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.