Ahhhsome Relaxation adds Halotherapy Cabins

Halotherapy cabins at Ahhhsome Relaxation in Ammon

Ahhhsome Relaxation has added three Halotherapy Cabins to its facility at 939 South 25th East #115 in Ammon. These Halotherapy Cabins were imported from Estonia and the first to open in Idaho.

Centuries ago, European monks noticed when they treated respiratory ailments in natural salt caverns, their patients got better faster. The monks produced salt dust by grinding salt rocks against each other, which the patients then inhaled.

Dr. Felix Bochkowsky, the state authority for occupational health in Polish industry in the 1840s, saw the same thing was true with miners: while metal and coal miners battled relentless, deadly respiratory ailments, workers in salt mines were healthier than average people, let alone other miners.
In 1843, he published a book about the health benefits of salt dust. His successor, Mstislav Poljakowski, followed by establishing the first salt clinic near Krakow, Poland, which is still in operation today.

By the 1950s, scientific studies (primarily in the USSR) were proving how effective salt therapy is in treating respiratory ailments. Manmade, above-ground Saltrooms provided a controlled environment, and Halotherapy (from “halo”, Greek for salt) became a new option for respiratory treatment.
The first Halotherapy salt chambers opened in the 1960s in Eastern Europe. They were destination health sanatoriums and respiratory hospitals, paid for by the socialized medical system of those countries. As Halotherapy grew more popular in the 1980s and 1990s, health and beauty resorts throughout Europe and Scandinavia began to install Saltrooms and offer Halotherapy as one of their restorative treatments.

Halotherapy is an exposure to kinetically activated dry salt where the micro sized particles are being inhaled while the large salt particles are spread on the top of the skin.  Since dry salt is antibacterial and super absorbent it actively kills bacteria, reduces the inflammation in the respiratory system, and widens the airways for better breathing.

Medical studies in Europe and Russia have confirmed that Halotherapy is safe and that the benefits of Halotherapy are accumulative.  It helps children effectively manage existing respiratory conditions, support better breathing, and build a stronger immune system.  Regular Halotherapy, two or three times a week, can help prevent the common coughs, colds, runny noses, earaches and skin rashes. In addition, regular Halotherapy also calms the nervous system and helps children to focus better in school as well as sleep better at night.  Many adults and children suffering from asthma, allergies, cystic fibrosis, COPD, or other respiratory conditions found that Halotherapy sessions  helped manage respiratory problems and reduce the intake of respiratory medications.

“Our mission has always been to help our members improve their health and now we have another way to specifically help with many types of respiratory conditions without the negative side effects often experienced from prescription drugs,” said Alyce Jeppesen, co-owner of Ahhhsome Relaxation, which has been open since November 2015. More information can be found on their website at www.ahhhsomerelaxation.com.

Visiting Angels of Eastern Idaho hires marketing director

Wendy Spradley

Visiting Angels of Eastern Idaho has hired Wendy Spradley as director of marketing. A seasoned marketing and sales leader in the senior home care industry, she was responsible for market expansion for First Choice Home Health & Hospice in Ogden, Utah. She has worked in various capacities in multiple Visiting Angels locations in the Salt Lake City market, including marketing, administration, community relations, partner channel development and caregiving.

Spradley is also founder/owner of Signature Marketing, a marketing consulting agency in Northern Utah (now operated by her daughter). Wendy’s passion to serve the senior and veterans communities is represented through her service with the Alzheimer’s Association, Round to Honor, The Inn Between and other charitable organizations.

“I was a part of Visiting Angels previously in my career and have always had a love for the service they provide our seniors,” she said. “Visiting Angles of Eastern Idaho has a very kind and caring approach in the way they serve the senior community. That, combined with the way their caregivers talk about loving to work there, told me I want to be a part of this journey.”

Melaleuca taking applications for free IT Boot Camp for teens

This is the third year for Melaleuca's free Information Technology Boot Camp.

Melaleuca is now accepting applications for high school students to participate in a free Information Technology Boot Camp this summer.

Twenty-five high school students from across eastern Idaho will be chosen to attend the free five-day workshop, which offers a hands-on IT experience. Now in its third year, the camp will run July 30-Aug. 3 at the Melaleuca Global Headquarters, south of Idaho Falls.

Returning to lead the camp is Rex Barzee, who chairs BYU-Idaho's Computer Information Technology Department. Under his direction, students will spend the week learning how to create their own smartphone apps and build interactive webpages that use animation, calculations, Visual Studio software, and other IT tools.

"Melaleuca created this hands-on technology camp in an effort to help students develop into leaders of innovation while educating them about the exciting and meaningful opportunities within the field of information technology," said Melaleuca's Chief Information Officer Todd Sorenson. "We want more of Idaho's students to be thoroughly prepared for these opportunities, and we believe that strengthening their foundation in computer science will serve them in securing rewarding careers in science and technology."

Throughout the week, Barzee and two teaching assistants will help the students develop their apps and create webpages using a variety of software, including C#, .NET, and iOS. Students will also be treated to guest lectures and personal tutoring from Melaleuca's IT executives.

Melaleuca relies heavily on IT innovation and implementation to achieve its business goals. Camp attendees will gain an inside look into the various ways technology is used at a $2 billion global enterprise.

"Based on the high level of interest and students' positivity about this program, we know that many Idaho students are passionate about innovation and technology," Sorenson said. "This has been a fun program, and we are regularly impressed with the previous students' ingenuity and abilities."

Because space is limited, the camp is designed specifically for students intending to graduate high school by 2020. As the camp's host and sponsor, Melaleuca will select applicants based on their interest in IT, their experience with computer programming, relevant coursework and GPA.

Applications are being accepted until June 27 and can be submitted online by visiting melaleucajobs.com/current-openings. If you are interested or have questions about the camp, email ITBootCamp@Melaleuca.com.

Cardamom Restaurant planned for downtown Earl Building

The inside of the building at 501 Park Avenue late last week. This is where Pachanga's used to be.

The remodel going on in the Earl Building, at 501 Park Avenue, is for the Cardamom Restaurant. A building permit for remodeling of 2,945 square feet got the OK from the city of Idaho Falls Building Department in mid-May.

The business owner listed on the building plans is Sheba Bakshi-Sofi, who according to her LinkedIn profile, spent close to 10 years at Melaleuca before leaving in April to pursue this endeavor. Before that, she was with ConAgra Foods and Nestle.

Submissions open for Idaho Innovation Awards

Submissions are now being accepted to the 13th annual Idaho Innovation Awards. The annual awards program is presented by Stoel Rives LLP, Trailhead, and the Idaho Technology Council. The program recognizes innovations, innovative professionals and companies throughout the Gem State.
Entries are being accepted through July 31.

Nominations from any industry will be accepted in the following categories:

Commercialized Innovation of the Year. This category recognizes innovations from established companies that are commercialized, on the market contributing to the local economy, and generating revenue.

Consumer Product of the Year. This category recognizes new concepts, technologies or products that fill a niche or meet market needs and have the potential to revolutionize the process, product, segment or scientific field.

Early-Stage Innovation of the Year. This category recognizes innovations that are less than five years old, that have not been commercialized or are not generating revenue, and that are from companies or nonprofit/academic entities such as a university technology transfer office.

Innovative Company of the Year. This category recognizes innovative companies—through culture, management, products or services, technology and/or marketing—that have used an innovative solution to overcome a challenge or obstacle and that have a unique, clear and relevant strategy in using innovation as a means to achieve their strategic goals.

Innovator of the Year. This category recognizes innovative professionals—women and men who demonstrate innovative characteristics and thinking in their careers, accomplishments and leadership.

For more information on the program, visit www.idahoinnovationawards.com/ and follow the conversation at #IdahoInnovationAwards.

Winners will be announced Oct. 18 at the Idaho Technology Council Hall of Fame ceremony at Boise Centre.

Idaho Falls names new airport director

Rick Cloutier

The city of Idaho Falls has hired Rick Cloutier as the new director of Idaho Falls Regional Airport. The hiring was approved by the City Council at its regular meeting Thursday night.

Cloutier is expected to begin on or before July 2, at an annual salary of $125,000. He has an extensive background in airport administration, most recently serving as assistant director of airports at Myrtle Beach International Airport, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

His professional experience also includes municipal management experience in both general and commercial aviation, and as a private pilot.  Prior to his career in airport administration, Cloutier served for 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Maine.

“I am confident Mr. Cloutier will serve well as a valuable member of the city’s leadership team,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Casper.  “His successful record of accomplishment will bring much to IDA and enable this particular city enterprise to continue to grow and build and improve air service, not just for the citizens of Idaho Falls but for all of eastern Idaho.”

Besides expertise in general aviation, Cloutier also has expertise in federal/FAA reporting and compliance, TSA security regulations, FBO oversight, ground transportation, and airport real estate management.

DOE names Peters Laboratory Director of the Year

Dr. Mark Peters

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected Dr. Mark Peters as the Laboratory Director of the Year for his commitment to partnering small businesses with Idaho National Laboratory.

Peters stood out as an exceptional candidate among the various laboratory directors within the Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC) for meeting all of INL’s small business goals in fiscal year 2017, according to a press release from the lab. The DOE’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) selects recipients for various awards under the Annual Small Awards Business Program for the previous fiscal year.

The OSDBU will present the awards during the 17th Annual DOE Small Business Forum & Expo in Houston, Texas, May 22-24.

In fiscal year 2017, the INL Small Business Program exceeded all of its annual procurement goals. INL prioritized strengthening its partnership with small business, paying particular attention to businesses in Idaho. Small business goals are part of the DOE contract, and each year new goals are negotiated to determine what percentage of procurement volume is to be set aside.

“These accomplishments help ensure the lab and government have access to the best competitive rates while supporting a sufficient small business base to ensure quality delivery of services and products,” said Rick Provencher, DOE-Idaho Operations Office manager.

Charles Smith, director of OSDBU, congratulated Peters and the laboratory on furthering the department’s mission to be a leader in providing contract and subcontract opportunities to small businesses.

“Small businesses generate innovation and technical solutions that contribute towards the fulfillment of our national security and energy missions,” Smith said. “This award recognizes the efforts and commitment of DOE’s small business advocates who take every opportunity to utilize small business concerns to meet its requirements.”

“I am honored to receive this award,” Peters said. “At INL, we believe that small businesses are an indispensable asset to the energy industry, enabling us to fulfill our mission and vision. This collaboration between the businesses and the laboratory would not have been possible without the diligent efforts of INL’s Small Business Program, and we are grateful that the program’s accomplishments will be recognized.”