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:

  1. Walking- Increases cardiovascular health, strength and balance
  2. Dancing- Increases Balance
  3. Yoga- Increases strength and balance
  4. Tai Chi- Increases balance and reactions to movements
  5. Standing on One foot- Increases balance
  6. Putting Socks on standing up- Increases balance
  7. Chair Exercises
  8. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Watch Out for Increased Construction Zones- Summer is synonymous with road construction season. Keep your eyes open for construction zones.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

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 provide significant cushioning if a fall does occur.

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.

9 Things to Consider When Buying An Ergonomic Mat

An internet search of “anti-fatigue ergonomic mats” will render page after page of results, that can be a bit overwhelming and confusing.  We don’t envy anyone the process of finding the most appropriate ergonomic mat, but we can make it easier.

“Ultimately, it comes down to whether consumers want to invest in a piece of foam or a chunk of gel, or a true anti-fatigue technology,” says Al Shelley, Marketing Director at SATECH, Inc.

Before and after SmartCells anti-fatigue products were installed.

If your criteria is:  “I just want something that feels soft and squishy, and it want it cheap”, then there is no need to read further.  Just go to a maintenance and repair catalog and shop by price.  If, on the other hand, you want to find the best value on an anti-fatigue ergonomic mat solution to improve worker health, safety and productivity, then we invite you to continue.

There is a big difference between price and cost.  Example:

A $50 (that’s the price) mat that is in need of replacement each year will cost $400 in eight years.

A $100 (that’s the price) mat that has an eight year warranty, will cost $100 in eight years.

A clear case of the price being more that the cost.  And that doesn’t even consider the cost behind the reasons for using an ergonomic mat product in the first place.

To help you understand and evaluate the selection of anti-fatigue ergonomic mats and flooring, over the past several months we have covered 8 of the 9 essential questions one must ask before buying an anti-fatigue ergonomic mat. So far we have covered:

  1. Is the mat surface optimized for the right softness?
  2. Does the product encourage appropriate blood flow in lower legs?
  3. Does it resist bottoming out?
  4. Does the mat provide an energizing response to worker movements?
  5. Does the surface balance shock absorption and resilience?
  6. Does the mat get softer as compressed?
  7. Does the mat resist warping, bunching and creeping?
  8. Is the surface easy to clean?

This week we are wrapping up our series with the ninth and final question to ask before purchasing an ergonomic mat:

Is the surface durable?

One way to determine the value of an anti-fatigue ergonomic mat solution is to analyzing the number of replacement cycles that result over a specified time period. Many surfaces are in need of replacement after only a few months or a few years. Inexpensive foam mats can quickly lose their elasticity and easily bottom out, generate particulates, and become tripping hazards, as their draped top-covers curl and tear as they become brittle.  It’s easy to tell when these “cheap” mats are well past their prime, because workers will stack them, creating further tripping hazards.

Damaged edges create trip hazards and should be promptly replaced. The edge system of an ergonomic mat should be designed to be durable so it is not easily damaged.

With an 8-year limited warranty and a surface that has been designed to last for many years, resisting edge damage, tearing and premature failure of its anti-fatigue properties the SmartCells anti-fatigue ergonomic mat is the perfect solution for any office, workplace or home environment.

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.

SmartCells anti-fatigue ergonomic mats are built with industrial quality and combine features such as beveled edges and stability with style 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).

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

 

The Top 10 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Senior Falls

Each year Americans celebrate “Older Americans Month” in an effort raise awareness of the contributions of our elderly loved ones and provide them with information to help them stay healthy and active.

This year the focus of Older Americans Month is to raise awareness about injury prevention.

According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2002, more than 12,800 people over age 65 died and 1.6 million were treated in emergency departments because of falls. However, over the past decade the death rates due to falls have risen sharply. In 2010, 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 fell, and 2.3 million of our elderly were treated in emergency rooms due to fall-related injuries.

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

Focusing on fall prevention is critical and entirely appropriate, including assessments of potential medication interactions, gathering full medical histories, evaluation social networks and support, strength and balance training, creating and maintaining safe physical environments, etc.  But, the reality is that in spite of proactive steps to prevent falls, falls still occur.  So, we suggest that broadening the narrative from fall prevention to injury protection reflects more complete paradigm.

To prevent the risk of falls for at-risk populations, here are some helpful tips:

Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords and phone cords from walkways.

  1. Secure loose rugs with double faced tape, tacks or a slip resistant backing.
  2. Repair loose wooden floorboards and carpeting right away.
  3. Immediately clean spilled liquid, grease or food.
  4. Use nonslip mats in the bathtub or shower.
  5. Place night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways
  6. Store flashlights in easy-to-find places in case of power outages.
  7. Hand rails for both sides of the stairways.
  8. Nonslip treads for bare-wood steps.
  9. A raised toilet seat or one with armrests.
  10. Grab bars in the shower or tub.

To prevent injuries from falls, consider SmartCells fall protection flooring and mats.  The remarkable SmartCells cushioning technology provides a “dual-stiffness” that offers stability for balance-impaired persons, while at the same time providing significant cushioning that can exceed that of materials that are several times as thick.

SmartCells fall protection mats combine style and quality with features like beveled edges, which reduce tripping hazards and allow wheeled objects such as wheel chairs to easily roll over the mat.

SmartCells fall protection flooring is used as an underlayment for finished floors, avoids the use of mats completely.

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

The High Price of Low Cost Anti-fatigue Mats

Too often we see companies making decisions about products that affect worker health, safety and productivity based on short term price considerations.  Because the bottom line is important, we believe that it is critical to consider that there is a big difference between price and cost.  We have all purchased an item that seems like a “deal” only to find out that total cost-of-ownership is much different than the price tag at the time of purchase.  When considering the “price” of an anti fatigue mat, there are two primary considerations that impact the overall cost:  1. It’s cost over time, and 2. Does it do what it is supposed to do?  In this article, we will address the first of these.

In our recent 9 Questions Series, we have explored a variety of the essential questions to ask before investing in an anti-fatigue mat. So far, we have discussed compressibility (elastic modulus), and the height of the material relative to it’s compressibility (densification strain), having a balance between stability and instability, looking at how responsive the surface is to worker movements, and if the anti-fatigue mat surface balances shock attenuation (absorb energy) and resilience (return energy), and if the surface gets softer as it is compressed. This month we explore one of the elements to consider when determining the cost of ownership over time:

Is the anti-fatigue mat surface easy to clean?

Some surfaces can become easily embedded with industrial debris like metal shavings and chips that are almost impossible to sweep or clean. This causes companies increased overhead costs since they have to pay workers for additional cleanup time. Other mats have domed or uneven surfaces or holes that require special tools for adequate cleaning.

In addition, in an environment where oil and solvents are being used some matting material may have incompatible interactions. Perhaps the biggest concern is if moisture is present when using a foam mat. Foam can act just like a sponge, soaking up foreign liquids and fostering bacterial growth that can present serious threats to health, or at the very least become unsanitary and smell bad. Finally, material that can be easily cut, torn or punctured (like foam) can trap food particles and bacteria, and are usually not acceptable in food prep areas.

The cost of ownership of SmartCells anti-fatigue mats is very low because of our 8-year warranty, and the fact that the surface is tough enough to resist the embedding of industrial debris, and can easily be swept, mopped or vacuumed. Unlike foam, the rubber SmartCells will not absorb liquid which helps reduce the risk of infections, bacteria, and foul smells. Pressure washing with soap and water is also easy and does not damage the mat.

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, providing unparalleled responsiveness that helps reduce standing fatigue.

SmartCells Cushioning Technology: It’s not how the mat feels, it’s how YOU feel.

8 Safety Features Every Aging-in-Place Home Needs

The last of the baby boomer generation is set to exit the workplace in the next few years and statistics show that the trend known as, aging-in-place, will continue to increase.

In fact, a study conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) found that as of 2011 only a little over 5% of the 65+ population occupied nursing homes, congregate care, assisted living facilities, and board-and-care homes.

This trend of aging-in-place has raised concerns among health care officials and younger loved ones regarding the safety and mobility of this increasingly independent yet vulnerable retired generation.

SmartCells Build-Your-Own Fall Protection Mat

The ability to healthily and safely age-in-place is most successful when seniors have the support of loved ones and living quarters that have been strategically designed to increase safety and mobility and reduce the risk of a possible injury.

As our elderly loved ones continue to age their eye sight, balance and flexibility tend to decrease. In an effort to help prepare seniors to safely age independently AARP compiled this list of the most important safety features to utilize in one’s desired place to age:

  • Non-slip floor surfaces (SmartCells Fall protection)
  • Bathroom aides such as grab bars
  • A personal alert system that allows people to call for help in emergencies
  • Entrance without steps
  • Wider doorways
  • Lever-handled doorknobs
  • Higher electrical outlets
  • Lower electrical switches

Of all these safety features, 80% of retired people claim safety features such as non-slip floor surfaces are the most important upgrade to a home being used for aging-in-place.

SmartCells fall protection mats and flooring not only provide a safe, stable non-slip surface for elderly loved ones to walk across but they also provide cushion in case of a slip or fall.

The unique SmartCells fall protection technology utilizes what is known as dual-stiffness flooring because it provides the stability of being on a hard surface while also retaining the capability to compress like springs which cushion falls and protects our loved ones.

SmartCells fall protection mats combine style and quality with features like beveled edges, which reduce tripping hazards and allow wheeled objects such as wheel chairs to easily roll over the mat, and anti-slip surfaces, to provide a safe and elegant alternative to many other fall protection and prevention products.

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

 

 

Anti-fatigue Mats Can Reduce Work Place Injuries

Shows like America’s funniest home videos and websites like YouTube are filled with videos of people slipping, tripping and falling. Most of them are comical but sometimes you find yourself wincing sympathetically in pain.

Unfortunately, at one point or another all of us have experienced the negative effects of gravity combined with a slippery, unstable surface or maybe even an improperly placed anti-fatigue floor mat or rug.

A study conducted by the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index found that falls were the second leading cause of all workplace injuries in 2005. These falls were estimated, by the National Safety Council, to cost approximately $70 billion per year.

According to OSHA two leading environmental causes that have been found to lead to a dangerous workplace and a potential for more falls are: floor surfaces that are in disrepair and loose or unanchored mats or rugs.

Considering the cost and dangers associated with workplace falls and improperly used anti-fatigue mats, this month we continue our series on the 9 essential questions to ask before buying an anti-fatigue mat. So far, we have discussed compressibility (elastic modulus), and the height of the material relative to it’s compressibility (densification strain), having a balance between stability and instability, looking at how responsive the surface is to worker movements, and if the anti-fatigue mat surface balances shock attenuation (absorb energy) and resilience (return energy), and if the surface get softer as it is compressed.  Our next question is:

Does the anti-fatigue surface resist movement under use?

A clean, dry floor is one of the best deterrents to a sliding mat, but this isn’t always possible in a workplace setting. To further complicate the issue, the material from which a surface is made can also contribute to an anti-fatigue mat moving easily across the floor, creating slipping hazards.

In addition, when the matting material breaks down, it can create a slippery layer of fine “dust” between the anti-fatigue mat and the floor allowing the mat to easily travel. Since this often happens on the bottom of these mats, it is often common for a user to be unaware of the degradation of the material.

In an effort to prevent sliding or bent up corners, it is not unusual to see many anti-fatigue mats taped down along the edges because their light weight allows them to shift easily as items roll over them or as they are walked on or kicked or bumped.

When we designed SmartCells anti-fatigue mats and runners, we took all of these factors into consideration. Our mats are manufactured to be significantly sturdier than light-weight mats, resist breaking down like foam mats, and resist movement while remaining easy to remove for cleaning.

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, providing unparalleled responsiveness that helps reduce standing fatigue.

SmartCells Cushioning Technology: It’s not how the mat feels, it’s how YOU feel.

The Two Most Dangerous Places in Your Home

Aging-in-place depends on the ability of seniors to live independently and safely.  An important aspect of preserving independence is avoiding injuries if falls occur.

Recently, we have blogged about the topic of fall protection, and discussed one of the features of the SmartCells fall protection technology that enables the use of wheeled equipment and mobility devices.  While this is critically important, it is interesting to note that in a recent study conducted by Stephen Robinovitch, professor of biomedical physiology and kinesiology at Simon Fraser University, and a team of researchers found that 80% of elderly patient falls, that occurred over the course of the study, happened when the patient was not using a mobility device such as a walker, wheel-chair or cane.

SmartCells Build-Your-Own Fall Protection Mat

Robinovitch concluded that “falls are occurring in those transition periods … when someone is going from the walker to sitting down in the dining room or getting up.”

Statistically, we know that most falls occur:

  1. Between the bed and the bathroom, and
  2. Wherever they transition from sitting to standing.

If we can accurately predict where a fall will occur, then a spot-mat (like next to a bed) is a good solution.  However, frail-fallers are not always likely to be predictable, so providing fall protection over larger areas, can be a much better solution.  In addition to SmartCells fall protection mats, the SmartCells Build-Your-Own Fall protection Mat can be configured to almost any shape and size, providing fall protection over a wide area, and also be walker / wheel friendly.

An even better solution is to use not mats, at all.  Consider SmartCells fall protection flooring.  As an underlayment beneath a soft or hard flooring material (carpet tiles or vinyl), it will be an invisible bodyguard, providing safety, security and peace of mind.

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