From Running to Walking

The day running became painful and I was told by my physician to take up walking I was stunned. As a child, running and other physical activity was an important part of my life. It made me feel good. But when I started smoking cigarettes in high school I lost that desire. Nine years later, running helped me quit smoking and sustained me for the next fifteen years.

Not overdoing physical exercise but doing enough and maintaining good form helps me participate in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, kayaking, and gardening. By being physically active I am better able to maintain a healthy mental and emotional balance in life.

I remember watching Mary Decker on TV run in the Olympics and I was envious. I was surprised to read in Arthritis Today (Nov-Dec 2015) that she thought her injuries were due to over-training, but today thinks they make have been related to arthritis. She finally listened to what her body was telling her and retired from running in 1999. An earlier diagnosis might have helped ease the depression that went along with her having to retire from the sport she loved. According to this article she now enjoys other activities, including hiking.

Being physically active is critical to some people. After a physically active day it is nice to relax with Maine Warmers’a microwave heating pad. An extra large Back Warmer relaxes stiff muscles, is versatile, and can be used to relax tired feet (the body parts I feel most at the end of the day). The discomfort is likely due to some arthritis, and heat stimulates circulation and increases flexibility.

A gluten-free diet keeps inflammation from arthritis in check and makes me feel better. For gluten-free recipes see the Main Warmers’blog.

Pecha Kucha Night -- a fun and inexpensive date in cities all over the world

Want a fun, interesting evening but don't want to spend a lot of money? Find a friend or a date and enjoy an evening of interesting, fast paced fun at PechaKucha Night.

You don't have to go to the one in Portland, Maine, because these events are held all over the world. Just follow the link or do a Google search for PechaKucha and you will find a whole list of cities that have these entertaining and educational evenings. PechaKucha originated in Japan and means "chit-chat" in Japanese. The next PechaKucha Night, also called PK Night, for those who are not sure of the pronunciation, is February 25, 2016 at the Asylum, in Portland, Maine.

The event consists of ten people telling a story with twenty slides and only twenty seconds per slide to talk. No one is allowed to drone on for hours. Most presenters hang around after the event to answer questions.

The cost is minimal ($7 per person), and you can buy a beer or glass of wine (in the Portland event) to enjoy while you are there -- or not. Either way it is a relatively cheap date.

If you have a business, you can place an inexpensive ad to publicize your service or goods. Or you can be a sponsor and get more bang for the buck while supporting this creative event. The $25 ads are called flashlight ads. Here are a couple of examples of text for two ads by Maine Warmers® from last night's event. The host read the text while another person held up a photo of the company logo and the products.

Polar Bear Bed and Body Warmer

1. Bask in the luxury of your own little spa at the end of the day. This Cozy Polar Bear  microwave heating pad soothes sore tired muscles and is a comforting companion. Heat is one of the oldest natural home remedies for aches and pains. It stimulates circulation, improves flexibility, and relaxes tight muscles. 

A whole zoo of these comforting creatures – made in Scarborough, Maine – make perfect gifts for all ages and are available for purchase at mainewarmers.com.

Dachshund Neck Warmer

Let this Dachshund curl up on your lap and keep you warm on chilly autumn nights. Or wrap it 

Two notes of caution:

1. This microwave Maine Warmer is addicting.
2. If you loan this to a family member or friend, you might not get it back.

Go to Maine Warmers' web site for a replacement or for a gift for a friend in need of warmth and TLC.

Best way to get rid of foot and leg cramps

I just read an article in the Grandparents.com newsletter by Ellen Breslau who talked with a podiatrist about the causes of and treatments for foot and leg cramps. I was surprised that Dr. Chrystal Holmes, a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, did not mention applying heat to the cramped foot or leg for relief. Heat is known to relax tight muscles, and it is the first thing I do when I get a leg cramp that won’t quit -- even after walking on or massaging it. Heated for one and a half minutes at full power, a microwave heating pad will relax cramped muscles quickly. You could use a hot water bottle or another type of heating pad as well. With a microwave heating pad there is no worry of overheating, as with electric heating pads. 

The most common cause of leg cramps is over-use. Lack of hydration, and vitamin deficiency may also cause cramping. Dr. Holmes recommends seeing your physician if severe cramps persists. She mentioned staying hydrated, stretching, and eating a healthy balanced diet. She recommended stretching, massaging, walking, and taking over-the-counter pain medications.

To see Maine Warmers microwave heating pads and to order online check out this website. These heating pads come in a variety of shapes and sizes from traditional shapes to unique animal designs.

Five Tips to Avoid Some of the Most Common Back Injuries

Back pain can cripple you. Accidents happen and some are unavoidable, but awareness may reduce your risk of back injury.

Tips to avoid some of the most common back injuries

1. Most back injuries are caused by automobile accidents. Drive carefully, and drive for other drivers ear your seat belt.

too. Everyone makes mistakes. Don’t let your quality of life be compromised by another bad driver or an honest mistake. Most accidents can be prevented if you watch out and yield, even when you have the right of way. And w

2. Falls cause 25% of back injuries. Take classes or do exercises that improve balance and core strength. If you are in good physical condition, your ability to catch yourself may prevent a disaster.

3. Be careful who you hang out with. If you are abused, or know someone who is, the chance of that behavior and continuing increases with time. “About 15 percent of spinal cord injuries result from violent encounters, often involving gunshot and knife wounds, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center.” (Mayo Clinic)

4. High impact sports and diving injuries are another major cause of back injury. Of course lifting heavy objects causes minor to severe back pain.

5. Alcohol is involved in 25% of back injuries. Avoid alcohol while participating in sports or physical activities.

If you have tight back muscles a microwave heating pad will help relax the muscles. It will not cure

or fix major injuries. Frozen, it will help reduce swelling and pain. Maine Warmers back heating pads can be frozen and used as ice packs. The whole corn filling does not get as cold as ice so it feels more comfortable on the skin.

Relief for a pinched nerve

According to the Mayo Clinic, any number of things -- accidents, overuse of muscles, bone spurs, compressed discs, stenoses, bad posture, and more -- can cause neck and shoulder pain. Continued or acute pain should take you to see the doc to avoid nerve damage.

My mother had a pinched nerve causing pain in the shoulder, but she could never figure out the cause. She went to see her doctor who put her on anti-inflammatory, over-the-counter drugs. They helped, but never got to the cause. In watching the following video by Dr. Madnell, I think I understand what caused her flare-ups.

My mother had been physically active all of her life but the past few years found her sitting for long periods of time which I think caused her head to be positioned forward. The headrest in cars, I have noticed, causes the head to position forward, and often after being in the car for an extended period of time she would have a flare-up. I think she may have had a propensity to hold her head forward anyway. She often fell asleep in a chair with her head forward. The strain on the neck over the years probably caused the overuse and inflammation that caused her pain.

She used a Maine Warmers’ Neck Warmer in the shape of a Dachshund dog which she claimed did

Dachshund Neck Warmer

the most to help her. Physicians would say to use cold therapy the first 48 to 72 hours to reduce inflammation, then use heat to stimulate circulation and improve flexibility. She would not use an ice pack. But with anti-inflammatory drugs and the heat to relax muscles in spasm, she found comfort.

Maine Warmers can be frozen and used for gentle cold therapy -- not harsh like ice cubes. Check out their Facebook page for more information, specials, and giveaways.

Moderation and Living Well

At the Portland, Maine Farmers' Market last Saturday I overheard one farmer say to another, "I have learned that moderation is key to living well." He paused then said, "But I don't like to live that way." When I laughed out loud, he turned and grinned and explained how he liked to eat and drink more than he probably should.

I think we can all relate. In summer, we travel, eat out more, have house guests and leftovers when the visitors are gone, and go out for ice-cream. It all adds up to extra pounds and maybe feeling a bit bloated or uncomfortable. 

The good news is that farmers' markets flourish with healthy veggies and fruits this time of

year, encouraging us to get back on track -- at least until the holidays. 

Remember to use a Maine Warmer to help you relax instead of reaching for some goodies to make you feel better.

Finding the right professional to help you lose weight

Need help losing weight? You may want to turn to a professional who will help you change your eating habits and skip a diet that could cause you to deprive yourself of nutrients and leave you feeling unsatisfied. Chances are high that you will go off such a diet and gain more weight than you lost.

Before you go looking for help, you may want to know what the difference is between a nutritionist and a dietitian. According to NutritionEd.org and state regulations, a registered dietitian (RD) must “complete academic requirements established by the American Dietetic Association” and “must have received a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university.” Beyond education, registered dietitians must have at least six months of experience within five years of attaining the educational requirements.

Requirements for nutrition counseling vary from state to state. In many states, there are no educational requirements although insurance companies may have.

How to find a reputable professional to help you meet your goals?

Get a referral from your physician. Check with your insurance company. Ask friends who have been successful at changing eating habits through a dietitian. Or go to the following Web site. EAT RIGHT: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and check out their listings. Just because the “expert” is listed here doesn’t mean he or she is the right person to help you. Check the person’s educational background, website or Facebook page (if applicable) and you can check with the state to see if the person has the qualifications listed. Read a bio, find the dietitian’s area of expertise, find out if they do individual and/or group counseling, and if they accept insurance or Medicare patients.

Once you have done some homework, talk with the person on the phone or ask for a preliminary meeting so that you get a sense of how you connect with this person. Find out what he or she needs from you before the first meeting, and go prepared. And stay focused on the positives of your weight-management journey and not on the things you will give up.

Please feel free to leave a comments about how you found a dietitian or nutritionist.

If you are feeling anxious about working with a dietitian, heat up a Maine Warmers' microwave heating pad, place it on your neck, back or abdomen, and take some time to relax. If it's hot out, put one of them in the freezer for a few hours in a plastic bag, then use it to chill out.

Maine Warmers

Easy way to get rid of leg cramps

Nocturnal leg or foot

cramps may last from a few seconds to several minutes and are often painful and annoying. Walking, stretching, massaging, and applying heat to relax the muscles can help. Physicians may recommend taking a hot shower or tub, but easier to use is a microwave heating pad. My experience has been that heat immediately relaxes the cramp.

Using ice may also help, and the gentle coolness from Maine Warmers extra large back warmer (frozen for two hours) is much easier than wrapping ice in a towel to prevent skin damage.

A few things that may cause cramps are:

• Strenuous exercise
• Pregnancy or decreased minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium
• Poor circulation
• Dehydration
• Some medications (ask your physician)
• Standing for long periods of time – especially on hard or cements surfaces
• For more information please visit the Cleveland Clinic

Prevention

Both the Cleveland Clinic and WebMD offer tips on preventing leg cramps. They suggest drinking more water during the daytime, stretching before bedtime, making sure your feet aren’t crammed into shoes, and adjusting the sheets and blankets so that your feet or legs aren’t constricted while sleeping.

If cramps continue even after checking off these lists, check with your physician.

Olive Oil as a potential destroyer of Cancer Cells

We often hear or read about how a Mediterranean diet lowers the risk of certain types of cancers -- including prostate cancer. I recall an article in the magazine, EATING WELL, where the combination of tomatoes and cheese in one’s diet were thought to lower the risk of prostate cancer. Since I read that article to my husband over two decades ago, he prepares his lunch, often a sandwich with tomatoes and cheese, and he has no sign of prostate cancer (which seems to run in his family). But after reading about a more recent theory I wonder if olive oil in a Mediterranean diet accounts for the low risk for prostate cancer, especially among Italian men.

Early research into the impact of extra-virgin olive oil on cancer cells was discussed in an article in Rutgers’ The Magazine for Alumni and Friends of the State University of New Jersey, Spring 2015. According to the article it appears that extra-virgin olive oil contains a compound that is able to penetrate and destroy the cancer inside lysosomes without killing the healthy part of the cell within which they are contained.*

More studies are needed to confirm this, even if the signs are hopeful. The International Olive Council has more information about this subject. The Mayo Clinic recommends a low fat diet rich in veggies and fruits to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. I think this sounds more reasonable and that olive oil is good for us but moderation is key.

If you know someone who needs to have prostate surgery, a gift of a small Maine Ice pack for recovery can be helpful. This small bag of whole corn, when frozen, provides comforting cold (not harsh like ice), is made of soft cotton flannel, and conforms to the body (not stiff like gel packs). It is also good for surgery on the face and other sensitive areas. The cover can be washed. It can also be heated in the microwave if heat is needed.

*This research was done by two cancer biologists at Hunter College and Paul Breslin, a professor of nutritional sciences at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.

Smaller Size Food Packaging Disappoints

A can of Bumblebee white tuna fish packed in water used to be 10 ounces, but today the can is 6 ounces. It used to be white and hard packed in the can so that it was difficult to get out with a fork. Today the tuna is mushy and falls out of the can -- not worth the money. I have stopped buying it altogether.

It used to be that ice-cream came in a half gallon container, but the container of sherbet I bought a few days ago says 1.5 quarts. As long as the quality remains high I will buy it, but if the producers reduce the size of the container again I will stop buying it. It would probably be healthier for me to stop eating frozen yogurt and sherbet anyway, but I would prefer to enjoy it.

Whale Extra Large Back Heating Pad

At Maine Warmers, we have not reduced the size of our products. We actually doubled the size of our Back Warmer and now sell more of the extra large one at a higher price than we do of the traditional sized Back Warmer. I have noticed some other items that sell more are our over-sized ones including the Whale Back Warmer and Al-the-Gator which is an extra long neck warmer.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads are perfect gifts for Father's Day.

Al-the-Gator -- extra long microwave neck heating pad

Dealing with Challenges Takes Practice and Yoga May Help

My yoga teacher says that the things in life that happen to us count less than the way we react to them. Yoga teaches us to find a calm place where we can breathe, and to practice breathing calmly when we are being challenged. Then, when we face a difficult situation in life, we have a coping mechanism in place to help us deal with it.

In yoga, we are taught that it is okay to push ourselves to failure in order to find out what we can achieve. At the same time, we don’t want to injure ourselves. So, there is always a tugging and pulling in opposite directions – or stretching oneself.

I think some people may have a twisted view (no pun intended) of what yoga is – especially if they have not practiced it. There are different types of yoga, of course, and I am only familiar with one or two of them. I know that when I practice it I can breathe better, and I feel better. I told the  yoga teacher that sinus doctors should recommend yoga to their patients, and she replied that all doctors should recommend it to their patients.

I do tend to get sore muscles after yoga, but that is natural. A Maine Warmers’ microwave heating pad relaxes them. Frozen it relieves sinus headaches.

Black Sheep microwave heating pad

Support and attitude help stroke victims

As a child I was told my great aunt was unable to talk due to a stroke. Most of the time she sat and listened and had a pleasant look on her face. Once though she cried, and not understanding, I thought she was unhappy.

When my father had a stroke, I was quite a lot older and understood his situation and how frustrating it was for him to lose his speech and the use of his right hand. He regained about 65% of his speech and a few times he cried out of frustration. As much as it hurt to see him sad, I knew he wasn't unhappy.

His attitude, sense of humor, close friends and family gave him a quality of life he might not otherwise have enjoyed. He never lost his ability to use a computer and to keyboard although he had to learn to use his left hand. He would write weekly newsletters to his friends and print them to be read aloud on Friday nights. He loved to laugh and never missed an opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Toward the end of his life when he needed to be in a wheelchair, he had my mother make a sign out of cardboard that said"Will work for food." He then sat outside at the end of his driveway with the sign enjoying laughs with neighbors who stopped to see him. He died at age 90 with  his family all around and a smile on his face. (BTW: My father lost a leg in WW II.)

Even when he and my mother lived in Florida his left hand would get so cold. He used a microwave

Maine Warmers' Microwave Hand Warmer Mittens

hand warmer from Maine Warmers to help warm that one hand. Maine Warmers has a variety of microwave heating pads that can be used to warm hands, whether from a stroke or just the chill of winter.

May is Stroke Awareness Month.

Increases the risk of stroke:

• Being overweight
• Lack of physical exercise
• Tobacco use
• Drug use
• Heavy use of alcohol 
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Cardiovascular disease

Unavoidable risk factors:

• Heredity
• Age -- 55 and older
• Race -- African Americans are higher risk
• Gender -- Males are more likely to have a stroke

Symptoms -- Call 911 if you are or see someone experiencing any of these:

• Trouble speaking or understanding
• Weakness, numbness, or loss of use of an arm or leg, or portion of the face
• Loss of balance or dizziness
• Blurred vision or double vision in one or both eyes
• Sudden, severe headache

For more information on strokes visit the Mayo Clinic Website.

Reducing knee pain by making changes in diet

"Every pound of body weight yields five pounds of force on the knee, so even 10 extra pounds can put a considerable load on those joints." WebMD 

Added force on a knee causes the protective covering of the knee to break down more rapidly according to the Arthritis Foundation, in an article, How Fat Affects Arthritis. It seems like common sense. 

Beyond this, some fats may produce a chemical reaction that increase inflammation and contribute to joint degeneration. Omega 6 fatty acids, saturated fats (from animal and whole dairy), trans-fats, gluten, casein, some artificial sweeteners, are considered inflammatory. Read more about these foods in the article, 8 Food Ingredients that can Cause Inflammation. 

Making the changes in diet for less pain and more fun may be worth every ounce of effort. Pain zaps our energy levels and is very distracting -- from work, play, relationships, and generally our whole lives. 

Changing one's diet takes concentration and effort -- plus planning and lots of chopping. Many grocery stores now carry pre-chopped veggies and cut up fruits. Salad bars are also in many grocery stores, so instead of buying a pizza on your way home from work, stop at the salad bar and pick up a hearty green salad. Add some black beans, smoked salmon, or buy some fish that is easy to cook.

A change in diet can have a stunning affect on how you feel and may reduce knee pain. When you are in pain or if you are feeling anxious, instead of running to the fridge for comfort, go for a walk, read a book, write to a friend, or find something else you like to do.  Put a Maine Warmer in the microwave for a minute and a half, then relax with a non-caffeine beverage. Heat relaxes tense muscles, stimulates circulation, and increases flexibility -- helping you feel better.

Maine Warmers Microwave Back Warmer, Knee Ice Pack, & Traditional Neck Warmer

What to buy a father who has everything for Fathers' Day?

At the end of a busy day, most dads want to sit down and relax. A microwave heating pad can help.

Some men don't think they need a heating pad to relax and may consider it to be unnecessary or even effeminate to use one. I often hear men at trade shows tell me, "Oh yes, my wife uses one of these." Other times I have heard women say, "My husband uses the Sheep I purchased from you for his sore back muscles." Men don't think they need a heating pad, but once they try one they like it.

I think most men have sore backs from lifting heavy objects. If men are active, chances are they have a few tight muscles. If they aren't active, they may have poor circulation and feel chilled. Either way, a microwave heating pad, whether it is a traditional Back Warmer, or a Gray Whale Back Warmer, or some other comforting creature, will help relieve muscle stiffness or provide comforting warmth.

Some men need to be shown -- not told. So, heat one of these up and when your dad sits down in a chair ask him if you could put this between his back and the chair. If his neck is what bothers him most, then make it a Neck Warmer.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads are portable, so dad can sit with it in front of the TV, computer, in a car, or take it on a walk. It doesn't have perfumes and it is washable.

Maine Warmers Microwave Heating Pads for Dads

What to buy mothers and grandmothers who have everything?

Dachshund Neck Warmer

A mother or grandmother who has everything can be tricky to shop for. Fancy food may be an option, but if the woman receiving the gift is struggling to lose weight (most women do), then it might be best to offer comforting relaxation instead of "comfort food."

A Dachshund Dog or Cozy Gray or Black Cat are microwave heating pads, a.k.a. comforting creatures, that do not require feeding, walking, litter boxes, pooper-scoopers, or vet bills. They don't leave hair on couches or beds, but will curl up next to you to keep you warm or to help relax sore muscles. They also decorate a bed or chair when not in use.

Cozy Gray Cat foot warmer relaxes tired feet

Many women soak their feet in warm water to help relax their sore, tired toosties at the end of the day. Heat is a natural home remedy for relaxing muscles, including foot muscles. A microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers will relax feet without the fuss of filling a basin with water -- and sometimes spilling it.

Cozy Gray Cat & Dachshund Neck Warmer

Warning: Maine Warmers can be addicting.

When pets need a heating pad or ice pack

Dogs and cats get arthritis and a heating pad gives them some comfort. They get cold in the winter, and they, like humans, enjoy a little extra warmth. Sometimes they get stiff muscles after a run or playing Frisbee. Heat helps relax stiff muscles, improves circulation, and increases flexibility.

Girls using Mainely Ice Pack on dog's swollen ear.

When dogs and cats have surgery, the vet will often tell you, the pet owner, to put ice on it to reduce swelling. Ice can be uncomfortable, and just when you want to provide comfort for your pet, you probably are reluctant to ice it. A Mainely Ice Pack is soft and gentle yet still helps reduce swelling. It's can even be heated in the microwave when heat is needed. Otherwise, store it in the freezer in a plastic bag. It is washable.

Check out Maine Warmers' microwave Back Warmers to use in dog or cat beds or when your pet needs a little TLC.

Refilling the cup -- recovering from loss

My mother passed away less than a month ago. I miss her, the laughs, and the closeness we shared. Now the cup is empty, waiting to be filled again with laughter and intimacy.

I have watched people spend years grieving the loss of a spouse or significant other, and to what end? Maybe a wish to die also and follow a lover?

If I should die before my husband or my children I want them to continue on, refilling their cups with laughter and friendship, and giving their love to those around them who need love and to laugh.

Because I go out and have fun today and laugh doesn't mean I don't miss my mother or have forgotten her. I found the time to spend with her when she was alive and needed me. Even through the most difficult phases of her passing there was room to find joy. Her face looked beautiful even hours before she passed.

Now I have time to see friends and make new ones. Life is a blessing that I have learned to appreciate.

Comforting Cozy Sheep Microwave Heating Pad

While refilling the cup, in order to reduce stress, it is important to sleep well, to drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods (easier said then done when stressed), exercise, and laugh. Maintaining balance has helped me in the grieving process. If relaxation is difficult, a microwave heating pad in the shape of a Cozy Sheep or Black Bear can help relax tense muscles before bedtime and bring much needed comfort.

Talking with someone who is dying

Toward the end of my mother's life I spent a lot of time with her, staying overnight with her because she was afraid to be alone. She couldn't talk much but she did ask why it was taking so long. She was not in pain but she was clearly struggling with living every day.

Our conversations became shorter as she declined. She didn't talk very much. I talked about what a good family she had and about how we would carry on as she and the rest of the family did after her mother and father died. I could see a small twinkle in her eye when I said we'd all be stuck in the cold weather while she'd be golfing where the sun was shining.

When she was actively dying we didn't say much of anything. I sat and held her hand when she took her last breath. I had promised her that I would be there when she died if I could and that I would hold her hand. I was glad I was able to keep my promise.

I don't miss the conversations about death, and as much as I would like to forget them, I know I will remember them at times. I hope that if I ever have to go through a similar experience, that the time I spent with my mom will help me know what to say and how to help the one who is dying. And when my time comes I hope I will keep in mind to use humor as much as possible to help my helper through it.

Humor Helps with Winter Blues

Several years ago, my friend Jackie had just finished reading aloud the first chapter of a book she had written. She was in a children's book writers' critique group with me. Jackie's goal was to interest and motivate middle school boys who didn't like to read books. Her story was about a couple of young teenage boys who discovered that a few common ingredients, when mixed together and slipped into food, would give people uncontrollable gas. The boys were greatly amused by the results of their trickery and wanted to spread the fun.

"Farts are cheap entertainment for kids," explained Jackie, then mother of four teenagers. The critique group giggled and tee-heed and gave the chapter "a two thumbs up." It was a silly, funny evening that made me feel like I was in sixth grade again.

I am not promoting flatulence as humor, just that laughter with friends makes us feel young. As we plow through the remainder of a record cold and snowy winter in the Northeast, trying to avoid our own March "madness," laughter is good medicine. If you are experiencing a long winter, wherever you live, I hope you will find fun, healthy ways to cope.

Dachshund Neck Warmer

Another way to help you get through the remainder of the winter is to use a Maine Warmers' microwave heating pad. It will warm a bed, cold hands and feet. Sign up for their e-Newsletter Dachshund Neck Warmer on March 12, 2015. They have other give-a-ways scheduled for the month of March and April.

to receive coupons and be entered in a give-a-way. Follow Maine Warmers on Facebook to be entered into a drawing for a free

Challenges of being a primary caregiver

I search for help during my mother's slow progression toward death. The Caregivers Journey, (Hospice Web site) is a beautifully written piece that helps visualize what one cannot know or see ahead on the path to the other side.

Some days are hard for me as the primary caregiver, and I feel guilty that I cannot be 100% everyday. Balancing the needs of my mother with my own need to be mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy is part of that journey. On those days when I have my own difficulties coping it is important to take time off, regroup, and find ways to escape the heaviness that accompanies the job. I feel awful leaving her to herself. But I know that others are there to help her too.

Microwave Sheep Heating Pad

I don't know how long the journey will be. It's hard to make plans ahead, especially travel plans. So, to make the best of each day, and to live my life with joy, I need to go to the gym or go outside and exercise, avoid the foods that may give me comfort for a few minutes but will make me gain unwanted pounds. There isn't much time to socialize, and rest. Managing my own needs with those of my mother and other family members is part of what makes this journey so challenging.

A Maine Warmers microwave heating pad helps me relax as it also helps elderly people who are inactive due to illness or stroke.

Finding the right person to talk to about death

Young people seem to have a hard time talking about death, even though they are curious about it.  Conversations about death make people uncomfortable.

I recently mentioned my mother’s wish to die to an acquaintance who asked about her. I could tell the conversation made this person uncomfortable and I tried to change the subject quickly. Injecting a little humor into a difficult conversation often makes a transition less awkward.

When someone is dying, the care-taker needs to maintain a healthy life balance. Having a confidant who can listen, understand, and empathize about the daily stresses of dealing with death is critical. Hospice has people who are trained, have experience, and are willing to be that person. Some people may have to deal with an impending death over a long period of time due to the nature of an illness and continued support is important.

If you need someone to talk to about death and family or friends are uncomfortable with the subject, then check out Hospice. They will help take care of you, too.

Dachshund microwave heating pads offer comforting companionship

Dealing with the discomfort of conversations about death

My grandmother’s wish to die seemed so unnatural to me when I was younger, but as I hear my mother utter, “I wish I could die,” I have more understanding.  She is dependent due to lack of mobility, inability to see or hear well, with little hope of improving.

Sometimes I try to make light of her “wishing to die” and respond by saying, “You’re too damn strong to die, Mom!” I try to shift the conversation to what is important to her after she dies and taking time to let her know the things I appreciate about her as a mother and that I will miss her.  

Her desire to die has a way of creeping into many discussions. Dwelling on the topic of dying doesn’t seem like a good idea. There are times when it is appropriate to remind her that I will do all in my power to make sure she is comfortable and does not feel any pain. Some repetition becomes security for her. Then shifting the discussion to remembering people who have died is more satisfying for both of us.

Discussions of my mother's expectation of death are more frequent, and as much as I try to make light of them, they do cause stress and anxiety. They make me wonder how I will handle my journey to the other side. I hope it will be with humor as much as possible. 

Panda Bear Microwave Body Warmer

The soothing warmth of a Maine Warmer helps me relax when I return home from the daily visits with my mom. 

Keeping humor in conversations with someone who is dying

Young or old, who wants to sit around and think about death when there is an opportunity to laugh?

When my children were babies and dependent I tried to make them happy and laugh. It is the same now with my mother. I try to find funny things to talk about with her like comical stories I read in the newspaper, funny things our grandchildren have done or said, humorous comments my husband makes, or something I have seen on Facebook. 

When my mother talks about death I listen. When she talks about wanting to die, the only way I can respond is to say that I understand her feelings, but she is strong and not ready yet.

I know while she is alive, she might as well try to have a good time, as long as she is physically and mentally up for it.  I am thankful that my mother has a sense of humor and is alert and aware, and that she has lived well into her nineties.

She is happy to have a Cozy Sheep Warmer to keep her company and comfy on cold

Cozy Sheep Bed & Body Warmer

winter nights.

Conversations about Death

Some of the hardest conversations we have are about money and sex. But talking about death tops both of those. We talk about giving birth easily, but we don’t recall the struggle to be born. When we talk with someone who is approaching death, we tend to feel uncomfortable, making the person who is dying uncomfortable.

Although death doesn’t seem like much of a laughing matter, it is possible to bring humor into the conversation without feeling guilty about it. It’s not the conversations about living wills and typical end of life issues, although some of those are difficult, but questions regarding when and how.

As I help my mother struggle with health issues that will in the near future claim her life, I try to reassure her that we will do our best to keep her comfortable and out of pain. Once that is stated she seems to be able to crack jokes about dying. Her ability to talk freely about it helps my discomfort.

In a recent stay at the hospital, she awoke and said to the early morning nurse, “Where am I? I thought I was supposed to be dead by now.”  The nurse thought that was a hoot.

When someone young is dying, the conversations may be very different. A good friend who passed away at age 50 talked openly about his death and was able to joke with his friends about it. It was the best thing we could do for him. But, I later felt unnecessarily guilty about laughing about death.  Conversations with people who are inexperienced with a loved-one dying, might include assurances that it is okay to laugh at death.

There is a feeling of helplessness that also accompanies the expected death of a friend or family member.

Maine Warmers' Foot Warmer Pad

We want to help, but there isn't much we can do except be there. Our friend’s wife told me that the microwave back warmer that we gave him was the only thing that could warm his feet as the cancer progressed. That was before I started Maine Warmers and one of the reasons I thought it was important to make these products available.

Encouraging Children to Enjoy Swim Lessons

We want to encourage our grandchildren to enjoy swimming and have taken them for lessons for several years at a local school.  In Maine, in the winter, the ladies’ locker room feels cold, especially after basking in the warmth of the heated pool area. Our young granddaughter’s teeth would be chattering as I tried to change her out of wet swimsuit and into some warm, dry duds.

I wondered if a Maine Warmer might help make that transition a little more comfortable for her and make the locker room experience less frantic.  I wanted to make the experience as comfortable and fun as I could.

So, before we left home I would microwave a Back Warmer, wrap it in a Turkish towel, and place it in a canvas bag. We would leave an hour before the lesson, pick up our grandchildren, and drive to the pool. At the locker room I placed the bag in the locker while we waited the hour for the lesson. After two hours, the towel and heating pad would be nice and warm and our granddaughter was elated to be wrapped in a heated, dry towel while I pulled her clothes out of the locker.

Warm a Turkish towel with a Maine Warmers' Back Warmer and enjoy soothing warmth after a winter swim in a pool.

The Turkish towel is quite large but folds up into a small area, taking up less room than the terry towel that she takes into the pool area and returns with soaking wet.

Once dried, dressed, and in the car, we gave them snacks – usually a banana, but occasionally a granola bar. We would return them to their home just at suppertime. On the last day of the session, we would take them out or buy pizza to celebrate them and with their parents.

Maine Warmers’ microwave bed and body warmers bring soothing warmth and comfort in the middle of winter to young and old. A variety of Neck Warmers and Back Warmers are available in traditional shapes or in unique animal designs and patterns.

Maine Warmers' Cozy Sheep Bed and Body Warmer