Luxury spending set to rise

Spending by wealthy Americans on luxury goods is set to grow by $26.6 billion in 2011, with the number of affluent families planning to spend more almost doubling in the past three years, a poll found on Friday.
As the United States gradually emerges from its worst economic crisis in decades, the American Express Publishing and Harrison Group survey forecast spending on luxury goods to increase nearly 8 percent to $359 billion this year compared to 2010.

"It is a relief to finally be able to see a significant return of affluent consumers to the luxury marketplace," Jim Taylor, vice-chairman of Harrison Group, said in a statement.
But he said "the affluent consumer remains needs-based, resourceful and research-oriented."

"They will exercise discretion. They will pursue authenticity and extraordinary quality. They will engage in the art of the deal and the discount with relish. And, they will operate as families in need, not want," Taylor said.

The Survey of Affluence and Wealth in America polled 1,458 families with a discretionary income of more than $100,000 -- representing the wealthiest 10 percent in the United States who account for about 50 percent of all consumer spending.

It found that 15 percent of those families plan to spend more in 2011, up a quarter from 2010 and almost double from 2008, while the number cutting spending was nearly halved from last year to 9 percent and down two-thirds from 2008.

Taylor said that while 70 percent of affluent Americans still believed the country is in recession, they are less anxious -- concern over job loss has fallen 50 percent from 2010 and worries about the potential failure of their company are down to 11 percent from 28 percent.

"In the end, the increase in spending we foresee is not a return to the wanderlust of the past, but rather, an expression of sensible, resourceful, self-confident consumers expanding their portfolio of needs," he said.
"The nearly $4 trillion in their money market funds gives these consumers the power to purchase with cash. Their value equation reflects the price of recession: mature judgment," Taylor said.

A 2010 stock market rally, which pushed up the Dow Jones Industrial Average 11 percent, has also helped woo consumers.

Consumer spending, which accounts for 70 percent of U.S. economic activity, grew at a brisk 4 percent pace in the final three months of last year. But U.S. retail sales posted their smallest gain in nine months in March, as auto sales plunged and consumers felt the sting of higher gas prices.

The online wealth survey was conducted from January 31 to February 14 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

A man of the ages - Hal Boucher, Four Seasons Biltmore

Hal Boucher

Life is full of surprises.  Especially when you're open (and take the time) to receive them.  This week, on a whirlwind trip through Santa Barbara and Montecito, I detoured off Interstate 101 to visit the Four Seasons Biltmore - off the grand dames of the South Coast of California.

Within a few minutes of stepping out of my car in front of the Biltmore, and casting my eyes on the waves crashing on the shore, I was greeted by a smiling sun-kissed gentleman dangling a SLR from his freckled grip.  The man was Hal Boucher - Society Photographer and The Biltmore's Historian. 

"I'm 85" says Hal, "and I've been doing this for over 50 years".  What followed was Hal's personal insight and history of being the photographer of choice for visiting celebrities and politicians to Santa Barbara.  "I shot John & Jackie's honeymoon at the San Ysidro Ranch in 1953".  A badge of honor Hal carries with him every day.

Our conversation turned to the present ownership of the Biltmore and San Ysidro - both owned by 'Beanie Baby' creator Ty Warner.  Turning from the ocean and looking back at the well-cared for Biltmore, Hal said and I agreed -  "If you've got the money, I can't imagine owning anything better".  Truly, a man in love with his job.

San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara


Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara

Jack LaLanne passes away at 96

Jack LaLanne, the fitness guru who inspired television viewers to trim down, eat well and pump iron for decades before diet and exercise became a national obsession, died Sunday. He was 96.
LaLanne died of respiratory failure due to pneumonia Sunday afternoon at his home in Morro Bay on California's central coast, his longtime agent Rick Hersh said.

LaLanne ate healthy and exercised every day of his life up until the end, Hersh said.
"I have not only lost my husband and a great American icon, but the best friend and most loving partner anyone could ever hope for," Elaine LaLanne, LaLanne's wife of 51 years and a frequent partner in his television appearances, said in a written statement.
He maintained a youthful physique and joked in 2006 that "I can't afford to die. It would wreck my image."

Former "Price is Right" host Bob Barker credited LaLanne's encouragement with helping him to start exercising often.

"He never lost enthusiasm for life and physical fitness," the 87-year-old Barker told The Associated Press on Sunday. "I saw him in about 2007 and he still looked remarkably good. He still looked like the same enthusiastic guy that he always was."

LaLanne (pronounced lah-LAYN') credited a sudden interest in fitness with transforming his life as a teen, and he worked tirelessly over the next eight decades to transform others' lives, too.
"The only way you can hurt the body is not use it," LaLanne said. "Inactivity is the killer and, remember, it's never too late."

His workout show was a television staple from the 1950s to the '70s. LaLanne and his dog Happy encouraged kids to wake their mothers and drag them in front of the television set. He developed exercises that used no special equipment, just a chair and a towel.

He also founded a chain of fitness studios that bore his name and in recent years touted the value of raw fruit and vegetables as he helped market a machine called Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer.

When he turned 43 in 1957, he performed more than 1,000 push-ups in 23 minutes on the "You Asked For It" television show. At 60, he swam from Alcatraz Island to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco – handcuffed, shackled and towing a boat. Ten years later, he performed a similar feat in Long Beach harbor.

"I never think of my age, never," LaLanne said in 1990. "I could be 20 or 100. I never think about it, I'm just me. Look at Bob Hope, George Burns. They're more productive than they've ever been in their whole lives right now."

Fellow bodybuilder and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger credited LaLanne with taking exercise out of the gymnasium and into living rooms.

"He laid the groundwork for others to have exercise programs, and now it has bloomed from that black and white program into a very colorful enterprise," Schwarzenegger said in 1990.

In 1936 in his native Oakland, LaLanne opened a health studio that included weight-training for women and athletes. Those were revolutionary notions at the time, because of the theory that weight training made an athlete slow and "muscle bound" and made a woman look masculine.

"You have to understand that it was absolutely forbidden in those days for athletes to use weights," he once said. "It just wasn't done. We had athletes who used to sneak into the studio to work out.
"It was the same with women. Back then, women weren't supposed to use weights. I guess I was a pioneer," LaLanne said.

The son of poor French immigrants, he was born in 1914 and grew up to become a sugar addict, he said.

The turning point occurred one night when he heard a lecture by pioneering nutritionist Paul Bragg, who advocated the benefits of brown rice, whole wheat and a vegetarian diet.

"He got me so enthused," LaLanne said. "After the lecture I went to his dressing room and spent an hour and a half with him. He said, 'Jack, you're a walking garbage can.'"

Soon after, LaLanne constructed a makeshift gym in his back yard. "I had all these firemen and police working out there and I kind of used them as guinea pigs," he said.

He said his own daily routine usually consisted of two hours of weightlifting and an hour in the swimming pool.

"It's a lifestyle, it's something you do the rest of your life," LaLanne said. "How long are you going to keep breathing? How long do you keep eating? You just do it."

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Dan and Jon, and a daughter, Yvonne.

http://www.jacklalanne.com/blog

Lose inches with Body Beautiful's Universal Contour Wrap

 

Body Beautiful Canada has been a leading supplier of specialty spa equipment to clients and spa owners for over 15 years.

One of Body Beautiful Canada's signature treatments is the detoxification inch loss treatment:  Universal Contour Wrap.

The Universal Contour Wrap is a detoxification inch loss treatment, with two unbelievable guarantees.  If you do not lose 6” in their first treatment, the treatment is FREE. Secondly, you are guaranteed to retain that 6” loss for 30 days, or you will be re-wrapped again for FREE, provided your weight has remained constant.

The Universal Contour Wrap treatment takes about two hours to achieve incredible results, it been a sure-fire winner with everyone. Celebrities like Paula Abdul, Paris Hilton, and Jean Smart are lining up along with everyday clients to experience these results.   Whether walking the red carpet or simply enjoying a romantic meal with your loved one, you’ll feel your absolute best!

To learn more please contact:   Body Beautiful Canada Limited

Reconnect in the Midwest - Sundara Inn & Spa

True to its origin from the Sanskrit word for ‘beautiful’, Sundara Inn & Spa is a destination spa nestled in a fragrant 26-acre pine forest in the heart of Wisconsin. Created with a respect for the environment and guided by the principles of Feng Shui, Sundara offers an unexpectedly sophisticated sanctuary from stress and a place to reconnect in the Midwest.

The spa incorporates the finest organic products from around the world, while Sundara’s signature collection draws on ingredients indigenous to the area. There are 14 treatment rooms, with two ‘Spa Together’ rooms allowing for side-by-side spa treatments. Guests may select from a full menu of massages, body treatments and facials. A full-service salon provides spa-like hair and nail treatments. Guests of Sundara may enjoy all the facility has to offer: indoor bathhouse with Purifying Bath Ritual, Relaxation Lounge overlooking the grounds, outdoor infinity pool heated year-round, and fitness facility. All-day spa cuisine is available.

The Sundara's signature treatment is the Sundara Sandstone Polish Body Treatment - an invigorating treatment using Sundara’s own Sandstone Body Polish as an exfoliating agent. The sand in the product was discovered at the spa’s excavation site and its source is an ancient Cambrian-era sandstone. You are treated to a Vichy shower, then the Sundara Signature Hydrating Mist and Signature Nourishing Body Milk, leaving your skin renewed, healthy and glowing.

Sundara Inn & Spa

ISPA Celebrates 20 Years of Wellness

The International SPA Association wrapped up its 20th Annual Conference and Expo in Washington, DC after four exciting days of education, insightful keynote speakers and the latest products and services in the spa industry.

“Spa professionals came out to celebrate our 20th anniversary, reminiscing about ISPA’s past and setting the vision for the future of the industry,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “We far exceeded last year’s attendance and we’re looking forward to the next 20 years of providing valuable networking events, and cutting-edge education and resources.”

The Expo floor featured more than 200 booths, representing 163 companies, and more than 50 new products. The ISPA Foundation Live and Silent Auction raised more than $70,000 to benefit the educational initiatives of the Foundation.

Attendees from 41 countries chose from 25 Professional Development Sessions on topics including marketing, menu engineering, human resources, profitability, integrative medicine and more.

The daily General Sessions featured insightful guest speakers including Award-winning filmmaker Eric Saperston alongside multi-platinum recording artist Edwin McCain. Saperston captivated the audience with the help of McCain’s music by sharing how he set out to find meaning in his life through the advice of others. By interviewing top executives, ex-presidents and movie stars Saperston funded the documentary film The Journey by selling “sexy kind grilled cheese sandwiches made with love for $1.”

One of CNN’s Top 10 Heroes of 2009, Doc Hendley moved the audience with the encouragement that even average individuals can make a difference. Hendley, a former bartender, began the organization Wine to Water after being inspired by the 1.1 billion people who don’t have access to clean drinking water. He explained, “Water is no longer a passion for me, it is the burden of my life.”

Management guru Marcus Buckingham helped attendees realize their strengths. Buckingham explained that most people spend time trying to improve their weaknesses rather than focusing on what they do best, “Only 14 percent of your day is spent doing something you’re really good at.”

The closing session included a lively discussion from a Visionary Panel moderated by Peter Yesawich and made up of Precor’s Paul Byrne, HelmsBriscoe’s Roger Helms and Women for Hire expert Tory Johnson. The panel discussed the future of the industry by offering insights from their respective areas of expertise. Topics ranging from time poverty, managing different generations and comfort vs. convenience were all covered.

The Association honored the founder of Rancho La Puerta and The Golden Door, Deborah Szekely, with the ISPA Visionary Award; Doc Hendley, founder of Wine to Water, received the ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award; and John and Karen Korpi, two spa professionals who helped found the association, received the ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award.

Incoming ISPA Chairman Deborah Waldvogel, Director of Spa Development & Operations at Sedona Resorts, set the pace for next year by pledging to focus on continually evaluating ISPA’s resources and services, forming alliances to strengthen global outreach and influence the future of preventative health care. Waldvogel said, “One of the most important parts of our evolution over the next two decades will be continuing to strengthen the educational aspect of the spa experience.”

For more on the 2010 ISPA Conference and Expo, visit the Conference Web site.

The 2011 ISPA Conference and Expo will be held at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, November 7-10, 2011.

Oscar the Grouch Sends TSA a Message

If you are one of the thousands of travelers fed-up with the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) search and search some more policy at U.S. airports - you're not alone. Oscar the Grouch has issued his own warning to TSA officials thinking about frisking his can.

No word if Oscar is planning to boycott travel on Wednesday Nov 23.

Internet will connect all aspects of Human behavior

A brief, but interesting interview with Nikesh Arora. Google’s Vice President of Europe, Middle East and Africa. Nikesh is responsible for Google’s business across 25 offices in EMEA and is managing, scaling and building a team of over 2000 people. He is developing and deploying Google's products and marketing strategies in these markets and is working with advertisers to help them target and engage with consumers on the internet.

Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa

Set against the Santa Catalina Mountains in the High Sonoran Desert, Tucson's Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa has been offering wellness programs to people from around the world since 1996.  Today guests came to Miraval individually or with family and friends to relax, refresh, and learn to live and feel better. There are no strict regiments. Instead, choice is the guiding principle, with a wide range of programs and experiences designed to create overall well-being and help guests become more aware of themselves and their surroundings. Miraval's success is driven from a philosophy that life is more meaningful and enjoyable when physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual components are in balance.

Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa

Love to Spa? Tell us and win one of three Ontario spa escapes

Award-winning Vintage Hotels and the spa-travel website Spas of America are giving away one of three spa escapes to Southern Ontario’s Vintage Hotels. An interactive contest has been launched at www.spasofamerica.com/contests/love-to-spa.

Entering is simple and easy, plus everyone who enters receives a special invitation from Vintage Hotels and Spas of America. Spas of America president Craig Oliver says, “This is one of our most exciting contests, where entrants are encouraged to discover each unique Vintage spa experience, complete an entry, and finally, to share their favourite spa experience. Selected responses will be shared on Spas of America’s Facebook page. www.facebook.com/SpasofAmerica.

Vintage Hotels Vice President of Sales & Marketing April Brunet says, “Three prizes are eligible to be one won. The Grand Prize includes two nights’ accommodation in a deluxe guestroom with fireplace; a three-course dinner for two; breakfast for two each morning; two 50-min. Spa treatments per person; and two Vintage Hotels bathrobes. The first runner up prize includes: a 50-min. Couple's Massage in a Private Spa Suite and a three-course lunch for two. And finally, the 2nd runner up prize is an 85-min. Couple's Deluxe Pedicure in Self-Massage Chairs served with Wine and Cheese.”

Prizes can be taken at any one of Vintage Hotels’ spas - 100 Fountain Spa, Pillar and Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario; Millcroft Spa, Centre for Well-Being, Alton, Ontario; and Secret Garden Spa, Prince of Wales Hotel, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Entering is simple and easy, and everyone who enters receive a special invitation from Vintage Hotels & Spas of America. Contest closes December 20, 2010. Enter online at: www.spasofamerica.com/contests/love-to-spa.

Scandinave Spa Whistler, British Columbia - HD Video

Scandinave Spa (HD) from Tim Loubier on Vimeo.

Scandinave Spa Whistler

Celebrating 33 years - The Oaks at Oaji

Happy Birthday to the The Oaks at Ojai, a destination health spa once known as the original fat farm of the late 1970's.  Today, The Oaks at Oaji is a delightful, stress-free place that still focuses on healthy weight loss and wellness along with a wide array of relaxing spa treatments.

A visit to The Oaks is more than a spa vacation - it's a life affirming experience. The Oaks is mostly women that get a chance to leave the designer sweats at home; this is a place where you can let your hair down and take in all the positive, nurturing elements of a healthy lifestyle...

The Oaks at Oaji

Pala’s Play & Stay Giveaway

Everyone deserves a little Pala Time. And here’s your chance to win some.

With the Pala Time Giveaway you can experience all the fun, relaxation and rejuvenation of Southern California’s Four Diamond Award Winning Pala Casino Spa & Resort. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Palomar Mountains, Pala lies just one hour north of San Diego.

Enter to win one of three Grand Prizes that include a one-night (Thursday-Sunday) stay, a romantic dinner for two at Mama’s Cucina Italiana and treatment for two at Pala’s world-class Spa. Contest closes August 31st, enter today.

http://www.spasofamerica.com/contests/pala-play-stay-giveaway

Whistler's Scandinavian Spa Experience

One of my personal favorite spa experiences is the Scandinavian Spa... coupled with lots of time.

Situated just north of the Winter Olympic village of Whistler, B.C. wrapped in a forest on the edge of Lost Lake and Spruce Grove parks, this unique spa overlooks incredible mountain vistas and valleys. Invigorate and cleanse your body and mind in the hot baths and refreshing waterfalls, melt away with a relaxing massage, and breathe in the invigorating fresh-mountain air.

Whether you choose to favor the steam bath or sauna, or partake in the full traditional Scandinavian experience of warming-cooling-relaxation, you are sure to feel the endless benefits of nature’s healing properties. Cleanse your skin, improve your physical condition and rediscover your health with the help of our Finnish wood-burning sauna, eucalyptus steam bath and hot baths, thermal and Nordic waterfalls, solariums and relaxation areas with outdoor fireplace.
The ultimate relaxation is enjoyed when baths are coupled with a warm and soothing massage. Plan to stay with us for at least 2-3 hours to fully benefit from the experience.

Scandinave Spa Whistler

Win a Grail Springs Health Retreat for Two

You could be heading to Grail Springs Health Spa and Wellness Retreat for a 7-night, all-inclusive Body, Mind and Soul experience for two.

Travel to Wellness has partnered with Grail Springs, Positive Fabulous Women, The Passion Test, and Naturally Savvy to offer readers a chance to win an all-inclusive escape to one of Canada's top Mind, Body, Spirit retreats.


Value $7,000 CDN (including taxes)

Here's what you could win:

The Restoration Retreat for Two at Grail Springs
• Sunday shuttle to and from Toronto International Airport
• 7~nights accommodation
• vegetarian-based pH balance meal plan
• optional: choose to integrate 5 days of juice fasting during your stay to fast track your detox/weight loss objectives
• guest room amenities: robe & slippers, Austrian moor and Himalayan bath salts
• complimentary WIFI

Enter today

Virtual Spa & Wellness Show Launches May 26

Spa Hospitality Expo 2010

The first virtual trade show for professionals in the global Spa & Wellness Market opens May 26, live and interactive on the Internet, the show runs for 90 days.

Hosted by Healing Arts Guide, Spa Hospitality Expo takes the most successful elements of traditional events and brings these elements into a virtual world. Attendees at a very high level have registered to enjoy free education, product demos, event networking, presentations and prizesMore then forty of the best suppliers are exhibiting in two virtual trade show floors. Attendees will be able to chat live with executives from each company, source new products, receive free education and discounts on first orders from most brands.

Jeffrey Hollander, Founder & CEO of Seventh Generation will deliver the Key Note address on May 27. The topic of his presentation: The Responsibility Revolution, How The Next Generation Of Businesses Will Win. “We are excited to have Jeffrey deliver the Key Note address for the first virtual exposition in the Wellness Market”, said Jed Horowitz, founder of Healing Arts. “Responsible capitalism is a topic we have covered extensively since our inception six years ago.”

“Advanced digital delivery of content is an imperative for the Spa & Wellness market,” said Mr. Horowitz. “SHE gives brands exposure and reach at a fraction of the cost of traditional shows, eliminates travel and creates linked integrated solutions for suppliers. We are delivering a new low cost high reach program for our sponsors and connecting them with buyers around the globe in a new dynamic platform.”

For more information and registration visit www.healingartsguide.com

New World Comfort, Old World Charm - Secret Garden Spa

Often called the “Prettiest Town in Canada,” Niagara on the Lake, Ontario is famous for it’s history, charm and stunning gardens. Beautiful baskets hang from historic lamp posts and seasonal flowers dot the landscape in this turn of the century town. Niagara on the Lake’s floral charm is carried through the Prince of Wales Hotel, where uniquely coloured roses can be seen and smelled at every turn.

The Prince of Wales Hotel is the jewel of the Vintage Hotels group, located in the heart of Niagara on the Lake, just steps from the Shaw Festival Theatre. With a strong British influence carried throughout the property from spa treatments to traditional afternoon tea, the four diamond Prince of Wales Hotel is a regal oasis.

With only four treatment rooms, the Secret Garden Spa is small in size, yet big in comfort. An inviting fireplace, tropical aquarium and intimate conversation areas create a relaxing space to await the start of a treatment. My treatment was early on a rainy Sunday morning, so a warm herbal tea from the offering table and cozy fireplace were welcome.

On this visit to the Secret Garden Spa, I enjoyed the Pineapple-Colada Tea Wrap. Speacialtea Treatments at the Secret Garden Spa incorporate red, green and white teas. Its the perfect blend of traditional tea and indulgent spa treatment. Beginning with an invigorating scrub to slough off dry winter skin, my entire body was wrapped in a delicious smelling cocktail of pineapple and rooibos tea. While I relaxed into the soothing warmth of the wrap, complete with heated blankets, my therapist performed a pressure point scalp massage. This treatment was completed with a hydrating and anti-oxidant coconut massage crème. What a perfect way to start my day! I was left with silky smooth skin. The only thing missing was a mini-facial – my face definitely felt a little neglected. The mini facial would have been the perfect compliment to the wrap.

The Head to Toe Tea Taster, combines three of the Secret Garden Spa’s “Specialtea” treatments. These tea-infused treatments include the Silk Road Tea Facial, the Green Tea and Sugar Cane Pedicure and the Pineapple-Colada Tea Wrap. Definitely the thing for this tea-totaler to try on the next visit!

Guests of the Secret Garden Spa may also use the sauna, steam, whirlpool and indoor pool. Lush robes and slippers are provided on arrival for guest use as well. I love the touch of slippers, rather than traditional spa sandals. This little touch definitely makes you feel more at home.

Prince of Wales Hotel, Secret Garden Spa

~ Jennifer Houtby-Ferguson, Spas of America. When not experiencing spas in Hawaii, Jennifer spends her time whale watching on Vancouver Island.

Saskatchewan spa closed over health concerns

WATROUS, Sask. - There's a storm a-brewin' at a luxury resort north of Regina where health inspectors ordered a mineral spa closed this weekend over health and safety concerns.

Dwight Hayter, CEO of the Manitou Springs Hotel and Mineral Spa, said Saturday he's got "24 layoffs and a hotel full of unhappy guests" on his hands.

"We don't think this was necessary," he said, acknowledging there are problems with the spa but insisting he wasn't given enough time to fix them.

"To have another month, month-and-a-half extension on such an important issue as this, we didn't think was a stretch."

But deputy medical health officer John Opondo said the spa has been on probation for more than two years.

"We have been working with them progressively, we've had provincial partners involved in a peer review process to really try and bring them into compliance," said Opondo.

"There's a risk of disease transmission, there's a risk of injury, there's a real risk of death."

The resort's pool licence was revoked after inspectors found the water filtration system wasn't working properly.

The issue lies with the pool's 23 skimmers, which circulate the water through a central filter.

Engineers say that because of the high amount of minerals in the water, 19 of them are no longer working.

On its website, hotel management noted that the resort itself remains open — only the pool is closed.

"Manitou Springs agrees that most of our skimmers are plugged with a very hard encrustation, resulting from 23 years of mineral salt build-up, on the inside of the skimmer piping," said the notice.

However, hotel officials said they are actually running the water through the filters nearly four times more than the regulations require and are draining off water every night and topping up the pool with fresh lake water.

"Our management team would like to express that we are doing everything within our power to try to resolve the situation so we can open up our spa once again," said the notice. "We will be attempting to clear the block skimmers very soon with a special liquid and we are optimistic with the results."

Hotel officials stressed there's no record of anyone becoming ill from the golden waters of the mineral spa — "at least not within the last 10 years for sure."

"We ultimately view this as an unfair attack on what we feel is a world-class resort and spa."

(CTV Regina, The Canadian Press)

Canadians healthier, outliving Americans

Canadians tend to lead longer, healthier lives than Americans on average, say researchers who point to lack of universal health care in the U.S. as one reason.

The study in Thursday's online issue in BioMed Central's journal Population Health Metrics was based on data from the 2002-03 Joint Canada/United States Survey of Health, which offered comparable data on the health of the population in both countries.

'I think that Canadians can look at these results and get some affirmation that the investments that they have made in reducing inequality and in having a health-care system with universality have paid off.' — David Feeny

David Feeny, a dual Canadian/U.S. citizen and investigator at the Center for Health Research at Kaiser Permanente Northwest in Portland, Ore., and his U.S. colleagues calculated health-adjusted life expectancy, which takes into account not only mortality risk but also the health-related quality of life, such as being free of disability.

The study's authors found a 19-year-old in Canada could expect to enjoy 2.7 more years of perfect health than a 19-year-old in the U.S. In this case, someone in perfect health would have a top score of 1.00 on the Health Utilities Index Mark 3.

The index lowers an individual's score depending on their level of disability in eight areas: vision, hearing, speech, ambulation dexterity or ability to move, emotion, cognition, pain and discomfort. The lowest score is 0.00 for death.

About two-thirds of the gap was because mortality rates in Canada are lower and the remaining one-third was thanks to lower rates of morbidity or disease in Canada —differences Feeny called "quite substantial" with policy implications on both sides of the border.

"I think that Canadians can look at these results and get some affirmation that the investments that they have made in reducing inequality and in having a health-care system with universality have paid off," said Feeny, who worked for more than 30 years in Canada at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont., and the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

"I think it underscores the need for additional vigilance on emerging issues such as child poverty in Canada that will eventually affect population health," he added.

The survey itself did not say why Canadians are healthier, but the study's authors pointed to two major potential explanations:

• Differences in access to care between the "prenatal to grave" health service offered by provinces and territories compared with the non-universal American access that is typically through employee coverage or Medicaid or Medicare for those with low incomes and seniors.
• The higher degree of social inequity that is more pronounced in the U.S., particularly among seniors.

What the U.S. team found is consistent with what most other studies have also concluded about the cost effectiveness and better outcomes in Canada, said Raisa Deber, a professor in the department of health policy, management and evaluation at the University of Toronto.

Barriers to access care

"I would suspect that a chunk of it is the ability to pick up chronic conditions while they are still treatable," Deber said.

For Canada, the results run contrary to the debate of starting user fees, both Deber and Feeny said.

"I think given that we're back to the debate about should we start having user fees, I would say this is evidence no we shouldn't because we don't have those sorts of gaps," Deber said.

Likewise, Feeny questioned the usefulness of user fees "for anything but raising revenue."

Its not possible to ascribe the differences in health care to the difficulty some Americans may face in trying to receive health insurance coverage because of a pre-existing health condition, but that is an example of a barrier to accessing care, Feeny said.

On Wednesday, three health insurers in the U.S. pledged to limit the circumstances under which they cancel coverage when a customer falls sick. UnitedHealth Group Inc., Humana Inc. and Blue Shield of California all said they will drop or rescind coverage only in cases where a patient has committed fraud or intentional misrepresentation.

For the U.S., the findings offer support for the health-care reform legislation that is coming online, Feeny said.

The study did not include people who are institutionalized, and the researchers consider their findings an underestimate given the poorer telephone response rate in the U.S. survey, 50.2 per cent, versus 65.5 per cent in Canada. People in poorer health may have been less likely to respond.

With files from The Associated Press

www.cbc.ca

Obamas hit the spa in North Carolina

Don't call it a vacation, the White House says. It's a "getaway," or a "weekend away" or maybe just a "break."

Whatever you call it, President Obama and the first lady made it clear to their staffs that there would be no interviewing of Supreme Court nominees or big briefing books in advance of long meetings.

Instead, the Obamas took a step off the Washington treadmill from the moment they arrived here. They chowed down on some North Carolina barbecue and escaped for a Blue Ridge Mountain hike within moments of getting off their plane.

That's not to say that real life doesn't always intrude just a bit for Barack and Michelle Obama, even when the White House is temporarily tucked away in the side of a mountain, surrounded by lush forests and rolling green hills.

The president issued a statement on the anniversary of the slaughter almost a century ago of Armenians by the Ottoman Turks, for the second time passing up an opportunity to use the term "genocide," despite promising during his campaign to do so. Activists and officials from across the spectrum were quick to express disappointment.

On Sunday, Obama faces the grim task of eulogizing the 29 miners who died in West Virginia April 5 after an explosion rocked their coal mine.

But at least for a day and a half, aside from a few briefings, the president's usual packed schedule of meetings, speeches, motorcades and public events was replaced with more relaxing activities.

He had hardly checked into the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa Friday afternoon before he was on the links for a quick nine holes, finishing after nightfall. Saturday morning, he was up at dawn for another round, this time a 5 1/2- hour full 18 holes.

Reporters were kept away from the action, though a handful were allowed to watch his final hole Friday night. The president took the wheel of a golf cart, steered it up near the green of the 10th hole and made several warm-up swings before putting.

The ball fell a bit short of the hole, but fellow golfers Marty Nesbitt, Eric Whittaker and Marvin Nicholson allowed him to take a gimme.

Asheville was ready to welcome the Obamas as it had previous presidential vacationers. In an eyeglass store in the quaint downtown, a sign read: "Welcome Mr. President. We can help you SEE the way out of the Recession!" A spice store announced: "Hey Mr. President, check out the spice girls. We voted for you."

The local newspaper, the Asheville Citizen-Times, blogged in real time about the president's activities. At one point, the paper noted the Twitter comments from deputy press secretary Bill Burton, whom the paper identified as "the official White House twitter person Bill Burton."

But for most of the weekend, the Obamas stayed within the secure confines of the resort, venturing out only for dinner Saturday night.

Michelle Obama played tennis Saturday morning, aides said. There was no official confirmation that she availed herself of the spa facilities, but several people reported stern-looking Secret Service agents standing outside the spa entrance Saturday.

The Obamas are expected to return to Washington on Sunday evening after the memorial service in West Virginia.

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