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A local spa is using new technology to help people firm and tone the body in troublesome areas.

The Spa Club on Smythe Street is the first in the elm city to use accent radiofrequency - a non-surgical form of liposuction.

Medical esthetician Angela Doucet said the idea may be new to Fredericton, but it has been around in the United Kingdom since 2005.

The concept uses heat and radio waves to shrink fat cells.

"It breaks down any fat molecules and cellulite into really small pieces, so your body's blood circulation will flush it away," Doucet said. "As part of the procedure, it is recommended you drink lots of water, and that will (also) help flush everything out. It then releases new collagen bundles in the skin by heating up the dermal layers.

"Basically they expand, and that is where you get the skin tightening."

The procedure is great for adults of any age looking to tone up love handles or treat cellulite, she said, but it's not a weight-loss aid.

"A lot of people are getting done the thighs, back of the legs, the butt, the stomach, the arms and even the back," she said.

"We are doing it all. (But) we don't promote that it makes you lose weight. The result you want to see is the loss in inches."

Doucet said the procedure isn't good for people who have metal implants, pacemakers or have collagen disorders.

The procedure is safer than liposuction, Doucet said. There is no surgery, so patients feel no pain nor do they experience any downtime.

In fact, she said, it's extremely comfortable to have done - comparing it to a relaxing massage - and the skin temperature is monitored at all times to ensure the proper temperature is reached.

"Some of our clients call it a comfortable and warm massage," Doucet said. "It is no hotter than tanning in the sun."

The radiofrequency machine is a portable, one-unit piece with two hand-held paddles. Doucet said one paddle is used to treat the body - massaging deeper into the skin - while the other is used target loose skin on the body - particularly the arms, neck and face.

The number of treatments is determined by the results the client is looking for. Results vary for each person. On average, she said, the expected improvement on the body is a 40 to 75 per cent reduction in cellulite.

"(For example) a good result for the average client on the stomach would be a loss of 10 inches," she said.

For more information or a consultation on the radiofrequency system, contact the Spa Club at 474-1772.

Business employment growth plan

A local business group is looking at increasing employment growth in the capital city. To achieve this, Enterprise Fredericton announced it has adopted the Business Retention and Expansion initiative (BRE), a community-based economic development tool that focuses the city's existing business infrastructure.

This cost-effective initiative encourages employment growth and economic prosperity by helping communities identify barriers that impede growth.

It seeks solutions and opportunities to contribute to the sustainability and expansion of the region's business base.

Shop local this holiday season

With another Christmas season on the horizon, local merchants are urging consumers to shop locally.

The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Fredericton Inc., and Business Fredericton North have joined together once again to launch a city-wide campaign with a series of ads, raising awareness among shoppers about the benefits of shopping at home.

"This campaign serves as a reminder to consumers about the benefits that our community receives from shopping locally," said Trina MacDonald, general manager of Business Fredericton North.

"Companies in our community employ Frederictonians and they invest profits back into the community - it just makes a lot of sense to shop locally," said Downtown Fredericton Inc. general manager Bruce McCormack.

Shawn Merrithew is a freelance journalist. If you have news items about local business for Networking, email news@dailygleaner.com.