Lumbuddy Back Cushion Review

Excerpt from a great review on our new LumBuddy back cushion:

"The LumBuddy is designed to encourage proper seating posture and avoid over extension of lumbar area. Never be without back support again. This portable support system can literally be taken anywhere you go. No need to worry about improper posture again. The LumBuddy has versatile straps in the back and comes with strap extensions, so it will fit most any chair you sit in and if not, just place it on the chair like I did (see below pics). With blogging daily (and choosing the wrong type of chair for typing - see picture), bending up and down in my flower garden, and long trips in the car, my back needs all the help it can get. ...."

See the full review here!

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Best Back Support Products For 2013

Eighty percent of Americans are affected by some form of back pain. Back pain can be felt in the lower, upper or middle back. The back and spine should be supported at all times, especially while lifting, sitting, sleeping or while the body is at rest. Contour Living offers many ergonomic solutions, which provides the back with all kinds of support.

Here are some of our top back support products for 2013:

1.   LumbuddyBack Support Cushion is designed to provide flexible and cool support, no matter where the person sits. The Lumbuddy is designed with tapers at the center; this allows the cushion to conform to the body. It has beveled edges on the reverse side that is shaped to fit the seats of most vehicles. Lumbuddy is made of foam that is ventilated and highly resilient. It is covered with a cool mesh, which allows the air to flow easily minimizing any heat buildup. The Lumbuddy can also be used on small office or task chairs. The cushion features straps that can be configured in 3 different ways; this minimizes the cushion from slipping.

2.   BackRXby Nada Chair is designed to give the user reverse pressure from the knees. This will help stabilize the pelvis and provide lumbar support. The BackRX loops are made of 3 inch double elastic. The BackRX is clinically proven to reduce fatigue while seated and reduce slouching. The BackRX can be used with or without a chair.

3.   ContourFreedom Back Support Cushion provides full back support. This cushion is one of Contour Livings most popular lumbar support cushions. It features 10 zones which provide proper alignment and ergonomic support. It can be used on any chair or in any vehicle as it easily attaches to it with its Velcro strap. It is made of high quality durable foam and forms to the body.

4.   BedLounge adjustable reading pillow provides back and body support. The reading pillow supports the head, shoulders, neck, upper and lower back. The pillow can be adjusted and easily carried with one hand. This product can also conform to the body.

5.   WondaWedge is great to use while traveling as it can be inflated when needed. The design is compact and waterproof. It allows for multi-positional support and the materials used to make it is suede and vinyl. WondaWedge is available in Gray, Yellow or Blue.

All of these products come with a 1 year warranty and are available via Contour Living’s website located at www.contourliving.com.

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12 Tips to Stop Snoring

Snoring can be a serious problem.  According to some experts, studies have shown that 45 percent of men and 30 percent of women snore on a daily basis. The good thing is that snoring is a treatable condition.

Treatments for Snoring
There are various forms of non-surgical treatment for snoring. Here are some in depth ways to help with snoring.

Before Bed

1. Stop drinking caffeine and eating heavy meals within 3 hours of going to bed, this includes dairy products and soy milk.
2. Keep the air in the bedroom moist, this can be accomplished with a humidifier. Having dry air in a room can irritate the membranes in the throat and nose.
3. Ease your breathing by elevating your head 4 inches, this can help your tongue and jaw mouth forward. You can purchase specialty pillows that are designed to help prevent snoring.
4. Try and clear your nasal passages, if you have a stuffy nose it may make it difficult to inhale and can create a vacuum in the throat. This vacuum leads to snoring. There are several ways you can clear your nasal passages, you can use nasal strips, a neti pot or over the counter decongestants.
5. Avoid sleeping on your back and try sleeping on your side. Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft tissues to easily drop to the back of the throat. This will obstruct the air flow in your airway. If you have a hard time staying on your side, try using a tennis ball. Make a pocket with a shirt, place the tennis ball in the pocket and saw the pocket to the back of a t-shirt or your pajama top. Doing this will keep you from sleeping on your back, as the awkwardness will make you roll on your side.
6. Use a mouth guard while you sleep. The mouth guard will keep your lower jar forward, which in turn will widen your airway and reduce your snoring.

Change your lifestyle

1. Stop smoking as it can cause your airways to be blocked. Smoking causes the membranes in your throat and nose to become irritated.
2. Have a regular sleep pattern by keeping a bedtime routine. If you have a partner they should also follow the same routine.
3. Avoid sleeping pills, sedative and alcohol before bedtime as they relax the muscles in the throat. This can interfere with your breathing, talk with a health care provider about any medication you are on. Certain medications a can promote you to go in to a very deep sleep which can lead to snoring.
4. Exercise can help you stop snoring as working out can tone the muscles in your throat. Be sure to work out your legs, abs and arms.
5. Keep to your ideal weight and lose weight you are not at your ideal weight. If you lose some weight it can reduce any fat in the tissue that is in the back of your throat.
6. Make sure you have a comfortable, supportive bed pillow.

Before trying any of these treatments you should consult with your health care provider. He or she can help you get to the bottom of your snoring issues, they can advise you to use other treatments on top of the treatments we have listed here. 

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15 Common Signs of Fibromyalgi

Fibromyalgia Syndrome is classified as a chronic pain disorder. People who suffer from fibromyalgia often have widespread unexplained pain in their muscles and joints.

1. Chronic headaches
2. Anxiety
3. Depression
4. Sleep disorders
5. Morning stiffness
6. Painful menstrual cramps
7. Urinary and pelvic problems
8. Irritable bowel syndrome
9. Cognitive or memory symptoms also known as fibrofog
10. Weight gain
11. Dizziness
12. Nausea
13. Vision problems
14. Myofasical pain syndrome
15. Skin complaints

Read more about Fibromyalgia here.

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Top 5 Body Support Products

Having the proper support for the body is essential; not having the proper support can cause pain and injury to the body. Take a look at these top 5 products for body support.

1.  BackMaxBody Wedge Cushion Sets: A 3 piece multi-functional wedge system that provides the user with complete back and body support. The wedge can be configured in multiple ways to suit the needs of the user. Each cushion can be used individually simply by unzipping each piece. BackMax Body Wedge is available in the standard model or plus model.
2.  MattressGenie: An adjustable bed wedge that will transform any bed with the touch of a button. This wedge is good for people who have allergies, Gerd, acid reflux or any other sleeping condition. The wedge can raise the mattress up to 26 inches and can lift up to 1000 pounds. It can be used while sleeping, watching T.V., reading and eating breakfast in bed.
3. BedLounge: Is an adjustable reading pillow that provides back and body support. The reading pillow supports the head, shoulders, neck, upper and lower back. The pillow can be adjusted and easily carried with one hand. This product can also conform to the body and has a fully adjustable headrest. The headrest can be raised or lowered and can be moved forward 90 degrees. This will cradle the neck and head. It has a side pocket that you can use for storage.
4. Fleece BackWedge: A full-size wedge that combines ergonomic design with high quality foam, velour cover and an internal message unit. The wedge is contoured to match the natural curve of the body. The massage is delivered to the complete torso area, from the shoulders and neck to the lumbar area. The wedge flips, so it can be used in an upright seated position. It measures 27” x 14” on the soft side and is 20” wide.
5. KneezUpLeg Wedge: An under the knee cushion designed for support and positioning of the knees. The wedge aids in circulation and can be used after an injury or surgery. The KneezeUp can help reduce pressure on the lower back; it does this by allowing the lumbar curve to flatten out. The knees are elevated to a 30 degree angle, which allows the joints and muscles to relax. It helps increase the blood flow to the lower extremities. The KneezUp cover is machine washable and the wedge itself is constructed of medical grade foam and covered with soft velour cover.

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Snoring in Children

By Jennifer Williams

Studies have shown that 10 percent or more of children between the ages of 1 and 9 snore on most nights. Children who are 3 years of age or older, will tend to snore when they are in a deeper sleep.

What is Snoring?

When child breaths in and out a steady stream of air flows from the mouth or nose to the child’s lungs. When they are asleep they can experience a narrowing of the back of the throat. The air that passes through is the same amount, since the opening is smaller, the tissues that surround the opening will vibrate. This in turn will let out a sound we call snoring. Depending upon how much air passes through determines how loud the snoring may be.

Why do Children Snore?

There are a few main reasons why a child may snore. They may have been born with a small jaw or airway. The child may have muscles and nerves that are not well joined during sleep, which does not open the airway enough, causing an obstruction. The most common reason a child may snore is having an enlarged tonsil or adenoids.

Can Snoring in the Children be Serious?

Snoring in children can be serious, as it may show that the child may have another underlying serious condition. Primary snoring in children is snoring that is not associated with more serious problems, such as having allergies, stuffy nose or a respiratory infection. More serious problems include obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, sleep apnea, and the inability to keep the lungs flowing with sufficient oxygen or frequent arousal from sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that all children be screened for snoring in 2002. They also recommended that a diagnosis be conducted to determine if the child is experiencing normal primary snoring or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

If you have a child or children that snore, speak with your pediatrician they recommend you to a sleep specialist. A sleep specialist is specially trained in sleep medicine. The sleep specialist may want to conduct an overnight sleep study on your child. This study will help the specialist determine if your child has a more serious problem. The specialist will attach a machine with various cords to different parts of your child’s body. The sleep study will record your child while they sleep. It will look at their body movements, brain waves; heartbeat, breathing, arousals and any noises they may make. It does not hurt the child to conduct this study. The study can get to the bottom of your child’s snoring and the specialist can help you with a treatment plan if one is needed.

Learn more about bed pillows and specialty cpap pillows.

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Blood Pressure Facts

Blood pressure is a vital sign that measures the circulation and pressure of the blood while it travels through the blood vessels. The blood pressure is measured by using systolic and diastolic pressures.  Systolic tells us the maximum level the pressure is at while the heart is beating and diastolic tells us the maximum level of pressure while the heart is at is at rest in between heart beats. Blood pressure is also called arterial blood pressure. Everyone’s blood pressure fluctuates; it depends upon the person’s diet, posture, activity level, temperature, medication taken, physical and emotional state. 

When you see a blood pressure reading the systolic is the top number and diastolic is the bottom number. Depending upon the person, a good blood pressure reading should be 120/80 mmHg also read as 120 over 80. The mmHg stands for millimeters of mercury which is the unit used to measure blood pressure.

In order read a person’s blood pressure, a blood pressure cuff is wrapped around the upper arm. The cuff should fit the person securely and the lower edge of the cuff should be 1 inch above the elbow. If the blood pressure is taken at a doctor’s office they will look for the big artery that is located on the inside of the elbow. They can find the artery by feeling for a pulse, once it is found they will place the stethoscope over this artery. There is an inflatable bulb on one side of the cuff. The doctor will close the value on the bulb and squeeze to inflate it quickly. They will do this until they reach the desired measurement they are seeking, which is usually 30 mmHg higher than the person’s traditional systolic pressure.

Once the desired measurement is reached the doctor will open up the value a little bit. This allows the pressure to decrease a little bit at a time. They will continue to decrease the value until they hear the sound of the pulse again. This technique measures the systolic pressure. The diastolic pressure is measured by allowing the rest of the air to be removed from the bulb. Once the sound of the pulse is gone, the number that they see is recorded.

Some health care providers use an automatic blood pressure machine, which checks the blood pressure on its own as soon as a button is pressed. The measurement is than displayed on a screen. While others use the method I explained above. Patients can also purchase blood pressure monitors that they can use at home.

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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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