Posted by Dr. Raymond Hall on Tue, Sep 20, 2011 @ 07:12 PM
Do you suffer from shoulder or neck pain? Well, have you thought of driving as a treatment plan? Usually its traffic that causes pains in our neck not what prevents it. Studies show however, that about half of rotator cuff injuries in our shoulder can heal with self care or isometric exercise therapy and what better place to strengthen those muscles then when sitting in traffic? Wouldn't you also like to PREVENT rotator cuff Injuries and help keep your bones strong?? To promote your bone health and prevent potential injuries might be just the most sane idea in our paradoxical universe while driving in stop and go traffic while pressing against your steering wheel, not your horn!
Staring off into space, yelling at other drivers, trying not to go insane, and honking incessantly, these are the things people usually do when sitting in traffic. A cycle of bad music on the radio and thoughts of what you have to do when you finally got out of the car, last the entire ride home.
But while we can’t easily fix our traffic problems, there are a few simple ways to make your commute a little more fruitful.
Your shoulder is made up of muscles and tendons that connect your upper arm bone with your shoulder blade. This area is called the Rotator cuff and it helps hold the ball of your upper arm bone firmly in your shoulder socket. This combination is what allows you to lift and rotate your arm and as you can imagine, if this area gets injured or compromised, it can result in a lot of pain and immobility.
Weakness in this spot can make you more susceptible to injuries, so maintaining strength through specific exercises is important. I’ve recently developed a simple Isometric exercise program for both rehabilitation and prevention that can be done to strengthen your shoulder muscles using only your steering wheel for resistance.
Check it out below.
Who knew stop and go traffic could be this productive?
1. Push Inward, Hold 5 Secs 3xElbows Bent 90* and arms (Almost) hanging straight down to sides.
2. Arms same position as #1
But now place hands on inside of steering wheel and Push outward, hold for 5 secs.
3. Elbows close together, pull downward at
A) Top of steering wheel
B) Bottom of steering wheel
Hold each position for 5 seconds.
4. Same position of hands. Pull Upward
holding for 5 seconds 3 x each.
A few tips:
1) Being safe is obviously the first priority so do the exercises while stopped at a light.
2) If you experience any pain, consult your doctor before participating in this or any exercise program.
3) For you super strong people you ARE capable of breaking the steering wheel, so caution should be exercised and try not to apply too much force. These exercises are designed for gentle isometric contractions for the average person but if you can exert more than 10 - 15 lbs, perhaps you should stick to your gym routine.
4) And finally, these exercises are great for you. But you also must get good sleep to heal, prevent injury, and stay at the top of your game. Please visit the most remarkable PILLO in the world PILLO1, to see how you can Sleep Beautifully and Heal Naturally!!
Posted by Dr. Raymond Hall on Tue, Aug 02, 2011 @ 03:40 PM
Tick tock, tick tock.
The house is silent, the streets are empty, and it feels like the whole town is asleep, except for you. Insomnia is a frustrating condition that affects 20 to 40 percent of the adult population each year. Insomnia is defined by the National Institute of Health as “difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, or having non-refreshing sleep for at least one month”. This definition does not sound pleasant, yet many people go undiagnosed for insomnia because they accept lack of quality sleep as part of their lifestyle. Quality sleep is important to everyone, and insomnia can change your functionality during the day as well as lead to more serious problems such as daytime sleepiness that causes auto accidents or lowered immune system defenses that can lead to actual sickness. Insomnia can be caused by intake of substances such as caffeine or alcohol before bed and/or psychological issues such as anxiety or stress. Often times this is a vicious circle as inadequate sleep creates even more anxiety and stress which perpetuates, making it even harder to overcome the insomnia. Below are some common symptoms defined by the National Institute of Health to help you determine if you or someone you know struggle with this condition.
Symptoms of Insomnia:
- Difficulty falling asleep on most nights
- Feeling tired during the day
- Not feeling refreshed when you wake up
- Waking up several times during sleep
- Obsessive thoughts about getting enough sleep
One increasingly common way to help insomnia is the use of prescription sleeping medications. Sleeping medications work to enhance the activity of the neurotransmitter in the brain, GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), which can induce drowsiness as well as decrease anxiety and help relax muscles. There are two main classes of sleeping pills, benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Some of the most common prescription sleeping medications include: Ambien, Lunesta, Halcion, as well as anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax and Valium.
When used on a regular basis, sleeping medications carry a risk of dependency, since the user may not be able to sleep without them. Side effects of sleeping pills can also be a concern.
Common Side Effects of Sleeping Pills:
- Burning or tingling in the hands, arms or feet
- Changes in appetite
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness/drowsiness
- Dry mouth or throat
- Gas
- Headache
The question to ask yourself is whether sleeping pills are the right choice for you. There are many all natural ways to help with insomnia or sleeping troubles. With the natural methods you avoid having medication in your system for a long period of time, as well as the side effects and the risk of possible dependency. The best natural supplements for helping you fall asleep are remedies like melatonin, chamomile tea, Valerian, and Kava. Using a sleep journal and regulating your sleep environment are also ways to help insomnia. Make sure you avoid caffeine or alcohol too close to bedtime. Also make sure the temperature and lighting in the room are cool and dark, the best for good sleep.
Finally, if you want to help your insomnia, consider the quality of your pillow, an essential item for restorative sleep. If you toss and turn frequently, your brain is telling your body that it is in an uncomfortable position, which keeps you from sleeping soundly. PILLO1, designed by a doctor, can help you achieve the perfect sleeping posture so that your brain can relax and rest. PILLO1’s soft yet supportive talalay latex surfaces will ease you into sleep. In fact, an Independent sleep study at St. John’s Sleep Disorder center in Santa Monica showed that people who sleep on PILLO1 went to sleep 18% faster than a conventional pillow. It also demonstrated that PILLO1 will get you into full PERSISTANT sleep 21 % faster, and that you enter into the dream (REM) state 19 percent quicker and that you stay in REM sleep by over 21 % longer. Pretty incredible right? How many other pillows have ever done polysomnographic analysis to study the importance and its true effect on sleep??!! Only ONE that we know of…
So if you or someone you know suffer from insomnia or trouble sleeping, direct them to www.pillo1.com for more information on the revolutionary PILLO1. We believe that everyone deserves the best quality sleep possible on the most scientifically advanced and eco-friendly pillow ever created. Stop the cycle of stress, sleeping pills and sleepless nights now with PILLO1, the eco-luxe therapeutic pillow designed by Dr. Raymond Hall, DC .
Sources: National Institute of Health, WebMD.com, SleepMed Inc.
Posted by Dr. Raymond Hall on Wed, Jul 20, 2011 @ 02:02 PM
Source: Google Images
We all know how it feels to wake up on a hot summer night sweating in bed, tossing and turning to find the cold side of the pillow that isn’t really there. If we have air-conditioning, we can crank it down to a comfortable temperature, but if we do not, we are left to struggle through the night. The heat of the bedroom affects our quality of sleep, leaving us fatigued and dehydrated the next day. It is important during the hot summer months that we are prepared for this challenge.
According to WebMD, the recommended temperature for the bedroom at night is somewhere between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. At this room temperature, you can easily lower your body temperature to the set point for sleeping, which is naturally less than the average body temperature during the day, 98.6 Degrees. If you are uncomfortably hot or cold you are more likely to wake during the night which can throw off your sleep cycles and result in less restorative R.E.M. sleep. However, if you lack air conditioning, you may not be able to keep the room between 65 and 72 degrees. In that case, here are 5 simple tips to help cool you down during the summer.
1. Cold shower before bed
Lowering your body temperature before bed will make it easier for you to fall asleep on a hot night. Take a semi-cold shower (too cold of a shower will close your pores, raising your body temperature) and don’t dry off completely. With a fan on and light sheets you will stay wet for longer and dry naturally.
2. Sleep downstairs
Heat rises, so if you can, find a sleeping spot downstairs or in a breezy area of the house. This will increase air circulation and keep you from feeling stifled by the heat.
3. Put on damp socks
A few hours before bed, take a pair of light socks and get them damp, then put them in the refrigerator or freezer to get them cold. Put them on just before bed. Keeping your feet cold will decrease your overall body temperature, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep longer. If you wake up frequently during the night, simply rinse the socks again in cold tap water and put them on again.
4. Use fans to increase air circulation
For those of us without air conditioning, fans are a heaven-sent gift. Large fans that oscillate will increase the air circulation, making the heat more bearable. If you sleep with damp clothing after the shower or damp socks, the fans will help you stay even cooler.
5. Use PILLO1- made from cool, breathable Talalay foam
Most pillows conform to the shape of your head and trap heat, making you sweat. Visco (typical foam pillows) are almost all crude oil based which also creates an oil barrier and traps heat as well producing increased perspiration. The sweat and dirt from your skin are then absorbed into the material of the pillow, making it break down easier. The solution: PILLO1. PILLO1 is the perfect pillow for sleeping in the summer heat because it is made of natural, sustainable talalay latex that doesn’t trap heat. The latex foam has also has ventilation channels throughout making it 4 times more breathable than Visco memory foam. The unique design of PILLO1 makes sleeping in one position more comfortable, so you avoid tossing and turning, which also can make you hot. And since it doesn’t trap heat, PILLO1 is 33 percent more durable than the Visco memory foam, making it an investment in restorative sleep for years to come.
To keep up to date on all the latest PILLO1 and sleep news, join the social conversation on our Facebook or Twitter sites.
Posted by Ray Hall on Tue, Jul 12, 2011 @ 10:49 AM
source: Google Images
In our last blog we discussed the hidden connection between sleep and weight loss; and how being sleep-deprived can wreak havoc on your body- and, your diet plan. Lack of adequate sleep can cause hormonal imbalances which affect your appetite, making it harder to say no to the “comfort foods” or high carbohydrate “energy boost” foods. But getting enough sleep is not just important for those trying to lose weight, it is essential to EVERYONE. Many people think they can just get by, avoid getting enough sleep, and still function just fine during the day. Bad idea for the health conscious in so many ways; and not the recipe to ever reach ones potential. That is why this week we will be discussing a way to EVALUATE your sleeping habits, so you can make healthful CHOICES and make sure you are getting the best sleep possible. It's easier than you think...
The first step to evaluating your sleep is to determine two factors: total time slept and the quality of your sleep. According to WebMD, adults should get between 6 to 8 hours a night per sleep. For sleep to be restorative it must go through all of the normal sleep cycles. If you wake up frequently during the night, you are disrupting the patterns which will change the duration of each cycle. Too much or too little sleep will also disrupt your normal circadian rhythms and also be harmful. The best way to evaluate your sleep is to keep a sleep journal. Sounds complicated but wait, it's really easy. Check this out...
The PILLO1 Sleep Journal Challenge
At PILLO1 we want everyone in the world to have the most optimal restorative sleep to fit their needs and help them be productive. That is why we offer you, readers, a challenge. For part 1, we challenge you to critically evaluate your normal sleep habits for one week and see if you are getting the best quality of sleep possible. For part 2, if you judge that you are not, we challenge you to try PILLO1 and see how it “improves your life through better sleep”. With the proper support of neck and spine with PILLO1, you will see a difference in your depth of sleep as well as the way you feel during the day. Are you ready to take the challenge?
Sleep Journal
PILLO1 Sleep Journal excel sheet
Attached to this blog is an excel spreadsheet template that will serve as your sleep journal, or you are welcome to make your own. In this sleep journal, you will record the date on the left column. You should keep a sleep journal for a week.
1. Record the time you went to sleep and the time you woke up. Subtract the difference to find the time you actually slept, approximately.
2. Next rate the quality of your sleep on a scale of 1 to 10 based on several factors: did you wake up during the night? Did you toss and turn in your sleep? Did you have trouble falling asleep? Once you have a score, record it.
3. Multiply the time you spent sleeping by your quality of sleep score. The ideal number for an adult would be 8 hours of sleep at a 10 quality, giving them a sleep score of 80. Obviously there can be higher or lower scores than this, but this is the ideal score.
4. After you have calculated your score, list in the column labeled “Condition factors” anything which you think may have contributed to your sleep. Ask yourself questions to see if you can attribute your good or bad sleep score to any specific factors. These questions should include the following:
- Did you take any pain or sleep medications before bed?
- Did you drink any alcohol before bed?
- When did you eat dinner? Right before bed, or earlier?
- Did you get any exercise during the day?
- How stressed did you feel during the day?
- What type of pillow do you use? Flat? Contour?
- What was the temperature/lighting of the room you slept in?
The PILLO1 30/40 deal for Blog readers
Here is our new "30/40" deal. If you are not completely satisfied with PILLO1 after sleeping on it for 30 nights, return it and we will only charge you $40.00 as a handling fee plus your return shipping (usually around 13 bucks). We are very confident that you will be one of the 97 percent of our satisfied customers. That's why we can offer this type of promo. And to make this even better!!, if you try PILLO1 as part of the challenge, we will offer you for a limited time, free shipping straight away for participating in our Blog. Enter "freeshipping" in our PROMO code. That's how confident we are that YOU CAN experience the healing and restorative sleep with the right pillow. PILLO1’s unique design and support will help you fall asleep faster, achieve more time in the R.E.M. phase, and increase your circulation during sleep. And PILLO1 is made of renewable, sustainable and breathable talalay latex. For 5 sleep tips from Dr. Raymond Hall, DC, click here. Also, feel free to call our knowledgeable staff with any questions you may have at our toll free number 1-877-4PILLO1 (1-877-474-5561).PILLO1 Sleep Journal excel sheet
Posted by Ray Hall on Thu, Jun 30, 2011 @ 01:08 PM
Source: Google Images
Have you ever considered that POOR SLEEP can sabotage your WEIGHT LOSS plan?
When it comes to losing weight, most people are focused on calorie counting or taking their exercise routine up a notch to drop the extra pounds. But losing weight is not just about eating right and keeping an exercise schedule. Sleep is a critical factor in health and wellness, and frankly, is an essential factor in weight loss. Sadly, sleep is often overlooked, and people sacrifice hours of restorative sleep to accomplish more during the day. According to WebMD, an adult should sleep 7 to 8 hours a night, but many people struggle to even get 5 hours. This can affect brain function, the body’s immune system, and can hinder weight loss.
Sleep is known to affect weight loss in many ways. When a person is sleep deprived, they crave simple carbohydrates and sugar, quick energy boosts which are not favorable for a healthy diet. We all know the feeling of being fatigued in the late afternoon and craving comfort food like a candy bar or slice of pizza. Poor sleep can also lead to mental imbalances like depression and anxiety, which can affect eating habits.
One of the most researched connections between sleep and weight loss has to do with hormones. Researchers know that hormone production during the day and at night during sleep play a key role in weight gain and loss. The two hormones responsible are leptin and ghrelin, which are used to modulate appetite in a kind of “checks and balances” system. Leptin tells the brain when it is full and ghrelin tells the brain when it is hungry. When you are sleep deprived, your body makes more ghrelin hormone than leptin hormone, causing your appetite to increase. This can translate to unconscious overeating and weight gain. Ghrelin has also been shown to decrease energy expenditure and change the body’s preferred fuel source from burning fat to using carbohydrates instead, which makes you crave more carbohydrate–rich foods. For this reason, ghrelin has been linked to increasing fat storage (adiposity). By maintaining a good sleep schedule, you can keep your leptin and ghrelin hormones in balance and your appetite regular. Proper sleep may well be one of the leading breakthroughs for fighting obesity.
Also, one of the primary keys to good quality sleep is the amount of time spent in the “R.E.M.” stage. R.E.M, which stands for Rapid Eye Movement, is the state of sleep in which the brain is most active. This active state burns more calories than the non-R.E.M. stages of sleep since it uses glucose to fuel brain activity. The more R.E.M. sleep you get, the more calories you burn, it is that easy!
PILLO1 can help improve your weight loss plan by allowing you to achieve a more restorative sleep with more time in the R.E.M. phase. In fact, in a sleep study conducted by St. John’s Sleep Disorders Center in Santa Monica, CA on the effects of PILLO1 vs. conventional pillows on quality of sleep, the study showed that PILLO1 helped people fall asleep 19 percent faster and that they had an INCREASE in R.E.M. sleep by a whopping average of 21.3%. This shows that PILLO1 can help you burn more calories during sleep as well as improve your cognitive and physical function during the day.
Get more sleep and improving the quality of your sleep with PILLO1. This life enhancing pillow has been described as “Heaven in a Box”. Don’t wait!!! Get yours online today through Bed Bath and Beyond.com, Sharper Image.com or by visiting our website at PILLO1.com.
Stay tuned for my next blog article on 5 simple ways to evaluate your sleep and make changes to achieve the best quality sleep possible!
Posted by Kayleen HIcks on Wed, Jun 08, 2011 @ 01:37 PM
Image source: Google Images
SNORING
Many people snore. It is estimated that almost of half of the U.S. population snores at some point or another. Dr. Raymond Hall, DC states that snoring is generally due to a lack of normal tone of the muscles and/or increased tissue in the back of the throat causing increased friction. This creates a medley of sounds, similiar to air blowing though a trumpet.
Snoring has traditionally been seen as a funny habit that is associated mostly with older men. However, anyone who has tried to sleep with a serious snorer knows that the habit is less than comical."It's much more a male problem than female [one]. We don't fully know why, but there's quite good evidence that snoring disturbs partners," said sleep disorder specialist Dr. Andrew Veale. For most people, snoring is light and simply annoying.
But snoring is not always a harmless nighttime nuisance.
"Snoring is often treated as a joke, but people ignore the fact that snoring is a potentially serious medical problem at their own risk, and most sufferers are not diagnosed" Dr. Andrew Veale said.
OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
Severe, habitual snoring can be the result of a serious sleeping condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is especially common among men, affecting 4 percent of the male population, double that of women. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the airway collapses during sleep, causing a blockage. The brain still signals to the body to take a breath but it is unable to do so, causing a short disruption of oxygen to the brain. The sleeper then unconsciously awakens and inhales or gasps sharply (the snore). This lack of oxygen can occur hundreds of times throughout the night.
A person is more at risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea if they are male (especially those with large necks), have a family history of the disorder, or are obese. According to medicinenet.com, 70 percent of obese patients have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which increases in severity with weight gain. With weight gain, men also put themselves at higher risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. When the airway is obstructed during sleep, oxygen flow is cut off momentarily, increasing the pressure and workload of the heart, which can affect its functionality.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea also disrupts the R.E.M. sleep of the individual because the brain wakes the person to gasp for air after their airway collapses. The individual does not get proper restorative sleep, leaving them lethargic the next day, which in turn affects their productivity overall. Dr. Raymond Hall, DC offers us a unique medical perspective on Obstructive Sleep Apnea and some tips to get snoring under control.
DR. HALL'S TIPS FOR MEN WITH SNORING OR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA:
1.Exercise regularly:
By maintaining a weight loss program that includes eating healthfully and exercising regularly, men who snore frequently or who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea can decrease the severity of their snoring. As little as 10 pounds may make the difference, and that weight loss will also decrease the man’s risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. It is a win-win method. Start with 30 minutes of cardio three times a week and cut back on fat and sugar in the daily diet.
2. Sleep with proper support:
Sleeping flat on your back has been associated with snoring because the airway is more likely to close up due to gravity. It is recommended that snorers sleep on their side to help keep the airway open naturally. If you are a back sleeper, make sure you use a cervical pillow with proper support like PILLO1. The unique bell-core design keeps the C-curve of the neck supported and the airway open. Also, PILLO1’s clever shoulder cutouts relieve shoulder and neck pain and the supportive talalay latex foam makes side-sleeping comfortable.
3. Avoid alcohol or sedatives:
Having a drink or taking a sleep-aid may sound like a good way to get some uninterrupted sleep, but it actually will increase snoring or Obstructive Sleep Apnea because it relaxes the muscles of the neck, making breathing more difficult. If you are having trouble falling asleep, try altering the sleeping environment instead of having a drink. Make sure electronics are silent, the room is dark and on the colder side, and have a light chamomile tea before bed. These tips will help you fall asleep without causing worse snoring throughout the night.
So for Father’s Day this year consider giving the gift of peaceful, quiet sleep to Dad. PILLO1 can improve his quality of sleep, help him snore less, and improve his energy during the day. With this energy he can spend more time doing things he loves, which is the best gift of all.
Buy PILLO1 online here just in time for Father's Day next Sunday June 19th.
Posted by Ray Hall on Fri, May 27, 2011 @ 12:13 PM
Hello Readers -
In our last blog, we discussed the implications of the everday use of technology and texting on posture and spinal alignment. Please review by clicking here.
Now for Part 2! Our discussion of FHP (Forward Head Posture) and "text neck" would not be complete without a way to measure if you have FHP or not. Enter Dr. Raymond Hall, the inventor and Chiropractic Physician of PILLO1 who created this simple test to measure FHP. Take the test and analyze the results to see if you have FHP, then pass it along to your friends, family, or coworkers.
What you will need: a wall, a friend, a measuring tape or grade school ruler
DR. HALL's FHP TEST:
Part 1: Stand with your back up against a wall with your feet 2-3 inches from the wall so your buttock lightly touches the wall but you remain in good balance. Is your mid back touching the wall, or are your shoulder blades touching the wall? Take note of the answer.
Part 2: Still in the same position, find the midpoint of the top or outer part of your shoulder (called the "humeral head"). Have a friend measure the distance from this point on the shoulder to the wall, and take note of the measurement (*1).
Part 3: In the same position with your head and neck in "normal posture", have a friend measure the distance between the wall and the opening of the ear canal ("external auditory meatus"). Take note of the measurement (*2) and subtract it from the measurement you found in Part 2, that is: *2 - *1 = D (the Difference).
HOW TO INTERPRET THE RESULTS:
Part 1: Optimally, your shoulder blades SHOULD be the points you feel against the wall, not your mid-back. If your mid-back is touching (approximately 2-4 inches below your shoulder blades), you most likely have a thoracic posture known as Hyperkyphosis and this is not healthy in itself but also will set you up for Forward Head Posture due to biomechanical compensations that the neck must create to balance the spine.
Parts 2 + 3: The difference between the wall to shoulder and wall to ear distance should be ZERO. If there is a difference, for every 1 inch of forward position of the head, scientists suggest 10 lbs of added stress to the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the neck. This causes real neck pain and increased load on the spine, whether sitting or standing.
DR. HALL'S TIPS:
If you take my FHP test and determine you have Forward Head Posture, talk to your Chiropractor for more information. Also, seriously consider correcting your neck and posture through the use of PILLO1, my revolutionary cervical pillow design. We often don't have a choice about our technical demainds of work and communications such as computers or smart phones but we do have a choice of the pillow we sleep on. Most people unknowingly sleep on bad conventional and illogically designed "therapeutic pillows" that push their heads up while sleeping, worsening FHP. Consumers need to be educated about FHP and how to treat it, most importantly - starting with getting proper doctor designed support while they sleep.
Check it out with our newest video!
Thanks! - Dr. Hall
Posted by Kayleen HIcks on Fri, May 20, 2011 @ 02:22 PM
photo credit: Google Images
When walking out the door of my apartment, I send a text to my friends to tell them I am on the way. I send a text to my mother to tell her I will call her later when I have time. I send a text to my boss saying I received her email and will be in tomorrow. I am a part of a generation that prefers texting as the top form of quick and easy communication. I am also a part of a generation whose health is being impacted by this type of communication without even realizing it.
Of all the rapid technological advancements in Communications in the last 20 years, none have affected our day-to-day communication patterns as much as the invention of mobile text messaging. Americans are obsessed with text messaging. According to information from the 2009 Census (the numbers are surely larger now), Americans sent 110 billion text messages in December 2008 alone, more than double the amount sent in the same month a year earlier. Texting has always been a popular communication tool for teenagers, but now texting is becoming more of a trend and a necessity with adults and in the workplace.
Texting may be a convenient and easy way to communicate, but it has implications for health because it reverses the normal C-curve of the cervical spine, causing neck pain and what is known as “Forward Head Posture” or “FHP” for short. According to the Mayo Clinic, forward head posture leads to “long term muscle strain, disc herniation and pinched nerves”. Neck pain is almost as common as back pain in our society, and young people are experiencing neck pain this early because of texting. This is commonly referred to as “text neck”. Forward head posture increases the weight of the head on the spine, causing abnormal leverage. According to Dr. Roger Sperry, a Nobel Prize recipient for brain research, this affects the way your brain can function. “When you have forward head posture, your brain will rob energy from your thinking, metabolism, and immune function to deal with abnormal gravity/posture relationships and processing”. For a generation of texters, this information is scary.
With more smart phones being developed every day, texting is surely a form of communication that will continue to grow, so we must be aware of the effects of Forward Head Posture and how to combat it. Enter PILLO1, the newest revolutionary neck pillow design invented by renowned Chiropractor Physician Dr. Raymond Hall, who simply wanted to find a daily (nightly) treatment to restore the natural health of the spine. PILLO1’s unique design helps reestablish and strengthen the C-curve of the cervical spine while sleeping. This restorative sleep, combined with an effort to avoid FHP during the day, can help the spine realign. So the next time you are walking around glued to your mobile phone be aware of your head posture, it just might save you some pain.
As part II of this important blog series, look for the next blog that will be Dr. Hall’s easy, effective and informative test to determine if you have Forward Head Posture and his advice on how to reduce neck pain. Look for “Dr. Hall’s Test for FHP” in the next couple of days. BRB!
Posted by Kayleen HIcks on Thu, May 12, 2011 @ 01:29 PM
The Spring flowers are blooming and the days are growing longer, Summer is just around the corner. Summer brings us glowy skin, allows us to stretch our muscles and get outside to be active and take full advantage of this life. With this change in lifestyle also comes changes in sleep. That is why this week we bring you 5 tips for better summer beauty sleep.
1. Diet - With the turn of Summer many of us are anxious to fire up the grills or cruise through the local farmer's market to get fresh fruits and vegetables. Summer is associated with lighter foods as opposed to comfort foods that we naturally crave in Winter. For optimal sleeping comfort, eat an early dinner and avoid stuffing yourself right before sleep. Try a cup of hot ginger or peppermint tea a half hour before bed to promote digestion.
2. Temperature - Nothing is worse than tossing and turning in the night in a hot, sticky room. If you are fortunate enough to have an air conditioner, always maintain a comfortable room temperature, or open the windows at night to let the cooler air in with the help of a fan. Sleep on cotton or satin sheets, which do not trap as much heat. Make sure you evaluate the material of your pillow as well, since you sweat more in the summer. Many memory foam materials are heat sensitive and trap sweat, dirt and oil. PILLO1 is made of all natural, heat resistant, and breathable talalay latex foam. It is the perfect Summer sleep material.
3. Light - As the days grow longer, we naturally fall asleep later because of the change in daylight. It is okay to alter sleep schedules, but if you prefer to fall asleep earlier in the night, try investing in light reducing window shades or a light, silky sleep mask to block out excess light. Make sure the sleep mask is made of a light, hypoallergenic material and is washed often. For a cooling sensation, try a beauty sleep mask with a cool gel center to decompress eyes and relieve sinus pressure.
4. Hydration - In the Summer, dehydration is a critical issue because of the time spent outside in the sun or being active. Dehydration will increase the toxicity of your body and leave you waking up feeling groggy. Try to get in eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to maintain healthy vital organ function. Keep two glasses of water beside your bed: one for during the night and one to drink first thing in the morning. This water will help you jumpstart your day with a burst of energy.
5. Routine - With Summer comes vacation and travel, which can disrupt your sleeping schedule, affecting immunity and brain wave function. Make sure to monitor your quality of sleep. Try to develop a 10 minute, relaxing routine to get ready for bed. Read a book, listen to a few soothing songs, or mist a relaxing aromatherapy spray like lavendar or rose. Using PILLO1 can also be a part of your sleep routine. PILLO1's unique design is proven to help people fall asleep 19 percent faster than with a conventional pillow and promote higher levels of restorative R.E.M. sleep.
Also, make sure to check out our friend at Gorgeously Green who is giving away a free PILLO1 and many other beauty and health prizes as part of the "Get Gorgeous 4 Summer Challenge" to get healthy, vibrant and in shape for summer! Check out her Twitter and Facebook page for more information on how to win!
If you haven't already, make sure to like PILLO1 on Facebook for more useful tips, product information and to join the conversation about better sleep!
Posted by Kayleen HIcks on Wed, May 04, 2011 @ 12:21 AM
Photo credit: Google Images
Erma Bombeck once said: “’Mother’ has always been a generic term synonymous with love, devotion and sacrifice. There's always been something mystical and reverent about them.” This Mother’s Day we should all take a few moments to reflect on the effects of that motherhood has on health. In this blog, Dr. Raymond Hall, DC outlines what he believes to be the top three physical stressors for mothers and how to avoid or remedy those stressors through the use of good sleep.
1. Lack of sleep: According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults should get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night. As many mothers know, whether it is from frequent bathroom breaks during the night in pregnancy or waking up at all hours of the night to feed a baby, those crucial 7 hours are not always fulfilled. Lack of sleep increases stress, which is related to 90 percent of all illness. Active mothers cannot afford this loss in immunity, although many see lack of sleep as an inevitable consequence of motherhood.
Dr. Hall says: It is important for mothers to find restful time during the day to recharge and heal. Taking at least 10 minutes of rest out of every three hours of activity is very important for increasing productivity and functionality. These ten minutes should be spent laying down or distressing with as much lack of input as possible. Of course, the best cure to lack of sleep is a good night’s sleep in the proper sleeping position. According to a survey done by the National Sleep Foundation, the element that has the largest impact on the respondent’s ability to get a good night’s sleep was the pillow. PILLO1’s intuitive design ensures that you do not toss and turn during the night trying to find a comfortable position. With PILLO1, every position has a clever, intuitive answer of comfortable, dreamy support.
2. Multitasking: A Mother can be very busy, juggling a baby in one arm with a phone stuck under her ear or hunching over a phone while pushing a stroller. With the advent of modern technology, adults have been spending a larger majority of their time with a forward head position that puts strains on their neck and back. This forward head position is especially hard on mothers, who can suffer from the pain of bad posture.
Dr. Hall says: As much as we would like, we cannot always be in the proper posture to keep our spine in alignment. This is why spending 7 or 8 hours of the night in a proper sleeping posture is so important. Sleep in a neutral body position helps counter the ill effects of forward head position and allows the spine and all related tissues to relax and rejuvenate, which are essential to healing.
3. Carrying excess weight: Any mother knows the aches and pains that accompany carrying a child through 9 months of pregnancy. These aches can adversely affect quality of sleep. Mothers carry children around in their arms most of the day when they are young, and also have to carry around a heavy load of strollers, bags and other supplies. Mothers also lift children in and out of vehicles and cradles, putting a strain on their lower backs.
Dr Hall says: When muscles are overused and under a lot of strain, repetitive stress injuries can occur which can be very painful. A person needs at least an extra hour of quality sleep in times of injury, and this sleep must be in the proper neutral body position to counter the effects of inflammation. PILLO1 has helped mothers heal, especially pregnant women. One woman, Jennifer, had this to say about PILLO1: “I heard of PILLO1 as I started the third trimester of my fourth pregnancy; I was again not sleeping well and searching for solutions to my sleep problem. I decided to try PILLO1 and within just a day or two of using the pillow, I was back to sleeping through the night. My energy returned now that my sleep wasn’t interrupted and my back and neck pain disappeared!”
This Mother's Day send your mother Five Tips for Better Sleep
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