Thursday, March 26, 2015

Did you Know? High Pollen Levels Affect Air Quality

Chances are, so far this spring, you’ve experienced some allergy symptoms. This time of year, runny noses are prevalent. As are watery eyes and scratchy throats. It’s just part of spring. However, this year in particular, the levels of pollen have been so high, that even those who don’t generally suffer from allergies have been noticing symptoms. This is due to especially high levels, which started earlier than normal. 

Combined, those two factors have been the focal point of some serious suffering. As well as higher sales numbers in relief, such as tissues and anti-histamines. 

This year has proved to be especially brutal, specifically due to high pollen levels making their way into the air. 

What Causes Allergies?


Obviously, a large part of allergies, and how you’re affected by said allergens, comes from genetics. Those with parents who suffered are more likely to develop those same reactions. However, continued exposure can also make a difference. As well as location, weather changes, and more. Specifically, what types of plants are growing in the area, and whether or not you have a strong reaction to those species. One can also develop more severe allergies as they age. 

Warmer temperatures will also trigger allergens to burst forth into the air. Late freezes can help kill them from our breathing air, or at the very least, keep them at bay until the next thaw. A welcome change for those who began suffering early this year.

How to Prevent Allergies



Your doctor is a go-to source on allergy prevention. Natural healthcare professionals will also provide helpful insight, such as how to prevent symptoms without taking medicine. Another tactic is to go to the source itself. By keeping track of local pollen levels, you can be sure and know what to look out for any given day. Google local resources, or check out national websites that are specifically made to monitor counts. 

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Learn How to Get Better Rest with Sleep Innovations

As partners in the good-night’s-sleep community, we’re out to educate the public on anything and everything associated with rest. In fact, it excites us. That includes products that will help them become more comfortable, to healthier resting habits, and more. One our latest projects combines all of the above. 

With Sleep Innovations, a unique combination of articles – and the help of Media Planet – readers can gain the information they need to get better rest. And because Media Planet focuses on advocacy and research in natural healthcare advances, readers can rest assured they’re gaining access to innovative and cutting-edge materials. 

There’s even a section with Arianna Huffington, who discusses the importance of rest, as well as the moment she realized just how precious good sleep can be. By hearing from experts and understanding general opinion, in one easy-to-read place, those of all backgrounds and situations can gain a better scope of public opinion. For instance, what’s normal when you’re trying to rest, and what might be cause for alarm. As well as what steps to take in order to improve one’s sleeping patterns. Maybe even all of the above. 

Products, educational programs, and more are also shared within the publication. The website even tackles additional health issues, such as bone strength, lymphoma, what causes kids to snore (and why it might be unhealthy), and more. With this well-rounded approach, readers can gain access to health conditions that encompass their sleeping habits (and what might affect them), as well as those that are beyond those nighttime resting patterns.

An all-over approach to getting educated about the human body and all of its intricate parts. 


To learn more about what Sleep Innovations has to offer, or to start reading your way to better health today, head to FutureofPersonalHealth.com

Thursday, March 19, 2015

User Opinions are In! Check Out the Double Back Cushion

What’s better than a great product? How about a great product that provides two separate uses?! A single purchase that comes with twice the function and problem solving abilities, but with a single, affordable price tag. And all from a company with a proven track record. 

The best of both worlds come together with Contour’s Double Back Leg and Lumbar Support pillow, a single cushion with two functions. Use it as a plush and supportive leg pillow to align the legs in any setting. Or, use the wrap-around section to create lumbar support. Users can pull the pair apart, or keep them together for a comfortable way to approach leg or lumbar pain. 

But don’t take our word for it (or the fact that it comes with Contour Living’s 90-day return guarantee). See what others have to say about the product.

“This product really helps you keep your spine in alignment for correct posture and better sleep. I would have given it 5 stars if the covers were removable for washing.” February 2015

“This is just what I needed! I love it and it really helps my lumbar, but first of all it comes in handy, because you can take it with you on your trips :-)” January 2015

“Best sleep I have had in years. Get right out of bed without having to roll out.” January 2015

“I ordered this for my husband because he tends to crush softer leg pillows. This one is perfect!” February 2014


To test out the Double Back Leg and Lumbar Support pillow for yourself or to order for a loved one – or to learn more about what it has to offer, head to Contour Living’s product page. Act now while it’s on sale and save! 

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Sleeping Positions to Improve Digestion: When it’s Not Good to “Go Green”

This St. Patrick’s Day, we’re celebrating the day with as much green as possible. From outfits, to dishes, to parades, and anything else that incorporates the leprechaun’s favorite holiday. It’s safe to say it’s a day that’s greener than any other. 
But when it comes to bodily functions, greener isn’t always better. In fact, it’s far worse. No one wants to be green in the face, that is nauseous, any time of day. Especially when they’re trying to sleep. 

In order to get past whatever digestion ailment that has you on edge, look to these simple and comfortable sleeping positions. Each of which helps the body naturally improve digestion, and keeps you from going green in the face. No matter what they day may bring. 

The Right Side


When your stomach is feeling uneasy, one of the best ways to sleep is on your right side. Because of the way the intestines sit, this allows food and accompanying acids to settle and rest, rather than causing even further feelings of unease. Consider rolling over to your right the next time your stomach is upset.

On an Incline


Eat right before bed? Whether you’re experiencing acid reflux, indigestion, or know you need a little more time before you can sleep comfortably, consider an incline. This allows the body to naturally settle its contents with the help of gravity. Opt for a wedge-shaped pillow, or stack a few to gain similar results. You can even lounge in the chair until you feel properly digested. 

The Left Side


Unlike an upset stomach, the left side seems to be the way to go when preventing heartburn. (Whether it’s already struck, or you’re looking to nix its symptoms before they arrive.) These findings were proven by a number of sleep studies, all of which featured regular heartburn suffers who made the switch to left-side sleeping. 

Face-First


While sleeping with your face into the pillow might not sound like the most comfy position, it might be the best for helping with digestion. Try this tactic after a heavy meal, or when eating right before bed. It’s a great way to give the intestines a helping hand, while eliminating discomfort or stomach twists and turns throughout the night. 


To better eliminate painful sleeping patterns, especially those associated with digestion, opt for these simple solutions. They’re a proven and comfortable way to gain better sleep. 

Thursday, March 12, 2015

The 10-Minute Sore Muscle Cure

Muscles sore? Do they strain with movement and make it almost cringe-worthy to perform certain movements? You’re in luck. New research shows there’s an easy and fast cure: a 10-minute massage. Rather than looking to painkillers, diet change, an increase in liquid intake, or any other method, a good old-fashioned massage may just provide the best results. 

However, to obtain the highest levels of success, it should be a short one. Too long and you can actually increase the levels of pain, while a session that’s less than 10 minutes can mean that not enough blood has been stimulated. 

Because of the way muscles work and settle after an injury or exercise, this short stimulation has shown to provide the most efficient levels of relief. A medium level of blood flow and oxygenation. Without the need for chemicals or any other substance and its side effects. 

Additionally, research shows that, with this length of time, the body activates and awakens genes that actually increase healing levels. Meaning you can not only gain immediate relief, but actually speed up the health of your muscles in the process. A natural and effective way to increase the healing process once and for all. And because it only lasts for 10 minutes, your massage will be on the cheap side of salon services. Or, ask your significant other to help in the healing sector (be sure and offer to reciprocate the next time they’re sore). 


While there are all types of treatments and available offers, it turns out one of the most effective is a natural, substance-free one. An act that can be performed in the comfort in your own home, and in 10 minutes or less. Look to this proven treatment method the next time you’re sore or stiff for an easy and budget-friendly way to speed along your muscles’ healing efforts. 

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Utilize the Apple Watch for Better Health

With the announcement of its new Apple Watch, the computer and tech company gave the public new hope. With the promise of a product that’s out to make fitness, communication, time efficiency, and more, easier. From a single and wearable device. And while it’s not the first smartwatch on the market, it’s one that’s compatible with all of one’s Apple products. While providing some unique features. For instance, the ability to send your heartbeat to friends, along with personalized sketches.

But perhaps the most exciting feature is its fitness tracker. The Apple Watch notes all of your movement throughout the day, and then categorizes it into standing, moving, and exercise sections. Then, the watch charts those portions in one, simple to read format (circles with different colors so it’s easy to keep track of what’s what). By keeping each chart side-by-side, however, wearers are able to see just how much of their time is spent doing which form of movement (or lack thereof), and then allows them to adjust accordingly. Over time, you can even use these numbers to work toward a more efficient routine each and every day.

The downside, however, comes in cost. For those who are perfectly happy with a cheaper watch, it’s a serious upgrade (you may even want to look to more budget-friendly smartwatch models, or a fitness tracker that doesn’t include a timepiece). It also has outside features not everyone will utilize, for instance, wrist-ready communication. But for those who are all about Apple, or who want to make a serious investment in their fitness upgrades, this upcoming device just may be the way to go. 


Check out the Apple page to gain more info, or head to this link about smartwatch alternatives to find a model that meets every lifestyle, and every budget. 

Friday, March 6, 2015

How to Benefit From a “Sleep Ritual”

Sleep is an everyday norm. It’s something we need to rest and regain energy for the following day. And it’s something that, after a hard or long day, we crave. But aside from necessity – or rather an inevitability – there can be much more to it. Sleep, as a practice, can be good or bad. It can be deep or restless. The more we focus on those facts, and what affects them, the better we can create sleep success. Or as one writer puts it, a “sleep ritual.”

A sleep ritual is the routine that you follow before bed. The time you usually lay down, habits you develop when getting under the covers, and so on. It’s also what mentally and physically prepares you for sleep every day, no matter what took place earlier. While they might vary (slightly), each night, over time, your body understands what’s taking place, and it helps ready itself for sleep. Without a relaxing ritual, however, you could be greatly reducing your chance at sleep. Especially restful versions of it. 

By disengaging from work, or any other stressful event from the day, the inventor of “sleep rituals” agrees that sleep will come more naturally. Failing to do so, in contrast, will make it more difficult to relax, and therefore, obtain actual rest. If that’s difficult to do at first, however, use it as a goal to work toward. The smaller and gentler each step, the easier it is to master the art of your sleeping routine. And because everyone is different, a ritual will be personalized; no two people will have the exact same go-to-sleep list. 


To learn more about the art of a sleep ritual, or what you can do in order to get yours started, check out the original article here