Our friend Michael Watters from Thumper Massager Inc. talks about the advantages of using Thumper massage tools for professional massage at the Canadian Massage Conference earlier this month.

This is the type of product we love to talk about at BetterHealthInnovations.com, not only because of the effectiveness and quality, but also because we use them ourselves.   A Thumper Massage Tools provide a deep penetrating massage rather than just vibrating the skin like cheaper brands. These tools can extend the career of a professional masseuse and are also perfect for home massage.

If you have any questions about the Thumper massage tools, please let us know by commenting below or contacting us directly.

Thumper Massager Interview at the Canadian Massage Conference is a post from the Better Innovations Health, Fitness, and Wellness Blog

Any woman can give birth to a healthy child without special physical training, but some exercises for pregnant make childbirth easier and less painful.

To give birth to a baby safely, you need to turn the lower part of your body and spine to a flexible “rubber.” That is, joints of the pelvis should be flexible and muscles – capable of extreme tension. Exercises for pregnant can provide such effect.

The first step is developing a lower spine (sacrum) and pelvic joints. These sections of your body will slightly “move” during the exit of the child. Moreover, this exercise for pregnant is a kind of anesthesia for annoying back pain.

So, start with an initial exercise positions: kneeling, a woman separates knees 20 inches apart and puts palms on the floor. The hands should be about 30 inches and hips should be placed in an upright position.

This exercise for pregnant is called “Rocking the pelvis.” From the initial position a woman, making a slow deep breath, bends her back trying to raise the buttocks higher (thighs, pelvis and buttocks are toughened). After that a reverse motion is performed – bending the back, along with a slow exhalation. This is the kind of swing which a pregnant should perform very smoothly. To achieve the effect, repeat this cycle 10 times.

Another exercise for pregnant is performed to stretch the inside muscles of the thighs. This group of muscles is involved during the entire process of childbirth, as a woman in labor has to lie with the legs moved apart. This is the best position for a baby to be born.

This exercise will be performed by a pregnant as easily as the previous one. A woman has to lie down on the floor and cross her legs (lotus position). It is important that the feet were brought together, and the knees were maximally separated. Having taken the initial position of the exercise, a pregnant puts her arms on the legs. Palms wrap ankles, elbows are pushing the knees, trying to lower them to the floor.

This exercise should be also performed smoothly, abrupt movements are not permitted. A pregnant must not feel any discomfort or pain during the exercise.

In addition to these exercises we can advise pregnant to sit in a pose of lotus and squat , as it makes the muscles stretch smoothly. Furthermore, any free (or unfree) minute squeeze and relax the muscles of the perineum, this will give you more chances to manage without seams and gaps during childbirth.

These exercises for pregnant will be enough, because the goal is to help yourself in a crucial moment, and not in the standards delivery or a cup competition.

Exercises for the Pregnant is a post from the Better Innovations Health, Fitness, and Wellness Blog

We are what we eat!

Any condition which limits movement and causes pain in the joints is called Osteoarthritis. It is common knowledge that cartilage (the smooth surface at the head of the bone) and bone health impact on joint health. Inflammation of bone/joint, bone spurs and long-term wear and tear all have a role to play, but importantly, Osteoarthritis is not an inevitable part of ageing but our daily routine, lifestyle and dietary choices do play a crucial role in the development of this disease. Together with a healthy active lifestyle our joints need nutritional support to stay mobile and pain-free.   For example, collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and provides structure to skin, organs, joints and bones. While anti-oxidants are used to minimize breakdown at the bone surface, and minerals and vitamins such as vitamin D can help to re-build bone. Studies have shown that the perennial Omega 3 fatty acids act as anti-inflammatory agents and are a reliable alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).

Healthy foods for joint pain relief

Vitamin E: Protects cells from free radical damage, which may help promote joint comfort and has been shown to promote a healthy circulatory system.

Wheat Sprouts: A natural source of antioxidant enzymes with detoxifying properties.

Selenium: Has antioxidant properties to protect cellular health.

Vitamin B12: Powerful blood-building factor and key nutrient for new growth.

Antioxidants: Fruits and vegetables are full of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are small compounds that act like warriors in the body. They seek out and neutralize damaging molecules that can cause inflammation. And, a recent study noted that a lower intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with an increased risk of developing inflammatory arthritis.

Marine (sea food) products: In addition, marine products such as Green Lipped Mussel powder, Fish Oils, Shark Cartilage and Marine Collagen provide many of the nutrients necessary for healthy joints (in various forms). Fatty fish like Solomon and fish oil are specifically important in osteoarthritis. Fish oils can reduce general inflammation, reducing both pain and your long-term risk of arthritis and heart disease. Two to three portions a week give maximum health benefit.

Finally, while there is no real scientific evidence behind this, experiences show that avoidance of certain foods may of be of significant benefit in several people with arthritis. For example, milk and other dairy products, red meat, cereal products, citrus fruits, chocolate, spices, and alcohol have been implicated in the aggravation of symptoms and, therefore, should be consumed in the minimum quantities possible. Cutting out these foods entirely could be a great way to enjoy natural arthritis pain relief without the use of drugs and improve your quality of life.

All in all, like many other severe and chronic illnesses, diet / food has a direct and special connection with arthritis. You should, therefore, make your dietary choices wisely and timely.

After all, we are what we eat!

Osteoarthritis, Pain Relief and the Importance of Dietary Choices is a post from the Better Innovations Health, Fitness, and Wellness Blog

Although hypnosis as being a fairly controversial subject over the years. Scientific studies have shown that they can help with many problems. One such problem is pain and in particular the applications of it on the back. A variety of hypnotic techniques have been used to help pain in the back, the aim of this post is to explore some of those techniques.
In 1981, a psychologist named Hilgard showed that there was two aspects the pain. First it was the sensory component the second and emotional component. He did this by hypnotizing a group of people and putting them through the called pressure test (which involves immersing arm in freezing water and reporting on pain over a 30 second time period). The people who were hypnotized reported no pain however, when pressured into a returned state of consciousness they almost immediately felt pain again. This lead Hilgard to propose his neo-disassociation which basically stated that hypnosis makes the brain disregard any feelings pain as opposed to drugs which simply log in information pain getting to the brain.

Autogenic training

The first self-hypnosis technique which can be used is called auto-genic training. This is perhaps most simple and effective form of hypnosis for back pain; it involves simply putting oneself into a hypnotic trance 2 to 3 times a day. This trance can be achieved using a variety of methods, the first of which is known auto-genic training. This involves an adopting a reclined position, then starting at the feet one needs to relax each body part. This is achieved by thinking thoughts which are relaxing, for example, if you wanted to relax your feet in could say something like “my feet are warm” or “my feet are heavy”. Once this has been done for everybody, you should be completely relaxed; in order to put yourself in a hypnotic trance you just need to count down from five. You should already feel that some pain has been relieved, however you can further reduces pain by thinking positive thoughts for example “my back doesn’t hurt”.

Autosuggestion

The second technique is known as autosuggestion. There has been some controversy as to whether this technique is actually a form of hypnosis. Regardless of whether it is or not it has been shown to help back pain. Like auto-genic training this method involves no equipment such as audio recordings. This is done by simply repeating a positive phrase after you wake up, and before you go to sleep. For example, in this case it would be “my back does not hurt”. Repeating this over and over for each day will help to reduce the emotional aspects of the pain experienced in your back.

Audio recordings

Finally, last hypnotic technique which can be used to help back pain is the use of audio recordings. These are specifically pre-recorded pieces of material which are tailored to the specific notice of the user, for example there are some which are specifically designed to help people quit smoking. Although they can be used any point in the day, they are most effective whilst the user is sleeping. This is because this is because the psychological walls between the conscious and subconscious are lower during sleep, hence, the recordings on able to better influence the subconscious. Although the user would have to and take in order to carry out this type of hypnosis, it requires no training to master so is a good choice for anybody who doesn’t have much free time.
To conclude, while there are many hypnotic techniques which are able to help treat back pain, these are the main three. As they are the most effective and simple to understand.
About the author: this post was written by Rob Jenkins from how to learn hypnosis

Try a sound machine to relax over at the BHI Store.

Help reduce back pain with self-hypnosis is a post from the Better Innovations Health, Fitness, and Wellness Blog

Back pain can be a debilitating condition. Once you’ve exhausted modern medical treatments, and are fed up with popping pain pills, you may consider resorting to alternative means. There are in fact many effective alternative treatments for your back’s health. Give some of the following methodologies a try to relieve your back pain.

1. Acupuncture. Working along acupuncture points (meridians), acupuncturists place painless needles in your skin. Where the needles are placed is based on your pain and thousands of years of trial and error. For instance, back pain is often relieved with needles in your under elbow and hand. If you’re not interested in getting punctured try acupressure. Acupressure works on the same meridians without the needles.

2. Yoga. Who can argue with a good stretch? Yoga strengthens your back against further injury and stretches it to relieve pain. If you believe in Chi, these motions also allow your energy to move more freely through your body.

3. Chiropractic. Another form of alternative back pain therapy. Chiropractors manipulate and “adjust” your back to relieve pain. There are many skeptics of this treatment, however, most advocates simply refer to the relief the treatment allows and shy away from the vitalistic claims of early chiropractors.

4. Cupping. This Chinese therapy involves putting a flame in a glass cup to create a vacuum and then applying the cup to points on your back. The vacuum creates suction pulling your skin into the cup and increasing your circulation, which encourages the healing process. The actual therapy is doesn’t hurt much but leaves red rashes where the cups were applied.

5. Rolfing. A sometimes painful procedure, rolfing is the manipulation of soft body tissue. For your back, this means folding yourself into yogo-like positions to be massaged by a rolfing specialist. It is not a proven methodology, however, participants are often relieved afterwards (perhaps because it is over).

6. Prolotherapy. This therapy involves injecting sugar solutions into your ligaments and tendons. The idea is that this will promote the growth of connective tissue and healing. Some studies show that this is not an effective method by itself, yet there are some positive results for this method in conjunction with massage or other techniques.

7. Alexander technique. So simply it might work. This technique, also used to improve vocal capability, involves methods of improving your posture. Poor posture is of course a proven cause of some back pain, so it follows that this technique has proven validity.

What is most important is that these therapies are effective in treating your pain. Give these techniques a shot to see what works for you.

You can also try an inversion table or a Thumper massager  over at the BHI Store.

Alternative Methods For Back Pain is a post from the Better Innovations Health, Fitness, and Wellness Blog

Last week the Teeter Hang Ups Teeter Fit-100 Inversion Table was released to a handful of select retailers, including Better Health Innovations.  I had some hands-on time with the new table when it was unveiled at the Health+Fitness Business Expo last month in Las Vegas.  I also spent quite a bit of time with the folks from Teeter, including their founder, Roger Teeter. In this post, I will walk you through the new Fit-100 inversion table and describe how it compares with other tables in the Teeter Hang Ups line.  I also cover other (non-Teeter) tables at the Fit-100′s price point.

This table is being launched at $289, but we are currently discounting it to $229.  At this price it competes with the other budget Teeter Hang Ups table, the Fitform at $219. Going from a Teeter Fitform up to the Fit-100 for an extra $10 will depend on the features you want (mainly the bed design), but going from the Fit-100 to the $299 EP-550 is a more difficult choice.  I’ll cover this in more detail below.

Teeter Hang Ups Background

First, a quick bit about Teeter Hang Ups:  They have been in the inversion business for more than 30 years, longer than any other inversion table manufacturer. Teeter is the only company that demonstrates their commitment to quality by having their tables independently tested and certified to UL 1647, making them the only company with tables that carry the UL mark. Most notably, inversion products are the only products offered by Teeter Hang Ups, making inversion tables their sole focus.  All other inversion tables are from companies who produce all sorts of equipment.  In fact, most competing tables are produced by Asian contract manufacturers who make all sorts of products and sold in the US by marketing companies.

Fit-100 Features & Impressions

The Fit-100 carries the UL Mark, which is impressive for a table at the price.  In order to have the UL Mark, an inversion table must be tested by an independent lab to a 400% safety factor and for 30,000 cycles. 

The Teeter Fit100 incorporates their new FitFlex inversion table bed.  This is a two-piece injection molded bed that provides a rigid and secure feel while flexing enough for the user to move and stretch while on the table at partial inversion.  Other tables in the Teeter Hang Ups line have either a one piece molded bed (the Flex Technology bed on the EP series), or a stretched nylon bed, like on the Fitform.  I found the FitFlex bed to be comfortable enough, and it may provide a bit more support than the Flex Technology bed.  I prefer this type of inversion table bed over the stretched nylon.  In fact, many people find the stretched nylon on other tables to be extremely uncomfortable, especially those with back pain to the point where laying on a hard, flat surface causes lower back pain.

When you look at a table, it is easy to focus on the bed.  However, when you are on a table I feel that the ankle clamps to be more important for the inversion experience.  A poorly designed ankle clamp will feel insecure and even painful.  The ankle clamps on the new table are similar to other Teeter Hang Ups ankle clamps.  The foot rest portion rotates in order to adjust for larger or smaller feet, which goes a long way in providing a feeling of security and comfort.  For most people, the ankle clamps on the new model will be just fine in terms of comfort and security.

Like all other Teeter inversion tables, the Fit-100 has a very smooth rotation and “controlled lock out” at full inversion. This lock out means that the table bed rotates a little past full inversion so the user can do exercises and stretches while completely vertical.  The new table also has stretch handles, which is optional on more expensive models like the EP-550. These handles, located on the top of the A-frame allow the user to reach up while inverted and push with their hands to receive a bit of manual decompression of the back.

Obviously, to get the Fit-100 down to the pricing they wanted, Teeter had to leave out some features found on the next expensive model, the EP-550.  Unlike the more expensive models, the main shaft is not chrome plated.  The main shaft is the part that the ankle clamps attach to and it moves in and out of the bed frame to adjust for user height.  Chrome is an extremely hard finish and resistant to wear caused from moving in and out of the frame.  It is still a high quality (black) finish, and will not be a big deal for a users who do not have to move the height adjustment often.  We do know several husband-wife users who have to adjust the height when switching between themselves.  In this situation, we would recommend a machine with a chrome plated main shaft, such as the EP-550.

Another noticeable feature not on the Fit-100 are corner feet.  Again, not a huge thing.  I do like the corner feet on the more expensive models as they extend the area the table contacts the floor.  Without the corner feet, the Fit100 was plenty stable though.

The new table comes with support material that exceeds what comes with similar priced models.  However, it does not come with a DVD, which is kind of odd since the lower priced Fitform does come with a DVD.  I think that this may be a feature missed by users.  Our recommendation with the EP Series models is to play the DVD on a computer or TV close by while the table is being assembled.  We have decided to offer our Inversion Coaching Program free of charge with the Fit-100, which should help make up for the lack of a DVD.

Teeter beats competing models with warranty (2 years for this table), but the warranty period is less than half that of the Teeter EP series.

Competing Models

The main competitor in this price range to this table are a couple models with the Ironman brand name.  Honestly, I am not that familiar with the Ironman brand, but I have tried their tables on several occasions.  The last I had heard, they had gone out of business and sold the name to another company.  I’m not sure who is making Ironman now, but the tables are still available.  A couple years ago Ironman tables had weld failure issues resulting in a recall.  Most noticeably in comparison, the Fit-100 has a smoother rotation, more comfortable foot clamps, and is much less complicated.  Ironman tables do not carry the UL Mark, so I presume they are not tested to the safety factors of Teeter inversion tables.  Also unlike the Teeter models, they do not have the two year warranty or 30 day money back trial period (we extend this to 90 days for any Teeter models sold through our Better Health Innovations site).

Deciding between the Fit-100 and the EP-550 is a bit more tricky. This is a bit like comparing a high-end Toyota to a Lexus.  Both are world-class quality, and while you won’t be disappointed with the lower cost option, you won’t get the features of the higher-end model.  So, here’s some basic guidance:

If you absolutely can not afford a $299 Teeter EP-550, then go with the Fit100.  You won’t be disappointed, and your back will thank you for years.

If you plan on using the table a couple times a day on a regular basis, or if there is more than one person in the household using the table, then try to stretch to a Teeter EP-550.I would feel more comfortable using an EP-series table for heavy regular use, especially with the longer five year warranty period of the EP-550 versus the two year warranty on the Fit-100.

Bottom line: The Fit-100 is a great table, especially for the price.

Remember that purchasing any Teeter Inversion Table through our Better Health Innovations site, you will receive several upgrades our competitors simply can not match, such as our 90 day personal coaching program, 90 day return period, price guarantee, and more.

If you have any questions about the any of the Teeter inversion tables, please give us a call/email.  If you would like a to share your questions or experiences, please leave a comment below!

Teeter Hang Ups FIT-100 Inversion Table Review is a post from the Better Innovations Health, Fitness, and Wellness Blog

There is a stigma that comes with hypnosis. Many people think of the magic shows where the hypnotist makes someone cluck like a chicken when they hear someone mention hypnosis. There us a huge difference between actual clinical hypnosis and the side show hypnosis. Clinical hypnosis is used to help people over come bad habits and even to help to cure some diseases. Hypnosis puts the person into a sleep like trance in which the hypnotherapist plants suggestions of healing and change. Hypnosis has been used to help cancer patients and it has been used to help people quit smoking too. Those are just a couple of the medical uses of hypnosis.

Along with helping people quit smoking, hypnosis has become a popular weight loss plan. Through weight loss hypnosis people are able to let go of their attachments to food. Because hypnosis can help people let go of addictions and feelings, it works well for drug addictions, alcoholism and more. It can also be used to help people get over past relationships. Hypnosis is also useful for people who suffer from anxiety issues and anger issues. Under hypnosis the hypnotherapist can uncover whatever it is that is causing these issues and help the patient let go.

Hypnosis has been around for ages. Although the type of hypnosis used today was discovered around the 18th century by Franz Anton Mesmer, some form of hypnotism has been in use since ancient Egyptian times. When going for an appointment with a hypnotherapist a person should be prepared to reveal some things they may not expect to talk to people about. Under hypnosis some deep thoughts and feelings can be released. Some people even go in for past life regression hypnotherapy, which is believed to reveal things that happened to people in past lives that they have lived. The hypnotherapist will possibly play some soothing instrumental music in the background. They will speak in a relaxing tone, using a form of guided meditation. This will put the patient in a relaxed state in which they almost appear to be asleep, but are still coherent and speaking.

Another myth about hypnosis, other than the clucking like a chicken, is the fact that after hypnosis a person remembers everything that happened during the session. The hypnotherapist will not and cannot erase memories. In fact, they may help dredge up some lost memories. Many people also find luck using hypnosis cds if they cannot actually get to a therapist.

The Truth About Hypnosis And It’s Medical Uses is a post from the Better Innovations Health, Fitness, and Wellness Blog

A few years ago I wiped out in a pretty epic fashion (on the wet tiles in the bathroom) and strained my lower back. I found in the months that followed that I was certainly going to be a victim of chronic back pain. I would execute a series of elaborate stretches each night before bed so I would be comfortable enough to fall asleep. I’d always wake in pain the next morning.

Fast forward to a ridiculous scooter crash on vacation two years later. I had a broken foot to show for that performance. I limped around for months after that–A tragically sore and stiff 26 year old.  After flights, long rental car road trips and big days out on my feet, I’d be miserable.

Fast forward again. I took a job shuffling papers at what I later found out to be one of the most prestigious acupuncture clinics in the country. They offered their employees free treatments so, though I was skeptical and quite ignorant of the whole process, I made an appointment.

I was very nervous for my first acupuncture treatment. I’m not particularly scared of needles, but does anyone actually look forward to being pricked? Turns out, these hairsbreadth thin needles are so fine you barely feel them. I laid out on a cushy massage table and braced myself. The first insertion point was going to be my outer ankle. I felt the split second prick, and then nothing. Well, not nothing, but certainly not pain. It felt like pressure, in a nice way.

Dr. Herr, my practitioner, worked his way up my body, tapping needles into my calves, the backs of my knees, my lower back, shoulders and even one between my eyes, (for relaxation, he said).

We had discussed my back pain and his focus was to “release the heat” from the area and “get the Qi moving” (pronounced “chee”). To this I replied, “Ah yes, Qi! Sure thing, Bill Nye the Science Guy, go for it…” with more than a small dose of sarcasm. But soothing music was piped in, the room seemed to get nice and warm, the scent of dried herbs and flowers…

I awoke thirty minutes later to Dr. Herr’s wingtip shoes shuffling softly into the room. I could feel him gently twisting the needles out. As each one was removed I felt a little ache, almost as if the spot wanted it back. A brief but thorough back massage followed and then he told me to relax, even fall back asleep again before getting up to dress.

Once I got used to it, I started affectionately calling the after effects of a treatment “acu-stoned.” The somewhat euphoric, well-rested daze was so pleasant I didn’t even mind the dull ache in my back. Dr. Herr said the pain was good, and that it meant the heat, toxins and strain that had been stored there had been released. Sure enough, the next few days were pain free!

After my next treatment I found the wonderful effects lasted even longer. I no longer needed to “crack” my back before bed and I was waking up well rested and limber. With continued treatments for my back pain, my old broken foot even inexplicably strengthened, and I didn’t feel pain after running or hiking.

And overall, I felt better. Maybe getting that “Qi” moving wasn’t such a crock after all! If acupuncture can make a believer out of me, the world’s biggest klutz/skeptic, it will do wonders for you!

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) works to ease the pain of both muscular and skeletal injuries, arthritis, fertility issues, cancer and even the common cold! There is nothing these ancient techniques can’t aid, from menstrual cramps to migraines, knee surgery rehab to strep throat! Give it a try and see what dramatic results you get with acupuncture!

Noella Schink is a travel, beauty and health writer from Portland, Maine. She encourages you to try acupuncture for whatever’s ailing you, and also to book your next car rental in the UK from Auto Europe.

Acupuncture Helps Where you Least Expect It is a post from the Better Innovations Health, Fitness, and Wellness Blog

Over the past decade I have had the privilege of being a chiropractor in Seattle, WA. In this time I have had the privilege to truly understand the pain, discomfort, and poor health that many people go through on a daily basis. This has led many on a path of health professionals, pain killers, and surgical consultations. By the time they enter a chiropractors office they are often at their wits end, and have lost all hope.

The truly astonishing part is that many patients have a few issues in common, and in my experience they relate to a poor ergonomic environment at home or work. I am sure we are all familiar with workplace ergonomics, and the importance of having an ideal workstation to reduce the stress on our bodies. However, I thought it would be an excellent idea to tell you the 3 most common corrections that a person can make so they can end up seeing a chiropractor for superior wellness care and not urgent care.

The following are the top 3 ergonomic corrections to avoid seeing a chiropractor:

Correct the height of your screen

This seems like a no-brainer, but everyday I see people coming in with acute and chronic neck pain that is caused by screen that is at the improper height or angle. By now, most companies have attempted to correct this issue, since we have been hearing about it since the mid 1990’s, but there is one caveat.

We now spend so much time on laptops, iPad’s, and smart phones that we haven’t stopped to consider the damage this is doing to our posture. This in turn has caused a major increase in the loss of a natural cervical curve which can be directly related to acute and chronic pain, as well as degenerative joint disease. That is not something anyone wants.

It is important to pay attention to the amount of time spent looking down towards a screen, and choosing to either cut back the time spent, or allocate time during the day to get adjusted and doing traction therapy to help balance the muscles and ligaments.

One seat does not fit all

One of the biggest misconceptions about a quality, often time expensive, chair is that they should help everyone the same way. Nothing could be further from the truth. In my professional experience consulting for companies and offices around Seattle, the chair should be chosen to fit each individual person.

Many people have structural problems with their spine, including loss of lumbar curvature, while others have a swayback and each needs a different support. Simply buying a nice looking chair with a lumbar addition might actually cause more harm over time. In some workplace environments it was necessary to bring in kneeling chairs with no back support whatsoever, and advising some executives to sit on exercise balls to help stabilize their condition.

What ever the case, it is important to consider each individual. This not only leads to a happier employee, but can lead to less down time and higher productivity, so it is definitely a wise investment.

Stretching your upper back the proper way

When a person comes into my office complaining of upper thoracic or rear shoulder pain, they are often in charge of causing the majority of their discomfort. In my experience, the type of stretching they have been attempting to reduce their own symptoms is actually causing more harm than good.

If you are familiar with the bending forward while dangling your arm forward to “stretch” or pull the area of discomfort in your upper back or scapula, you are guilty of this. This motion may create a sensation, but that does not mean it is good for you. This motion actually irritates the muscle, nerve, and origin/insertion of each muscle. Over time, this will create a constant, chronic irritation.

If a person suffering from this discomfort would like to do better, stretching the opposite way is the correct action. This includes retraining the brain to understand proper posture, and strengthening the muscles in between the shoulder blades. Squeezing the should blades together for 30-60 seconds multiple times a day over the span of 30-60 days can have a significant impact in reducing the symptoms.

While all of the suggestions are good, it is still imperative to see the appropriate health professional for your condition. Chiropractic adjustments can play an important role in the natural correction and function of the body, as well as relieving pain and discomfort. With that being said, these suggestions can help you end up in a position where you are strictly seeking care by choice, and do no feel like it is the only thing getting you through the day.

Also you could try a inversion table to stretch and relieve  your back pain today

Best of Luck!

About the author: Dr. Graeme Gibson, D.C. has been a practicing Seattle chiropractor since graduation from Life Chiropractic College West in 2001. When he is not at his practice he enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, and writing about health. If you would like to read more from Dr. Gibson, follow his chiropractor blog.

Top 3 Ergonomic Corrections to Avoid a Chiropractor is a post from the Better Innovations Health, Fitness, and Wellness Blog

Keeping track of daily calorie intake is a critical part of any successful diet and weight loss program. Studies show people who log the foods they eat and track calorie and nutritional information lose more weight than those who don’t. Counting and tracking calories can be tricky and time-consuming without the right tools. Fortunately, iPhone, Android and Blackberry smartphone applications have come to the rescue making this an easy task. There are many mobile applications available such as The Calorie Counter app from FatSecret.com, The Calorie Tracker application from Livestrong.com, and Calorie Counter and Diet Tracker from MyFitnessPal.com.

FatSecret’s Calorie Counter

The Calorie Counter app from FatSecret.com is a free and fully functional application for tracking and managing weight loss. The program features a quick-pick food menu to get calories and nutritional information that the user can save in the food diary. One of its best features is a bar code scanner for quickly finding packaged food items in the database. Users can track daily fitness activity through the exercise diary. In addition, the app charts weight loss progress for easy viewing. The journal feature is especially useful for chronicling successes and obstacles. Users can synchronize data entered into the application with a free online account at FatSecret.com, but the application does not require the online account for full functionality.

LiveStrong Calorie Tracker

The Calorie Tracker application from Livestrong.com is a companion to the Daily Plate service on the Livestrong.com website. The tracking application is available to download for $2.99, and features a 525,000-item food database and a 2000+ fitness activity database. The application’s screens are easy to understand and maneuver. The My Plate screen provides a summary of the day’s calories consumed and burned, and gives a net caloric intake. The My Weight screen shows a weight-loss progress chart. The Food screen provides a search bar to find foods, and displays recently viewed foods in the window. After selecting a food, easily enter the time eaten, meal, and serving size and save by tapping the I Ate This button. The Fitness screen has a search bar, and displays fitness activities along with the calories burned per minute.

MyFitnessPal

The Calorie Counter and Diet Tracker from MyFitnessPal.com claims to be the fastest and easiest calorie counter app for iPhones. It is available free of charge, and can be used alone or synchronized with an online account. It features a 750,000-item food database for calories and nutritional data, although a smaller database is available for off-line use. The application contains a standard food diary, exercise diary and progress chart. The exercise database contains only about 350 fitness activities, which is smaller than other calorie trackers. One reason for this is it lacks specific strength training exercises. On the plus side, this application has a recipe calculator, making entry of homemade meals very easy.

No matter what application is used, choosing a calorie tracking application is a start in the right direction toward weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Jessica Bosari writes about nutrition at LowFatDietPlan.org. The site explains the latest nutrition research and helps readers fit the information into their diet plans.

Three Awesome Calorie-Counting Apps for Your Smartphone is a post from the Better Innovations Health, Fitness, and Wellness Blog