Golf Injuries - Prevention

Whenever I have watched golf tournaments on television I always wondered how anyone gained a lick of exercise from playing that game. The golf pros and media coverage make it look so easy. It wasn’t until a few years ago when someone gave me a couple of tickets to a tournament in Florida that I developed an appreciation for the amount of physical energy 18 holes of golf required.

This is what appears to the non-golfer on TV. The cameras show the golfers consulting the caddies, sizing up the fairway, addressing the ball, and then in one second with one smooth motion – whack – sending the ball whizzing out of sight. The hushed voices of the commentators make it seem like a quiet game. The TV screen jumps to the next player on the green, lining up the putt. That’s physical?

But what the cameras don’t show is that walking the course is sometimes six miles! They don’t show the physical training a golfer endures to maintain flexibility, stamina, and strength. They don’t show the practice swings and games.

Listen to the conversations in the clubhouse at the end of the day and you will understand the challenges the game presents. Watch out for the expletives. I think concentration along with physical conditioning is critical for a consistently good game. I am not a golfer, but I have listened to enough of the post-game discussions to have learned.

Can a golfer get injured? Yes, especially one who is not in good physical shape. For information on how to warm up and good golf posture go to the Mayo Clinic article on stretching exercises to help with flexibility before playing golf. Also see their section on golf injuries and what to do about them.

Consider using ice to reduce the swelling before using heat. Heat helps relax tight muscles, improve flexibility, and aids circulation after the swelling has gone down. Consult a doctor for acute pain.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads can be frozen and used as gentle ice packs to reduce swelling and pain. Check out their Back Warmers and Neck Warmers which can be used to wrap around an elbow or knee.

The Best Medicine

Spending time with a friend and sharing lots of laughter can lift the spirits and possibly help your heart. Good supportive friends are the best medicine and offer a positive outlook on life. All it takes is one friend to cheer you up when you are feeling down.

A walk in the park, a conversation over tea, a laugh over the phone is worth more than a whole bottle of medicine -- and possibly more effective. Health professionals say that laughing is good medicine. The University of Maryland Medical Center article explains. View the article.

Maine Warmers Comforting Creatures bring a smile with comfort. These unique microwave heating pads make wonderful get well gifts or to offer a friend who is having a difficult time. A Cozy Cat, Sheep, or Dog provide cozy companionship without the care or vet bills.

Taking Care of Yourself When You are a Caretaker

Caring for elderly parents is stressful. I have read horror stories of parents who were once loving but now suffer from debilitating conditions that changed their characters. Often, elderly parents need so much care and comfort that it can be emotionally draining on the caretaker – usually a son or daughter. It is much like taking care of a child and very demanding.

If you are the caretaker, keeping yourself healthy is vital. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercise routine, social activities, and emotional outlets can help keep you mentally fit to make the right decisions regarding your parents. Try to find someone you can talk with on a daily basis. That person should have a sense of humor and a healthy perspective to help you understand that the tasks in front of you are as important as they are stressful. If you are exhausted and ill then helping your parent will be more difficult.

An online support group, AGING PARENTS AND ELDER CARE for caretakers may help you see that you are not alone.

The Mayo Clinic has a section on Senior Health.

Maine Warmers may help provide comfort for elderly people who have had strokes and always feel cold. Traditional microwave Neck Warmers and Back Warmers that can be reused, are washable, and durable. Their line of unique Comforting Creatures offer soothing warmth and cozy companionship for elderly parents. They may help the caretaker relax during times of stress.

Insomniac's Cafe -- a place to find ways to fall asleep

I thought about opening a café for those of us who wake up between 2 and 3 AM and lay there thinking of all sorts of things until dawn. The Sleep Cafe would be open from 2 AM until 5:30 AM every day.

On the menu would be milk and banana smoothies, turkey and gravy with mashed potatoes, herbal teas (no caffeine), no chocolate, and no alcoholic beverages. There would be soothing music and low lights – maybe candles. Only people in their pajamas and bathrobes could enter. There would be couches, pillows, and throws. Paintings on the walls would have a horizontal look – oceans, prairies, and fields of grass.

People could sit and chat about what was bothering them – or not. There would be a pad of paper for writing notes or lists of things needing attention the next day. Arguing would not be allowed - only listening. When a person felt tired and wanted to leave no one would try to keep them there.

There would be a visualization board guiding participants through relaxation exercises. A corner for meditation or prayer with a soft rug on the floor would be available. A dietitian would be there to answer questions about eating and drinking to promote good health and sleep. A pharmacist would help to talk about sleep remedies requiring a prescription or over-the-counter medication.

Some Maine Warmers microwave heating pads and a microwave would be available for those who needed to relax tense muscles. Readily there would be plenty of  Cozy Sheep, Panda Bears, and other Comforting Creatures to help people chill out and go to sleep.

Keeping You Energy Levels Up at a Trade Show

Representing your company at a trade show is a good way to connect with and retain clients or gather new ones. Being in a good physical and mental state to smile and talk with people affects the bottom line.

Presenting yourself well at a trade show can be a challenge as the hours and/or days wear on and you wear out. Here are a few tips to keep in top form and give you the energy to close some sales that might otherwise slip away.

1. Wear comfortably fitting clothes. If you are not comfortable in you clothes it will show and be distracting. Save your energy for your clients -- not tugging or struggling with clothes.

2. Make sure your shoes are clean and/or polished and they are ones in which you can comfortably stand for many hours. When your feet are tired it wears the rest of you out. Wearing high heels can be draining, not to mention damaging to your feet.

3. Take breaks. Every hour or two leave the booth to a trusted colleague and find a seat for 15 minutes.

4. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or other low calorie caffeine free liquids which act as a diuretic, draining your body of necessary fluids.

5. Eat healthy foods. Vendors offer chocolate and other sweets to attract visitors to their booths. Promise yourself one or two bites at the end of the day for a treat. If you start sampling early in the day the temptation to continue may be too hard to resist.

6. Eat small healthy snacks throughout the day and avoid a heavy mid-day meal. A fresh green salad with some protein and fruit can make you feel better and help keep your energy levels up.

7. Avoid excessive alcohol, which can keep you awake and cause you to feel tired the next day.


8. At the end of the day soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salts. Then massage them with moisturizing lotion. You’ll feel more relaxed and more able to fall asleep after a physically challenging day on your feet. Trade shows often last more than one day, and you'll be more ready to return the following day after a good night's sleep.

Too tired to be bothered with dragging out a basin and water? Maine Warmers offers Foot Warmers (microwavable) to help relax sore tired foot muscles at the end of the day. Their extra large Back Warmer can be used as a Foot Warmer Pad, and a Neck Warmer may also be used on the feet or neck to relax sore, tired muscles.

Gentle Cold Packs and Microwave Heating Pads for Migraines

Migraine headaches seem to be caused by “vascular spasms” of blood vessels in the brain. They cause a pounding headache that can last 6 – 48 hours with increased sensitivity to light, throbbing in either one or both sides of the head, and nausea. There may be a loss of appetite.

They can sometimes be preceded by an aura – a bright flash of light or blinking lights. Many people have no warning before the onset of a migraine. Some migraines can be accompanied by or triggered by tension headaches. Other triggers include bright lights, smoking, caffeine, food allergies, perfumes and fragrances, hormone changes during menstrual cycles, physical or emotional stress, smoking, skipping meals, and changes in sleep patterns.

There isn’t a known cure for migraines so preventing migraines is important. Keeping a diary may help determine triggers for migraines thus helping one avoid headaches. For mild migraines over-the-counter pain relievers may help. Resting in a quiet, darkened room may ease the pain along with a cold compress or cold pack on the forehead.

Consulting a doctor to help determine treatment for one’s individual needs in regard to migraines is best.

The National Institutes for Health Medline Plus Web site has an excellent article on migraines – their symptoms and treatment. Another article at the NIH on the role of magnesium in the body suggests that levels of this mineral in the body may contribute to migraines.

A cold pack on the face or head might help. For gentle ice packs that provide comforting cold visit Maine Warmers. Their cold packs may be frozen for gentle cold, or when microwaved, they become heating pads that can be placed over eyes or on the forehead. Some find heat better than cold, but that is up to the individual. Check out their Neck Warmers, which can be draped over the face or head, and their cute little Comforting Creatures that decorate a chair or bed when not in use.

Exercising for the elderly

There are four basic exercises that people - young or old - need to maintain good health.

Strength Exercises

Strength exercises help keep your muscles toned. Don’t hold your breath while exercising. Your muscles need oxygen. Breath out as you exert yourself or push up, breath in as you relax or on the downward motion. Move smoothly – not fast or jerking. Don’t stiffen or lock joints.

Check out these strengthening exercises and/or watch the video at the National Institutes for Health Senior Heatlth page.

Balance Exercises
Balance exercises help to keep you steady on your feet and may help prevent falls resulting in broken bones. As with any exercise start slowly while you build up strength in your legs. View more information on balance exercises.

Stretching

Stretching exercises help with flexibility and should not cause. Smooth easy motion is needed, not fast jerking movements. Warming up before exercising is also important. Yoga routines can be modified to be safe at any age.  Stretching Tips and Exercises


Endurance Exercise

Endurance exercise raises your heart rate for an extended period of time. As with other forms of exercise it is recommended to start out slowly and increase the level as you progress. Brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and raking the lawn are examples of endurance exercises. For more information and tips on endurance exercises please check out the NIH Senior Health Web site.

To help stiff muscles become more flexible see Maine Warmers microwavable heat pads.  Back Warmers and Neck Warmers will cover most areas of the body. Heat therapy helps relax sore muscles, increase circulation, and help improve flexibility.

They are versatile and will help with arthritis pain or can be used as bed warmers. Also, they can be frozen if ice or cold therapy is what you need. Cold will help reduce swelling and pain.

Exercise to Maintain Health & Independence

No matter what age we are we want to live independently and have energy to do the things we like to do. The National Institute on Aging recommends exercise to achieve these goals for as long as we can.

Exercise can save your life as well as your lifestyle. Maintaining good health demands physical activity especially as we age. Each year our muscles and connective tissue seem to stiffen up and limit our flexibility.

Exercise gives you strength to stay independent as long as possible, improves energy levels and balance, helps delay or prevent some diseases, reduces depression and perks you up.

In their brochure they offer 4 ways to exercise to maintain:

• Endurance
• Strength
• Balance
• Flexibility

To read or receive their free brochure about exercise see the AgePage at the National Institute on Aging. “Exercise and Physical Activity: Getting Fit For Life.”

Cat microwave heating pad

If you find you have a stiff muscle from exercising you may want to use a microwavable heating pad to help maintain flexibility. The heat helps relax muscles and improve circulation and flexibility. 

Maine Warmers offers microwave heating pads that are decorative as well as functional. They are safe and easy to use and make great gifts for elderly folks. Cats, and Dogs can be left on a couch or chair and do not look like electric heating pads. This can also be used as a bed warmer.

Eye Care

As kids we made a game of trying to know what blindness was like by closing our eyes and attempting to accomplish small tasks. I remember the feeling was so uncomfortable that I did not participate for more than a minute. Those of us who are fortunate to have healthy eyes often take clear vision for granted. We don’t think about what vision loss would do to our life styles.

Here are a few things we can do to prevent injury or loss of vision.

Have an eye exam every few years and a test for Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of vision loss. If it is detected early, Glaucoma may prevent vision loss.

Wear protective eye gear when using power tools or competing in extreme sports or outdoor activities.

Protect eyes from UV rays by wearing sun glasses. Photochromic lenses in sunglasses will protect again UV light and Polycarbonate lenses will help protect children and athletes from UV radiation as well as injury during activities.

Prevent eye strain while sitting at a computer by adjusting the height and distance from your eyes to the screen. Take frequent breaks and use artificial tears to help keep eyes moist.

If you sustain an injury and sight is blurred, double vision, bleeding, or severe pain seek immediate medical attention.

For a black eye use ice packs to reduce the swelling and pain around the eye.

Cat and dog bed warmers

For further information about keeping eyes healthy visit the Mayo Clinic.

Maine Warmers heat packs can be frozen and used as gentle ice packs – especially comfortable on the
face. Maine Warmers make lovely get well gifts for those recovering from an injury, illness, or surgery. Check out the Comforting Creature Warmers in the shape of cats and dogs.

How to deal with the pain of Bursitis

Joint stiffness, swelling, redness of the skin, and a warm to the touch feeling are symptoms of Bursitis. “Fluid–filled sacs lubricate and cushion pressure points between your bones and the tendons and muscles near your joints,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

When these sacs, called Bursae, become inflamed and swollen they can cause pain and stiffness. The condition known as Bursitis affects joints and is usually due to trauma, overuse, repetitive motion, but can be caused by other conditions such as an infection, arthritis or gout.

Usually pain subsides in about 10 days to two weeks. If pain is acute, unusually swollen, shooting pains, redness, rash, or if a fever is present it is important to seek medical attention. When the presence of other conditions that decreases the effectiveness of the immune system or the use of medications that may increases the risk of infection are present it may be best to consult a medical professional.

Black Bear Microwave Heating Pad for Shoulders or Backs

Treatment includes rest and refraining from using the area as much as possible, use ice to reduce the swelling, and take ibuprofen or non-steroidal drugs to reduce pain and swelling. Rarely is surgery needed to remove the fluid from the Bursa.

If you need a gentle ice application to reduce swelling go to Maine Warmers. Their corn-filled heat packs Back Warmers and Neck Warmers provide cold therapy to reduce swelling and pain or heat therapy to relax stiff muscles and help flexibility. It is best to consult a physician before using heat or ice on injuries.
can be frozen and used as gentle ice packs.

Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when the neck muscles are stretched beyond their normal range of motion – usually in an automobile accident. Other causes of whiplash can be a sudden jerking motion of the neck on a roller coaster, in an athletic competition, or being shaken or punched.

Abnormal extension of soft tissues of the neck may also involve connective tissue in the chest, arms, head, and shoulders, according to an NIH Medline Plus article on Whiplash.

If one experiences pain when moving the head, tingling or numbness in arms, recurring pain, or pain spreading to arms then seeking medical attention is advised.

Taking over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen may help reduce swelling and pain for whiplash. Limiting certain physical activities for a few weeks may be recommended. To reduce swelling, the Mayo Clinic suggests the use of an ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes at a time with at least a 40 minute rest in between.

Dachshund Heating Pad

Heat can relax stiff muscles but may aggravate swelling and is therefore not recommended for whiplash. Consulting a medical professional before using heat or cold on an injury is strongly advised.

Gentle ice packs that do not feel harsh on the skin are available at Maine Warmers. These ice packs and can Neck Warmer will stay cool for about 15 to 20 minutes and and can be continually reused. A washable cover makes laundering easy. They also have a Dachshund shaped neck warmer (a.k.a. Hot Dog) that does not look medicinal and will decorate a bed of chair when not in use.
be microwaved for heat once the swelling has gone down an you need heat to help improve circulation and flexibility. A

Keeping Warm in Cold Temperatures

Keeping warm in the winter, especially if your job requires extensive outside exposure in bitter cold temperatures, can be a challenge. Here are a few things you can do to help prevent hypothermia and frostbite.

Wear layers of clothing for better insulation to protect susceptible areas. Hats that cover the ears, good insulating mittens and boots, possibly a couple of pairs of socks (make sure your toes have plenty of breathing room. Wear scarves, wind pants, and even face masks to help prevent frostbite.

Be aware of weather conditions and remember that wind can contribute to frostbite.

Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

Eat appropriate nourishing foods.

Avoid fatigue.

Don’t drink alcohol or smoke as these activities affect blood circulation.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads help keep you warm in the winter. Palm Packs can be tucked into
pockets or mittens on frosty winter walks. Neck Warmers can be worn under a jacket, and Back Warmers can pre-warm a cold car seat.

Muscle Cramps

Hopping up and down in the middle of the night with a Charlie Horse is not my idea of a good time. Some cramps are more stubborn than others and can be difficult to walk or stretch away. These muscle spasms can ruin a good night’s sleep.

These involuntary muscle contractions occur more often in those who are dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water – especially during exercise – can help.

Lack of magnesium or calcium in the body may increase the likelihood of muscle cramps. Keep green veggies, soy products, bananas, and avocados in the diet for magnesium. Adult women need about 310 milligrams of magnesium per day and men about 400. Soy products, legumes, brown rice and other whole grains are also good sources of magnesium. Calcium rich products with vitamin D for proper absorption are found in dairy products and leafy green veggies. Health professionals recommend not over-consuming calcium.

To help prevent muscle cramps maintain a healthy diet with recommended levels of calcium and magnesium, drink water to keep hydrated, and stretch muscles after exercising.

If cramps continue consult a physician as they could be caused by other conditions. The National Institutes for Health Medline Plus Web site has more information on muscle cramps.

To help relax cramped muscles try massage or a heating pad. Heat relaxes tight muscles. Maine Warmers microwave heat pads are portable (no wires or electrical outlets needed) and safe. A Back Warmer or Neck Warmer can be used for a leg cramp as well as on back muscle spasms. Microwave heating pads are helpful for women experiencing cramping during menstrual cycles.

 Maine Warmers' Cozy Cat and Sheep make lovely gifts for birthdays or the holidays.

TMJ - Dealing with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Facial pain, often referred to as TMJ, an abbreviation for Temporomandibular Joint, may cause “radiating pain in the face, jaw, or neck; jaw muscle stiffness; limited movement or locking of the jaw; painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth; a change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.” Source – National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

In an article on their Web site, the NIDCR says the condition is usually temporary and more likely to affect women than men. There is a good illustration and description of this complex joint where the jaw is connected to the temporal bone.

The exact causes of pain associated with TMJ disorder are unknown but may have to do with trauma to the jaw, stress, grinding of teeth, clenching of jaw, or arthritic conditions. Not all facial pain is due to this disorder and may be related to an inner ear infection or some other condition.
Read the full article.

To help ease pain the NIDCR lists the following:
(quote)
• eating soft foods
• applying ice packs
• avoiding extreme jaw movements (such as wide yawning, loud singing, and gum chewing)
• learning techniques for relaxing and reducing stress
• practicing gentle jaw stretching and relaxing exercises that may help increase jaw movement

Your health care provider or a physical therapist can recommend exercises if appropriate for your particular condition. (unquote)

Consult doctor before taking any pain medications.

Maine Warmers sells ice packs to help relieve pain. Their Mouse is just the right size, and its fleece cover is soft, comforting, and washable. A Neck Warmer is versatile, and like all of Maine Warmers' products, can be microwaved for heat when not being used as ice packs.

Tips for dealing with arthritis

Maintaining a healthy life-style may be easier said than done, but the motivator may be how you feel. 

Keeping weight down helps reduce strain on joints. Appropriate exercises, especially during times of remission, will keep muscles strong. A supportive family or community of understanding friends brings comfort and reduces anxiety. Good stress management – relaxation, deep breathing exercises, and visualization are recommended. I think they could have added heat as a stress-management tool. Heat is known to relax tense muscles, and often when people are stressed, they may unconsciously tense muscles.

If you are feeling stressed – anxious or fearful – heat can help ease the tension in neck muscles. I used to tense my jaw when I got stressed and went to the dentist with  tooth pain, only to be told there was nothing wrong.

Falling asleep may be difficult when you are stressed, leaving you feeling tired and not as able to deal with the anxiety. A heating pad may help.

Maine Warmers carries a variety of microwave heating pads that help relieve sore tense muscles. Their Neck Warmers stays warm for about 30 minutes. If you are looking for a comforting gift for someone with arthritis consider giving a Woolly Bear Neck Warmer or Dachshund Neck Warmer. They bring soothing comfort, don't look medicinal, and decorate a chair or bed when not in use.

An article posted on the Mayo Clinic Web site offers suggestions for dealing with the pain of arthritis. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE RELIEVES ONE WOMAN'S PAIN