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

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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/

Continue Reading