Posts about Wellness

Find Your Fit - Best Gyms and Yoga Studios in Vancouver, WA

It’s never too early or late to make a change and work on New Year’s resolutions. Working out more consistently tops the charts of people’s goals. In Vancouver, there are plenty of gyms and yoga studios that would be happy to welcome a new member. Take a look at this list and see if any spark your interest! For a typical gym experience, there are plenty of options within a short drive of our community of Acero Haagen Park. Of course, we do have a great fitness center here at home, but for the added benefit of access to trainers and more machines these are the gyms we recommend for all levels of experience. Planet Fitness and Crunch Fitness both have plans starting at $10 per month. Gold’s Gym comes next with a monthly commitment of $35, followed by 24 Hour Fitness at $47. Orangetheory Fitness runs the highest with a basic membership of 4 classes per month being $59. Before you make any commitments, know that each of these gyms has free trial offers ranging from one session to multiple days so you can rest assured knowing you’ll love the gym you’re training in. Yoga is a great alternative to the gym for those who are looking for a low-impact fitness regime with a focus on mental health in addition to physical health. For an experience guaranteed to have you sweating and making those muscles more limber, Hot Yoga Vancouver is a great option. Barre3 combines strength conditioning, cardio, and mindfulness into a full-body workout designed to empower you. Parallel 45 Yoga is the most affordable option from this list and offers a teacher training program if you decide to get extra involved in the PNW yoga community. Pure Barre takes inspiration from yoga, pilates, and ballet to provide a transformative workout made up of small movements to tone your muscles. Yoga Six has classes at different heats and intensities so you can find your flow at a level comfortable for you. For more recommendations, read our blog from earlier this year about fitness classes in the area. Let us know if you enjoyed this blog or suggest a topic we should cover in the future by dropping us a line over on Facebook or Instagram . See you next time!

5 Pet Vets Within 5 Minutes of Home at Acero Haagen Park

Acero Haagen Park is pleased to be a pet-friendly community in Vancouver, WA. We know that pets are valued members of our families and just like people need check-ups, our dogs and cats need regular vet visits too! Luckily, our community is located within five minutes of five veterinarian offices so you have an array of options to keep your pet healthy and happy. Animal Care Clinic Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. Walk-ins are only available on Saturdays. Please call ahead for the best service. Animal Care Clinic provides thorough checkups and preventive care for your pet. Services include dental care, diagnostics, therapeutics, surgery, anesthesia, radiology, laboratory, laser services, chiropractic, microchip ID, pharmacy, dietary counseling, and behavioral counseling. VCA East Mill Plain Animal Hospital Hours: Monday - Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Sunday. For new clients, your first visit is only $25. Services include advanced care, home delivery, pet counseling, preventative care, primary care, dental care, radiology, wellness exams, and new puppy & new kitten packages. Banfield Pet Hospital Hours: Monday - Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. An optimum wellness plan with Banfield makes regular visits affordable and includes additional resources on their app. Services at the clinic include comprehensive exams, diagnostics & imaging, surgery services like spay and neuter procedures, medical grooming, end-of-life services, and more. Hearthwood Veterinary Hospital Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Closed Sunday. Book appointments online with their computerized system - discounts are available for seniors and military personnel with ID. Services include vaccinations, parasite prevention, emergency care, and acupuncture among others. WellHaven Pet Health Mill Plain Hours: Monday - Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Closed Sunday. Schedule your appointment with their simple request form available on their website. Pet wellness plans are available for your pet to receive maximum benefits and peace of mind from this clinic. Services include annual exams, preventative care, dentistry, internal medicine, nutritional counseling, emergency care, and continued care plans. Let us know if you enjoyed this blog or suggest a topic we should cover in the future by dropping us a line over on Facebook or Instagram . See you next time!

How to Keep Your Apartment Warm on a Budget

As the rainy season sets in, you may be wondering how you’re going to stay warm. Besides the obvious answer of cozy socks and the built-in electric fireplace of your apartment at Acero Haagen Park, there are a few tricks to keep your home at the ideal temperature without raising your heating bill. Add Cozy Textiles Did you know that an uninsulated floor can lead to a loss of over 10% of the heat in your home? You can combat this by adding thick area rugs to your floors as an extra layer of cushioned insulation. Complete the cozy atmosphere with plenty of soft blankets and throw pillows on the couch available for snuggling. Our circulation slows down when we sit so having blankets to cover up with while binging your favorite show or working on a craft project can keep you warm without having to turn up the heat. Even in the bedroom you can add an extra blanket to the bedspread and switch out your sheets for flannel ones for an extra cozy sleeping experience. Make Dinner A sophisticated kitchen isn’t just good for creating a delicious meal. The heat from using the stove and oven can add heat to your home. Not only will you save money by making your own food rather than eating out, but your home will smell as delicious as your meal! Leave the oven door open when you’re done cooking to help the heat circulate and make the most of all that energy. Watch Those Windows Being strategic about your windows can drastically change the warmth of your home. Cold winter wind can often sneak in, even around energy-efficient windows and doors so a draft stopper is the first item to add to your winterization kit. WIndow film kits are available to seal up your windows during the colder months, though we recommend staying away from the ones that adhere directly to the glass of your windows. Curtains can make a difference too. Thermal drapes help create a buffer between the window and your home, reducing heat loss. Don’t worry, you don’t need to keep it dark all the time. Opening the curtains during the day can let in the sunshine to help heat your home naturally. Here in the Pacific Northwest, your south-facing windows will get the most sunlight. Think Small You don’t have to make big changes to make a big impact on the heat of your space. For example, have you ever noticed that the bathroom feels warm when you step out of the shower but the rest of the apartment is cold? Try leaving the bathroom door open so that hot, humid air can travel throughout your home and heat the nearby rooms equally. To heat one particular area, consider investing in a portable space heater or a heated foot warmer if you often work at a desk. At night, turn the heat down by 10 degrees to save on that electric bill. With an extra blanket, you won’t even notice the difference as you sleep. Finally, cuddle with your pets! Our community is pet friendly and while a quick walk with the pup can get your blood flowing, sometimes cuddling on the couch with your furry friends is just what we all need. As they say, a cat on the lap is better than none. Visit the U.S. Department of Energy website for advice on more energy-saving tips in your home. Let us know if you enjoyed this blog or suggest a topic we should cover in the future by dropping us a line over on Facebook or Instagram . See you next time!

Self Care Saturday: Make Time For Yourself at Acero Haagen Park

Self-care is an important part of a balanced mental health toolkit. We’ve previously discussed spa days and where you can go to get a massage in Vancouver, WA. We also talked about the benefits and ways to introduce digital detoxing into your routine. Now we’ll dive into a few ways you can elevate your at-home self-care from the comfort of your Acero Haagen Park suite. Listen to Relaxing Music How many times have you turned to music when you needed some cheering or to hit a new personal record in the gym? The same idea goes for using music to relax. The frequencies of certain notes have even been shown to have an impact on your brain waves. As you start in on a self-care regime, try playing classical music, different levels of binaural beats (theta or alpha may be best for meditation), or listening to this song which has been called the most relaxing song ever. Journal Starting a journal can help you reflect on your emotions and how you perceive the world. This can help you make better judgments by developing a deeper understanding of your reactions to large and small events with the added benefit of seeing your habits change over time when you go back to reflect on older entries. Make a Face Mask Face masks from the store are often full of harsh chemicals that occasionally cause unintended reactions. Our favorite face masks are the ones we make at home so we know exactly what’s going into them. The savings from using supplies we already have at home don’t hurt either! Try out one of these recipes to make the most of your next self-care day. 💫 1 TSP honey 💫 1 TSP coconut oil 💫 1/4 ripe avocado 💫 2 drops lavender essential oil ~~~ 💫 2 Tbsp honey 💫 2 Tbsp ground oats 💫 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice 💫 4 drops tea tree essential oil ~~~ 💫 2 Tbsp honey 💫 2 Tbsp orange juice 💫 1/2 banana Nourish Your Body You can accomplish this in many ways - taking a warm bath, drinking a soothing cup of tea, adding an extra serving of fruit or veggies to your daily meals. Our bodies are our homes and we should aim to take care of them by giving them the nutrients they need and the gentle treatment they deserve. Now that you know what to do and have some helpful tips, it’s time to start relaxing. Take your next home-based spa experience in the right direction with good tunes, tasty tea, a fresh face mask, and personal time with a pen and notebook. Let us know if you enjoyed this blog or suggest a topic we should cover in the future by dropping us a line over on Facebook or Instagram . See you next time!

Selfcare Saturday: Digital Detoxing in Vancouver, WA

With the days getting longer and more time to spend outdoors as we head towards the end of winter, now is the perfect time for a digital detox. While we are out and about exploring restaurants in Vancouver and trails in the Gorge it’s a habit to be on your phone the whole time, sharing your experience on social media. Sometimes the moment is even more special when you leave your phone in your pocket or at home, and just enjoy the moment. With all of the hype online and constant stream of information and stimulation from our phones, it’s time to give ourselves a break and let go of the phone for a day. Here are some ways you can keep yourself accountable for a tech free, digital detox weekend! Step 1: Invest in an Old School Alarm Clock. Yes, we’re serious. Grabbing for your phone first thing in the morning, because it can also conveniently act as an alarm clock, has also become a way for us workaholics to check our emails, messages, and social media first thing in the morning. If you have a real alarm clock every morning, maybe you can take some time to stretch, journal, make a cup of coffee, and take in the beautiful view of the park and majestic trees right outside Acero Haagen Park! Step 2: No Phones at the Table. A simple rule that many people partake in when out to a meal with friends, but why not apply that same rule in your own home? A simple way to stay connected with your environment, really appreciate and indulge in the food in front of you, and be thankful for the people (or apartment home) around you! Step 3: Start Small and Set Goals The best way to get anything done, is by setting a goal for yourself. Each day, if you start with a goal of no screen time for the first hour of your day, that could snowball into a great day of focus, determination, and goal completing. Maybe an hour is pushing it for your first digital detox, so start smaller. Allow yourself only 20 minutes of screen time each hour. Take advantage of airplane mode, and maybe create your goal to turn on airplane mode three times in one day. Setting goals, no matter how big or small, will ultimately help you accomplish them in the long run. And who doesn’t love crossing a task off of a list? We hope these small steps help you turn this year into the best one yet, happy digital detoxing!

Selfcare Sunday! Spa Day in Vancouver WA

Selfcare is more important than ever with the extra stress of these unique times. Take a day to treat yourself this weekend, and book an appointment for a relaxing spa day at one of these local spas and wellness centers in Vancouver, WA. Lao Shan Massage https://www.instagram.com/p/BWEHTOhBqK7/ Lao Shan Massage is an incredible spa and wellness center in Vancouver. They specialize in massages and facials rooted in Ancient Chinese Acupressure Medicine. Their massages are especially effective in relieving pain and tension, using the same principles as acupuncture by focusing on body meridians and pressure points. They have a resourceful COVID-19 info page to ensure your comfort. You can book an appointment for a massage or facial on their website, they’re open 7 days a week! 22 Changes Salon and Spa https://www.instagram.com/p/CBg5s83prd4/ 22 Changes Salon and Spa is dedicated to helping people become the best version of themselves! They have an impressive portfolio of hair transformations, but they have a whole suite of services beyond the salon chair. This spa also does massage in their Relaxation Room , along with facials, rejuvenating treatments, and waxing. They have everything you need for a total glow up, plus their super friendly staff! Check out their website to book an appointment! Monastic Wellness Center Monastic Wellness Xpress is a chain of wellness centers that offer services following their Personal Recovery System. This system is for the treatment of muscles, to enhance the immune system, improve blood circulation, and the respiratory system. Their treatments include chiropractic care, massage, salt tourmanium, infrared therapy, and magnetic therapy. This wellness center is especially great if you’re looking for long term pain relief. All of these day spas and wellness centers are within 15 minutes of Acero Haagen Park. How do you like to spend your #SelfcareSundays? Snap a photo and share your routine with us on social media. See you next week for more Vancouver living!