The original TV commercial for the Freedom Back lumbar support pad is available on You Tube. See for yourself how this pad supports your entire back, with emphasis on the lumbar area, and can turn any chair into an ergonomic chair. Perfect for office, task and computer chairs, but also suitable for car seats and practically anwhere else you might require ergonomic back support.
Buy your Freedom Back Lumbar Support Pad at Contour Living.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Tips for Keeping Your Back Safe while Skiing
Winter is a time when many people take to the slopes to enjoy the sport of snow skiing. Snow skiing, however, poses special risks in part because most people have not had formal lessons. The possibility of back injury is great especially because skiing is a sport that abruptly twists and jerks the spine. Just as most people are not trained skiers, they also do not know the correct way to fall either, whether at the end of a tow rope or skiing down a steep mountain.
Risk is also associated with the skier's level of conditioning. The out of shape weekend warrior is the most vulnerable of all. If you are planning a ski vacation, you should really begin getting into shape at least six weeks prior to the trip. One of the best training exercises is the pillow jump. Place a pillow on the floor and practice jumping with both feet facing sideways, from one side to the other. This exercise will help strengthen your legs as it simulates the turning motions you will make on skis. At the same time, it will help build your stamina. A good muscle building exercise is the wall-sit. Lower your back against a wall as if you were sitting down into a chair. You are in proper position when your thighs are parallel to the floor. Hold the position for as long as you can without discomfort. Try to increase your time over the coming days. Then, by the time you hit the slopes you will have toned some of the most heavily relied upon muscles for skiing.
Once at the slopes, be sure to stretch your muscles prior to slipping into those skis. Lunge and calf stretches will help to prepare your legs, but don't forget about your arms. Stretch one arm at a time by stretching to the opposite side of your body, holding your arm parallel to the ground and keeping a slight bend in your elbow. Also, bend over and touch your toes, stretching out those back leg muscles.
Now, you may also want to consider taking a lesson, especially if you are unsure of your abilities or have had limited experience on skis. Not only can your instructor show you how to maintain control of yourself through proper leg movements, but he can also help to ascertain your level of skill and can show you how to fall down, if need be, decreasing the risk of injury.
By following this simple advice, much of the danger associated with skiing can be eliminated. It is almost inevitable, however, that you will experience some soreness after your ski vacation.
For a full line of products designed for comfort and support of your legs, back and total body, visit Contour Living online store.
Contour Products is the brand leader in ergonomic products designed specifically for comfort and support. Products include orthopedic pillows, cushions, chair pads, mattress pads and more. Visit http://www.ContourLiving.com for more information on solutions
Risk is also associated with the skier's level of conditioning. The out of shape weekend warrior is the most vulnerable of all. If you are planning a ski vacation, you should really begin getting into shape at least six weeks prior to the trip. One of the best training exercises is the pillow jump. Place a pillow on the floor and practice jumping with both feet facing sideways, from one side to the other. This exercise will help strengthen your legs as it simulates the turning motions you will make on skis. At the same time, it will help build your stamina. A good muscle building exercise is the wall-sit. Lower your back against a wall as if you were sitting down into a chair. You are in proper position when your thighs are parallel to the floor. Hold the position for as long as you can without discomfort. Try to increase your time over the coming days. Then, by the time you hit the slopes you will have toned some of the most heavily relied upon muscles for skiing.
Once at the slopes, be sure to stretch your muscles prior to slipping into those skis. Lunge and calf stretches will help to prepare your legs, but don't forget about your arms. Stretch one arm at a time by stretching to the opposite side of your body, holding your arm parallel to the ground and keeping a slight bend in your elbow. Also, bend over and touch your toes, stretching out those back leg muscles.
Now, you may also want to consider taking a lesson, especially if you are unsure of your abilities or have had limited experience on skis. Not only can your instructor show you how to maintain control of yourself through proper leg movements, but he can also help to ascertain your level of skill and can show you how to fall down, if need be, decreasing the risk of injury.
By following this simple advice, much of the danger associated with skiing can be eliminated. It is almost inevitable, however, that you will experience some soreness after your ski vacation.
For a full line of products designed for comfort and support of your legs, back and total body, visit Contour Living online store.
Contour Products is the brand leader in ergonomic products designed specifically for comfort and support. Products include orthopedic pillows, cushions, chair pads, mattress pads and more. Visit http://www.ContourLiving.com for more information on solutions
Headache Types Explained
Close to 90% of the population will suffer from some type of headache during the year. The good news is that about 95% of all headaches are just that - headaches - in that they are not caused by some type of underlying condition. Only about 5% of all headaches fall under the category of secondary, meaning that they are caused by another condition such as sinusitis, meningitis, brain tumors, etc.
Tension headaches account for about 85% of all headaches. Pain usually centers around the back of the neck and on the scalp, and is generally considered mild to moderate. Contrary to popular belief, men and women suffer from tension headaches at an equal rate, and the pain can last for just a few hours or up to a full day.
Migraine headaches are the second most common primary headache, and they affect women more often than they do men. Pain ranges from mild to debilitating, and often is concentrated on one side of the head, sometimes behind the eye, although the pain can shift from side to side. Symptoms can also include changes in vision, such as seeing spots, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. If headaches occur frequently, it is advisable to seek professional help, as over the counter medications are often not effective in targeting these types of headaches.
The least common and most painful type of primary headache is the dreaded Cluster. The name is appropriate since the pain occurs in clusters that can last for a few minutes to a few hours, at least once a day for several weeks/months, often at the same time of day. Men are affected more often than women, and those who smoke and/or drink heavily are at greater risk. Symptoms of cluster headaches are unusual as well and include red, watery or swollen eyes, facial swelling and nasal congestion. Cluster headaches also have a tendency to strike a few hours into one's sleep.
There are many different "triggers" for headaches, ranging from environmental factors such as weather and air quality, foods, food additives and posture. Since it can be difficult to determine the cause of your headaches, it might be useful to keep a headache journal. Note the time of day your headache begins, the duration, any pain relievers taken, what you ate, where you were and what you were doing.
Meanwhile, an easy fix is simply to ensure that you are maintaining proper posture both during the day and at night. Poor posture for even brief periods can directly result in headaches and related problems. Contour Living is a leader in the comfort and support industry and provides many products designed to alleviate these problems.
Contour is the brand leader in ergonomic products designed specifically for comfort and support. Products include support pillows and back and bed wedge cushions and more. Visit Contour Living for more information on solutions to improve posture, sleep better, correct support problems and live more comfortably.
Tension headaches account for about 85% of all headaches. Pain usually centers around the back of the neck and on the scalp, and is generally considered mild to moderate. Contrary to popular belief, men and women suffer from tension headaches at an equal rate, and the pain can last for just a few hours or up to a full day.
Migraine headaches are the second most common primary headache, and they affect women more often than they do men. Pain ranges from mild to debilitating, and often is concentrated on one side of the head, sometimes behind the eye, although the pain can shift from side to side. Symptoms can also include changes in vision, such as seeing spots, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. If headaches occur frequently, it is advisable to seek professional help, as over the counter medications are often not effective in targeting these types of headaches.
The least common and most painful type of primary headache is the dreaded Cluster. The name is appropriate since the pain occurs in clusters that can last for a few minutes to a few hours, at least once a day for several weeks/months, often at the same time of day. Men are affected more often than women, and those who smoke and/or drink heavily are at greater risk. Symptoms of cluster headaches are unusual as well and include red, watery or swollen eyes, facial swelling and nasal congestion. Cluster headaches also have a tendency to strike a few hours into one's sleep.
There are many different "triggers" for headaches, ranging from environmental factors such as weather and air quality, foods, food additives and posture. Since it can be difficult to determine the cause of your headaches, it might be useful to keep a headache journal. Note the time of day your headache begins, the duration, any pain relievers taken, what you ate, where you were and what you were doing.
Meanwhile, an easy fix is simply to ensure that you are maintaining proper posture both during the day and at night. Poor posture for even brief periods can directly result in headaches and related problems. Contour Living is a leader in the comfort and support industry and provides many products designed to alleviate these problems.
Contour is the brand leader in ergonomic products designed specifically for comfort and support. Products include support pillows and back and bed wedge cushions and more. Visit Contour Living for more information on solutions to improve posture, sleep better, correct support problems and live more comfortably.
Simple Tips To Ease Back Pain
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!
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!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Back Related Medical Information
Here are some recommended web sites with information concerning back support:
Lots of medical research on benefits of raising your mattress while sleeping
Tips for Dealing with Back Pain and Back Support Issues
Advice on preventing back problems and safe activities at home
Comfort-Trac - Original Manufacturer of Contour Products
Lots of medical research on benefits of raising your mattress while sleeping
Tips for Dealing with Back Pain and Back Support Issues
Advice on preventing back problems and safe activities at home
Comfort-Trac - Original Manufacturer of Contour Products
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Contour Leg Pillow Commercial
Here is the As Seen On TV commercial for the original Leg Pillow by Contour Products:
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
BackSaver Office Chairs Now at Contour Living
Whether your outfitting your office cubicle or home office, or searching for the ultimate comfort in a relaxation chair, you can now find solutions online at Contour Living. We're proud to offer BackSaver brand office chairs and zero-gravity recliners as additions to our line of support and comfort solutions.
BackSaver™ is the originator of the zero-gravity recliner and they have transferred their mark of quality and ergonomic support into their office chair line as well. You need an ergonomic seating solution to provide support throughout the day and help you relax at night, and you demand superior quality.
Ergonomic Office Chairs
Today's "office chairs" are used in a variety of applications - from hours behind the computer at the office and again at home, desk applications, drafting and drawing, phone work and much more. More so then ever, you need to know your back and lumbar area are supported correctly and comfortably. These BackSaver office chairs achieve that balance between comfort and support.
Learn more about BackSaver Ergonomic Office Chairs here
BackSaver™ is the originator of the zero-gravity recliner and they have transferred their mark of quality and ergonomic support into their office chair line as well. You need an ergonomic seating solution to provide support throughout the day and help you relax at night, and you demand superior quality.
Ergonomic Office Chairs
Today's "office chairs" are used in a variety of applications - from hours behind the computer at the office and again at home, desk applications, drafting and drawing, phone work and much more. More so then ever, you need to know your back and lumbar area are supported correctly and comfortably. These BackSaver office chairs achieve that balance between comfort and support.
Learn more about BackSaver Ergonomic Office Chairs here
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
BackSaver Zero Gravity Chairs now at Contour Living
Contour Living now offers several options for zero-gravity: Multiple models of BackSaver™ brand zero-gravity recliners and Back Max wedge cushion recliners.
The 120-degree angled position (zero gravity recliner) places the body in its most relaxed state, where the heart and nervous system have to do the least amount of work to pump blood through the body.NASA astronauts assume this stress-free position for lift-off, minimizing physical stress on their bodies.
The zero-gravity technology is credited to the scientists and doctors at NASA and was utilized in the space program to reduce the amount of compressional forces exerted on the spine by the extreme speed at which the astronauts blast into space. During take-off, astronauts recline with their feet higher than their hearts with a torso to leg angle of 126 degrees +/- 7. The reason zero-gravity is a preferred posture for astronauts is any slight amount of disc compression will be exemplified by the speed and force of take off.
Normal sitting postures can load 150 pounds of compression into the lower back, while standing can load 100 pounds of compression, and lying in a horizontal position can load 25 pounds of compression. Even a minor back or spinal disc problem can be exacerbated with 25 pounds of compression.
See our line of Zero-Gravity recliners and Wedge Cushions here
The 120-degree angled position (zero gravity recliner) places the body in its most relaxed state, where the heart and nervous system have to do the least amount of work to pump blood through the body.NASA astronauts assume this stress-free position for lift-off, minimizing physical stress on their bodies.
The zero-gravity technology is credited to the scientists and doctors at NASA and was utilized in the space program to reduce the amount of compressional forces exerted on the spine by the extreme speed at which the astronauts blast into space. During take-off, astronauts recline with their feet higher than their hearts with a torso to leg angle of 126 degrees +/- 7. The reason zero-gravity is a preferred posture for astronauts is any slight amount of disc compression will be exemplified by the speed and force of take off.
Normal sitting postures can load 150 pounds of compression into the lower back, while standing can load 100 pounds of compression, and lying in a horizontal position can load 25 pounds of compression. Even a minor back or spinal disc problem can be exacerbated with 25 pounds of compression.
See our line of Zero-Gravity recliners and Wedge Cushions here
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Night-Time Relief for Sufferers of GERD and Acid Reflux
Night-Time Relief for Sufferers of GERD and Acid Reflux
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a very common ailment affecting millions of people worldwide. GERD is known by many names, including Esophagitis, reflux, acid reflux, even (incorrectly) hiatal hernia. Gastroesophageal reflux is the term used to describe a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus.
The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. Along with heartburn, other symptoms include pain swallowing, chest pain, coughing, sore throat, hoarseness, asthma, aspiration pneumonia, even tooth enamel decay, gingivitis and halitosis.
Treatments of GERD include over-the-counter medications like antacids and prescription strength medications. Heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD may be mild to severe. If you experience severe discomfort or heartburn several times a week, you should consult a physician.
There are several lifestyle recommendations you can make to help ease the discomfort of GERD and acid reflux:
Learn more about the Mattress Genie Adjustable Bed Wedge
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a very common ailment affecting millions of people worldwide. GERD is known by many names, including Esophagitis, reflux, acid reflux, even (incorrectly) hiatal hernia. Gastroesophageal reflux is the term used to describe a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus.
The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. Along with heartburn, other symptoms include pain swallowing, chest pain, coughing, sore throat, hoarseness, asthma, aspiration pneumonia, even tooth enamel decay, gingivitis and halitosis.
Treatments of GERD include over-the-counter medications like antacids and prescription strength medications. Heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD may be mild to severe. If you experience severe discomfort or heartburn several times a week, you should consult a physician.
There are several lifestyle recommendations you can make to help ease the discomfort of GERD and acid reflux:
- Control your weight / Lose weight if overweight
- Eat smaller meals
- Avoid reclining or lying down directly after a meal
- Eliminate certain foods or food types that may trigger heartburn
- Don't smoke
- Raise the head of your mattress 6-9 inches. Experts recommend elevating the bed by inserting a wedge between the mattress and box spring (raising your head with pillows is not a good alternative)
Learn more about the Mattress Genie Adjustable Bed Wedge
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