Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Hot Soup Broth for Winter Soups

There is nothing like a hearty soup to warm you up on frigid winter nights and at the same time, help hydration -- an important health concern in winter.

A good broth makes a superb soup. With some broth from the recipe below in the freezer, a delicious quick supper is easy. Saute some onions in a pot with a bit of oil, add some veggies and broth, and cook unitl tender. Additions can include a can of rinsed beans or leftover cooked pasta.


Chicken or Turkey Broth

The garlic adds flavor so that it is not necessary to add salt – for those on low sodium diets.
Place in one large soup pot:
Bones, gizzards, and drippings from a cooked chicken or turkey
1 onion, peeled & quartered
1 or 2 stalks celery, may include leaves, cut in half
1 carrot, ends cut off and chopped in half
1 bay leaf
2 to 3 cloves garlic peeled, not chopped
6 peppercorns

Cover with cold water.

Bring to a boil, skim off foam and discard.

Boil five minutes then reduce heat to low and simmer 6 to 12 hours. Turn off heat and let cool about 1 hour. Strain liquid into containers for storage in the refrigerator or freezer. Discard bones, vegetables, and herbs. Strain into storage containers. Use or freeze. Use broth to make soups and stews.


Chopping cold veggies can make your hands feel cold. While you wait for your final soup to cook, warm a microwave heating pad and enjoy the warmth. Hold a cozy Maine Warmers' Sheep or slip your hands into some Mainely Hand Warmers. Wear a Neck Warmer while you set the table. Enjoy!

Mediterranean Fish Soup with Turkey Broth


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

How to stay hydrated and warm in winter

Combine dehydration with shortened daylight in winter and it might feel like all of your energy has been zapped. Lack of water can leave us feeling tired (according to the Mayo Clinic). The weight of our bodies is 60% water, and all of our vital organs depend on a good daily dose of H2O to operate well.

We lose water when we breath, perspire, and eliminate food waste. In the winter when the air is dry and cold we may not be aware of how much we perspire. Also, the tendency in winter is to drink hot liquids like coffee and tea, which may contain caffeine and act as a diuretic, causing us to eliminate fluids more quickly.

Check out the Mayo Clinic article, "Water: How Much Should You Drink Each Day?" to find out about quantities, other tips, and information.

Man using Moose microwave heat pad and body warmer while reading the newspaper
Magnificent Moose Body Warmer
If a cold glass of water on a frigid winter day turns you off, then you may want to stick to hot, caffeine-free teas, or plain hot water (maybe with a slice of lemon).  Keep a Maine Warmer microwave heating pad handy to help keep warm during the cold winter months. A Cozy Sheep makes a perfect bed warmer and gift for someone who is inactive due to an illness. A Magnificent Moose warms cold hands -- and the heart -- and is an especially nice gift for a man. Microwave heating pads make winter more comfortable.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Changing Your Mind to Help Achieve Goals when dealing with arthritis

Breaking habits -- especially the bad ones -- can be an arduous task. Arthritis Today Magazine has a helpful article, “Change Your Mind and Your Body Will Follow” January/February 2011. You need to join the Arthritis Foundation to receive the publication or to access this article online.

One of the suggestions the writer, Emily Delzell, offers is to “Increase Mindfulness.” She recommends keeping your thoughts in the present -- avoid going back over past negative ones or worrying. Become aware of these thoughts and don’t “believe them." Give yourself credit for being right more than wrong.

Use breathing techniques to help you relax. Take six controlled breaths and become aware of how you feel. Think positively about yourself and write down the things that are right with you, then you can help redirect your thoughts when they become negative. Change your focus to others and spend less time focusing on yourself. Take a yoga or meditation class. Be physically active.

If you know someone who is anxious and needs to relax more you might consider giving them a microwave heating pad.  A Maine WarmersCozy Cat or a Dachshund Neck Warmer offer comforting companionship without the care or vet bills.


Friday, January 07, 2011

Reduce Inflammation with Omega-3s

According to an article in ARTHRITIS TODAY Magazine, Fatty Acids: How Omega-3s Reduce Inflammation, people with arthritis may benefit from a diet high in Omega-3s. A study at Brigham and Women's Hospital pointed to Omega-3s, when ingested, are converted to compounds that help control the body's immune system response.  The study's lead researcher and the American Dietetic Association suggest a diet rich in omega-3's (fish) over taking supplements.

In the printed version of this magazine, January/February 2011, there is an article about omega-3s in walnuts and how eating them daily may help lower blood pressure. The article also suggests that they may help people with inflammatory conditions. Reducing caloric intake to make room in your diet for the fat in the walnuts is also suggested. Other information on Walnuts and their nutritional value

drawing of a young man holding a basketball and using a Maine Warmers microwave heating pad on his knee
Use heat to increase flexibility
Use cold to reduce swelling
Physical exercise is recommended to help maintain blood pressure, strength, and flexibility for people with arthritis.

It seems to be inevitable that when people exercise they experience occasional stiff muscles. A little heat to help increase blood circulation and flexibility before or after exercise may help prevent muscle strains. Maine Warmers microwave heating pads are portable and can go in the car on the way to the gym, yoga studio, or tennis court. Their traditional Neck Wrap or a fun Whale Back Warmer, among other shapes and sizes of heat pads, can be used on knees, elbows, and other joints as well. They are especially helpful for those with arthritis.


Sunday, January 02, 2011

How to keeping skin moist in the dry winter months

A friend recently moved back to Maine from the coast of North Carolina. The first week of her return she said to me, "I forgot how dry it is here in winter."

When you are used to the moisture of the South, the cold Maine air hits hard. The December/January issue of Maine Women Magazine has a helpful article, "Hey, chill -- you can fix winter skin." One helpful hint the writer, Taryn Plumb, offers is to keep hand moisturizer next to every sink to use after washing hands to prevent dry cracked skin. To add to that, I would suggest wearing rubber gloves to do any dishes or cleaning. Also, keep a stick of lip balm in every coat pocket for when you do go outside.

The article also states the importance of wearing sun block to avoid dryness from too much sun exposure. Even in the shorter days of winter, too much sun can cause skin damage. Using mild soaps and not overdoing the hot showers is also recommended.

Through my own research I have found that moist heating pads are also better for the skin -- not as drying. If you have a sore neck or back, instead of taking a long shower or hot bath, use a microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers. Their Neck Warmers and Back Warmers can help relieve sore muscles -- and take the chill off winter.

Winter Warmers are microwave heating pads help keep you toasty warm in the cold.

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Good reason to skip the Polar Bear Dip and make a donation instead

At dinner with friends last night -- New Years' Eve -- one guest asked if anyone wanted to participate in the Polar Bear dip at Old Orchard Beach, Maine on New Years' Day. He said the temperatures were going to be in the high forties to fifty degrees -- warm compared to other years. Another guest said he made the plunge a few years ago when the air temperature was about ten degrees. He also exclaimed that he has never been so cold in all of his life.

I explained that a cardiologist once told me that a dip into frigid water could upset the rhythm of the heart -- even in a young person. Since that time, I have discouraged anyone who suggests jumping into the freezing water in winter. None of our guests jumped at the chance to participate in the plunge today.

My recommendation is to make the donation to the charity sponsoring the Polar Bear dip or plunge or whatever they call it -- and skip the dip.

If you know someone who does take the plunge, you could help them out by being there with a blanket, dry clothes, and a microwave heating pad (warmed up, of course). Maine Warmers offers a variety of products designed to help one warm up when feeling cold, or to relax stiff muscles. A Cozy Polar Bear makes the perfect gift for a person participating in one of these events in spite of the risk. Or choose from a variety of Comforting Creatures that include, Moose, Black Bears, Cats, Dachshunds, and more.

Maine Warmers' Cozy Polar Bear for comforting warmth in winter