Summer's right around the corner. With ample opportunity to spend time outside, there's no reason you should feel obligated to exercise in the gym. In fact, there are plenty of low-impact activities that can help you stay in shape while enjoying everything Mother Nature has to offer. These exercises are great for virtually anyone; even if you're dealing with a debilitating condition like arthritis, or you suffer from a repetitive strain injury, you can try a low-impact activity and optimize your overall health and wellness.

Here are a few exercises to weave into your agenda this summer:

1. Take a walk

What better way to embrace the great outdoors than with a walk through the park? According to the Mayo Clinic, walking can help you maintain a healthy weight as well as strengthen your bones and muscles. You'll be more likely to achieve these health benefits if you can walk for at least 30 minutes a day – but even shorter walks can help.

2. Go on a bike ride

Biking is another fun and exciting way to explore nature. It's also a great form of low-impact exercise. As The Better Health Channel describes it, cycling is incredibly beneficial to your overall health. Biking on a regular basis increases cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and flexibility. It also improves joint mobility, reduces stress levels, burns calories and can lower feelings associated with anxiety and depression. 

3. Hike the nature trails

When there's sunshine in the forecast, plan a hiking trip with your loved ones. Hiking is an optimal low-impact exercise that comes with many of the same benefits as biking, such as building stronger bones and muscles and improving cardiovascular health. It can also reduce your risk of experiencing respiratory issues and may enhance your balance, according to the National Park Service.

4. Practice yoga in the park

Looking for an activity that puts the mind, body and soul at ease? Harvard Health Publishing stated that yoga may increase flexibility and muscle strength, reduce anxiety and enhance cardiovascular health. Try an outdoor yoga session this summer to be one with nature.

If any of these low-impact exercises continue to affect your joints or body during the activity, you may consider using an IMAK Compression or IMAK RSI product that provides additional comfort and support. From the open fingertip design of the IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves, to the tri-band technology of the IMAK Compression Knee and Elbow Sleeves, these products are designed to support a healthy lifestyle. They allow freedom to touch, grip and move while always staying in place.

Remaining active and healthy this summer is simple with IMAK Compression and IMAK RSI products. To learn more, browse Brownmed today.

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According to the Arthritis Foundation, an arthritis flare is defined as a period of time when you experience worsened symptoms unexpectedly. These episodes can be a debilitating period when joints are swollen and in pain after days of feeling comfortable. Medication is often sought out to control these flares, but may not always have the ability to mitigate the pain.

While arthritis flares may be unpredictable, there are ways to confront the discomfort head-on. Here are a few ways to cope with an arthritis flare:

1. Understand the warning signs

Although the timing of a flare can be uncertain, there are certain early warning signs that may indicate that the debilitating discomfort is on the way. Slight, dull aching in the joints is one to be mindful of, as is fatigue during the day.

2. Prepare in advance if possible

Because flares occur unexpectedly, it's important to prepare in advance as much as you can. The Arthritis Foundation recommended saving up sick time and making adjustments to your normal schedule in the event of a flare occurring so you have the bandwidth to stay home, relax and reduce the risk of overusing your joints.

3. Rest, but don't stop moving

Everyone's body needs a chance to rest, and if you live with arthritis, this is especially true for your joints. However, too much unwinding can actually cause your joints to stiffen, making a flare worse or more likely to occur in the first place. Instead of staying in bed all day with an arthritis flare, throw in a few periods of low-impact activity to keep your joints in full range of motion, as the Arthritis Foundation suggested. Just remember to understand your personal threshold; don't overwork your body during a flare.

4. Consider hot and cold therapy

Some people recommend using a heating pad while experiencing an arthritis flare, while others will suggest applying a cold compress. Both pieces of advice are correct, but you may consider combining hot and cold therapy to cope with the pain. Heat increases blood flow while cold reduces inflammation. Start by applying a heat patch or warm compress for 15 minutes, then switch to a cold pack for 15 minutes. Repeat this pattern two to four times a day during the flare-up.

5. Use IMAK Compression products

Whether you're living with arthritis in your hands, wrists, elbows or knees, one of the IMAK Compression products from Brownmed can help you cope with an unexpected flare. Each item is designed to reduce swelling, improve circulation and create warmth in the affected area to provide relief throughout the day. These products make it easier to go about everyday activities without having to stop and deal with the pain of a flare.

Learn more about which IMAK Compression product makes sense for you by browsing the Brownmed product catalog today.

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According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, one of the major nerves in the hand is compressed. The median nerve travels from the neck down the arm to the fingers. The carpal tunnel is a passageway protecting the median nerve and flexor tendons.

When pressure is put on the carpal tunnel, the median nerve becomes overcrowded and can cause pain, numbness, weakness and a tingling sensation throughout the hand. While this condition is most commonly caused by repetitive hand use, other cases result from heredity, pregnancy, or other debilitating condition like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Here are a few alarming statistics about carpal tunnel syndrome you should know:

6 surprising statistics about CTS

1. CTS impacts 4 to 10 million Americans, according to the Rheumatology Research Foundation.
2. Middle-aged and older persons are more likely to live with the conditions than younger individuals. The average age of a person living with CTS is between 40 and 50 years old, according to the Virtual Medical Centre.   
3. Approximately 50 percent of CTS risk is determined by heredity.
4. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men, likely because their wrists tend to be smaller.
5. Some individuals who undergo surgery gain grip and pinch strength 2 to 3 months later, but some people don't notice improvement until 6 to 12 months after surgery. However, 90 percent of patients find that surgery provided long-lasting relief from common symptoms of CTS.
6. According to the Cleveland Clinic, carpal tunnel syndrome was first described in the mid-1800s and the first surgery was performed in the 1930s.

Tips for carpal tunnel syndrome pain management

If you're currently living with CTS or believe the condition could impact you in the future, consider one – or more – of the following options for pain management.

Take frequent breaks to let your wrists rest while at work, especially if you use your hands on the job all day.

Nerve gliding exercises also may be beneficial. Your doctor can recommend moves that are designed to help the median nerve move more freely, even if the carpal tunnel is compressed, according to the AAOS.

You may also consider talking to your manager about workplace ergonomics – there are various products from brands like IMAK Ergo that are designed with comfort and efficacy in mind for the office.

Instead of letting this condition keep you from completing your daily routine, try an IMAK RSI product for pain. The SmartGlove, for example, is designed to encourage proper hand and wrist position to help relieve and prevent wrist pain that's commonly associated with arthritis, tendonitis and CTS.

Check out Brownmed's IMAK Ergo and IMAK RSI products for more information on how to manage CTS pain today.

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According to the Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center, a service provided by the National Institutes of Health, arthritis is a condition that impacts joints and their surrounding tissue, such as the knees, wrists, fingers, toes and hips. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that often develops due to the overuse of certain joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that occurs because the body releases enzymes that attack the lining of the joints. Both conditions are serious and have a major impact on people living in the U.S.

Here are a few statistics you need to know about arthritis:

10 alarming statistics about arthritis

1. According to the Arthritis Foundation, this condition is the leading cause of disability among adults in the country.
2. Around 54 million adults have been diagnosed with arthritis, and 300,000 babies and children have some type of rheumatic condition.
3. About two-thirds of the adults in the U.S. who live with arthritis are between the ages 18 and 64, making a significant impact on the working world.
4. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of the condition, and it impacts about 31 million people in the U.S.
5. Arthritis is more prevalent in women than men.
6. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults who are overweight or obese are more likely to be diagnosed with arthritis than someone with a low body mass index.
7. However, more than 16 percent of adults who are considered to be at a normal weight have arthritis.
8. Between 2013 and 2015, 44 percent of adults who were diagnosed with arthritis reported that they experienced activity limitations due to their condition.
9. Adults with arthritis are 2.5 times more likely to experience two or more falls that lead to serious injury than those without the condition.
10. By the year 2040, more than 78 million Americans are expected to have an arthritis diagnosis.

Tips for arthritis pain management

If you're currently living with arthritis or the condition has the potential to affect you, there are various options for pain management to consider now or in the future.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends implementing more physical activity into your daily routine. Focus on exercises that improve posture, strength, function, and range of motion to mitigate pain and reduce its chances of occurring in the first place.

A mixture of hot and cold therapy can also help reduce inflammation. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 10 minutes, then switch to a heating pad for 10 minutes.

If you're looking for an option for pain relief that doesn't keep you from going about your daily routine, the use of IMAK Compression products can benefit you greatly. Whether you choose the gloves, elbow sleeve, wrist sleeve, knee sleeve or socks, each product is designed to help reduce swelling, improve circulation and warm the affected area to provide pain relief from conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Browse Brownmed's product portfolio for more information on IMAK Compression and other sought after brands today.

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Regular exercise is essential to healthy living. However, past injuries and general discomfort can make it more difficult to make physical activity an everyday priority. Thankfully, there are products out there that make it easier to exercise, and they can provide support and help to speed up the recovery process. Kinesiology tape and compression wear are two common methods used by physiotherapists for those who want to begin exercising after recovering from sports injuries or inflammatory conditions.

Let's take a closer look at the differences between kinesiology and compression, plus a new option that combines the benefits of kinesiology tape and compression products.

Kinesiology tape vs. compression

According to the Ontario Kinesiology Association, kinesiology is defined as the science of human movement that uses evidence-based research to develop a solution that revolves around the idea of improved health, wellness and function for all. Kinesiology is used to prevent and reduce risk factors associated with serious medical conditions and also builds strong bones and joints.

Specifically, kinesiology tape is designed to move with the body while providing muscle support and swelling reduction, as well as accelerating healing from injury and inflammatory conditions.

Compression, on the other hand, places mass pressure on the area of distress. Compression clothing comes in the form of sleeves, socks, shorts and full body guards. These pieces are designed to increase blood flow and improve performance to shorten recovery time for athletes and those who exercise regularly.

The drawback of kinesiology tape

While kinesiology tape has been used by physical therapists for years as a method for speeding up recovery, there are multiple drawbacks to this tool. First, there are specific techniques for taping, which gives this product a learning curve that the average user may not be accustomed to. There's also the general discomfort of having tape adhered to the skin – not to mention the pain and annoyance that comes with removing it, as well as the sticky residue that's left behind after the fact.

Combine compression and kinesiology with Spark Kinetic Sleeves

Instead of relying on such tape, why not try a more intuitive option that combines the science of kinesiology with the ease of compression wear? Spark Kinetic Sleeves, the newest product offered by Brownmed, use patent-pending technology to combine kinesiology tape and compression to enhance performance and provide comfortable support.

The Spark Kinetic Knee Sleeve (available now) and Spark Kinetic Ankle Sleeve, Kinetic Elbow Sleeve and Kinetic Shin Sleeves (launching in Spring 2019) are all designed with grip-track banding to stay in place, moisture-wicking fabric to enhance comfort, advanced support kinesiology taping patterns and high performance compression. With Spark Sleeves, you can turn your focus away from pain and discomfort caused by chronic inflammation or sports-related injuries. Instead, add some Spark to your next activity and focus on continuing to make moves toward improved health and wellness.

Learn more about Spark Kinetic Sleeves and browse other Brownmed compression products available today.

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While bringing new life into the world is an undeniably exciting and heart-warming experience, becoming a mom for the first time can be very intimidating. While you'll gather a lot of information from your own mother, she'll probably stick to the basics: how to soothe the baby while crying, lessons for helping your young one sleep through the night, etc.

Here are a few of the less common tips your mother never told you that can be incredibly useful during this new chapter of your life:

Make time for yourself

Your mom probably told you your child will be attached to your hip the first year of its life, but you need to remember to prioritize time for yourself. According to the American Psychological Association, 1 in 7 women experiences postpartum depression, which could result in feelings of lost self-identity. Take time to explore your interests and indulge in the things you enjoy, whether it's hanging out with loved ones or scheduling a night every week for a hobby. 

Expect interesting eating habits at first

The average newborn baby eats every two to three hours, but that doesn't mean your child will follow suit. Some babies will cluster feed, or indulge in short feeds close together over a few hours, instead of only eating a few times a day. This is likely caused by a growth spurt. Talk to your pediatrician if you're having issues keeping up with your baby.

Let your partner take over for a while

You carried the baby for nine months on your own, but that doesn't mean you're in this alone. Your baby might favor you in the first couple of months, but your partner can pitch in so you can take a break.

"He's all in, so encourage him to be in charge of bathing, reading, or tummy time (or all three)," David L. Hill, M.D., author of "Dad to Dad: Parenting Like a Pro" told Parents magazine. "They're great bonding activities—and an opportunity for you to take a breather."

Don't be afraid to let your baby cry while you get a break – this time period is important for the baby to learn who the other parent is.

Turn kangaroo care into an opportunity to multitask

Skin-to-skin contact is essential for transitioning your newborn from the womb to the real world. While sitting in your rocking chair and letting your baby nap on your chest all day every day sounds relaxing, it's not always an efficient use of your time. That's where the NuRoo Pocket comes in handy.

It's a babywearing shirt that offers full coverage and mobility so you can practice kangaroo care whether you're out in public or around the house. This newborn carrier involves no wrapping, tying or knotting; just cross and hug your baby in the soft, breathable fabric and get back to chores or taking advantage of this new form of "me" time.

Learn more about the NuRoo products offered by Brownmed today.

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While summer offered ample opportunity to get out and soak up the sun, the autumn season is just as thrilling for those who love to be outside. With fall in full swing, now's a great time to enjoy the vibrant foliage while dressed in cozy layers. You can go on a hike and take in everything nature has to offer before the snow rolls in.

Hiking offers more than breathtaking sights – it's great for the mind, body and soul.

Reasons to go on a hike this fall

Whether you're jogging flat trails or navigating though rough terrain, hiking offers a multitude of benefits.

1. Strengthen your core
It's no surprise that hiking builds strong leg muscles. But it's also a great form of cardiovascular fitness and core exercise that helps you improve your balance skills, especially when your hike includes elevated landscape or uneven trails that make it more difficult, according to Julie Corliss, executive editor of the Harvard Heart Letter.

2. Clear your mind
There's something relaxing about escaping the hustle and bustle of a normal workday: unplugging from all of your devices and letting the great outdoors embrace you. In fact, a study by Stanford University researchers published in the journal "Proceedings of the National Academy of Science" found that people who spent just 90 minutes in a natural area rather than an urban setting experience a reduction in rumination, which is repetitive negative thought.

"These results suggest that accessible natural areas may be vital for mental health in our rapidly urbanizing world," said co-author Gretchen Daily, a professor of environmental science. "Our findings can help inform the growing movement worldwide to make cities more livable, and to make nature more accessible to all who live in them."

3. Get the family together
While hiking can be a great individual escape from your normal day-to-day agenda, it's also a fun activity to enjoy with family or friends. Social isolation has a major impact on your overall health, making it essential to get out and hang out with others on a regular basis. This fall, invite a group of people to go on a bi-weekly hike until the snow begins to fall or the temperatures become too crisp.

Keep these safety tips in mind

Ensure your safety while you're on your hike with the following suggestions:

1. Stay hydrated
Even if you're not overheated during your hike, it's important to stay hydrated. A moderate-to-strenuous walk uses up a lot of the body's energy and makes you sweat, so you need to make sure you're refueling your system throughout the hike. Keep a couple of water bottles in your backpack just to be safe.

2. Protect your feet
Beyond wearing hiking boots designed specifically for walking through uneven terrain, foot orthotics can provide comfort through strenuous training like hiking. Specifically, Soft Stride products are designed with viscoelastic polymer that mimics the qualities of soft body tissue and redistributes pressure throughout the foot.

Browse the Soft Stride insoles offered by Brownmed today.

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As fall approaches, there are plenty of things to get excited about enjoying during the new season. The changing leaves, extra layers of clothing and pumpkin spiced everything make it simple to get cozy throughout autumn. The drop in temperature may also inspire you to spend more time outdoors while exercising.

It's important to remember that changing weather can impact your joints, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Low temperatures can increase the thickness of fluid in the joints, which can make it more difficult to move around if you're living with arthritis. That doesn't necessarily mean you can't get active outside this fall, however. Low-impact physical activity can be very beneficial for those with this debilitating disease.

Take advantage of crisp, cool temperatures this fall and exercise your muscles outside with these activities:

Walk in a 5K

Walking is the perfect low-impact option for strengthening your muscles, reducing stress and relieving pain associated with arthritis. With the new season comes an abundance of locally sponsored walks and races, so why not participate? Find one that supports a charity that's dear to your heart so you can walk with a purpose this season.

Take a hike

Just as walking in a 5K can benefit your body, taking a hike along your favorite nature trail is ideal for getting in your exercise while basking in all the changes the season has to offer. Just be sure you stay along the flat dirt or level path, as suggested by Davis Reyes, assistant manager of the Joint Mobility Center at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

"Walking on uneven terrain can aggravate arthritis in your hips, knees and feet," Reyes told the Arthritis Foundation.

Tend your garden

While gardening is most often associated with summertime, there are so many delicious seasonal vegetables you can harvest just in time for fall. So keep up with this hobby! What's best about gardening is it's a stress-relieving option that can also relieve pain associated with arthritis – you just have to take extra precautionary measures. Using a knee pad or scooter wagon and long-handled tools gives you more versatility and helps make gardening more comfortable. It's also important to remember to take breaks more often – too much stress on your joints for a long period of time can exacerbate arthritis pain. Make time to sit back, relax and admire your garden!

Go for a bike ride

Cycling is another option that works the legs from the hips down to your feet. Too much time spent on the bike may aggravate your knees, so make sure you listen to your body and know when it's time to take a break.

If you need more support while you exercise this fall, consider one of the many IMAK Compression products offered by BrownMed. The Arthritis Knee Sleeve, Elbow Sleeve and Shin Sleeve are all designed with breathable cotton material and provide mild compression for warmth to increase circulation, reduce pain and aid the healing process.

Learn more about IMAK Compression products today.

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Mothers can agree that bringing a baby into the world is one of the most incredible feelings, but having the opportunity to be the No. 1 source of nutrition for your child is even more amazing. While breastfeeding is a choice that not everyone decides to take, it's an advantageous option for both you and your baby.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, mothers who decide to breastfeed should exclusively do so for at least the first six months of the baby's life. That being said, no mom and baby are identical to the next, so those who breastfeed less shouldn't feel defeated. Any amount of breast milk fed to your child counts as an incredible source of nutrition.

So what else gives breastfeeding its great reputation? Here are some of the many benefits of breastfeeding your baby:

The nutritional content
As stated earlier, breastfeeding is nutritional gold for infants. For starters, it's loaded with the vitamins, protein and fat your baby needs to grow. It also contains antibodies that allow your baby to fight off viruses and bacteria, and it has been shown to reduce risk for ear infection, respiratory illness and more.

The mother-to-baby bond
For many mothers, creating a bond with your baby as soon as possible is a huge priority. Breastfeeding offers a simple way to strengthen the bond between you and your child. Skin-to-skin touching and close eye contact offer your baby a sense of security after leaving the womb.

The postpartum weight loss
Because breast milk is loaded with calories and fat to nourish your baby, you're ultimately burning those calories and fat every time you nurse! In fact, according to what infant-nutrition expert Ruth A. Lawrence, M.D. shared with lifestyle blog Fit Pregnancy, you burn dozens of calories during every solid breastfeeding session.

"Breast milk contains 20 calories per ounce," Lawrence said. "If you feed your baby 20 ounces a day, that's 400 calories you've swept out of your body."

This also counts for mothers who exclusively pump breast milk. Burning those calories can help you lose those pounds you gained during your pregnancy.

The feeling of empowerment
There's something ever-so empowering about watching your baby grow and thrive on milk that you supplied. So on top of losing pregnancy weight and developing a strong bond with your loved one, you may feel liberated – and let's be honest, it's well deserved.

If you're not so comfortable breastfeeding in public, you can try the NuRoo Multi-Use Cover. Created with breathable fabric that prevents overheating and provides coverage and protection from germs, the cover can be used while nursing and pumping. It can also be used over car seats, shopping carts and high chairs.

Anyone who has breastfed in the past or currently nurses knows how taxing it can be, from a physical, mental and emotional standpoint. It's common to feel overwhelmed during this time, but these benefits can push you to the end! However long you choose to breastfeed, just remember how truly advantageous it can be for both you and your little one.

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