What If You Could Stop Sleeping And Never Feel Tired Again?-

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The Healthy Back and Neck eNewsletter is for people who want to live a healthy lifestyle. Arcticles about neck pain and low back pain to help people live optimally as possible. Includes inspiration stories and Information provided about the best neck and low back pain supports and products. Here is a snippet from February 2008:

What If You Could Stop Sleeping And
Never Feel Tired Again?
Plus: Death By Cell Phone?

Let me ask you a question: When’s the last time you went to bed… slept all night… and woke up in the morning completely and totally refreshed?

Not just feeling ‘okay’. But, you actually had to jump out of bed immediately because you were so full of energy you just had to go do something…

Better yet…

Has That Ever Happened To You?

If it has… it probably hasn’t been in a long, long, long time. Right?
Chances are every single morning is a struggle. The sound of your alarm is nearly earth shattering, followed by several rounds of the snooze button, then a half gallon of coffee… and even after that… you’re still tired!

If fact, chances are, if you are like most people, you’re tired right now.
That’s a safe bet because, according to the National Sleep Foundation, over 70% of Americans get less than the recommended eight hours of sleep per night.

But did you really need that statistic when all you had to do was look at the massive lines at Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts!

Clearly, society has been self-medicating with caffeine for sleep deprivation for a long time.

And the reason why is clear…

There Is Simply Not Enough Time
To Get Enough Sleep!

Really. Who can work 40 hours a week (or more), take care of their house, raise their kids and do all the others things of everyday life… and still have 8 hours left over to snooze?
And even on the rare occasion that you have the time, the stresses and strain of your life keeps you wide awake, staring at the ceiling for half the night!

But what if there was a way to not sleep and… somehow… feel as if you did?

Just imagine how much better you would feel, not to mention how much more you could get done.

Well, that’s exactly what researchers are working on.

Scientists May Have Found A Drug That Eliminates Sleepiness

Here’s what’s going on: A nasal spray containing a naturally occurring brain hormone called Orexin A reversed the effects of sleep deprivation in monkeys, allowing them to perform like well-rested monkeys on cognitive tests.

The discovery's first application will probably be in treatment of the severe sleep disorder narcolepsy.

The treatment is "a totally new route for increasing arousal, and the new study shows it to be relatively benign," said Jerome Siegel, a professor of psychiatry at UCLA and a co-author of the paper. "It Reduces Sleepiness Without Causing Edginess."

Orexin A is a promising candidate to become a "sleep replacement" drug. For decades, stimulants have been used to combat sleepiness, but they can be addictive and often have side effects, including raising blood pressure or causing mood swings.

The military, for example, administers amphetamines to pilots flying long distances, and has funded research into new drugs like the stimulant Modafinil and Orexin A in an effort to help troops stay awake with the fewest side effects.

The monkeys were deprived of sleep for 30 to 36 hours and then given either Orexin A or a saline placebo before taking standard cognitive tests. The monkeys given Orexin A in a nasal spray scored about the same as alert monkeys, while the saline-control group was severely impaired.

The study, published in the Dec. 26 edition of The Journal of Neuroscience, found Orexin A not only restored monkeys' cognitive abilities, but made their brains look "awake" in PET scans.

Siegel said that Orexin A is unique in that it only had an impact on sleepy monkeys, not alert ones, and that it is "specific in reversing the effects of sleepiness" without other impacts on the brain.

Dr. Michael Twery, Director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, said that while research into drugs for sleepiness is "very interesting," he cautioned that the long-term consequences of not sleeping are not well-known.

Both Twery and Siegel noted that it is unclear whether or not treating the brain chemistry behind sleepiness would alleviate the other problems associated with sleep deprivation.
"New research indicates that not getting enough sleep is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders," said Twery.

Still, Siegel said that Americans already recognize that sleepiness is a problem and have long treated it with a variety of stimulants.

"We have to realize that we are already living in a society where we are already self-medicating with caffeine," he said.

He also said that Modafinil, which is marketed as Provigil by Cephalon and Alertec in Canada, has become widely used by healthy individuals for managing sleepiness.

"We have these other precedents, and it's not clear that you can't use Orexin A temporarily to reduce sleep," said Siegel. "On the other hand, you'd have to be a fool to advocate taking this and reducing sleep as much as possible."

Sleep advocates probably won't have to worry about Orexin A reaching drugstore shelves for many years. Any commercial treatment using the substance would need approval from the Food and Drug Administration, which can take more than a decade.

Which is a good thing, as Dr. Michael Twery mentioned: The long-term consequences of not sleeping are not well-known.

Maybe… but… they can’t be good. Research is showing all kinds of health problems caused by lack of sleep. So the question is…

Will this drug safely replace sleep… or… will it end up causing a devastating crash in the end?

Who knows? Only research will tell for sure.(We hope!) But I recommend the natural alternative; proper diet, exercise, chiropractic care, and yes…SLEEP!


Death By Cell Phone?

According to The Associated Press, on November 30, 2007, a 33-year-old Korean man was found dead on November 28, apparently killed by a cell phone battery explosion.

That was the initial declaration made by Professor Kim Hoon at Chungbuk National University after he examined the body.

The man, identified only by his family name, Sur, was found dead by his co-workers at a quarry in North Chungcheong Province, where he was employed as a shovel operator.

According to the co-worker who found him, "He had a mobile phone with a melted battery in his left shirt pocket. His shirt had soot on it in the shape of the phone."

“He was injured in the left side of his chest. His ribs and spine were broken. The explosion punctured his heart and lungs, leading to his death," Kim said.

But two days later, South Korean police stated a co-worker had come forward and confessed to fabricating the story after accidentally striking Sur with a drilling vehicle. The preliminary autopsy results had also suggested damage to Sur’s internal organs that was too great to have been caused by a cell phone explosion.

Read more February 2008: The Healthy Back and Neck eNewsletter...

-In this Issue-

1. Article - What If You Could Stop Sleeping And Never Feel Tired Again?- Plus: Death By Cell Phone?
   
2. Inspirational quote
   
3. Inspirational story
   
4. Health Tip of the month- Four Weight Loss Tips That Work…If You Are Serious About Shedding The Pounds This Year
   
5. Testimonial of the month - The Cervical Traction Posture Pump 1000- For effective traction of the neck at home
   
6. Featured product -The Posture Pump 1000- discount code included
   

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April 2007 Newletter Arc4life

ARC4LIFE – HEALTHY SLEEP HEALTHY LIFE
In This Issue

1. Article- 5 Tips for Better Sleep
   
2. Inspirational Quote
   
3. Inspirational Story
   
4. Featured Product on Arc4life.com- Pronex Pneumatic Cervical Traction Unit with $15 dollar discount code attached

Hello everyone! This is the 2nd edition of Arc4Life’s Healthy Sleep, the online newsletter to help you with neck or back pain, proper posture, and sleeping comfortably. Get health tips for how to reduce pain, sleep better, and maintain a healthy spine.

1. Article - 5 Tips For Better Sleep
   Good, sound sleep means you wake up feeling well rested and refreshed. However, if your nights are filled with frustration and mornings with fatigue, and you’ve checked yourself for the usual culprits like downing 7pm espresso shots or using your bed as a home office, here are some less obvious insomnia-inducing habits that just may be the source. Since these things happen while you’re off in slumberland, they may not be the first to come to mind, but they can cause both sleep and health troubles.
   
   
   
   • Gerd
     Bedtime milk and cookies sounds like the perfect way to wind down before hitting the sack. But that soothing ritual might be costing you more than a few extra calories. When Oprah tells us she doesn’t dare touch food after 8pm, she’s doing it for weight loss reasons. But even if you’re not a dieting diva, eating late is never a good idea. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, if you’re eating a large meal before bedtime, the digestion process can get in the way of your good night’s sleep. Besides disrupting your REM time, you may also be contributing to a more serious condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This occurs when food is pushed back up into the esophagus via stomach acids, causing a burning sensation and sometimes choking and coughing.
     
     Remedy: Do not eat a large meal or snack within two to three hours of bedtime. If this is unavoidable, plan ahead and satisfy your appetite earlier in the evening so all you’ll need is a light snack before going to bed. If you do conk out after your gorge session, be sure to elevate your head with pillows.
     
     
   • Electrical Stimulation in the Bedroom
     Everyone likes a little bedroom stimulation now and again, but just be sure those sparks are coming from your partner or spouse, and not from a love affair with technological gadgetry. Are you unwittingly charging your room with electrical current? The average home is filled with electromagnetic interference, as it is generated from every electric appliance. According to theories in quantum physics, electrical charges fill our air and can disturb sleep. Whether you’re an avid tech junkie or just the average consumer, you likely have a TV, radio, CD player, portable phone and perhaps even a computer, printer, scanner and fax all within your compact sleep space. These pieces of electronic equipment - particularly the TV and computer screen - give off high levels of electromagnetic energy even long after they’re turned off. You’re literally jamming up your air with electronic waves.
     
     
   • Remedy: Turn off the electricity. Zero is the best number of electronic equipment to have in your bedroom; however, you can cover both your TV and computer screens with fabric before retiring and place a medium-to-large-size plant in your room for every piece of electrical equipment. Palms, peace lilies and spider plants are said to absorb the most electrical current. Digitally displayed alarm clocks emit a high amount of EMI, and should not be kept close to your head. Put them on the other side of your room or switch to a nondigital clock.
     
     
   • Are You a Stomach Sleeper?
     Get in touch with your inner child while you sleep. According to researchers, the best sleeping positions that put the least stress on your joints and organs are on your back or in the semifetal position, where you lay on one side with knees slightly bent, one arm outstretched above the head, the other resting comfortably on the opposing upper arm to cradle the head. Both give your spine and body proper alignment.
     However, if your preferred sleep position is on your stomach, you may be asking for trouble. You’ll spend many hundreds of hours smashing your delicate facial skin into a pillow, which helps produce wrinkles, sagging and puffiness, not to mention trauma to your neck, spine and lower back.
     Remedy:Change sleep positions. Sleep doctors suggest adhering two tennis balls to your stomach so whenever you try and switch to the old tummy routine, you’ll automatically reposition yourself.
     
   • Increased Blood Cortisol Levels
     The highly publicized study that linked lack of sleep with extra weight is accurate on one side of the equation. The study does not suggest getting more sleep will help you lose weight. It says if you’re not getting enough sleep, you’ll feel less equipped to handle stress and your intricate hormonal system will react, increasing stress hormones like cortisol. Higher blood cortisol negatively affects your sleep patterns in a round-robin effect. Numerous studies also show that increased cortisol levels both increase appetite - particularly for sugar and starchy carbohydrates - as well as promote stubborn belly fat. If that’s not enough to want to keep them in check, recent studies also indicate a direct correlation between elevated cortisol levels and high blood pressure, diabetes and a decreased resistance to infection.
     Remedy: Put in plenty of pillow time. Get yourself to bed at a reasonable hour so that you’re not dreading the sound of the alarm clock come morning. Figure out how many hours of sleep your body operates best with, and once you start getting that magic number, your hormones will readjust and both your sleep and weight will normalize.
     
   • Sleep Apnea, RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) and PLMD
     People tend to think that sleep problems are a part of life, and don’t often think to discuss them with their doctor. But there are certain medical conditions that could be interfering with your sleep, and, since they happen during sleep, they will most often escape your notice.
     Snoring isn’t always just a nuisance. It could be a sign of a larger problem. According to the Sleep Research Society, sleep apnea occurs when airflow to the lungs is briefly blocked, most often in the throat, in repeated episodes of gasping, sometimes up to 50 times an hour. Snorting and gasping are the telltale signs. Obesity; the use of nicotine, alcohol or sedatives; hypothyroidism; sleeping on one’s back; and excessive airway tissue are key factors. Sleep apnea can be dangerous to your health, so if you suspect your snoring may be sleep apnea, contact a doctor.
     
     Restless legs syndrome (RLS) sends odd, uncomfortable sensations deep within the leg muscles and knees, creating forceful urges to move, particularly at night. Sufferers may jerk themselves awake with leg spasms or kicking movements, preventing a restful night’s sleep. Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) centers in the lower limbs and consists of spasms that can occur up to hundreds of times a night. The telltale signs of PLMD are crumpled bedcovers at the foot of the bed, along with kicking and jerking during sleep and unknowingly awakening many times during the night.
     
     Remedy: If you suspect you might have any of the above sleep disorders, discuss them with your doctor as soon as possible. He or she can recommend a treatment to help get you back on the track to well-restedness.
     
   
   
2. Inspirational Quote
   
   “Look to your health; and if you have it, praise God and value it next to conscience; for health is the second blessing that we mortals are capable of, a blessing money can't buy.”- Izaak Walton
   
   
3. Inspirational Story
   This month’s inspirational story is actually the story of Christopher Gardner. Many may not know who he is. He is the subject of the movie “The Pursuit of Happiness” starring Will Smith”. If you have not watched I definitely recommend this title.
   
   Christopher Gardner is the owner and CEO of Christopher Gardner International Holdings with offices in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Surmounting acute obstacles on his road to success, Gardner is an avid motivational speaker, addressing the keys to self-empowerment, beating odds, and breaking cycles. Gardner is also a passionate philanthropist committed to many charitable organizations.
   
   The amazing story of Gardner’s life was published as an autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness, (Amistad/Harper Collins) on May 23, 2006, and became a New York Times and Washington Post #1 bestseller. Gardner is also the inspiration for the movie The Pursuit of Happyness released by Columbia Pictures on December 15, 2006. The movie was #1 at the box office its opening weekend. Will Smith stars as Gardner and received Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award nominations for his performance. Gardner is an associate producer on the movie.
   
   Always hard working and tenacious, a series of circumstances in the early 1980’s left Gardner homeless in San Francisco and the sole guardian of his toddler son. Unwilling to give up Chris Jr. or his dream of financial independence, Gardner started at the bottom. Without connections or a college degree, he earned a spot in the Dean Witter Reynolds training program. Often spending his nights in a church shelter or the bathroom at a Bay Area Rapid Transit station in Oakland, Gardner was the sole trainee offered a job at Dean Witter Reynolds in 1981. He spent 1983-1987 at Bear Stearns & Co., where he became a top earner, and then in 1987, he founded the brokerage firm Gardner Rich & Co. in Chicago.
   
   Born February 9, 1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gardner never knew his father. He lived with his mother, Bettye Jean Gardner, whom he adored, and, when necessary, in foster homes. Despite a life of hardship and emotional scarring, his mother provided him with strong “spiritual genetics” and taught him some of the greatest lessons of his life, which he follows to this day. Bettye Jean convinced him that in spite of where he came from, he could attain whatever goals he set for himself by saying, “If you want to, one day you could make a million dollars.” Gardner believed this to be fact, and knew he would have to find a career he could be passionate about, and one that would allow him to “be world-class at something.”
   
   Straight out of high school, Gardner enlisted in the Navy, just like his uncles, his role models, had done. After the military, Gardner went to San Francisco and took a job as a medical supply salesman. Then he reached a turning point in his life. In a parking lot, he met a man driving a red Ferrari. "He was looking for a parking space. I said, 'You can have mine, but I gotta ask you two questions.' The two questions were: What do you do? And how do you do that? Turns out this guy was a stockbroker and he was making $80,000 a month."
   
   That pivotal encounter gave Gardner a clear career goal and he began knocking on doors, applying for training programs at brokerages even though it meant he would have to live on next to nothing while he learned. When he was finally accepted into a program, he left his job in medical sales. But his plans collapsed when the man who offered him the training slot was fired, and Gardner had no job to go back to. Then he was put in jail for $1,200 in parking violations he couldn't pay. Chris Jr.’s mother left and Gardner, despite his circumstances, fought to keep his son because, as he says, "I made up my mind as a young kid that when I had children they were going to know who their father is, and that he isn’t going anywhere."
   
   Finally managing to enter the training program at Dean Witter Reynolds, Gardner’s meager stipend as a trainee meant he, like so many working poor in America, had a job but couldn't make ends meet. Chris’s co-workers never knew he spent his evenings trying to arrange day care, find food and a safe place for him and his son to sleep. After spending nights in a locked bathroom at an Oakland subway station, Gardner persuaded Rev. Cecil Williams, founder of a new shelter program for homeless women at Glide Memorial United Methodist Church, to let him and Chris Jr. stay at the shelter.
   
   Gardner passed his licensing exam in 1981on the first try. He arrived early, stayed late and worked the phones day after day to lure new clients. He and Chris Jr. got an apartment, and in 1983 he joined Bear, Stearns & Company. After becoming a top producer, first in San Francisco and later in New York, Gardner left in 1987 to establish Gardner Rich & Company, Inc., an institutional brokerage firm specializing in the execution of debt, equity and derivative products transactions for some of the nations largest institutions, public pension plans and unions. The company has expanded into Christopher Gardner International Holdings and now has a business project underway in South Africa.
   
   Gardner reaches out to many programs serving the homeless, donating time, assistance, and funds. Foremost among these are the Glide United Methodist Church in San Francisco and The Cara Program in Chicago. At Glide, Gardner assists with fundraising, donates clothes and shoes, and speaks at services and events. He is also involved in a plan to revitalize and provide new housing in the neighborhood around Glide. At Cara, which assists the homeless and at-risk populations in Chicago with comprehensive job training and placement, Gardner speaks at counseling sessions, assists with permanent job placement, and also donates clothing and shoes.
   
   Gardner serves as a board member of the National Fatherhood Initiative, whose mission is to improve the well-being of children by increasing the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers. Gardner was the recipient of the group’s Father of the Year Award in 2002.
   
   Gardner is particularly committed to educational organizations. He serves on the board of the National Education Foundation and sponsors two annual awards: the National Education Association’s National Educational Support Personnel Award and the American Federation of Teachers’ Paraprofessionals and School-Related Personnel (PSRP) Award. He is also involved with the Chicago Teachers’ Union, sponsoring activities and outings for Chicago public school kids.
   
   In addition to the father of the Year Award, Gardner has also been honored by the Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women (LACAAW) with the 25th Annual Humanitarian Award, and by the Continental Africa Chamber of Commerce with the 2006 Friends of Africa Award.
   
   Chris Gardner’s remarkable story of struggle, faith, entrepreneurialism, and fatherly devotion has catapulted him beyond the notoriety he has found on Wall Street. He has been featured on the “Evening News with Dan Rather,” “20/20,” “Oprah,” “Today Show,” “The View,” “Entertainment Tonight,” CNN, CNBC, Fox News Channel as well as being the subject of profiles in numerous newspapers and magazines including People, USA Today, Associated Press, New York Times, Fortune, Jet, Reader’s Digest, Trader Monthly, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, The New York Post and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He is also a highly sought-after speaker.
   
   
4. Featured Product - The Pronex Pneumatic Cervical Traction Unit
   The Pronex Pneumatic Cervical Traction unit is special because it cradles the reclining patient's head and neck on two soft foam cushions. One cushion supports the occiput (base of the head) and the other rests against the upper trapezius (upper shoulder area). An air-inflated bellows between them and provides more than 20 lbs of continuously adjustable traction. As the bellows expands, it lifts the head upward supporting the cervical curve and maintaining an even distraction (stretch) in the anterior (front) and posterior (back) cervical discs. Patients have total control over the amount of traction applied. Squeezing an inflator bulb increases the pressure, a release knob gently reduces it. There's no strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
   The Pronex Cervical traction is user friendly and without restraints. It is portable, comfortable and convenient. This traction device requires no assembly, no weights, no cables, no springs or levers. It's simply restraint free. It encourages regular use by patients at home, helping in breaking the chronic pain cycle.
   The special design of the Pronex Pneumatic Cervical traction unit gives anatomically correct traction. This cervical traction device supports the natural curve of the cervical spine (c-curve) and provides an even distraction in the anterior (front) and posterior (back) cervical discs.
   
   Special Discount: $15.00 use code: 15offPronex (expires April 30th, 2007). Go to Arc4life to order your Pronex Pneumatic Traction Unit.
   

That's all for this month's newsletter
Sleep Tight!
Dr. Matt
Arc4life.com
Email us at Arc4life.com

May/June Newsletter Arc4life.com

ARC4LIFE – HEALTHY SLEEP HEALTHY LIFE
May/ June 2007
In This Issue

1. Article- Mild brain injuries linked to sleep disorders
   
2. Inspirational Quote
   
3. Inspirational Story
   
4. Featured Product on Arc4life.com- Cervical Traction Posture Pump 1000 with $5 dollar discount code attached

Hello everyone! Welcome to Arc4Life’s Healthy Sleep- the online newsletter to help you with neck or back pain, proper posture, and sleeping comfortably. Get health tips for how to reduce pain, sleep better, and maintain a healthy spine.

1. Article - Mild brain injuries linked to sleep disorders
   NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Experiencing a mild traumatic brain injury may increase the risk of developing a sleep disorder, and a good portion of these appear to be based on disturbances in the body's normal circadian rhythm, according to the results of a new study.
   "As many as 40 to 65 percent of patients with minor traumatic brain injury complain of insomnia," Dr. L. Ayalon, of the University of California, San Diego, and colleagues write in the medical journal Neurology.
   In a small study of patients with minor traumatic brain injury, who were also suffering from insomnia, Ayalon's team found that about one third of the patients had circadian rhythm sleep disorders.
   The researchers examined the physiologic and behavioral characteristics related to circadian rhythm in 42 patients who sustained mild traumatic brain injuries and were having problems with insomnia.
   Circadian rhythm sleep disorders are disturbances in the 24-hour sleep and wake cycle, which may be related to abnormalities in neurological mechanisms or triggered by changes in an individual's schedule.
   The subjects underwent a variety of tests, including melatonin and temperature measurements, and imaging tests. They were also evaluated overnight in a sleep laboratory and completed a questionnaire to determine the time of day they felt the most awake, or their "circadian preference."
   Fifteen of the 42 patients (36 percent) were diagnosed with a circadian rhythm sleep disorder. Eight subjects had a delayed sleep phase syndrome and seven had an irregular sleep-wake pattern.
   All eight patients with delayed sleep phase syndrome had a 24-hour regular temperature rhythm, but only four patients with irregular sleep-wake patterns displayed a similar daily rhythm.
   Patients in the irregular sleep-wake pattern group also had a smaller range of 24-hour temperature rhythm compared with those in the delayed sleep phase syndrome group. The authors note that the patients described their wake-sleep patterns that fit the clinical diagnosis they received. For example, the majority of patients diagnosed with delayed sleep phase syndrome rated themselves as "definitely an evening type," usually an indication of delayed sleep phase syndrome, Ayalon's team reports.
   Conversely, patients diagnosed with an irregular sleep-wake pattern tended to classify themselves as "neither evening nor morning type," which "is most compatible with the irregular sleep-wake pattern, which lacks a clear circadian rhythm of sleep-wake cycle."
   SOURCE: Neurology, April 2007.
   
   
   
2. Inspirational Quote
   
   “The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.”- e. e. cummings
   
   
3. Inspirational Story
   A Million Dollar Lesson by: Petey Parker, Heart At Work
   A cab driver taught me a million dollar lesson in customer satisfaction and expectation. Motivational speakers charge thousands of dollars to impart his kind of training to corporate executives and staff. It cost me a $12 taxi ride.
   I had flown into Dallas for the sole purpose of calling on a client. Time was of the essence and my plan included a quick turnaround trip from and back to the airport. A spotless cab pulled up. The driver rushed to open the passenger door for me and made sure I was comfortably seated before he closed the door. As he got in the driver's seat, he mentioned that the neatly folded Wall Street Journal next to me was for my use. He then showed me several tapes and asked me what type of music I would enjoy. Well! I looked around for a "Candid Camera!" Wouldn't you? I could not believe the service I was receiving! I took the opportunity to say, "Obviously you take great pride in your work. You must have a story to tell."
   "You bet," he replied, "I used to be in Corporate America. But I got tired of thinking my best would never be good enough. I decided to find my niche in life where I could feel proud of being the best I could be. I knew I would never be a rocket scientist, but I love driving cars, being of service and feeling like I have done a full day's work and done it well. I evaluate my personal assets and... wham! I became a cab driver. One thing I know for sure, to be good in my business I could simply just meet the expectations of my passengers. But, to be GREAT in my business, I have to EXCEED the customer's expectations! I like both the sound and the return of being 'great' better than just getting by on 'average'"
   Did I tip him big time? You bet! Corporate America's loss is the traveling folk's friend!
   
4. Featured Product - The Cervical Traction Posture Pump 1000
   
   
   
   Cervical Traction Posture Pump 1000
   
   How does the Cervical Traction Posture Pump 1000 WORK ?
   
   The Cervical Traction Posture Pump 1000carefully lifts and separates the neck and back joints in a unique way. Traction, hanging devices, massage units, vibrators, special pillows and regular exercise cannot. Special expanding air cells angled into the spine activate the "bellows or sponge-like" function of the discs, producing a warm, relaxed feeling through the neck and back. Patented up and down motion reinforces the spine's natural "c" curve shape and promotes joint lubrication, joint nutrition, flexibility and the correct posture.
   
   Who Does the Cervical Traction Posture Pump benefit ?
   Anyone who works on the computer for long periods. These people carry a forward Head Carriage which puts a lot of pressure on the cervical spine. It is the the most common cause of neck and upper back fatigue and tension. It is for anyone who drives a great deal and has to deal with the stress of driving for long periods. Also for anyone who is constantly in a Forward-Flexed Position. These foward flexed head postions force the natural curve out of the neck and promote poor posture. Side-Flexed Neck Positions also can cause stiffness and spasm. Especially when you fall asleep on the couch. Finally for any person who spends a lot of time on the telephone.
   
   
   Read more about the Cervical Traction Posture pump by Clicking here
   
   
   Special Discount: $5.00 use code: 5offPP (expires June 15th, 2007). Go to Arc4life to order your Cervical Traction Posture Pump 1000 today
   

"I first used the posture pump at a chiropractic office. I onlylused it 2 times per week and noticed an improvement in my posture. My head was more in line with my body instead of being forward. As a physical therapist, I think this pump is a good way to restore the normal curve we should have in our necks. I have used it with one patient at my office so far who had significant decrease in pain"

Jodee, 2/18/2007

That's all for this month's newsletter
Sleep Tight!
Dr. Matt
Arc4life.com
Email us at Arc4life.com

Lose a few pounds with some good sleep

On Monday, I ate a full breakfast and continued to eat thoughout the day never feeling full, never satisfied. My lack of sleep along with my tossing and turning the night before was having an effect on my appetite. It had to do with hormones leptin and ghrelin. In particular, the quality and frequency of sleep has been shown to affect our hormones which in turn affect our appetite.

How Hormones Affect Your Sleep According to Michael Breus, PhD, (a faculty member of the Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine and director of The Sleep Disorders Centers of Southeastern Lung Care in Atlanta), leptin and ghrelin work in a kind of "checks and balances" system to control feelings of hunger and fullness, explains . Ghrelin, is produced in the gastrointestinal tract and it stimulates appetite. Leptin is produced in the fat cells and sends a signal to the brain when you are full.

And how does this affect sleep? Lack of sleep decreases the levels of leptin which means you don't feel as satisfied after you eat. This loss of sleep also causes ghrelin levels to increase, which means your appetite is stimulated causing you to want to eat more. These double action by ghrelin and leptin can lead to overeating therefore leading to weight gain.

Research shows that Lack of Sleep can increase weight.
Two studies have been conducted at the University of Chicago in Illinois and at Stanford University in California to study the relationship between sleep and weight gain. The study in Chicago involved 12 subjects whose hunger and appetite levels were noted. Subsequently, the men in the study were subjected to two days of sleep deprivation followed by two days of extended sleep. The Doctors studied their horomone levels, appetite and activity. The study showed that a lack of sleep decreased leptin levels and increased ghrelin levels. It was also noted that the subjects had a increase in appetite by 45%- specifically for high carbohydrate, calorie dense foods.

It was in the Stanford California study, about 1,000 volunteers reported the number of hours they slept each night. Doctors then measured their levels of ghrelin and leptin, as well as noted their weight. Those who slept less than eight hours a night not only had lower levels of leptin and higher levels of ghrelin, but they also had a higher level of body fat. What's more, that level of body fat seemed to correlate with their sleep patterns. Specifically, those who slept the fewest hours per night weighed the most.

So here is an easy way to keep the weight off- make sure you get the proper amount of sleep each night. It is so much simpler than taking pills, or going crazy with excercising or watching what you eat. It will not only keep your appetite in check, but it keep you satisfied throughout the day- preventing unnecessary pounds.

Wishing Yourself a Good Night's Sleep

Arc4life's Tips for your Best Night’s Sleep 


Arc4life's Top Tips for Better Sleep



1. Spinal Alignment- the top thing we recommend is a neck pillow to keep your natural alignment. Not only will this improve your night’s sleep, but it will improve your neck posture and neck alignment when you are awake.
2. Make it dark. Studies have shown we get our proper REM sleep when we sleep in complete darkness. So, if the street lights shine in or all your electronics glow in the dark, get curtains and move the gadgets.
3. Put away your electronics. To continue on from the 2nd tip- Get rid of electronics in the bedroom. Not only do they often emit light, but studies are showing the electromagnetic waves or currents they give off can be harmful to your health.
4. Reduce Noise- if your partner keeps you up because of their snoring get them the traction pillow. If you have to, get earplugs. Mainly, I find lately too many of us have a TV going that we fall asleep to. This is not a great idea. The TV room is for TV, the bedroom is for sleeping.
5. Diet and exercise- do not eat or exercise too close to bed, or you will not sleep well. Preferably, you want to have down time or time to relax before bed, this calms your nerves allowing you to sleep and sleep better.
6. Make sure you are breathing well. You should be breathing in and out comfortably. If your partner notices your breathes are very shallow try to inhale, hold for a few seconds, and release. Do 10 reps before bed to get your breathing deeper before you fall asleep.

Additional Reading Resources

• Choosing the Best Neck Pillow Possible
• Sleep Like a Baby and Wake Up Feeling Refreshed
• More Help wwith sleeping through the night
• Which sleep position is best for you
• The Cervical traction neck pillow can help reduce snoring

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Simple tips to sleep

We have discussed in this blog the great importance of sleep and how we are affected when we do not get enough. These consequences of lack of sleep include less energy for physical activity and dealing with stress, difficulty concentrating, increased mistakes, more prone to accidents, and an immune system that is weakened and not at its best to fight illness.
Start your day off right with a good night’s sleep. Below are tips for better sleep:

• Give yourself “permission” to go to bed. Put your “to do” list away and make sleep a priority.
• Unwind early in the evening.
  
• Develop a sleep ritual. Do the same things each night before you go to bed to signal to your body that it is time for sleep.
  
• Keep regular bedtime and waking hours.
  
• Create a restful place to sleep.
  
• Sleep on a comfortable bed.
  
• Exercise regularly, but avoid exercising late in the day.
  
• If you drink coffee, avoid drinking the caffeinated beverage in the evening.
  
• Don’t smoke.
  
• If you drink, reduce alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol shortly before bedtime interrupts and fragments sleep.

Orthopaedically correct sleep is when you sleep in a position that does not cause stress to the spine, the muscular system, or nerves. The position that works well for most healthy people is the fetal position. A person lies on either side, with the legs flexed toward the abdomen and the back is also slightly flexed. This takes stress off the spine and allows the organs to spread themselves out, so there is less intra-abdominal pressure against the diaphragm. A neck pillow under the head or neck will deflect a lot of weight from the shoulder you are lying on. Try our Cervical traction neck pillow- it will give you good neck support while you sleep and also lightly traction your neck at the same time.

What your Sleeping Postion Reveals about your Personality and Health

Getting your 8 hours of sleep is very important- and everyone has their unique positon that they sleep in. Scientists believe the position a person sleeps in reveals something about their personality. Prof Chris Idzikowski, director of the United Kingdom Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service researched and analysed 6 common sleeping positions - and found that each is linked to a particular personality type and that some positions are better for health than others.

• Foetus Position- Those who curl up in the foetus position
  These people are described as tough on the outside but sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax. This Fetal position of sleeping is adopted by 41% of the 1,000 people who took part in the survey, and is the most common. It is also common in twice as many women than men.
  
• Log Position- Lying on your side with both arms down by your side
  These sleepers are easy going, social people who like being part of the in-crowd, and who are trusting of strangers. These log sleeping people may be gullible as well.
  
• Yearner Position- People who sleep on their side with both arms out in front
  These people are said to have an open nature, but can be suspicious and cynical. They are slow to make up their minds, but once they have taken a decision, they are unlikely ever to change it.
  
• Soldier Position- Lying on your back with both arms pinned to your sides.
  People who sleep in this position are generally quiet and reserved. They don't like a fuss and they have high standards for themselves. The study showed that this positions is likely to lead to snoring while you sleep and caused a bad night of sleep.
  
• Freefall Position- Lying on your front with your hands around the pillow, and your head turned to one side.
  These people have a personality towards being gregarious and brash, but can be nervy and thin-skinned underneath. They dislike criticism, or extreme situations. Professor Idzikowski concluded that the freefall position was good for digestion.
  
• Starfish Position- Lying on your back with both arms up around the pillow.
  These sleepers make good friends because they are always ready to listen to others, and offer help when needed. They generally don't like to be the centre of attention. The study also showed that the starfish positions can make you snore more and therefore lead to bad night of sleep.
  

Professor Idzikowski said "Lying down flat means that stomach contents can more readily be worked back up into the mouth, while those who lie on their back may end up snoring and breathing less well during the night. "Both these postures may not necessarily awaken the sleeper but could cause a less refreshing night's sleep."

Finally, The research showed that most people are unlikely to change their sleeping position. Just 5% said they sleep in a different position every night.

Some Crazy Things You May Do In Your Sleep!

Who knew that we do anything but sleep, move around a bit, and maybe get up to go to the bathroom. Well, the fact is there are a bunch of things people do while they snooze that you wouldn't believe.

Here they are:

1. Sleepwalking - I apparently did it once when I was a kid and tried to get out of the house.  Probably good I didn't, but the banging on the door woke everyone up!!!
2. Talk or Scream - just recently someone I know was telling me they did this and it kinda freaked her and her husband out a bit.  My mother-in-law talks in her sleep; once you're used to it it doesn't really bother you, and she seems fine.
3. Send text messages.  I think I could imagine some people doing this.  They do it all the time when awake, during sleep too - jeez...
4. Drive.  This can happen when a sleep-walker makes it out of the house.  Also, be careful with sleep medications too.
5. There is something called sleep sex or sexsomnia - Having sex while awake is probably better?
6. Prepare and Eat Food
7. Act Out Their Dreams - I'll never forget the story my grandfather told when my uncle was a kid.  My uncle thought he was in a base ball game and my grandfather played along with him.  "You hit a homer- run the bases".  Then he would put my uncle back to sleep.  No harm, no foul - no pun intended.

So why does this happen?  I think we need to examine what we are eating, taking, and our sleep patterns. After that I would use the traction pillow.  Having good neck alignment and a good night's sleep fixes a lot...

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Get rid of the bags under your eyes from poor sleep

You wake up feeling groggy, tired and you look terrible. That is a definite truth that you don't look your best when you have'nt slept well. A lack of sleep means a change in metabolism similar to the changes that occur when one ages. As we get older, growth hormones play a very important role in how we look as we age.
Growth hormones are responsible for:

• Enhancing your immune response thereby allowing for greater resistance to disease and infection.
  
• Reducing body fat without dieting
  
• Increasing muscle mass with exercise
  
• Bolstering energy, strength, and stamina
  
• Improving bone density
  
• Improving skin tone
  
• Sharpened memory and heightened well-being
  

We should do everything we can to keep our growth hormones as high as possible and one method of doing that is to get adequate amount of sleep each night. The Growth Hormone has been called the Fountain of Youth- No doubt one simple way to get more of it is to sleep well.

How Can I Improve My Sleep Posture?

The biggest variables when you sleep are your pillow, your mattress, and your sleep position.

In regards to your pillow, a good neck pillow is best because a neck pillow will help to improve your neck posture. It will also keep your spine in good position when on your back or side. Your pillow should not be too high or too low, too hard or too soft, or it will force you to put your spine in an awkward position.

Your mattress also plays an important role. I mostly find that people often sleep on something too soft. This allows your body to sink into it, which in turn changes your spinal alignment. It often can become more difficult to move as well. It is normal to move around when sleeping and, in fact, it’s a good thing.
Nowadays, alot of mattress companies give you a garauntee, so if you don't end up loving your mattress you can have it sent back.  Arc4life's pillows all have a 30 day garauntee as well.

Lastly, your sleep position is important as well. Side or back sleeping is best. Sleeping on your stomach is detrimental because you have to crank your head to either side just to breathe. But make sure you don't use too much or too many pillows or it will push your head forward while on your back or it will push it into your shoulder when on your side.  Doing this each night is how poor sleep posture leads to bad spinal alignment and nerve pressure.


Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

March 2007 Newsletter Arc4life

ARC4LIFE – HEALTHY SLEEP HEALTHY LIFE



In This Issue

1. Article - All the different pillow choices!
   
2. Inspirational quote
   
3. Inspirational story
   
4. Featured product- Cervical Traction Neck Pillow- with $5 dollar discount code attached
   
5. Posture Tip of the Month
   

Welcome to the 1st edition of Arc4Life’s Healthy Sleep Healthy Life, the online newsletter to help you with neck or back pain, proper posture, and sleeping comfortably. Get health tips for how to reduce pain, sleep better, and maintain a healthy spine.

1. All the Different Pillow Choices
   
   Rest and sleep are the body's chance to heal itself from the postural, physical and nervous insults of the previous day. The use of some of the following pillows can improve the quality of rest and repair, allowing one to wake up more rested and ready to face another day.
   
   Pillow choice should be based on personal preference
   
   It is important to note that not all pillows work well for everyone. A short trial of one week to two weeks should be enough time to decide whether or not the pillow is providing benefit.
   Knee pillows. Using a traditional (mattress top) pillow either between the knees (when sleeping on the side) or below the knees (when sleeping on the back) is important to alleviate strain on the lower back.
   
   
   
   • When sleeping on the side, bending the knees and placing a pillow between the knees prevents the knees from coming together and keeps the spine in the neutral position. When there is no support between the legs, the upper leg rotates downward, pulling the pelvis, and distorting the natural line of the spine. Adding support between the knees can prevent back pain induced by these types of forces and allow the back to heal and more properly rest while sleeping.
     Usually, a firm pillow between the knees works better than a softer pillow because it serves somewhat as a kickstand to keep the upper leg from rotating over the lower leg.
     
   • When sleeping on the back, placing a pillow underneath the back of the knees helps reduce the load on the lower back. Some people even prefer to have two pillows to elevate their knees higher. With two or more pillows underneath the knees, the lumbar spine is flattened, putting less force on the pain sensitive facet joints of the spine. Check out the Jackson Roll for placing under your knees- a very versatile pillow that can be used for the neck as well. This position is the best overall to help the back rest comfortably, and many people find that this is the only way they can sleep during an acute phase of back pain or while recovering from spine surgery.
     
     
   
   
   Body pillows. A pillow that is as long as the body can serve several functions for people who prefer to sleep on their side, as the top portion can be used to support the head and neck, while the bottom portion supports the knees and legs. Some people find this more comfortable than using separate pillows for the head and knees. In particular, women who are pregnant may find that a body pillow that provides added support for the abdominal area helps them rest comfortably. Throwing the top leg over the body pillow while side sleeping should be avoided, as this places torque (twisting force) on the lower thoracic and lumbar spine.
   
   Neck pillows. A pillow that is contoured to fill the spaces under the head and neck can be helpful for people with neck pain. Also called cervical pillows or orthopedic pillows, this type of pillow has a deeper depression where the head lies, and extra support under the neck. People with neck pain may favor these pillows, as they fill the hollow space created by the neck and help keep the neck in alignment with the spine. Some orthopedic pillows tend to wear out after one or two years and may need replacing.
   
   Travel pillows. A "U" shaped pillow that is curved to fit snuggly around the neck can be used for sleeping or supporting the head when in a seated position. This type of pillow prevents the head from bending too far to one side or the other. It also creates a support so that the weight of the head is partially taken care of by the pillow. This relieves some of the work done by the muscles keeping the head up and may be beneficial while sleeping in a sitting position, such as in an airplane or in a car. Check out the Linear Gravity Neck Pillow. Perfect for travel. The Great thing about the Linear Gravity Neck Pillow is that it comes in 3 sizes: small, medium and large.
   
   Lower back support pillows. A lower back support pillow helps provide support for the inward curve in the lumbar spine. Sitting for extended periods of time without any lower back support can create muscle tension and pain in the lower back and legs (e.g. sciatica). Used when in a seated position, a lumbar support pillow fills the natural gap that is created between the lower spine and the chair.
   Lumbar back support is also helpful when sitting in a car. When the lumbar curve is supported, the downward forces of gravity and driving are absorbed much like a coiled spring, as opposed to a non-supported straight or slouched lumbar spine. The Slimrest Low Back Support provides the low back support that you need when sitting for prolonged periods of time.
   
   Donut pillows. As the name implies, this is a donut-shaped pillow that is placed on the seat portion of a chair. With either a depression or a hole in the center of the pillow, one can sit with much less pressure in the coccyx region (the tailbone). People who have suffered a broken or bruised tailbone or have coccygeal pain (such as coccydynia) may need this type of pillow in order to sit without pain.
   Summary of pillow support and comfort
   
   
   Use of a variety of pillows for both comfort and support can make a big difference in alleviating or avoiding back pain or neck pain and getting a good night’s sleep. For people with spinal disorders, the right type of support can be especially important in helping the spine rest comfortably.
   For example, most down or feather pillows offer very little structural support compared to pillows filled with firmer materials. People who suffer from moderate or severe spinal disc degeneration, spinal stenosis, myofascial pain, or trauma often seem to experience a more restful night’s sleep with a firmer pillow. Pillows filled with grain or buckwheat hulls are often effective for people with any of the above-mentioned conditions.
   
   By: John Schubbe, DC
   
   
   
   
   
2. “The question should be, is it worth trying to do, not can it be done”. Allard Lowenstein
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Inspirational Story of the Month
   
   
   Two young frogs fell into a bucket of milk. Both tried to jump to freedom, but the sides of the bucket were steep and no foundation was to be had on the surface of the liquid.
   Seeing little chance of escape, the first frog soon despaired and stopped jumping. After a short while he sunk to the bottom of the bucket and drowned.
   The second frog also saw no likelihood of success, but he never stopped trying. Even though each jump seemed to reach the same inadequate height, he kept on struggling. Eventually, his persistent efforts churned some milk into butter. From the now hardened surface of the milk, he managed to leap out of the bucket.
   The moral of this little inspiring story:
   Those who don't give up and persevere may be in for a pleasant surprise!
   
   
   
4. Featured Product - The Cervical Traction Neck Pillow
   
   On Sale 5 dollars off until April 2, 2007, use discount code: 5offCLT
   
   
   
   
   
   • Experience Deep Sound Sleep because your body relaxes.
     
     
   • Breathe easier and reduce snoring because your air passage is unrestricted. Snoring is often caused By restricted Air Passages of the Throat
     
     
   • Enhance Circulation because blood flows better through relaxed muscles.
     
     
   • Enjoy Better Posture because your cervical spine is aligned in a natural way.
     
     
   • Fall asleep naturally without drugs and medication Simply lie down and reap the rewards of these scientifically designed neck pillows.
     
     
   • Get Better Quality Sleep with our neck pillow because you be up all night tossing and turning !
     
     
   • No allergic reactions with our neck pillows: No Foam Rubber, Latex, Memory Foam, Animal Products, Seeds or Bird Feathers in our Cervical traction neck pillow; Made with Soft Non-Allergenic Polyester Fiberfill
     
     
     
     Here is what our customers and patients are saying about the Cervical Traction Neck Pillow:
     
     "Good transaction. The pillow really helps with my neck pain."
     helmkep , 3/14/2007
     
     "Fast efficient and GREAT!!!AAAA++++++"
     berzarc , 2/8/2007
     
     
     
     "I have a herniated disk in my neck and this is the first pillow I have slept comfortably with. I love it!"
     C.L, 2/3/2007
     
     
     
     "this pillow is a gem. took a while to get used to though"
     Heidi.M 2/3/2007
     
     
     
     "Great product. Does what they claim. No neck pain anymore. Excellent!"
     W.W 1/9/2007
     
     
     
   
   
5. Posture Tip of the Month
   
   Posture is a window to the spine.
   
   Forward head posture is the most common postural misalignments and is a hint that one’s neck or cervical spine is shifted forward and may have lost the normal curvature that should be there.
   
   
   Have a friend or loved one look at your posture from the side. The middle of the ear should line up with your shoulder. If the ear is forward of the shoulder you may suffer from misalignment. More on this in your next newsletter Posture Tip…
   
   
   

That's all for this month's newsletter
Sleep Tight!

Arc4life

Email Arc4life.com
Go to our website: www.arc4life.com

Choosing the right neck pillow for the best sleep possible

There are many different types of neck pillows available. We often get phone calls to our office to help customers and patients decide which pillow is best for them.

• Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow- The Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow offers superior comfort, promotes good posture, provides proper neck support while you sleep, and is non-allergenic. Provide neck traction if you have a military neck, little or no curve in your neck. If you are looking for stretching your neck while you sleep, then this traction neck pillow is for you. The traction neck pillow has helped patients who have degenerative disc disease, a bulging or herniated disc, neck pain after a whiplash accident or chronic neck pain. This neck pillow does take a while to get used to, but well worth for the relief of neck pain. Click here for more information
  
  
• The Linear Gravity Neck Pillow- Available in 3 sizes: small, medium and large. This neck pillow is a great support neck pillow. The linear gravity neck pillow aligns your head, neck and spine and supports your neck and head the proper way. This neck pillow can be used while you sleep on your back or on your side. This eliminates or reduces painful stiff neck and stressed neck and shoulder muscles. It can even alleviate the pain from fibromyalgia. Click here for more information
  
  
• The Tri Core Neck Pillow- Another good support neck pillow made out of fiber- available in 2 settings: Gentle and Firm. This is high quality Cervical Support Neck Pillow that cradles your neck in its most natural and neutral position. Click here for more information
  
  
• The Aqua Core Water Support Neck Pillow- The AquaCore neck pillow can be used to accommodate and help relieve neck pain, help correct the cause of pain and help maintain your neck in its proper position, ensuring good health. As a fiber pillow, the AquaCore helps relieve pain and discomfort by conforming to and stabilizing an existing condition. Add the Comfort Chamber with moderate to plenty of water or the Cervical Insert to help restore the natural curve of your neck, which helps reduce neck pain, headaches and snoring. Combine the Comfort Chamber and Cervical Insert to help maintain the body in its proper, natural state. The Water Displacement Panel on the aqua core neck pillow quiets the sound of the water giving you a peaceful night's sleep. It also provides you with mild support by allowing the water to better conform to the shape of your neck, helping to reduce headaches and snoring. Fiber chambers enhance your sleep. The dual Fiber Chambers enhance your sleeping experience when using the Therapeutic Comfort Chamber or Cervical Insert. Sleep on the Low Loft Fiber Chamber for gentle support or on the High Loft Fiber Chamber for an increased level of support. The aqua core neck pillow is particularly good for patient who have headaches. The cervical insert helps to restore and maintain your head and neck in their most natural positions. Use it with or without the Therapeutic Comfort Chamber to help reduce headaches and snoring. Click here for more information
  
  
• Air Core Adjustable Tri Core Pillow- The popular Tri-Core Neck Pillow is now available with convenient air pump adjustability. Give yourself the flexible neck support you need with an easy squeeze of the pump. The second lobe provides traditional fiber support. Reduce or eliminate the time needed to adjust to a neck cervical pillow. Dimensions: 24"x16" (61cm x 41cm).Click here for more information
  
  
• Headache Ice Pillow with Gel Pack- This headache ice pillow can be used for many purposes. It can be used to target migraine and tension headaches. Allows you to use medically recommended ICE PACK (cold pack) for those acute painful conditions or gives you the chance to just relax. The cold will help to decrease muscle spasm and inflammation. It also supports the neck and helps restore the proper neck curvature. Ideal for traveling. You can use it for reading, treatment, therapy, or sleeping.Click Here for more information
  

The Time Change Has Really Thrown Off My Sleep

Something that works really well is to take a short nap. When doing this however you want to make sure not to nap too close to you bed time. It’s recommended that your nap is approximately 2- 3hours before bed time.

There are a few things that can throw off sleep patterns. It’s not just a small time change. There can be a trip to a different time zone. This can be 1 hour but can also be a whole lot more. The same goes for a late night that your body isn’t used too or a night where something interrupts your sleep in the middle of the night.

The best thing to do is take what I call a power nap or two. Set your alarm to awake in 30 minutes. This will not only give you the boost you need but it will help get your body back on track. This is something that we will have to deal with no matter what. There will always be distractions, time changes, even long trips.

One thing we can control, that often interrupts sleep, is pain. If you suffer from neck pain or a stiff neck and it’s preventing good sleep, get one of our neck support pillows and get that well needed rest.


Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.
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How often should I replace my pillow?

Well, at Arc4life we received this frantic phone call last week from Teah, a previous customer who had ordered a cervical traction neck pillow 4 years ago from us- Teah’s question: When should I replace my pillow?

Well your pillow should replaced every 1-2 years- but it really depends on how you take care of it. If you spill liquids on your pillow, or put your damp hair on the pillow - than you will need to replace it sooner. For a pillow that is used every night, hair and natural body oils can soak into the pillow fabric and filling night after night. This can make it more susceptible to odor-causing bacteria and dust mites which can trigger allergies. If your pet chiwawa shares your pillow with you, you will need to replace it sooner.

To protect your pillow, replace your pillow case often and use protectors to double the life of your favorite night time pillow. Wash your pillow according to the manufacturers directions.

Replace your pillow and it will take care of you and your neck. Here is an email we received from Teah one week after she received her new cervical traction neck pillow:

“I just received my second cervical pillow and I am soooooo happy. I was wondering why my neck was starting to hurt again and I finally realized that I needed a new cervical pillow. The last one I purchased was in 2004! Well, I was right, I slept perfectly last night on my new pillow. It is truly amazing and a blessing to all who use it. People look at me like I'm nuts when I tell them about it. People are used to being disappointed by products they try, but not this one. I cannot take painkillers due to another condition and to find something that is just as good and better for you - that truly is a gift from heaven! Thank you so much for all you do!!!!”
T.P, August 6, 2008

Well it’s the 8th day of August, at the 8th hour in the magnificent year of 2008- time to enjoy the opening ceremonies from Beijing !


Visit us at Arc4life.com for the best selection of neck pillows for better sleep and better posture. - NJ

Help Me! My husband Snores and I Cannot Sleep!!!

More people than you think snore. If you are a spouse or loved one of a "snorer" you know all to well how annoying it can be. More importantly is that for the person snoring is it not healthy. It is a sign they are not breathing properly. It may also be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

In the vast majority of snorers it’s an obstruction of airway. Breathing is extremely important because getting fresh air through your system is very valuable in your body functions and processes. Almost every reaction in your body uses oxygen. Fresh oxygen also helps detoxify your body. We know without air we cannot survive !

Whether you notice it or not snoring will also prevent you and who ever can hear you for a good nights sleep. The body performs many healing functions when you sleep and without a good amount of rest your body and mind will not work at its best. Just think of how you feel the next day if you didn’t sleep much the night before.

The Cervical Traction Neck Pillow puts your neck in its optimal position. This not only reduces pressure or nerves in your neck but allows for all your nasal passages to stay in an open clear position.

Clearly keeping all your nasal passage ways allows for air to move in and out freely reducing and preventing snoring. Something that many people overlook however is that keeping pressure of nerves communication to your sinuses and air passageways also plays a vital role.

Every aspect of our body and its functions are controlled by our nervous system. If we keep pressure and unwanted stress off of the nerves communication to our sinuses and nasal passageways we ensure that all is functioning 100%. Remember, any pressure on our nerves means that the part of the body those nerves innervate is not functioning at its best.

The right neck pillow puts your neck spine in its proper position. It helps keep the neck spine free and clear of any nerve pressure. This is often why the breathing strips placed over the nose sometimes do not work. The really only help open one air passage but don’t do anything for the nerves. The cervical traction neck pillow helps with both.

Some other things that may be contributing to the snoring is poor air quality. In the winter time when the air is oten more dry an the furnace is always running you may notice the snoring problem more. Allergens in the air can also contribute to the problem.

The Cervical Traction neck pillow is made with special hypoallergenic fibers and also is available with a dust protector cover to protect it from the outside dust and allergens in the air. This can be very helpful to individuals with dust allergies that can be contributing to the problem.

Also I recommend changing your air filters frequently and often cleaning your air ducts periodically to reduce dust and allergies in your homes air supply. Sometimes a humidifier in the bedroom may help put a little moisture in the air. So start in the path to getting rid of your snoring habit by choosing the rght neck pillow. Not only will it make your loved ones happier but it will improve your health.

Additional Resources:

• 6 ways to Get a Better Nights Sleep
  
• Counting Sheep to Fall Asleep, Does it Work?


• Neck Pain Support Blog
  

Visit Arc 4 Life for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Natural Products for pain relief everyday.


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To all our Loyal Readers, Wishing Everyone A Wonderful 2009, filled with Good Health, Happiness and Laughter !!- NJ

Does Your Pillow Feel Like A Pillow?...

Good Night's Sleep



There are many great pillows out there.

Your pillow needs to help you sleep well.

Getting a good night's sleep is the most important.

So if you can do that And fix your posture, that's really good.



Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for neck pain and back pain relief.

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End Neck Pain By Improving Posture - How Proper Posture Improves Your Spine Relieving Nerve Pressure

How does posture have anything to do with neck pain?--Neck pain comes from pressure on the nerves. How does this happen?--Usually pressure from a misaligned neck spine. When your spine is misaligned (some call that subluxated) it does not move like it should and in turn creates inflammation in that area. Either out-of-alignment spinal vertebrae (spinal bones) put direst pressure on nerves or the inflammation, or built up degeneration causes the pressure.

The most common misaligned postural pattern in the neck that will result in neck pain, stiffness and lack of mobility is forward head carriage. This is when the head posture is forward of the shoulders and almost always reveals loss of the normal neck alignment or curvature.

In the neck spine we should have a well defined neck C-curve of approximately 40-60 degrees. Anything less and there is unwanted pressure on the nerves. Pain is often a sign that there is pressure on the nervous system but not all of that system is designed to feel pain so you may be pain free yet still have improper alignment.

With people today, more than ever we are seeing a misaligned neck posture of the neck curve flattening or straightening and protruding out forward. One of the reasons is that more and more people these days are on computers for long hours. Many jobs now require you to be on a computer continually, and even the people without a desk job are on the computer for hours on end; nights, weekends, mornings, you name it.

Also, more people are on the road driving. When driving, the majority of people’s heads, over the time traveling, drift forward. Some people are affected worse than others. Just recently I looked to my left while at a light and the woman next to me had both hands on the wheel with what looked like a death grip, and she just looked like her muscles were extremely tense and her head was about 6 inches forward of her shoulders. These are just a couple examples, others are: Poor sleeping habits, holding a phone on your shoulder for long periods, reading or studying with your head down often, etc...

Guilty of some of these examples or often suffer from neck pain?

Here's how to improve your neck posture-

1. Postural exercises for the neck
   
2. Eliminating bad posture as much as possible
   
3. A good support neck pillow for sleeping.

These to do's all help correct and maintain the proper alignment of the spine. Our spines are ergonomically built to withstand the forces of gravity. When looking at an individual from the front or back, the spine is straight should be up and down. From the side however we have distinct curvatures that are there for a reason – so our spinal cord is relaxed with no tension and our nerve roots coming off the spinal cord have no pressure and interference. Our spine is at it’s strongest position with this alignment as well. And don’t forget, why is it important we are in optimal alignment? Not only because it is the most beneficial for strength of our spine but because it is the healthiest position as well. Putting any pressure on nerves will decrease the bodies ability to perform at it’s maximum. Any pressure on nerves decreases your body's function and therefore health.

The best postural exercise to eliminate forward head posture are Head Retractions. Pretend your head is on a sliding track and pull your head back keeping it level. For example sit fully back against a wall or chair pull your head straight back without tilting or extending your head until you touch the wall, top of chair or headrest in your car.

Eliminate forward head posture as much as possible. Notice if your head is drifting forward; usually you may feel strain in the muscles of the back of your neck. Read with books propped up against something, take periodic breaks when working on the computer or driving for long periods. Sit up staighter, and keep your head up-right.

At night, you can not only protect yourself from poor posture but also can literally improve it as well, while you sleep. If you use a good support pillow like the Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow you can correct neck posture while resting comfortably. Sleeping on your back or side is perfectly fine. Stomach sleeping is not good because you have to crank your head to on side or another to breathe. Individuals who commonly sleep on their stomachs will find themselves waking up often with a sore, stiff, painful neck.

Be more aware of your posture. Poor posture means a poor spine and therefore pressure on nerves that will not only just cause neck pain but can cause other problems as well. The easiest way to start improving neck pain and neck posture is to use the proper neck pillow. The Cervical Linear Traction Pillow can be found at www.arc4life.com.

Dr Matt Bellinger is a Chiropractor in Connecticut. He has written many articles on how to easily and naturaly relieve pain, and has helped hundred of patients in his clinic end their neck and back pain. Visit Dr. Bellinger's Site at www.ctbackdr.com.

How to Make Your Own Pillow At Home for Neck Pain and Stiffness.

What to Do when you need a Neck Pillow and You are Away from Home?

Everyone has a favorite pillow- a pillow that they have to use for sleeping. Without this pillow they may wake up with a headache or a stiff neck. Well what happens when we are away from home and we need to sleep well and wake up refreshed? Sometimes your favorite neck pillow is not able to travel with you. So what to do?

Simple Solution: Create your own neck roll at home using a terry towel- it functions as a great a neck pillow that will support your neck in great alignment and it will support your cervical spine.

Additional Reading Resources:

• America's #1 Neck Pillow: The Arc4life Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow
• Remedy for a Stiff Neck
• Neck and Shoulder Pain
• They Told me I have Cervical Radiculopathy? What is It? Is sounds really bad.
• Cervical Neck Traction to Get the Curve Back into your Spine

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!