OUR MISSION is to create an old fashioned Cariboo Christmas!! If you long for a return to experiencing a ranch Christmas the way it used to be, here is our plans…

1. Daily Christmas Tree Hunts for the family & couples looking to experience an old fashioned Christmas
2. Christmas eve caroling on a 2 horse open sleigh, just like in the Christmas Cards.
3. A surprise visit by Santa for all the kids to help make their Cariboo Christmas unforgettable.
4. A special candlelight service in our beautiful Country Prayer Chapel.
5. Bonfires c/w singers celebrating this most magical night of the year.
6. An extensive Christmas Dinner Buffet featuring turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, tons of vegetables and salads, a full dessert bar, & more

And there is more Winter Wonderland fun for you…  Besides our extensive network of machine groomed cross country ski trails, we also have…

1. 2 skating rinks c/w night lights till 2am for late night skating & hockey parties.
2. Our downhill skiing and snowboarding terrain park which has night lights till 9pm on most nights.
3. A complete ski shop c/w rentals of cross country skis, downhill skis, snowboards, snowshoes, waxes, apparel and more.
4. Dog sled tours.
5. Snowmobile tours.
6. Evening sleigh ride sing along parties at Willy’s Wigwam.

And, there is still more for you !! Our resort amenities will be in full operation including.

1. 2 dining rooms featuring great selections of food for family and romantic evenings out.
2. 3 lounges including our beautiful 1871 Saloon in the historic 1871 Lodge log building
3. 16 room spa featuring our signature Rose hip Oil Treatments
4. Up to 40 fitness classes/services/activities each week c/w our team of wellness & fitness professionals
5. Indoor pool & 2 hot-tubs/saunas
6. We have 19 3-bedroom chalets perfect for families including full kitchen, fireplace and more.
7. We have 26 very comfortable hotel style rooms featuring spa robes & amenities

Juanita and I invite you to join us this Christmas to experience a good old fashioned Cariboo Christmas, enjoying the service and hospitality of our great “Cariboosters on staff” working alongside of us for all of our 28 years!

1-800-668-2233 for reservations or email us at info@thehillshealthranch.com

“This is very exciting news for all of us at the ranch”, said President Pat Corbett, “we have such outstanding staff who work very hard to serve our guests in a world class manner and to receive this form of endorsement from spa goers world wide is an outstanding achievement for all of us” he added.

“I am so proud of our staff of health professionals who work with me” said Wellness Director Regula Wittmer, “our staff of professional medical, fitness, counseling, personal training, and hiking guides are very focused on helping our guests achieve their personal goals and this global vote of spa goers gives us assurance that we are doing it right,” she said.” To view a full list of our professional staff please visit www.spabc.com and click on Healthy Weight loss.

SpaFinder was the first to offer people the opportunity to vote for their favorite spas in diverse categories, providing a fast, accessible way for spa-goers to make decisions based on what’s important to them,” said SpaFinder President Susie Ellis. “They have become an important consumer guide, as well as an industry accolade.”

The 2011 Awards were based on votes submitted worldwide at SpaFinder’s global consumer websites (including SpaFinder.com) and by readers of SpaFinder publications. Voters were asked to cast ballots only for spas they’ve personally visited within the last three years.

The Hills Health Ranch was opened in 1985 as Canada’s first Health & Fitness Vacation Resort. Located in the middle of over 20,000 acres of beautiful cattle rangeland with over 100 miles of marked trails through fir and pine forests, skirting grassland meadows and circling around lakeshores. Offering over 40 fitness classes weekly, two guided hikes daily, 16 spa treatment rooms, 2 dining rooms, 3 lounges, a riding stable, plus winter downhill and cross country skiing help to create a very unique Canadian resort.

The resort is in the South Cariboo Region of British Columbia, near the historic town of 100 Mile House & the 108 Mile Ranch, 300 Miles north of downtown Vancouver.

If you would like information on Autumn Weight Loss & Hiking Specials and Bargains, or Christmas Family or Couples Get-aways, click here.

For winter fun, visit our winter fun site at www.skithehills.com
For Horseback riding and ranch vacations visit our riding site at www.hillsguestranch.com
And for weight loss and spa visit our main site at www.spabc.com

So Will the Canucks actually pull it off today?

What are the Benefits of Castor Oil?

Castor Oil has been used both internally and externally for thousands of years due to its many wonderful health benefits. Since it can strengthen the immune system, castor oil is considered a great remedy to treat the following major illnesses and ailments:

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Cerebral Palsy
• Hair loss
• Pain from Arthritis and Rheumatism

It has also been found to help with many everyday problems such as:

• Yeast Infections
• Constipation
• Gastrointestinal Problems
• Menstrual Disorders
• Migraines
• Acne
• Sunburn
• Athlete’s Foot
• Ringworm
• Skin Abrasions
• Inflammation

Castor Oil is also commonly used to induce labour, so pregnant women should always consult a doctor before using it.

Uses of Castor Oil

Arthritis Natural Remedy

The anti-inflammatory properties of Castor Oil make it an excellent massage oil for relieving arthritic joints, nerve inflammations, and sore muscles.

• Make a small pad by folding a small piece of unbleached cotton flannelette into 3 or 4 layers.
• Dip the cotton pad into Castor Oil and place it on to the affected joint or muscle.
• Cover the pad with a plastic wrap.
• Place a hot water bottle or heating pad over the plastic wrapped cotton pad. The plastic wrap will prevent the water bottle or heating pad from getting oily.
• Leave the cotton pad on for 45 minutes to an hour, once per day.

This Castor Oil pack can be reused up to 3 times. Simply place it into a plastic ziplock bag and refrigerate it until it is ready to be used again. It can be refrigerated in a ziplock bag for up to 1 week.

Constipation Remedy

Studies have shown that Castor Oil is a very strong laxative, which makes it very effective against constipation. Therefore, simply take a teaspoon of castor oil in the morning. You can mix the oil with orange juice, cranberry juice, prune juice, or ginger juice to take away from the bitter taste without affecting the laxative effects. However, do not take it continuously for more than 3 days.

Ringworm Treatment

Ringworm is known to be a stubborn condition to treat, but one of the active compounds of Castor Oil (Undecylenic Acid) has been found to be very effective at treating this fungal infection.

• Spray Castor leaves with some hot water and coarsely crush the leaves.
• Soak the leaves in pure coconut oil.
• Warm the leaves to a temperature that will not burn the skin, and apply the leaves over the affected area as a poultice.
• Leave on the skin for at least one hour, or optionally overnight.
• You may wrap the leaves with unbleached cotton fabric to prevent the oil from staining your bed sheets.

Repeat the procedure every night before going to bed until cured. However, if you notice any redness or discomfort around the area, discontinue this remedy.

Skin Problems

Successful studies have approved the use of Castor Oil for skin infections and other skin problems such as sunburn, abrasions, acne, dry skin, boils, warts, stretch marks,  liver/age spots, athletes foot and chronic itching and inflamed skin.

• Dip a cotton ball into Castor oil and apply it onto the affected skin in the morning and at night.
• Alternatively, for larger skin areas, soak an appropriately large piece of unbleached cotton cloth in Castor Oil and wrap the affected area overnight.
• If the area is very small, soak a Band-Aid in Castor Oil and cover the infected skin overnight.

For stubborn fungal infections that affect the skin or nails, it is recommended to soak the affected skin in Epsom Salt for 10-15 minutes to soften and disinfect the skin before applying Castor Oil. This can help speed up the healing process.

Stye Treatment

The antibacterial components of castor oil have been found to be effective against styes (oil gland infections on the eyelid). Simply apply a very small drop of castor oil directly onto the stye 2 or 3 times per day.

Wrinkle Treatment

Castor oil is a natural emollient that penetrates the skin and helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which can soften and hydrate the skin. Therefore, castor oil is a wonderful natural treatment for wrinkles since it restores and rejuvenates skin’s natural youthful appearance by making skin smoother, softer and pliant. Dip a small cotton ball into pure Castor oil and apply it on wrinkled skin before going to bed. Use only a small amount of oil when applying it to the skin near the eyes.

What are the Side Effects of Castor Oil?

Castor oil is normally safe if used in moderation. However, pregnant and lactating women and people with intestinal blockage, acute inflammatory intestinal disease, appendicitis, or abdominal pain should not take Castor Oil without their doctor’s approval.
Note that precautions must be taken when taking the oil internally, so you should always follow the directions on the package and consult your doctor or naturopathic professional before consuming it. A typical recommended dosage for Castor Oil is no more than one-half to one full teaspoon per day. Over dosage of Castor Oil may result in diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramping.

Where and How to Buy Castor Oil

Castor Oil is best purchased from a health food store, or you can purchase pure cold pressed Castor oil directly from us. The oil that can be found in a supermarket may be meant for industrial use only (which is not safe for human consumption). Look for cold-pressed or cold-processed Castor Oil only and confirm it with a naturopathic doctor before taking it. The color of the oil should be a very light or pale yellow. To purchase direct from The Hills please call us at 800-668-2233 or simply E-mail your request to thehills@spabc.com

The Hills Health Ranch has been offering Castor oil packs as a service. They have seen dramatic weight loss results with this NEW old remedy and are excited to be able to offer this service to thier clients.

For the month of April not only will we be offering to our clients a Free castor oil pack with any 6 night or longer booking, like our inches off package,  but we will also train you and give to you all the necessary ingredients and instruction to take with you so you can continue to enjoy the benefits of this Old modern day remedy at home.  We will give you a 1 month supply of natural cold pressed oil, unbleached muslin or flannel cloth, 120 ml of famous ”Hills Body Lotion”, wrap material,  and instruction. A $250.00 value  FREE throughout the month of April.

Combine this service with our 10 or 30 night weight loss package and watch the inches melt away.

Offer only available when booking anyone of our 6 night or longer all inclusive packages. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or special.

Reserve one of our family 3 bedroom chalet for only $199 per night and we will include a daily full body massage, or 2 x 1 hour horseback rides, morning and afternoon guided hikes for every night booked.

Valid dates: June 20 – 23. June 27 – 29. July 3 – 5. July 10 – 20. All dates inclusive.

Hurry, because this offer expires at 4:30pm pacific time, June 3rd, 2011

Please call us toll free at 800-668-2233 or 250-791-5225 to make your reservation. Cannot be booked online. Please indicate, at time of booking, your preference of massage or riding.

Accommodation also includes full use of the indoor pools, use of the cardio room, use of the fitness centre, unlimited self guided hikes over 20,000 acres.

Ask us about booking additional spa or stable services and other activities when you call.

One massage per night per chalet. Daily guided hikes for up to 5 ppl. Offer only available on NEW reservations only and can not be combined with any other special or promotional offer. Limited availability. A non-refundable $100 deposit will be required at time of booking. $20 per person per night for each additional person over 5. No more than 7 ppl per unit.

Mar 25 -27, 2011
May 20 – 22, 2011
June 24 – 26, 2011
July 15 – 17, 2011
Aug 26 – 28, 2011
Sept 23 – 25, 2011

4 sharing only $286, 3 sharing only $299, Double rate $315 and single for only $384.

250-791-5225 or 1-800-668-2233 for reservations

• Book any 1 or more nights and include a full body massage between March 24th and 30th and pay only the last 2 digits of your birth year for each.
• For example: if you were born in 1945 your room rate would be only $45 per night. and your massage would be only $45.
• Born after 1979? Don’t worry, the most you will pay is $79.00 for each your room and massage.
• Hurry, book soon. Limited availability.
• Must be booked before 4 pm Friday March 11, 2011
• Offer available on rooms only single or double occupancy and is calculated by the year of the oldest person born after 1944
• Option: Upgrade to a 3 bedroom chalet . ( $80 plus the last 2 digits of your birth year )
• Call 1-800-668-2233 or 250-791-5225 to book. Offer not available when booking online.

Rate is calculated by the year of the oldest person, in your party, born after 1944. Valid ID, showing your birth year, required at time of check in. Available on NEW bookings only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other special or promotional offer. Maximum of 2 persons per room and 6 persons in a chalet. Above special rate only available when booking a room in conjunction with a full body massage. Rate available on room and massage only, all other services charged at regular rate. Valid March 24 to March 29th inclusive. $50 non-refundable deposit required at time of booking.

108 Mile Ranch, BC….The Hills Health Ranch  and its Founders Pat & Juanita Corbett,  are being presented  the  “Dedicated Contributor”  award by the International Spa Ass’n  (ISPA) for their work “in dedicating their lives  to wellness with a strong emphasis on international relations within the spa industry.”

The award will be presented in Austin Texas on October 6 before the 3000 conference delegates gathered  for the annual International Spa Industry Conference.    Other award recipients will include Lance Armstrong, accepting the  Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award.

“We are humbled by this  prestigious international recognition of our  past work” said President Pat Corbett.   “The Hills Health Ranch has always reached out to be a part of  the International spa movement as we have always seen ourselves as a part of a  much larger team of spas” he added.

The Hills Health Ranch  continues to operate a very unique Canadian resort experience, focusing on integrating outdoor  summer and winter  sports with  indoor  fitness fun, plus award winning homeopathic spa treatments while also providing the latest  health & wellness facts from a large team of health & wellness professionals.   “However, the best is yet to come,  as  construction of Canada’s First Spa Village is soon to happen here”,  Corbett stated.

If you would  like more information on the Dedicated Contributor Award ,  ISPA, or The Hills Health Ranch, please visit  www. spabc.com or contact Mr. Pat Corbett at 1-250-791-5225 or email pat@thehillshealthranch.com

The Hills also offered a 24 hour $99.00 room sale that ended last night. I know that if you call in the next couple of days they would still honour that rate. But you better act fast, I don’t know how long they will extend it to.

Check this out … 3 nights, for up to 6 ppl, in a 3 bedroom chalet includes – 2 one hour horse back rides, 1 full body massage, hiking trail pass, indoor pools hot tubs and saunas, exercise and cardio rooms all for $629.00, what a deal.
However, this rate is not posted so you do need to call and ask for it again 800-668-2233.

Stay tuned, I hear their next special is going to be 25% off all their 6 night all inclusive stays.

Len