Page 22 – SmartCells Cushioning Technology

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:

Yoga Squats
Partial Crunches
High Step
Deep Lunges
Forward Leg swings
Hamstring Stretches
Wall Sits
Bridging
Aerobics
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.

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.

Sitting Kills. Standing Hurts. How to Find the Best Standing Desk Mat

Ergonomically wise office workers have created a dramatic trend toward standing desks in the workplace in serious efforts to attain healthier, more productive lifestyles, but prolonged standing can be painful and even debilitating. Several prominent office health and ergonomic studies tout prolonged sitting as the “smoking” of our generation due to the increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and even cancer and chronic back pain that have been linked to those sitting all day at typical desk jobs. New studies suggest that standing at a properly designed desk for up to 30% of your workday is a healthier solution.

Many are now asking the obvious question, ‘So, if standing is better than sitting for part of my day, what do I stand on?’

An ergonomically-designed anti-fatigue standing desk mat is an effective way to alleviate pain and fatigue associated with standing work. SmartCells anti-fatigue standing desk mats provide an optimized compressibility that is stable and responds dynamically to subtle and overt movements of the body. Typical soft and squishy standing desk mats do not provide the right compressibility, are often unstable, and frequently bottom-out aggravating the very problems the users are seeking to solve with a floor mat.

The new challenge standing desk users have encountered is not only finding the standing desk mat with the proper ergonomic design for their “standing” activities, but also finding one that looks good in an office or home environment.

“I went from carpet tiles to my yoga mat and eventually started stacking layers of foam that just kept getting higher and higher and looks terrible,” says Sean Airhart, a recent SmartCells convert. “The day I got my SmartCells standing desk Mat, I found immediate relief and an elegant solution…and the pain has not returned.”

SmartCells Anti-fatigue standing desk mats redefine comfort and blend the effectiveness of the renowned SmartCells technology with a professional /decorative style for office and in-home use. We proudly offer three different tasteful and creative surfaces: classic, basket-weave and carpet-top. The mats are available in several different variations of color and size too.

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.

“Our customers recognize that SmartCells standing desk mats not only keep you comfortable while you stand AT work but also help you conserve energy so that AFTER work you’ll want to do more than just lay on the couch,” says Bryce Betteridge, President of SATECH, Inc.

SmartCells: It’s not how the mat feels, it’s how you feel.

8 Exercises That Help Seniors Reduce Their Risk of Falls

The statistics regarding injurious falls among seniors are staggering. In 2010, the Center for Disease Control reported that 21,700 older adults died from unintentional fall injuries and that over 50% of all fatal falls involved people over the age of 75.

Seniors who fall are at very high risk of experiencing a life-altering event. It is estimated that 1 out of 3 adults over the age of 65 will fall this year and 2/3 of those adults that do fall will do so again within 6 months, greatly increasing the chance of a fall-related injury or fatality.

Injury and fall prevention strategies, is a primary and important issue among care professionals, and families. In addition to providing SmartCells fall protection mats and flooring to prevent injuries, one of the central topics for preventing a fall is establishing and maintaining a good balance, strength and exercise program. It is recommended that seniors spend at least 15 minutes each day doing some form of physical activity.

The following are a list of fall prevention balance and strength exercises for seniors:

Walking- Increases cardiovascular health, strength and balance
Dancing- Increases Balance
Yoga- Increases strength and balance
Tai Chi- Increases balance and reactions to movements
Standing on One foot- Increases balance
Putting Socks on standing up- Increases balance
Chair Exercises
Leg Exercises- Backwards and side leg lifts increase balance

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 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.

The SmartCells Top 10 Summer Safety Tips

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we live for the Summer time. Sure, it still rains but at least it is warmer, right?

All joking aside, the extended forecast is telling us that the sun has come out to stay for a while, and we couldn’t be happier. After all, we have had to live through months of rain and cold weather to get to this point.

If you’re anything like us, then you likely have Summer activities planned every weekend from here until Labor Day. However, long hot days of outdoor activities and work can lead to sore backs, legs, feet, sun burns and if you’re not careful even heat exhaustion. Here are some great tips to beat the Summer heat and remain active, productive, safe and feeling good.

Stay Hydrated with Water– Even though ice cold soda, caffeine and adult beverages may sound thirst quenching, they accelerate dehydration. Experts recommend you aim for 8 or more 8 ounce glasses of water each day.
Lather on the SPF– Skin cancer is the second most common form of cancer amongst the younger generations. Whether it is cloudy or hot with clear skies, whenever you venture outside apply sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher.
Avoid Strenuous Work During Peak Heat Hours– Try to complete work in early morning or evening hours to beat the heat during the peak hours of 10am- 3pm.
Know the Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion– If you do spend extended periods of time in the heat knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion could be the difference between life and death. Some common symptoms include being very sweaty or clammy, feeling weak, giddy, tired and/or nauseous, and if severe, fainting or vomiting.
Check Your Vehicle Before Exiting- We never recommend leaving children or pets alone in a vehicle but you need to be especially cautious during the Summer. The extreme heat leads to an increase in accidental deaths due to this.
Use Insect Repellent- Mosquitoes are most active at night, if you spend time outdoors utilize bug repellent with Deet and check for insects when coming inside for the night.
Watch Out for Increased Construction Zones- Summer is synonymous with road construction season. Keep your eyes open for construction zones.
Watch Out for Increased Teen Drivers- During the Summer the roads see an influx in teen drivers and underage teen drinking. Be wary of your surroundings when on the road.
Water Safety- We could do an entire blog on water safety during the Summer but we will keep this simple. Be careful when mixing alcoholic beverages and swimming, never swim over your ability and keep your eyes on swimming children always.
Use SmartCells Anti-Fatigue Products

SmartCells anti-fatigue mats come in several shapes, sizes, colors and configurations to keep you comfortable, productive and feeling good all Summer long.

The unique SmartCells cushioning technology will provide comfort for anyone who stands or kneels for extended periods of time. The 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 Summer time activities where you are simply too mobile to enjoy the benefits of a SmartCells anti-fatigue mats, there is also a line of SmartCells standard and orthotic insoles.

It’s Not the Fall That Hurts. It’s the Landing.

Last month our renowned line of SmartCells Fall protection mats and flooring were featured at the 2014 National Fall Prevention Conference, in Canada.

The 2014 conference titled “Watch Your Step,” was held in Toronto, and co-hosted by the Ontario Injury Prevention Resource Centre, the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit and the Toronto Rehabilitation Network.

SmartCells Fall Protection mats and flooring technology was featured by leading researchers, including Dr. Stephen Robinovitch, Associate Professor at Simon Fraser University, who spoke on the importance of fall prevention but also emphasized the need for injury protection.

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; we need to prevent injuries from falls. It’s not the fall that hurts; it’s the landing.

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.

SmartCells flooring, provides protection wherever fall might occur, without the intrusion of an above-the-floor mat. As an underlayment, your 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.