MEASLES: What Salon and Spa Professionals Should Know

As a salon or spa professional, you work closely with clients every day, creating a safe and welcoming environment. But did you know that a single case of a highly contagious disease—like measles—can spread rapidly in settings where people are in close contact? At the Salon and Spa Professional Association (SSPA), we are committed to keeping you informed about emerging health issues that can affect your workplace. Understanding measles and other communicable diseases not only protects your clients, it safeguards your team, your business, and the broader community. Staying informed and proactive strengthens both our industry and the trust clients place in us.

Current Health Information

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads easily through airborne droplets or direct contact with respiratory secretions. Although the disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, outbreaks continue to appear, largely among unvaccinated individuals and travelers returning from abroad. Awareness and vaccination remain essential tools to prevent the spread of this illness.

Minnesota experienced a significant measles outbreak in 2024, with a total of seventy confirmed cases statewide. The outbreak primarily affected unvaccinated individuals, especially children aged one to nineteen years. Most cases occurred in Hennepin County, which accounted for 88 percent of the total, and twelve individuals were hospitalized during the outbreak. The outbreak was notably concentrated within the Somali community, prompting increased public health efforts, including vaccination campaigns and community outreach. As of October 1, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has confirmed eighteen measles cases statewide. These recent cases are linked to both domestic and international travel, and all affected individuals were unvaccinated.

Top 3 Reasons Why Health Insurance is an Absolute Must

We take our health for granted until something goes wrong. Medical expenses can be staggering, and the last thing you want during an illness or injury is the additional strain of financial hardship. Here are the top 3 reasons why everyone needs health insurance:

1. Protection From Catastrophic Costs

Unexpected medical emergencies happen. Accidents, serious illnesses, and hospitalizations come with enormous bills. Health insurance acts as your financial safety net against these staggering costs. It helps you manage expenses and reduce your out-of-pocket payments, so you don't have to deplete your savings or go into debt over medical care.

2. Access to Preventive Care

SUMMER FOOT CARE

Now that it's summer and your client’s feet have emerged from winter hibernation here are some tips for summer foot care.

Professional Pedicures are designed to give basic care to your feet and toes. Each step of a pedicure is designed to help keep our feet healthy. Here are just a few of the important steps to a professional pedicure.

It’s that time of the year! 

Open Enrollment for health insurance in Minnesota is November 1 - December 15th for health insurance coverage effective January 1, 2024. MNSure has an extended enrollment from December 15 - January 15th for coverage effective February 1, 2024

Anderson Benefit Partners can help you find out if you qualify for assistance, explore your options, and enroll! We are
MNSure certified and works with over 250 individuals and families to obtain their coverage through MNSure.

Important to note, you don’t pay any more (or less) when you work with us! Our job is to help you understand your options and make the right insurance choice for 2024. This is also a great time to explore your dental, vision, and life insurance needs.

Why Do We Need Health Insurance?

Why do we need health insurance?  Statistically speaking, less than half of Americans have $1000 ready in the event of an unexpected illness or injury.  The role of health insurance in today’s environment is partially to provide financial protection in the event that an individual has a major health event.  In this scenario, the insurance plan pays 100% of the charges after the individual’s out-of-pocket limit.

The other, less mentioned reason for maintaining coverage is to ‘Access’ care.  If an individual is uninsured, it may be nearly impossible to schedule an appointment to treat an illness or injury for non-emergency care.  Insurance is the guarantee of payment for the care providers.  When we shop for your plan, we discuss the providers you use or would like to use and propose options that fit that need.

In addition, health plan shopping is only available during open enrollment (November and December) or with a qualifying life event - like losing other coverage.  It’s important to know that when enrolling with a qualifying event, we have a limited time to report the event and make a plan selection.

Hey there friends at the Salon Spa Association, Mike at Anderson Benefit Partners here. I wanted to put together a message for you that speaks to the end of the COVID public health emergency.

As you may or may not know, that formally ends as of May 11th. And in Minnesota Minnesota has started the unwinding process of the guaranteed public programs that have been in play since April of 2020.

So beginning in April, communication will be sent out for medical assistance renewals. Renew in July and then every month you know, May would target August, and so on and so forth. If you are one of the 1.5 million people in Minnesota that are currently enrolled in a public program, action will be required to renew your coverage.  Medical assistance will renew the month it was approved and Minnesota care will renew at the end of this year during our regular open enrollment period for January 1st. https://mn.gov/dhs/renewmycoverage/

The Biden administration declared a public health emergency (PHE) for Monkeypox - 4/4/2022

Salons and Salon Professionals should be aware of this new public health threat. Monkeypox (MPX) is a rare viral illness. Anyone can get MPX, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Since mid-May 2022, cases of MPX have been identified in the U.S., where cases don't normally occur. MPX symptoms often include a rash that can look like pimples or blisters. The rash can appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body.  

Here are two helpful links to learn more:

Young Blood and Plasma Transfusions

The FDA recently warned that plasma infusions from young people provides “no proven clinical benefit” against normal aging, Alzheimer’s disease, or a host of other diseases. 

Directors Gottlieb and Marks from the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research say young-blood transfusions can pose risks.

Most research thus far into young-blood transfusions has been conducted in mice. Some of the mouse studies have been encouraging, but other studies have been less encouraging. One biotech company is currently testing a plasma-derived product in Alzheimer’s patients; a previous study from the company yielded mixed results.

NUTRITION MOMENT

Your Diet and Your Brain!

The way you feed your body affects your brain.

Evidence is starting to line up in favor of certain foods with the aim of reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Our brain requires certain nutrients to function smoothly and biologically. One major study showed that a strict adherence to a diet known as the MIND diet reduces dementia risk by up to 53% for people ages 59 to 98.