FHP stands for forward head posture.  This is a big issue today as so much of what we do causes us to spend long periods of time with our head tilted forward.  Think about it - just watch people walking down the street while they text or surf the internet on their phones while walking, working at your desk reading papers or working on your laptop or PC - having your head tilted forward for extended periods of time or "anterior head carriage" will eventually cause the spine to reshape out of it's natural nuetral position and over times this causes joints and bones to degenerate.

Since most of the activities which cause FHP are a part of our modern life, what can we do about it? First of all, just try to stay aware of your head positon. Seat your self so that you are not stooped over at your desk by adjusting your chair or using an ergonomically designed chair.  While these chairs used to be quite expensive, they are now very mainstream and affordable. Check your posture by standind 5 or 6 inches from a wall and put your hips, shoulders and head against the wall.  Maintain this position for a minute or so and remember the posture so that you can try and achieve that position while walking or sitting at your desk.  As you get older it is very important to warch your posture so that you do not lose range of motion.  Find some neck exercises that you can use to keep your neck muscles strong.  Strong neck muscles are the best way to keep your head positioned properly.

This should come as no surprise but the old adage "you better move it before you lose it" is really true.  Especially as you get older, the best way to combat those sore muscles and aches and pains is to get off that couch!

In a study published by the Mayo Clinic, a connection was found between physical inactivity and the common complaints of sore bones, ligaments and muscles.  The study found that those with chronic conditions like common neck pain, back pain or arthritis also experienced chronic fatigue and depression. If you don't exercise regularly you will experience a lack of mobility and the muscles surrounding your joints can shrink which can cause pain in your joints. 

The best way to start is to get flexible.  Stretch and try to extend your range of motion. Yoga is a great way to stretch and limber up for more strenuous movement and as you progress you will find that the little aches and pains disappear.  Once you regain that old flexibility you can take on more substantial conditioning and aerobic activity which will allow you to lose weight and further condition your muscles and improve your circulation.  Don't worry if you have to start slow, concentrate on making progress - you're just trying to progress.

So get up and get moving!  Do a little more every day and soon those aches and pains will fade away!

Unless you've been living under a rock you have been seeing lots of news stories about bed bugs and all the other nasty allergens that make their homes in our mattresses.  And all of those microscopic closeups!  YUK!! It's amazing we lived to be this old while all this was going on. Who knew?

While most of the attention has been on bed bugs in mattresses, your pillow is also a favorite hang out for all sorts of allergens that can interfere with your sleep.  What attracts them?  Nothing promotes mold, mildew and bacteria better than a warm moist environment.  What makes matters worse is that these allergens also attract mites and bugs that consider them food. Had enough? The good news is that this is an easy probelm to fix. 

First of all, get yourself a new pillow and thow out the old one. Get a brand new pillow and some anti-allergen pillow covers. Cover that clean new pillow with the anti-allergen cover and you are good to go. A quality anti-allergen pillow cover should be 100% cotton for breathable comfort, a high thread count for durability and have a certified anti allergen finish.  Look for the "Sanitized©" trademark.  It shows that the manufacturer is using the best quality treatment available, made in Switzerland and tested regularly to be sure that the product performs.  The Sanitized finish prevents mold, mildew and bacteria and without that tasty trio you'll never have to worry about dust mites and bed bugs.

Once you have your new anti-allergen covers, change them every time you wash your sheets and pillow cases. The Sanitized finish continues to protect after many washings. Try the Mediflow Anti-Allergen covers, they have all of the features and you can find them for a great price on the web

http://www.mediflow.com/other-mediflow-products/anti-allergen-pillow-protectors.aspx