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