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.
Millions of Americans suffer from restless, uncomfortable sleep. Poor body support during the night may be the cause of the problem. Aligning your body in a natural way can minimize tossing and turning, relieve aches and pains and alleviate morning stiffness. This in turn can help you feel better all day.
Dr. Scott Donkin, (an ergonomics specialist who has created an educational pamphlet series including Sleeping Fit and author of "Sitting On The Job,") states that the importance of leg support at night is often overlooked. "Stress and discomfort often result from the upper leg and knee being unsupported during side sleeping. The sleeper instinctively shifts the upper knee forward, causing the hips and spine to rotate, putting a twisting force on the lower back. This often leads to low back pain at night and can aggravate an existing condition.
"The solution is to place a leg pillow between your lower thighs. This keeps the upper legs even, eliminating pressure on the knees and drastically reducing the tendency to twist the hips. Maintaining a comfortable open side posture helps keep your spine in a natural, relaxed position for a great night's sleep."
"Sleeping with better alignment is easy and affordable if you know what can help," says Scott Davis, CEO of Contour Living, a leading U.S. ergonomic sleep and comfort company. "Consumers are beginning to recognize the effectiveness of sleep support and alignment products as a natural means for getting good rest and minimizing aches and pains."
Here are some tips to help you properly align your body for restful sleep:
• The National Institutes of Health recommends sleeping with a pillow between your legs as a treatment for low back pain.
• Head pillows should be shaped to support the curve of your cervical spine.
• Leg pillows should fit the shape of your legs to comfortably stay put at night. (Try the Contour Leg Pillow)
• Look for mattress pads that support the curve of your lumbar spine, rather than just a flat piece of foam.
• The two most important features to consider when choosing body alignment products are shape and material. Memory foam best relieves pressure points, while fiberfill offers a softer feel and more ventilation.
Proper support is important for good sleep. Using a leg pillow like this one from Contour Living is an easy, low-cost way to help relieve back, hip and leg aches at night
Contour Products is the brand leader in sleep and support comfort products. We design, manufacture and sell support foam pillows, mattress toppers, memory foam mattresses, back support products and more Visit our Contour Living online store today!
