How to Lift Properly

Proper Lifting Techniques 

Lifting objects improperly can cause a strain on the back, arms and legs. Using poor lifting techniques can not only lead to strains, it can also cause serious injuries. Use these techniques to avoid injury.

1.   Before you lift the object think about the object you are lifting. You should know how heavy the object. Knowing how heavy it is will help know how much lifting you need to do. It will also prevent you from making any weird and sudden movements. Know where you are taking the object. Your path should be clear of any obstacles.

2.   Lift the object close to your body. You should have a firm grasp of the object and it should be close to the body. Doing this will make your lifting more stable.

3.   Keep your feet shoulder width apart, doing so will keep you stable. If your feet are close together, you may become unstable and fall. Make sure to also take short steps while you walk with the object.

4.   Keep the back straight and bend at your knees. Just like you should know what you are lifting before you lift it, you should also practice the motion of lifting the object. Pretend you are lifting the object and concentrate on the motion you want to take before you actually do it.

5.   Always lift with your legs, there are a lot stronger then you think. While bending at the knees and keeping your back straight, lift the object.

6.   If you are one that needs to lift objects often, try using a back support. Doing so will help you keep your posture aligned.

Using these techniques can prevent you from straining yourself, but if the object is too heavy look for help. It is better to ask someone to help you then having to spend time in the emergency room. If you do use someone to help you lift the object, make sure you are both on the same page. Lift the object at the same time and in same way; decide the path you will take before you move the object.

Photo credit: DuBoix from morguefile.com

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Sleeping With Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux is a condition in which the stomach acids rise up into the esophagus due to a faulty lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Some people experience the following symptoms bloating, burping, bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, hiccups, nausea, weight loss, wheezing, dry cough, hoariness or a chronic sore throat. Some people even experience dysphagia, which is a narrowing of the esophagus; this creates a sensation of food being stuck in the throat.

A lot of people who suffer from acid reflux complain that they have trouble sleeping and they cannot get a good night’s rest. This is because of the symptoms they feel resulting from the acid reflux. Not getting a good night’s sleep can lead to other health issues and loss productivity.

Here are some tips to help you deal with your acid reflux at night and hopefully you will get a good night’s rest!

1.   Change your diet, some foods and beverages are known to trigger acid reflux. These foods and beverages include:

·    Orange Juice

·    Peppermint

·    Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges

·    Spicy, fried foods and foods with a lot of fat

·    Vinegar

·    Alcohol

·    Garlic

·    Onions

·    Caffeine and carbonated beverages

·    Tomatoes and tomato products like ketchup

2.   Eat smaller meals frequently throughout the day; eating 5-6 small meals instead of 3 big meals can help control acid reflux.

3.   Wear loose fitting pajamas to bed, if you wear clothes that fit tight around your abdomen it can make your acid reflux symptoms worse.

4.   Lay on your left side, this can also help and control the acid reflux symptoms as it will align your body in a way as to not allow the acid to come back up from your stomach to your esophagus.

5.   Do not eat within 3-4 hours before you go to bed.

6.   Elevate your head to prevent the acids in your stomach from coming back up. You can use products especially made for acid reflux such as the Contour Folding WedgeCushion or the Mattress Genie adjustable bed wedge. These products can help to ease the symptoms of acid reflux, so you can get a good night’s sleep.

7.   Take medication there are over the counter medications available as well as prescription medications that you can take to help with acid reflux. Your doctor can help you decide what is right for you.

People experience acid reflux at night because they are lying down. When a person is lying down the stomach contents can easily come back up to the esophagus, if the lower esophageal sphincter is not functioning properly. If you are in the upright position your stomach contents will easily settle to the bottom of the stomach, it’s as simple as gravity. Acid reflux is curable condition when taken seriously and treated properly. If you suspect that you may have acid reflux, talk with your health care provider, he or she can perform certain tests to see if you indeed have it. They can also refer you to a specialist such as a gastroenterologist, who can also perform certain tests and he or she can help you come up with a treatment plan that is right for you. There is no need to suffer anymore, get treated as soon as possible.

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Kabooti Seat Cushion Reviews

Today we're highlighting some recent blog reviews of the Kabooti Seat Cushion.  Visit these blogs for great advice on lots of products, special coupons and deals, contests and more.

"I really find the Kabooti to be quite comfortable! I think because of the special Coccyx cut out, I am more inclined to sit with proper posture since I don’t feel any pressure there. The foam is sturdy but soft enough that your body can sink into it without any pressure points. I think this seat cushion would be perfect for long car trips!" ..... Me, Him and the Cats: http://mehimandthecats.com/kabooti-seat-cushion/
"I’m the happy and proud new owner of a Kabooti Seat Cushion for my booti! I’ve been trying to find a seat cushion that would help take some of the pain off of my back injuries area while I sit. I believe I have discovered the perfect solution in this 3 in 1 seat cushion; Donut Ring, Coccyx Cushion, Seating Wedge." ..... Terri's little haven: http://www.terrislittlehaven.com/2013/02/08/product-review-kabooti-cushion/
"What I love most about the Kabooti cushion is that it’s soft and comfortable. It supports my spine alignment and back. It also encourages and reminds me to sit up. Also, it gives me a little boost, I feel a little taller." ..... beautyBrite: http://beautybrite.com/2013/02/kabooti-seat-cushion-review.html

"The first thing I noticed is you do sit straighter and it supports your back so much better than just sitting in a chair with no support. My husband tried it too and he fell in love with it.(I may have lost it!)" ... Sues Deals and Reviews; http://suesdealsandreviews.com/kabooti-seat-cushion/

"Since I received the Kabooti Seat Cushion, I use it all the time. Whenever I move to a different seat, I take it with me. I even take it in the car. " ... Plum crazy: http://plumcrazyaboutcoupons.com/2013/03/10/kabooti-seat-cushion-review/#UUAmC0UV83oeu13W.99 

"When I first got the cushion, I checked out the basic stuff. I noticed right away that the cushion itself was very firm. The contours in the cushion all had a purpose. Also I liked that instead of just having the cushion, it had a cover which was washable and also matched my chair, which made it less noticeable." ... I love My Coupon fans http://ilovemycouponfans.com/discreet-seat-cushion-to-help-with-backaches-kabooti-seat-cushion-review/

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Special $10 Off Coupon for Contour Living

This weekend only - Shop Contour Living for pillows, cushions and back pain relief and Save an EXTRA $10 off your order!   It's easy to save - Spend $75 or more, add coupon code SUNSHINE in the special promotions box in your shopping cart, then checkout and save!   But hurry, this offer ends Monday, March 3, 2013.

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New Folding Bed Wedge Help Acid Reflux

At Contour Living keeping customers comfortable and healthy is their number one priority. That’s why they came up with the all new folding wedge cushion. The folding wedge cushion is designed to support the head and chest in an upright, slightly angled position comfortably. This design allows anybody to keep their  upper body raised during sleep.

This design provides many benefits to the user, such as providing a raised body position which is recommended forreducing symptoms from acid reflux, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), heartburn and other digestive conditions. Acid Reflux is a condition in which the stomach acids rise up into the esophagus; this is caused by a faulty valve that separates the stomach contents from the esophagus. GERD is short for gastroesophageal reflux disease and is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach backs up into the esophagus.

Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart, but rather is an irritation of the esophagus caused by acid that comes up from the stomach. Heartburn is also a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease which is more serious in nature.

By using the folding wedge you can prevent the acids from coming up into your esophagus, because the folding wedge will elevate your head and chest in an upright position. This is of great benefit to the user and can provide a restful and comfortable sleep. Normally when patients are diagnosed with any of the above conditions they are advised to keep their heads elevated and not lay down right after a meal.

Even if you don’t have any known condition, the folding wedge provides gentle support to help you sleep comfortably. The wedge is designed to fold fast in a compact fashion which makes it easier to store. The folding wedge provides gradual support, eases breathing and sinus pressure and also soothes muscle tension and helps support the spine. As you can see the folding wedge has many benefits and can make a great gift to anyone.

The folding wedge is available in 3 heights 7 inch, 10 inch and 12 inch. Each wedge cushion is 32” long for a gradual incline and 24” wide for one person to use; this is longer than any of their competitor’s wedges. The folding wedge comes with zippered velour cover and is machine washable.

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Recover in Comfort from Knee and Hip Surgery

If you have had any knee or hip surgery the Back Max Body Wedge can benefit your recovery. If you have had knee replacement surgery you know how hard the healing process can be. According to WebMD “In knee replacement surgery, the ends of the damaged thigh and lower leg (shin) bones and usually the kneecap are capped with artificial surfaces lined with metal and plastic. Usually, doctors replace the entire surface at the ends of the thigh and lower leg bones. Doctors usually secure knee joint components to the bones ....Read More here

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New Donut Cushion - Versatility At Your Finger Tips

Contour Living’s Kabooti Donut Cushion (also known as "the better ring cushion") offers to comfort sore and sensitive areas by combining the best features and benefits of a ring shaped donut cushion, Coccyx cushion and a traditional seating wedge.

With its many uses the Kabooti Donut Cushion packs a punch by providing all day comfort. The new and improved innovative design reduces tailbone pressure, improves posture, and reduces pressure points under the thighs. The Kabooti Donut Cushion can help comfort and relieve the pain of Prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain suffers, who have difficulty sitting for long periods of time. Prostatitis is inflammations of the prostate gland with four know types, acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, chronic prostatitis without infection and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. All are very painful, so having a Kabooti Donut Cushion while you heal can make your life a whole lot easier.

For people who suffer from hemorrhoids sitting on the Kabooti Donut Cushion can provide you with less pain and more comfort, allowing the sore area to heal up smoothly.

If you suffer from broke, bruised, hurt your coccyx (tailbone) you know how painful that can be. It is even more painful to site down which can cause real challenges. The Kabooti Donut Cushion offers a Coccyx cutout which helps reduce the pain and pressure in your tailbone, which in turn will make it easier to sit down. The Kabooti Donut Cushion can also help with general coccyx pain.

The Kabooti Donut Cushion can also be used if you suffer from any of the following:
·    Post-operative pain
·    Post-partum pain or tenderness
·    Pregnancy discomfort
·    Hip pain
·    General Anal pain
·    Back Pain and more

Even if you don’t suffer from any of these conditions, you can still put the Kabooti Donut Cushion to good use. With the built in traditional seating wedge, this cushion can be used as a chair cushion, adding a comfort layer to any office chair, auto seat, task chair etc., allowing you to sit on any chair with ease and comfort. This is especially helpful if you need to sit at a desk or drive a car for long periods of time. The wedge shape and tapered design helps encourage body alignment, proper posture by slightly tilting the pelvis forward, complete support where you need it (tailbone, buttocks) and less support under thighs.  The wedge design also helps circulation under thighs. Having proper posture by slightly tilting the pelvis forward helps maintain the spine’s proper lumbar curve for low back comfort and pelvic support.

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10 Facts About Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Did you know...?

Fibromyalgia is a biochemical disorder.  It is a systemic neurotransmitter dysregulation with  biochemical causes.  Neurotransmitters carry information between the mind and body - presenting many interesting and often incorrect facts surrounding Fibromyalgia.

While, Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a neuromuscular condition. MPS occurs because of mechanical failures.  Patients have trigger points all over their bodies.

Myofascia is a thin, almost translucent film that wraps around muscle tissue and is the tissue that holds all the other parts together. It gives shape and supports all of the body's muscles. It continues past the muscle and blends into the bone.  It's these trigger points that are affected, producing symptoms.

Read more about Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

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Top 3 Neck Exercises & Stretches for Beginners

The key to preventing neck injuries is in developing strength and flexibility in your neck.  Although there are many exercises you can perform to improve your neck muscles. The following three very simple stretches and exercises are for beginners.  As with all neck exercise always begin in the neutral position.  Neutral position is when the body is aligned and relaxed. Also, as with any exercises you should always do these and any exercises under the guidance of your doctor.  Neck exercises should be performed in a slow and controlled manner.

1. Chin Tuck
The chin tuck is the most popular and easiest exercise you can do to help correct your posture, prevent getting a rounded back and an unnatural forward head position; both of 
which are more likely to occur as you age.  You can perform the chin tuck either from a standing, sitting or lying down position as long as you begin in the neutral position.  

From a neutral position, begin with your head facing forward and gently push your chin back to form somewhat of a double chin and hold for a few seconds. Repeat.  Be sure not to raise or lower the head.  You should be looking straight ahead.  It may be helpful to perform this in front of a mirror or start with your back straight against a door or wall.

2. Shoulder Blade Squeeze 
There are several different methods for the shoulder blade squeeze and you will want to find one that is best for you.  This exercise will help strengthen your neck and improve your posture.  Begin sitting in a neutral position with your chin slightly tucked in.  Place your hands on the tops of your thighs.  Slowly pull shoulders back and squeeze your shoulder blades together.  Hold for a few seconds. Repeat.

3. Head Rotation
This exercise will help strengthen and stretch the neck rotators and relieve stiffness in your neck.  It is very important to begin this exercise either standing or sitting in the neutral position with the head and neck in proper axial alignment.  Once in the proper position slowly turn your head to one, hold for a few seconds then turn back to the center and repeat on the opposite side.  Always remember to keep your body in proper alignment throughout the entire exercise movement.  

Contour Products offers a variety of neck pillows and related products.

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Cyber Monday Savings at Contour

Happy Cyber Monday shopping to all of our online customers!

Shop today and take your pick of savings:

Choose FREE Shipping with $50 purchase - Enter coupon GIVE at checkout OR
Take $10 off $100 orders with coupon MONDAY

You can only use one, and both expire tomorrow.

Enter the coupon in your shopping cart before you start the checkout process

Plus you'll save even more on most of our products!   Great gifts include pillows, leg pillows, seat cushions, our Mattress genie and Back Support products.

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