Thursday, May 24, 2007

Mattress Genie Review on About.com

Review of Mattress Genie inflatable bed wedge.



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Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Benefits of Inversion - Summary

Inversion is a natural form of traction that uses your own body weight in combination with gravity to decompress weight-bearing joints. While the body is rotated and suspended, gravity’s force applies traction, resulting in a customized stretch that elongates the spine, increasing the space between the vertebrae, which relieves the pressure on discs and nerve roots. Less pressure means less back pain.
Inversion may be best known as a method to relieve back pain, but it’s also an effective way to stretch and relax muscles, reduce stress and tension and provide healthy movement for ligaments. Inverted decompression helps to:
· Relieve back pain
· Reduce stress
· Stimulate circulation and lymph flow
· Improve posture
· Reduce muscle tension and stress
· Strengthen ligaments
· Increase flexibility and range of movement
· Reduce the effects of aging caused by gravity
· Achieve functional fitness, a state of flexibility, strength and balance that supports youthful movement and activity

Since 1981, Teeter Hang Ups has set the standard for quality inversion and back care products. Commitment to quality creates superior products for a better back and a better body™. Contour Living is proud to carry Teeter Hang Ups Inversion tables. Visit our Inversion Table category for full selection.

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Rationale and efficacy of conservative therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Rationale and efficacy of conservative therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Kitchin et al. Arch Internal Med (1991).

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux disease or in mild cases heartburn, is an increasingly common condition in the developed world, characterized by frequent regurgitations of stomach acid into the lower esophagus. GERD can often be caused by a hiatal hernia, a condition where part of the stomach slips above the diaphragm to contact the esophagus. If left untreated, damage caused by severe GERD can cause replacement of the normal cells lining the esophagus by other tissue types (a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus), eventually leading to an increased risk of esophageal cancer. While acid-suppressive medications can be used, their potential side effects and complications can be avoided through a variety of simpler treatment measures. This review article finds significant clinical evidence for the efficacy of lifestyle-based treatments for heartburn and GERD, including elevation of the head of the bed.

Sleeping on a wedge diminishes exposure of the esophagus to refluxed acid. Hamilton et al. Digestive Dis Sciences (1988).

Using continuous monitoring of pH (acidity) within the esophagus among several alternative positions at rest, this randomized clinical trial detected a significant decrease in the time that the esophagus was exposed to highly acid conditions when using a foam wedge to elevate the head, and also showed a decrease in the time necessary for the acid to be cleared. Interestingly, use of a wedge-shaped mechanism was significantly more effective than elevation through the use of standard bed blocks.

See how the Mattress Genie Wedge Can Help

Davis C. Ryman

MD/PhD candidate, Case Western Reserve University

Lamb lab, Departments of Neuroscience and Genetics

dryman@po.cwru.edu