Thursday, January 30, 2014

Why it's Medically Important to Put your Feet Up

The term “Put your feet up” has long since been a slang for relaxation. Used when someone’s had a long day, a rough go at work, or simply when they’ve done too much walking. Once referring to literally placing one’s feet on an ottoman or other raised surface, it now can mean virtually any form of resting. A blanket definition of sorts.

Jokes and pleas for sitting aside, however, there’s actually much more behind the idea of raised feet. Taking weight off the dogs on a regular basis can actually work to improve your health. Feet, toes, legs, skin, and beyond. Over time, you can even see an ongoing improvement in body feel and function.

Raising your legs and feet for 20 minutes every day can help reduce side effects of diabetes, foot pain, and other specifically located issues. Swollen ankles can benefit from the extra blood flow, while stubbed toes can earn a much deserved break. A routine leg lift can also contribute to leg health and overall body circulation, which we know can improve everyday functions.

Other Foot Health Tactics


To add to your healthy foot habits, there are other steps that can be taken on. Consider regular massages, foot detoxes, or health-promoting substances. Many of these can even be done at home – give yourself a regular foot rub with your favorite lotion, or look to OTC pads that can remove toxins through the skin. However, you should talk with your doctor before considering any new supplements, or before making changes in your foot treatment regimen.

Whether looking for some actual rest or a way to incorporate everyday health into a foot-centered routine, consider resting on a daily basis. Not only does it provide ample health benefits, it allows you to relax in the process.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Reduce Back Pain with Proper Kidney Health

Oftentimes it’s hard to determine where pain comes from or how it got started. Because of ongoing injuries or pain that lead to different/more pain, many patients go undiagnosed each year. But when it comes to back pain – especially that of the lower back – patients can not only find a common cause, but work to reverse it. And all without the help of medications.

With the ongoing research on kidneys and the sciatica nerve, however, doctors have been able to determine a very simple fix: take care of your kidneys. Or more simply put, healthy kidneys = a pain-free back. Or at least an in-less-pain back. Just by taking care of yourself – especially in terms of the internal organs – patients can take on a number of natural cures. Pain can be reduced, moods improved, and over time, the body actually begins to heal itself from the inside out.

This connection comes from one of the many factors that can affect the sciatica nerve. Running directly through the lower back (and then down the hip and continuing south), the sciatica nerve can be touches or triggered by a number of organs and bodily functions. Basically, any outside factor affecting the nerve can contribute to pain, which is then felt in the lower back. Picky as the nerve may be, it provides a number of functions and it’s important to keep it in good health. Finicky tendencies and all.

However, that task becomes much easier the better we learn how it works. For instance, avoiding swollen or improperly working kidneys – which can cause direct pain on the sciatica nerve. But by eating better, avoiding alcohol, or taking kidney-healthy vitamins, this stressor can be avoided. (Talk to your doctor about your kidney health and what you can do to keep them in proper working order.)

Directly addressing these issues will help patients of all ailments gain relief, while getting healthier in the process.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Snuggle Up with Contour’s New L-Pillow

How often do you toss and turn looking for that perfect side sleeping position? A few times a month? A few times a week? A night? No matter the frequency, it just seems that sometimes, it’s practically impossible to stay comfortable while sleeping on your side.

Until now. With the help of Contour Living’s brand new L-Shaped pillow, sleepers of all ages and sizes can get the side support they’ve been waiting for. As its name suggests, this pillow takes the shape of a literal L, leaving a section for one’s head and neck, and another for the side, knees, or arms. Turn it around to flip over, or adjust as needed to achieve optimal side-sleeping comfort.

Who Should Use the L-Shaped Pillow


The L-Pillow is great for anyone looking for a relaxing, supportive way to sleep. As well as those suffering from ongoing aches and pains caused from improper alignment, recent surgery patients, or those looking for a better way to rest each night.

Also made for anyone who’s looking for a little extra body support, this pillow offers a plush resting space for the spinal system. Lay down your neck and head for an added bit of comfort – also keeping it steadily in place – while simultaneously aligning the spine, hips, and back. The pillow is also great for properly adjusting shoulders without adding extra weight or pressure.

Sleepers can “hug” their pillow to reduce resting weight on the arms, or just adjust to find the proper position – no matter how your prefer to sleep.

Additional Features


The L-Pillow also comes with:

• Premium fabric – let the microfiber feel help soothe you into sleep.
• Quality construction – durable and made to last, each pillow is made with the utmost precision and care.
• Support for nursing or holding your baby – adjust the pillow to achieve maximum comfort while giving baby the care he or she needs.

To shop or learn more about the L-Pillow, click here.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

New Product: Mist O’Clock, a Dual Clock and Humidifier

Are you in need of a humidifier? What about a clock? Why not combine both needs into a single product, the Mist O’Clock. Contour Living’s new product combines the best of your time-telling and moisture-providing needs. Simply fill the tank with water, find a home, and enjoy humidity and punctuality all at once. Not only is this product small and compact so it can fit in any bedroom corner, it puts out a steady stream of moisture for those cool, dry months. You can even opt for the clock-only side for the summer.

The Mist O’Clock humidifier also hosts nature sounds – for those who prefer to be soothed to sleep – and sections to display the date, time, and room temperature. Or use the snooze button so you can awaken gradually each morning. Look to its gentle lighting to find your way around, or opt for changing colors (seven rotating hues)
when falling asleep each night. But most importantly, the humidifier safely and effectively adds moisture to the air.

Additional Mist O’Clock Features


• Small and compact size makes it great for offices, dorms, or traveling.
• Choose from six available nature sounds for a natural way to relax each evening.
• When humidifying throughout the night, the Mist O’Clock is “whisper quiet,” so a to not wake you from deep sleep.
• Power your model through a wall outlet, or plug its USB adapter into a computer for moisture while you work. Even when wall outlets are scarce.
• Each Mist O’Clock comes with a three-year warranty.

Whether looking for a perfect gift or needing a new way to humidify the air, this clock combo has everything you need. Use it for a reliable travel clock and alarm, or to keep your sleeping quarters humidified each and every night.

To start shopping or for more information on the Mist O’Clock, click here:

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

The Internal Health Benefits of Calcium

It’s no secret that calcium is an important part of one’s diet. From a young age, we’re taught to drink plenty of milk, to take in the right levels of vitamins, and to not let our taste buds get in the way. Milk, and other forms of calcium, are important, and without them our bodies wouldn’t be able to properly function. There’s also plenty of proof behind this slated motion. Calcium = proper health from the inside out.

Here’s why:

It Makes for Strong, Healthy Bones

Even if you prefer to take your calcium in non-dairy form, there are plenty of health benefits to be had. Calcium helps build strong bones by way of size and density. Children should consume calcium on a regular basis, but so should adults. As we age, bone health tends to decline, and replenishing ourselves with enough calcium allows them to naturally repair. Without proper bone health, one is susceptible to injury, disease, or chronic bad posture – all of which can affect everyday functions, such as blood flow and digestion.

It Improves your Blood Pressure

Though this perk is dairy specific, it doesn’t make it any less important. Studies show that consuming three portions of dairy and five of fruits and veggies can help regulate blood pressure. Look to this natural dietary fix when the doctor mentions high numbers, or just to stay healthy year round.

It Reduces Your Risk for Disease

Taking in a steady amount of dairy has been linked to a reduced chance for cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Combined with fruits, veggies, and other healthy foods (on a regular basis), this well-balanced intake can prep the body for a better fighting chance against disease. And avoiding these illnesses can also mean better eating habits, healthier blood flow, and steering clear of all the sicknesses’ nasty side effects, such as sleep apnea, chronic pain, and frequent hospital visits.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Blood Pressure Monitors now Available at Contour Living

In an ongoing effort to make your healthcare needs as simple as possible, Contour Living has added yet another aspect to its repertoire: blood pressure monitors. Check your blood pressure after a meal, when heading to the gym, or as often as the doctor prescribes. For those who need daily – or even hourly – readings, to those who want to see how the ticker is doing after a solid work out, we now have the monitor(s) to meet your needs.

Choose from manual cuff models, those that can read your stats in one touch, or a heart rate monitor watch, which provides real-time changes as they’re happening. They take the guess work out of heart-healthy planning. Each model offers a specific set of options for those off all health needs. Whether it’s a doctor-ordered necessity or just an easy way to check up on your blood pressure health, these monitors help make everyday readings a hassle-free (and pain-free) process.

The Perks of At-Home Blood Pressure Monitors


With a monitor at home – or at the office – there are plenty of perks to be had. You can easily cut back on doctor visits, and have an accurate idea as to how your blood pressure is holding up throughout the day. That way actions can be taken for you to stay in tip-top health. For peace of mind no matter what your activity or diet, consider one of our new monitors.

And best of all, they’re on sale! As an introductory offer, all our blood pressure monitors can be purchased for a fraction of the price. Take advantage of this “new guy” sale and get the medical equipment you need in the process.

To learn more about our blood pressure machines, or to find out which model will best fit your needs, click here.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Improve your Posture With This Expensive Shirt

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.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

How to Eliminate Headaches While you Sleep

The easier it is to find a medical treatment, the better – a common theory among sufferers of all kinds. When in place, colds could be met with as little resistance as possible, invasive procedures would be kept at a minimum, and meanwhile, everyone would be feeling their best without nasty or uncomfortable side effects. Unfortunately, that can’t be said for a large portion of illnesses that affect the population.

Headaches, however, are one cause that fits the bill.

Headaches and One of Their Main Causes

A majority of headaches and subsequent neck pain stems from the way we sleep each night. From craning or placing awkward pressure on the head and neck, ongoing aches occur and create regular headaches. Though certain positions might be comfortable during sleep (whether in general or from one’s level of relaxation), they can actually cause pains throughout the day. Additionally, a lack of neck support can cause pressure, affect blood flow, or even cause vertebrae to become misaligned. All of these things then contribute to head pain, whether in one night or a gradual increase over time.

While it can be hard to know just how we sleep in throughout the night, a new, supportive pillow can offer ongoing relief. Even without a sleep study. Look to a pillow with neck support, memory foam, and gentle cradling – all of which align the spine in a natural position. Over time, this will reduce headaches and create a healthier sleeping pattern. Many notice results in just one night.

Talk to your doctor about specific headaches or how a pillow change might affect or accompany ongoing treatments. For the rare headache patient, however, a simple change in support levels can do wonders for their daily routine.

To learn more about supportive pillows, talk to a specialist or check out the selection at Contour Living’s pillow page.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Winter Sale at Contour Living

Do you have the post-holiday blues? What about the cold month doldrums, or the is-winter-over-yet wonderings? No matter what your feelings toward the time of year, we’re here to get you through the home stretch of cold weather. With sales on pillows, seat cushions, and other back-related products, you can get through anything Jack Frost throws your way. And at a fraction of the cost.

Look to a neck-supporting pillow to improve blood flow and reduce headaches. Consider a new office cushion to increase one’s posture and relieve pressure on the rear. Or, pick up a pillow that creates better lumbar support whether sleeping, lounging, or traveling. No matter your sleeping or sitting needs, you can find the solution in Contour Living’s ongoing winter sale.

Available Back and Neck Products


Listed in the sale are some of our best sellers, including the Double Back Leg Pillow, the Contour Cloud Memory Foam Pillow, the Cooling Leg Pillow, the Kabooti Donut Coccyx Cushion, and more. Each made of high quality materials and to provide the highest levels of comfort and support, customers have been finding relief in Contour’s products for years.

There’s even free shipping when you buy two or more pillow or cushion products. This allows the flexibility to mix and match to meet personal needs, or pick up a much-needed gift. Whether shopping for yourself or a loved one’s upcoming birthday, there are plenty of pain relief solutions to be found in this massive winter sale.

And for a limited time you can even earn an extra 5% off. Just look for the coupon code at checkout and you’ll be on your way to even more savings on your favorite Contour products.

Ready to find out more? Have questions about individual products – or wanting to know which items quality? Head to our sales page today to learn more.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Tips for Reducing Weather-Induced Joint Pain

This time of year, it’s easy to get bogged down with cabin fever. Ongoing wind chills make trips into the outdoors unbearable, only so many sweaters can be worn at a time, and sudden (or even gradual) weather changes can cause intense pains. A simple cold front can cause aches for days. Each person experiences these pains differently, especially those who had joint or bone injuries. Because of the way the air and subsequent atmospheric pressure adjusts during these temperature changes, pains can vary from dull to throbbing and intense.

Just by following a few easy steps, however, those side effects can be greatly reduced.

Consider Starting a Pain Medicine Regimen


When cold weather is slated to strike, consider taking medications beforehand to nip the pain in the bud. Rather than waiting for the cold temps to take place, you can be ready the next time they come around. Talk to your doctor about options, doses, and types of medications, and whether or not they fit safely within your lifestyle.


Stay Warm


Rather than venturing out into the cold every chance you get, consider indoor activities until wind chills even out. This can mean indoor gyms, activities that don’t need an unlimited amount of space, and entertaining oneself through books or games rather than Frisbees and horseshoes.

Check the Weather


Staying on top of weather predictions is one of the easiest ways to beat them. Look for temperatures as well as upcoming barometer readings, and other scientific data. This can be found on national or other advanced weather-tracking websites.

Keep Yourself Healthy


These aches are only increased during times of bad health; even the slightest cold can magnify weather-induced reactions. However, by staying well rested and full of vitamin C, you can help fight added symptoms before they have a chance to take hold.