Five Ways to Honor the Fallen This Memorial Day

This upcoming weekend people all across the United States will be celebrating Memorial Day.

For the last 44 years Memorial Day has been nationally recognized and celebrated on the last Monday of May, but it wasn’t always like that. In fact, the holiday wasn’t even originally called Memorial Day. It was known as Decoration Day.

Decoration Day was first observed after the Civil War by Union veterans on May 30, 1868 in remembrance of fallen service members.

Today, most spend people spend the long weekend shopping, visiting friends, traveling, or camping. In an effort to get back to the core reason for celebrating the holiday, Congress passed an act in 2010 for a national moment of remembrance. The moment, which occurs at 3 pm on Memorial Day, encourages Americans to observe a moment of silence in honor of those lost and fallen in service.

We have gathered several great ways you can honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom this Memorial Day:

  1. Visit a veteran’s memorial or cemetery
  2. Thank a living veteran for their service
  3. Attend a local Memorial Day service
  4. If you know a Veteran, share a photo and story of them
  5. Raise the Flag, but make sure it flies at half mast until noon

In honor of fallen veterans, customers who use coupon code “memday2015” will receive a 15% discount on all SmartCells anti-fatigue, fall protection and personal training products through the end of Memorial Day.

 

Is Your Bathroom the Most Dangerous Place in Your House?

Often an individual’s home or place of residence is considered their safe haven, a place where they feel the most safe and comfortable. However, danger still lurks within the safety of those four walls. Particularly the dangers associated with a potential fall or fall-related injury.

Perhaps the most dangerous room in a house is the bathroom. The lethal combination of slick bathroom flooring, the presence of water, improperly secured bath rugs, and toilet or shower transition zones makes the bathroom a potential fall zone for individuals of all ages.

A study conducted by the Center for Disease Control found that in 2008 nearly 21.8 million people over the age of 15 sustained non-fatal bathroom injuries resulting in approximately $67.3 billion in lifetime medical costs. Of these injuries, 81% of them occurred due to a fall.

Additionally, the study found that injury rates “increased with age, especially those that occurred on or near the toilet, which increased from 4.1 per 100,000 among persons aged 15–24 years to 266.6 among persons aged ≥85 years. Injuries occurring in or around the tub or shower also increased markedly, from 49.7 per 100,000 among persons aged 15–24 years to 200.2 among persons aged ≥85 years.”

Despite the inherent danger, the following are several ways you can increase the safety of your home’s bathroom:

  • Install grab bars inside and outside the shower for safe transitions
  • If balance is an issue, install a shower seat
  • Provide sufficient, non-glare lighting. Natural light is the best
  • Dry off before exiting the shower
  • Make sure toiletries can be easily accessed from either the shower or toilet
  • Utilize a raised toilet seat to make the transition easier
  • Use a non-skid mat such as the SmartCells Fall Protection shower mat tiles

SATECH’s Fall Protection shower mat tiles are easy to install or remove for cleaning, are drain-through, have an anti-slip surface, and utilize the renowned SmartCells cushioning technology.

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. SmartCells cannot absorb liquid, so infection control issues can be more effectively dealt with, too.

SmartCells Fall Protection: We’ll be there when you can’t be.

 

 

 

10 Wild Mother’s Day Facts

This Sunday all around the world we celebrate the people that loved us before anyone else did, gave us our first kiss, lovingly changed our diapers and picked up after us, and even to this day their love knows no bounds for us. If it weren’t for these special people, none of us would be here today.

That’s right, this Sunday we celebrate Mother’s Day!

When you’re a child you never truly appreciate the hard work and effort mothers put in every day just to make sure you were content. In fact, if it was up to us, we think mothers should be celebrated more than one day a year and we think you will agree after reading these Mother’s Day fun facts:

  • Modern moms have an average of 2 kids compared to moms in the 1700s who averaged 7-10 kids
  • Each second a little more than 4 women give birth to new babies
  • By the time their child is 2 they have changed an average of 7,200 diapers
  • The time it takes to change all of these diapers adds up to three 40-hour work weeks each year
  • The fun doesn’t stop when they get older, a pre-schooler requires their mother’s attention once every 4 minutes or approximately 210 times a day
  • On average moms wash nearly 330 loads of laundry for a total of 5300 articles of clothing each year
  • The mother who holds the record for the most kids gave birth to 69 children over the course of her lifetime
  • The first year a child is born typically costs parents $7,000 for baby items
  • A typical middle class family will spend $242,070 to raise a kid until age 18
  • Finally, economists estimate that if a stay-at-home mom was paid for everything they did, she would make a yearly salary of $115,432.

Recent studies suggest that this year consumers will spend $1.9 billion on flowers for mom this year. While we think flowers are a lovely present, this year you should show mom your utmost appreciation by giving her the gift of comfort, safety and health. Give her SmartCells.

SmartCells cushioning technology is available three different product lines (Anti-Fatigue, Fall Protection and Personal Training) to best suit the needs of your mother.

SmartCells Anti-Fatigue

For the mom who spends extended periods of time on her feet we suggest the SmartCells line of anti-fatigue mats, insoles and flooring.

SmartCells anti-fatigue mats are built with industrial quality and combine features such as beveled edges and stability with style and elegance that blends perfectly in any room in the house.

SmartCells Anti-fatigue Mat

The unique SmartCells act like springs that cushion as weight is applied and then rebound when the weight shifts, which returns energy and reduces fatigue.

The SmartCells line of anti-fatigue rubber mats come with an industry-leading 8-year warranty and are available in three different surface options (smooth, basket weave and carpet top) as well as three colors (Black, gray and light brown) and three sizes (2X3, 3X5 and 24X68).

If you are simply too mobile to enjoy the benefits of a SmartCells anti-fatigue mats, there is also a line of SmartCells anti-fatigue standard and orthotic insoles.

SmartCells Fall Protection

SmartCells fall protection mats and flooring is the perfect gift for the mom who wishes to age-in-place and maintain safe independence.

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. SmartCells cannot absorb liquid, so infection control issues can be more effectively dealt with, too.

SmartCells Build-Your-Own Fall Protection Mat

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 products will be there for your loved one when you can’t be.

SmartCells Personal Training

SmartCells Personal Training products are the perfect gift for the mom who loves to stay active and wants to stay comfortable and feeling good in the process.

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, SmartCells Personal Training Insoles easily slip into most shoes and come in two styles: a Standard flat style, for use with or without orthotics, as well as an Active Orthotic style that offers arch and heel support, personalized for size and designed for impact-related activities.

In an effort to show our appreciation for mothers around the world anyone who uses code ‘tco10’ at our site will receive a 10% discount.

Happy Mother’s Day!

The Ultimate Cinco De Mayo Recipe Guide

May fifth is host to perhaps the most widely misunderstood yet celebrated holidays, Cinco de Mayo. Although many use Cinco de Mayo as an excuse to consume copious amounts of margaritas and Mexican food, very few know the origins behind the celebration.

A commonly held belief is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day celebration. However, this is incorrect. In fact, Mexico’s Independence Day celebration takes place every year on September 16.

Cinco de Mayo is actually the celebration of the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Historians claim the “Mexican army won the battle despite being smaller and ill-equipped.”

Now that you know a little bit about the history behind the celebration, we have gathered several of the Internet’s favorite Cinco de Mayo recipes.

Appetizers:

  • Guacamole – Guacamole is a staple at any Cinco de Mayo celebration. In fact, statistics claim that Americans consume 81 million avocados on May 5 each year.
  • Queso Blanco Dip – This cheesy dip is another popular way to enjoy your tortilla chips.
  • Mexican Corn Salad – If you prefer to stay away from chip dip this corn salad will certainly be a hit.
  • Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers – A little on the spicy side but how can you go wrong with bacon and cream cheese?

Drinks:

  • Margaritas – Being the most popular drink on Cinco de Mayo, this easy recipe outlines how to make a great drink.
  • Cinco De Mayo Slushies – Lacking alcohol these slushies are perfect for both adults and kids
  • Horchatas – A little more labor intensive but well worth the work.

Main Course:

Desserts:

  • Mexican Fried Ice Cream –Who can resist deep fried ice cream? It’s simply delicious.
  • Sombrero Cookies – Although not authentically Mexican food these cookies will set your party apart.
  • Churro Cupcakes – With the addition of cream cheese frosting, this is a nice take on the traditional churro.

Whatever recipe you choose to make for your Cinco de Mayo celebration SmartCells anti-fatigue mats will keep you feeling good.

SmartCells anti-fatigue mats are built with industrial quality and combine features such as beveled edges and stability with style and elegance that blends perfectly in any room in the house.

The unique SmartCells act like springs that cushion as weight is applied and then rebound when the weight shifts, which returns energy and reduces fatigue.

The SmartCells line of anti-fatigue rubber mats come with an industry-leading 8-year warranty and are available in three different surface options (smooth, basket weave and carpet top) as well as three colors (Black, gray and light brown) and three sizes (2X3, 3X5 and 24X68).

If you are simply too mobile to enjoy the benefits of a SmartCells anti-fatigue mats, there is also a line of SmartCells anti-fatigue standard and orthotic insoles.

SmartCells anti-fatigue: It’s not how the mat feels, it’s how YOU feel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 Steps To A Stress Free Spring

While several studies cite the holiday season as being one of the most stressful parts of the year, most would argue that tax season is a close second.

Which is why it is no coincidence that April is nationally recognized as Stress Awareness Month.

Recent studies have found that an average of 75 percent of Americans regularly experience symptoms of stress (73% psychological symptoms and 77% physical symptoms). In addition, in the past five years 48 percent of Americans have reported feeling an increase in stress.

Among the top causes of stress for Americans are: work, money, and health. In fact, stress costs Americans nearly $300 billion annually in stress-related healthcare and missed work. Not to mention, stressed workers are generally 10 percent less productive than their counterparts.

That’s enough about stress, though. Let’s talk about how you can manage it. Everyone has their own way of healthily dealing with stress, some enjoy the gym while others enjoy the serenity of a garden, listening to music, or taking a long walk in nature. We have compiled a list of several simple ways you can ease the stress from tax season.

Plan
Stress can often be a side effect of a hectic life. Taking the time to plan your week out, planning meals, chores, errands, and relaxation time can be a great way to relieve some of the stress you feel.

Balance
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a critical component to reducing stress. It’s important to have time set aside for family, friends, hobbies, and most importantly you.

Say No
Much like we mentioned earlier, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance in life, and sometimes that means saying no to friends or optional overtime to focus on regrouping and regaining strength.

Investigate
It is important to discover what is causing you stress. Understanding your stress trigger can help you reduce or even eliminate it from your life.

Exercise
Exercise is a good way to get your mind off stress and the endorphins released into your body will help melt the stress away as well.

Use SmartCells
Over 50% of Americans regularly experience fatigue as a side effect of stress. The unique SmartCells cushioning technology acts like springs that cushion as weight is applied and then rebound when the weight shifts, which returns energy and reduces fatigue.

SATECH’s anti-fatigue products are built with industrial quality and combine features such as beveled edges and stability with style and elegance that blends perfectly in any house or office setting. The SmartCells line anti-fatigue rubber mats come with an industry-leading 8-year warranty and are available in three different surface options (smooth, basket weave and carpet top) as well as three colors (Black, gray and light brown) and three sizes (2X3, 3X5 and 24X68).

SmartCells anti-fatigue: I feel good!

7 Exercises to Burn Off the Easter Candy

Let’s face it. Dieting and exercising is tough enough, but throw a holiday into the mix and you have the perfect storm. It surely doesn’t help that Easter is only second to Halloween as far as candy consumption goes.

In fact, according to statistics nearly 71 million pounds of candy is consumed over the Easter weekend and following weeks. Some statistics point out that this candy consumption typically equates to an additional 8,000 calories consumed per individual over the holiday weekend.

To combat this perfect dietary storm and burn off excess calories consumed over the weekend we have compiled a list of simple exercises you can do this week.

Body Weight Squats

These can be done anywhere and anytime. You could even do a set of squats during a commercial break of your favorite weeknight television show.

A Brisk Walk

Now that Spring weather is here and the sun sets later a brisk evening walk is a viable option to get your blood pumping and easily burn calories.

Plyometric Workouts

Much like body weight squats; Plyometric exercises can be done anywhere and are easily tailored to your fitness abilities.

Yoga

After a long holiday weekend filled with food, family and travel a relaxing yoga session can help burn calories and reduce your stress level.

Circuit Training

If you have a gym membership, Circuit training is a great way to build physical strength as well as cardiovascular endurance.

Go Dancing

Although disguised as a fun night on the town, dancing is a great way to burn calories and have fun doing it.

Do Yard work

Gardening, weeding, and mowing the lawn are all great ways to be productive and burn off holiday food at the same time.

Whatever activity you choose to do this week, SmartCells personal training mats and insoles will keep you comfortable and feeling good in the process.

The unique dual-stiffness SmartCells cushioning technology can reduce impact stress on joints by up to 90%* while at the same providing a safe, stable surface for workouts. *(1” thick using ATSM F355 – 10a)

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, SmartCells Personal Training Insoles easily slip into most shoes and come in two styles: a Standard flat style, for use with or without orthotics, as well as an Active Orthotic style that offers arch and heel support, personalized for size and designed for impact-related activities.

The family of SmartCells Personal Training products utilizes the same technology that has long been trusted by major companies as an anti-fatigue solution for their standing workers and, in senior living settings, as a solution to keep senior citizens safe from fall-related injuries.

SmartCells Personal Training: I feel good!

 

Could SmartCells Insoles Be the Secret to the Easter Bunny’s Comfy Feet?

This weekend the ‘Easter Bunny’ will be delivering Easter baskets and hiding thousands of eggs worldwide.

In fact, in preparation for Easter, statistics approximate the ‘Easter Bunny’ purchased nearly 120 million pounds of Easter candy including 16 billion jelly beans and 90 Million chocolate bunnies.

We imagine after all that hopping the ‘Easter Bunny’ must have some pretty sore feet. That is, unless he is using a pair of SmartCells Anti-fatigue Insoles.

With two lines of SmartCells insoles available Standard (flat cushioning insoles) and Orthotic (heel and arch support insoles) for both Therapeutic and Active  applications the ‘Easter Bunny’ can choose the best insole for his needs.

The SmartCells standard flat style is designed for use with or without orthotics, while the Orthotic styles offer additional arch and heel support, personalized for size and tuned to the nature of the users’ activities.

For extended periods of hopping, we recommend the SmartCells Insoles Active Orthotic option.

SmartCells insoles utilize our renowned and trusted SmartCells cushioning technology that is distinguished by the array of “Smart” cells that cushion and absorb force like miniature springs, and are highly responsive to changes in pressure, so that when an individual’s weight is shifted they return their stored energy.

The SmartCells® anti-fatigue technology is significantly different than typical foam or gel products, which can break down quickly and lack critical features to optimize fatigue relief.  SmartCells insoles become softer as they are compressed and are extraordinarily comfortable as they actively adjust to body movements. This unparalleled feature is unique to any insole on the market and is just the opposite of foam, because foam gets ‘harder’ as it is compressed, and unlike gel, SmartCells are highly responsive.

SmartCells Insoles: I feel good.

 

 

Spring Fall Prevention Tips for the Elderly

This year, winter in the Pacific Northwest has been a weird one. The temperatures have been mild, and we have had a few snow days, but overall it has been wetter than normal. And that’s saying something for the PNW.

Whether or not you live in the PNW, your city has likely experienced the effects of the La Niña as well. According to CNN, “during a typical La Niña winter, the Northwest and Midwest are typically colder and wetter, while the Southwest to Southeast remains drier than average.”

After a particularly cold and wet winter, the transition between winter and spring can be very challenging for our elderly loved ones. In fact, due to the limited opportunities for physical activity caused by the long winter months, it is not uncommon for seniors to experience an increased risk of falling when Spring begins.

Fortunately, these 5 steps can help decrease the likelihood of your elderly loved one experiencing a fall this spring.

  1. Strength Training – To rebuild your elderly loved one’s strength, start them off with 15 minutes of daily simple exercise (Walking, swimming, gardening) and increase the time slowly.
  2. Visit the Doctor – Studies have found that poor vision and hearing are top physical factors that can lead to a fall. We recommend scheduling a wellness checkup near the beginning of Spring.
  3. Eat Like Popeye – A diet rich in vegetables and calcium will help your senior loved one build muscle and strengthen their bones.
  4. Spring Cleaning – Having a clean living space is not only nice but it helps reduce the risk of falls. At a minimum you should remove clutter from indoor and outdoor walkways, rake up fallen leaves that still linger, and remove moss from sidewalks, porches and driveways.
  5. Check the Flooring – Having a clean walkway is only part of the battle. Once you have cleared the clutter check the flooring throughout the house and repair loose or damaged floorboards, carpeting and mats.

Bonus Tip: Use SmartCells Fall Injury Prevention Products

Despite all your hard work to keep your loved one safe this spring, they are still at risk of experiencing a fall or fall-related injury. SmartCells fall injury prevention products provide a safe solution that allow your elderly loved one to age independently, while also giving you peace of mind that they are safe.

Designed and engineered using the patented and proven SmartCells Cushioning Technology, our suite of fall injury prevention products can help minimize and reduce serious injury without compromising accessibility. The unique SmartCells provide stability for balance impaired persons and caregivers, while at the same time providing life-saving cushioning to protect loved ones when they fall.

Available in pre-sized mats, wall-to-wall flooring and custom applications based on your specific needs, SmartCells® fall injury prevention solutions provide the security of being there when you can’t be to reduce the likelihood of fall-related injuries.

SmartCells Fall Protection: We’ll be there when you can’t be.

Seven Things You Should Do This Spring

Now that Daylight Savings Time has arrived, the days are getting longer, we can almost shed our winter coats and Spring is just around the corner.

With the arrival of Spring in just one week, comes a fun-filled season of sports, picnics, gardening, and other outdoor activities.

While fun, these activities also pose risks, so we thought we would share our favorite Spring safety tips to help keep you and your loved ones comfortable and safe this season.

Check Helmets
Before you head out for a bike ride check your helmets to make sure they fit properly. If the helmet has been in a previous accident, check to make sure it will still function properly. If you have any doubt about the integrity of the helmet, replace it.

Save Your Skin
Even though it may not be very hot, the sun can still cause damage to skin. Making sure you utilize sunscreen during outdoor activities will help reduce your risk of sun burns and skin disease.

Tune-up Toys
Snow, rain, sleet, and simply lack of use during the winter months can cause outdoor toys to malfunction. It is always a great idea to check brakes, tires, chains, and other moving parts on toys to make sure they are prepped for safe operation.

Stay Hydrated
As the days get warmer and you are more active, it is important to drink plenty of water. Not only will drinking water cool you down, it will replenish your body of fluids lost during spring activities.

Check Your Grill
Spring is a great time to break out the barbeque and grill up burgers and hotdogs. Before you do so, check to make sure it is still in proper working condition with no gas leaks and is far enough away from eaves and siding to prevent potential fires.

Suit Up
Even though the weather is nice, using the proper safety attire when doing lawn work is important. At a minimum, wear shoes with toe protection and good traction, jeans, gloves, and eye protection.

Invest in SmartCells Personal Training Products
Our ergonomically engineered personal training products are specifically designed to keep you and your loved ones feeling good. The unique dual-stiffness SmartCells cushioning technology can reduce impact stress on joints by up to 90%* while at the same providing a safe, stable surface for workouts. *(1” thick using ATSM F355 – 10a)

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.

Want to enjoy SmartCells Cushioning on-the-go?
Check out our all-new line of Zelus Insoles. Our insoles come in two styles (Simply SmartCells Cushioning and SmartCells Cushioning with arch support), and are biomechanically designed to reduce pain, improve performance and prevent future injuries. You can learn more about them at www.zelusinsoles.com.

 

Springing Forward: How To Safely Adjust to Daylight Savings Time

I take place once a year and my arrival is often bittersweet. When I arrive an hour of daylight is gained but at first an hour of sleep is lost, and if you live in Arizona or Hawaii then you won’t observe me. What am I?

If you answered Daylight Savings Time (DST), then you’re correct. This year, Daylight Savings Time officially began last Sunday at 2 a.m. At this time, the official time on clocks was rolled forward one hour.

According to the website timeanddate.com, Daylight Savings Time was originally observed in an effort to minimize energy usage. In 1916, Germany was the first official country to observe DST and the United States followed suit in 1918.

Today, Daylight Savings Time is observed by a total of 70 countries worldwide including the United States. However, some states such as Hawaii and Arizona, as well as Saskatchewan and a few other Canadian provinces choose not to partake in DST.

Some may joke about their loss of sleep, but there are more serious negative consequences associated with the time change. A recent study conducted by the University of Colorado found a strong correlation between the loss of sleep caused by the initial Daylight Savings Time time change and fatal car accidents.

While we normally blog about fatigue issues associated with standing, walking, or kneeling for extended periods of time, this week we felt it was appropriate to explore different ways you can reduce the effects of the recent time change:

  1. Exercise, the release of Serotonin helps fight fatigue.
  2. Adjust your eating schedule so your body has enough time to digest food before sleep.
  3. Reserve time to nap. Just make sure it’s not to close to bedtime.
  4. If possible, keep your regular sleep hours.
  5. Gradually transition. This is especially important if you have kids.

Bonus tip: Daylight savings time is also a great time to check the batteries in your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors.

From all of us here at SATECH, we hope you have a safe week adjusting to the time change.