When Should You Use a Massage Chair and How Often

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Everyone wants to cool down and relax, but time and other factors affect this opportunity. That’s why most people find a way to stay and rest inside their homes, and a massage chair can help you achieve maximum relaxation. Aside from leisure activities, having a massage chair highly contributes to enjoyment. 

When To Use Massage Chairs

There are many reasons why people love massage chairs. The majority are for physical body improvement. This list will discuss the additional motivations to appreciate it more. 

1. If You Need to Reduce Stress

Stress in a challenging environment is expected. Without any aid or treatment, this may inhibit a person from other activities. To prevent this, a brief massage session might benefit in decompression. According to Engen (2012), a massage session can decrease levels of anxiety and fatigue. Four sessions with 15-minute duration prove the decrease in stress without any effects on heart rate.

2. If You Want to Relieve Pain

Studies by Cabak et al. (2016) assert the reduction of physical tension and muscle pains. These are visible in the lower and upper back, shoulders, and arms. With its continuous usage, you can enjoy the advantages in your own time and space. A massage chair with ZeroGravity and SL-track will cater to these. 

3. To Stretch Muscles and Improve Flexibility

Most muscle pains are from overexertion. It can be painful and restricts our mobility. A massage session helps to improve movements and prevent injuries. As we get rid of muscle tension and tightness, this allows us to move freely. 

4. If You’re Tight on Budget

Kim et al. (2020) reveal the cost-effectiveness of massage chairs compared to physical therapies. A great alternative for professional masseurs if you’re on a budget. You can consider this as an investment for your well-being. A standard massage chair ranges from $500 to $5000. Yet, if you are for high-quality and warranty, you probably need to save more.

5. To Feel Positive Vibes

Massage therapy enhances endorphin levels. Endorphins are known as “feel good” hormones. Our bodies naturally release as we become active. It triggers other hormones – oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin- whenever we feel good. These brain chemicals/hormones improve mental state, including memory, sleeping cycle, and focus. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Often Should You Use Massage Chairs?

You can use massage chairs three to four times a week, depending on your body preference. The duration is usually set between 10 to 15 minutes. Boost your day with a good headstart through this simple routine. 

2. Where to Get High-Quality Massage Chairs?

Masseuse Massage Chairs dedicate their newest technology to this matter. “Australia’s Massage Chair Specialists” have the perfect product for your needs. They offer massage chairs with ZeroGravity, SL-Tracking, and other adaptable features. 

3. What are ZeroGravity and SL-Track? 

ZeroGravity is known as a massage chair’s most therapeutic and unique reclining position. NASA created this feature for astronauts to cope effectively with stress caused by gravity. It elevates the lower body to relax the upper body parts. At the same time, an SL-track feature is great for spine posture. 

Conclusion

The list goes on and on for massage chairs, and there are lots of variations to choose from. It only varies on your preferences, budget, and physical needs. Giving yourself a little pampering after a complex task is indeed beneficial. An alone session sitting on a massage chair is what we all deserve.

Reference:

Biggers, A., Carteron, N., & Spritzler, F. (2019). Muscle Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention. Healthline. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/muscle-aches#common-causes 

Biggers, A., Bubnis, D., Raypole, C., & Landes, E. (2021). Endorphins: Functions, Levels, and Natural Boosts. Healthline. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/endorphins#vs-dopamine 

Bubnis, D., Raypole, C., Legg, T. J., & Spritzler, F. (2019, September 27). How to Increase Endorphins: 13 Tips. Healthline. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-endorphins#massage 

Cabak, A., Kotynia, P., Banasiński, M., Obmiński, Z., & Tomaszewski, W. (2016). The Concept of” Chair Massage” in the Workplace as Prevention of Musculoskeletal Overload and Pain. Ortopedia, Traumatologia, Rehabilitacja, 18(3), 279-288

de Souza, T., Kurebayashi, L., de Souza-Talarico, J. N., & Turrini, R. (2021). The effectiveness of Chair Massage on Stress and Pain in Oncology. International journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork, 14(3), 27–38. https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v14i3.619

Engen, D. (2012). Measuring the Feasibility and the Effects of Chair Massage on Pain and Discomfort in the Cardiac Sonographer – Full-Text View. ClinicalTrials.gov. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00975026 

Kim, S. K., Min, A., Jeon, C., Kim, T., Cho, S., Lee, S. C., & Lee, C. K. (2020). Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of massage chair therapy versus basic physiotherapy in lower back pain patients: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine, 99(12), e19514. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000019514 

Charlotte Brewery Wins Gold At 2022 American Beer Festival

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This weekend, Charlotte’s own Legion Brewing received news that its brand-new “Hop Chiller” Cold IPA took home a Gold award in a national beer competition hosted by the 2022 Great American Beer Festival (GABF).

GABF’s competition, professionally judged and recognized by brewers worldwide, only awards the difficult-to-achieve gold medal to beers that earn this symbol of brewing excellence, with ideal taste, aroma and appearance.

Many people are familiar with India Pale Ale (IPAs for short) beers, but some may have lesser familiarity with the “Cold IPA” sub-category, which is a hybrid IPA, typically with a golden color, hop haze and clean malt profile, like some West Coast varieties. Legion’s Hop Chiller is fermented at a lower temperature than normal, giving it a distinct taste from other brews.

Hop Chiller won GABF’s “Gold” award for 2022 in the Cold IPA category over similar entries from more than 50 other competitors. It was also the only traditional IPA style beer from a Charlotte brewery to take home a gold award.

Could the Charlotte Hornets have a season like Leicester City F.C.?

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The Charlotte Hornets seemed to be projected up a couple of seasons ago. They were the darlings of the NBA. After drafting LaMelo Ball, they had a likable star who shared the ball and just missed the playoffs through the play-in game. Last year, they finished in the same position, but the mood had dampened after not making any progress on a solid opening. 

The Charlotte Hornets look like they could be heading for a similar situation to what has happened to Leicester City F.C. in the Premier League. But how have they gotten here? 

Not as good as last year

Leicester City F.C. were on the ascendancy, similarly to the Hornets. They threatened to break into the top four two seasons ago but missed out on the final day. Likewise, they failed to build on their young core last year and dropped down the table. Heading into this season, football betting tips would have suggested they had the potential to finish in the top six. Now, they are the third favorite to get relegated at +188. Similarly, the Charlotte Hornets are -400 not to make this season’s NBA playoffs.

But what has happened? The front office has failed to put a decent squad around LaMelo Ball, going with older players like Gordan Hayward and Mason Plumlee. Also, giving contracts to Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr. may not have been the most innovative business. They are decent players, but not up to the standard of a second star like Ball needs by his side. 

It must be said the Hornets players have had a number of off-court issues, which will hamper their team next season. However, owner Michael Jordan doesn’t have a proven track record of being able to surround stars he has drafted with other talented players.

Next year’s NBA draft is stacked

One advantage of being in the NBA over the Premier League is what happens when you finish at the bottom. If Leicester continues its disastrous season and finishes in the bottom three, they will be relegated to the EFL Championship. It would be a significant blow to a club that won the Premier League as recently as 2016. 

However, the Hornets could not have hand-picked a better season to be a terrible NBA team. As we all know, the teams who finish the season with the worst three records in the NBA have a 14.00% of winning the draft lottery. This year is especially enticing as the top prospect is touted as being the best thing since LeBron James. If I was the Hornets, I’d like to have the next big thing on my squad.

LaMelo Ball needs help

This leads us to LaMelo Ball and his need for talent around him. The player is still young enough that a bad season could help him in the long run. If his team tanks this season, he may lose a lot of games and not get any playoff reps. But it could lead to a potentially high draft pick which could be the best way of getting a second star on the roster. It may hurt in the short term, but it’s the best way for Ball to find success in the league.

The Hornets are in for a turbulent NBA season. As a franchise, they haven’t enjoyed much success in the past few seasons. Nevertheless, one bad year could be followed by a team-altering draft pick, which could finally change their stature in the league.  

Five Methods to Clear Your Skin

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Skin is, in many ways, the manifestation of everything that is going on with your body. It excretes chemicals from the inside of your body and responds to external factors. The way your skin looks is dependent upon many things. When you want to improve your skin, clear it up, and prolong the formation of wrinkles, luckily there are a lot of things you can do. Whether you’re young and want to tackle acne or are getting older and want to do something about your inflammation, below are five methods to clear your skin.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise is one of the most important activities for many reasons. It improves your overall mental and physical health. When you are working out frequently, you are constantly toning your body, losing weight, and feeling better. But working out can also do wonders for your skin. When you sweat, your skin is being hydrated. It results in that natural glow people are talking about. Still, after you exercise it’s necessary to shower and clean yourself to avoid the formation of acne from sweat and friction.

Avoid Greasy and Fatty Foods

Your skin is deeply affected by what you eat. If you are ingesting a lot of greasy and fatty foods, the grease will come out in your skin. Hamburgers and pizza can cause acne. You will look bloated and inflamed. When you eat poorly, it naturally shows in the skin. The grease must come out somewhere. A lot of the time people experience excess grease in their pores when they eat a lot of grease, oil, and fat in their diets. Avoid these foods and your skin will improve.

Cut Down on Drinking

Drinking is a big cause of inflammation, bloating, and redness in the skin. Think about it. Alcohol is poison. When you drink a lot, your liver is trying to process the chemical and can’t do it. The result is that you have unfavorable physical attributes. For example, one of the ways that drinking shows in the body is through the skin. When you are drinking a lot, your skin won’t look good. You will get more acne. You will be bloated and red. You will be puffy with inflammation. So, if you want to clear up your skin and avoid puffiness and wrinkles, give your liver a break and cut down on drinking.

Supplement Hormones

Skin is also impacted by the level of hormones in the body. This is especially the case for women, but the wrong balance can affect men too. If this is an issue for you, you should try something like ClearStem Skincare’s MindBodySkin. This product is a hormone supplement that can provide balance and therefore better skin. When you don’t have the right hormone balance in the body, it can result in acne and other skin issues. You might need a hormone test to see where you’re at, but if you need a supplement that is a good place to start.

Use the Right Products for Your Skin Type

Finally, another important part of your skincare effort should include a regimen with products that work for you. It’s vital to purchase products for your skin type. If you have oily skin, you will need products that help you dry it out. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, you will need to add a healthy dash of oil, so it doesn’t become dry and irritated all the time. It is certainly not a one-product-fits-all when it comes to skincare items. If you’re not sure what your skin needs, you should consult a dermatologist. They will be able to tell you exactly what kind of skincare products would work for you and your skin type.

There are a lot of factors that go into how your skin looks and feels. One thing that will also help everyone is to get better sleep. If you are eating right, exercising, drinking less, sleeping more, taking supplements, and using the right products, the chances are that your skin will look and feel great. If you still can’t seem to find the equilibrium in your skin, you should talk to a dermatologist to see what’s wrong and what you can do. But usually, if you are living a healthy life it will show in your skin.

The Panthers Just Fired Head Coach Matt Rhule

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After another disappointing 37-15 loss to the 49ers yesterday, the Panthers organization has just decided to fire head coach Matt Rhule.

Coach Rhule will be leaving the organization with an 11-27 record (.289 winning percentage).

According to a press release, he’ll be immediately replaced by interim head coach and former defensive pass game coordinator Steve Wilks. 53-year-old Wilks spent 1 year as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, and 6 years on the Panthers staff from 2012-17.

What do you think about the decision?

No-Swim Advisory Issued For Lake Norman After 900 Gallon of Raw Sewage Discharged

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A no-swim advisory has been issued for Lake Norman after roughly 900 gallons of raw sewage was discharged.

According to Lincoln County officials, the discharge was cause by a sewer main brake. The line has now been sealed and testing of the discharge site has commenced.

The spill occurred near 3989 Blue Dory Lane in Denver, which sits in a cove about halfway up the lake on the west side:

The Lincoln County Health Department urging all residents and boaters in the area not to swim or contact the water in in any way.

The advisory will remain in effect until 2 samples come back as having less than 200 millimeters of fecal coliform count.

Since 2020, rents in the Charlotte suburbs are up by 33%

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Over the past two and a half years, the rental market has been on a rollercoaster ride, as the pandemic has shaken up the ways that we live and work. As remote has made proximity to the office less of a concern for housing choice, one result has been that the suburbs of large metros have been experiencing notably faster rent growth than the core cities that they surround.

In a new report, ApartmentList.com explore this shift in rental demand away from downtown and toward the suburbs. They found that, since March of 2020, rents have increased by an average 19.8% in the core cities of large metros, while the suburbs of these metros have seen rents spike by 27.2%.
A few key takeaways for the Charlotte region include:
  • In the first year of the pandemic, rents in the city of Charlotte rose by 0.5%, compared to an increase of 5.1% in the metro’s surrounding suburbs.
  • From the start of the pandemic to present, Charlotte rents are up by 27.9%, while the metro’s suburbs have seen rents rise by 33.2%.
  • Among the 39 metros that we analyzed, 33 have seen rent growth in the suburbs outpacing that of the core cities. On average, rent growth has been fastest in the suburbs that sit farthest from the urban core.

For a more in-depth analysis of these trends, check out the full report here.

Ally Charlotte Center Unveils Advanced Data-Driven Art in Uptown

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StandardVision was recently commissioned to produce new permanent data-driven artwork for Ally Charlotte Center by Crescent Communities. The engaging, site-specific animation translates demographic, cultural, environmental, and geographic data about the city into digital art, forming a narrative between the recently completed building, its forward-thinking designers and developers, and the Charlotte region.

The company sourced data from both the topography of the city and the landscape of Charlotte’s community to animate and activate the entrance and lobby of Ally Charlotte Center. The immersive digital art installation creates an engaging and technology-forward centerpiece for the mixed-use block. Located in the heart of Charlotte’s transit-oriented Stonewall corridor near the center of Uptown and bustle of South End, the building serves as a new landmark for today’s visitors and employees and the future of this ever-growing metropolis.

Geode is a unique lenticular art piece consisting of 32 custom high-resolution LED digital panel columns—16 on each side of the lobby—connected overhead with a series of linear colored lights. The alternating orientations of these angled digital panels create a subtle, mesmerizing, two-way viewing experience that evolves based on the viewer’s angle, perspective, and elapsed time.

The vision for Geode was inspired by the history and context of the development’s site. The land Ally Charlotte Center stands on today was once a quarry for the City Rock Crushing Company in the early 1900s. The site’s geologic features and past uses inspired the overall design of the building, including the precast concrete exoskeleton grid that wraps the tower’s glass façade. The building’s lobby, the hollow cavity within the rock, includes a pristine central white box lined with the jewel-like digital artwork, an array of vertical digital canvases that feature constantly evolving data-driven art.

Geode leverages meaningful local data which subtly speaks to a progressive and inspiring outlook on the quality of life in Charlotte, NC. The colors selected are intended to both complement their corresponding datasets on a conceptual level and create an overall harmonious palette of evergreen content. Expanding the possibilities of holistic design concepts, StandardVision and Crescent Communities were able to demonstrate how Charlotte city databases can create a contextual and relevant centerpiece of constantly transforming beauty for tenants and visitors alike.

Geode at Ally Charlotte Center serves to unify the broader community and celebrate the region. It paves the way for future-forward concepts as the city experiences growth and enrichment, honoring natural landscapes and the Charlotte community. The progressive digital design welcomes tenants and visitors alike, further activating this iconic block and cultivating accessible public art experiences within the city of Charlotte.

“The programmability of the digital technology and its timeless integration within the design allows the lobby to constantly evolve over the life of the building. We hope that our design and implementation of Geode distinguishes Ally Charlotte Center as one of the most unique and innovative lobbies, in support of the vision and goals of both Crescent Communities and Ally Financial. Our team hopes to create an experience that is memorable and leaves both the visitors to and occupants of Ally Charlotte Center, as well as the larger community, both informed and inspired, with a lasting impression and desire to come back to this new destination in Uptown,” said Amy Bezanson, Director of Design, Crescent Communities.

How to Choose the Right Dining Chairs for Your House

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Those who enjoy hosting dinner parties are likely to take pride in their dining area. Dining rooms come in a wide range of styles and sizes, each with its layout and furnishings. However, a good dining room must feature comfortable seating for every diner.

If you have a beautiful dining table but no chairs, choosing the appropriate chair for it should be your top priority. By reading on, find out how to choose the best dining chairs for your home.

Getting the Right Dining Chairs

Your dining chairs should complement the scale and design of the table, but they need not match. The following factors should guide your decision:

1. Size

For convenience, your dining chairs and table should be roughly the same size. The standard height for a dining room table is 30 inches, with an average of 28 or 31 inches. When taking measurements, you should factor in the table’s apron and other features.

2. Seat Height

Seat height is another factor to consider while selecting dining chairs. Seat height refers to the measurement from the floor to the top of the seat. Based on this dimension, you can tell if a chair will fit easily under a table.

Think about how big your table is and try out different chairs to find the right seat height for your table. When looking for chairs, it can be helpful to have a small measuring tape with you so you can write down the exact measurements. 

3. Width

Scale is about more than just heights. It’s also helpful if your chairs are the correct width and can tuck neatly under the table when not in use. No matter the table’s design, ensure that your chairs don’t bump into the legs or the base of a pedestal or trestle table.

Also, chairs with arms add a few more inches to the width. For dining rooms with limited spaces, chairs without arms are a good choice, or you can arrange chairs with arms at the table’s head and foot.

4. Arm and Back Measurements

When you sit down, you don’t want the tops of the chair arms to scrape or hit the table’s base or apron. This may break the chair arms and prevent guests from sitting near the table. The height should vary by two inches.

5. Material And Style

Tables and chairs should match aesthetically. Material and style must complement each other without being an exact match. So select chairs that share a design feature with your table. This can be the color of the table legs.

Additionally, you should avoid selecting chairs that are identical in appearance to your table. By adding contrast, you may be able to make the room more exciting and lively while still giving it a sense of order and unity.

Conclusion

Dining rooms come in many different styles and sizes, each with its layout and set of furniture. But a good dining room should have seating that is comfortable for everyone. If you have a lovely dining table but no chairs, use this post as a guide to help you choose the right ones.

References: https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/rooms/how-to-choose-the-right-size-dining-chairs-T1082

https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/2017/11/how-to-pick-the-right-dining-chair/

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-choose-chairs-for-your-dining-table-1313436

https://www.livingspaces.com/inspiration/ideas-advice/guides/how-to-choose-a-dining-room-chair

A Guide to Finding the Right Shoes for Any Outfit

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Whether you’re a shoe lover or not, shoes are a vital part of your outfit. You must ensure a proper balance between comfort and fashion while not having to blow a hole in your finances. There are several considerations for finding the best shoes for all types of outfits:

Look for a Shop That Screams You

Find a store that meets your fashion style and standards to avoid disappointment. Make sure you are browsing in the right place if you’re looking for a pair of lifestyle shoes. To buy the latest shoes and keep up with trends. 

Consider The Agenda or Event

Knowing the activity or occasion makes lifestyle shoe shopping easier, and you’ll be able to distinguish the appropriate attire. If you’re shopping for shoes for a vibrant party, opt for bolder colors or anything that will make you stand out. If you’re shopping for a formal event, choose neutral shoes because they give off a clean appearance. See this guide to provide insights on how to identify the appropriate attire for different occasions, as well as tips on how to find student discounts by category.

Choosing Shoes: a Shade Darker is Classic

Choose lifestyle shoes a shade deeper than your clothing A cherry-colored blouse and fiery red shoes. A lot of people won’t be able to tell the colors apart. But your reds won’t clash, and you’ll look bomb in that outfit.

Don’t Compete Colors With Your Outfit

It’s important to remember that the color of your shoes ought to match the color of your clothing. Instead of purchasing a pair of shoes in colors you enjoy, go for something that complements your attire. For instance, shoes with solid, strong hues like black or white are practical and match anything in your closet.

Avoid Matching Textures With The Whole Look

Be mindful not to match the materials of your lifestyle shoes and clothing. Instead, choose lifestyle shoes with matching textures and designs, such as velvety or silver, to give your look more substance. The key here is not to simply rely on color but consider the texture to keep the flattering aspect of the outfit intact. 

You can Make Your Fashion Statement.

Well, there are no boundaries in fashion. Overmatching might make you look cartoonish, but a well-chosen combination of complementary colors can defy expectations and reveal a high-fashion appearance. Never mix and match items without first considering their form, color, and material, but don’t let that stop you from exploring your aesthetic.

Choose Comfort Over Anything Else

Despite how good the shoe appears from the outside, you shouldn’t buy it if it doesn’t feel comfortable when you wear it. Pay attention to the footwear’s details, check the quality, and consider how long it will last. Examining the shoe quality guarantees that the item is worth its price, and you’ll have no regrets shortly.

Conclusion

Your shoe preferences and aesthetics speak volumes about yourself and your sense of style. It says more when you can easily choose shoes that complement your attire and, most importantly, give you comfort. Given the variety of clothing and shoe designs available, finding the right balance is crucial to avoiding an odd appearance.

References:

https://mentalitch.com/4-tips-for-finding-the-right-shoe-for-each-outfit/

https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-match-your-shoes-to-your-outfit

https://ponbee.com/shoes-match-your-outfit/

https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2015/12/rules-for-matching-your-sneakers-to-your-outfit/make-your-own-rules-so-you-can-break-them