2/25: Around 6pm At 5 West Pub Dale Barth Fran, Mike Jade, Jen Ken, Dina Heather, Kendra PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALEKSEY MORYAKOV... TO ORDER PRINTS, PLEASE EMAIL PHOTO@EXITZERO.COM Just for Laughs Blow those winter doldrums out the door with some light reading... 504 WASHINGTON STREET MALL 609-884-5466 * SCOPECAPEMAY.COM Page 40 EXIT ZERO March 3, 2022
The Activity Column Catherine Dugan’s guide to getting out there... this week, relax with a massage! One of the great hardships of this pandemic was the absence of platonic touch. Without human contact, like office handshakes, “skin hunger” made isolation harder, especially for people who live alone. Humans have long understood the power of touch — healers in Asia recommended massage as early as 3000 BCE. Hippocrates agreed 2000 years later, recommending a daily massage for optimum health. Touch is crucial throughout the human life span — premature babies are more likely to thrive with skin-to-skin contact. People with chronic illnesses may get pain relief through massage, and a hand or foot massage, as with a manicure or pedicure, can reduce fear in people with dementia. For most of history, massage was a luxury reserved to people of great wealth. Since the late 20th century, however, massage has become more affordable, and many people now treat themselves to a massage on a regular basis. A gift certificate for a massage is a common birthday or Valentine’s Day gift, and doctors frequently recommend massage as part of a treatment plan. Women often choose a spa day as a way to reconnect, so you’ll find groups like bridesmaids gathered around the cucumber water, but men also make up 30 percent of customers. You should be comfortable before and during your massage. When you make your appointment, ask what to expect. Tips of about 20 percent are customary. Ask about Covid-19 protocols. You may have to fill out a form alerting the masseuse to any medical issues and explaining what you want from the massage. You will be asked to disrobe, but only as far as you are comfortable. Nude is easier because you can avoid getting oil on your clothing, and you will be covered by a sheet on the table. Avoid big meals beforehand and don’t go if you are ill. Alcohol and massage don’t mix, and you shouldn’t go hungover. Don’t be embarrassed if your body makes strange noises, or if you fall asleep. Cape May has many options for massage. Cape May Day Spa, 607 Jefferson Street, 609- 898-1003, offers a range of experiences, from all-day indulgence to a simple manicure. Sea Spa, inside Congress Hall, has a special treat for weary legs and feet, special prenatal massages, and a stretch-oriented massage. Call 698-884-6543. The Well offers services like the Gua Sha massage which uses a special roller, made of jade or quartz, to increase circulation for your face and neck. Book online at wellmassagecenter.com. Hats Tees Tanks Sweatshirts Hoodies Zip-Ups Jewelry Art ORDER EARLY, SAVE BIG! WHOLESALE OFFER SAVE 20% ON ORDERS OF $500+! SAVE 15% ON ORDERS OF $300-$499 Celebrating 31 years in business! SAVE 10% ON ORDERS UP TO $300 Orders must be placed by Friday, February 25, 2022 130 Park Boulevard • 609-884-2760 • theflyingfishstudio.com March 3, 2022 EXIT ZERO Page 41