The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Tailgating

The beginning of fall has a completely different meaning for sports fans than it does for the general population.

For most, the beginning of fall means crisp nights, foggy mornings, falling leaves, hot chocolate, a trip to the pumpkin patch, fall gardens, etc. However, for football fans, Fall marks the end of a 7-month countdown to the beginning of football season or more accurately: tailgating season.

Sports fans in the United States are estimated to spend nearly $12 billion annually on tailgating activities. In fact, each year it is estimated that nearly 50 million American sports fans participate in tailgating activities, 35% of which are so devoted to the pregame festivities that they never even attend the actual sporting event.

Just like any other party, a successful tailgating experience takes planning and preparation to enjoy it in a safe and fun manner. So, before you pack your cooler, grill and camp chairs you may want to read this list of our top tailgating tips to ensure your tailgating party is a hit:

Food:

  • Make sure meat is cooked to the correct temperature to lessen the risk of food-borne illness.
  • Properly store both hot and cold food- Typically food is safe to eat within 2 hours of food prep unless it is over 90 degrees then eat it is only safe to eat within 1 hr.
  • Incorporate veggies and fruit- These foods are healthy and easy to serve.
  • Stay Hydrated- This is especially important when consuming alcoholic beverages. Make sure you pack non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Prep food before you get there- Marinate meat, form burger patties, cut toppings, etc.
  • Finger foods are the easiest and a sure hit.
  • Put a little dry ice in your cooler to prolong ice.

What to Bring:

  • Cooler
  • Grill
  • Charcoal or propane for the grill
  • Easy up tent for cover
  • Large storage bins for organization
  • Camp chairs
  • Eating and Cooking utensils
  • Blankets
  • Warm clothes
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash bags
  • Games
  • First aid kit
  • Jumper cables
  • Radio
  • Metal bucket for hot coals
  • SmartCells anti-fatigue stop mat

When You Arrive:

  • Arrive early- 4 hours before game time is recommended
  • Know the rules of your venue
  • Be a good neighbor- introduce yourself
  • Do something to uniquely identify your drink
  • Wear team colors
  • If you’re new to tailgating walk around and take notes from successful tailgaters
  • Try to park in the same spot each time you tailgate
  • Have a designated driver
  • Pick up after yourself

With its portable design and built-in hand holds the SmartCells anti-fatigue STOP mat makes the perfect surface to stand on while grilling and tailgating for extended periods of time.

The unique SmartCells® cushioning technology consists of a rubber surface layer integrated with an underlying array of cylindrical rubber cells that soften in response to surface pressure to provide maximum fatigue relief. The SmartCells act like springs that cushion as weight is applied and then rebound when the weight shifts, which returns energy and reduces fatigue associated with standing.

For tailgating activities where you are simply too mobile to enjoy the benefits of a SmartCells anti-fatigue STOP mat, we recommend our new line of Zelus Insoles. You can learn more about them at www.zelusinsoles.com.

How-To Fall Safely To Reduce Fall Related Injuries

SmartCells fall protection products can be used under vinyl and carpet to reduce tripping hazards.

According to Center for Disease Control expert Judy Stevens, 30-35% of people over age 65 fall each year, one in five of those falls involve a serious injury, and 65% of those falls result in an emergency room visit.

A bone fracture or any other fall-related injury can be extremely dangerous, and is often considered the beginning of an elderly person’s demise. In fact, the CDC also found that “approximately 20% of older adults hospitalized for a hip fracture die within a year and about 50% will suffer a major decline in independence.”

When considering the statistics listed above, it is easy to see that falls are an increasing concern for our vulnerable elderly population and while efforts to reduce falls are noble it is also equally important to discuss ways in which to reduce fall-related injuries.

In the past we have blogged about several different ways to reduce the likelihood of a fall or fall-related injury such as: balance exercises, home safety tips, how to avoid dangerous areas in the home and how to choose the right fall protection mat.

In this article, we would like to take a different approach on falling: how to fall safely.

There are three basic types of falls (front falling, includes tripping, side falling and backwards falling) and each fall requires its own techniques to reduce injuries and land in a safer manner. According to experts at Five Star Senior Living and Texas Women’s University here are some tips to remember in case of a fall in order to reduce the likelihood of an injury:

For Forward Falls

  • Hit ground with entire palm and forearm- This reduces the likelihood of a wrist fracture.
  • Turn your head to the side- Reduces risk of hitting your nose or mouth on the ground.
  • Try to land on your palms and forearms in a pushup position without letting the rest of your body touch the ground.
  • Breathe out
  • Avoid Locking your joints

For Side Falls

  • Hit ground with entire palm and forearm on the side you fall on- If left side use left arm etc.
  • Grab your hip with opposite arm- If falling to left use right arm to grab hip
  • Tuck your chin to your chest to avoid your head hitting the ground.
  • Squat
  • Try to roll to your back
  • Avoid landing directly on your hip

For Backwards Falls

  • Bend at knees and squat
  • Tuck chin to avoid hitting head
  • Hit the ground with forearms first.
  • Round Back

As we mentioned earlier, there are many precautions one can take in order to reduce the likelihood of a fall and fall-related injury such as: using a combination of exercises, falling techniques, basic home changes and the use of SmartCells fall protection mats.

SmartCells fall protection mats and flooring employ a unique triple action technology that provides a stable, safe surface for standing, walking, wheeling and transferring, while at the same time protects with significant cushioning in case of a slip or fall.

SmartCells fall-protection mats are safe and elegant. They combine style and quality with molded-in beveled edges, which reduce tripping hazards and allow wheeled objects to easily roll, and are constructed of material that will not absorb liquid, and offer a practical solution to infection control issues.  SmartCells fall-protection flooring acts as an underlayment for most choices of standard flooring, so you won’t even know it’s there, until a fall occurs.

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

SATECH, Inc. Honors National Falls Prevention Awareness Day with Fall Protection Sale

Chehalis, Wash., — September 2014—

SATECH, Inc. is pleased to announce that in support of Falls Awareness Month all SmartCells Fall Protection mats and flooring will be 5% off through the rest of September.

In an effort to raise awareness of the potential fatality of senior citizen falls, Falls Awareness Month, has been observed by the senior health care community nationwide every September since its initial debut in 2008.

The climax of Falls Awareness Month, National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, is scheduled to be observed on the first official day of fall, September 23.

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the organization responsible for leading and organizing Falls Awareness month, the theme for this year is “Strong Today, Falls Free Tomorrow” and seeks to raise awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults.

“It’s appropriate that resources and discussions are directed to fall prevention,” says Al Shelley, Marketing Director at SATECH, Inc., “but the reality is that in spite of all our precautions, fall still occur.  The conversation needs to broaden to include not just fall prevention, but injury prevention. “

Implementing protocols and strategies to prevent falls is a worthy and significant objective, as NCOA statistics confirm:  every 15 seconds an elderly loved one is seen in the Emergency Room due to fall related injuries.

SmartCells Fall Protection mats and flooring help prevent falls as well as prevent serious injury. The unique SmartCells dual –stiffness technology provides stability for balance impaired persons and care givers, while at the same time providing life-saving cushioning to protect our loved ones when they fall.

SmartCells Fall Protection mats combine effectiveness with style and quality, including features like a low profile height (1/2”) and molded-in beveled edges which reduce tripping hazards and allow most wheeled objects to roll over the mat, without needing to move it out of the way.

SmartCells Fall Protection mats are available in a variety of colors (Black, Light Brown, and Grey) and configurations ranging from pre-sized mats (3×5 and 24×68) to build-your-own mats  to fit custom-sized areas.

SmartCells Fall Protection flooring provides a cushioned sub-floor under selected commercial floor coverings.

SmartCells Fall Protection mats and flooring are made of latex-free rubber that will not absorb liquids, which reduces the risk of contamination and infection and allows them to be easily cleaned.  Independent testing, using widely accepted protocols (ATSM F355 – 10a) indicates that SmartCells cushioning technology is 2 – 4 times more effective at attenuating impact forces than other products that are nearly twice as thick.

Making sure elderly loved ones are protected even when you can’t be there for them has never been easier. On SATECH Inc.’s website consumers can view different variations of SmartCells products, learn about the technology, determine which solution is best for them and order SmartCells fall protection products from the comfort and convenience of their home.

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, visit www.smartcellsusa.com or view the following video: http://dev.smartcellsusa.com/about/videos/ .

10 Classic Fall Activities to Do This Year

 

It’s almost that time of year again. The leaves are starting to turn colors, nights are becoming longer, the air is crisper, it’s football season and you have to start strategically planning your commutes around school bus routes. That’s right, it’s almost fall!

According to a recent survey, 29% of Americans claim that they prefer autumnal weather making Fall America’s favorite season. Of course, this is no surprise. Considering the weather is cooler but not cold and the rain of winter hasn’t come yet, Fall is the perfect season to comfortably go outside and enjoy outdoor activities.

As America’s favorite season quickly approaches, we wanted to share with you our top 10 favorite Fall activities to do here in the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy!

  1. Apple-Picking
  2. Leaf Hunting
  3. Hiking
  4. Hayrides
  5. Tail-Gating
  6. Fall Gardening
  7. Run a Fall Race
  8. Tour a Winery
  9. Attend a Fall festival
  10. Take a Photo Walk

What are your favorite fall activities? Share them with us on Twitter of Facebook.

No matter what you’re doing this Fall SmartCells anti-fatigue products will keep comfortable, productive and feeling good all season long.

Our renowned SmartCells anti-fatigue products come in several shapes, sizes, colors and configurations and combine features such as beveled edges and stability with style and elegance that blend perfectly in any room in the house.

The unique SmartCells cushioning technology provides comfort for anyone who stands or kneels for extended periods of time. The SmartCells® consist of a rubber surface layer integrated with an underlying array of cylindrical rubber cells that soften in response to surface pressure to provide maximum fatigue relief. In other words, the SmartCells act like springs that cushion as weight is applied and then rebound when the weight shifts, which returns energy and reduces fatigue associated with standing.

For Fall activities where you are simply too mobile to enjoy the benefits of a SmartCells anti-fatigue mats, we recommend our new line of Zelus Insoles. You can learn more about them at www.zelusinsoles.com.

Senior Fall Protection: The Secret to Safely Staying Active

Every September since its debut in 2008, the senior health care community nationwide has worked together to raise awareness of the potential fatality of senior citizen falls in what is now known as Falls Awareness Month.

While the senior care community runs awareness campaigns the whole month of September, the climax of Falls Awareness Month, National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, is scheduled to be observed on the first official day of fall, September 23.

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the organization responsible for leading and organizing Falls Awareness month, the theme for this year is “Strong Today, Falls Free Tomorrow” and seeks to raise awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults.

Implementing protocols and strategies to prevent falls is a worthy and significant objective, as NCOA statistics confirm:  every 15 seconds an elderly loved one is seen in the Emergency Room due to fall related injuries.  However, what this points out is that in spite of best efforts, falls still occur.  We suggest that the narrative about falls should look beyond just falls prevention, to the broader issue of injury prevention.

SmartCells fall protection mats and flooring may be an important consideration for your circumstances.  The unique dual-stiffness structure of SmartCells, 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 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.

7 Ways to Reduce Backpack Back Pain

The arrival of August is bittersweet. On one hand, here in the PNW we have scorching hot weather which makes it perfect for a dip in a cold lake fed by a mountain glacier. But, on the other hand, it means there is only one month left until school is in session and Summer is “over”. In fact, stores are already displaying the school supply lists for local schools.

These lists often include pencils, Kleenex, calculators, folders and perhaps most importantly, a backpack.

Did you know that finding the right backpack, and using it properly can make or literally break your student?

According to a 2006 study conducted by the Children’s Orthopaedic Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the Keck School of Medicine, 37% of school-aged children complained of back pain, 97% of which utilized backpacks.

The American Chiropractic Association also reported that nearly 7,000 people visit the emergency room each year due to backpack-related injuries. Further, the back pain epidemic causes Americans to spend upwards of $50 billion each year to seek back pain relief.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your child experiencing back pain this school year. Below you will find the top tips on how to properly use a backpack:

  • Purchase a backpack that is proportional to the intended user.
  • Make sure the backpack weighs no more than 10% of your body weight.
  • Use both shoulder straps and make sure the pack doesn’t hang too far below the waist line.
  • Wider straps reduce pain in the shoulders and back.
  • Utilize pockets to properly pack the contents of the bag.
  • If the backpack is heavy, lift with knees and face backpack when picking it up to reduce back strain.
  • Use a backpack with lumbar support

Making sure you equip your student with the proper backpack is one of many ways to ensure your student has a safe, healthy and comfortable school year.

Another way to equip your student is to invest in a pair of Zelus Insoles for them.

What are Zelus Insoles? We are glad you asked.

When SATECH, Inc.’s patented SmartCells anti-fatigue cushioning technology joined forces with decades of custom orthotic expertise from Fastech Labs, a new breed of insole was created: Zelus Insoles.

In a world where insoles are designed to solve a pain-related issue OR help the performance of athletes, Zelus Insoles are a step ahead. Our insoles are designed to prevent injuries AND improve performance AND reduce pain. We like to call it the Zelus Triple Threat: Prevention, Performance, Painless.

Convinced your student needs Zelus Insoles, now?

Take a look at our options. The Zelus lineup is broken out into two buckets with one main difference: Arch Support or no arch support.

Available in 3 models (a nifty ¾ length for roomier toes | A velvety suede-topped uber soft but sporty | An enhanced, triple-cushion, durable beauty), the arch support options provide SmartCells Cushioning in high impact areas and a heat-molded Thermoplastic core for durable and solid support which secures the heel and provides maximum fatigue relief.

If arch support is not needed, our no-frills flat design provides enhanced cushioning and maximum comfort. Available in 3 models (A Sleek ¾ length for the trickiest of shoes | A stress-reduction machine for your feet | A good-for-turning-any-shoe-active version), the no-frills flat options provide full SmartCells Cushioning coverage and an anti-microbial top layer for keeping things fresh.

To learn more or purchase Zelus Insoles for your student visit www.zelusinsoles.com.

Does Hiking Really Make You Happier?

All across the nation, specifically here in the Pacific Northwest with our vast array of mountainous terrain, a summer time favorite for outdoor enthusiasts is to pack up their hiking gear and head for a trek through the wilderness.

Not only does hiking provide a great cardio workout, a one hour hike out in Mother Nature often burns well over 500 calories and is a great way to reduce depression and anxiety.

Dr. Michael Smith, a contributor and writer for WebMD states in a recent article that hiking also has the following health benefits:

  • Lowers risk of heart disease
  • Improves blood pressure and sugar levels
  • Improves balance
  • Lowers risk of colon and breast cancers
  • Strengthens core muscles
  • Lower risk of high cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Better Sleep
  • Minimized risk of early death

While all these benefits are great, it’s not uncommon to hear of hikers suffering from sore feet and aching joints, which is why it’s a smart decision to invest in SmartCells Active orthotic insoles before hitting the trail.

SmartCells active orthotic insoles kept Valerie S. comfy during her entire hike.

SmartCells active orthotic insoles offer arch and heel support, are personalized for size and designed for impact-related activities.

The uniquely designed dual-stiffness SmartCells cushioning technology can significantly reduce peak-impact stress, and reduce foot and joint pain associated with walking.

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 Active Orthotic insoles as her and her husband attempted to crest the Mt. Whitney hiking trail in the Mount Rainier National Park.

Valerie wrote:

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.

SmartCells Cushioning Technology: I feel good!

 

SmartCells Personal Training Insoles Keep Attendees Comfortable at the 2014 World Fitness Expo

Last week several of our SATECH team members had the opportunity to attend the 2014 IDEA World Fitness & Nutrition Expo in California.

When he exercises, Bryce Betteridge, President of SATECH uses his SmartCells personal training insoles and mat to keep him feeling good.

During the Expo, attendees had the opportunity to meet and network with fitness industry professionals, view live demonstrations and purchase our all-new SmartCells Personal Training insoles, flooring and mats.

Here is what Al Shelley, Vice President of Marketing at SATECH had to say about his experience in Anaheim:

It was an intense three days at the 2014 IDEA World Fitness & Nutrition Expo, in Anaheim, CA last week.Over 12,000 attendees were drawn to this event by big personalities like Jillian Michaels, and big brands, like TRX, New Balance, Reebok and Dannon, for the latest in equipment and nutrition.

Professional Trainers, gained credentials via the National Association for Fitness Certification (NAFC).  All-in-all there were plenty of “hard bodies” and lots intense energy from people who make a point of being well or a living from being fit. One common thread from all the attendees is that they want to maintain healthful, pain-free activity levels, which is why so many were drawn to the SmartCells cushioning technology on display.

SmartCells personal training insoles, flooring and mats have the ability to “unload” up to 90% of impact forces from walking, running, cross-training, aerobics, dance, plyometrics, or other impact related activities.  This is especially important to prevent injuries or during rehabilitation from injuries.

Club owners were interested SmartCells cushioned flooring, personal trainers and equipment manufacturers were interested in SmartCells personal training mats to use in high impact areas, and everyone was interested in SmartCells personal training insoles.The bit of great news for us standing in our booth is that we got to stand on our own products:SmartCells personal training insoles and flooring. After three days we were the only ones who still had plenty of energy, and no back, knee or foot aches!

SmartCells Personal Training Products Featured at IDEA World Fitness Expo

Chehalis, Wash., — August 2014—

SATECH, Inc. is pleased to announce that its recently launched line of SmartCells Personal Training mats, insoles and flooring will be featured at the 2014 IDEA World Fitness & Nutrition Expo.

The Idea World Fitness & Nutrition Expo which is scheduled to take place in Anaheim, CA on August 13-17 may be the largest gathering of fitness and wellness professionals in the world.

During the Expo, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and network with fitness industry professionals, view live demonstrations of featured products and purchase new fitness products and apparel.

“With the ability to significantly reduce the impact force on joints, SmartCells PT products are perfect for those who enjoy physical activities such as running, walking and plyometric exercises or for those who are injured and desire to speed rehabilitation,” said Bryce Betteridge, president of SATECH, Inc.

Active lifestyles and life choices can add painful and limiting wear and tear on our bodies. Stress / impact forces on our joints and tissue contribute to a whole range of degenerative and debilitating conditions like Osteoarthritis (OA), which commonly affects the knee joint which is now the most common cause of disability in the United States.

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

SmartCells Personal Training products utilize 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.

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, the all-new line of SmartCells Personal Training Insoles easily slips into most shoes:  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.

Through SATECH, Inc.’s website consumers can choose SmartCells products, watch informative videos about SmartCells Cushioning Technology, read customer testimonials, and calculate impact stress-reduction on their joints.

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, visit www.smartcellsusa.com , or view the following video: https://www.smartcellsusa.com/technology/videos/ .

7 Safety Measures That Could Save Your Childs Life

We often blog about the dangers of falls and fall-related injuries as it relates to our elderly loved ones, however, they are not the only population that is particularly vulnerable to falls. Adolescents under the age of 15 are also vulnerable to falls and fall-related injuries.

In fact, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) approximates that each year nearly 3 million children visit the emergency room for fall-related injuries and more than half of those children are under the age of 5 years old.

A 2006 study of the risk factors of unintentional injuries due to falls in children found that “the risk of a child being injured as a result of a fall at home is twice the risk as at child‐care.”

Considering the danger and potential lethality falls pose for our young loved ones it is important that we take precautionary measures to reduce the likelihood of a fall or fall-related injury.

Here are several great fall protection and fall prevention tips we have compiled from several child health and safety specialists:

  • Keep hallways and stairs clean and well lit.
  • Anchor heavy furniture and don’t allow children to climb on it.
  • Use baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
  • Install window stops and window guards to prevent window falls.
  • If using carriers, swings, seats, etc. always strap kids in and never place them on top of tables or other furniture.
  • Move furniture away from windows to prevent climbing and play around them.
  • Utilize SmartCells fall protection child safety mats and flooring in high risk areas. (i.e.: changing tables, stairs, cribs/beds,  play areas)

Comparative studies and research indicate a substantial reduction in fall-related injuries such as contusions and skin tears when using SmartCells fall injury prevention products.

SmartCells fall protection child safety mats combine effectiveness with style and quality to blend perfectly in any room in your home and include features like a low profile height (1/2”) and molded-in beveled edges which reduce tripping hazards.

SmartCells child safety mats are available in a variety of colors (Black, Light Brown, and Grey) and configurations ranging from standard sizes (2×3, 3×5 and 24×68), to build-your-own mats and custom flooring.

With SmartCells child safety mats you can have peace of mind while your children play.

SmartCells child safety mats: We’ll be there when you can’t be.