Avoid These Clothing Mistakes to Improve Circulation

It’s no secret that proper circulation leads to an infinite number of health perks. When the blood is flowing, the body has better access to all its nutrients, as well as oxygen, which, when in heavy supply, allows you to breathe and move more fluidly. In contrast, when circulation is slowed, we can feel tired and weak, and virtually every organ function is slowed down in the process. Leading to sulky, inefficient bodily behavior. 

But did you know you can actually hinder proper circulation by wearing the wrong clothes? Pieces that are too restrictive or badly sized can actually cut off the blood (or air) flow, leaving you in serious need of a pair of sweats. Which offer about as much in comfort as they do in ease of circulation flow. 

How to Keep Circulation Flow on the Rise

The next time you’re choosing an outfit, opt for something that is both comfortable and flattering. There is a difference between wearing something that looks good and something that will better benefit your body. But compromises can be found in natural or cotton blends that allow for air flow (which won’t keep you from overheating) throughout the day. Also consider waist or sleeve sizes. Edges that are too tight will dig into the skin and obscure the amount of space there is for veins and muscles to remain under the skin. This is also true for undergarments, which can often do the most amount of damage because they sit tightly over a larger portion of the body.

Instead, choose clothes that actually fit. That way the body isn’t squeezed, while clothes still look flattering. 

When it comes to choosing your clothes, remember that an improper fit can do far worse than hamper your look. Consider an upgrade to keep body fluids flowing natural and healthy.

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Blood Pressure Monitors now Available at Contour Living

In an ongoing effort to make your healthcare needs as simple as possible, Contour Living has added yet another aspect to its repertoire: blood pressure monitors. Check your blood pressure after a meal, when heading to the gym, or as often as the doctor prescribes. For those who need daily – or even hourly – readings, to those who want to see how the ticker is doing after a solid work out, we now have the monitor(s) to meet your needs.

Choose from manual cuff models, those that can read your stats in one touch, or a heart rate monitor watch, which provides real-time changes as they’re happening. They take the guess work out of heart-healthy planning. Each model offers a specific set of options for those off all health needs. Whether it’s a doctor-ordered necessity or just an easy way to check up on your blood pressure health, these monitors help make everyday readings a hassle-free (and pain-free) process.

The Perks of At-Home Blood Pressure Monitors

With a monitor at home – or at the office – there are plenty of perks to be had. You can easily cut back on doctor visits, and have an accurate idea as to how your blood pressure is holding up throughout the day. That way actions can be taken for you to stay in tip-top health. For peace of mind no matter what your activity or diet, consider one of our new monitors.

And best of all, they’re on sale! As an introductory offer, all our blood pressure monitors can be purchased for a fraction of the price. Take advantage of this “new guy” sale and get the medical equipment you need in the process.

To learn more about our blood pressure machines, or to find out which model will best fit your needs, click here.

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Blood Pressure Facts

Blood pressure is a vital sign that measures the circulation and pressure of the blood while it travels through the blood vessels. The blood pressure is measured by using systolic and diastolic pressures.  Systolic tells us the maximum level the pressure is at while the heart is beating and diastolic tells us the maximum level of pressure while the heart is at is at rest in between heart beats. Blood pressure is also called arterial blood pressure. Everyone’s blood pressure fluctuates; it depends upon the person’s diet, posture, activity level, temperature, medication taken, physical and emotional state. 

When you see a blood pressure reading the systolic is the top number and diastolic is the bottom number. Depending upon the person, a good blood pressure reading should be 120/80 mmHg also read as 120 over 80. The mmHg stands for millimeters of mercury which is the unit used to measure blood pressure.

In order read a person’s blood pressure, a blood pressure cuff is wrapped around the upper arm. The cuff should fit the person securely and the lower edge of the cuff should be 1 inch above the elbow. If the blood pressure is taken at a doctor’s office they will look for the big artery that is located on the inside of the elbow. They can find the artery by feeling for a pulse, once it is found they will place the stethoscope over this artery. There is an inflatable bulb on one side of the cuff. The doctor will close the value on the bulb and squeeze to inflate it quickly. They will do this until they reach the desired measurement they are seeking, which is usually 30 mmHg higher than the person’s traditional systolic pressure.

Once the desired measurement is reached the doctor will open up the value a little bit. This allows the pressure to decrease a little bit at a time. They will continue to decrease the value until they hear the sound of the pulse again. This technique measures the systolic pressure. The diastolic pressure is measured by allowing the rest of the air to be removed from the bulb. Once the sound of the pulse is gone, the number that they see is recorded.

Some health care providers use an automatic blood pressure machine, which checks the blood pressure on its own as soon as a button is pressed. The measurement is than displayed on a screen. While others use the method I explained above. Patients can also purchase blood pressure monitors that they can use at home.

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