How to Relieve Sore Muscles after a Workout

Expect soreness when you start a new exercise routine. Muscle soreness is caused by overextending muscle tissue during a workout in the gym or through sports activities. If you experience soreness "Don’t stop exercising," says Web MD. Your muscles need to become used to the activity level. If the pain is such that it prevents you from doing normal activities then the activity level may be too great and you may need to lessen the workout.

Take up physical activity gradually and don’t push yourself too hard right out of the starting gate. Too much pain will discourage you from going back to do more exercise. Make sure to cool down gently and stretch after exercising. Maintaining flexibility is critical and spending ten minutes or more stretching after a workout is recommended.

WebMD recommends a few things to help ease mild pain associated with exercise. “ … several remedies, such as ice, rest, anti-inflammatory medication, massage, heat, and stretch have been reported as helpful in the process of recovery."

If your muscles are tight then use a heating pad to help with flexibility. If they are swollen, use ice to reduce the swelling and ease pain.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads and gentle ice packs to help relax sore tight muscles. Extra Large Back Warmers Back Warmers and Extra Long Neck Heating Pads can be microwaved for heat or frozen and used as gentle ice packs to reduce swelling without the harshness of ice cubes. These products are also available in a variety of animal shapes, such as an alligator neck warmer and a whale back warmer. Check out all of their Comforting Creatures and traditional heating pads to help deal with muscle stiffness and cramps.

Reducing Stress when Caring for a Friend or Relative in Hospice Care

We often overlook the person who provides the care for someone who is terminally ill. Taking care of someone who is seriously ill can have a wide range of effects on the primary caregiver. The stress from dealing with a terminal illness can cause anxiety, anger, depression, and exhaustion. Finding out about these effects and ways to deal with them can be helpful and make a difference in quality of life for everyone.

An article at the National Cancer Institute Web site also applies to caring for people with other serious illnesses. The article covers a wide range of topics, including dealing with the physical, mental, spiritual, and social aspects of providing care to a person with a life-threatening illness.

Caregivers may find the stress makes it difficult to relax. Meditation, exercise, and other activities may help

one to relax. A heating pad will relax tense muscles and may help you go to sleep when feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads that are easy to use and are portable and their cozy Sheep, Dachshund Neck Warmer, and Comforting Bear Warmers make perfect gifts for someone who is caring for a relative or friend in in Hospice care.