Neck-friendly Tips for the Fourth of July

In just a few days’ time, fireworks will be set off to celebrate our nation’s freedom. (That is, unless your neighborhood has taken on the holiday already.) It’s a loud, colorful display that allows us a yearly bout of explosions and excitement. Ones that are meant to be enjoyed. And whether you love setting off said explosions or prefer to sit and watch from a safe distance, it’s a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for generations. But when the big show is taking place in the sky (as opposed to dinkier models set off in the driveway), it can be an actual pain in the neck to watch it in person. Especially when a solid view means cranking or jarring oneself into place. 

To save your neck, however, all it takes is a little strategic planning. For instance, laying out a blanket and enjoying the view from a horizontal position. Not one that comes with a chair that doesn’t recline. Or, if you know where the show will take place, opt for a location that’s further away (without sacrificing the view) so that you can relax your neck without obstructing the show. 

For the daytime fireworks, it’s a good idea to be aware of your surroundings. While there’s no way to be sure exactly when a loud pop or bang will be set off, knowing that it’s a possibility throughout the day can lessen the blow. This can save you a scare or two, as well as any sudden movements that lead toward a pulled muscle or soreness. 

This upcoming holiday, remember that even the longest of American traditions can come with a surprise. Whether by sound or a beautiful view in a less-than-ideal location. Look into better bodily care – even in the planning stages – to save yourself any firework-induced pains.  

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Can Hugs Make You Feel Younger?

Every now and then there’s a study that comes out with completely unique information. Whether it’s how to improve health, combat a certain illness, or just stats about how vitamins are affecting others, it gives us a glimpse into how we’re affected by everyday situations. But this latest release just may take the cake. Scientists are now showing results that hugs can make us feel younger. Providing what is known as the “cuddle hormone,” research shows that regular hugs can not only leave you more energized, but promote better bone and muscle health. All from just giving more hugs. 

The study was performed at the University of California, Berkeley, where it was found that the “cuddle hormone” or oxytocin helps those with muscle injuries heal more quickly. It’s a substance that the body creates and releases naturally when physical touching takes place. The study also found that oxytocin naturally decreases with age. But through regular touching – or injections of the substance – subjects were still found to heal at an increased pace whether suffering from a muscle or bone related injury.

The injections were also found to be safe, though natural versions of oxytocin appeared to have a better influence over patients. 

What the Results Mean

The research is in, folks, time to get hugging in order to feel younger. And to heal any ongoing injuries, especially those that involve the muscles or bones. It may not yet be doctor recommended, but that doesn’t mean patients can’t test out the theory for themselves. If it works, you can jumpstart your way to a speedy recovery, and if it doesn’t, all it cost you is a little up-close and personal time with those to whom you’re closest. Not exactly a con from any standpoint. 

To improve your health as well as your everyday mood, consider giving more hugs on a daily basis. 

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4 Everyday Situations that Cause us to Hunch

More often than not, slouching is a subconscious decision. When becoming relaxed or simply losing track of what we’re doing throughout the day, our bodies can slide into a hunched routine. Let’s face it, it’s just more comfortable. Even in the world’s most posture-inducing chair, can’t make us sit up straight 100% of the time. We’re just natural slouchers. But that also doesn’t mean we can’t be more aware of activities that cause us to hunch more than others.

To stay on top of proper posture, remember to be fully aware the back’s alignment when:

Walking Quickly

There’s something about being in a hurry that causes us to put our noses down. The next time you’re walking faster than your normal, leisurely pace, remember to hold your chin steady and up off the ground. This is especially true for when holding an umbrella, or other elements such as sun or wind cause you to avert your line of sight. 

Being Tired

Nights where you don’t get enough rest are more likely to cause slouching than almost any other form of sleeping. Whether being tired puts you in a bad mood or simply creates an environment in which you’d rather be cozy, be aware of this slouch-inducing cause each time you wake up drowsier than normal. 

Poor Discipline

The more often you work to remind yourself of your posture, the more aware you’ll be of each sitting position. Even subconsciously. Rather than ignoring your spine’s routine, look to subtle reminders throughout the day that will allow you to be more aware of how your back is aligned for each movement.

Desk Work

While working – especially typing – at a desk might be a necessary task, it’s also one that creates regular hunching posture. Look into shoulder and back position each time you sit down to improve your body’s everyday posture. Even when the environment doesn’t promote it. 

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The Dual Comfort Pillow is On Sale!

Now is time to buy your next pillow from Contour Living! With this limited time sale, sleepers of all ages can enjoy increased comfort at a fraction of the price.  Stock up for yourself and your family members, or purchase plenty in advance to give as gifts throughout the year. They also make great pillows for a guest bed; guests will be more comfortable than ever! 

The Dual Comfort Pillow offers premium materials and construction plus temperature controlled surfaces -  plenty of comfort perks, including its “dual” sided feature for which it’s named. Sleep on the quilted cotton side for breathable, plush, comfort, or opt for the cool mesh side to help keep your head and body cool while you sleep. This mesh creates a layer of air between the body and pillow, allowing plenty of air to pass while still providing its same head cradling features. With its breathable mesh and quilted cotton, the Dual Comfort Pillow provides the best of sleeping environments into a single, supportive pillow. 

The pillow also comes with a zippered case so you can remove and wash your cover as often as you prefer. Simply slip the pillow out of its plush dual-sided case for a clean surface every time you or your guests go to sleep. The pillow is also great for offering proper neck and spine support, no matter which side you choose to sleep on.

Whether you’re a hot sleeper or are in the market for a new supportive pillow, the Dual Comfort from Contour allows for all of the above. This premium pillow is now on sale.

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Are Nighttime Sleep Aids Safe?

For years medicines have been helping people sleep. Whether they were prescribed or sold over the counter, these concoctions were specifically designed to help folks get to sleep – and stay asleep – at night. Especially for those who have a history of wakefulness. There are even a number of natural sleep aids that provide similar results through the use of herbs and other non-chemical ingredients. But with all of these sleep aid options, how can we know if they’re safe? Or which ones are safer than others? 

Because of the very nature of what they’re providing, these medicines have the potential to cause very serious side effects. In general, the body is set to fall asleep naturally, and chemicals of any kind that work to jar one into forceful sleep are doing so with potent substances or chemicals designed to alter the body’s responses. Even when that sleep is welcome. In fact, for some, the idea of sleep is so extraordinary that it doesn’t matter in what form it’s had, including the forceful kind. 

Potential Side Effects

When taking a sleep aid, remember that many of these drugs haven’t been tested for long-term use. So, while they might be safe to consume every once an awhile, regular use might cause outside effects. Their presence can also make it more difficult for the body to fall asleep on its own. Therefore, the more you use a sleep aid in order to fall asleep, the harder it can actually become to fall asleep naturally – an ironic series of events.

Before taking a medicine to bring on sleep, consider looking at a few of the ingredients. Perform a Google search to see if they’ve caused any negative headlines, or talk to your doctor about the potential risk(s) that are associated with each sleep-aid substance.  

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Customer Reviews for the Flip Pillow

The reviews are in! As one of our favorite products, theFlip Pillow helps users sleeping and lounging comfortable at all heights. Not only does it help alleviate heartburn and snoring, it helps reduce pressure on the back and neck. While adding some much needed comfort in the process.

But don’t take our word for it – see what some real Flip Pillow users have to say about their experience with this groundbreaking product!

They write:

“Very comfy! Not too much elevation, just right. And so soft!” --June 2014

“My daughter loves it so much she takes it on sleep overs.” --June 2014

“This pillow is so super soft and I could lay on it all day and night. Have not put the pillowcase on yet, but bought the navy blue and it looks nice and soft too. The pillow is excellent for laying on while watching TV in bed.” --June 2014

“I have been able to go to sleep at night since I got this pillow. I have a sleeping disorder. The last two nights I have slept until the morning and not felt tired.”

--April 2014

“Love my pillow … offers great support yet very soft. would highly recommend for readingand watching TV.” --Bonnie, March 2014

“I had the best night's sleep in many years: ten and a half hours! Thanks Contour Pillow!” --January 2014

“Love the king-size. Very versatile product. Much cheaper to buy from Contour itself than any other retailer.” --December 2013

“Soft yet firm. It's ability to change shape helps when pain or discomfort does not let me get comfortable! Worth the money!” --Debbie, December 2013

“This pillow helped reduced my chest pain by 60%.” --December 2013

“This is a repeat purchase for a traveling friend. Fibromyalgia makessleep difficult,  reading in bed impossible. This pillow helps with both. Much recommended.” –Coale, July 2013

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How to Achieve Proper Reading Posture

When it’s time to sit down with a good book, we rarely stop to think about something as trivial as how we’re sitting. So long as it’s a comfortable spot and the words are flowing off the page as quickly as we can get to them, there’s really not much else to consider. Right? But when we’re so involved in a book that we crane and stretch to find the next page, there can actually be some serious side effects that take place. 

Most notably, these changes come in the form of headaches, neck aches, and sore muscles. Even just a plain ‘ol crick in the neck from hunching in the wrong direction for too long a time. Whatever the secondary cause from reading “incorrectly,” it can easily be reversed with a simple posture upgrade.

Whether you read on the couch, in a recliner, or in bed, find a cozy spot that’s most comfortable for checking in with your favorite characters. Next, consider what type of support – if any – is being offered. If in bed, regular pillows might not offer enough leverage, while a wedged or gradual incline pillow will prop your head without making you strain or reach to see each page. If in a recliner, opt for a pillow under your arms so the head can sit back and relax. While a couch might be most helpful with all of the above. 

Outside features, such as room temperature and light should also be considered. Trying to keep cool (or warm) can cause you to move into awkward positions, while a room that is too dark means squinting and pulling one’s face ever-closer to the text, even when it’s within close distance.

Book lovers everywhere can agree that reading before bed – or really anytime – is a favorite past time. To make the best out of this already enjoyable experience, remember to adjust posture for a better, more body friendly posture. 

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3 Ways Driving Can Be a Literal Pain in the Neck

There’s a little bit of road rage in all of us, no matter how intense it might be. Whether we just get frustrated or have to head to stress management classes after a traffic jam, it’s safe to say that driving can cause some serious tension. It’s how we handle those tensions, however, that may or may not lead to secondary issues, such as headaches, muscle pains, and other stress-induced side effects.

To make the most our of your next driving venture, remember the following:

3. Tensing Muscles Can Cause Them to Ache

When we’re angered or stressed out, generally it’s common to tense the muscles. Though it’s not done on purpose, it’s an underlying act that can cause aches and pains later on. The longer amount of time, or more often, that one tenses, however, the greater these pains can become. 

To avoid pulling or stressing the muscles, try and relax while driving, even in the most frustrating of situations. 

2. Checking for Traffic Too Quickly Can Cause Neck Strains

When “whipping” or quickly checking for merging traffic, our necks often feel the brunt of the efforts. This fast-paced motion can lead to pulled muscles or strains within the neck. Which is also one of the sorest places to upset a deep muscle.  

Rather than doing a quick check, take your time and allow the neck to slowly adjust to new positions; the extra time will lead to stronger and more agile muscles. 

1. Being Petal Happy Can Cause Whiplash

We know it’s important to take it easy on the brakes – and the gas – to save on efficiency. But that’s not the only reason why. Making a “hard” stop or slamming on the breaks can also cause some uncomfortable muscle or bone jarring. While these events can be painful up front, they can also fly under the radar … until they don’t. While emergencies happen, avoid hard petal actions to keep your body in place and properly aligned.  

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Make Your Booty Happy with a Kabooti Comfort Seat Cushion

Sitting is a part of everyday life – there’s no way around it. Whether you’re sitting for long periods of time, or short bits in-between, it’s a necessary act that gets us through the day. (And allows for some much needed rest.) Which is why, when we are sitting, we want it to be as comfortable as possible. In the same way you don’t want to walk in uncomfortable shoes, you don’t want to sit in a chair that’s too hard, too soft, or any combination of the two. 

So how do you make uncomfortable shoes work in your favor? With the help of cushions or insoles. And the same can be said for sitting – with a cushion, even the hardest seat can be made into a back-friendly place that anyone would be happy to sit upon. Choose one that’s specifically designed to support the rear, such as the Kabooti Cushion, and even more health perks can be had. 

Why You Should Kabooti

With the help of this specially designed cushion, users of all ages and lengths of sitting time can gain infinite benefits. Such as a comfortable way to support the back, cushion for the rear so as to not cause muscle or nerve pains, and better posture simply by aligning themselves up with the wedge base. It even comes complete with a coccyx cutout so as to reduce any excess weight displacement or pressure that can occur on or around the tailbone. 

Better yet, it’s portable and can adapt to any chair. Simply place it on top of your favorite seating surface – even sporting events and benches – and enjoy the ongoing benefits that come from sitting atop the Kabooti Comfort Seat Cushion. Then pack it away and use it in the car! With this diverse abilities, you can enjoy quality support and comfort no matter where you’re sitting each day. 

Ready to catch up on the Kabooti’s benefits today? Head to Contour Living and start shopping. 

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Can You Cure Yourself With Social Media?

In today’s age, virtually anything and everything can be found online. Whether shopping or looking for advice, anyone with a working Internet connection is a few seconds away from more answers than they even have time to read. With so many results, however, it can be hard to know who to trust, when to listen to them, and who’s just blowing keyword smoke in order to get better traffic. 

In order to find the best available online results, one of the easiest tricks is to simply ask your friends. Through social media. With tens to hundreds of trusted individuals at your fingertips, opting for the “ask first via Facebook” method can give you more answers faster. 

While this won’t cure each and every one of your medical issues – nor provide medically approved advice – it does offer a simple and quick way to filter out the excess spam. And since you’re hearing from those whom you know and trust, you can be sure the results are solid ones. 

How to Poll Online

The next time you hear about a new at-home cure or feel a unique pain coming on, take to the computer. Here you can provide as much information as you feel comfortable sharing, and then ask others for their advice. Those who have already dealt with a specific symptom will be able to share their rendition, while some might just have heard about a good or bad reaction to a similar method. Essentially, it’s online reviews among friends. 

However, even when polling your most trusted individuals, it’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor. Ask he or she about what treatments will best help your specific needs, and if there might be any adverse effects.

To make the most of your at-home treatments, consider the help of your social media friends. It’s a quick and proven way to poll opinions without spending hours of research time.

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Why It’s Important to Stay Hydrated

Did you know that a large majority of medical ailments can be cured just by drinking a glass of water? While it might sound far-fetched (or too good to be true), more often than not, people experiencing minor aches and pains are simply dehydrated. And if they’d stop to replenish their body’s water source, they could instantly get rid of that headache, reduce those muscle aches, or help dissolve that heartburn. Underlying issues can also be helped by drinking water, such as slowed digestion or inefficient circulation.

But if drinking water is so easy, why don’t more people do it? Though it sounds like a simple cure, it can be hard to tell what can and can’t be solved by drinking water … until you actually do it. Which is why, whenever a minor pain occurs, it’s best to drink a glass of water (or two) just to be sure. Experts also say you should take in a regular amount of water on any given day. (Talk to your doctor about age and weight to find a safe amount.) That way your body is hydrated at all times; you can work to eliminate impromptu headaches before they even take place. 

For those who don’t like drinking water, this can be done by adding in flavors, but remember that those that contain caffeine or sugars should be avoided. 

Is Being Dehydrated Really That Bad?

Depends on your definition. But being too low on water levels can reduce your body’s ability to perform a number of functions, including organ tasks, blood flow, food digestion, skin development, and more. A lack of water can also leave your body searching for the water it requires, leaving you with a nasty headache or other bodily pain. 

To make the most out of your health, drinking water can be a simple cure to any number of issues. Start drinking more water today to receive instant wellness results.

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New Product: The Backarc Massager

Who says a great massage can’t happen at home … without the help of a professional, or even a non-pro? With Contour Living’s new product, the Backarc Massager, anyone and everyone can create their very own at-home, deep tissue massage. No expensive training needed. Not to mention, no more scheduling an appointment or waiting until your significant other gets home. Now you can get the massage your muscles need whenever you desire it most. 

The product works by rolling against the wall on the mounted, wheel-hosting device. Adjust it for standing or sitting height, whichever you prefer for your regular at-home massage sessions. Then, simply line up your back and roll your way to a more relaxed disposition. Massage lengths can also be tailored to meet your needs. Opt for a short massage to release a little tension, or give yourself a deep-tissue, long-term massage to eliminate aches and pains from deep within the back. 

Additional Back Massaging Features

The Backarc Massager also allows you to:

• Adjust pressure by using one’s own body weight
• Control massage length and pressure points
• Stand or sit to achieve maximum comfort
• Meet and reach the contours of your back

To get a professional grade massage, there’s no longer the need to book an expensive salon appointment. This quality product can help eliminate pains on a daily basis, with a one-time purchase. Thanks the Backarc Massager, those of all back-related ailments can get the treatment they need whenever they need it most. And in the comfort of your own home. 

To get started on your at-home back treatments today, look no further than Contour’s latest release. It’s ease of use and high quality mechanics will offer the perfect solution to all your back muscle aches and pains.

Order now to receive free shipping and our introduction discount! 

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Can Spicy Foods Help you Lose Weight?

It’s long-since been a myth that spicy foods are for the skinny. For whatever reason, this extra kick of flavor – and heat – has been said to jumpstart the metabolism and kick it into high gear. But does it actually help? And if so, just how helpful are spicy foods on the metabolism that’s happy working on slow gear? Or are spicy foods only for flavor? Is it just a half-cooked myth that got people to suck down spicy foods when they were wishing for something more bland? 

According to studies, it’s the former; spicy is the way to go. While opting for peppers or hot sauce won’t work as a long-term solution, eating them on a regular basis will help kick your metabolism in high gear. For those who love spicy foods, this comes as good news, you can simply continue eating hot peppers on as many foods as your taste buds can handle … and enjoy the benefits along the way. But for those who are more sensitive to spicy tastes, however, eating them can mean more pain than it’s worth. Instead, try a few peppers at a time, or sprinkling them into blander foods, such as eggs, bread, pastas, etc. to get the same perks without the too-spicy repercussions.

Why Spicy Works in Your Favor

When eating foods that come with a kick, your tongue isn’t the only area feeling its affects. The seeds and oils that make foods hot also interact with your digestive system, allowing them to move foods through more quickly. This is also what works for the short-term fix. To keep your metabolism moving at this high-speed pace, eat spicy foods on a regular basis, or as often as your taste buds prefer. 

In order to give your metabolism a jumpstart – by doing nothing other than eating a meal – consider going spicy. It’s a quick and effective way to give your body a boost of energy just where you need it most. 

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