Downsides to Drastic Temperature Changes

This time of year, Mother Nature is in full transition mode. Tailing off from summer, she's ready to guide us into a chillier climate. And for some, those cold days have already taken over. Other regions, however, have been holding onto the heat for dear life. Maybe even treading back and forth between days of fall, and those that feel summer-worthy.

But what's the big deal about indecisive weather? And why not have a variation? Aside from the annoyance of never being able to plan a daily outfit, there are additional downsides to seasons that won't level out. And not only to your belongings (we hate to winterize deck items once, let alone multiple times), but to the body – the most valuable belonging of them all. 

When temperatures are constantly changing and humidity levels across the board, there's a good chance you can feel it deep within the body. Down into the bones, every single time you move a joint. The discomfort is just that cantankerous. Generally they are associated as "growing" pains, which can be described as dull aches that last for most of the day. Feelings that are more annoying than harsh.

Scientists agree that these discomforts are caused by changes in barometric pressure. Dips, that, a few times per year are manageable. But when seasons are constantly flip-flopping back and forth, that means more pains, more often. And unfortunately, there's not much that can be done about it. Many take over-the-counter pain medications. Others agree that exercise helps. However, for the worst sufferers, it's likely that your weather aches will still fall into play. 

As we ease into October, weather changes will become fewer or further between. In the meantime, talk to your doctor or look to personalized methods to make these weather related issues as mild as possible.

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Is Your Purse Causing Back Pain?

Carrying a purse – of any size – can be a convenient perk. It holds all your things in one, easy-to-find-location, it ensures belongings are organized in close proximity, and you can even use it to stash away smaller purchased items. But no matter the size or weight of your bag, it could actually be causing excess pains. Because of the weight and repetitive nature of carrying a shoulder bag, it’s a practice that might actually cause more harm than good.

Here’s why:

When wearing a purse, the body is lopsided, causing muscles to tighten or strain in certain areas. And the heavier the bag, the more weight it’s pulling on the neck or shoulders. Basically, the more a bag is used, the worse the side effects will become.

This carrying practice also causes the body to walk in an uncomfortable position. Naturally, legs and arms swing to help regulate pace and stride – known as a gait. However, weighing down one-side causes an uneven swing in either the upper or lower sections of the body, if not both. Over time, this can lead to uneven muscles and posture. For instance, one who’s right-handed will keep their purse on the right shoulder, which can mean more developed muscles on that side, less of a swing when walking, and a shoulder that sits higher than the other.

Next comes tightness in the muscles carrying extra weight, or even spasms. The neck, upper, and middle sections of the back can all be affected, suffering bouts of pain or even recurring conditions, such as arthritis. Severe cases of purse-induced pain can even come with tension headaches, which are also brought on by muscle strains, as well as frequent lifting required with purse toting. [Huffington Post]

If you suffer from back pain, it may be time to consider your purse-carrying habits. Lighten the load or talk to your doctor today for healthier walking habits.

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Four Yoga Poses to Reduce Back Pain

Whether or not you’re an active yoga master, it’s an exercise that’s known to relax and strengthen the body. From everyday yoga posers to those who have yet to try it, this exercise has something to offer everyone. Beginners can start out slow, while pros can work toward more challenging balances.

To receive the most back relieve out of your yoga routine, try these proven poses. Designed specifically to stretch and heal the back, these exercises will have you feeling better in no time. Best of all, they’re great for those of all yoga backgrounds.

4. Fists Forward Bend

Performed by bending the knees and bending until your torso meets your thighs, this pose allows the back to deeply exhale and reduce tension. You should also place your fists in opposite elbow bends to create a cohesive motion with the arms.

3. Downward-Facing Dog

Perhaps one of the most popular yoga poses, downward-facing dog takes place by planting the balls of your feet, and bending until your arms touch the ground. The body should bend at a 45-degree angle, creating a relaxing, yet stable pose. Keep your head down to avoid a neck strain during this pose.

2. Wall Plank

With the wall plank, you can get extra help (yes, from the wall) during your exercise. Stand arm length away, then place your hands flat on the wall, fingers up. Legs should be straight, while the hips and stomach bend at a 90-degree angle.

1. Pigeon Pose

Generally for the flexible, the pigeon pose takes place when one leg is bent, and the other left straight to stretch and reduce back pressure. Here, the right knee should touch the right wrist (as if from downward-facing dog), with the tops of your feet touching the floor. Hips can then be centered and pushed down for added relief.

Start practicing these poses today for an easy at-home cure for back pain.

And if you need more instruction (or pictures), head to MindBodyGreen.

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Make the Workday go Faster with an Office Chair Cushion

Sitting long hours on any surface isn’t exactly a day at the beach – unless you’re sitting on an actual beach that is, and even then squishing through sand is less than comfortable. No matter what the surface, rear ends simply weren’t made to withstand hours of repeat sitting. From office chair, to couch, to lawn chair sunk into the sand, there comes a point when everyone gets uncomfortable. Maybe numbing takes place, maybe pain, or perhaps your back even begins to hurt – no matter the results, it’s time to quit suffering from long-term sitting engagements.

One of the most common causes of sitting comes from office work. Employees of all kinds sit at a desk for hours at a time compiling paper and computer work – most of which cannot be done while standing, walking, or getting much movement of any kind. (Other than typing, that is.)

To combat these pains, consider the addition of an office chair cushion. Small, compact, and supremely comfortable, these pint-size cushions offer an added bit of spring to help relieve the all-day sitter’s pains.

Chair Cushion Options

From back support to extra padding for the rear, there are a number of different types of cushions. Test out a style or two before making a permanent decision, or see what others have to say about their specific needs. And for those with chronic or ongoing pains, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about which chair cushion type will best fit your needs.

Medical cushions are padded and made specifically to add extra support right where it’s needed most. Some models even offer a donut or rounded area for added comfort without the bulk.

Seat back support cushions cover the back of the chair rather than the bottom. These versions work to keep the spine in place – whether through placement or cushion. Back support cushions are great for those with back pain, or when wanting to keep the spine in its proper location.

Finally, seat cushions offer comfort and padding to any sitting surface. Place them on your office chair, keep one in the car while driving, and then use it at the dinner table. No matter the cause for your pain, these seat cushions are meant to offer plush pain relief in any sitting setting.

Despite the work load placed on your desk each day, you can rest easy knowing there’s a comfortable office chair cushion waiting. Remember to keep in tow for all of your long-term sitting engagements.

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The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Sleep

The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Sleep

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome distinguished by widespread musculoskeletal pain in the muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. While not considered to be a true form of arthritis, it is a type of rheumatism of the soft tissues and muscles. It is a fairly common condition, affecting about 5 million people in the United States, although the cause of Fibromyalgia remains a mystery. Over 75% of those who have FMS are women between the ages of thirty-five to sixty, however it can affect anyone at any age, but in preadolescent children, the condition strikes boys and girls equally as often.

Over 90% of FMS sufferers experience significant sleep disturbances. Specifically, stage four sleep, the deepest, most restorative level of sleep, is deficient. This is when muscles and other parts of the body typically have an opportunity to regenerate for the next day. Medical experts agree that muscle pain occurs in Fibromyalgia patients because the muscles are deprived of the rejuvenation process that would otherwise occur during sleep. Sleep problems among FMS patients vary. While some may have trouble falling asleep, others awaken numerous times during the night, tossing and turning, and may be unable to fall back to sleep at all. Still others wake up far earlier than what would be considered normal.

It should be no surprise then, that fatigue during the day is also an issue for FMS sufferers. The ability to function normally and in a productive fashion is greatly diminished in a number of FMS patients. Often times, a person with FMS is exhausted at the end of the day, and in desperate need of a good nights sleep, but is robbed of that night after night because of the syndrome.




People who have FMS should take extra steps to help ensure the best nights rest possible. The Contour Living online store carries several products that provide better support and cushion for your body during the night. Specifically, our Contour Cloud pillow provides the correct balance of firm foam for head and neck support and 100% memory foam for unsurpassed comfort. Likewise, our Contour Cloud mattress pad supplies the same level of support for your entire body. The pad covers your bed and provides firm foam support where needed with a top layer of contoured memory foam. Other better sleep products include the leg pillow, BackMax lounger, Mattress Genie and more choices in pillows.

With the proper nighttime support and a new level of comfort, FMS sufferers may be able to minimize the toll that this condition can take on restorative sleep, reduce aches and pains, and maintain an active and productive lifestyle.

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