Sunday, February 25, 2007

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 Dachshund microwave heating pads on a bed
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.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

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.

Main using Black Bear microwave heating pad for bursitis on his shoulder
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.

Monday, February 12, 2007

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.

Man relaxing stiff neck muscles with a Dachshund microwave heating pad
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

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

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.
woman using small microwave heating pad to warm hands outside in winter
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.

Monday, February 05, 2007

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.
Woman relieving menstrual cramps with a Polar Bear microwave heating pad
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.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

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.