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.

 

 

Reduce Back Pain With These 10 Easy Exercises

Have you ever lifted a heavy object with your back rather than your legs or reached for an object in the wrong way and hurt your back? Chances are you probably have and you’re not alone.

According to the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH), as many as 8 in 10 people will experience some form of back pain within their lifetime.

Additionally, in the United States more than 26 million men and women aged between 20-64 experience frequent back pain and it is also the leading cause of disability among Americans aged 45 and younger.

Often times back pain can be over diagnosed or even misdiagnosed. Due to the frequency of back pain a simple search would find several sites with home remedies for back pain. In the past, rest had often been recommended for back pain, however, more and more specialists are recommending light exercise and activity.

While it is important to visit the doctor for frequent and chronic back pain sometimes a couple simple exercises can help ease back pain. According to founder and owner of GB Personal training, the following are some easy, low impact exercises that are known to reduce back pain:

  1. Yoga Squats
  2. Partial Crunches
  3. High Step
  4. Deep Lunges
  5. Forward Leg swings
  6. Hamstring Stretches
  7. Wall Sits
  8. Bridging
  9. Aerobics
  10. Decompression breathing

Another easy way to reduce and/or prevent back pain and reduce the costs associated with back pain is to use SmartCells anti-fatigue mats, flooring, runners, or insoles.

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!

 

Fall Protection Flooring: The Hidden Hero

A recent study conducted by ageinplace.org found that 72% of Americans become impoverished after just one year of nursing home care.

This high number is due to the fact that Medicare only pays for skilled and rehabilitative care after a 3-day hospital stay which excludes assistance someone needs for daily living and Medicaid only covers nursing home bills after a loved one is bereft of assets.

AgeInPlace.org also found that the national average annual cost of a private residence in a nursing home is $83,950 compared to $56,717 annually for 40 hours per week of in-home assistance or a mere $19,000 annually for home health aide 3 days per week.

SmartCells fall protection flooring can be used as an under-layment to protect your elderly loved ones from fall-related injuries.

Considering the staggering difference in cost it comes as no surprise that more than 70% of seniors desire to age-in-place.

As you may know from our previous blogs, the term “age-in-place” refers to the practice of seniors living independently or with some assistance in the comfort of their own home rather than in a senior care facility.

As you can imagine, this practice has raised concerns amongst senior care professionals and family regarding the overall safety of our elderly loved one population.

As aging-in-place popularity grows, the industry has seen an influx of senior safety and fall prevention products ranging from electronic life-alert systems, strategically placed hand holds and SmartCells fall protection flooring and mats.

In the past we have blogged about the uncertainty of when and where senior falls can take place. While SmartCells fall protection bedside mats and build-your-own custom sized mats are great, there is still a possibility that your elderly loved one may fall where there is no mat.

The most surefire way to guarantee your elderly loved one is safe in case of a fall is to utilize SmartCells fall protection flooring. However, we understand that one of the driving reasons many choose to age-in-place is the fact that they are comfortable in their own home. Sometimes fall protection and safety products can be seen as intrusive, industrial and uncomfortable.

That’s why we designed the SmartCells fall protection flooring to be able to be used as an underlayment under specified laminate or carpet tiles while it retains all of its cushioning and protective capabilities.

For a detailed list of compatible brands and styles you can contact us via email or by phone at 360-748-8711.

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

 

Foot or Back Pain? Ditch Your Flip-Flops

It’s that time of year again. You know: flip-flop season. As the weather gets consistently nicer you can expect to see more people wearing sandals or flip-flops.

Considering they are easy to put on, allow the feet to enjoy some air and can get wet, flip-flops seem to be the perfect footwear for this time of year. However, the ease of use and low price can come at a high cost.

Due to the lack of support and the fact that most flip flops are made from foam or gel materials, they often cause many users to experience foot, ankle and leg pain, including tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and even stress fractures. Perhaps, even more disturbing is a 2009 study conducted by the University of Miami which found that one pair of flip-flops can house more than 18,000 different types of bacteria.

We say it’s time to ditch the flip-flops and invest in a new pair of SmartCells Industrial insoles to keep your feet, ankles and legs comfortable all Summer long.

SmartCells Industrial 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® Industrial insoles easily slip into most shoes and come in two styles: flat and contoured, with options designed to provide maximum fatigue relief based on the character of the user’s daily activity.

The SmartCells Industrial insoles with arch support 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. 8 out of 10 people can benefit from the use of arch support in an insole.

For those with a flat foot or who don’t prefer arch support, the SmartCells Flat Industrial insole inserts are designed with low profile comfort and built to provide a highly effective cushioning to your everyday activities.

Click here to visit our Industrial Insoles Page and learn more.

SmartCells: Life Shouldn’t Hurt

Do More, Feel Less with All-New SmartCells Personal Training Mats

We are proud to announce the latest innovation in our renowned line of SmartCells Cushioning technology: SmartCells Personal Training mats, flooring and insoles:  SmartCells PT.

The all-new line of SmartCells Personal Training mats, flooring and insoles was formally launched at The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting held in Seattle last week.

“SmartCells users can now do more with less wear and tear on their joints,” says Bryce Betteridge, President of SATECH, Inc.

SmartCells PT is for individuals who experience, or want to avoid, impact-related joint pain from walking, running, hiking, jumping, or any plyometric-type activity.  SmartCells PT is also appropriate for those who are injured and desire to speed rehabilitation and become pain-free as quickly as possible.

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, 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.

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.

SATECH, Inc. Proudly Launches All-New Line of SmartCells Personal Training Products

SATECH, Inc. is pleased to announce the latest innovation of its renowned line of SmartCells Cushioning technology: SmartCells Personal Training mats, flooring and insoles:  SmartCells PT.

The all-new line of SmartCells Personal Training mats, flooring and insoles will be featured at The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting held in Seattle on July 10-12.

“SmartCells users can now do more with less wear and tear on their joints,” says Bryce Betteridge, President of SATECH, Inc.

SmartCells PT is for individuals who experience, or want to avoid, impact-related joint pain from walking, running, hiking, jumping, or any plyometric-type activity.  SmartCells PT is also appropriate for those who are injured and desire to speed rehabilitation and become pain-free as quickly as possible.

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, 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.

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.

Through SATECH’s website, consumers have the ability to purchase and can compare SmartCells cushioning technology to foam and gel mats, read consumer testimonials, watch informative SmartCells videos and view the several variations of SmartCells technology.

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/ .

SmartCells Fall Protection Flooring Reduces Impact Forces 5x’s Better Than Mats

According to a recent study, 55% of senior citizen falls occur inside the home and 3/4 of all accidental senior citizen deaths are due to a fall.

Considering these staggering statistics, it is easy to recognize the importance of fall prevention and taking the necessary fall protection and safety precautions to insure maximum safety for our vulnerable elderly loved ones.

Over the past month we have blogged on the topics of safety tips and balance exercises as a way to help reduce the risk of falling. Unfortunately, even with taking these precautions, this at-risk population is still particularly vulnerable to falls. After all, accidents do happen.

Our SmartCells fall protection bedside mats and SmartCells fall protection build-your-own mat options are great for spaces where fall can be reliably predicted, like next to chairs, beds, in toileting areas, but pinpointing exactly when and where a fall and/or accident can happen can be challenging.

In cases where seniors still remain fairly active and mobile, the SmartCells wall-to-wall custom fall protection flooring is the best option and offers the most protection against falls and fall-related injuries.

SmartCells fall protection flooring eliminates trip hazards and is used as an underlayment for vinyl or carpet. SmartCells® fall protection flooring is only 1 inch thick, yet reduce impact forces more than 5 times better than mats that are more than twice as thick.

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

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, and cannot absorb liquid, improving infection control issues.

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