Alternative Therapies for Arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation offers some therapies that may help people who suffer with arthritis. It is important to remember that not all therapies work well for everyone. Read the full article.

Massage may reduce stress – a factor that can contribute to pain.

Acupuncture and Acupressure may help reduce inflammation. Finding a reputable practitioner is critical.

Diet:  Maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your body in the best condition possible by eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables may help. Some people with arthritis may have unique sensitivities to some foods. Keeping a food diary may point to those foods that help and those that don’t. Poor nutrition may lead to fatigue which can worsen the effects of the disease.

When considering herbs and supplements it is best to talk first with your physician and pharmacist. Buy from a reputable source – usually large health food chains and pharmacies. Read the labels. Take one at a time and note any reactions or side effects. Stop taking immediately if you experience negative side-effects. Talk with your doctor.

Prayer has been known to help many people overcome pain although there are few scientific studies. It may

Maine Warmers' Gray Seal Microwave Heating Pad

be very helpful but should not replace physician subscribed medications.

Heating pads help relax tense muscles and ease stress. Maine Warmers' Sheep, Bears, and Dachshund Neck Warmers, among others, make the perfect gift for children with arthritis. Adults love them as well.

Home Remedy for Swimmer's Ear

Pain in or around the ear can be a sign of a bacterial infection referred to as Swimmer's Ear. It is often caused by frequent occurrences of moisture in the ear, a scratch in the ear that allows bacteria into the skin, and/or bathing in a polluted area.

When infection occurs it is often accompanied by pain, itching, swelling, possibly drainage of pus, and/or difficulty hearing. Treatment may include cleaning the ear (by a health professional), oral and/or topical medications, and keeping water out of the ear until the infection has healed.

The Mayo Clinic offers a full article on causes, symptoms, when to see a health professional, and treatments. To read the article…

Heat on the ear may help relieve the pain as well as taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. Keeping

Benny Bumpeezer soothes an ear ache

moisture out of the ears until the infection is gone is recommended. Ear plugs may help while taking a shower.

For microwave heating pads to apply on an infected ear visit Maine Warmers. Benny Bumpeezer – The Soothing Mouse  may help ease the pain of a child's ear ache.  All of Maine Warmers’ products may be frozen and used for gentle ice. Long lasting, no fragrances, and versatility offer great value.

Preventing a Hernia

Preventing a hernia is much better than having one repaired. According to the Mayo Clinic there are several precautions one can take to keep from developing a hernia.

Maintain a healthy body weight through diet and exercise.

Eat a high fiber diet of fresh fruits, veges, whole grains, and nuts to help avoid constipation.

Take care not to lift heavy items. If you do lift make sure to bend at the knees not the back or abdomen.

Smoking can cause heavy coughing which may result in an inguinal hernia. Don't smoke and you will avoid many other health related problems as well.

It is not recommended to use a truss for support of a hernia. Addressing the problem through a medical professional is the best way to go.

Read the whole article on hernia’s at the Mayo Clinic.

If you have surgery for a hernia and the doctor says put ice on it then check out Maine Warmers gentle heating pads. The soft cloth cover and the whole corn filling make it gentle on the skin without burning. Neck Warmers and Back Warmers can be frozen for soothing comfortable cold therapy.

Home Remedies for Water on the Knee

We use our knees in daily routine activities and knee pain can limit those things we like and need to do. Preventing knee injuries, especially water on the knee, is important to a healthy lifestyle. Fluid build up around the knee is painful and makes exercise uncomfortable. Yet strength in the legs can help reduce knee pain.

Controlling weight may ease knee pain. People who are over-weight and want to start an exercise program should begin with swimming or water aerobics to strengthen the body without putting excess weight on the knees. Take care when exercising not to over-stress the knees.

The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing your doctor regularly and taking medications that will help prevent diseases that contribute to water on the knee or that have other deteriorating effects on the body.

Home remedies include rest, using ice and elevating the knee, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, strengthening muscles that support the knees, and weight loss. Read the full article.

They recommend applying ice every 2 to 4 hours for 15 to 20 minutes keeping your knee elevated.

At Maine Warmers you can find gentle ice packs that help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Neck Warmers will wrap around the knee or Back Warmers can be placed under or over a knee. They also have a Knee Pack that can be strapped onto a knee. The ice packs are comforting and soothing -- not harsh like a bag of ice or frozen peas.

All of these "Warmers" can be frozen for cool therapy or heated to help relax muscles, improve circulation, and increase flexibility.

Need to reduce swelling after surgery but don't like the harshness of ice?

Many people avoid using cold therapy after surgery to reduce swelling and ease pain because thoughts of harsh ice on the skin, while already feeling uncomfortable, discourage them. Ice placed directly on the skin can cause skin damage. A towel or other cloth that protects the skin and short periods of exposure can prevent skin damage and minimize discomfort.

Maine Warmers gentle ice packs (microwave heating pads that are placed in the freezer for a few hours)

Use hand warmer inserts only for gentle-on-the-skin ice packs.

provide cool comfort inside soft flannel covers. They stay cool for about 10 - 15 minutes – the recommended time for applying ice. The filling is whole corn which does not get as cold as ice or a bag of frozen peas.

The best size and weight "warmers" are the inside packets that come with Hand Warmers. They are about 7" x 5" and are soft and supple, easily conform to your body and have a washable cover. From the freezer to the microwave – they are versatile and easy to use. With a pair, you can keep both in the freezer and alternate using them. And when you need warmth, just microwave them and put them inside the mittens to warm chilly fingers or toes.

Women who have just given birth may find these ice packs to be just the thing to help ease pain and reduce swelling. Men who have had vasectomy reversals are told to ice the area. Teens who have wisdom teeth removed surgically look for ice packs that are soft on the skin and easy on the face.

Maine Warmers Microwave Hand Warmers

The best way to cool down in the midst of summer heat

Texas and southern parts of the US are experiencing record heat this summer. Slipping in and out of hot cars to go from an air conditioned home to work or the store can be ugly even though most automobiles are air conditioned. If the car is not air conditioned it can be extremely uncomfortable -- especially for the elderly.

A gentle ice pack that offers soothing coolness -- not harsh cold as in cubes -- can help.

Wrapped around the back of the neck, a frozen neck warmer offers a little relief from the heat.

Try  Maine Warmers' microwave heating pad and gentle ice pack to help cool down from summer heat. Neck Warmers, Back Warmers, as well as all of their products can be frozen and used to soothe the discomfort of summer heat, sunburns, and insect bites.