New Study Finds Link Between Sleep Apnea and Cancer Growth

More than 18 million Americans are affected by sleep apnea, a disease that works by interrupting the ability to rest soundly. It might even affect your partner's ability to rest due to loud snoring. However, according to some recent data, the side effects of sleep apnea could actually be more dangerous than interrupted sleep. Results are now linking sleep apnea to the growth of cancer. Specifically, through blood vessels and how quickly they are able to expand through tumors.

These same researchers explain that intermittent hypoxia (lack of oxygen flow) "is associated with worse mortality and aggressiveness in some types of cancer." 

This blood vessel link was found through the use of mice and kidney cancer. By exposing the mice to various levels of oxygen, they found that tumor-based blood vessels were more likely to form and expand, growing the tumor overall. Whereas, in those who received steady oxygen flow (and in higher levels), the same was not true of the affected blood vessels. 

However, facts are still in the works. While this correlation certainly seems disheartening in theory, there is plenty to be learned and addressed between sleep apnea and it's ongoing side effects. They also pointed out that more links need to be made – and a varied test model – before the data is applicable to humans. Including looking for exceptions in particular, the researchers said. 

Instead, the current facts that were obtained from mice can be used to find more information, as well as how to better study sleep apnea as a whole and how it might affect any type of body.

To learn more about sleep apnea and how it can affect your health outside of sleep, talk with your doctor. Then be sure to check back in for more sleep-related news.

[DailyFreePress.com]

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Contour's Pillow vs. a Regular Pillow – What's the Difference?

Let's face it, there are a ton of pillows out there – those that come in all shapes and sizes. All levels of firm-ness, and virtually any type of customization one could want. If there's an idea for it, it's likely there's a corresponding pillow that's made that idea a reality. But what are the real differences in each of these pillows? 

First, let's look at composition. Like with any product, low-cost items will be made with lower-cost goods; pillows offer a similar scenario. The hard part comes in dealing with items of higher value. Rather than just looking at price, see what each pillow is made from, and how that material might add sleeping perks. Is it hypoallergenic? Those with severe side effects will benefit from pillows that don't breed triggers. Is the pillow made from foam that won't wear? Will it continue to support night after night? Does it offer a single type of foam? Or multiple layers? 

Contour Living pillows are made with durable memory foam, and many pillows come with layers that are made to cradle and support for the long haul. 

Next, consider shape. Most pillows offer a static rectangle setup that can be fluffed and molded at your convenience. And, so long as it's made of supportive fillings (check the above), this can be a spine/neck-healthy way to go. Other pillows come in a form that's best designed for alignment. Be sure to read about your model, no matter what shape it's in, before purchasing. 

Additional factors, such as warranties, product guarantees, as well as company policies, return shipping (if applicable), and customer service should also be taken into consideration when comparing pillows. Before you buy, you want to make sure you'll be taken care of, and won't be left high and dry once your product comes in. 

In fact, that's why so many customers shop Contour Living time and again, great service that is now mirrored with our 90-day Comfort Guarantee policy. Love it or return it on qualifying items, no questions asked. 

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Learn How to Get Better Rest with Sleep Innovations

As partners in the good-night’s-sleep community, we’re out to educate the public on anything and everything associated with rest. In fact, it excites us. That includes products that will help them become more comfortable, to healthier resting habits, and more. One our latest projects combines all of the above. 

With Sleep Innovations, a unique combination of articles – and the help of Media Planet – readers can gain the information they need to get better rest. And because Media Planet focuses on advocacy and research in natural healthcare advances, readers can rest assured they’re gaining access to innovative and cutting-edge materials. 

There’s even a section with Arianna Huffington, who discusses the importance of rest, as well as the moment she realized just how precious good sleep can be. By hearing from experts and understanding general opinion, in one easy-to-read place, those of all backgrounds and situations can gain a better scope of public opinion. For instance, what’s normal when you’re trying to rest, and what might be cause for alarm. As well as what steps to take in order to improve one’s sleeping patterns. Maybe even all of the above. 

Products, educational programs, and more are also shared within the publication. The website even tackles additional health issues, such as bone strength, lymphoma, what causes kids to snore (and why it might be unhealthy), and more. With this well-rounded approach, readers can gain access to health conditions that encompass their sleeping habits (and what might affect them), as well as those that are beyond those nighttime resting patterns.

An all-over approach to getting educated about the human body and all of its intricate parts. 

To learn more about what Sleep Innovations has to offer, or to start reading your way to better health today, head to FutureofPersonalHealth.com. 

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4 Foods to Reduce Muscle Soreness

Because the body is a complication of functions, there are several pieces holding us together. From every angle. From the bones that support our weight, to the organs that help us breathe and pump blood, to the muscles allowing us to move, there are hundreds of parts all working as a team. Which means that, when pain or soreness occurs, the nerves aren’t always to blame. And oftentimes, it’s the very muscles they help support instead.

Whether you’re coming in from a long run or lifted that dining room chair wrong, remember these super foods to help build and repair muscles.

4. Carbs

After a workout or strenuous use of the muscles, remember to load up on carbohydrates. While it’s important for the active to consume before working out, stocking up during rebuilding sessions is just as important. And if bread just isn’t your thing, consider pasta or carb-heavy alternatives instead.

3. Antioxidants 

Nothing quite clears out the muscles like antioxidants. Be sure to get in a good helping to keep your body clear of toxins that can cause pain. Look to natural juices (cheery is a number one antioxidant blaster), ginger, or turmeric.

2. Small, Frequent Meals 

Rather than over-stuffing, which can prevent digestion and future movement, consider small meals throughout the day. By pacing the body, you can allow it to better heal itself without focusing too heavily on food processing. Healthy options are best here as well, such as fruit, protein bars, and greens.

Keep bars on hand as well for healthy snacking while on the go.

1. Protein Drinks

If working out, a protein drink can help start the recovery process almost immediately. Which is also a great choice for when you don’t feel like eating (post-runs or work out sessions). If sore from lifting, however, these drinks are simply a quicker way to replenish the body with the nutrients it needs.

Consider a liquid breakfast (generally the easiest meal to “skip”) or snack as soon as your muscles start showing signs of soreness.

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Improve your Posture With This Expensive Shirt

We all know that good posture promotes good health. Whether you’ve read a Contour blog on the subject, did personal research, or just know your body tends to function correctly when you sit up straight. Proper spinal posture, whether we are aware of how we’re sitting/standing or not, helps the body on a daily basis. But even with this information in tow, it can be difficult to keep the spine in its preferred and upright position at all times. Just short of a nagging mother or a teacher slapping a ruler in our direction at all hours, constant good posture is almost impossible.

While we can catch ourselves when necessary, a new invention brings a new, more constant solution. One that keeps our backs in place even when we aren’t paying attention. The invention, a specially made garment called the Up shirt, comes with specially-placed elastic bands that makes it easier for wearers to adjust shoulders toward good posture. Devices that perform similar functions can be purchased and strapped to the back and arms. The Up shirt’s manufacturers argue, however, that such devices are uncomfortable and can’t be discretely worn in public. In contrast, the shirt’s posture abilities go unnoticed as they’re built right into the material. It can even be worn under outer layers for those who still want to sport their own sense of style.

So what’s the catch? The shirt costs $175-$200 – a lot of dough for one shirt. And assuming you don’t want to wear the same garment every day, the price tag goes up considerably. Part of the costs come from high-quality ingredients, such as organic cotton and specialized elastic bands, which are made to withstand washes and multiple wears.

Though it seems like a hefty price for a shirt, it’s also fairly cheap on the span of spinal health treatments.

Find more about the Up shirt here.

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Hunchbacks in Pop Culture – Our Favorite Back Health Sufferers

Traditionally in society, the presence of a hunched-over back is a sign of bad health, or even alienation from the rest of the population. Cartoons used the condition as a way to show true character, live-action films offered it to create fear, and ever since, viewers have looked down upon those with irregular backs. However, bad rap aside, hunchbacks have grown into one of pop culture’s most-loved characters. Whether they had to overcome a stereotype or learn to accept themselves – abnormal features and all – here are some of our favorite spinally challenged roles.

The Beast

A title character from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” this character comes with a curved back, among other ailments (such as claws, more fur than he knows what to do with, etc.). Though the “hunch” likely comes from his transformation into an animal-like being, it’s a feature that comes to define his character, and which is ultimately overcome.

Lumpy Addams

Unfortunate name aside, Lump Addams, a cousin to the Addams family, is a key player in the series. He is the brother of fan favorite Cousin Itt, and child of Anemia and That. Though he rarely speaks, Lumpy makes appearances in both the 1991 and 1993 movie versions of the franchise.

Quasimodo

Perhaps pop culture’s most famous hunchback, Quasimodo of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” starts the film as a kind, unloved character. Though he’s regularly told his condition is a point of shame, he and others grow to accept his differences, realizing that his loving nature more than makes up for any physical changes.

Manthara

A main player in the Hindu epic, Ramayana, Manthara works as a loyal servant. In this story, however, her condition is likely a direct reflection of personality, as she uses cunning conversation and eavesdropping to alter events. The behavior eventually catches up with her, when she is nearly killed by those who she wronged – though many readers still admire her ability to overturn the main storyline’s events.

Through stories and portrayals, hunchbacks have long since been a staple in pop culture. And though the condition continues to affect the human population, hopefully it’s only a matter of time before the illness is considered a virtue of character – rather than a medium on which to condemn.

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10 Strange Facts About Back Health

From lifting with the back to finding new ways to prevent lumbar-induced pain, there are thousands of articles available on back health. In all these educational or preventative posts, however, few look to the strange-ness that can occur. Stats on freak accidents, average dollars spent on treatments, and more all contribute to the nation’s back health movement each and every day.

Here’s a compilation of some of the weirdest ones to date.

10. According to healthcare analysts, an upwards of 80% of the population will experience back issues throughout their lifetime.

9. United States citizens spend more than $50 million in back-related expenses each year – and that’s only the stats that are easy to identify.

8. Think you’re shorter in the afternoon than the evening? The body “settles,” leaving humans 1 cm shorter by the end of the day.

7. Lower back pain is the highest listed cause of disability throughout the world.

6. Think the backbones or spines are complicated? One quarter of your bones are located in the feet.

5. It takes 200 muscles to take one step – no wonder ongoing pain hurts with every movement!

4. Back pain is one of the biggest reasons for missing work – and the second-highest cause for doctor visits. (Behind only colds and/or respiratory issues.)

3. It takes twice as long to lose new muscle mass than it does to gain it – all the more reason to stretch and keep bodies flexible on a regular basis. (Muscle builds fast, don’t let those efforts go to waste!)

2. Stretch the back for added strength – the strongest muscle in the body is the tongue, beating out arms, legs, and the rear.

1. The majority of back pains were not triggered by a condition, such as arthritis, cancer, broken bones, etc. Rather, organic issues are blamed for these ongoing bouts of pains.

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