012 may be the year Americans make serious strides to fight growing waistlines.As in most years, weight loss will be top a top priority for many in 2012 but shedding extra pounds won’t just be about diet and exercise in the new year—it will include lifestyle coaching, more involved personal trainers and enhanced gym offerings. Personal Trainers will become more integrated to health choices of their clients. For more information on the WellSpring Personal Training Program, visit here.

Fitness experts agree that personal trainers will not only tell clients how much weight to lift and how often, but also be able to provide tips to improve their lifestyle outside of the gym. What’s more, fitness facilities will start to hire nutritionists, physical therapists and psychologists to offer wellness, nutrition and stress-management classes and advice to patrons in the new year.

Technology and social networks have penetrated pretty much every aspect of people’s lives so it’s not surprising its finding its way into the health and fitness world. The new year will also usher in a slew of social media and mobile apps designed to create more interactive and online-based workout programs and classes. People will have full workouts at their fingertips on smartphone and tablet devices. Because of the influx of apps, personal trainers will have a new arsenal of tools at their disposal to provide one-on-one or group training anytime, anywhere.

Tried and tested workout programs will also maintain their popularity in 2012. Zumba, boot-camp style workouts, interval training and TRX Suspension Training, which uses ropes and webbing to let you work against gravity and your own weight, will continue to be popular. Balance and core training designed to improve your balance, stability and torso will gain in popularity during the new year.

You can now book your massage appointment online!

2011-12-16T10:59:00.000-06:00

WellSpring School of Allied Health now offers the opportunity to book your massage appointment online with one of our student therapists. 55- and 90-minute table massages are only $30 and $60, respectively!

"WellSpring is as good as any professional massage I've ever had and better, much better, than most. This is an experience you don't want to pass up". - Clark Smith

Ready to make a Booking?

Select the desired location & service then follow the prompts to select a date & time that is convenient for you. After you choose a date & time, you will create an account with your details and complete the booking.

Kansas City Campus – http://kcwellspringsc.clickbook.net

Lawrence Campus – http://wellspringsc.clickbook.net

Please note that it is not possible to book same day appointments using the online system. Please call for same day appointments.

For information on the WellSpring Massage Therapy program, visit our website.

Donate blood and save a life. Right here, right now.

2011-12-15T09:17:00.000-06:00

Join us as we celebrate National Blood Donor Month by donating life-saving blood at our blood drive on Friday, January 6th from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. We are partnering with The Community Blood Center as they are the primary supplier for local hospitals in Kansas and Missouri. An individual with the area that The Community Blood Center serves needs a blood transfusion every 4 minutes. Blood and its components can be used to assist with many medical procedures. People who have been in car accidents and have suffered massive blood loss may require transfusions of up to 50 pints or more of red blood cells. Cancer, transplant, trauma and open-heart surgery patients require platelet transfusions to survive.

You have the opportunity to make a difference. Please make an appointment online, go to www.savealifenow.org and perform a quick search and enter the sponsor code: WELLSPRING.

Personal Trainer industry growing and changing in order to meet consumer needs

2011-12-02T10:27:00.001-06:00

From 2011 to 2016, the Personal Trainers industry is projected to expand. An increase in disposable income and participation in sports will help drive the industry forward as well as consumers spending more on discretionary services and former personal training clients return after a time of tight spending.

The personal fitness trainers industry has experienced a shift in its traditional business model to fit newer consumer preferences. For instance, more training fitness instructors are providing services to children as the rate of childhood obesity rises. Also, more baby boomers are demanding personal trainers as they begin to age; they are looking to improve their health to keep in shape at an older age. Lastly, the industry catered to consumers hindered by the recession by offering small group classes at a cheaper rate.

Industry experts project that personal trainers will likely offer specialized services to differentiate themselves. For example, more trainers will provide teaching on nutrition to improve the overall lifestyle of their clients.

2011-11-15T14:11:00.002-06:00

WellSpring is proud to announce our partnership with The Rose Brooks Center in its Adopt-A-Family program which gives much needed help to women and children.

We are asking everyone to make either a monetary donation or donate personal items (clothes, toys, food, etc.) to help families through the holiday season. In addition, there are opportunities to donate time to the shelter. If you are interested in helping out those in need or if you have any questions, please let us know.

Personal Trainers at the center of fitness trends in 2012

2011-11-11T09:03:00.000-06:00

The American Council on Exercise recently announced its top 2012 fitness trends to watch this week. The group of more than 1,500 fitness experts say their clients are combining traditional exercise with life coaching that shows a greater understanding of the gravity of the obesity epidemic.
"While there is still much more work to be done, we are encouraged by the positive attitude change among consumers, which will hopefully foster important fitness-related behavioral and lifestyle modifications," said ACE Chief Science Officer Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D. "In the year ahead, personal trainers and other fitness professionals will be called upon to provide more coaching focused on overall health and well-being to spur this momentum and ACE will support this effort by continuing to offer the industry's most innovative, research-based professional fitness certifications, education and information."
Here are more of ACE's 2012 fitness trends to watch.
-Obesity awareness: Losing weight will continue to be the primary reason consumers seek personal training support as the public responds to the expanded messaging concerning the dangers of physical inactivity and obesity. The recently released Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index report that showed a modest improvement in the nation's obesity rates for the first time in more than three years is a very encouraging sign. However, the fact remains that three out of five Americans are still overweight or obese.
-Whole-life training: Lifestyle coaching will become a bigger trend with more personal trainers looking to improve their clients' lifestyles. Fitness facilities will hire nutritionists and other healthcare professionals such as physical therapists and psychologists to serve the expanding needs of their health-conscious members including wellness, nutrition and stress management programs.
-Behavior modification: While great strides have been made in health education, the average consumer still believes the best way to lose weight is by following a restrictive or fad diet.
-Community collaboration: Access to fitness services and education will continue to expand, including activities in gyms, parks and recreation centers. Local leaders are taking a more active role to address health issues in their communities. This includes proactive measures through school-based education programs and engagement with low-income and at-risk families.
-Influence of technology: The 2011 ACE trend report showed technology is starting to play a role in complementing in-person fitness services by providing additional motivational support. In the coming year, social media and mobile-based apps will continue to revolutionize the industry, with fitness organizations creating more interactive and online-based programs and classes.
-Senior and youth specialties: Aquatic fitness and group fitness classes will be the most popular forms of exercise for older adults. With First Lady Michelle Obama advocating for active children, expect to see more physical fitness in schools, youth-based classes at fitness centers and families who work out or participate in outdoor activities together.
-Workplace support: Due in part to several years of declining economic conditions for business owners, employers will look to outsource wellness programs to local fitness facilities and health clubs that can provide total health management while seeking out employee discounts and reduced membership fees to increase access for workers.
-Popular workouts: Zumba, boot camp-style workouts, TRX Suspension training and interval training will continue to be popular workout trends along with balance and core training becoming more prevalent in 2012.

Massage proving to be beneficial to more people

2011-10-26T12:59:00.000-05:00

A recent survey by the American Massage Therapy Association indicated that more consumers consider massage to be be beneficial to one’s health than they had in the past.
Glenath Moyle, the AMTA president, corroborates these findings, saying, “These survey results indicate that more and more people are finding relief for their pain and other health problems with regular massage. We’re happy that people recognize the health benefits of massage and are integrating it into their regular health maintenance routines.”
The survey also revealed that the percentage of people who use massage therapy for pain relief has increased from 25 percent in 2010 to 31 percent in 2012. This also indicates a gradual shift from considering a massage to be a pampering technique to actually having numerous health benefits.
Since pain relief is a key benefit of massage therapy, the number of people who use massage therapy is almost three times as many as those who try acupuncture for pain relief. In fact, deep-tissue massage therapy along with yoga, Pilates and prescription medication were all considered to be treated as options as good as each other in the treatment of pain relief.
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Bring a friend tomorrow as we celebrate Jourdan

2011-10-21T11:31:00.000-05:00

October 15^th 1990 – May 10^th 2011

Jourdan was a small town girl with a huge heart. She attended Wellspring School of Allied Health & was certified as a massage therapist on April 15^th 2011. Jourdan’s passions included her family, friends, her cats, & all children. Her dream was to become a pediatric massage therapist & work at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

Bring your family and friends to a worthy cause & feel great while doing it!

Chair massages available

Donations encouraged

Saturday October 22^nd,2011

10 am – 4 pm

Wellspring School of Allied Health

9140 Ward Parkway

Kansas City, MO 64114

Stop by the WellSpring booth at the Touched By Cancer 5K run/walk this Saturday

2011-10-19T11:20:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, October 22 at 7:30 a.m., the Touched by Cancer Foundation will be hosting their first annual 5K run/walk and kid’s run. Be sure to stop by the WellSpring booth while at the event (4701 College Blvd).

Packets can be picked up at 7:00 a.m. and the kid’s run starts at 8:30. Anyone who registers before the race will receive a free Touched by Cancer t-shirt. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age and gender division.

The event will have kid’s activities including a “bouncy tent.” Healthy snacks and beverages will be provided. The cost for pre-registering for the race is $25 and $30 on the day of the race. Registration for kids is $10.

Touched by Cancer Foundation is a IRS approved 501(C)(3)nonprofit organization. Their mission is to instill hope to anyone who has been touched by cancer. The organization provides subsidized services that compliment modern medical treatment such as massage therapy, acupuncture and individual or family counseling. To register for this event online go to Touched by CancerFoundation 5K run/walk, or call BranDee Darnell at 913-381-8488.

Join Us at our Open House BBQ

2011-10-18T11:59:00.000-05:00

Please celebrate with us ~ Wednesday, October 19th or Thursday, October 20th ~ 6:00 pm - both evenings.

Join us as we open our doors to proudly show off our recent renovations at our Kansas City campus. Come see the upgrades that were made to the classrooms, office space and the clinic. We will have burgers and hotdogs so please come hungry. This will be a great opportunity to learn about our programs in massage therapy, medical assisting and personal training and wellness.

Wednesday, October 19th - 6:00pm

Thursday, October 20th - 6:00pm

No need to bring anything except your appetite and possibly a friend. Please let us know which date you will attend so we can make sure to have plenty of food on hand. RSVP to Jay Steiner at Jay.S@WellSpring.edu.

Conrgrats to our latest graduates!

2011-10-04T16:27:00.000-05:00

Congratulations are in order to our latest massage graduates. We hope you enjoyed your time at WellSpring as much as we have enjoyed having you here. We wish you the utmost success and look forward to hearing what your future holds.

Pictured from left to right are: Sagi McCleary, Heather Heckroot, Peggy Gregg, Joleska Santana, Bernie Schneider, Simeon Neely, Becky Rosillo, Jenny Eyring and Tara Dean.

Study shows that massage therapy is in growing demand at hospitals.

2011-09-30T09:51:00.000-05:00

Common procedures such as surgeries, x-rays and transfusions are procedures carried out in all hospitals. These types of treatments are the backbone of regular hospital services and help patients with everything from broken bones to a vast array of illnesses. However, more and more hospitals have started to offer a number of alternative therapies in addition to their traditional medical treatments. According to the results of a survey carried out by the American Hospital Association (AHA), most hospitals are starting to offer complimentary therapy, including massage, in response to a growing patient demand.

A recent AHA survey of US hospitals revealed the number of facilities providing complimentary therapies has increased from 37 percent in 2007 to 42 percent today. Eighty-five percent of facilities said they made the move as a direct response to patient demand, while 70 percent of hospitals said it was also an attempt to broaden their services. Of the hospitals that offer complimentary services, massage therapy is the most common as massage therapy has proven to relieve stress and relieve pain that patients experience as a result of their treatment.

Commenting on the move by hospitals to diversify their service offerings, Nancy Foster, the President of the AHA, said: “Hospitals have long known that what they do to treat and heal involves more than just medications and procedures. It is about using all of the art and science of medicine to restore the patient as fully as possible.”

With this in mind, massage therapy offers tremendous opportunities for those looking to embark of a promising career. The WellSpring Massage Therapy program can give future massage therapists a competitive edge as our pass rates on the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork are over 90%. This is well above the state and national average.

For more information about our massage therapy program, please call 816-523-9140 or WellSpring Massage Therapy.

Personal Trainers share which exercises work best…and those to avoid.

2011-09-26T11:24:00.000-05:00

Time is precious so why spend your valuable time on exercises that yield little results or even worse, can be damaging? While looking for the best exercises to incorporate into fitness routines, some advice that was offered included:

Mix up your cardio routine. Unfortunately some people tend to do the same exercise over and over again. Although this is better than being sedentary, you will quickly cap out your level of fitness. Instead, use a variety of exercises to get your heart rate up. Also, instead of doing one long continuous cardio effort, incorporate intervals of intense efforts to challenge your body.

Want well defined arms? Focus on the tricep. Too many people spend countless hours doing bicep curls with dumbbells. The bicep is a very small muscle and there is really only so much you can do for it. However working the tricep, the group of three muscles that connect to the bicep, you maximize the whole group of the upper arm. Also, instead of doing those dumbbell curls, do pull-ups. Pull-ups are difficult at first, however you can still achieve tremendous benefits with assisted pull-ups – either with a partner or on a machine.

Do planks rather than crunches. It’s easy to revert to bad form when doing crunches. Not only can this be an ineffective use of your time, it can cause injury. The plank works the abdominal, back and stabilizer muscles. To perform a correct plank, lie on the floor face down with only your forearms and toes touching the ground. This exercise may appear easy at first but depending on your level of fitness, you’ll feel the strain in 20 seconds to a minute. Do three sets and focus on holding a steady form while breathing in a relaxed manner. Set a goal to increase your time in the plank pose over time. Also keep in mind that if your goal is to have well-defined abdominal muscles, your diet plays a huge factor in the results. You can perform ab exercises all day long but if you are not fueling your engine with high quality nutrition, you will not get the results you desire.

I hope you find these tips helpful. I think we can all agree that avoiding exercises that provide little value while focusing on those that are fun and work entire muscle groups are the best for all.

Congrats to our latest graduates!

2011-09-21T16:20:00.000-05:00

Congratulations are in order to WellSpring's latest Massage Therapy Graduates! Pictured (from left to right) are Deanna Finicle, Gary Bailey, Elizabeth Harmon, Emily Troutman as well as our own Mardi Miller. Please also join me in recognizing Elizabeth Harmon as the recipient of The Outstanding Academic Achievement Award.

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.

- Harriet Tubman

Alternative medical services growing at U.S. hospitals

2011-09-14T11:26:00.000-05:00

More and more hospitals are including massage therapy and other forms of alternative medicine into their traditional forms of treatment in response to patient requests according to an article in The Los Angeles Times. This trend is expected to continue which means that there could be great opportunities for those that have the proper training and are well versed in the latest massage and medical assisting techniques that are offered at WellSpring.

A career in health and wellness can be very rewarding. Not only do you get to do what you love every day but you also get to changes lives on a daily basis. Contact us at 816-523-9140 to find out how our flexible programs might fit your needs.

Demand Increases for Personal Trainers

2011-09-09T15:30:00.000-05:00

Even is these difficult economic times, the demand for personal trainers continue to rise.
“People spend money even in hard time on things they have an interest in and that are rewarding and fulfilling,” said Tony Wells, the chief marketing officer of 24 Hour Fitness, in a recent article.

With this in mind, we encourage you to check out the personal training and wellness program at WellSpring. You'll find that a career as a personal trainer is incredibly exciting and rewarding. We give you the competitive edge to get there and secure the job you've been dreaming of. The program features a double certification as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), and includes extensive, supportive training in wellness, nutrition and other longevity-enhancement practices. As a result, graduates will be qualified to help clients across all wellness dimensions in their quest for optimal health.

You already love to work out. Contact us today to get started in a career helping others do what you are passionate about.

Tribute: In Loving Memory of Jourdan Albee

2011-09-06T10:21:00.020-05:00

October 15^th 1990 – May 10^th 2011

Bring your family and friends to a worthy cause & feel great while doing it!

Chair massages available

Donations encouraged

Saturday October 22^nd,2011

10 am – 4 pm

Wellspring School of Allied Health

9140 Ward Parkway

Kansas City, MO 64114

All profits will go to help children and families of

September Continuing Education Opportunities

2011-08-31T13:27:00.001-05:00

WellSpring brings you an exciting array of workshops, seminars and entire certifications in the field of massage, natural health and wellness. Get trained in something you love, earn continuing education credits, cultivate new professional skills, or simply deepen your knowledge.

Check out our September Continuing Education opportunities:

Therapeutic Touch I :The Krieger/Kunz Approach

Saturday & Sunday - September 10-11

Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday 9:00 AM -1:00 PM

Instructor: Lorraine Lepine QTTP/T

Cost: $204

Course Code: FL11-TTT-09

Class Hours: 12

Register for Therapeutic Touch I :The Krieger/Kunz Approach

Meditation

Saturday - September 17, 2011

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Instructor: Stephanie Roth Reiki Master

Cost $68

Course Code: F11-MED09

Class Hours: 4

Prerequisite: None

Register for Meditation

Panoramic Deep Tissue Massage

Saturday - September 24

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Instructor: Lolita Knight, LMT

EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT: $160 if enrolled by September 9th. After September 9th: $180

Course Code: F11-PDMT10

Class Hours: 8

Prerequisite: Basic Swedish

Register for Panoramic Deep Tissue Massage

Fijian Massage

Sunday - September 25

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Instructor: Lolita Knight, LMT

EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT: $160 if enrolled by September 9th. After September 9th: $180

Course Code: F11-FJM10

Class Hours: 8

Prerequisite: Basic Swedish

Register for Fijian Massage

Energy Field Manipulation

Monday - September 26

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Instructor: Lolita Knight, LMT

EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT: $120 if enrolled by September 9th. After September 9th: $140

Course Code: F11-EFM10

Class Hours: 6

Register for Energy Field Manipulation

Interested in checking out all our classes? Click here:

http://wellspring.edu/classes.

Healing People's Pain Through Massage

2011-08-26T14:39:00.003-05:00

Current WellSpring student Enrique Orfin has overcome many challenges and is well on his way to becoming a success. "I believe in energy and as soon as I stopped into WellSpring, I believe something was flowing through me and I said, 'this is it, this is the school for me.' I felt like it was home and everyone was very welcoming," said Enrique. Please check out Enrique's story which ran recently in The Kansas City Hispanic News.

Pay It Forward

2011-08-14T18:00:00.003-05:00

While watching recent graduates move onto a life they have dreamed of, we had a thought. What if everyone out there was living their dream. Their dream of a better life, in a career they will love. And think about the security they will feel with an education under their belt. What drives some to follow their dreams? What makes one person take the leap and the other stay in the same, unhappy place in their life? Fear? Motivation? Or the support they need from a friend or loved one?

So, if you are one of the lucky ones in life, are you paying it forward? Are you helping those around you fulfill their dreams too? Have you told them how you feel and that anything is possible? Because it is and you are the proof. Reach out and help a friend, a sister or brother, or a co-worker. You will be rewarded as much as they are!

“There is no such thing as can’t.” Christopher Reeve

Construction Update

2011-08-10T07:47:00.003-05:00

WellSpring has almost completed it's construction make-over and we couldn't be more excited. Thanks to everyone who has made it work through the pounding, fumes, sanding, scraping, etc ... We have a gorgeous new facility and will be announcing our open house date soon.

A special thanks to all the students and staff who made it through the A/C crisis last week. You all rock! Mother nature and some power outages can't keep us down!

August CE Classes - Still Time!

2011-08-04T20:30:00.011-05:00

Reiki I
Saturday & Sunday August 13 & 14

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Instructor: Stephanie Roth Reiki Master

Cost: $272

Course Code: F10REI1A

Class Hours: 16

NCBTMB - 16

Tain Di Bamboo Massage

Saturday & Sunday August 20-21, 2011

9:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Instructor: Bonny Donnelly, LMT, NCTMB

EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT: $350 if enrolled by August 5, 2011, after $375

Course Code: SM11-TDB-08

Class Hours: 18

NCBTMB -18

Prerequisite: Basic Swedish Massage

Interested in checking out all our classes? Click here:

http://wellspring.edu/classes.

Fall Class Reminder

2011-08-02T18:15:00.004-05:00

There is still time to get up and get your life in gear this fall! Gaining an education to further your career is a great way to do it. The WellSpring School of Allied Health specializes in health & wellness careers, and we want to help you with yours.

WellSpring has their fall classes in Massage Therapy, Personal Training & Wellness, and Medical Assisting starting soon. It's not too late to make an impact in your life. Call our admissions team at 816-523-9140 for Kansas City or 785-856-3903 for Lawrence.

We think what we have to offer is pretty great. To see what others have to say, you can watch our videos on YouTube.