SmartCells Fall Protection Products Featured in Clinical Study

SATECH is proud to announce that a recent clinical study tracking the effectiveness of SmartCells Fall Protection products was featured in the Vancouver Sun.

The clinical study, currently underway at the New Vista Care Home in Burnaby, British Columbia, is being conducted by leading researchers, Dr. Fabio Feldman and Dr. Stephen Robinovitch, from the Technology for Injury Prevention in Seniors (TIPS) program at Simon Fraser University.

Considering, nearly 35 percent of people over the age of 65 fall each year and each fall can be life altering for this vulnerable population, simply preventing a fall isn’t enough; it’s imperative to prevent injuries from falls.

SmartCells Build-Your-Own Fall Protection Mat

Adhering to this belief, the clinical trial is concentrating on reducing injuries from falls rather than simply focusing on reducing falls.

As you may recall from our previous blogs it has been our longstanding belief that it’s not the fall that hurts; it’s the landing.

The unique structure of SmartCells, also known as dual-stiffness flooring, 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 significant cushioning if a fall does occur.

SmartCells Fall Protection products are available in a variety of options including: wall-to-wall flooring, build-your-own custom flooring and pre-sized mats.

SmartCells wall-to-wall flooring and build-your-own custom flooring options provide protection wherever falls may occur, without the intrusion of an above-the-floor mat.  As an underlayment, SmartCells floor will look no different than your current floors.

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 build-your-own mats and custom flooring to pre-sized mats (3×5 and 24×68).

SmartCells Fall Protection mats and flooring will be there for your loved ones when you can’t.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears: The Anti-fatigue Mat Edition

There is an erroneous notion in the work place that anti-fatigue mats need to be super soft to be effective.  Research has shown that this is not the case, rather, there is an optimum degree of softness (compressibility) that produces the greatest sensation of fatigue relief.

No one knows this principle better than Goldilocks.  In the story ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ after testing porridge and chairs Goldilocks tests the comfort of three different beds;  one bed is too hard, another bed is too soft, but the third bed she tested is ‘just right’.  Although this doesn’t sound very scientific, the principle is true for anti-fatigue mats.

There are many so-called ergonomic/anti-fatigue mats whose manufacturers proclaim as being the ‘softest’, the ‘thickest’ or the ‘plushest’ in the market.   Unfortunately, being the softest is not the best as Goldilocks discovered.  A surface that is too soft can actually increase fatigue (example: try standing on your bed mattress); a surface that is too hard or bottoms-out easily may only be slightly better than standing on a concrete floor and everyone knows how painful concrete is to stand on.

According to a review of the scientific literature on the subject, we find that the ‘optimum’ softness or compressibility that produces the greatest sensation of fatigue relief is a surface that is not too hard nor too soft, but ‘just right’.  SATECH has determined that ‘Just Right’ means that the surface needs to have a compressive modulus of .6-.9 Mega Pascals (measure of pressure).  The SmartCells anti-fatigue mats and flooring are designed to be in this optimum range of compressibility; not too hard nor too soft but ‘just right.’

SmartCells anti-fatigue products are ergonomically designed and engineered to prevent and reduce pain, including back pain, associated with standing for extended periods of time. 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.

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 room in the house. 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!

SmartCells Egg Drop Demonstration Stuns Audience at Physical Therapy Conference

Last week SmartCells cushioning technology was featured at the annual convention of the Physical Therapy Association of Washington, at the Washington Convention Center in Seattle.

The 2014 PTWA conference featured a presentation discussing how to tackle physical therapy problems by keynote speaker Peter Johnston, author of “Negotiating with Giants.” The conference also featured an additional 16 courses including classes regarding the topics of fall prevention and the use of Tai Chi to improve balance.

The SmartCells exhibit booth was at times overwhelmed by the conference attendees expressing interest in the unique cushioning technology that can reduce impact forces by up to 90% for their patients.  Interest was strong among therapists, administrators and educators who provide rehabilitation services for seniors, children, and athletes of all ages, in acute care setting, in-home environments, and therapy offices.  Of particular interest was watching the disbelief on peoples’ faces during demonstrations where the stable, firm SmartCells standing surface was shown to be so responsive that it could cushion as fragile as an egg.

Also attracting lots of interest were the SmartCells insoles for use with patients and clients who are on the move.  It was clearly a technology not seen before.

All-in-all, the PTWA was a great venue to show off the SmartCells cushioning technology.

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.

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.

SmartCells Personal Training: I feel good.

*See Egg Dropping Demonstration

4 Physical Factors That Can Effect Your Risk of Falling

Fall is well underway and the sun-burnt grass here in the Northwest is starting to be hidden by falling leaves. As we watch the leaves fall we are awestruck by the beauty and gracefulness of nature. As graceful as a falling leaf can be, we are reminded of the not-so-graceful falls of our elderly loved ones and the often tragic outcomes.

It’s no secret that as people age, the likelihood that they will experience a physical fall or fall-related injury greatly increases.

In fact, statistics released by the CDC show that among people aged 65 to 69, one out of every 200 falls results in a hip fracture. However, that number increases to one out of every 10 for those aged 85 and older.

SmartCells build-your-own-fall protection mat

We have often blogged about environmental and external factors that can be changed to reduce the likelihood of a fall and/or a fall-related injury such as home safety tips, how to fall, picking the right fall protection products and how to avoid dangerous areas in the home but we have rarely touched on the bodily factors that can affect the likelihood of a fall.

In our upcoming blog series we will outline ways to reduce the risk of a fall or fall-related injury for you or an elderly loved one by focusing on these bodily factors:

  1. Eyesight
  2. Hearing
  3. Feet
  4. Bones

As we tackle this series, it is good to keep in mind that while it is important to reduce the likelihood of a fall, chances are, that at one point or another you or a loved one will experience a fall.

In the case of a fall, having precautionary measures in place like SmartCells fall protection mats and flooring can be the difference between a bruise and a broken bone.

SmartCells fall protection mats and flooring employ a unique dual-stiffness technology that provides a stable, safe surface for standing, walking, wheeling and transferring, while at the same time provide 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 and allow wheeled objects to easily roll over them. SmartCells fall protection mats are constructed of material that will not absorb liquid offering a practical solution to infection control issues.  SmartCells fall-protection flooring acts as an underlayment for many choices of standard floor covering, 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.

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.