Newtonville: A health conscious comminutyposted Apr 22, 2010 3:22 PM by Bodywork Professionals
NEWTONVILLE — It’s safe to say that
businesses respond to the needs of the population, and while there are a
number of fast food chains with high calorie counts in our area,
Newtonville is becoming a microcosm for the area’s emerging
health conscious community. Located within a radius of just a few miles, the hamlet in the town of Colonie boasts a number of businesses focused on food and physical health; The Original Two Cousins Fish Market, Shanghai Grill, Fudoshin Karate School of Latham, eStudio Hot Yoga Etc., Taj Mahal Beauty Salon, The Bodywork Professionals and The Pilates Principle are just a few. Although the products and services provided by these businesses vary, there is a common commitment to help health-conscious consumers stay attuned to making choices that will improve their overall health. Nuhar Jaleel, owner of The Pilates Principle, agrees that businesses in the same wellness realm are experiencing a growth spurt. “There is an increased awareness of issues like childhood obesity,” she said. “As a result, even younger people are expressing interest in things like Pilates, bodywork and eating right.” Nick Pavoldi, owner of The Bodywork Professionals, agrees. According to Pavoldi, as the Baby-Boomers age, they are seeing the wisdom and power in things like strength, flexibility and ability. “I think people are fed up with being seen as lazy, overweight Americans and we are proof they are doing something about it,” he said. Taj Jaleel, owner of Taj Mahal Beauty Salon, adds there seems to be a direct correlation between clients who take an interest in physical health and an overall health; with a business that has been in the same location for four decades, she has seen first hand the changes. “It seems that the client base that takes an interest in their exercise and bodywork is also the client that would be interested in reducing their exposure to harsh chemicals in the products they use on a daily basis,” she said. Besides making choices on how food affects personal health, a growing number of Americans appear to be identifying a connection between food choice and health of the environment and the community at large. “Consumers make food choices based on accessibility and affordability as well as their knowledge, perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes which are often shaped by cultural influences,” wrote Ramona Robinson and Chery Smith in Agriculture and Human Values. As part of a healthy diet The American Heart Association suggests eating fish twice a week, which replenishes the body with Omega3 fatty acids. Locally this option is made convenient by The Original Two Cousins Fish Market, which offers a wide variety of fresh market fish daily including halibut, sole, salmon, haddock, red snapper, sea bass, tuna, clams, shrimp and lobster. Jaleel believes that residents are following the trends in exercise and fitness, wanting to learn more about core strength. Core strength refers to the muscles in the abdominals and the back in their ability to support the spine and to keep the body stable and in balance. “Pilates is the ultimate method for achieving that balance of trunk musculature that keeps people moving more efficiently and freely,” she said. Fudoshin Karate School of Latham, Pai’s Tae Kwon Do the ancient art of learning self-defense and eStudio Hot Yoga Etc. are also available for residents to decide which form of activity is best for them. So what is it about Newtonville that is lends itself to people where they can pursue their interests in health? Pavoldi said Newtonville is a nice neighborhood, where business owners adapt to the changing market. Fortunate to be where everyone is cordial and nice, Pavoldi said an entrepreneur could see this as competition. “We see it as the sum being more than its parts,” he said. |