The Hic-Cup – 2006’s Hottest New Gadget
Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Karen B. Cohen relates that the company has been overwhelmed by the public’s response to the subject of hiccup remedies. “Every appearance on radio or television that our inventor and CEO Phil Ehlinger has made in the past couple of weeks has created a huge buzz and immediate direct response from consumers.” Ehlinger adds, “People have their favorite hiccup remedies that they are surprisingly passionate about. The huge number of people that suffer from singultus and don’t find relief with folk remedies are extremely passionate about The Hic-Cup.” Internet searches reveal over 500 hiccup remedies described on the Web.
In addition, according to Cohen, communications experts, including broadcast professionals covering the story, have quickly recognized the potential of the Hic-Cup as peak performance insurance and they have been rushing to purchase the device for themselves. The story about this innovative gadget began in the Philadelphia media market, but was quickly picked up and broadcast nationally. Philadelphia talk radio host Michael Smerconish has led discussion on the device on several recent shows (BigTalk1210AM) and has endorsed The Hic-Cup as working for him personally.
The “anti-hiccup” cup has emerged as a “must-have” item for reporters, disc jockeys, and speakers who recognize the risks of singultus as a post modern performance problem. Singultus detracts from professionalism and credibility during public speaking occasions, and as Ehlinger emphasizes, “The Hic-Cup is ultra low cost ‘professional performance insurance’ for speakers, teachers, broadcasters, performers, sales professionals, and everyone who uses their voice as a business tool.” Constructed of stainless steel and brass, the device affords its owners with an attractive, durable, portable and easily cleaned apparatus for controlling singultus outbreaks. Thanks to the Hic-Cup, hiccup sufferers can be liberated from this plaguing condition.
According to WebMD, “A hiccup is an involuntary spasmodic contraction of the muscle at the base of the lungs (diaphragm) followed by the rapid closure of the vocal cords.” Despite the jokes and folklore remedies surrounding the condition, chronic hiccups classify as a legitimate medical problem that affects people of all ages. Using natural galvanic action to stimulate the Vagus and Phrenic nerves, the Hic-Cup administers quick, safe, pain-free sub-sensory bio-electric therapy to re-establish proper function of the esophagus and diaphragm. The Hic-Cup affords singultus sufferers a sanitary medical device, completely free of side-effects or risk, to control embarrassing, disruptive and often painful bouts of hiccups.
Chronic hiccup sufferers report their condition as more than just a distressing nuisance. Singultus adversely affects the ability to perform activities requiring precision work and focused concentration – including but not limited to machinery operation, golfing, archery, darts, target shooting, sculpting, painting, and many other skills. Even poker players report that a case of hiccups can ruin their performance. In cases where laser-focused concentration, a calm demeanor, and a steady hand are critical, The Hic-Cup offers immediate protection from disruptive hiccups for better job/skill performance and increased confidence.
The Hic-Cup cannot yet be found in stores. The sleek, modern looking cup can be purchased by phone or at the Hic-Cup website. It is completely guaranteed, and actually, the company recommends seeing a health care professional if the device fails to work. Some illnesses and medical conditions associated with chronic hiccups include: esophageal cancer, pleurisy of the diaphragm, pneumonia, uremia, alcoholism, disorders of the stomach or esophagus, and bowel diseases, pancreatitis, pregnancy, bladder irritation, liver cancer, hepatitis, surgery and tumors.
