Mattress Care Practices to Help Improve Your Health

It's common knowledge to flip one's mattress every few years. To keep clean sheets and replace the pillows once they've gone flat. Most of which are to help implement cleanliness and comfort. But what about steps that can also improve health? By being aware of certain mattress care tricks, you can work to keep your body both cozy and working properly.

Tips like:

Cleaning the Mattress

Or securing it in a hypoallergenic cover. You'd be surprised how much dust can build up over time, and a deep steam cleaning can keep your sleeping surface clean. Ideally, this is done professionally, and every other year (if not every year). It's a step that can remove germs as well as allergens (think of all the times you were sick, a pet slept in your bed). When left unclean, you're breathing in these microbes every night during sleep – yuck!

Turning the Bed

You might flip your mattress in order to help offset weight, but do you turn it, too? Get even wear by ensuring both sides of the bed are gaining equal use, and one section isn't becoming too quickly worn. And for those who have one-sided mattresses, turning is especially important. Plan this easy fix for every six months. 

Upgrading Your Mattress Pad

There are all levels of mattress pads available. For some, it's just a thin buffer between the sheets, and for others, it's an entire layer of cushion. No matter your comfort preferences, look for a version that will help protect your bed. A pad that locks out germs or liquids (ideal for small children or anyone who takes a beverage into bed), or is hypoallergenic. Meaning keeps germs or allergy triggers from embedding deep into your mattress.

These and weekly laundry routines can all help you sleep healthier at night. Working toward a longer term, clean sleeping environment. 

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Utilize the Apple Watch for Better Health

With the announcement of its new Apple Watch, the computer and tech company gave the public new hope. With the promise of a product that’s out to make fitness, communication, time efficiency, and more, easier. From a single and wearable device. And while it’s not the first smartwatch on the market, it’s one that’s compatible with all of one’s Apple products. While providing some unique features. For instance, the ability to send your heartbeat to friends, along with personalized sketches.

But perhaps the most exciting feature is its fitness tracker. The Apple Watch notes all of your movement throughout the day, and then categorizes it into standing, moving, and exercise sections. Then, the watch charts those portions in one, simple to read format (circles with different colors so it’s easy to keep track of what’s what). By keeping each chart side-by-side, however, wearers are able to see just how much of their time is spent doing which form of movement (or lack thereof), and then allows them to adjust accordingly. Over time, you can even use these numbers to work toward a more efficient routine each and every day.

The downside, however, comes in cost. For those who are perfectly happy with a cheaper watch, it’s a serious upgrade (you may even want to look to more budget-friendly smartwatch models, or a fitness tracker that doesn’t include a timepiece). It also has outside features not everyone will utilize, for instance, wrist-ready communication. But for those who are all about Apple, or who want to make a serious investment in their fitness upgrades, this upcoming device just may be the way to go. 

Check out the Apple page to gain more info, or head to this link about smartwatch alternatives to find a model that meets every lifestyle, and every budget. 

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The Health Benefits of Acupuncture

When it comes to dealing with pain, almost everyone has his or her own method of healing. Some look to painkillers, others stretch and exercise, or adjust their diet. And some consider natural home remedies instead. Whether a practice that was passed down for generations or a new-fangled method they read in a magazine, they have a natural cure that seems to work better than all the rest. Even if just based on personal preference.

One such practice is that of acupuncture, which is free from chemicals or medicines of any kind. It’s performed – by a trained professional – who places small needles into the skin. These needles then reach various pressure points, reducing pain and stress. And while some can’t get passed the whole idea of needles being poked into their skin, each needle is small and very sharp, so as to cause minimal pain.

What Acupuncture Can Do for the Body

While it might sound a tad outside the box, there are also plenty of positives that it brings. Within a single session one can reduce their back pain, sooth indigestion, and help keep regular headaches at bay. Additionally, the practice can work to improve your medicine’s effectiveness (for those on regular dosages) and decrease the side effects of radiation treatments. But perhaps most impressively, acupuncture can help cure obesity. Those who are significantly over weight can benefit from regular treatments, even allowing their bodies to naturally shed weight while increasing circulation. Over time, it’s shows that obesity can be greatly reduced – or minimized – just through acupuncture. [Prevention]

Getting Started

To receive these ongoing benefits, consider scheduling your own acupuncture appointment. Talk to your local salon about what sessions they have to offer. Or, talk with your doctor about what acupuncture treatments can do for your body and its ongoing health regimen. 

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Research Links Snoring and Weight Gain

Have you ever stopped to consider the sleeping side effects that come from snoring? The excess noise might keep you up (or your significant other), and might cause the occasional dry throat. Especially when spring allergies are clogging up the breathing process even more than normal. But did you know that snoring at night can also affect your day? New research shows that regular snorers are more likely to experience weight gain, especially over long periods of time.

Because snoring means interrupted sleep, it means you are losing rest every time that you gurgle or snort. Even if you don’t completely wake up, there is coughing or irregular breathing patterns that take away from the body’s ability to sleep. Or in other words, snoring = less sleep, whether or not you realize it. While this is likely to leave you drained and tired the next day, it’s actually not the worst side effect. A lack of sleep can mean inactivity and weight gain during one’s waking hours. Being tired can leave us lethargic, hungry, and unwilling to get in necessary exercise. And, over time, this can mean excessive amounts of weight gain, paired with dwindling levels of energy and growing levels of tiredness. An all around negative outcome. 

How to Eliminate Snoring

Thankfully, snoring is one sleeping issue that’s easy to cure. If you’re a sometimes snorer, look to variables that may cause sleep. Some of the most common snoring triggers include alcohol before bed, cold symptoms (whether from sickness or allergies), and sleeping position. By adjusting these simple aspects, you can work to eliminate snoring and wave off the extra pounds (stemmed through wakefulness) simply from how you sleep.

If your snoring is more stubborn, however, you may need to look into additional cures, such as nasal strips or CPAP machines, which regulate your air while you sleep. By providing a steady stream of airflow, you’re able to stay in a deep sleep rather than waking from a cough or sudden gasp for air. 

No matter the severity of your snoring, remember that getting it under control can help you shed excess pounds. Diagnose your snoring cause today for more restful nights of sleephttp://www.contourliving.com/deluxe-cpapmax-comfort-kit/. 

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Derriere Exercises to Improve Everyday Stance

Out of all the daily exercises you can do, how many focus strictly on the rear? You know – your backside, your behind, the thing you sit on every day, and the very same body part that help keeps you upright. How often do you exercise this very important section? After all, it is the body’s largest muscle – yet rarely gets the toning attention it needs to perform properly. 

With just a few daily stretches or exercise (or bi-weekly, etc.), you can be well on your way to a better-formed backside. And better formed means stronger, firmer, and offering proper posture even in a relaxed state.

To up your glute’s health, remember the following.

Squat your Way to A More Defined Tush

Also great for the legs, squatting helps work the butt from top to bottom. Perform a few sets of squats with each work out to get the maximum about of rear-focused exercise. 

Lunges Stretch the Rump

Lunging on a regular basis can work to stretch and define the tail into a slick area of definition. Considering stretching – especially in the seat – has been proven to increase blood flow and allow for a stronger resting posture, this is a great option for everyday movement.

Bonus: Both of the above can be performed in the office or in-between TV breaks. Because they’re low-impact, use these stretches to get the blood flowing after sitting for long periods of time.

Stepping to a Stronger Posterior

Calves and backends alike can celebrate with ongoing step-ups. Take the stairs or a few bouts up and down the stairs to create a well-rounded workout routine.

Kickbacks Lead to a Stronger Fanny

Perhaps the most unorthodox of them all, kickbacks are performed by crouching on one’s elbows and knees, then literally kicking the leg back. Add variations and angles to work different glute muscles, or stick to what your body feels comfortable with. No matter your kickback regimen, it can add a great deal of strength and control to your bottom-toning routine. 

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Need an Excuse to Sleep Better? Check out These Funny YouTube Videos

The term “sleeping around” has long since had a sexual connotation. When taken in the more literal sense, however, sleeping around can simply mean sleeping – actually sleeping – in several places other than one’s bed. This can mean falling asleep in school, in the car (hopefully not while driving), in one’s sitting chair, or anywhere else where nodding off isn’t exactly comfortable. Sure, in some of these instances naps are taken on purpose, but when you’re too tired to stay awake in everyday situations, this can become a problem. One known as impromptu sleeping around.

Firm believers in the art of gaining a good night’s sleep, there is now an entire YouTube channel dedicated to this cause. Combined with its entertaining videos, Stop Sleeping Around allows viewers to learn about better sleep while laughing at those who aren’t. Or rather, laughing with them. In each short, someone is falling asleep while said fall or slow drift, is caught by a sleuth-y cameraman. For instance, a teacher falling out of her chair in the middle of class, or an unsuspecting guest diving headfirst into their dinner plate.

Like this one:


Whether using these videos for entertainment or for inspiration to get better sleep, they’re a great example as to what can happen when one doesn’t properly rest. Recharging is one of the body’s most important functions, and depriving it for too long can lead to more problems than just a sudden bout of sleep. But, by taking steps toward regular rest, you can easily keep health functions at their highest while avoiding an embarrassing sleep display in public.

To learn more about getting a better night of sleep at night or to tune into Stop Sleeping Around’s videos, head to their YouTube channel.

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What Rear Health Can Do for Your Posture

Since the dawn of the short short, the video workout, and basketball uniforms from the 80s, society has been heavily focused on rears. Working it out, tightening it up, and singing song about who wears what types of bottoms (Who wears short shorts?) – all has been on the mind of American culture. And while keeping a firm bum can never exactly hurt one’s figure, there’s plenty more the back end has to offer. Just by sitting properly on one’s backside, simple posture and blood flow functions can be improved. Behind, buttocks, one’s best feature – whatever you choose to call it – can actually have a great deal of sway toward health.

The derriere is where you sit, the mid-point as to how you stand, and it hosts more cushion than any other part of the body. So, firm or not, it’s important to keep it in good health. But aside from society’s definition, a healthy rump simply means a proper place to sit; staying seated should not be painful. You should also be able to sit with even weight on both cheeks so that the spine is properly aligned and held into place. This will increase blood flow, reduce tensions and pains, and create a more bodily friendly sitting posture. Healthy fundament muscles also reduces lower back pain and reduces the amount of effort it takes to walk.

Additionally, pants should fit comfortably; jeans that are too tight can cut off circulation, actually lowering the effects of proper posture. Through proper weight displacement and with plenty of breathing room, you can easily reduce those nasty slouching habits and work toward creating a healthier hindquarters.

Whether you’re proud of your fanny, hide your glute under layers of clothing, or are indifferent toward your haunches, a properly functioning posterior can offer great health benefits. [So Confident]

Start giving your behind the attention it deserves for an easy wellness boost.  

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Natural Ways to Encourage Sleep

Getting a good night’s rest can completely change the course of your day. Because you feel rested rather than groggy, you’re able to get an earlier start, have more energy, and begin the day with gusto. When sleep doesn’t come, however, that same energetic morning start is practically impossible.

So how do you get to sleep when it won’t happen naturally? Medications can be too strong and leave you groggier than you were tired, and counting sheep becomes boring while offering little results. But what if there were natural, effective methods to follow? Ones that could train the body to know when it’s time to get to sleep each night?

Better Sleep From Daily Habits
By following healthier practices as a rule, studies have shown folks get more sleep on a regular basis. Even those that tossed and turned before. This means healthier meals and regular movement, each of which offers their own contribution to nighttime rituals. Healthier meals means the body isn’t straining to digest heavy foods, which can cause pains or other uncomfortable functions when trying to sleep. As for exercise, this helps stretch and work the muscles, also tiring them out for the night.

Other natural factors include eating several hours before bedtime (so that foods have plenty of time to settle), and going to sleep at the same time each night. Obviously some exceptions have to be made, but when winding down around the same time each day, the body naturally learns when it’s time to sleep. This eliminates the fight that can occur when you’re tired, but the rest of you doesn’t quite agree. [NPR]

From improving eating and movement routines, as well as scheduling out a clear bedtime, one’s sleep can be greatly improved. Consider these minor, yet effective, changes to get a better night of rest.  Take care of your back and body during sleep with these products from Contour Living

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Improve Overall Health with Arch Supports

It’s no new discovery that taking care of one portion of the body radiates out onto others. Reducing neck stress gets rid of headaches, eating healthy offers better circulation, and so on. The same can be said for foot health, which has the ability to spread into all other areas of the body. Back pains can be cured, muscle tension eliminated, and all while the feet themselves are getting the care they deserve.

One such aspect of foot health is the addition of arch supports into one’s shoes. Made to provide extra comfort right where it’s needed most, arch supports are an easy, cost effective add-on to any pair of shoes. Many can even be moved from shoe to shoe so users only need a single pair.

But what do these shoe accessories have to offer?

When the arch of the foot lacks support – meaning it “steps” without hitting a shoe or floor surface – weight is displaced unevenly. Over time, this can break down the foot, causing pain, swelling, and an improper use of tendons. Because there isn’t proper alignment, the feet simply can’t walk as they were supposed to. This is especially true for those with high arches – the higher the arch, the larger portion of the foot that can’t hold weight when walking.

With the simple addition of arch supports, however, that natural weight balance is restored. Feet can again walk evenly, while weight and movement is displaced in a comfortable ratio. Considering they only cost a few dollars, it’s a smart investment toward improving foot (and overall body) health with each step you take.

Whether or not you experience regular foot or arch pains, it’s a good idea to look to this simple medical solution to prevent any future walking-based ailments.

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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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4 Ways Stress Increases Muscle Pains

Having a stressful day is never fun – on any level – but according to some new research, it could also come with pain. Adding to any chances in mood, personality, or looming deadlines, stress can be literally painful. This is perhaps most seen in the muscles, especially in areas with ongoing injuries or recurring aches. However, each person can also experience these pains in a different format.

From tension to endorphins, here are the top five ways in which stress can trigger muscle pains.

4. Stress affects posture

Dealing with stressful situations can cause you to hunch over or perform jerky movements. This means the spine isn’t able to relax, interrupting circulation and everyday tension relief.

3. Emotions block vital energy

When in proper working order, the blood and other fluids flow freely throughout the body, increasing circulation and pain-relief efficiency. However, when stressed, emotions as a block, stopping important fluids from making their way.

2. Adrenaline is on short supply

It’s natural for adrenaline glands to produce endorphins that increase moods and decrease pains. But when stress happens, these glands are blocked, greatly reducing the amount of good-feeling substances available. This means ongoing stress has a direct affect on back or other recurring pains.

1. The body (and mind) can’t relax

Stress means you aren’t able to completely relax – this causes both the body and mind to be on edge. Without this much-needed relaxing time, muscles are tense, and don’t get the ability to rest and rejuvenate.

When it comes to stress, there are several triggers that can cause additional body pain. While some can manifest within the specific body parts (such as the back), other aches simply take place wherever the body is most vulnerable. To help avoid these stress-induced pains, look for less stressful situations – and the ability to fully relax – as an everyday rule.

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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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The Best Sleeping Positions for a Bad Back

When crawling into bed each night, sometimes the worst positions are just the most comfortable. We sleep on our sides, our stomachs, and flop arms into odd angles. Those sleeping positions, however, just may contribute to back pain throughout the day. By stretching the muscles awkwardly or putting weight on the wrong areas, tings can occur several hours later.

To not only avoid pain-causing positions, but to help your back while sleeping, try these three back-friendly set ups. (Even Dr. Oz agrees.)

The Soldier

When achieving “the soldier,” a sleeper must lay on their back through the entire night. Look for a supportive mattress that will hold the rear, spine, and legs in place while achieving this pain-free night of rest.

Note: The soldier should be avoided by those with sleep apnea, as gravity allows the throat to become blocked, which is dangerous for those with difficult nighttime breathing. Back sleeping can also increase one’s chances of snoring throughout the night.

Sleeping Beauty

Graceful as it may sound, the “sleeping beauty” pose offers hard-hitting results against spinal pressure. Lay on your side with the back slightly curved, knees bent, and the arms crossed. Add a pillow between the knees to offer added hip support, or leave as is to achieve a restful position.

This is also considered one of the only side-effect-free ways to sleep – causing no outside pains or snoring tendencies.

Dead Man’s Float

Stomach down and head cocked to the side, the “dead man’s float” offers a position that any frontal sleeper can enjoy. Arms under the pillow can also work to prop the head and offer upper limb comfort.

Over time, this can cause neck twinges, which may or may not manifest in recurring pain. To avoid these side effects, do without the pillow or find another place for the arms. Another pillow under the hips will also prop the lower end of the body, evening out one’s levels. [Dr. Oz]

To gain a healthy night’s sleep, remember to look toward these back-friendly positions during all hours of the night.

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The Best Chairs to Reduce Coccyx Pain

From reducing pressure to offering as much cushion as possible, there are several types of chairs that reduce tailbone pain. Each is designed to adjust the way you sit so weight is distributed more evenly, and doesn’t rest solely on the coccyx area. Check out these recommended chairs that offer the maximum levels of lower back relief.

Kneeling Chairs

Whether makeshift stool or actual chair, these versions place the weight on the legs and knees rather than the rear. “Sit” on this specialty-made incline to alleviate pressure where it can cause the most pain. Most are adjustable and come with ample knee padding.

Stools

With a number of available sizes and makes, these canvas-covered stools are made to fit any size. Perch on the edge to avoid tailbone pressure, or sink into the tripod model to maximize weightlessness.

Director’s Chairs

Made to sag, the director’s chair is great for all levels of coccyx pain. Find a traditional model, or a lowered version (such as a lawn chair or office version) for a gentle sitting option, no matter where you’re headed.

Medicine Ball

Because it’s inflatable and “gives,” a medicine ball is a great option to help combat tailbone pain. Adjust your posture as you go, and roll the ball to find a comfortable lower back position.

Zero Gravity Chairs

Though this option may be hard to use at a desk, it’s great for relaxing after a long day of back pain. Use it to remove the strain and pull from the lower back, which is a direct cause of coccyx inflammation.

The Toilet

Believe it or not, coccyx sufferers agree that the toilet is one of the most comfortable places to sit. The cutout middle provides relief exactly where it’s needed most. Consider taking an extra rest in the bathroom, or as some have done, find a new model solely for sitting purposes.

To learn more about your sitting options, head to Coccyx.org.

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The Hazards of Wearing High Heels

High-heeled shoes of all shapes and heights can cause ongoing damage to the body. Depending on frequency and length of wear, these side effects can vary from minor pain to irreversible damage. Before strapping on those stylish shoes this holiday season, consider the specifics as to what’s taking place with each step.

Calf Muscles Can Shorten

Over time, the calf muscles can shrink and shorten due to improper usage. When wearing high heels, the rear of the foot is elevated, using less of this important muscle with each step.

Shortened Achilles Tendon

Also in danger of minimizing in length is the Achilles tendon. When walking on an angle vs. flat-footed, the tendon becomes compromised and is used in an unsafe position.

Knee Pain

When wearing high heels, thigh muscles are made to work harder, which means more impact on the knee (knee cap pressure alone increases by 26%). Over time this leads to aches or injuries.

Bad Posture

Because of the way one’s weight is displaced in high heels, the rest of the body’s posture suffers. The stomach is pushed forward (as well as the chest), the rear is pushed back, tilting the lower back, and knees and ankles are bent at awkward ankles, while the toes take the brunt of the weight. This is a recipe for pain and poor circulation in all areas of the body.

Ankle Sprain

Without proper footing, ankle sprains are far more likely to take place. In heightened shoes, wearers are more likely to lose balance, slip, or misstep, which can often cause ankle injuries.

Weight Displacement

Feet were made to hold one’s weight evenly, not all on the ball or toes. And the higher the heel, the more pressure that’s put onto the front of the feet. This can cause corns, shortening of toes, hammertoes, bunions, and a number of other pain-inducing issues. [Consumer Healthcare]

Holiday or not, avoiding high heels on a regular basis can help you to avoid these unfortunate health issues. Stick to flats for comfort, and for your health.

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4 Places to Avoid Falling Asleep This Thanksgiving

With a fully belly and a warm house, nothing sounds better than a nice afternoon nap. (This comes after mounting research that turkey causes sleepiness.) Whether a short catnap or lasting for hours on end, this post-dinner pick-me-up is just what eaters need to keep them going post dessert. However, before you curl up on the couch this coming Thursday, consider your other, more back-friendly options.

To avoid a backache this Thanksgiving – along with your bellyache – avoid falling asleep in these common napping locations.

4. The Recliner

Though comfy for sitting short-term, sleeping too long in this lazy-L position can cause lower back pain. Look for a sturdier lumbar placement for a power nap that doesn’t drain spinal support.

3. The Kitchen Table

When full, sometimes it’s just too difficult to stand up and move to a cozier location. Whether slouching in your dinner chair or bent over on the table, this position could cause serious repercussions to your mid-back, neck, and circulation. For the sake of staying pain-free, move to a new area before letting the turkey settle.

2. A Sagging Couch

When visiting Grandma or Great Aunt Nell, the draw to that classic family couch can grow strong. However, a sinking center means no support and little cushion for the areas that need it most. While these retro couches can be great for checking the latest football scores, try and stay awake and seated upright.

1. The Floor

The floor can be a truly awful place to take a snooze – after all it’s hard, unforgiving, and offers zero cushioning. Though stretching out may feel great after a big meal, look for the help of a leg, neck, or lower back pillow to help ease the blow of the hardened floor.

This Thanksgiving, a nap may be a well-earned necessity. However, remember to opt for comfortable, supportive locations to keep your spine in prime working order.

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Tips for Mattress Removal/Recycling

When opting for a new mattress set, one of the hardest parts is getting rid of the old model. There may be an empty storage room down the hall, or a room in need of a guest sleeping option – but what about houses that are already up to its rafters in beds? Or what about older past-their-prime beds that just need to be pitched? From selling, to recycling, there can be several ways to make easy departure of your old friend.

The next time you decide to buy, follow this simple guide for keeping your home to the optimal mattress ratio.

Have it Hauled Away

More often than not, the furniture store will have your old model hauled away for free. Ask when shopping for the new bed, which can sweeten the pot without upping the price. Be sure to remove sheets and clear any personal items from the delivery path to ensure a quick and easy transfer.

However, if it’s not offered free of charge, you can always pay for pick up, or take your mattress to the dump (which will cost you a few dollars as well).

Sell your Old Bed

For newer models that still have several years to live, recoup some of your money with a sale. Host a garage sale, spread the word to friends, or take out an ad in the paper or online. This likely won’t pay the bill in full, but is a nice way to offset some of the sticker shock of a brand new bed.

Recycle It

Depending on the size of your city, there may be available options to recycle or repurpose your old mattress. Check city websites, local charities, recycling plants or host a Craigslist ad in the “free” section. You just may find and an artist or creative type looking for old mattresses. (Be honest about the condition so others can decide whether its worthy for sleeping or if it’s recycle-able material.)

No matter what the future holds for your bed, there are plenty of safe, environmentally safe options to explore. Consider each for a painless way to free up your bedroom floor.

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Can Too Much Sugar Affect Everyday Pains?

Whether you’re stocking up on Halloween goodies or just have an everyday sweet tooth, there’s no denying that too much sugar is bad for one’s health. A fact that dentists have been proclaiming for years, others are also beginning realizing the harsh dangers of sugar-based meals.

But what exactly can too much sugar do?

In extreme cases, patients can develop a life-long condition, such as obesity or diabetes. Both come with their own long-term problems. For instance obesity can make movement harder and takes a toll on one’s posture and circulation, while diabetes affects diet, wellness, and requires proper foot care. While both of these are worst case scenarios (from eating too much candy, anyway), they’re some of the biggest issues to look out for. Those with family history should be on extra high alert, as they’re the most susceptible to the disease’s grasp.

Other Side Effects of Sugar

High sugar intakes have also been shown to increase acne, one’s risk of depression, and even cause folks to become “addicted” to the substance. Much like salt, the more sugar that’s consumed, the more a body craves its sweetness. Obviously this is a recipe for disaster, especially considering all the negative side effects it can bring.

As for everyday pains, these uncomfortable bouts can be increased by poor circulation and digestion – both of which can arise from heavy sugar ingestion. When repeated over time – such as someone taking in multiple sodas or pieces of candy each day – their circulation and digestion will see a direct hit. This could lead to stomach pains, cold appendages, or increased aches in the back, legs, and arms, as they aren’t getting regular blood flow. [Fitbie]

While some sugar is deemed ok (especially if it’s real sugar and not a sweetener substitute), it’s best when not eaten excessively. Keep the sweets at a minimum to avoid pains and other health problems that the substance can trigger.

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How Much Damage Can High Heels Really Cause?

It’s no secret that wearing high heels for hours on end is less than comfortable. While they may look nice, the shoes leave feet pinched and prodded into their unnatural shapes. They then cause feet to ache, toes to cramp, and begin shooting some of those pains upwards into the legs and lower back. Perhaps even affecting posture.

And all in the name of beauty.

Of course, there are now “orthopedic” versions of heels – or at the very least, more expensive models that come with cushioning and extra support. But when the foot is resting at such an awkward angle – and then walked on – how comfortable can it really be? Not to mention the level of damage it’s causing in its wake.

Much depends on how long the wearer has been sporting her heels – for the span of the day or life. But according to some recent research, the ongoing damage could just be irreversible.

Foot Scan in High Heel

By scanning a foot still wearing a high heel, specialists were able to see just what shape the foot takes on. They found that the ball is pressed flat with the toes, which also supports the majority of the weight. The rest of the foot sits at an extreme incline, until reaching the heel, which hosts some weight, but still on a slant. The specialists also said that individual tests should be done to show just how much damage each woman has sustained. [ABC News]

Whether contained to stress within the foot, or having affected the legs and back, it’s clear that improper weight placement can cause ongoing pain and damage.

To lessen the effects, doctors say women should stick to flats. However, if heels are a must, wedge and platform versions provide more mid-foot support.

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Sore Muscles? Try Trigger Point Therapy

When suffering from a sore muscle, there are few tasks worth performing. Even those that are necessary. Depending on where the affected area may be, it can be painful to twist, turn, move one’s head, or make even the slightest movement. When rare or taking place after a specific injury, this becomes much easier to swallow. But when waking up with ongoing pains, everyday tasks are difficult, if not downright impossible, to complete.

One of the easiest ways to find some relief comes from exercise treatment or specialized therapies, which actually work to heal each area rather than mask its symptoms. By working on an area from the inside out, the suffering can not only be reduced, but leave an area healthier in the process. One such form of therapy does just that. By placing specific pressure on a “trigger point” – a muscle that causes pain – the area can relax and heal.

Generally, the therapy is performed by a trained masseur and takes place over several appointments. The masseur presses (firmly, depending on the level of pain) on the injured area, and then removes all weight, acting as a pressure and release routine. Over time, the muscle is able to relax, loosen (allowing the patient to feel less pain), and reconstruct itself.

Trigger point therapy also works with timed breathing cycles and various pain assessments to determine exactly which area of the body is the “trigger”. Though it’s considered less relaxing than a traditional massage – as the receiver actively participates through responses – this therapy is meant to heal rather than to pamper. Patients regularly report positive results, and some said they also received alternate massage treatments to help relax the rest of the body. [TPTherapy]

And with any type of massage, heavy hydration before and after is recommended. By consuming plenty of water, the body can flush out any unnecessary toxins, which help to advance the affects of the treatment.

Talk to your masseur or local parlor/salon to find out more.

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