How to lose 5 pounds

I have always had to battle weight and the always hungry feeling every day.. But in the past year or two I decided I wanted to feel better -- mentally and physically. This is what I did to help me go down one dress size and to keep the weight off.

1. When I feel hungry I take a deep breath and tell myself to relax. A warmer helps relax tight muscles and can help make me feel better for awhile.

2. I try to find something to do that I know will keep me so preoccupied that it will help me forget about feeling hungry until the next meal time.

3. Reduce meal portions.

4. I joined an exercise class. Having other people to exercise with is fun and a help.

5. I try to snack on healthy foods - fruit, veggies, small amounts of nuts and cheese, and high fiber items like popcorn.

6. I never ever think of dieting -- it would cause me to eat more! Changing lifestyle and setting reasonable goals is important.

I feel pretty good that I was able to achieve my goal. Now the goal is to go down one more dress size over the next year and not be miserable doing it.

Above all, it is important to have fun and to be able to enjoy all foods in moderation. Find a friend who has similar goals and offer each other gentle reminders to take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy what is around you without eating.

Maine Warmers offers microwave heating pads and ice packs to relax tight muscles. They make great get-well gifts for people recovering from surgery or who are temporarily inactive due to illness. Their Cozy Bears and Moose are great for hunters who come in from a day outside with cold hands and feet!

Relief for sinus headaches

A sinus headache that will not go away with decongestants may indicate an infection or possibly some blockage of the sinuses. To loosen mucus so that the sinuses may drain ask your doctor about taking an expectorant.

The Cleveland Clinic offers a description and information on sinus headaches.

Taking a hot shower, sipping hot tea and breathing the warm vapor, and drinking plenty of fluids helps. An ice pack on the forehead for an unbearable sinus headache my help reduce the swelling. Sitting with a bowl of hot water under your chin also provided some relief. Doctors often recommend taking an expectorant which can break down the sinus pressure, relieving the pressure.

Maine Warmers’ Mainely Ice pack that is gentle on the skin and face. It has a strap with Velcro that can
keep it in place while one is reclining.

If heat is what you need, then this ice pack may be microwaved for soothing heat for the face, back, neck, elbow, or knee. Maine Warmers offers a variety of microwave heating pads and gentle ice packs to help relieve stiff necks and backs.

Hassles of using a bag of frozen peas for cold therapy

Physicians often recommend icing a pulled muscle by using a bag of frozen peas to help reduce the swelling during the first 48 hours after an injury. Holding a bag of frozen peas in place becomes quite tedious after a few minutes. Ten to fifteen minutes can seem like hours!

To find out when to use heat or ice for a specific injury go to the Mayo Clinic or National Institutes of Health. They have reliable up-to-date information and recommended resources for more research.

Maine Warmers makes a soft flannel case to hold a one pound bag of frozen peas and has an adjustable strap to hold it in place. No need to be bothered with holding onto it to keep it from sliding to the floor. See their Mainely Ice Pack.

After thawing and refreezing a bag of frozen peas it seems best not to cook and eat them. But if they are stored in the freezer inside the flannel pouch then they’ll be ready to cool you on a hot summer day, to ease the pain or itch of an insect bite, or to help sooth a mild burn.

If putting cold peas on an injury feels too harsh then one may purchase an insert of whole corn filling to use instead of the peas. The water content in whole corn has been reduced, therefore the filling will not get as cold as frozen peas (or frozen corn).

Whole corn has the versatility of being able to go in the microwave and provide heat after the swelling has
gone down. Mainely Ice may be purchased with a whole corn-filled insert that weighs about 1 and 1/2 lb.

Heat therapy will help relax tight muscles, improve flexibility, and aid in stimulating circulation.

Whole corn will not pop in the microwave and does not require added fragrances – unlike rice socks. Microwave heat packs are more convenient than conventional electric heating pads and hot water bottles.

Check out Maine Warmers Mainely Ice Packs.

Tips for Preventing Back Pain

Back pain interrupts life and takes the joy right out of living, turning a person into a pain in the neck. Pain can make us grouchy and can also disrupt our routine. Taking time off from work because of back pain isn’t the way most folks want to spend a day off.

Here are a few tips to help keep you ship-shape.

• Exercises help strengthen torso muscles which support the back. 
• Building stronger bodies with good nutrition is essential to health. 
• Practice good posture. 
• When sitting at a computer to keep feet flat on floor, knees lower than hips, computer screen at eye level, and stretch every half hour.
• Being aware of sleeping position, stretching, and taking care when lifting and bending - using the knees – not the back – are important to maintaining a pain free back.

Health A to Z deals with many aspects of back pain, including symptoms, ways to deal with it, and general information to help you through a painful time. The Mayo Clinic also has good information about dealing with back pain and muscle spasms.

Minor back pain involving muscles can often be remedied with rest along with cold therapy during the first 48 hours. Icing may help reduce swelling and thus pain. Moist heat therapy will help relax tight muscles, help circulation and flexibility. The Mayo Clinic has information on cold and heat therapies.

Maine Warmers sells moist heat packs that can be microwaved and used in any room in the house. No Back Warmers, Neck Warmers, in basic shapes and in animal shapes that make lovely get-well gifts.
wires, messy hot water bottles, or worry of falling asleep as with electric heating pads. Best of all – Maine Warmers' products can be frozen and used for gentle cold therapy. They go from the freezer to the microwave to the freezer again! Maine Warmers offers

A Pain in the Wrist

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (Pronunciation)

A pain in the wrist at the base of the thumb may be caused by repetitive motion that in turn causes inflammation of the sheath (Tenosynovium) through which tendons pass. Continued friction during repetitive motion causes the condition to worsen. Self-care includes taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, icing the area about 3 – 4 times a day for 15 minutes each time, splinting, and discontinuing the activity that caused it.

Usually a doctor can do a simple test, The Finklestein test, (no kidding) to help diagnose the condition. For more information go to Medicine Doctor or the Mayo Clinic.

Icing an injury can be uncomfortable and it is important to avoid skin damage by using ice for no more than 15 minutes at a time no more than once per hour.

For ice that is gentle and won’t harm the skin try freezing a Maine Warmers' microwave heating pad. All of Neck Warmers and Back Warmers wrap around a hand or wrist and can be used for other body parts as an added bonus.
Maine Warmers’ products may be used for either heat or cold. When you are over the icing stage and you need heat to help relax sore muscles or improve flexibility try heating it in the microwave. Maine Warmers’ microwave heating pads are safe and easy to use. Their

Neck Stiffness

The neck is where the spinal column connects to the brain, and it supports the head. Taking care of the neck is critical to good health. Healthline provides an article that addresses the question - when does one call a doctor for neck pain or stiffness? Another excellent source of information on neck pain is the National Institute’s for Health – Medline Plus. They have a similar article on this subject.

Injury that causes severe pain or stiffness requires immediate medical attention. If one cannot touch the chin to the chest then professional medical advice should be sought. Neck pain that does not go away after a week is reason to seek a physician’s help. Neck stiffness accompanied by tingling sensations in the arm or hand is another.

Neck stretching exercises help with flexibility. Of course a good diet and regular exercise can keep the body in general good health. Talk with a physical therapist or a professional trainer about exercises to strengthen the neck.

General stiffness from sleeping the wrong way, over-excursion during physical exercise, or muscle tension may be treated with over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs. If swelling is the problem then cold therapy is generally recommended. Icing the area for 48 hours at intervals of 15 minutes – no more than once per hour – may help. For more information on when and how to ice an injury please consult your physician. The two articles mentioned here have more information on dealing with neck stiffness.

According to the Mayo Clinic, heat will relax stiff muscles, help flexibility, and stimulate circulation. A heating pad may help relieve stiffness once the swelling has gone down or is not involved.

Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads – Neck Warmers - offer moist heat that goes easily from room to Maine Warmers extra long Alligator Neck Warmer for a fun way to feel better.
room or in the car. There isn’t any worry of falling asleep as with an electric heating pad and not messy hot water bottles. Frozen, they provide soothing comforting cold – no harshness or inconvenience of melting ice cubes.

Getting Young Children to Eat Healthy Foods

Young children watch what their parents eat as much as they listen, learn, and immitate language. Just as we engage children and help them learn new words, we also can help them learn about nutritious foods and hopefully develop tastes for them.

Make shopping for food a fun activity. Sit a young child – age two or older – in the top part of the cart in a grocery store so he or she is eye level with many products on the shelves. Point out foods that are healthy and what are not, talk about the color and how pretty they look. Enjoy it! Spend time in the fresh fruit and veggie department at your local grocery store pointing out foods you know they like. Ask them to name the foods they see. Give your child positive reinforcement about liking foods that will boost their energy levels and help them grow. Point out a food that they have not tried and tell them about it. Ask if they’d like to try it. If they don’t want to try it ask another time – but don’t hound them about it. Talk about a few foods that you like and some you don’t like. Let them know that when you were a child there were foods you didn’t like but now you do.

Set a good example, let your children see you try new foods and eat wholesome foods. When they see you enjoying new foods they may be more open to trying them – especially as they get older and their tastes for foods expands.

Children seem to love smoothies. Here is one of my favorites:

1 cup orange juice
½ cup soft tofu
1 ripe banana
4 or 5 frozen strawberries
1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)

Put ingredients in blender in the order listed. Blend for 30 seconds or until the ingredients become smooth. Refrigerate if your child likes food cold. You drink some and share it with your youngster.

“It wasn’t always easy getting my two children to eat veggies. Engaging them in discussions and preparation helped,” says Betsy Hanscom, author of this blog.

She is president of Maine Warmers, LLC, and designer of microwave heating pads. Maine Warmers in the shape of Bears  can be frozen and used as gentle ice packs to help reduce swelling and pain. Their Cozy Sheep and Bunnies also  make lovely get well gifts for kids with arthritis.

How to ice an injury

When we have an injury -- pulled muscles, sprains, bumps, bruises, or broken bones -- reducing swelling within the first 48 hours is usually what the doctor recommends. After that time the effect of icing diminishes.

Move the ice around almost as if massaging the the injury with it.

Keep the body part elevated above the heart while icing and do not exceed 15 to 20 minutes of icing per session. Allow 45 minutes between icing.

Remember the word RICE -- rest, ice, compression (like an ace bandage, but not too tight), and elevation.

You can make your own ice pack by putting ice cubes in a plastic bag, but be careful to not put ice directly on the skin. Use frozen paper cups of water or a bag of frozen peas or corn.

You can reduce swelling without the discomfort of harsh cubes by freezing a bag of whole corn. Or you may "Mainely Ice" at Maine Warmers also called a "Knee Pack" but can be used on other body parts. All of their products can be frozen for soothing cold therapy and can later be microwaved when you need heat to help improve flexibility and circulation. Their Neck Warmers wrap around knees and elbows.
purchase a products called

If you know a child who has been injured and needs an ice or heat pack check out Maine Warmers’ Comforting Creatures. They make perfect get well gifts as they do not look medicinal and decorate a bed or chair when not in use.

Sheep Chronicles

Sheep Chronicles

From a distance sheep appear fluffy & lovely, but up close they aren’t quite as pristine. I guess a lot of things in life are like that.

When I was a teenager my parents rented a house in Lyman, Maine, where the landlady, Hazel, and her husband, Harry, raised prize sheep. Her apple orchard of about twenty trees in our front yard bore the best Cortlands. The drops that were too far gone we would feed to the delighted sheep. They got used to our delectable handouts and six of them would rush to the fence whenever we appeared. Hazel named and recognized each of those ewes just like she did people.

Looking back, it seemed like a picture perfect existence – sheep, apple trees, green fields, and a lake with dock, a canoe, and a path through the sheep field. But of course it wasn’t. The summer was lonely after moving to Maine from a town just a few miles from the George Washington Bridge – on the Jersey side. It was July, and before school started in September I met one girl with whom I had little in common and who lived four miles away. The sheep weren’t very good company even if they came when I called.

The following winter, Hazel invited me up to the barn to watch the birth of a lamb. The barn was cold but she had heating lamps placed around the birthing coral. The mother ewe looked stressed as any female would be moments before giving birth. She practiced licking for when her lamb would be born and she would have to clean it. Suddenly on the hay was a bluish sack of unrecognizable mucus. Hazel jumped to action with towels to clean and free the new born lamb and make sure it was breathing. The new mother ewe took a few licks and happily accepted Hazel’s help. Within minutes the lamb was trying to stand. She was white, pink, and pristine – such beauty from what looked like a glob of mucus on the ground. I guess life is like that too. Sometimes good things come out of ugly situations -- like moving to Maine and finding friends after a lonely summer.

Maine Warmers' Cozy Sheep provides comforting companionship and never needs to be fed -- just Comforting Creatures like Polar Bears, Dachshunds, and more are available at Maine Warmers and at stores throughout the US. All of their products may be frozen for gentle cold therapy.
microwave for soothing heat to relieve the pain of sore backs and stiff necks. This cuddly ewe  makes a lovely get well gift for people recovering from surgery or dealing with an illness that leaves them feeling cold. Other Maine Warmers' fun

Treasuring Time with Elderly Parents

Balancing work and family is always a challenge. Today I played when I should have been working. I wanted to spend time with my father who is 87. Most of his friends have passed away, he can’t drive, can’t see or hear well, walks with a prosthesis from the loss of a leg during WW II, and has speech difficulties from a stroke. But he jokes, laughs, and tells stories in his own way when he can. I don’t know how he maintains such a positive outlook, though I have to credit my mother for taking good care of him all these years.

We walked along the harbor in Portland, and looked at the boats. He pushed the wheel chair and then sat when he tired, and I pushed. He waved at everyone who passed, and 99% of them waved back. We ate seafood chowder at Gilbert’s Chowder House whose staff went out of their way to accommodate his seating needs. We were sweating from the heat of the mid-day sun and laughed as we ordered hot seafood chowder.

As we crossed Commercial Street, on our way over and back, people in cars graciously stopped while he balanced on my arm – even though we were not in the crosswalk.

Time goes by and the opportunity to spend time with my folks in this stage of their lives won’t last forever. I can work tomorrow. In the end, I know that taking time to enjoy a summer day in Maine, where winter seems unending, was the right thing to do.

Maine Warmers  microwave heating pads can be frozen and used as gentle ice packs, providing gentle cold therapy for relief of summer heat. Neck Warmers and Back Warmers,  when frozen, can be used to reduce swelling and pain from bumps, bruises, and mild insect bites. A Cozy Sheep makes lovely gifts for and elderly parent.

Vacation

I am walking for the exercise, though I am not in any hurry. Life seems so clear and simple as I watch a red-winged blackbird perch on the cat-o-nine tail in the warm morning sunshine. For a short while I can believe in the balance of nature and not worry about global warming and melting ice caps.

There are some places that make the world seem right and allow us to forget the horrendous conditions under which people are living and dying. A vacation seems selfish one moment and healing the next. Why can’t there be such peace and joy in the Middle East as there is on this winding sandy beach road?

The solitude is as lovely as the day. The sound of the ocean and the gently stirring natural environment heal my soul. I begin to feel resurrected from a frantically busy work pace and the media bombardment of weighty world problems. How can I take some of this simplicity home with me and inject it into my days?

I approach a patched, tarred road on this island off the coast of Maine and am prepared to engage in conversations that may be short or lengthy. I pass a garage with a new hand-painted sign, "Don't stop unless you have 20 min." I appreciate the casual yet caring interaction with familiar people – smiles, laughter, and eye contact. These relationships are relaxed, simple, and easy while others seem so complicated. Underneath the dialog I know there are stories of heartache, personal grief, and challenges. But these moments of basic human connection lift my spirits and give me hope.

At the end of this walk I feel refreshed. I don’t have the answers to the questions or solutions for the problems. I do know that rest and relaxation are vital to my well being. Stepping back from the world to gain a better perspective helps me focus on the things that are most important in life. All I need is to remember them throughout the year.

Maine Warmers sells microwave heating pads that help you relax at the end of a stressful workday. Use a Neck Warmer to relax tight neck muscles from tension due to a long work day or too many hours at the computer. The Cozy Sheep or Black Bear make functional and fun gifts of comfort and relaxation, and they don't look medicinal, so when not in use they decorate a bed or chair.

“Post-polio syndrome” or PPS is a condition that affects survivors ten to forty years after they initially contracted polio. It is characterized by muscle and joint pain and general fatigue. Overcompensation of damaged motor neurons is thought to be the cause but more studies need to be done.

It is important for polio survivors experiencing symptoms to see a physician to rule out other causes and to develop a plan to help deal with the condition.

The Mayo Clinic Web site recommends taking care of yourself if you are diagnosed with PPS. Here are some of their suggestions.

Don’t overdo it. Listen to your body and when you feel tired rest. Use aids to help you conserve energy. Do not think the use of a cane, walker, or wheel chair as a sign of weakness. It is a sign of knowing how to work smarter – not harder.

“Cold increases muscle fatigue,” according to the Mayo Clinic article. Dress in layers when going out and keep room temperatures at a comfortable level.

Take precautions to avoid falls. Clean up clutter on floors and area rugs, wear stable supportive shoes.

Check your life style. Are you eating good foods, avoiding excess caffeine and not smoking?

Do you have a good support group? Do you take time to talk with people and laugh as much as possible?

Go to the Mayo Clinic Web site to read more about this condition.

Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads help keep you warm and to reduce muscle pain. A customer told me about this today and said she uses our Neck Warmers all the time for this condition. She explained that the Neck Warmer goes down the length of her back soothing the muscle groups that are most affected by this condition. An extra long microwave Neck Warmer will hold the heat about ten minutes longer than the traditional one.

How to relieve minor mentstrual cramping

Normal monthly menstrual cramps can be a nuisance. Disregarding the sever cramps caused by underlying problems that need medical attention, An article on the Mayo Clinic Web site recommends a few “strategies” to deal with minor cramping. They suggest taking a hot bath and using a hot water bottle or heating pad when the pain begins and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Lifestyle suggestions include exercising daily, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting plenty of rest. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and reduce stress.

It is important to pay attention to signs and symptoms that point to conditions needing medical attention like Endometriosis, bacterial inflammation of the pelvis, uterine fibroids and polyps, and even the use of an IUD to prevent pregnancy.

The National Institutes for Health, MedlinePlus has an article about primary and secondary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) and more home care suggestions.

A microwave heating pad is more convenient than a hot bath when you are stretched for time and can even be used even in the workplace. At Maine Warmers there are a variety of traditional heat pads, called Back Warmers, and unique animal shaped ones called Comforting Creatures.

Sign up for their e-Newsletter to be included in a monthly product give-away. You might win a free one to help you each month.

Trapshooting

Trapshooting is a sport that originated in England as a way to train bird hunters and differs from skeet shooting in that the shooter moves from station to station instead of shooting from the same spot. A clay disk is launched from different locations instead of always from the same spot.

Several positive aspects of the sport are that it allows people to compete against themselves as well as others. People who belong to trapshooting clubs or attend meets enjoy the companionship of others who have the same interest. Participation requires physical ability, concentration and practice to achieve excellence.

Trapshooting is usually done outdoors, and in winter can cause hands to become quite cold and uncomfortable. Maine Warmers offers Palm Packs and microwave Hand Warmer mittens that can be reused. Once heated, they can go inside pockets or large mittens to help relieve the pain of cold fingers.

They may also be frozen and used as gentle ice packs to help reduce swelling and soothe migraines.

Maine Warmers offers other styles of heating pads and ice packs to help stiff necks and sore back muscles.

Laughter is good medicine

Laughter can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and among other benefits, help improve brain function. Healthy  laughter, according to Helpguide, helps improve our social interaction and makes us feel good. Whether you are on vacation or not make sure to laugh and have fun with friends and family. It's fun and healthy. Who would have guessed you could get these two things together.

I have heard that a good sense of humor is the most important factor in a healthy marriage. If we can laugh at ourselves we can make it over a lot of bumps in the road and have fun in the process.

If you know of someone in pain due to injury or surgery give them the best gift of all -- your time, your smile, Sheep, Bears, and Moose make great gifts.
and time spent together enjoying a few laughs. Consider taking along a Maine Warmer to help them recover. Back or Neck Warmers make perfect gifts to help someone recover from surgery, stroke, chemo, or other conditions that cause temporary inactivity.  Remember that Maine Warmers may be frozen to cool down or help reduce swelling. The Cozy

Aromatherapy and Microwave Heating Pads That are Perfume Free

My grandmother used to wrap orange blossoms in plastic baggies and mail them to me in Maine from Florida in the dead of winter. As soon as I opened the door of the mail box and that sweet fragrance condensed in the cold air, I knew what was inside the envelope and who had sent them. That was 25 years ago but the smell of orange blossoms brings back fond memories of my Nana who was so loving and such an important part of my life.

Many people associate particular smells with comforting experiences -- especially cooking smells. Maybe that is why aromatherapy helps because it brings back fond memories of good times.

According to Brent Bauer, MD at the Mayo Clinic, some studies show that there may be some benefits to aromatherapy in relieving anxiety or depression, or "improved quality of life, particularly for people who have chronic health conditions." 

I also understand that some people have allergies to fragrances, and so, at Maine Warmers, we fill our microwave heating pads with whole corn, not popping corn, and skip the essential oils and other perfumes, as much as they might appeal to me.

Rice heating pads take on a peculiar odor after being microwaved several times, and so fragrances are added to them to cover the smell of the cooked rice. I have learned from talking with folks that some people have developed adverse reactions to microwave warmers because of the association of that unfavorable smell.

Whole corn-filled (not popping corn) microwave heating pads have a mild aroma of a bowl of freshly popped corn. Whether or not the aroma does something for you, all of Maine Warmers offers help relax sore muscles and ease pain. Neck Warmers, Back Warmers, and creature shaped warmers are all filled with whole corn and have removable, washable covers. As much as I love the aroma of orange blossoms, I think it best to leave the aromatherapy to the professionals, as Dr. Bauer recommends.

How to deal with stress naturally during pregnancy

Pregnancy changes the body and mind. The belly grows, bones soften, breasts and feet swell. Added weight puts stress on the whole body, including lower back and hips. Worries over the health of the baby, how you are going to manage work and family, and how the birthing process will go all manage to drive you nuts even before the baby is born!

Natural remedies to help deal with anxiety associated with pregnancy may seem difficult to find, but there are some that can be very effective. An important and maybe the most effective one is moderate exercise. Make sure you check with you doctor first about what exercise is the most appropriate.

Aspirin and other over-the-counter drugs are not recommended for pregnant women because of the effect they may have on the fetus. Of course substances such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol should be avoided completely while pregnant.

Natural herbs and herbal teas can have effects on the fetus, so if one is considering taking herbs it is best to consult a physician first. Midwives also have information on herbal remedies. The American Pregnancy Association has general information on what herbs are likely to be safe to take during pregnancy and what are not. Also, Parents Magazine also offers suggestions and information about ingesting herbs and herbal teas.

Other relaxation techniques may include listening to music, participating in a hobby or activity that you enjoy, socializing and laughing. A microwave heating pad on the feet or lower back will help relax muscles and may help you fall asleep.

Maine Warmers offers a variety of unique microwave heating pads that can be used during pregnancy to help you deal with stress, and they can be used after the baby is born to promote mil let-down and relieve blocked ducts or engorgement. It can be used to relieve sinus headaches. Pre-warm an infant's crib to prevent the baby from waking due to the shock of cold sheets when you place him/her down.

If the summer heat is getting to you try putting your Maine Warmer in the freezer for a few hours and then enjoy a comforting gentle coolness on the neck or feet.

Maine Warmers' Cozy Sheep or Bunny make great baby shower gifts for mothers-to-be. Fathers love them too.

Mysterious and Lovable Panda Bears

There is something mysterious and lovable about Panda Bears. Though these animals, like other bears, are dangerous to humans, they are fascinating to watch. People flock to the National Zoo and the San Diego Zoo to see them. Both zoos have Web cams where people can watch these Giant Pandas sit like Teddy Bears and chew on bamboo. One may also read daily diaries of Panda activity from trainers and keepers and find Panda facts and pictures.

This morning I watched mother Bai Yun and her 11 month old Su Lin play on the San Diego Zoo Web cam when it was still fairly dark – about 5:45 Pacific time (8:45 AM Eastern).

A Panda Bear Body Warmer is lovable too. It can be microwaved to provide soothing warmth and relaxation and is available at Maine Warmers. This Panda Bear is in the Comforting Creatures section and makes a wonderful get well gift for a Panda lover. A variety of unique creatures for comfort are available on this website.

Tips to help prevent Repetitive Motion Disorder

Repetitive Motion Disorders, RMD, can cause temporary and permanent damage to soft tissue of the arms, hands, legs, feet, backs, and necks. If you sit at a computer all day at work you may be experiencing some signs of this condition like tingling, numbness, lack of strength, redness, or swelling.Other activities like playing tennis, sewing, playing a musical instrument, holding a phone with your shoulder, and pogo stick jumping can also wreak havoc with your body.

There is a known cure for RMD. Stopping the activity is one way but may not be possible if it is the way you make a living. Changing the way you perform your tasks can make a big difference and protect your body from harm.

Have someone take a photo of you in your normal computer posture to help you make corrections in posture may help. If you are slouching or listing to one side you can consciously work to change that. Make sure the person who takes the photo promises not to post it on Facebook.

Besides improving your posture, changing your chair and computer screen height may help. Last year after I redesigned a new computer station from a chair at a desk to one where I can stand, I developed knee and ankle swelling. Now I have a second computer for sitting and one for standing.

Setting a timer across the room now pulls me away from the computer when it’s time to take a quick stretching break. A physical therapist may offer stretching exercises for your particular issue.

Medical professionals often recommend using ice to relieve the symptoms of RMD. Because ice packs can feel uncomfortably harsh on the skin you may decide not to use them, especially if you are already in pain. A MaineWarmers microwave heating pad can be frozen and used as a gentle ice pack to relieve any swelling or pain. The whole corn filling does not get as cold as ice cubes and offers a simple solution for providing cold therapy when ice packs seem too harsh.                                                                                                                                                                           

Preventing problems before they happen is the best way to deal with RMD. Remembering to stretch, take breaks, and improving your posture may be the best methods to keep this condition at bay.

 For a more detailed description of RMD and how to deal with it please visit the National Institutes for Health Web site.

For ice packs to help reduce swelling and pain, visit Maine Warmers and check out some unique and fun designs -- heating pads that do not look medicinal. All of their products may be microwaved and become Neck Warmers to relax stiff neck muscles.

Thousands of uses for corn

According to the Corn Growers Association corn has 3500 uses! It is used in everyday products that we
never think about. Now it is being used to manufacture ethanol to be used in our automobiles.

Consider corn flakes, pop corn, corn chowder, corn-on-the-cob, corn meal muffins, and corn syrup for adding a bit of sweetness to life.

It is fed to livestock which in turn provides protein to our diets.

Several industries used different parts of corn to make laundry detergents, printers’ inks, packaging materials, baby diapers, and automobile fuel filters. Cornstarch is used in a variety of products including the making of paper!

“Indian Corn” decorates our doors in the autumn and corn stalks stand to salute the harvest. Corn husk dolls entertain and delight adults as well as children. Fields of corn mazes also provide great entertainment and help raise funds for local organizations.

Microwave heat pads are filled with whole corn (see Maine Warmers) and used for warmth in the winter or to help relieve aches and pains. Frozen, they help reduce swelling and pain.

There is a whole bushel of information about corn at the National Corn Growers Association Web site.

http://www.ncga.com/education/main/FAQ.html#cob

How to find friends in a new community

Moving to a new town or state can be lonely for children as well as adults. Losing friends because of a move can be hard, and finding new ones isn’t always a snap! Kids generally meet other kids easily, but establishing new connections doesn’t often happen overnight.

It is important for children, especially teens, to be aware of their need to meet friends and establish healthy relationships. If children are struggling it is important to recognize their feelings of loneliness and talk about what can be done to build new relationships. This can be an opportunity to discuss how to recognize supportive respectful friends.

Here are a few things to do with children to help them explore a new community and make friends.

1. Go to the public library and take out some books to read together. Library staff are knowledgeable about the community and can often act as a guide and offer resource materials.
2. Visit parks and playgrounds that are safe.
3. Go to the city or town office and learn about resources such as a recreation department that offers programs for kids and adults.
4. Read local newspapers for information on clubs and organizations. Look for a Newcomers or Mothers’ Club.
5. Attend church services until you find one that you like. Church congregations often have social events and gatherings and are generally welcoming, even if you are not a "religious" person.
6. Attend local concerts, farmers markets, parades, and special events.
7. Locate a local museum or historical society and learn about the history of your new town or city.
8. Volunteer at an animal shelter or some other organization in which you have some interest. Is there a community theater looking for volunteers?
9. Join a gym or YMCA that has childcare or programs for kids.
10. Make a point to meet your neighbors.
11. For teens, encourage them to join a club at school or volunteer in a local organization that involves activities and interests that they can relate to.

Maine Warmers offers comfort gifts for kids or adults who may need a little TLC during a move. These Bears, Owls, Penguins, and other creatures bring comforting companionship to young people who may be feeling a bit isolated or lonely.
microwave heating pads in the shape of

Soothing heat therapy during pregnancy

Being pregnant takes a toll on a woman’s body. Hormone production, weight gain, physical appearance, difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position, and being awakened by a physically active fetus are just a few of the effects of pregnancy.

Being pregnant is a workout, but being in shape through it can help. When it comes time for delivery a body that is in good shape is more able to deal with the rigors of childbirth. According to the National Institutes of Health, joints loosen during pregnancy, and therefore it is important not to do exercises that require fast movements. Of course, activities that can cause injury should be avoided also. For a list of activities to avoid and other information about what to do and what not to do during pregnancy go to the NIH Web site.

To help relieve joint pain especially in the hips and lower back pain from the weight of the baby during the Maine Warmers carries a variety of heating pads that can also be frozen and used as gentle ice packs to reduce swelling and pain. Dads also have stresses and muscle aches and can benefit from a heating pad to relax tense muscles in the neck. A variety of Comforting Creatures and other Warmers make perfect baby shower gifts for use before birth and after.
third trimester of pregnancy, try using heat therapy from a microwave heating pad.

For more information about dealing with some of the discomforts of pregnancy check out this article on WebMD.

Use relaxation to help reduce food cravings

Sometimes I crave sweets when relaxation is what I really need. A cup of tea with a couple of cookies and a few minutes time out to enjoy it is how I tend to chill out. The time out is what I need -- not the tasty treat.

There are times when I crave something sweet so much I will stop at the store or make a special trip to buy dessert. Once I have it in my pocket, purse, or grocery bag the craving magically goes away. I haven't eaten it, but have lost the craving.

There are times during the day when it is hard to relax, either because the schedule is so tight or I’m already in a high speed wobble and cannot seem to slow down. It helps to slow down when those cravings bite. Sometimes I will ask my husband to offer a gentle reminder after supper to take a deep breath and relax. Other times a self reminder is all that's needed.

The Mayo Clinic has several suggestions for relaxation techniques that might help chase away some of those food cravings. I was a bit surprised that they don't mention a little time out on the couch with a heating pad. I have used heat to relax tense muscles and help ease away anxiety and cravings. A microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers is versatile and can be used for a variety of ailments. Check out the Cozy Sheep Warmers.  They are portable, easy to use, safe, and have no added fragrances.

A few tips for better flexibility with arthritis

Health professionals recommend exercise for people with arthritis and that the key to staying flexible is to move. With the guidance of your physician and a trainer you can address particular muscle groups that cause you pain.

My husband hired a trainer to help him tailor his exercise routine for back pain that he had lived with for years, and it changed his life. Pain is not fun and can have a big impact on your general mood.

Warming up first is important. Start slowly moving your muscles and as the muscles warm they become more flexible and are less prone to injury. Walking is a good warm up exercise.

You don’t have to be Rocky Balboa, and exercise should not beat you up. Find a way to exercise that is enjoyable to you. If you don’t enjoy it you won’t want to do it. Try different types of exercises that affect different muscle groups to keep boredom from setting in.

If you sit at a computer or have to sit for long periods each day then make sure to stretch every 45 minutes. Consider investing in an adjustable computer stand so you can change positions throughout the day. A heating pad can also help muscles stay flexible while working or can be used before a workout.

Stretching helps flexibility as well. Yoga and Pilates classes may help increase flexibility while helping you gain or maintain strength. Plus, when you take classes there is some social interaction which can be healthy in itself.

If you are a teacher or a presenter give your audience a stretch break. They’ll be more attentive.

Try a microwave Neck Warmer or Back Warmer. They are portable so using them while sitting at a Maine Warmers for more information.
computer or in an office is easy. Your co-workers may not even realize you are using a heating pack. Visit