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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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back cushion, back health, back products, contour coupons, contour living, neck, neck pillow, neck support, pillow sale, Sale, wellness
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.
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.
Dancing has long since been a crowd favorite. Whether skilled or just out to have a good time, it’s an activity that all levels can enjoy. It’s also kid-friendly and an added way to burn some extra calories; dancing is a great way for all ages to let loose, have a good time, and really feel the beat. But what happens when those dance moves actually hurt your level of health?
When it comes to these five more advanced moves, that may just be the case. To save your back – and everyone’s opinion of your dancing abilities – it may be best to steer clear of the following.
The Worm
This classic move is performed by essentially rolling oneself across the floor, stomach first, hands and feet on the floor, and back in motion. To save yourself some serious backaches down the line, leave the worm alone and choose something that allows you to stay upright.
Aggressive Body Rolls
A lesser version of the above, body rolls take place when the dancer “rolls” his or her body in a fluid pattern. Made famous by Michael Jackson in the 80s, this move could also stretch your back farther than it’s ready to flow.
Pretty Much Any Breakdancing
For those who actually can breakdance, it’s an immense source of talent and pride. After all they’re contorting their body into crazy patterns and rhythms while staying balanced (rarely on the feet). However, these acrobatic moves do little to promote back health and should be left to the ultra-flexible.
The Elaine
Made famous on Seinfeld, Elaine Benes’s character danced by jolting her limbs about. Seen as jerky, awkward, and embarrassing, it’s one that’s sure to cause a jarred back – even when performed as a joke.
The Back Spin
Considering this move places your weight directly on the spine, then spins it in a quick, painful fashion, nothing about it sounds bone friendly. Rather than risking bruises or sore muscles, choose a routine that offers more support, and less crowd attention.
For more back health tips, Visit our online back health articles.
Since the dawn of the short short, the video workout, and basketball uniforms from the 80s, society has been heavily focused on rears. Working it out, tightening it up, and singing song about who wears what types of bottoms (Who wears short shorts?) – all has been on the mind of American culture. And while keeping a firm bum can never exactly hurt one’s figure, there’s plenty more the back end has to offer. Just by sitting properly on one’s backside, simple posture and blood flow functions can be improved. Behind, buttocks, one’s best feature – whatever you choose to call it – can actually have a great deal of sway toward health.
The derriere is where you sit, the mid-point as to how you stand, and it hosts more cushion than any other part of the body. So, firm or not, it’s important to keep it in good health. But aside from society’s definition, a healthy rump simply means a proper place to sit; staying seated should not be painful. You should also be able to sit with even weight on both cheeks so that the spine is properly aligned and held into place. This will increase blood flow, reduce tensions and pains, and create a more bodily friendly sitting posture. Healthy fundament muscles also reduces lower back pain and reduces the amount of effort it takes to walk.
Additionally, pants should fit comfortably; jeans that are too tight can cut off circulation, actually lowering the effects of proper posture. Through proper weight displacement and with plenty of breathing room, you can easily reduce those nasty slouching habits and work toward creating a healthier hindquarters.
Whether you’re proud of your fanny, hide your glute under layers of clothing, or are indifferent toward your haunches, a properly functioning posterior can offer great health benefits. [So Confident]
Start giving your behind the attention it deserves for an easy wellness boost.
When coming down with a cold, one of the first things you do is make a nice hot cup of soup. Or tea, or broth, or vitamin-infused nectar. Whatever the concoction, it’s slated to be healthy and soothe the throat of its painful, groggy state. Warm concoctions also relieve body aches and pains, while reducing any chills from the inside out. If these combinations can help when we’re sick, however, why not drink them all the time? Taking in a daily regimen of hot, healthy liquids can do wonders for one’s health, especially when infused with natural immune boosting abilities.
Rather than waiting for a flu to strike, nip the problem in the bud by opting for good health year-round.
Recipes for Good Health
• Chamomile – Known for its calming effects, chamomile is a great option before bed. Brew a warm cup to soothe your body into a relaxing state. This will also help you get some rest – when sick or otherwise.
• Peppermint – Because it comes with menthol built right in, peppermint tea helps with congestion, coughs, and sore throats. Stick to this flavor when the onset of a cold is coming on, or when looking for a fresh, yummy taste.
• Ginger – Coming with an extra dose of zest, ginger tea – or spice – will help reduce nausea, an upset stomach, or dizziness. It can also be a great dessert alternative for those with a sweet tooth.
• Lemon – Either brewed with lemon flavoring or a fresh lemon, this citrus option is full of vitamin C. Use it as a healthy pick-me-up any time of year.
Additional flavors can also up the wellness factor as well. Honey can cure a sore throat, while working to combat ongoing allergies. Dandelion is filled with antioxidants, and mixing in herbs can offer any number of health benefits (and flavor). [Livestrong]
No matter your cup of tea, hot beverages of all kinds offer ample health benefits. Choose a flavor today and start drinking to your health.
Coming in all shapes and intensities, back pain is an ailment that affects thousands each day. There are those with previous injuries, regular aches, and ongoing treatment regimens to level out the discomfort. Which is why it should come as no surprise that those throughout history have commonly suffered from back aches.
Famous or not, back injuries affect those of all backgrounds and professions.
George Clooney
He may play it calm and collected on screen, but the star suffered an extreme injury when shooting 2005’s Syrinia. During a stunt scene, Clooney fell and tore his dura, which is a protective layer that holds spinal fluid. Though he’s undergone multiple surgeries, the actor still experiences ongoing pains.
Kathleen Turner
A long-term sufferer of rheumatoid arthritis, actress Kathleen Turner says there was one point in her life where it hurt to do anything, including walk. She has since been in remission, after finding a new form of medicine, and continues to provide outreach about the disease.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Best known for his painting style back in the 1800s, artist Renoir also suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. However, because of the time, he received little treatment for his condition. He suffered through much of his life, though he continued to paint on a daily basis.
JFK
It’s common knowledge that the late president suffered from intense back pain throughout his presidency. JFK was also diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, which is known to cause backaches via the digestive system.
Jennifer Grey
After a 20-year old accident left the Dirty Dancing star using ice and pain medication to manage her pain, she took a turn for the worse. In 2010’s season of Dancing with the Stars, she ruptured a lower back disc. The injury required surgery to correct, which worked to greatly reduce her pain. [Heritage, Prevention]
No matter the activity or task, back injuries can take place any place or time. Look to these cases as a source of hope and advancement on how far medical technology has come.
