Beat the Heat with an Ice Chill Cooling Vest

From May until September, temperatures in Phoenix, Arizona are constantly in the triple digits. For the first four summers since I moved to Phoenix, the heat constantly affected my MS. I found that during the high heat that I was more fatigued, more irritable and had less energy than I did during the cooler months. I also noticed that my cognitive abilities and vision were not as crisp when temps were in the hundreds. I often wondered if cooling products could actually improve my quality of life.

I recently had the opportunity to try out a cooling vest when I was sent an Ice Chill cooling vest by Plus Heat. I wanted to conduct some tests to see if cooling vests really made a difference. It was important to me that the vest was comfortable, easy to move in and didn’t obstruct my routine.

To review the Ice Chill, I tested it in tough desert conditions. Typically to avoid the sun, I do my outside chores in the early morning before the sun comes up. For this experiment, however, I cleaned the pool and picked up the backyard during the late afternoon hours. The temperature was 102 degrees and my chores took me an hour and half to complete. I also took my dog for a walk in the afternoon when it was 104 degrees, wearing business casual clothes.

Here are my results:

• The vest is lightweight and I had no problems moving around while wearing it.
• Despite the heat, the cooling cartridges stayed frozen the entire time.
• The compartments that hold the cooling cartridges kept my clothes dry, but I still got the cooling benefit.
• Because my core stayed cool, I had more energy to stay outside despite the triple digit temperature.
• If I could change one thing, I would have taken the cooling cartridges out of the plastic bag they came in and placed them in the freezer flat. Because I froze them balled up, they were harder to insert than if I would have put them flat in the freezer.

In conclusion, I found the Ice Chill cooling vest to be comfortable and lightweight, allowing me to conduct my daily routine without getting in the way. My core stayed cool, which seemed to give me more energy and allow me to be outside for a greater time than I would without a cooling solution. As a person living with a chronic illness, I would definitely recommend the Ice Chill cooling vest as a way to stay active in the heat while keeping your core temperature cool. I will be using mine all summer long!

Benefits of Massage

Now is the right time to quit thinking of back massage as a luxury, yet rather a proven instrument that can enhance your wellbeing.

"The idea that back rub is 'simply a liberality' is old-fashioned," says Brent A. Bauer, M.d., chief of the integral and integrative drug program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "There are in excess of 1,000 studies and distributed reports that offer investigative proof on the wellbeing impacts of back rub treatment. There are absolutely coordinate impacts like changes that happen at the muscle level and ache pathways and a lessening in anxiety hormones, for example, cortisol. At the same time there are likewise roundabout impacts like being in an open to setting and a humane human vicinity that can all lead to significant consequences for our anxiety levels and passionate state."

Don't simply take Dr. Bauer's word of honor for it. Here, examination uncovers five wellbeing profits to a decent rub down.

1. Back rub abatements anxiety, misery and uneasiness.

When you're restless and feeling the weight, your body pumps out the anxiety hormone cortisol. Shockingly, this simply makes you feel much more focused on and on edge. Here's the place a back rub can offer assistance. Scientists at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, contemplated patients who had experienced open-heart surgery. They looked at the regale of back rub and calm unwinding time and found that those in the back rub gathering were fundamentally less restless and strained. They additionally reported essentially less torment. Different studies affirm these results. "Comparative endeavors in thoracic, breast and colorectal surgery prompted boundless usage of back rub help in our doctor's facilities," clarifies study creator Bauer.

2. A rub down decreases lower back torment.

Gracious, your hurting back! In the event that lower back ache is making life, well, truly frightful, a little rub down may be simply what the specialist requested. Analysts at the University of Miami School of Medicine led a five-week ponder on individuals who had been experiencing lower back torment for no less than six months. They found that the individuals who got 30 minutes of back rub treatment twice a week had less agony and more versatility and scope of movement in their lower backs than the individuals who had unwinding help amid that time. Special reward? The back rub aggregate likewise felt less pushed!

3. You'll rest better.

A considerable lot of us experience difficulty nodding off around evening time and almost 10 percent of Americans experience the ill effects of interminable a sleeping disorder. In the same lower back agony study led at the University of Miami School of Medicine, study members in the back rub bunch additionally said they dozed better than those in the unwinding gathering. An alternate study in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology contrasted the profits of back rub with those of unwinding help on individuals who have fibromyalgia. Following five weeks of twice- week after week 30-moment kneads, those in the back rub treatment bunch dozed longer and more soundly than the individuals who had unwinding help. Also, individuals in the rub-down gathering additionally discovered their agony level diminished and they had less weaknesses on their bodies.

4. Back rub may straightforwardness knee torment.

Osteoarthritis of the knee means there's been a breakdown of cartilage, ligaments, joint covering or underlying bone, which could be a true torment in the knees. Yet back rub may offer assistance. A study at both Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center in Connecticut and University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey found that week by week Swedish back rubs diminished knee torment in those anguish from osteoarthritis. In the eight-week mull over, a few members had 60-moment Swedish kneads here and there a week, while the others had shorter or less successive medications or no back rub whatsoever. Those in the 60-moment back rub gathering had less torment and more capacity in their knees.

5. The help eases carpal passage disorder.

With a greater amount of us logging longer hours before our machines, wrist torment is an issue numerous can identify with. In more genuine circumstances, you may have carpal shaft disorder, which is the point at which the average nerve that goes through the wrist gets to be trapped, bringing about agony and shivering. A delicate back rub may offer assistance. One study reported in Rheumatology International separated carpal shaft sufferers into two gatherings. One gathering got hand rubs notwithstanding wearing wrist props, while the other gathering simply wore the wrist braces. At the end of the study, those in the back rub gathering would be advised to hold quality and less torment. A second study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies had carpal shaft patients do over toward oneself rub every day and get an expert back rub week by week for four weeks contrasted with a control bunch. The back rub gathering had less ache and nervousness and preferable grasp quality over the control bunch.


You needn't bother with an arrangement, a spa or considerably someone else to harvest the profits of a back rub. "When its impractical to get an expert treatment, you can alleviate regular hurts and strain on your own," clarifies Elizabeth Bryan Bragg, an authorized back rub specialist at Shift PT in New York City.

"Knead support gear, for example, Theracane, Backnobber and froth rollers are incredible apparatuses to use for myofascial discharge and unwinding of tired, tied muscles," includes Scott Danberg, chief of wellness at the Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa in Miami. Be that as it may, regularly all you truly need are your own particular hands and in a few cases, a tennis ball, to help discharge the genuine annoyance, shoulders and back. "Simply note that you ought to never put immediate weight on your spine," includes Bragg.

Attempt these five over toward oneself rub strategies to beat neck and back agony.

Neck Manipulation - Possible Cause of Stroke

Neck manipulation has been associated with cervical dissection, a type of arterial tear that can lead to stroke. Although a direct cause-and-effect link has not been established between neck manipulation and the risk of stroke, healthcare providers should inform patients of the association before they undergo neck manipulation.

Treatments involving neck manipulation may be associated with stroke, though it cannot be said with certainty that neck manipulation causes strokes, according to a new scientific statement published in the American Heart Association's journal Stroke.

Cervical artery dissection (CD) is a small tear in the layers of artery walls in the neck. It can result in ischemic stroke if a blood clot forms after a trivial or major trauma in the neck and later causes blockage of a blood vessel in the brain. Cervical artery dissection is an important cause of stroke in young and middle-aged adults.

"Most dissections involve some trauma, stretch or mechanical stress," said José Biller, M.D., lead statement author and professor and chair of neurology at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. "Sudden movements that can hyperextend or rotate the neck -- such as whiplash, certain sports movements, or even violent coughing or vomiting -- can result in CD, even if they are deemed inconsequential by the patient."

Although techniques for cervical manipulative therapy vary, some maneuvers used as therapy by health practitioners also extend and rotate the neck and sometimes involve a forceful thrust.

There are four arteries that supply blood to the brain: the two carotid arteries on each side of the neck, and the two vertebral arteries on the back of the neck. The influence of neck manipulation seems more important in vertebral artery dissection than in internal carotid artery dissection.

"Although a cause-and-effect relationship between these therapies and CD has not been established and the risk is probably low, CD can result in serious neurological injury," Biller said. "Patients should be informed of this association before undergoing neck manipulation."

The association between cervical artery dissection and cervical manipulative therapies was identified in case control studies, which aren't designed to prove cause and effect. An association means that there appears to be a relationship between two things, i.e., manipulative therapy of the neck and a greater incidence of cervical dissection/stroke. However, it's not clear whether other factors could account for the apparent relationship.

The relationship between neck manipulation and cervical artery dissection is difficult to evaluate because patients who already are beginning to have a cervical artery dissection may seek treatment to relieve neck pain, a common symptom of cervical artery dissection that can precede symptoms of stroke by several days.

You should seek emergency medical evaluation if you develop neurological symptoms after neck manipulation or trauma, such as:

• Pain in the back of your neck or in your head;
• Dizziness/vertigo;
• Double vision;
• Unsteadiness when walking;
• Slurred speech;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Jerky eye movements.

"Tell your doctor if you have recently had a neck trauma or neck manipulation," Biller said. "Some symptoms, such as dizziness or vertigo, are very common and can be due to minor conditions rather than stroke, but giving the information about recent neck manipulation can raise a red flag that you may have a CD rather than a less serious problem, particularly in the presence of neck pain."

Active Wrap Product Review

Pioneers in the pain relief industry, ActiveWrap continues to provide viable solutions for sports injury and muscle/joint pain. Whether it’s a swollen knee, a sprained ankle or recurring muscle pain, ActiveWrap has the cure for what ails you. Be sure to check out all of our ActiveWrap products.

Hot or Cold Compresses?

Hot, Cold, and Compression Therapy for Injuries

The modalities of hot, cold and compression have a very appropriate role in the treatment of most injuries. The immediate result of almost all injuries involving the soft tissues (muscles tendons and ligaments) includes pain, possible bleeding, and a leakage of fluid from damaged tissues into the area. Afterwards, there is a migration of white blood cells into the region of the injury. For this reason it is common to have inflammation, swelling and stiffness following an injury.

The healing process requires increased blood flow into the area of an injury to support the process of cellular growth. As long as swelling persists and circulation is congested, the healing process is delayed or retarded.

The swelling must be reduced before full recovery can occur.

Many first-aid authorities recommend the simultaneous use of cold and compression therapy, often identified as R.I.C.E. therapy.

R = Rest. Avoid over-exertion or weight bearing on the injured body part.
I = Ice. Apply cold to the injury as described below.
C = Compression. Apply compression with an elastic bandage.
E = Elevation. Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart (about even with the lower portion of the breast) to help drain the area of excessive fluid accumulation.

Once swelling has subsided (about 2-3 days or so), the application of heat will help reduce pain and promote healing. Heat can be used to provide effective relief from the aches and pain associated with sore muscles and stiff joints.

1. Cold therapy:

It has been found that cold applications (ice packs, cold compresses, frozen gel packs, frozen bag of peas, etc.) to the surface of the body will cause a contraction of the small blood vessels in that area. This will have an immediate effect on reducing the flow of blood and other fluids through that area, and therefore help to reduce local swelling.

An addition, a cold application will also help relieve any pain in the area by reducing the sensitivity of local nerve endings. The following specific problems respond especially well to cold therapy.

• Bruises: apply cold to the bruised area to temporarily relieve pain, minimize swelling and reduce black-and-blue marks. If the skin has been broken, be sure to apply a sterile dressing to the area before applying cold.
• Toothaches: apply cold to the cheek or jaw to help temporarily relieve discomfort.
• Simple Headache: apply cold to the painful area to help relieve the discomfort.
• Insect Bites: apply cold to the bitten area to help relieve itching and reduce swelling.
• Muscle Spasms: applying cold to the spastic area will help temporarily relieve discomfort.

Be careful not to apply an excessively cold product directly to the skin surface. At the very least, place a paper towel on the skin before applying cold and then wrap the cold product in place with an elastic bandage. Leave the cold product in place for approximately 15-25 minutes and elevate the involved joint or limb to about heart level if possible.

Cold therapy can be applied every two hours during the initial 72 hours after an injury. If the injury is somewhat severe, the cold can be applied 2-3 times in a row for 15-20 minutes each with a 30-minute rest between applications. This type of treatment can be repeated several times a day.

When used properly, cold therapy can help reduce the severity of symptoms and the time required for recovery.

Cold and compression are medically recommended therapies for the first 72 hours after an injury to help reduce local pain and swelling. More importantly, by containing the severity of swelling, the application of cold and compression can have a significant impact on helping to promote healing and speed recovery from that injury.

Many first-aid authorities recommend the simultaneous use of cold and compression therapy, often identified as R.I.C.E. therapy.

Which cold pack is best? For years, doctors and medical professionals have recommended using a bag of frozen peas or sweet corn instead of a gel pack or ice. Why? Because the frozen vegetables are able to more easily conform to your injured body part. However, frozen vegetables have a tendency to leak and the packaging was not designed for reuse.

Some like it HOT

Sore, stiff muscles are best treated with Hot Therapy because the heat helps to relax and loosen tired muscles. Heat can also be used before exercise to improve mobility by loosening muscles and increasing joint elasticity.

2. Heat Therapy

Heat Therapy (hot compress, microwaved gel pack, heating pad, etc.) promotes blood flow and enhances healing. Moist heat will penetrate more deeply than dry heat.

To aid recuperation from an injury, heat should only be used after swelling has subsided and after cold therapy has already been used. One should limit the application of heat to no more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time four times daily. Do not fall asleep on a heating pad!

People with nerve or circulatory problems (such as advanced diabetes) should not use heat unless otherwise prescribed by a physician. Do not apply heat to broken and/or sensitive skin. One should not sit, lean or bear weight on the hot compress.

Proper use of heat can…

• Relieve muscle aches and pain.
• Temporarily relieve discomfort from arthritis.
• Relieve sore and stiff joints.
• Relieve the discomfort of muscle tension and cramping.

Notice: This article is not a substitute for  Medical Professional Help.  For any injury consult your medical professional.

Safety Tips For Motorcyclists

It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own little world when traveling from one place to another; nevertheless, it’s a good habit to remember motorcyclists are out on the roadway. It is important to share the road and practice safe driving habits.

Many serious and fatal crashes occur when motorists turn in front of motorcyclists. Be sure to remain alert, especially at intersections and while making turns and lane changes.

Studies indicate that in multiple-vehicle motorcycle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle most often violated the motorcyclists’ right-of-way, causing the collision.

Because of their size, it is often difficult to gauge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle. Before you drive through an intersection or make a left turn, check the position of oncoming motorcycles at least two or three times.

Statistics show that multiple-vehicle crashes account for approximately 75 percent of all motorcycle accidents.

Regardless of state law, motorcyclists should always wear helmets. Doing so could save your life. According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, 151 motorcycle fatalities occurred in Indiana during 2012. Of those fatalities, 122 people were not wearing helmets.

Construction zones and uneven road surfaces can also be a major hazard for motorcyclists. Motorcyclists should be extra vigilant while riding through these sites and be aware of edge traps, which occur when one lane is higher than the other.

Some safety tips for motorcyclists include:

• Wear a DOT approved helmet and riding safety gear. 
• Never consume alcohol while riding. 
• Be visible. Ensure your headlight, taillight and brake light work properly. 
• Wear high visibility clothing. 
• Use lane positioning to increase visibility and watch for turning vehicles. 
• Avoid riding in blind spots.

Cooperation between everyone on the road is essential to successful traffic management and roadway safety.

Mountain Hiking Preparation

Proper preparation and planning are necessary whenever you venture into the great outdoors. A checklist is an excellent way to help you prepare for a hike, while contributing to a safer and more enjoyable trip. Of course your list will vary according to the type of hike you've planned.

Considerations include the length of your hike, the time of year, as well as the destination and the terrain you'll be traveling in.

Hikers should always be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions while hiking in the mountains. Temperatures in the mountains typically fluctuate as weather patterns change. If your hike involves a major change in elevation, you should reasonably expect a change in temperature of 10 degrees or more. Combine this with the fact that most mountain ranges are very wet and the higher elevations can receive up to 90 inches of precipitation a year. If not properly prepared, a sudden storm could result in a great deal of discomfort.

During the summer, days usually start out clear. But as the day heats up, clouds tend to build up, resulting in frequent afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

Winter is a great time to be in the mountains, but also represents the most challenging time as well. Although temperatures may be mild in the lower elevations, the higher elevations will experience much colder weather and snow. Winter storms can dump up to two feet of snow at the higher elevations.

Required Gear

• Backpack, daypack or fanny pack
• Base Layer
• Thick fleece or pile jacket
• Rain / wind shells (jacket and pants)
• Supportive footwear for the length and terrain of your hike
• Extra socks
• Extra clothing / layers
• Thermal underwear for cold weather hiking
• Gloves
• Water: full canteen(s), water bottle(s) or hydration pack
• Extra food: high energy snacks
• Map and/or Guide Book
• Compass (with the knowledge how to use it)
• Emergency Space Blanket (smaller than a wallet)
• Waterproof matches / fire starters
• Pocket knife
• Flashlight or headlamp with new batteries
• Whistle (in case you got lost)
• First aid kit
• Personal medications
• Toilet paper (in a plastic bag)
• Money / ID

Suggested / Optional Gear

• Hiking/trekking poles
• GPS (with extra batteries)
• Knee Support
• Bandana
• Disposable contact lenses or non-expensive glasses if you have impaired vision.
• Notebook with pencil
• Camera (film / extra batteries)
• Binoculars
• Cell phone (though likely you won't have coverage in the mountains)
• Feminine products
• Water Filter / Iodine Water Treatment Tablets
• Gaiters
• Bear Spray
• Zip seal plastic bags
• Napkins

Basic First Aid Kit

Some examples of items for your First Aid kit are listed below. Customize your kit according to your personal needs. Be sure you're familiar with everything in your kit and remember to keep items up-to-date and replenished. It's also important to keep your first aid kit in a waterproof container. Finally, we strongly recommend that you take a First Aid class and a CPR class, and make sure that you keep current on these skills.

• Personal medications
• Roll bandages
• Triangular bandages
• Ace bandages
• Butterfly bandages
• Sterile compresses
• Adhesive tape
• Sterile gauze pads
• Antiseptic wipes
• Miscellaneous band aids
• Twine
• Tweezers
• Safety pins
• Scissors
• Thermometer
• Latex gloves
• Tissues
• Plastic Bags
• Small mirror
• Antibacterial soap / wipes
• Eye drops
• Burn ointment
• Sunburn lotion
• Disinfectant cream
• Decongestant and antihistamine tablets
• Anti-acids
• Antibiotic cream
• Aspirin / ibuprofen
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Diarrhea medication
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Poison Ivy cream / cleansers
• Bee sting kit
• Snake bite kit
• Heat / cold packs
• Personal information / contact person
• First aid manual

Alpine Square Inflatable Bubble Spa

Over the years, few products have created as much of a stir as the Alpine Square Inflatable Bubble Spa by MSpa. Weighing only 44 lbs, this compact model inflates to easily accommodate 2 adults and 2 children, has a built in heater and bubble jets and is durable enough to last a lifetime!

Whether you're simply looking for a soothing after-workout soak, or you want to wow your friends at your next backyard barbeque, the Alpine Square Inflatable Bubble Spa will do the trick.

Features Include:

• Accommodates 2 adults + 2 children
• Patented Built-in Control Box w/ touch button controls
• Premium 3-layer Laminated PVC material
• Air Bubble Jets: 105/1 HP x 2/ 530 gallon per hour filtration system
• 185 gallon capacity
• Built in Heater: 1350 Watts (about 1.5-2 degrees/ hour on average)
• Max. 104F Heat Temperature
• Dimentions: 62"x 62"x 27"H
• Weight:
  • Dry - 44 lbs
  • Filled - 1584 lbs
• Power requirement: 110-120V, 60Hz
• No electrical modification needed, plug it into a standard electrical outlet

This model typically sells for over $1,000, but you can get it today for only $699.00 at PlusHeat, and while you're there, don't forget to check out our other name brand spas!

Sports Injuries

Are you prepared?

According to OSHA, more than 1 million sports injuries are reported in the United States every year and several million more never even get reported. No matter how careful you are, if you lead an active lifestyle, you will inevitable have some type of sports injury in your lifetime. The question we must ask is, are we prepared?

Sometimes, the difference between a minor setback and a permanent problem is how quickly a sports injury is taken care of. For instance, a broken bone or torn ligament requires immediate attention. Failure to seek medical treatment quickly could result in life-long problems.

The most common types of sports injuries are cuts, sprains and light muscle tears. All of these can be treated relatively easy with hot or cold therapy. With a cut or abraision, thoroughly cleaning the affected area and applying a cold wrap is sufficient to reduce the possibility of infection, pain or swelling. Sprains can be treated with a supportive cold wrap to minimize swelling, reduce pain and minimize the chance of permanent damage. Muscle soreness or light tears can be treated by appliying a hot wrap to the affected area and resting.

At Plus Heat, we realize the importance of quick recovery. That is why we offer a wide range of heat and cold therapy products. Don't wait till you have an injury to get prepared. Check out all of our heat and cold therapy products and make sure that when misfortune happens, you're prepared!

PlusHeat - Enhance Life

For over 5 years, PlusHeat has been providing quality products designed to enhance life and keep you comfortable. We are committed to bringing you innovative solutions for temperature extremes, so that you can stay warm during the winter and cool in the summer. With a wide range of heated jackets and vests, gloves, wraps and footwear, you never have to worry that the temperature is too cold to be outdoors. With our heated apparel, you can hunt, fish, ride your bike, work, or hike in comfort, even on the coldest of days!

Our cooling vests and wraps are made from high quality synthetic material and are designed to provide consistent cooling throughout the day. With the yearly rise of heat-related illnesses in the United States, the importance of keeping your body temperature relatively low on those 100 degree days cannot be overemphasized.  As the heat rises and discomfort sets in, the overall productivity of laborers and outdoor workers tends to suffer. By using vests and wraps designed to keep you cool, productivity is actually improved during the summer.

PlusHeat also offers a variety of compact and economical spas. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is only natural to get stressed out from time to time. Never go to bed stressed again; simply soak it away in one of our luxurious spas and sleep the night away like a baby. When simply soaking in a bubble spa is not enough, use one of our professional massagers to kneed away the knots and stress.

PlusHeat also offers a selection of cold and heat therapy products. We know how painful a sports injury can be. So we have many heat therapy solutions to relieve the pain of cuts and abrasions; and many cold therapy solutions for swelling and inflamation.

For those of you who are adventurous, we have a wide variety of powersport accessories and outdoor products to make your adventures as memorable as possible. With our heated motorcycle apparel, you can hit the trails and roads on even the coldest of winter days. With our battery powered coolers and heated seat covers, you can throw a tailgate party your friends will never forget! You can even take the dog, knowing he will stay warm on his heated pet bed!

For more information about any of these products, please visit our website at www.plusheat.com