SATECH Unveils New Look at 2017 PNAA Conference

We were pleased to be an exhibitor at the 2017 Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA). The PNAA promotes the growth and success of the aerospace industry with events designed to connect aerospace interests, inspire leaders and educate policy makers. The Alliance’s members represent every segment of the aerospace industry, and are responsible for designing, manufacturing and supplying parts and services that launch rockets, fly planes and even land on Mars! We appreciate the opportunity of being part of such a wonderful organization.

Cresting Mt. Whitney One Step At a Time with SmartCells Insoles

We believe that life should feel good, and we specifically engineer our products with this in mind. We truly believe in our products and know that they have helped thousands of people feel good.

Don’t just take our word for it though. We recently received an email from SmartCells orthotic insoles user and advocate Valerie S. detailing her latest hiking experience with our SmartCells insoles as her and her husband attempted to crest the Mt. Whitney hiking trail.

I wanted to let you know my experiences using the Active anti-fatigue orthotic insoles in my hiking shoes last week.  I carried a 41 pound pack for an elevation gain of 5,500 feet up to 12,500 feet for a distance of 16 miles roundtrip.  I was climbing Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states.  This took 3 days.  The first day was to Iceberg Lake at 12,500 feet.  We left the heaviest of our gear there, and the continued to the summit at 14,580 feet.  The entire time of I used the SmartCells orthotic insoles and never had any fatigue in my feet, or any blistering (which usually occurs).   This is quite unusual for me, as fifteen years ago I had a severe injury to my big toe which shattered the big joint and during the years it has become painful for me to do a lot of activity.  I continue to do a lot of activity, but with pain and blistering.  This time I had very little pain to my feet and no blistering.  My feet did not get as hot as they usually do, even though one day was close to 80 degrees.  I would highly recommend using these insoles for strenuous physical activity.  My husband couldn’t believe I did so well with my feet either after he has heard me complain so much.  I wouldn’t let him have my inserts on the trip though, he’ll need to get his own for next time.

 

SATECH, Inc. Proudly Announces the Launch of SmartCellsInsoles.Com

Chehalis, Wash., — At SATECH, Inc., we believe that life shouldn’t hurt. We are proud to announce the launch of our all-new website www.smartcellsinsoles.com.

Our newly launched site features a refreshed look, simple navigation, enhanced mobile-friendly design, and a simple and secure way to purchase SmartCells Anti-Fatigue Insoles.

SmartCells anti-fatigue insoles utilize the same technology that has long been trusted by major companies such as Boeing, Amazon, Eaton Corporation and many more as an anti-fatigue mat and flooring solution for standing workers.

Ergonomically designed to relieve discomfort from prolonged activity, the unique SmartCells act like springs that cushion and return energy.

SmartCells® anti-fatigue insoles easily slip into most shoes and come in two styles: a flat style, as well as an Orthotic style. Each style is also available in two options, designed to provide maximum fatigue relief based on the character of the user’s daily activity.

The SmartCells Everyday and Active lines of orthotic insoles are pre-molded and bio-mechanically engineered to provide additional cushion and support for optimal fatigue relief while helping prevent excessive pronation and related symptoms.

Designed for low profile comfort, the SmartCells Casual line of simple, flat insole inserts are built to provide a highly effective cushion when foot support is not needed.

For formal comfort, the SmartCells Dress insole provides all the cushion and comfort of a full-length insole but at ¾ length it is ideal for dress shoes.

SATECH, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in the development and marketing of SmartCells cushioning solutions that enhance performance, reduce fatigue and help prevent fall-related injuries. SmartCells mats and flooring have broad application in the industrial workplace, healthcare markets and everyday consumer households. For more information, please call (360) 748-8711, or visit www.smartcellsusa.com.

###

Study Links Heart Health with Reduced Risk of Falls

Every February people are bombarded with the message of love. Stores are adorned in red and pink hearts, cupids, cute stuffed animals and heart-shaped candies while jewelry advertisements take over the airwaves.

Host to arguably the most romantic holiday throughout the year, it may come as no surprise that February is often called the month of Love. With all the hype centered around February 14th, AKA Valentine’s Day, did you know that February is also host to another important national observance?

What could be as important as love, you ask? The answer is your heart. Which is why February is also National American Heart Month.

The Heart of It (AKA the History)
American Heart Month was officially proclaimed a nationally recognized month on December 30, 1963 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. A mere 33 days later, the first official American Heart Month took place in February 1964.

Since its inception, the American Heart Association has tirelessly spent the last 53 years raising awareness of the importance of heart health.

The Numbers
During the time of the first American Heart Month, more than half of the deaths in the United States were caused by cardiovascular disease(CVD). Today, that number continues to rise, and CVD is still the leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, statistics show that on average, someone dies of CVD every 40 seconds.

The American Heart Association reports that currently heart disease is responsible for more than 17.3 million deaths worldwide each year, and that number is expected to increase to more than 23.6 million by 2030.

If these numbers haven’t completely alarmed you yet, just wait.

A 2006 study published in the US National Library of Medicine proposes that elderly loved ones with cardiovascular disease are at an increased risk of experiencing a fall. In one study, nearly 23% of elderly who fell also experienced cardioinhibitory CSH. A separate study also had similar results with nearly half of the fallen patients also suffering from cardioinhibitory CSH.

If you have read any of our other articles, you may already know the staggering statistics regarding falls and fall-related injuries.

The Solution
As dire as the numbers may seem, there is a bright side. Fortunately, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and therein reduce the risk of experiencing a fall or fall-related injury.

Keep reading to find out 7 things you can do to protect you and your loved.

Schedule a Check-Up
The most important thing you can do is schedule a checkup with your doctor. You will find out how healthy you are and if you have any conditions you didn’t already know about. This is also a great time to ask your doctor if you are healthy enough to exercise.

Give Up Your Vices
We know it is easier said than done, but an important aspect of preventing heart disease is to cut out vices that are known to cause heart disease. This includes smoking and drinking too much alcohol.

Get Your Zzzzz’s
Getting the appropriate amount of sleep each night can greatly increase your heart health.

Eat Your Heart Out
Well, don’t literally do that. But what you should do, is make sure you are eating a heart healthy diet. This includes foods that are low in fat and cholesterol. Some good heart healthy foods are: fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, nuts, fish, lean poultry and meat. Finally, limit salt and sugar.

Take a Step
We mean this one literally. Maintaining an active lifestyle will help you maintain a healthy body weight, make you happy (the endorphins) and reduce your risk of heart disease. Professionals recommend at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week of moderate exercise. This means any activity that gets you moving and sweating a little.

Say No to Stress
If heart disease was a car, stress would be its fuel. The more stress you have, the more strain you put on your heart and overall health. Check out this blog we recently wrote that explores 6 great ways you can reduce stress.

Invest in SmartCells Fall Protection Products
Whether your elderly loved one suffers from heart disease or not, the likelihood of them experiencing a fall is unfortunately still high.

The dual-stiffness structure of SmartCells fall protection products provides users with a stable standing surface that will not cause a balance impaired person to lose their balance, while at the same time providing 5-7 times more cushioning than a foam mat of the same height. In addition, SmartCells cannot absorb liquid, so infection control issues can be more effectively dealt with, too.

SmartCells Fall Protection products are available to be used as an underlayment or in a variety of colors (Black, Light Brown, and Grey) and additional configurations ranging from build-your-own mats and custom flooring to pre-sized mats (2×3, 3×5 and 24×68).

SmartCells fall protection: We’ll be there when you can’t be.

If you are looking for more tips to help your loved one reduce their risk of falls, click here.

Is Your Mat Optimized for Softness and Hardness?

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that “lost productive time from common pain conditions among active workers costs an estimated $61.2 billion per year,” and nearly 80 percent of that lost productive time was due to reduced performance at work rather than work absence.

When it comes to being productive and effective, workers need more than just a safe and efficient work environment; they also need to be physically and psychologically able to perform.  That includes being free of pain and discomfort.

According to the AMA, almost 13% of all workers experience pain in the workplace that effects productivity.  About 76% of those workers don’t complain, or file a report, they simply stay on the job, and become less productive by just under an hour a day, 4.6 hours a week.  That translates to about 22 days of lost productivity per year, due to pain on the job.  That’s a lot of pain!

The need to battle the issue of standing-worker discomfort crosses all business sectors.  Even a smart, current trend in office environments to utilize standing desks that can offer healthy ergonomic options to reduce discomfort from prolonged sitting, can also create the potential to experience discomfort in the feet, legs and back from standing.

Relief from standing pain is further complicated by a wide variety of anti-fatigue product options. In the coming months, we will take a journey exploring the 9 essential questions one must answer before investing in an anti-fatigue solution. This month we will explore the question:

Has the Mat Been Optimized for Softness or Hardness?

Research indicates that there are several critical features that a standing surface needs to have if it is optimized for relieving fatigue that effects productivity. The first of which, is that it needs to be appropriately compressible (softness without bottoming out).

The compressibility of a material is a global measure of mat firmness, and is one of the most important test results in evaluating product performance. It is measured in Mega Pascals (MPa) a measurement of pressure, with the optimal range of firmness to reduce fatigue between .6 and .9 MPa.

A standing surface that is too soft can increase fatigue (example: standing on a mattress); a surface that is too hard or bottoms out easily may be only slightly better than standing on nothing.

There are many anti-fatigue products that tout their primary feature as being the “softest” or “plushest” in the market. While this may be true, these mats fall well outside the optimal parameters for reducing fatigue, and in fact may increase fatigue and the likelihood of injury due to surface instability that causes excessive body sway or lower extremity shifting over time.

This optimal surface compressibility is carefully designed into the SmartCells technology, which is easily differentiated in the marketplace by its unique rubber cellular structures that act like springs to cushion, support, and return energy.

SmartCells function in exactly the opposite ways from foam and gel.  SmartCells get softer as compressed.  Foam gets harder as compressed, and gel just squishes out of the way.  SmartCells will not bottom out under typical worker-related activities.  Foam needs to be thick to avoid bottoming out, often resulting in an overly soft, unstable standing surface that overworks muscles.  SmartCells act like springs and when weight is shifted they “spring” back and return energy.  Whereas foam and gel can be highly non-responsive.

SmartCells anti-fatigue cushioning technology is available in mats, flooring and insoles to bring relief to workers and dramatically impact health and well-being.

To learn more or invest in SmartCells Anti-fatigue products please follow the link below:

http://dev.smartcellsusa.com/shop/

Fall Protection for Seniors in the Home and at Care Facilities

We cannot be everywhere at once for our loved ones, but SmartCells Bedside Fall Protection Mats can be. Convenient and cost effective, SmartCells fall protection mats provide a stable standing surface as well as a cushioned landing surface for balance impaired individuals.

SmartCells Fall Protection Mats are very effective, but they can only do their job if the individual who falls manages to land on the mat. It may make much more sense to provide the fall protection where the person falls, rather than hope the person falls where the protection is. For that reason, SmartCells Fall Protection flooring installed throughout a bedroom or bathroom may be a far better solution.

If fall protection is needed in larger areas, but you also need the flexibility to expand or modify the configuration of fall protection matting, it’s easy to build your own matting. Use in hallways, around a bed, in the bathroom or wherever falls may occur. Connect and Protect  —  It’s That Simple!

Follow the link below to learn about all of the options available for in-home and care facility applications at: https://www.smartcellsusa.com/top-8-daily-physical-activities-improve-senior-balance-health/ .

SmartCells: The Cure for the Sedentary Office

The Issue:

Humans are not sedentary creatures, but modern televisions, computers and automobiles have forced people to spend far longer sitting down than standing up. This has serious consequences for the weight, posture and ultimately lifespan of many individuals. This infographic explains the sad truth about the amount of time we all spend sitting on a daily basis. To learn more about why sitting isn’t the best idea and what you can do about it at check out this article we found on why sitting is killing you.

With that being said, standing too long on the wrong surface can also be dangerous.

The Smart(Cells) Solution:

SmartCells® Cushioning Technology mats, flooring and insoles are ergonomically engineered and specifically developed to help you feel great, and meet your health, safety and productivity needs.

Learn more about how SmartCells can be incorporated into your office at https://www.smartcellsusa.com/anti-fatigue/office/ .

How To Make Industrial Best Practices a Priority with SmartCells

Does your work force spend extended periods of time on their feet?  If so, SmartCells may be just the solution you have been looking for.  We have worked with many large companies including Boeing, Amazon, Costco and Disney to name a few.

SmartCells Anti-Fatigue Industrial floor solutions are ergonomically engineered to improve worker safety and productivity.  We offer custom mats, runners, flooring and insoles.

Don’t take our word for it though, here’s what our customers are saying:

“Our teammates work better on these mats. SmartCells’ mats definitely make a difference
Sharon, EHS Lead – Aerospace

“My feet are happier than before. The old mat was like standing on concrete.”
Sin

“We were experiencing a lot of problems with lower back and leg pain, (which we attributed to the ergonomic mats that we were using). Now this problem is rarely, if ever brought up. Thank you for a quality and usable product.”
Steve, Ergonomic Chairman for Boise Cascade, Elgin Plywood Division

Make best practices a priority with SmartCells Cushioning Technology. To learn more click here.

Beyond Flowers and Candy-7 Unforgettable Valentine’s Day Adventures

Hoping to impress your honey on Valentine’s Day this year?  As February 14th approaches, take the time to try something uniquely fun and different. You don’t have to break the bank to come up with something extravagant or over-the-top. Instead of stressing out over finding the perfect gift, think of a fun adventure you can share. To get you started, we have some fun and creative ways you can show your significant other you care.

Date Idea #1 – Dinner and a Movie
Always a classic, right? Take your sweetheart to a show and indulge in a nice dinner at your favorite restaurant.

Date Idea #2 – Spa Day
Who doesn’t like a nice massage, pedicure or facial? Book a day of relaxation for you both to enjoy.

Date Idea #3 – Get Outside Together
Enjoy a nature hike on a nearby trail or a have a simple picnic at your favorite park.

Date Idea #4 – Visit a Local Museum or Art Gallery
Spend a quiet afternoon together hitting up a local art gallery or museum.

Date Idea #5 – Scavenger Hunt
Where was your first kiss? Or your first date? Create a fun scavenger hunt to reminisce on your old memories and make some new ones in the process.

Date Idea #6 – Take a Class Together
There is nothing more fun than learning something new together. Maybe you have been wanting to take a cooking seminar, a painting seminar or a dance class. Now might be a fun time to try it together. You never know what talents you might discover?

Date Idea #7 – Extreme Adventure
If your valentine isn’t afraid of heights, you might want to book a helicopter ride over the city lights. Or, maybe you both have been wanting to go bungee jumping or rock climbing. Maybe Valentine’s Day is the time to take the leap of faith and do something extreme together?

No matter which date or activity you choose, the key for a successful Valentine’s Day is to spend time together and enjoy one another’s company. We hope our ideas get you thinking about the possibilities. Wishing you and your sweetheart a fantastic February 14th.

At SmartCells Cushioning Technology we believe in doing more of the things that matter in life. Our ergonomically engineered mats, flooring, and insoles provide safe, comfortable and healthy solutions to life’s painful problems.

Do More. Feel Good.  With SmartCells.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The Secret to Optimal Health From a 96-year-old Athlete

Being healthy might not be much of a secret at all, as we have learned from one of the oldest athletes on the planet.  Charles Eugster, 96, is a runner, body-builder, public speaker, writer, rower and wakeboarder.  He was 87 years old when he realized his body was deteriorating and instead of settling for his muffin-top, he did something about it.  Charles began training at the gym with a former Mr. Universe and rebuilt his body from scratch.

Being healthy doesn’t have to be limited by age or circumstance.  You can choose to be active at any age.  SmartCells Cushioning Technology offers a suite of ergonomically engineered performance flooring, mats and insoles that help you feel good every step of the way.  Whatever your goals may be, SmartCells Personal Training products can reduce impact stress on joints by up to 90%, while at the same providing a safe, stable surface for workouts.

Available in three different colors (Black, Light Brown, and Grey) as well as three different sizes (36”X60”, 52”X60”, 52”X88”), the remarkable SmartCells Personal Training mats are low profile (1/2”) and have molded-in beveled edges. For custom applications, SATECH offers custom-sized mats as well as a wall-to-wall flooring option that is perfect for in-home gyms, and aerobics flooring.

To unload impact stress on-the-go we also offer a line of SmartCells Personal Training Insoles. SmartCells personal training insoles easily slip into most shoes and come in several styles that offer arch and heel support.  SmartCells Insoles are personalized for size and designed for standing and walking as well as impact-related activities.

If you would like to learn more about our full line of products, please visit us at www.smartcellsusa.com.