Evidence points to substantial economic and societal benefits to investing in women's health, with potential to add trillions to the global economy.

Many spas today offer treatments designed to address symptoms related to menopause and postpartum hormonal changes, often focused on holistic approaches, including aromatherapy, massage and skincare.

However, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of female mortality worldwide and also accounts for a substantial proportion of the women's health gap, presenting a major opportunity for the spa and wellness industry.

Heart health programmes
Spas could offer heart disease prevention for women by creating programming that addresses risk factors while promoting overall wellbeing. These could include stress reduction, movement and education.

Cardiologist, Biljana Stojcevski, says: “Cardiovascular health in women is regularly overlooked. Prevention must be gender-specific, while awareness must also be improved.

“The spa and wellness sector has a unique opportunity to close this gap and reach women by integrating evidence-based programmes – which are designed with female physiology in mind – so the spa becomes a space where prevention is a lived, everyday experience and an act of self-care.”

The industry can step up to fill this gap in women’s healthcare as a powerful private sector player, assuming this role as part of a comprehensive approach that sees it collaborating with traditional healthcare and the public sector.

Additional revenue streams
For operators, this can make for new and elevated programming, as well as additional revenue streams, with much value to the female spa-goer.

Spas can get creative in how they craft their specialist menus and communicate their value to the consumer – an approach where women’s loyalty to a spa can be connected to a long-term commitment to their own health and wellness.

This can empower women to take charge of their heart health while feeling good and looking their best – where the spa experience is part of a lifestyle management approach and a sustainable model for the business, with programming options including:

For stress management and relaxation

• Stress reduction techniques
Mindfulness practices, meditation and breathwork to manage stress – a risk factor for heart disease.

• Massage therapy
Massage to lower blood pressure and improve circulation, both of which are beneficial.

• Aromatherapy
Certain essential oils have been shown to have relaxing effects, which can support heart health.

For physical activity and fitness

• Yoga and Pilates
These practices improve flexibility, strength, balance and can help manage weight – a risk factor for heart disease.

• Aqua fitness
Water-based exercises are low-impact and gentle on the joints, making them a great option for women of all fitness levels.

• Fitness classes
Group fitness classes such as Zumba or dance create fun, social wellness and provide a boost to heart health.

For healthy Lifestyle Education

• Nutritional offering
Spas can produce creative heart-health food menus, communicating these for lifestyle changes and raising awareness through their marketing campaigns.

• Heart-healthy cooking classes
For those with the available infrastructure, spas can teach women how to prepare delicious and healthy meals that support their cardiovascular health. l