New Products for Back Pain Relief

These products for back and body health are now available at Contour Living:

TracCollar is a comfortable, portable, and an effective home traction device that provides unprecedented control. The TracCollar is operated by 2 hand held inflation bulbs. Each one inflates one side of the collar and then both combined create an upward pressure on the head, providing traction and relieving pressure from pinched nerves and sore muscles.

Therapeutica Back Support for auto and office chairs. The ultimate in full back, side and lumbar support.

The BodySport Professional Back and Body Massager.

Thumper Versa Pro Massage for back, legs and feet. The VERSA PRO is the best total body massager made! For back, legs and hips, hands and arms, and feet. It has 13 different massage settings, a remote control and 7 auto programs. There is not a massager like this anywhere

Therabath Professional Paraffin Wax bath - Hospital grade paraffin wax warmer for hands, feet, face and body. Therabath has been the leader in paraffin heat therapy since 1962.

Fitball Office and task Chair - Work your body and back while sitting!

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New Seat Cushions at Contour Living

New Products this week include the total comfort pillow, several ring shaped (donut) cushions, wheelchair cushions, and two new foam back support cushions. Prices are great and all are in stock - so act now! See these and other great seating solutions in our new seating category

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New 15-Minute Better Back Workout Book and DVD

Many of our readers experience back pain and discomfort issues. Studies show that nearly 80 percent of all people will suffer some type of back problem in their lifetime. We're pleased to introduce a new combination book and DVD with four 15-minute workouts, designed to improve and maintain your back.

The 15-Minute Better Back Workout is designed to provide proven beneficial exercises, for your back and body, in just 15 minutes a day, three times per week. Strengthen your back, reduce back pain, and prevent future back problems with this book and DVD. It provides:

• Clear step-by-step photos show you the details of each exercise

• Live-action DVD demonstrates all four exercise sequences provided in the book

• Written by Suzanne Martin, an experienced Pilates teacher and lead physical therapist and lead physical therapist for the Smuin Ballet in San Francisco

The 15-Minute Better Back Workout book and DVD is $16.99 - Buy your copy today!

Excerpt from book:

"Revitalizing the Back:

We are living longer lives and we all want the best of health. Regularly revitalizing and renewing the cells of the body by eating well and staying mobile is key. Working on revitalizing the back is one of the cornerstones of health. It enables us to remain active for as long as possible.

This revitalizing program uses many quick repetitions to stimulate the body from different angles. The structure of the exercises forms the basis of the rhythms, which will regulate your breath as you exercise. Notice how the Arm Swing and the Leg Swing both have a waltz-like quality.

Tips for revitalizing the back:

• Each exercise has a natural rhythm - As you exercise, accentuate this rhythm, as if you were showing a friend how to do it.

• Notice how you breath subtly changes from exercise to exercise. Let your body go with the rhythm. Sometimes it even helps to hum along as you go.

• Inhale through the nose. Direct air into the back of your throat. Open the lips and gently exhale through the mouth

• Modify When Needed. You can hold the Prone Rocker position still and simply hold the Plank Balance for a couple of breaths. "

Available now at Contour Living Order Yours today.

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New CPAP Accessories at Contour Living

CPAP Accessories Improve Comfort and Compliance

CPAP Moisturizers, Creams, Cleaners and more!

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, you’re probably familiar with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP therapy is a very effective treatment for Sleep Apnea, however, success is sometimes limited by poor compliance. This is usually related to trouble sleeping with a CPAP mask, or discomfort associated with sleeping with a CPAP mask an night.

Many times, it is a challenge to adjust to sleeping with CPAP masks and accessories. As CPAP masks press against your face, it can cause discomfort, skin irritation and drying out of the eyes, face and entire nasal area. Even the CPAP hose can be difficult to control, sleep movement can become restricted and your bedroom environment can become clinical and cold feeling.

Some good news: theer a re many CPAP accessories now available which help with these CPAP sleep issues. Among the most helpful are CPAP bed pillows that are specifically designed to accommodate CPAP masks, improving comfort and reducing mask leaks. Additionally, CPAP hose tethers attach to the pillow and allow for better control during the night, by keeping the hose out of your way. Specially formulated lotions and creams prevent nasal irritation and drying out of the skin, nostrils and eyes. CPAP cleaning wipes are also available which make it easy to keep up with maintenance on your CPAP sleep unit, masks and all accessories.

To learn more about CPAP accessory items, visit our CPAP Supply Category

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New 3-D Cool Mesh Pillow from Contour Products

New Technology! Soft • Cool • Clean • Dry Uses 3-D Mesh Technology! The cooling properties of 3-D mesh technology combine with plush memory foam to provide an incredible sleeping surface for your head, neck and shoulder area. Enjoy the plush feel of premium grade memory foam while sleeping on a virtual layer of air! This unique combination keeps you cool and dry, while molds to fit the exact shape of your head and neck, ensuring proper sleeping posture posture throughout the night. The pillow includes two covers: an inside cover with 3-D mesh and a breathable outside cover. Both Covers are easily removed and washable.

The Science of Mesh - Our 3-D mesh is made of thousands of resilient fibers, each behaving as an independent spring. Combined, they offer exceptional conforming support, cooling breathability and comfort!

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Five Reasons Why Treating OSA is Important to Your Health

OSA or Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a breathing disorder that can have a devastating impact on your overall well-being, when left untreated. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is characterized by brief interruptions of normal breathing while sleeping. A disruption in a patient's breathing can last in duration from 10 seconds to a as high as minute or longer! Further, this disruption can occur 20 to 60 times per hour!

Over time, this condition can cause stress on your body, increasing the risk for many serious health problems including:

1. Studies have shown that Obstructive Sleep Apnea increases your risk for coronary artery disease, heart attack irregular heartbeat, and even congestive heart failure which can lead to heart disease.

2. If your Obstructive Sleep Apnea is severe, your blood pressure can raise to unhealthy levels.

3. Obstructive Sleep Apnea researchsuggests OSA can help lead to diabetes because it is associated w/impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body fails to use insulin effectively and is a leading cause of death in the USA.

4. A recent study in The Sleep Journal, provides evidence of possible brain damage which can occur in patient's who have Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

5. Obstructive Sleep Apnea can increase a patient's risk of stroke as well. OSA can interupt blood flow to the brain.

With proper physican guidance and CPAP therapy, Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a very treatable condition. Every CPAP therapy is different, and will be based on each person's medical history, a thorough physical examination and probably sleep studies. The commonly prescribed treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy, or more commonly "CPAP Therapy". Continuous pressure provided by a air blower helps open the breathing airway while sleepingand helps prevent a lapse in breathing.

CPAP Therapy is very effective in many cases of Sleep Apnea, but, sometimes can present difficulties for various patients, especially in the areas of sleep discomfort associated with CPAP masks. The CPAP Pillow is available to help patients sleep comfortably, while wearing a CPAP mask, and still provide proper head and neck support. See the CPAP pillow at Contour Living today.

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Get Your Back In Shape in 2009

Hi Contour Living and Back to Health subscribers. Now is the time to get your back in shape! Not only do we have great pillows and cushions, we offer some wonderful products designed to improve your back and spine health.

Inversion therapy has become very popular in recent years - not only can it help treat back pain, but it's also used as a way to reverse some of the effects gravity has on our bodies. Consistently, our customers rave about the quality and design of Inversion Products from Teeter Hang Ups! We carry their brand new EP-550 and EP-950 models, with new "flex technology" tables. Contour Living has the absolute lowest prices on Teeter Inversion Tables, and we offer FREE Shipping! - Read all about the new inversion tables here or see our selection of inversion tables at our store..

Other proven products designed to improve your back include the True Back and Lumbar Extender traction devices and inversion products from Health-Mark. Also try the Spine-Worx device designed to align the spine.

Teeter Hang Ups Inversion Tables represent the highest standards in inversion therapy. Each Teeter Inversion Table is backed by an industry leading 5 year warranty, and Teeter Hang Ups are independently tested to exceed quality and safety standards including UL60601-1, a medical grade standard. Plus each of our Teeter inversion table ships with a quick-reference laminated owner's manual attached to the frame, and an instructional DVD which provides guidance for assembly and use of the table. Also included on the DVD are five 10-20 minute stretching and exercise classes by Dr. Shawn. Using the Teeter Inversion Table is quick and easy! Simply set your height, secure your ankles and relax. Weight displacement caused by simple arm movement controls the rate and degree of rotation. It takes only a few minutes to decompress the spine. Use your Teeter several times each day to achieve maximum results. Order Now for FREE SHIPPING! (Domestic USA destinations only)

The New Teeter EP-950 Inversion Table includes all of the features of the EP-550 Model, plus these features: Ratchet Ankle Lock System - Features easy to reach extended handle for the ankle lock, plus a triple lock security feature. EZ Stretch Traction Handles - These handles allow for an increased stretching experience and traction while the muscles of your lower back are relaxed. These handles can also be used as a tool for intermittent traction and oscillation. Over EZ Handles - Larger padded support handles assist during inversion and ascent (back to upright) Pre-Set Rotation Control - The EZ Angle Tether Strap allows pre-set angles at 20, 40, 60 degrees and provides an easy guide to exactly the degree of inversion where benefits begin and the degree at which maximum benefits are realized. Over-Sized Medical Grade Frame

Both the EP-550 and EP-950 Models feature the following: Ergonomic Flex Technology - Patented design by teeter moves with you, accommodating stretches for great range of motion. Movement while inverted encourages realignment while it relaxes muscles. An adjustment pillow provides added comfort. Optimum Decompression Surface - The smooth surface reduces friction, allowing the body to slide and achieve the maximum decompression stretch. Ankle Comfort Dial - The new foot platform design dials up or down for smaller or larger feet, allowing the ankle clamps to attain a secure and comfortable fit. Quick, Compact Storage - Folds in just seconds to 28" x 16" x 66" Unique and Patented Security Features - Auto-Locking hinges, cam locks and heat-treated steel parts create a more secure and durable product. Precision Balancing - Custom engineering provides smooth rotation and controlled lockout in full inversion. Stable Base - Corner feet increase the frame base by 20%, reduce sliding and help protect floors. Smooth, Quiet Rotation - A de-rattler know and specialized pivot bearings ensure a life-time of squeak and rattle free rotation. 5 year Manufactures Warranty Height Capacity: 4'8" - 6'6" Weight Capacity: 300 lbs. Assembled Dimensions: 48" x 27" x 61" Package Weight: 76 lbs

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Why Leg Raises Sometimes Aggravates Lower Back Pain

Leg raises can be a useful ab exercise, but for some people the risk of injury might outweigh the benefit gained from doing leg raises. Let's talk a little more about what's going on with your abdominal muscles and lower back during leg raises.

When you perform leg raises, your abdominal muscles work with your hip flexors. Your abdominal muscles work to keep your pelvis stable, while your hip flexors work to move your legs. This is actually an important motion to master, but here are the problems that may arise.

Problem #1: Your Abdominal Muscles are too Weak to Keep Your Pelvis and Back Stable!

Our legs are heavy, so our abdominal muscles must work really hard to keep our pelvis and back in the correct position. As the legs lower towards the floor, there is a tendency for the back to arch. When the back arches, there is extra pressure placed on the joints of the back. The job of the abdominals is to stop the back from arching excessively, so if you have weak abdominals you will likely have extra pressure on your spine when you perform leg raises.

Ab Workout Tip: You can build up your abdominal strength and protect your lumbar spine by limiting your range of motion during leg raises. Begin with your hips at 90 degrees. Lower your legs until you feel your pelvis tipping and your back arching; at that point reverse directions and return to the starting position. As you move closer to the floor more pressure is placed on your spine so limit your range of motion and move only as far as you can control.

Workout Tip: If you have trouble keeping your legs straight in the air, it is likely a sign of poor flexibility in the hamstring muscles. Stretching your hamstrings can improve your form during this ab exercise.

Workout Tip: If you have any trouble performing leg raises, begin by mastering reverse crunches. Reverse Crunches can help to strengthen your abdominal muscles and increase the flexibility in your spine, and they are a great exercise for beginners and athletes.

Problem #2: You Have Bad Posture and Bad Alignment in Your Spine!

Here are 2 simple statements about posture. When your posture and alignment are ideal, you have the least pressure on your joints and the most stability. And, when your posture is not ideal, you have more pressure on your joints and less stability in your lower back. Bad Posture adds pressure to your back.

Problem #3: Your Hip Flexors add Pressure to the Joints of the Lower Back!

When the legs move during ab exercises, the hip flexors contract. When the hip flexors contract, pressure is added to the back. This is a normal process, and this happens during every exercise and at every joint.

But if you have joint irritation in your low back aggressively working your hip flexors can add excessive pressure to your joints. This problem is really only a problem if you have lower back injuries.

If you have weak abdominals, poor posture, and a back injury, then, full straight leg raises all the way to the floor are probably not the best ab exercise for you. If you are a beginner, start by practicing the drawing in maneuver and the plank exercise. Then, move on to reverse crunches and regular crunches. Once you have mastered the basics, it is okay to progress to leg raises and more challenging ab exercises.

Charles Inniss is a Physical Therapist and Personal Trainer. Visit his website to learn more about Leg Raises, and also see pictures over 100 stomach exercises and ab exercises.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Inniss

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Save up to 20% at Contour Living!!

The holidays are fast approaching and Contour Living has a great selection of gift items for everyone on your list. Our customers love the comfort and support of our back & sleep products, and so will your friends and family! As an early gift to you, we're offering these special discounts:

• Save an additional 15% off you order of $35 or more! - Simply enter coupon "GIFT15" in your shopping cart in the field labeled "Coupon or Gift card" and update your cart. We'll remove 15% off your subtotal!
• Spend more and Save More! Save an additional 20% off you order of $100 or more! - Simply enter coupon "GIFT20" in your shopping cart in the field labeled "Coupon or Gift card" and update your cart. We'll remove 20% off your subtotal!

Now is the time to take advantage of these savings! Hurry, these coupons expire Monday, October 20th. Additional savings are not applicable to Teeter Inversion Tables and cannot be applied to previous purchases.

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Get the Most out of CPAP Therapy

Sleep Apnea Patients - Get the Most out of CPAP Therapy
By Sue Sarko

If you’ve been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, chances are you use a CPAP, (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine during the night. It is estimated that about 4 million people use CPAP therapy in the United States today, and as many as 35 million Sleep Apnea cases remain undiagnosed.

CPAP therapy is the most common method for treating obstructive sleep apnea. It works by gently blowing air through the airway at a pressure high enough to keep the airway open. It is regarded as the most effective method for treating obstructive sleep apnea, however, using a CPAP can present certain challenges for the patient.

The Sleep Apnea Association gives patients a C- on compliance. Considering the serious nature of the disorder, this is a dangerously low grade. While several factors contribute to low compliance rates, mask discomfort is one of the larger issues. Masks tend to press against the face causing pressure and discomfort. The constant flow of air from the machine can result in dry, cracked skin. CPAP users also complain that they feel restricted to a certain sleeping position and that the hose gets in the way during the night.

Your first step should be to consult with a practitioner about the right type of mask. There are many varieties available. Also, be certain that your air pressure levels are set appropriately and that you are using the right type of CPAP machine.

Once you’ve got the right equipment in place, you might consider looking into the various sleep apnea aids that can help patients deal with comfort issues and improve compliance rates.

A sleep apnea pillow, for example can go a long way toward relieving mask pressure against the face, and can also help reduce mask leaks. Hose covers made of soft materials that glide more easily over sheets are available as well. Skin creams applied prior to bedtime each night help keep skin moist and healthy and certain pillows are designed to allow freedom of movement during the night.

Many DME (durable medical equipment) stores carry CPAP accessories such as sleep apnea pillows and aids, or you can check your local bedding and pillow stores. We're proud to offer a new and improved version of our CPAP Multi-Mask Sleep Aid Pillow - See it here!.

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