Ant Betsy's

Microwave Hand Warmers for Health Professionals

2012-02-10T16:32:00.000-05:00

Are you a physician, a physical therapist, a massage therapist, with cold hands? Most patients appreciate a warm touch. People are often anxious when they visit a health professional and cold hands on the body may cause more anxiety.

Are you a breast surgeon? Touching the breasts with cold hands – no thank you. Are you a chiropractor? Touching the skin with cold hands – no thank you.

A pair of hand warmers can warm your hands before your appointment with your customer. A warm touch is soothing and may help to give your patient a better sense that you care about their feelings.

A pair of microwave hand warmers from Maine Warmers are easy and quick to use. Slip your hands into them for a few minutes and enjoy the warmth. Then enjoy a more comforting relationship with your patient.

Yin Yoga Helps Flexibility

2012-02-08T22:07:00.002-05:00

Yin Yoga may help improve flexibility by targeting tendons andligaments in the joints and spine. In this type of yoga practice, poses areheld for extended periods of time -- about 3 to 5 minutes. Muscles are notengaged.

I have noticed tightness in my shins and ankles that is verystressful in a few of the poses. Cramping of those muscles often occurs hoursafter I have stopped the practice. The use of a heating pad helps relax themuscles and improves flexibility. Continuing the practice, being careful to not overdo, has helped mebring more flexibility into those muscles and connective tissues.

I started doing Yin Yoga in the fall of 2011 and find it is amazingly relaxing, in spite of some discomfort -- not pain -- while holding poses. It keeps me in the moment and challenges me to stay focused on the breaths I take. It has given me more flexibility -- something I seem to be losing as I age.

For a description of Yin Yoga and its origins see thearticle in Wikipedia.

For a heating pad that is portable and safe, check out MaineWarmers’ large variety of microwave heat packs to help improve flexibility. The Full Back Warmer covers a large area andcan be helpful for all kinds of cramps or stiffness. Their Whale Warmer is uniqueand whimsical – a great gift for a yogie -- and it covers a large area of the back or even the legs. All of these products have removable, washable covers for easy laundering. They are filled with whole corn and do not have any added perfumes.

Better Sleep Through Better Habits

2012-01-26T00:14:00.000-05:00

Sleeplessness is aggravating and can cause health problems.Dr. Mehmet Oz, A NEW BEDTIME STORY, in an article in Parade Magazine, (Jan. 22, 2012), explains how lack of sleepcan affect your health and well-being. He makes several recommendations to helpyou get the rest you need through a 4 week plan. The following is a synopsis ofhis article and some great ideas to help you manage your health.

In your bedroom, keep the lights off including the TV. Evenan alarm clock may cast a disturbing light. The mattress may need to bereplaced if it is old and contains dust mites that make you sneeze. And thetemperature in your room should be cool to help slow down your body’smetabolism.

Avoid going to bed hungry, limit your alcohol intake beforebed, and even wear socks (helps keep you core cooler).

Establish a routine of going to bed and getting up at thesame time each day. Exercise will also help promote sleep, as long as it isdone a few hours before bed – not just before you plan to turn in. Checkingemail can be stimulating as well – not an activity to help you chill out.

A massage and a warmth bath can help you relax before sleep.Dr. Oz recommends using your shower massager to help you relax before bed. Itcan help with restless leg syndrome and cramps.

If he knew about Maine Warmers’ Full Back Warmer I am surehe would have suggested it. This microwave heating pad is quick and easy when taking abath takes too much time. Heat relaxes muscles, helping you wind down and ease tensionat the end of the day. It also helps release cramped muscles. Check out the Whale Back Warmer -- a fun way to feel better.

Preparing for a visit to the physician

2011-11-09T05:41:00.002-05:00

Write down questions to ask a physician when you experiencepain or discomfort. Remember to have a written record of medications you areon, including vitamins and supplements. Here are a few suggestions of questions you might ask.

What might be causing the symptoms or pain?

Do I need tests?

What is the best treatment?

Are there alternative treatments?

If you have other health issues how can you best manage bothof these?

Are there restrictions with this course of action?

Will I need to see a specialist and will my insurance coverit?

Are there other information resources available?

Be prepared to answer your physician’s questions like someof the following.

When did you first experience the pain or discomfort?

Be prepared to describe the pain, its location, andfrequency of occurrence.

What makes the symptoms worse?

What makes them better, if anything?

Take along a personal medical journal to fill out.

Take a look at the Mayo Clinic Web site for more information on your condition.

Check out Maine Warmers' Neck Warmers and Back Warmers to help ease muscle stiffness or to warm cold feet and hands.

Judge Judy Halloween Costume

2011-10-14T17:14:00.003-04:00

What are you going to be for Halloween this year?

If you haven't any plans to dress up you could be missing out on a lot of laughs. Even if you are not going to a party, answering the door, in costume, for trick-or-treaters gives you an opportunity to make others smile and engage in conversation.

You may think it is ridiculously silly to dress up for Halloween, and you are correct. That's the point. It will cause you to laugh a lot. Maybe that explains why many adults dress up and go to parties or out dancing on Halloween.

Last year, when my husband and I were invited to a Halloween party, I dressed as Judge Judy. I watched a few of her TV shows, then went out and bought a graduation robe at the Goodwill Store, large fake diamond earrings, and a cheap costume-shop wig that had to be styled. I took the wig to my mom's and asked her to put it on while I played the role of hairdresser in her kitchen. We tee-heed and laughed until tears rolled down our cheeks.

I worried that people might not know I was playing Judge Judy. The night of the party, we gathered with friends, had dinner, then drove to a hall in Portsmouth, NH, to dance.

The line to buy a glass of wine was 4 people deep, the whole length of the bar, but as I approached to wait my turn the crowd parted and several people said, "Good evening, Judge Judy," and "You can go in front of me Judge." In the ladies room, women motioned me toward the front of the line. When I said I was happy to wait they insisted, addressing me as "Judge Judy."

If you have a great idea for a Halloween costume, please feel free to recommend it. I highly recommend the Judge Judy costume and having fun on Halloween!

Consider taking a gift of warmth and comfort to the person who hosts the party -- a Comforting Cat, a Cozy Sheep, or Beautiful Bear would be greatly appreciated this time of year.

2011-09-09T06:07:00.002-04:00

Communicating with a massage therapist when you have arthritis

Massage should make you feel great. Some studies, though they are limited, show that ia massage can help reduce stress levels, pain, and may act as a natural anti-depressant, according to an article in Arthritis Today. page 96, Sept/Oct. 2011

If you have arthritis, you will want to talk with a massage therapist about areas that may be painful, where he/she should avoid or apply less pressure. Massage should be about comfort and if you are concerned about massage causing you pain, you should feel free to talk with your massage therapist about it. If you are not comfortable talking with the therapist, it may be time to find one who is more receptive to your concerns.

Ask your physician about types of pressure to avoid. Talk with friends about therapists they have used. Massage should make you feel wonderful and should not cause your worry or pain.

If you want to relax back muscles at home, a Full Back Warmer from Maine Warmers, is the next best thing to a massage. It costs $40.00, and can be used over and over, compared to a one-time massage at $35 to $100. The cover of this great big Back Warmer, microwave heating pad, is washable, the filling is all natural whole corn, without any added perfumes or other fragrances, and it conforms to your body.

Dealing with Spinal Stenosis

2011-08-26T07:29:00.000-04:00

Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal cord, often at the neck or lower back, causing pain. The pressure it creates causes inflammation of nerves and may result in weakness and a loss if feeling in extremities. It often occurs in very active people – those who play sports or have jobs requiring hard physical labor, according to Linda Childers’ article in Arthritis Today, Sept. /Oct. 2011

The article suggests several ways to help relieve the pain. There are anti-inflammatory oral medications to help relieve pain. Epidural steroid injections, exercise, posture correction, and even surgery may help relieve symptoms. Controlling stress and implementing relaxation techniques can make a difference, according to some who have dealt with Spinal Stenosis.

More information on Spinal Stenosis can be found on the Mayo Clinic Web site.

A microwave heating pad can help relax muscles and in doing so, help one relax from the stresses of life. Heat also stimulates circulation and helps increase flexibility. Check out Maine Warmers’ Great Big back Warmer. A simple NeckWarmer or a fun Cozy Caterpillar called the Woolly Bear makes a unique gift for a friend or relative.

Patient Education Before Surgery Improves Chances of Successful Recovery

2011-07-11T03:52:00.000-04:00

Total Knee replacement (TKR) goes better when the patient is educated. Arthritis Today recommends knowing the surgeon’s experience, the number of surgeries performed in the hospital, and preparing one’s physical surrounding to make navigation easier through recovery at home. Studies show that having a surgeon who performs more that twelve knee replacements per year, and a hospital that performs more than twenty knee operations per year, may help decrease complications from surgery.

Experience can also be helpful as a surgeon decides on what type of materials are needed for an individual’s knee. Newer, stronger, and better designed materials have extended the life of knee replacements to almost thirty years.

Check out Arthritis Today Magazine, July-August 2011, for the full article.

Through recovery, after the swelling has decreased, the use of heat to help stimulate circulation and flexibility may be recommended. Maine Warmers has a full line of microwave heating pads that are safe and easy to use. They have a knee pack, called Mainely Ice, that can be used for heat therapy as well. More versatile back warmers, and neck warmers may be used on the knee, as well as on other body parts. If you know of someone having TKR, remember, a gift of warmth and comfort is always welcome.

Dealing with Restless Leg Syndrome

2011-06-13T03:03:00.000-04:00

The rapid leg movements and restlessness of the person with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) can disturb sleep of the person who has the condition as well as one who shares a bed with him/her. A feeling of needing to move the legs is characteristic of RLS. A Mayo Clinic article gives some of the symptoms and possible causes such as vitamin or iron deficiencies, peripheral neuropathy, and kidney failure. RLS does not necessarily indicate other serious conditions.

Sometimes relief can be relatively easy. The article suggests cutting back on caffeine, taking vitamin supplements recommended or prescribed by your physician, exercising moderately earlier in the day, and stretching to help alleviate symptoms. They also recommend relaxation techniques such as Yoga, practicing good sleep habits, massaging the legs, soaking in a warm bath, and using hot and cool packs -- possibly alternating hot and cold.

Maine Warmers offers microwave heat packs that can be frozen and used for gentle ice. Their cool packs are filled with whole corn, which does not get as cold as ice cubes because of the reduced water content of the corn. Keep one in the freezer and one to microwave in order to alternate hot and cool therapy. They are safe, portable, and easy to use. There isn’t any mess of hot water bottles and no need for an electrical cord.

The special gift of a Cozy Sheep or Bear for someone with restless leg syndrome may help them with hot and cool therapy and give them some enjoyment.

Exercise Right to Avoid Pain

2011-05-24T08:20:00.000-04:00

A trainer, who examined my husband’s back, found that the exercises, prescribed by a physical therapist, were doing more harm than good. It was my husband’s physician who had sent him to the physical therapist. Finding the right professional to help diagnose and develop a plan for wellness is critical to living pain free. A physician should know that a good physical examination by a qualified professional is critical to managing pain.

My husband knew it was important to keep exercising. As soon as one stops moving he/she loses muscle mass, flexibility, and optimal circulation. Once he knew the exercises to avoid and the correct ones to do for the different muscle groups in the body he was able to exercise without pain!

Finding the right person can be a challenge. Ask several other people, especially those in good physical condition. Talk with your doctor, friends, relatives, personnel at the local gym, Angie’s List, and read other online reviews. Do your homework, then during your first visit to the professional make sure you feel comfortable with his or her procedures, explanations, and office environment.

Heat is a great home remedy for muscle pain and can help warm muscles before exercise, thus improving flexibility and blood circulation. Maine Warmers microwave heating pads are easy to use, are portable, and conform to your body. Their Great Big Back Warmer is perfect for stiff backs as it covers the whole back. At the end of the day try laying flat on this back warmer or place it on top of your back if you lay on your stomach. An extra long Neck Warmer (designed for larger sized necks) can also be used down the length of the spine. Check out Maine Warmers' wide variety of shapes and sizes of compforting heating pads.

Preventing Cervical Spondylosis

2011-05-19T04:17:00.001-04:00

Customers will often call and tell me that their physician recommended the use of heat. Recently a customer told me her husband had Spondylosis and the doctor said to use heat or ice. In an Internet search I soon found Cervical Spondylosis is a condition that affects the disks in your neck and may cause pain and stiffness. It is an age related disease, associated with arthritis and may degenerate over time.

With this particular condition it seems like an ounce of prevention could be worth a pound of cure. Too much time sitting at a computer, driving, or other repetitive motions where good ergonomics are not practiced may be the culprit. Taking breaks from the activity, stretching, staying in good physical condition with routine low impact exercise may help prevent Spondylosis.

Education and lifestyle modifications are key to controlling this condition according to Wikipedia. For mild cases the Mayo Clinic recommends the option of wearing a neck brace, taking over the counter pain relievers, physical therapy with neck and shoulder strengthening exercises, and applying heat or ice. The articles offer a thorough look at this condition, including definitions, symptoms, causes, etc. In my opinion, it is good to look at more than one source for information.

Maine Warmers’ heating pads double as ice packs, providing hot and cold comfort for Spondylosis and other conditions. Heat is used to help stimulate blood circulation and improve flexibility. Cold therapy helps reduce swelling and pain. A Neck Warmer, filled with whole corn, will provide comforting warmth or cold for periods of 20 to 30 minutes and is reusable, durable, washable, and safe. It is flexible and will conform to your body. Extra long Neck Warmers are available as are whimsical animal shaped Warmers like the Woolly Bear Neck Warmer.

Heat Therapy for Peripheral Neuropathy

2011-05-13T13:36:00.000-04:00

Recently I talked with someone who has peripheral neuropathy, a condition where nerves in the body have been injured and may continue to degenerate, causing a lack of sensitivity in extremities and/or pain. A neuropathy refers to degenerative nerve damage.

As I understand it, the brain and spinal cord are two parts of the body’s nervous system, and the nerves that spread throughout the body are peripheral to those, making up the third but equally important part. It is the damage to these nerves that cause symptoms of mild to extreme pain.

There are a variety of causes of peripheral neuropathy which may include trauma due to accidents, medications (including chemotherapy), and diabetes among others. To see a list of possible causes visit the Mayo Clinic website.

Linked to this article are some recommended life-style and home remedies, one of which is to reduce stress. I am not sure why heat therapy is not mentioned as a home remedy for relaxation to help deal with stress. Heat is known to relax tight or tense muscles. Massage is often recommended to help relieve stress, but that is often expensive -- $35 to $70 per session. A microwave heating pad is relatively inexpensive, and if it is a Maine Warmer, it should provide daily relief for years.

Check it out, and feel free to mention Maine Warmers’ heating pads in your conversations as one way to relieve stress. These "Warmers" can be frozen and used for cold comfort. If this type of neuropathy causes burning feet, try freezing a Back Warmer and enjoy the coolness without the worry of harsh ice cubes. Foot Warmers can also provide heat or cold therapy.

Juniper Berries

2011-05-10T14:52:00.000-04:00

Many years ago, I borrowed a Native American cookbook and was surprised to see juniper berries as an ingredient in several recipes. I have come across these berries -- some green and some blue in color -- growing wild and wondered about the safety of steeping them in my tea. I have broken them open and enjoyed the fresh sharp scent, but never used them in cooking.

More recently, the mention of juniper berries in ARTHRITIS TODAY Magazine (May-June 2011) caught my attention in an article explaining "food cure myths." The "myth" regarding junipers is that these berries were used during the Middle Ages to reduce inflammation. To date, no scientific or medical studies support this claim.

However, when I Googled juniper berries, I discovered another myth about them -- they aren't really berries! They are seed cones with "unusually fleshy and merged scales, which give [them] a berry-like appearance." Wikipedia

In Europe, juniper berries are used to flavor meats and sauerkraut. Apparently when using juniper berries to flavor foods, a little goes a long way. Juniper is probably best known for the flavoring in gin. In my family, we jokingly refer to gin as "juniper wine," although we would never order it by the bottle in a restaurant.

"Currently, the juniper berry is being researched as a possible treatment for diet-controlled diabetes, as it releases insulin from the pancreas (hence alleviating hunger)." Wikipedia Warning! One species of juniper berries is toxic, as are many other wild growing plants, so experimenting with eating wild berries as a home remedy for ailments or weight loss could make you sick.

I like to stick to tried and true home remedies, one of which is heat therapy. It can be used to relax stiff muscles, help relieve neck tension, promote sleep, calm a cranky baby, soothe arthritic conditions, and more! Maine Warmers' Comforting Creatures and Neck Warmers make the perfect gifts for graduates, brides and grooms, expectant moms and dads, and for those who are recovering from an illness or surgery.

It's nice to be the recipient of a comforting gift -- especially when it doesn't add to the daily calorie count!

Women in Lumber Yards

2011-03-16T19:34:00.000-04:00

If you are a woman and too young to remember going into a lumber yard to get supplies where the men running the shop made you feel inferior, thank goodness. It was an uncomfortable feeling. They would look at you like you didn't belong and were wasting their time. But they were happy to take your cash.

Then along came Home Depot. They are happy to help women with projects and don't make us feel inferior. They even offer workshops for women.

If you want to organize a workshop, check out Home Storage Inc. in Milwaukie, OR. They will treat you respectfully and offer the help if you need it.

If your back is sore from working on a project in your shop -- male or female -- try a Maine Warmer Great Big Back Warmer to take away the stiffness. Heat helps increase circulation and flexibility and is one of the oldest home remedies in the world. Maine Warmers makes a variety of Neck Warmers and Back Warmers.

Positive Thinking and Taking Action in Difficult Times

2011-03-11T07:29:00.000-05:00

MyOptimumHealth.com offers an electronic newsletter with great suggestions and information regarding personal health issues. In their latest issue, the article, Bouncing Back From Bad Times: 9 Ways to Build Resilience, provides some excellent help on how to deal during difficult times. I printed it and will post it on my bulletin board. It's a great reminder when times are tough.

Remembering to keep our own health at optimum levels through control of diet, exercise, social, and spiritually healthy activities is listed as number 9. I think I might list it as number 1. When we are in better shape we are up to managing our lives and our busy schedules.

When you need a little time out and don't have the time or money for a vacation, try giving yourself 30 minutes (or even 15) to listen to some relaxing music. Heat a Great Big Back Warmer, lie down on it and let it relax the tension in your back and neck. It's the next best thing to a massage. A Neck Warmer down the spine will do the trick too. Check out Maine Warmers' Microwave Heating Pads that double as Ice Packs.

Comfort for an Ailing Pet

2011-03-08T08:57:00.001-05:00

Sometimes pets need comfort when they are ailing. Dogs and cats can suffer from arthritis, colds, sprains, strains, and fractures. After surgery they need time to recover, and a little heating pad might help them feel better. Like human beings, psychologically it may help them feel like their well-being is a concern and could be a boost morale.

Heat helps improve circulation and promote flexibility. It also relaxes stiff muscles. A microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers is washable, reusable, and portable. A Back Warmer is easy to heat in the microwave -- no mess of filling hot water bottles. There aren't any added fragrances, but please note that some dogs think corn-filled heating pads are meant to eat because they smell a bit like a bowl of popcorn.

Maine Warmers' Big Back Warmer has a lining with Velcro which allows one to remove the filling, wash the lining cover, the outside flannel cover, and replace the filling with either whole corn or rice if ever necessary. The lining is baffled for even distribution of filling, and is comfortable. Plus there is no worry of overheating or chewed wires as with an electric heating pad.

Maine Warmers has a sale page of Back Warmers -- perfect for pets and people. For orders over $100, they offer free UPS Ground shipping in the US. They are happy to answer questions regarding their products and service. Toll free -- 888-835-7485

Health Professionals with Cold Hands

2011-03-06T06:18:00.000-05:00

Having someone touch you with cold hands is uncomfortable. Health professionals whose work requires touching need to be aware of how their hands feel on someone's body -- especially on someone who is sensitive to the cold. They should aslo be aware of room temperature.

I recall sitting in a demratologists office, waiting for a half hour in a light hospital johnny. When I complained to the nurse just smiled. The dermatologists hands were freezing.

Physicians, nurses, chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists and others whose job requires touching may want to use a pair of microwave hand warmers for a few minutes if their hands are cold before touching a patient.

Maine Warmers' microwave Hand Warmers are easy to slip on and off and can be heated in just a minute and a half. A smaller vserison of hand warmers are Palm Packs that fit in the palm of the hand and slip into pockets.

If Valentines' Day is Difficult for You

2011-02-09T08:15:00.000-05:00

Valentines’ Day can be bitter-sweet to some who have lost romantic relationships due to death or separation. There isn’t any way to diminish the loss, but there may be some ways to turn negative feelings associated with the day into more positive ones. Here are a few ideas.

Bake a pie and give it to someone who will really appreciate it.
Offer to help a friend in need clean their house – especially one who is ill.
Spend a few hours with someone who cannot get out or an elderly person who would treasure the company. Tell stories, listen to theirs, and laugh!
Offer a ride to someone who cannot drive due to age or illness.
Take a child to a playground, fun kids movie, or museum. Kids have a way of making one forget everything else.
Invite unattached friends for dinner at your house. (See things to avoid)
Watch your favorite funny movie.
Write a letter to a friend who lives far away.
Paint or draw, play music, go to a Zumba class, or spend a good part of the day at the gym.
Enjoy the day as you would any other, by focusing on the needs of others -- not on your needs.
In the evening, curl up with a Maine Warmers’ Cozy Sheep, Bear, or Cat to enjoy the warmth and relaxation.

Things to avoid:

Sad Movies
Romance Movies
Country Western music
Melancholy books or music
Negatively focused people
Restaurants – send out for pizza
Anything that makes you unhappy

Hot Soup Broth for Winter Soups

2011-01-26T08:31:00.000-05:00

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!

Water Wise in Winter

2011-01-25T08:05:00.000-05:00

Combine dehydration with shortened daylight in winter and we feel like all of our 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 more about quantities, other tips, and information.

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. A Cozy Sheep makes a perfect bed warmer and gift for someone feeling a bit chilly. 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.

Changing Your Mind to Help Achieve Goals

2011-01-11T08:16:00.000-05:00

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.

Awareness is the key. 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. Find someone to help you focus on others and less on yourself. Take a yoga or meditation class.

If you know someone who is anxious and needs to relax more you might consider giving them a microwave heating pad for the neck to help ease tension. Maine Warmers offers a variety of Neck Warmers including a Dachshund Neck Warmer.

Omega-3s reduce inflammation?

2011-01-07T03:32:00.000-05:00

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 Hosptial 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.

Physical exercise is recommended to help maintain blood pressure and strength for people with arthritis. 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 or tennis court. Neck Warmers and Back Warmers are versatile and can be used to warm elbows, hands, feet, etc.

Keeping skin moist in winter

2011-01-02T14:47:00.000-05:00

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."

I suppose 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 writier, 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.

I keep a stick of lip balm in every coat pocket, so when I do go outside I can easily apply protection to my lips.

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 another recommendation.

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.

Skip the Dip

2011-01-01T19:39:00.000-05:00

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. Also, Hand Warmers will soothe cold hands and may help increase flexilblity for people with arthritis.

New Year's Resolutions

2010-12-29T19:26:00.000-05:00

We all work too much and need to have more fun. If you are one of those people, I hope you make it your New Year's Resolution to have more fun. Get outside for hikes and walks, spend time with other people to enjoy a meal, travel a bit, take up a new hobby, enjoy time playing with your children, grandchildren, or whatever activity it is you enjoy. In 2011, I hope you take more time to HAVE FUN!

One of the things I discovered last year is that to have more fun I need to keep myself in better shape. When I eat well I feel well. When I exercise I am in better shape to be physically active and enjoy life more. Being outdoors is what I enjoy.

I work a lot -- keeping Maine Warmers on the right track. I love my work and am always learning new things and meeting new people. When I get tired from working at the computer long hours, I can relax with a Great Big Back Warmer on my back and a microwave neck heating pad in the shape of a Woolly Bear caterpillar around my neck, and make plans to get outside!

Keep the Home Fires Burning -- Safely

2010-12-28T08:49:00.000-05:00

The late December blizzard of 2010 is moving offshore, leaving some people without power. When the temperatures are in the teens and single numbers, a power outage can zap the warmth out of a house quickly. An alternative heating source can save the day or cause more harm. Planning is key to a successful back-up heat source for an emergency.

If no alternative heat source is available, i.e. a wood or gas stove, then a gas powered generator can help. Having a professional set up a system that is easily turned on may be the best and safest way to go. Setting up a generator improperly may cause electricity to flow into the wires around your house, creating a hazzard for electrical line crews who expect lines to be dead. In spite of the warning, "No line is safe to touch -- EVER," accidents do happen.

When the electricity is cut off, even a microwave heating pad will make little difference. But on a blowing snowy night when it is hard to warm up -- even with power in full force -- it's nice to have a Back Warmer for back-up warmth. Maine Warmers has a variety from which to choose.

Polar Bear Plunge Tips

2010-12-26T12:37:00.000-05:00

If you decide to help raise funds for Special Olympics or another charity, consider giving the money and saving your body the shock of cold water. If you do take the plunge, plan ahead.

1. Make sure your doctor says you are in good physical condition to participate.
2. Wear shoes.
3. Have someone waiting with a warm towel or blanket for you to wrap up in.
4. Pack a set of dry, warm clothes and plan on a place to change soon after the event.
5. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic and caffeine free fluids before the plunge and afterward, drink something warm.
6. Get out of the water immediately, as hypothermia can set in relatively soon.
7. Have a microwave heating pad or two handy to help warm you.

Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads -- Cozy Polar Bear -- makes the perfect gift for a Polar Bear Plunger. Hand and Foot Warmers may also help.

Relief for Holiday Stress

2010-12-25T02:34:00.000-05:00

The holidays bring on all kinds of stress -- it's inescapable. From young children who are excited about presents and goodies to older people who may be lonely during this time. Here are a few remedies that might help.

Change the focus from oneself to that of helping others. It's simple to do and sure to make everyone feel better -- even though it may not eliminate all of the stress.

The other is to relax tense muscles with heat. Take some time to chill out, read a book, or take a nap.

A microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers may be just the thing to help. They are portable, safe, and easy to use. A Neck Warmer helps relax tension around the neck -- where most people hold it.

Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome

2010-09-29T21:38:00.000-04:00

Periods of severe vomiting may be due to a condition called Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome or CVS, and sometimes referred to as "stomach migraines." According to the National Institutes for Health, it can be difficult to diagnose. There doesn't seem to be a test to determine the cause of vomiting episodes, but patterns of these incidents and the presence of migraines in family history may be factors that lead to the diagnosis. To read the article.

The article states that sometimes episodes are triggered by infection, excitement, or stress. Medication to stop vomiting may help reduce the effects of an episode.

If you need to reduce stress, take a half hour to relax with a Maine Warmers' microwave heating pad. Their newest product, a large back warmer, covers the whole back and helps relax tense muscles. Check out their neck warmers as well, especially if you hold tension in your neck.

Paliative Care

2010-07-10T19:42:00.000-04:00

Paliative Care allows you to live your life more comfortably. It is not the same as Hospice Care. It is for people with serious illness -- not necessarly for people who are dying.

The National Institutes for Health has an article on paliative care and how it supports the patient and family. Read the article.

When people with cancer feel cold due to lack of physical exercise, a microwave heating pad may offer comfort. Maine Warmers heat packs come in the shape of sheep, bears, and more. They offer warmth and comfort for those who are hurting.

A Gluten-Free Diet and Arthritis

2010-05-15T13:28:00.000-04:00

Research shows that a gluten-free diet may reduce inflammation in the body and help ease the symptoms of certain arthritic conditions. We associate a gluten-free diet with celiac disease, but some people are finding the diet can have a positive effect on some arthritic conditions.

In January, I decided to try a gluten-free diet when I was diagnosed with arthritis in the spine. Even though it meant giving up crusty garlic bread, cake, and a beer with pizza on some Friday nights, I felt it was worth the effort. After two months I noticed a dramatic improvement -- ninety-five percent of the time I am pain free. When there is pain, it is milder.

For those who are interested here are a few reputable resources that offer some information about gluten-free diets.

1. Mayo Clinic offers a definition of a gluten-free diet.

2. WebMD has an article on how a gluten-free diet may reduce risk of heart disease for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

3. Arthritis Foundation suggests a vegetarian and gluten-free diet may help with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Remember heat also helps flexibility and stimulates circulation. Maine Warmers' Hand Warmers are especially helpful in relieving stiffness in arthritic hands. Cozy Sheep and Bears also can be used to warm hands and help releive the ache of stiff joints.

Uses for microwave heating pads

2010-03-21T22:42:00.000-04:00

I should never assume that people know what microwave heating pads can do for them, even though it surprises me that many people don't know about the benefits. People who are in good physical shape may never have felt the need to use a heating pad. They may be turned off by thoughts of using an electric heat pad.

Heat relaxes stiff muscles and helps with cirulation and flexibility. Even those who are in good shape occasionally pull a muscle, sleep the wrong way, or have a cold or flu. A microwave heat pack can help with all of those things.

When circulation is poor due to inactivity caused by an illness, a heating pad can help take the chill off. Heating pads are not a cure and do not fix health problems. They only make a person feel better while their body takes time to heal.

Maine Warmers designs and sells heating pads in the shape of animals -- Cats, Dogs, and other comforting creatures -- that make lovely get well gifts for those who are feeling a bit under the weather or who don't tolerate the cold weather well. Check out the USES page -- link at the bottom of each page -- to find out what they can do for you or someone you care about.

Great Article on Back Pain

2010-03-18T09:14:00.000-04:00

HealthClicks provides great information in an email newsletter with tips to help you and your loved ones live a healthier life, plus they include delicious, healthy recipes.

This week there is an article about dealing with back pain with explanations of causes, prevention, how to use ice and heat to promote healing, and suggestions on when to see a physician.

The author recommends not falling asleep with an electric heating pad as it could cause burns. If you use a microwave heating pad there is no worry about falling asleep with one, as it will only cool as time goes on.

Maine Warmers sells Back Warmers made with flannel and some whimsical animal shaped microwave heating pads that decorate a bed when not in use. They are versatile -- can be frozen for gentle ice (may not be cold enough for some conditions). Maine Warmers' Cozy Bears make perfect get well gifts for those who have had back surgery.

Growing Pains

2010-03-10T21:00:00.000-05:00

Children who complain that their legs hurt may be suffering from growing pains. If there doesn't seem to be any outward appearance of injury or ill feeling -- no rash, bruises, bumps, or swelling -- it could be muscle pain. Children often run and play hard and may not associate physical activity with the pain they are experiencing.

The Mayo Clinic web site article on growing pains goes into more specifics about growing pains and what to look for. It is important to understand and acknowledfe the child's feelings of pain are real. Several recommendations for home remedies and treatments are included in the article.

If you know a child who is experiencing growing pains you might provide a heating pad to help them through this temporary period of discomfort. Heat will relax sore tight muscles, help circulation and flexibility. Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads are easy, safe, and reusable. Children might especially enjoy the Cozy Bunny or Cozy Bear heating pads.

Abdominal cramps

2010-03-09T21:42:00.000-05:00

A friend has colitis and told me she uses a heating pad to help relieve abdominal cramps as a result of flare ups in this condition. The condition runs in her family as is the case for many with colitis.

I went to the NIH (National Institutes of Health) and the Mayo Clinic Web sites to do a bit of research. There are a few different types of colitis -- several of them found on these two sites -- and it seems the symptoms can be controlled, most of the time, wiith medication and diet. Drinking lots of water is critical to replace lost fluids due to the frequent passing of loose stools. Avoiding aspirin and ibuprofen is important as is staying on the medication. Out of control, some types of colitis can cause cancer. Finding and following good medical advice should help keep the condition in check.

There is no cure for colitis. Stress seems to make the condition worse, so medical professionals recommend finding healthy ways to manage stresssful situations.

If you need a heaitng pad or ice pack to help relax and reduce the stress of dealing with colitis or to help with abdominal cramps check out Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads and gentle ice packs. If you know of someone dealing with colitis, you might want to give them a comforting creature to help them through. Maine Warmers' Cozy Bears and Sheep offer warmth, comfort, with a bit of companionship.

Keeping healthy is cheaper than fixing poor health.

2010-01-27T22:15:00.000-05:00

There is a web site in Maine called Keep Me Well that allows one in Maine to assess his/her health. It offers encouragement for good health habits and warnings for areas that need improvement or watching. It also offers resources to get help -- both online and local organizations.

Taking responsibility for one's health is important and easier than repairing the damage done by poor health habits like smoking, over-eating, drinking excessive amount of alcohol, among other things.

It's worth checking out even if the only thing you get from it is a reminder to make a dentist appointment.

Maine Warmers has a Links Page to help you find reputable resources -- health related sites where one can get information about health related issues.

Cold Feet in the Middle of the Night

2010-01-22T03:42:00.000-05:00

Often people wake duing the night and get up to use the computer. In the winter when floors are chilly one's feet can get cold. A warm pair of slippers or socks may help. Going back to bed with cold feet does not help one go back to sleep easily.

A sure fired way to have warm feet is to use a pair of microwave foot warmers. They'll keep the feet toasty warm while one sits at the computer. Of course another way to keep one's feet warm while using the computer is to keep a laptop computer next to the bed.

Maine Warmers sells Foot Warmers and has Foot Warmers on sale. They can help keep feet comfortably warm.

Microwave Heating Pads are safe for those on oxygen

2010-01-17T16:45:00.000-05:00

People who are on oxygen are not allowed to use electric heating pads or electric blankets because a spark could cause an explosion. However, a microwave heating pad can be used safely next to someone on ogygen because there aren't any heating elements or electrical connections. They are safe and convenient.

Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads come in some whimsical animal designs -- sheep, bears, and otheres -- that offer cozy warm companionship for someone who is suffering through an illness.

Heat Therapy for Fibromyalgia

2010-01-13T14:21:00.000-05:00

If you suffer or know someone who suffers from Fibromyalgia, a chronic illness that causes immense physical pain and debilitating fatigue, heat therapy may help. Heat therapy is a pain management concept dating back to 400 B.C. Because fibromyalgia is not caused by inflammation, heat therapy is a safe option for symptom relief. For more information on fibromyalgia and heat therapy at Fibromyalgia Symptoms.org.

Maine Warmers’ microwaveable heating pads provide convenient heat therapy and will help reduce pain by relaxing stiff muscles, promoting flexibility, easing tender points, relieving tension headaches, reducing stress, and promoting sleep. Check out their Back Warmers and Neck Warmers.

Microwave Heating Pads Are Portable

2009-11-11T07:05:00.000-05:00

Microwave heating pads are not just for use in a chair or bed. They can be used to pre-heat a car seat (including a baby car-seat), a stroller, and can be taken to work (most work-places have microwaves).

Use them when traveling. That is when you are more apt to have a pulled muscle due to lifting all kinds of travel bags, putting items overhead on an airplane, and carrying them through miles of airport terminals. Sleeping in different beds and riding in rental cars can also make backs uncomfortable. Traveling can find you stressed about meeting flights, finding your way in an unfamiliar area, and generally being out of your element. A heating pad will relax tight muscles and may help you relax and get a good night's sleep.

I recall flying to my son's wedding and developing a stiff neck -- I think from carrying a full back pack as a carry-on piece on one shoulder through the airport. Fortunately, I remembered to take a neck warmer which I was able to heat in a microwave at the hotel. One day we had lunch with relatives, and I left the neck warmer in the car on the dashboard. The sun was hitting the windshield, causing the warmer to heat and stay hot. When I got back in the car I put it around my neck, and it felt like heaven.

Maine Warmers has heating pads in all shapes and sizes. Their Neck Warmers and Back Warmers travel well and are washable in case they get soiled in transit.

Living with Sciatica

2009-08-05T20:39:00.000-04:00

Sciatica is a result of pressure on the Sciatic nerve usually caused by back or spinal problems, injuries, tumors, or other bone or muscle problems. An article on Sciatica at the Mayo Clinic web site discusses the symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatments, prevention, home remedies, and alternative medicines among other related topics.

Exercise is recommended to help strengthen the muscles and maintain good posture to help retard degenerative disc disease as one ages. Working with a physical therapist or trainer to learn how to exercise to prevent further injury is advised.

Over-the-counter medications may help reduce swelling and pain. Stretching and massage may offer some relief. Ice packs will help reduce swelling and heating pads will help relax tight muscles and are offered as home remedies. Talk with your physician to develop a plan to manage the pain without overusing medications or causing more discomfort.

Maine Warmers sells Back Warmers and Neck Warmers that may be heated in the microwave and used as hot packs or frozen and used as cold packs.

Coping with Rheumatoid Arthritis

2009-07-19T06:13:00.000-04:00

Exercise and diet play an important role in dealing with Rhematoid Arthritis. According to an article on the May Clinic web site, there is no cure for this condition that attacks joints causing pain and limiting mobility. To lessen the effects of the disease they recommend strengthening the muscles around the joints to help support them. Talking with your physician first about an exercise plan -- what, when, how -- is important. Overdoing can cause pain.

A healthy diet that includes lots of veges and whole grains that helps you maintain lower weight may aid in reducing pain. The Mayo Clinic says that there isn't any special food or diet that will specifically treat Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Another recommendation is to use devices that help you reach for things. Talking with an occupational therapist might give you some insights in how to approach daily tasks that limits the stress on the joints.

Use heat to relax tight muscles and ice to reduce pain or swelling. If you have poor circulation or your skin is insenstive then use of heat or ice packs is not recommended.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads and gentle ice packs are easy to use, are portable, safe, and washable. Back Warmers come in shapes of Sheep and other animals.

Sleep Problems

2009-05-14T03:24:00.000-04:00

In the middle of the night when I have a million things on my mind and worry about not getting enough sleep there are several things I can try.

Find a comfortable position.
Make sure the temperature in the room is cool and I have enough blankets to keep me comfortable.
Consciously relax every muscle in my body.
Drink a glass of milk and/or eat a banana.
Pretend to be asleep.
Read for twenty minutes.

An anti-histamine leaves me feeling drowsy in the morning, so I avoid taking one. I have not tried supplements, but recently read about two at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) -- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Health. They have a very informative site with descriptions of several types of herbal supplements.

Two that might help promote sleep are chamomile and Valerian. It is important to read and know about these before making a decision to take them -- or not.

To read the NIH information on Valerian.

To read the NIH information on Chamomile.

***

If you need to relax tight muscles to help you sleep try Maine Warmers microwave heating pads.

Primitive Arts -- Decorative and Functional

2009-04-09T17:06:00.000-04:00

Primitive art is found in many functional objects and reflects a simpler life and time. Winter boots of animal hide adorned with colorful beads, wood fired clay pottery painted and glazed with serpents and eagle feathers, silver necklaces and earrings embedded with turquoise --works of art by indigenous people – are admired for their simplicity and beauty. The clean lines of a Polar Bear wood carving make us think how quickly and easily it must have been to create. We don’t see the drawings and all the years of studies and carvings; we admire the finished product and are amazed by the price tag.

Like a lot of primitive art, Maine Warmers’ designs include basic animal and geometric shapes. Comfort and size are important elements of the design process. Each item takes months of studying, drawing, sewing, and testing to make it into our line of products.

We use all natural whole corn as a filling. The corn has been dried about 70% and when microwaved, expels moisture, providing moist heat. It will re-absorb moisture from the air if allowed to sit for a few days.

Maine Warmers’ comforting creatures -- including a Polar Bear, Snuggly Harbor Seal, Panda Bear, and others -- make decorative and functional gifts for simple pleasure. They provide warmth for children and adults suffering from arthritis, for stroke victims who have cold hands or feet, and for people who are inactive due to illness or undergoing chemotherapy. Those who have had surgery may also find them helpful during recovery. In the colder months they can be used as bed warmers.

Optimizing Brain Power

2009-04-09T11:19:00.000-04:00

What does moving our butts have to do with the brain? Exercise increases circulation and keeps a fresh supply of blood moving to the brain. The human mind needs nourishment from food and water. The brain needs fresh content for optimal thinking. Thinking is to the brain what exercise is to muscles. Regular daily exercise keeps them in good condition.

Laughter, the medical pros say, helps healing and reduces stress. To joke and have a sense of humor one needs to use the brain. Making relationships between current world happenings and the absurd is often what makes us laugh. To understand humor one needs to be plugged into the real world.

At Maine Warmers we try to maintain a good sense of humor and share stories that make us laugh. In a monthly e-Newsletter we give away a free product twelve times a year in a drawing from the list of subscribers. This month we gave away a Snuggly Harbor Seal (microwave heating pad). Other times we have given a Cozy Sheep, Moose, & Bears.

Sullivan Center -- Wellness & Disease Prevention in Maine

2009-03-05T08:11:00.000-05:00

The Sullivan Center is an organization dedicated to helping women with breast cancer issues and wellness. It was started by a woman who lost a friend to breast cancer and has battled breast cancer herself. Finding it difficult to access services they both needed, Tammy decided to fill the void by creating this center for wellness.

Services they offer are:

Acupuncture
Reiki
A Personal Nutrition Program
Educational Programs
A Gently Used Boutique -- Women who have breast cancer often lose a lot of weight and need to replace a whole wardrobe. On top of the medical costs associated with surgery most women can’t afford to replace all of their clothes. The Sullivan Center takes donated clothing – laundered and in good shape -- and sells the items for $3 to $5 each, reducing the burden and stress on women with breast cancer.
Mastectomy Essentials -- They carry a line of mastectomy bras, camisoles, lingerie, swimwear and sun protective clothing often not covered by insurance.

The Sullivan Center is located at 895 Portland Road Route 1 Saco, Maine 04072. (207) 571-9329

Please consider a donation of gently used clothing or $$.

Women who are suffering with breast cancer have to deal with the physical stresses of chemotherapy, surgery, plus the mental and emotional difficulties of not being in a position to care for their families.

If you know of a woman with breast cancer you might consider taking a meal or a fruit basket to help her and her family. Doing a few chores or babysitting may be just what she needs to ease her mind for awhile.

Heating pads lend comfort for those who are temporarily inactive due to illness or chemo. Maine Warmers sells microwave heating pads that are easy to use -- no hot water bottles or electric outlets -- and are safe. Their high quality back warmers and neck warmers are also available in animal designs (Sheep, Seals, Pandas & more) -- offering companionship with comfort.

Healing Strategies

2009-02-19T13:22:00.000-05:00

Julie K. Silver, M.D., writes in a wonderful article, SUPER HEALING, published Nov/Dec 2008 in AARP, The Magazine, about things one can do to promote healing from a variety of serious illnesses. The major topics are nutrition, sleep, and exercise. She explains that when you are well you might get away with neglecting some healthy living habits, but when you are sick there are things you can do to help your body heal.

Boosting the immune system to help recovery is her main focus. Once a cancer patient, she writes from experience as well as from her medical background. She is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and has written several books.

She lists some "Mental strategies that can boost your potential to heal." Reducing pain, being aware of your general mood, seeking friendly support, taking time to pray or reflect daily, and finding ways to relax -- including muscle relaxation are important to consider.

In consideration of the latter -- relaxation techniques -- heat therapy helps to relax tight muscles and improves circulation. Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads are portable and easy to use. If you know someone who is recovering from surgery or an illness, consider a get well gift that will help him/her relax. A Cozy Sheep, Bear, or Cat Warmer might be the ideal way to show your support and that their well being is important to you. During short and temporary periods of inactivity after surgery a warmer may help take the chill off cold hands and feet.

Setting Goals for Weight Loss

2009-02-17T16:11:00.000-05:00

The Mayo Clinic recommends setting goals in order to start a weight loss program. Their article offers ten tips that are right on. One is to set realistic goals and write them down.

Sometimes people think that when goals are on paper that they are written in stone. Not so. Goals for a weight loss program should be evaluated every week according to the article.

I think visualizing the person you want to be is a good way to think about setting personal weight loss goals. As we age we change and our goals should change too. Schedules, physical location, relationships, and abilities change as we age.

Asking questions of ourselves such as how do we want to feel about ourselves right now and as we grow older are important. How do we want others to perceive us? What do we want to achieve? What do we want to learn?

I think a weight loss program that helps us feel confident and better about ourselves is one that should include positive thoughts for good mental health and growth -- no name calling or put downs.

Relaxation is an important part of life that allows us to stay focused on those goals. When we are tired or stressed we tend to forget the goals. Having them written helps during those times of stress.

Heat therapy will help relax tired and tense muscles. Try a Neck Warmer or a Back Warmer to help you relax when life is stressful. Maine Warmers makes a variety of shapes and sizes and make great gifts for someone who is trying to lose weight.

Saving money on spa treatments

2009-02-13T22:00:00.000-05:00

With the economic downturn people are finding ways to save money and enjoy life more. Treating oneself to a spa treatment may not be high on the priority list but you may find yourself craving a visit to a spa. There are a few things you can do that cost only a few dollars to give yourself a little lift -- especially in the middle of winter.

Plan a week of meals that allows you to lose a few pounds. Eat lots of veges and fruits, keep the carbs low by focusing on whole grains and nuts in your diet, and eat plenty of protein. Make sure to exercise 45 to 60 minutes each day all week. Plan the week so that you can give yourself 2 to 3 hours on Saturday or whatever day you have off to refresh yourself.

After a week of a healthy diet your skin will feel better and chances are you will too. On Saturday morning, put a meal in the slow cooker and set the table for you and your honey or for a friend or group of friends.

Luxuriate in a a hot bath, while listening to relaxing music. Then give yourself a pedicure, and a manicure. Put moisturizing lotion on your face and take five minutes to massage your face. Remove any unwanted facial hairs. Put some moisture lotion on your feet and massage it in for five minutes. Then put rub it on your elbows and hands. Massage each hand for 5 minutes. Take a few deep breaths and relax.

Do whatever you do to make your hair look its best. Put on some clothes that make you feel good and finish preparing a nice meal for friends or your honey. Or go out if it is in the budget. Wear a smile and enjoy conversations that make you laugh.

If you have trouble sleeping at night try heating a Maine Warmer in the microwave and place it around the back of your neck to help ease tension. A Neck Warmer conforms to the body and is segmented to keep the filling in place. Back Warmers can also help to relax sore tight muscles. It will also help to keep you warm in the winter. Pamper yourself with a bed warmer -- a Cozy Sheep. It will last much longer than a pricey spa treatment and will help you relax and get your beauty sleep.

Healthy Outdoors

2009-02-12T21:27:00.000-05:00

Outside activities make winter fun, but a healthy respect for cold weather and water is critical to preventing accidents and hypothermia and enjoying the outdoors. Being in good physical shape, dressing in layers and taking precautions regarding safety can help.

The Mayo Clinic suggests the following:

Wear a hat -- most heat loss is through the head.
Don't overdo -- sweating causes clothing to get wet and in cold weather can cause chills.
Stay as dry as you can. Be aware of places where cold and moisture can creep in -- around tops of mittens or gloves or tops of boots.
Keep emergency supplies in your car or on you if possible. Extra matches, candles, blankets, food (granola bars & crackers), and a cell phone.

If you have an elderly neighbor you might want to check on him or her to make sure the environment is healthy in colder months. Sometimes mental illnesses can have an impact on a person's ability to make sound judgements and decisions.

If you know and elderly person who would like to cuddle under a blanket with a warmer on a cold winter night you might consider a gift for that person. Maine Warmers makes comforting creatures -- microwave heating pads -- for warmth and comfort. Their Sheep, Moose, and Bears make lovely get well gifts.

Caring for someone with hypothermia

2009-02-11T13:43:00.000-05:00

Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures -- especially in the water -- can cause the body temperature to drop and hypothermia to set in. According to the Mayo Clinic, the best way to treat a person with hypothermia is to do the following. Read their full article.

Call 911 for assistance.
Move the person to a warmer environment.
Remove any wet clothing and cover them with blankets.
Insulate them from the cold ground.
Do not apply direct heat. Use warm compresses instead of heating pads on the core only -- neck, chest, & groin.
Do not apply heat to legs and arms. Doing so could force cold blood back toward the heart and lungs.
Do not give them alcohol. Warm drinks are fine if the person is not vomiting.
Go gently. Do not rub the body vigorously as it could cause cardiac arrest.

When the person recovers you might consider the gift of a microwave heating pad. A cozy Seal or Sheep from Maine Warmers make lovely get well gifts. They are especially nice for those recovering from an illness that causes a period of inactivity. Cold extremities can be painful, and a warmer on the hands or feet can provide soothing comfort.

Preventing Hypothermia

2009-02-10T16:45:00.000-05:00

According to an article at the Mayo Clinic, those most at risk for hypothermia are people age 65 and older who may be taking medications that effect the body's ability to regulate body temperature.

Children may also be more prone to heat loss because the head to body ratio is larger and most heat loss occurs through the head. Children also may not want to stop playing to put more layers of clothes on. Infants have "a less efficient mechanisms for generating heat."

Those with mental impairment are also more at risk. Beyond that drugs and alcohol may alter your judgement and may affect your shivering response.

Some medical conditions such as diabetes can affect your body's ability to respond to cold. People with severe arthritis, stroke, or thyroid conditions may have trouble reacting to cold.

To keep warm in winter, try a Maine Warmer. It can be microwaved and taken into a cold car or on a frosty walk. Neck Warmers can be wrapped around the neck and hand warmers can be worn on walks.

Maintaining Strong Bones

2009-02-09T16:01:00.000-05:00

Osteoporosis can rob us of our activity and independence as we age. Experts tell us that exercise is critical to maintaining strong bones and balance to help prevent falls as we age. Some medical experts recommend a physician's guidance with exercises, especially if bone loss is in the back. Some say to use common sense and not overdo or cause pain.

The Mayo Clinic has reliable and updated information about osteoporosis and available treatments.

A physical therapist can explain and demonstrate how to do exercises correctly to avoid fractures or muscle pulls. Using proper posture when exercising or participating in a sport can help prevent muscle soreness.

But most people do experience tenderness after exercising. Warming up and stretching after exercise are critical to maintaining flexibility. If you still experience tight muscles, try a heating pad to relax muscles, help blood flow and flexibility.

Maine Warmers makes microwave heating pads in the shape of Back Warmers and Neck Warmers. Their cozy critters -- sheep, bears, cats, and Dachshund dog make great gifts for those who exercise -- or need to exercise more.

Back Pain and Heating Pads

2009-02-08T15:39:00.000-05:00

According to MedlinePlus, a reputable web site with information about diseases and conditions, the most common type of pain in the US is back pain. Causes are often -- but not always -- due to muscle spasms and degenerative disks.

The vertebrae are supported by back muscles and are separated by soft disks which cushion the bones of the spinal column. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae and nerves run away from the spinal cord to various parts of the body.

Spasms can cause muscles to lock up and severe pain. Disk degeneration is when the soft disc between the vertebrae dry up and harden, becoming less soft and cushioning. Sciatica is when disc bulges and presses on a nerve causing severe pain or weakness, or numbness which goes down into the legs.

There are ways to help prevent back pain by doing exercises 2 - 3 times per week. See the informative MedLinePLus tutorial on back pain and exercises to help strengthen the back.

If the doctor recommends a heating pad or ice pack then check out Maine Warmers. Their Back Warmers are safe and easy to use. Also look at their Cozy Sheep or other animals if you need a gift for a friend with back pain.

PCL Injuries

2009-02-07T13:30:00.000-05:00

Knee ligaments connect the femur to the tibia and fibula and help stabilize the knee joint, according to the Mayo Clinic. See the full article on injury to the PCL.

The claim is that the most common injury is to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), but injury to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) can be as painful and is often caused by a blow to the knee when it is bent -- auto accidents, falls, or sports injuries.

Diagnosis may include a physical exam and possibly an MRI to determine the extent of the damage. Treatment often includes rest, taking ibuprofen and applying ice to reduce the swelling.

They recommend quadriceps and hamstring exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and to help prevent such injuries. Flexibility is important and stretching exercises can help. Concentrating on proper techniques during sports also may aid in preventing such injuries.

Maine Warmers sells ice packs for the knee to help reduce swelling. These may also be heated in the microwave and used to increase circulation and improve flexibility. A Back Warmer or Neck Warmer may be used and offer more versatility.

Taking Care of Knee Joints

2009-02-06T10:38:00.000-05:00

Aside from maintaining a healthy weight through diet and appropriate exercise, there are a few other ways of easing the discomfort associated with arthritic conditions of the knees. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) has a full article on knee conditions.

Some physicians recommend taking dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin to help ease arthritis pain. Check with your own physician before taking these supplements as they may react with other medications.

Using a brace might help stabilize the knee during particularly active periods of exercise.

Surgery may be the only option that relieves knee pain. Talk with your doctor and get a second opinion.

Heat may help to increase blood flow in the knee and make exercise less painful. Maine Warmers sells a Knee Pack that can be heated in the microwave -- or frozen if ice is needed to reduce swelling. Their Neck Warmers and Back Warmers can also help. For a child with arthritis, the gift of a Bunny or Bear heating pad offers comfort and companionship.

Take Care of Your Joints as You Age

2009-02-05T08:48:00.000-05:00

Diet can help overall health and may aid in slowing the deterioration of cartiladge due to osteoarthritis -- according to Arthritis Health Monitor, (Vol. 15, No. 6) Dec. 2008/January 2009. For More information on managing arthritis, go to Health Monitor.

Keeping weight down helps ease stress on the knees. Getting appropriate levels of vitamins C & D may slow the deterioration of knee cartiladge. Ask your doctor for the recommended dosage.

Exercise helps one lose weight. A physical therapist can aid in setting up a routine of exercises to help maintain and strengthen muscles without doing damage to cartiladge or connective tissues. Flexibility is critical to motion and independence. Keeping muscles strong helps support and stablilize joints.

To help flexibility and increase blood flow try a heat pack. Maine Warmers has a Knee Pack that can be heated and strapped onto the knee (can also be frozen and used as an ice pack). A Neck Warmer or Back Warmer may help with sore tight muscles and improve flexibility.

Show Your Appreciation

2009-01-27T18:43:00.000-05:00

Let your spouse or partner know that you appreciate the effort he/she puts into making life pleasant. The words, "I appreciate your going to work each day to support us," makes all the difference in the world to the one who is the bread winner. "I appreciate all you do to take care of our children, our household, and still prepare a nice meals at the end of many busy days," may be just what the mother of your children needs to hear to feel good about the contribution she makes. Both partners are important and it helps to recognize the hard work involved.

At the end of an exhausting day, after telling your partner or spouse thank you for something he/she has done for you during the day, try relaxing with a Maine Warmer's microwave heating pad. Heat therapy will relax tense muscles and may help you go to sleep or just ease the stress of the day. A Neck Warmer or Back Warmer will provide about 30 minutes of soothing heat.

Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery Concerns

2009-01-20T10:14:00.000-05:00

Cosmetic surgery has to do with altering a part of you body that you don't like. Reconstructive surgery alters the shape or function of a body part that was changed due to an injury, illness, or congenital defect. With both there are risks and periods of inactivity during recovery. Many considerations go into the decision on whether or not the surgery is needed to make you feel better. The Mayo Clinic Web site has an article on some of these considerations.

During recovery from cosmetic surgery -- also referred to as plastic surgery -- it may be necessary to use ice to reduce swelling or heat to help with circulation and regaining flexibility. Ask your physician what is best.

Maine Warmers has gentle ice packs that can also be microwaved and used as heating pads. These microwave heat packs come in the shape of square Back Warmers, rectangular Neck Warmers, Sheep, Bears, Seals, and other animals. They make great get well gifts for children as a well as adults.

Keeping Warm in Winter

2009-01-16T16:34:00.000-05:00

With winter temperatures bottoming out it is good to avoid hypothermia when you go out -- especially if you are going to be outside for the inauguration or some other winter event.

Wear a hat -- most body heat is lost through the head.
Wear warm socks and insulated foot wear -- save your fancy duds for the inaugural ball.
Wear gloves -- not those fashionable leather ones but insulated ski type gloves.
Dress in layers. Add down vests, long underwear, and windbreakers.
Take warm clothes in your car if you are traveling a distance -- if your car breaks down you may wish you had some extra layers. Pack them for your kids too.

When you finally come in from the cold if your hands and feet get cold, use a Maine Warmer to help warm up. If you are going to be out for about an hour you might wrap a Neck Warmer around you under your coat, or take some hand warmers with you. Slip a warmer or two under the covers before hopping in bed to avoid the chill of cold sheets.

Microwave heat packs come in handy when a sitz bath isn't practical

2009-01-12T20:55:00.000-05:00

Sitz baths are meant to bring heat to the pelvic area to increase blood flow to the area and help relax tense or cramped muscles. Sitz comes from the German word, sitzen -- meaningto sit. These baths are often recommended for women who have recently given birth. They should take between ten and twenty minutes to help relieve pain and promote healing. Sitz baths may be recommended to help alleviate prostate discomfort.

When sitting in a basin of water is not practical a microwave heating pad may help relax muscles and increase blood flow to the area.

Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads mold to the body, are portable and easy to use -- no wires or electrical outlets. A Back Warmer covers a good portion of the pelvis and has a washable cover. Check out Maine Warmers' Cozy Sheep as a baby shower gift for an expectant mom. Expectant dads may like the Neck Warmer.

Warmth for Stroke Victims

2009-01-11T16:55:00.001-05:00

My father had a stroke, and as many people do today, managed to live a relatively social and active life for several years.

Diagnosis and treatment today have helped many people. Awareness and information on the Web help people recognize the signs of stroke earlier, thus preventing them and/or moderating the effects of them. The Mayo Clinic Web site offers information on strokes, symptoms, treatments, etc.

One of the issues my dad had was that his left hand would get very cold. A warmer helped when he was inactive. Maine Warmers sells microwave heating pads -- no worry of overheating as with conventional, electric heating pads. This is especially good for people who don't have much feeling in their hands and could get burned on an electric one. Check out their Hand Warmers, Foot Warmers, and Palm Packs (to slip inside mittens or pockets).

When sleep comes hard

2008-09-25T22:23:00.000-04:00

Sleep can be elusive when we are worried about jobs, money, our health, families, or friends. When we are over-worked, over-tired, and seem to need sleep the most that is when sleep seems impossible. Relaxing before bed without taking medication is ideal but not always easy to do. Waking up in the middle of the night in full problem solving swing is even more frustrating.

A few things that may help one relax and go to sleep without the use of medications are:

Drinking plenty of water during the day time –

Limiting alcohol intake –

Reading before bed or if sleep is interrupted to help shift the mind away from pressing issues –

Finding a comfortable position in bed and concentrating on just relaxing muscles –

Have the appropriate amount of covers on – too hot or too cold can make sleep difficult –

Writing down a list of things that need to be dealt with the next day – not at night –

Soaking the feet then massaging them with moisturizing cream –

Using a microwave heating pad to help relax tense neck, back, and leg muscles.

Sometimes we just have to get up in the night to do a few of the things that need doing in order to relax and go to sleep.

Maine Warmers' -- Back Warmers and Neck Warmers can help one relax before sleep. Their Cozy Sheep bed warmer is just the thing to help someone with sleep difficulties relax tense muscles.

Arthritis -- Alternative Therapies

2008-08-26T07:40:00.000-04:00

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 is important. 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.
A U.S.P. notification shows that standards set by the United States Pharmacopoeia were followed. 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 be very helpful but should not replace physician subscribed medications.

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Maine Warmers heating pads may help relax tense muscles and ease stress. Their Cozy Bunny, Sheep, Bears, Cats, and Dachshund Neck Warmer among others make the perfect gift for children with arthritis. Adults love them as well.

Keeping Warm in the Winter

2008-08-21T20:40:00.000-04:00

How will Istay warm this winter and still be able to buy food? Maybe I will lose those ten pounds I have been trying to lose. Walking more and eating more rice and beans which is the newest recommendation from health gurus. The high protein content of the beans and carbs in the rice provide a meal that satisfies hunger with low fat nutritional needs.

Install storm doors and insulate glass doors and windows may help. Turning the thermostat back is what will help the most. Still, the bills will be high. A cup of red wine heated about 40 seconds in the microwave will warm me to the bone and help me forget. A microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers under a blanket while I read or watch TV will keep me toasty warm.

Back Warmers and Neck Warmers are available at the Maine Warmers web site or at retail stores that carry these products. Check out Maine Warmers' Cozy Sheep. It makes a lovely bed warmer – soft, comforting, and decorative when not in use.

Swimmer's Ear

2008-08-19T21:42:00.000-04:00

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 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. Check out their Palm Packs – soft on the skin, easy to use, and have washable covers. For a child’s ear ache try Benny Bumpeezer – The Soothing Mouse for heat. 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

2008-08-13T14:54:00.000-04:00

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 us 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.

Dealing with Water on the Knee

2008-08-13T05:57:00.000-04:00

Preventing knee injuries -- especially water on the knee -- is important to a healthy lifestyle. We use our knees in daily routine activities and knee pain can limit those things we like and need to do.

The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing your doctor regularly and taking medications that will help prevent diseases that contribute to water on the knee or other deteriorating effects on the body. Take care when exercising not to over-stress the knees. They suggest that 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.

Recommended lifestyle changes 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.

Maine Warmers makes gentle ice packs that help relieve pain and reduce swelling. The ice packs are comforting and soothing -- not harsh like a bag of ice or frozen peas. Their Neck Warmers will wrap around the knee or Back Warmers can be placed under or over a knee. Mainley Ice can be strapped onto a knee.

Cold Therapy After Surgery

2008-08-12T19:54:00.000-04:00

Thoughts of using an ice pack after surgery usually are ones of discomfort – ice on the skin. Many people avoid using cold therapy after surgery when they should use it. Cold therapy will help reduce swelling and ease pain if it is applied correctly. Ice placed directly on the skin can cause skin damage.

Some areas of the body are more sensitive to cold. 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 gentle ice packs provide cool comfort inside cotton cloth covers. They stay cool for about 15 minutes – the recommended time for applying ice to an injury. Stored in the freezer, they are ready to be used in a few hours.

Neck Warmers, Back Warmers, and Palm Packs will help ease the pain after surgery and they can be microwaved for heat when needed. From the freezer to the microwave – they are versatile and easy to use.

Cool down in the midst of summer heat

2008-08-04T13:58:00.000-04:00

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.

Maine Warmers makes microwave heating pads and gentle ice packs to help cool one down from summer heat. Their neck warmers, back warmers, as well as all of their products can be frozen and used to soothe the discomfort of heat waves, sunburns, and even insect bites. Check out their Mainely Ice Packs.

A Little Warmth and Good Cheer for Stroke Victims

2008-07-23T16:05:00.000-04:00

Several years ago my father had a stroke. With the help of my mother he has been able to lead an active life until about two years ago when he had another stroke that diminished his abilities and made him completely dependent.

Wheel chairs, bed guards, walkers, and other aids for stroke victims have helped to keep him somewhat mobile. Dysphagia causes difficulty swallowing and now requires that all liquids he takes in be thickened. The only drink he has occasionally not thickened is his Martini – per doctor’s approval.

His smile and great attitude carry him far. When we walk he smiles and waves to everyone we meet. He loves to joke and poke fun at himself and he loves to have company.

Because his physical abilities are now limited he gets cold easily. A microwave heating pad does wonders to keep his disabled hand warm.

The National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke has information about strokes and a lengthy list of organizations -- resources for families of stroke victims.

Maine Warmers provide hand warmers – mittens and palm packs – to help keep hands comfortable. A Back Warmer or Neck Warmer also provides warmth and comfort for extremities and core especially for those who are not physically active due to a stroke.

Managing with arthritis

2008-07-20T15:16:00.000-04:00

There are several things one can do to help manage the pain associated with arthritis. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical exercise – done correctly – can help keep muscles strong and support the skeletal system. Using implements to help open jars, insert keys, brush teeth are a few of the recommendations. Maintaining a health diet and weight are also important. Exercise is critical but it must be done correctly to avoid pain and aggravating the condition.

They recommend making changes gradually – not trying to do everything all at once. To read the whole article, go to the Mayo Clinic Web site and read the article on RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS.

If you need a heating pad to help relieve the pain of arthritis please go to Maine Warmers. They sell microwave heating pads and gentle ice packs that help relax sore muscles and help with flexibility. If you need a gift for someone with arthritis check out Maine Warmers’ Cozy Sheep and Bears.

Travel Tips

2008-06-30T08:45:00.000-04:00

Take a heating pad when you travel

Lifting and carrying baggage can cause back muscles to tighten. Even with wheels our luggage needs to be lifted in and out of vehicles, onto airport scales, off of baggage claim conveyor belts. Back packs free your hands but the weight of your stuff can be heavier than you anticipate and cause muscles to tighten. If you sling it over your shoulder because you are just going a short distance it can cause shoulder muscle pain or stiffness on one side of the back.

Add the stress of meeting flight times, finding your way through a new area, traffic, hotel beds that aren’t like your own, and you may find a heating pad can help. Heat relaxes sore muscles. When you can relax your muscles you may feel better, get a better night’s sleep, and have more flexibility in your back to do more things on vacation.

Most hotels have microwaves and many hotel rooms now offer them. Gas stations that have mini-marts also have microwaves – but wiping them out first is recommended.

Maine Warmers sells microwave heating pads that are portable and safe – no worry of overheating. Back Warmers and Neck Warmers can be tucked into a suitcase or carry-on. They may be frozen and used as gentle ice packs. Check out their sale pages for bargains.

Making Life More Comfortable After a Car Accident

2008-06-19T21:14:00.000-04:00

Today was my lucky day. I waved another driver through a four-way stop – a kid in a gray truck – who was probably hurrying more than me. As he entered the intersection someone in a red van blew through the blinking red light and came close to plowing into the rear end of the gray truck. If I had gone first the red van would not have had the space to slow down and swerve and certainly would have T-boned my car and probably crashed directly into my driver's side door.

Why did I let the other car go first when I was late for a meeting? I have no idea other than instinct – or just not paying attention. I’ll never know the answer and think it is better not to concentrate on something I will never be able to figure out. I am grateful for the ability to go on living in comfort for another day, to see the people who mean so much to me, to muck about in the garden, and to laugh.

If you have sore muscles from an automobile accident and need to reduce swelling or increase flexibility check out Maine Warmers heating pads and ice packs. They may make life a lot more comfortable. Neck Warmers and Back Warmers can be frozen or microwaved, have washable covers, and last for years.

Using heat or cold as part of nonsurgical treatment for herniated disc

2008-06-11T22:06:00.000-04:00

According to a Mayo Clinic article, the nonsurgical treatment for a herniated disc may include a variety of options on which you and your physician decide. The goal is to reduce pain and allow the injury to heal. Cold and hot therapy are some options including medications that help reduce swelling and pain, muscle relaxants, electrical stimulation, bracing, hydrotherapy, and traction.

Using cold is recommended to help reduce swelling according to the article. Heat will help increase circulation and may increase swelling during the first 48 hours. The Clinic recommends using a package of frozen vegetables wrapped in cloth. Maine Warmers' Back Warmers can be frozen and provide a gentle cold. Their ice pack cover, called Mainely Ice, is made of soft flannel cloth and will hold a frozen bag of peas if you need a more intense cold.

Once the pain eases your doctor will be able to prescribe a routine that helps gradually strengthening back muscles through physical therapy. Stretching and aerobics may be a piece of the overall plan which will help the pain and prevent future injury.

If pain becomes worse or worse at while reclining, if a fever persists, or there is a loss of bladder control seeking immediate medical attention is important.

Maine Warmers’ microwave heating pads can be heated gently and used without the worry of burning the skin. Their Back Warmers can be used over and over again and have a removable washable cover.

Sore Muscles after a Workout

2008-05-31T21:52:00.000-04:00

Expect soreness when you start an exercise routine. Muscle soreness is caused by overextending muscle tissue during a workout in the gym or through sports activities. "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 go great guns right out of the starting gate. Too much pain will discourage you from going back to do more exercise.

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.

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.

See more tips and read the full article by WebMD.

Maine Warmers sells microwave heating pads and gentle ice packs to help relax sore tight muscles. Back Warmers and Neck Warmers can be purchased online or in stores throughout the US.

Caring for the caregiver

2008-05-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

Taking care of someone who is seriously ill can have a wide range of effects on the caregiver. The added stress can cause anxiety, anger, depression, and exhaustion. Finding out about these effects and ways to deal can be helpful and make a difference in one’s quality of life.

Many of the suggestions for caring for oneself as a care provider -- found at the National Cancer Institute Web site -- apply 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. Heat from a heating pad will relax tense muscles and may also help the caregiver ease tense muscles.

Maine Warmers offers microwave heating pads that are easy to use and are portable. Their cozy sheep, moose, and bears make helpful gifts for a caregiver.

Microwave heat packs may help Raynaud's attacks

2008-04-13T22:03:00.000-04:00

Exposure to cold can set off an attack of Raynaud’s disease that cause fingers or toes to feel numb and cold. Prevention can help, according to the Mayo Clinic. Wear gloves while taking items out of the refrigerator. Dress warmly when going out in the cold -- wear gloves, hat, and socks. Keep warm inside during cold weather.

An article regarding Raynaud's disease on the Mayo Clinic Web site says that some medications help, and they recommend moving to a warmer climate. Exercise, avoiding caffeine, reducing stress, and no smoking are important self-help measures that may reduce the episodes of Raynaud’s attacks.

During an attack it is important to warm the affected area.

To read the whole article on symptoms, causes, treatment go to the Mayo Clinic Web site.

Microwave hand warmers and foot warmers may help. Pre-warm bed sheets or car seats with a Back Warmer from Maine Warmers. Heat will help relax muscles and may help reduce stress.

Diabetic Neuropathy and Heat Packs

2008-03-22T20:26:00.000-04:00

Diabetic Neuropathy is nerve damage associated with high blood sugar. It usually affects the feet and legs but can cause problems with the bladder and vascular system. A healthy diet and life style help to keep the symptoms of neuropathy in check.

Keeping healthy blood suger levels, taking care of the feet and limbs, not smoking, exercising, maintaining a healthy wieght, and relaxing all help to prevent symptoms from getting worse.

Relaxation techniques help to reduce muscle tension. Yoga, meditation, acupuncture, biofeedback are some of the ways to reduce tension and ease symptoms.

Microwave heating pads may help to reduce muscle tension and aid in the relaxation process.

Maine Warmers sells microwave heating pads that do not have added fragrances -- a plus for people with allergies to perfumes. Corn-filled microwave heat packs do not require an electrical outlet, messy hot water bottles or the worry of over-heating. Foot Warmers and Hand Warmers help with circulation.

Pros and TV make golf look easy

2007-05-29T20:58:00.000-04:00

Whenever I have watched golf tournaments on television I always wondered how anyone gained a lick of exercise from playing that game. The golf pros and media coverage make it look so easy. It wasn’t until a few years ago when someone gave me a couple of tickets to a tournament in Florida that I developed an appreciation for the amount of physical energy 18 holes of golf required.

This is what appears to the non-golfer on TV. The cameras show the golfers consulting the caddies, sizing up the fairway, addressing the ball, and then in one second with one smooth motion – whack – sending the ball whizzing out of sight. The hushed voices of the commentators make it seem like a quiet game. The TV screen jumps to the next player on the green, lining up the putt. That’s physical?

But what the cameras don’t show is that walking the course is sometimes six miles! They don’t show the physical training a golfer endures to maintain flexibility, stamina, and strength. They don’t show the practice swings and games.

Listen to the conversations in the clubhouse at the end of the day and you will understand the challenges the game presents. Watch out for the expletives! I think concentration along with physical conditioning is critical for a consistantly good game. I am not a golfer, but I have listened to enough of the post-game discussions to have learned.

Can a golfer get injured? Yes, especially one who is not in good physical shape. For information on how to warm up and good golf posture go to the Mayo Clinic article on stretching exercises to help with flexibility before playing golf. Also see their section on golf injuries and what to do about them.

Consider using ice to reduce the swelling before using heat. Heat helps relax tight muscles, improve flexibility, and aids circulation after the swelling has gone down. Consult a doctor for acute pain.

Maine Warmers sells ice packs that can also be microwaved for lasting moist heat. Check out their Back Warmers and Neck Warmers which can be used to wrap around an elbow or knee.

The Best Medicine

2007-05-21T21:17:00.000-04:00

A day out with a friend and lots of laughter can lift the spirits and possibly help your heart. Good supportive friends are the best medicine - a positive outlook on life. All it takes is one friend to cheer you up when you are feeling down.

A walk in the park, a conversation over tea, a laugh over the phone is worth more than a whole bottle of medicine - and possibly more effective! Health professionals say that laughing is good medicine. The University of Maryland Medical Center article explains. View the article.

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Betsy Hanscom is the owner of Maine Warmers, manufacturer of non-electric heating pads and ice packs. Their Comforting Creatures make wonderful hospital or medical gifts. A Panda Bear, Cozy Cat, Bunny, and Sheep offer comforting heat therapy or can be frozen and used as ice packs. Professionally made with durable fabrics and removable covers, these products should last for years under normal conditions.

Caring for the Caretaker

2007-05-16T20:33:00.000-04:00

Caring for elderly parents is stressful. I have read horror stories of parents who were once loving but now suffer from debilitating conditions that changed their characters. Some were always angry and hurtful and remain the same through old age. Even those who were wonderful parents and are still great people need so much care and comfort that it can be emotionally draining on the caretaker – usually a son or daughter.

Keeping yourself, if you are the caretaker, healthy is vital. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercise routine, social activities, and emotional outlets can help keep you mentally fit to make the right decisions regarding your parents. If you are exhausted and ill then helping your parent will be twice as difficult.

An online support group, AGING PARENTS AND ELDER CARE for caretakers may help you see that you are not alone.

The Mayo Clinic has a section on Senior Health.

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Maine Warmers may help provide comfort for elderly people who have had strokes and always feel cold. Maine Warmers offers basic microwave Neck Warmers and Back Warmers that can be reused, are washable, and durable. Check out their bargain pages. These products make great gifts for senior citizens.

Insomniac's Cafe

2007-04-17T22:25:00.000-04:00

I thought about opening a café for those of us who wake up between 2 and 3 AM and lay there thinking of all sorts of things until dawn. The Sleep Cafe would be open from 2 AM until 5:30 AM every day.

On the menu would be milk and banana smoothies, turkey and gravy with mashed potatoes, herbal teas (no caffeine), no chocolate, and no alcoholic beverages. There would be soothing music and low lights – maybe candles. Only people in their pajamas and bathrobes could enter. There would be couches, pillows, and throws. Paintings on the walls would have a horizontal look – oceans, prairies, and fields of grass.

People could sit and chat about what was bothering them – or not. There would be a pad of paper for writing notes or lists of things needing attention the next day. Arguing would not be allowed - only listening. When a person felt tired and wanted to leave no one would try to keep them there.

There would be a visualization board guiding participants through relaxation exercises or practice. A corner for meditation or prayer with a soft rug on the floor would be available. A dietitian would be available to answer questions about eating and drinking to promote good health and sleep. A pharmacist would help to talk about sleep remedies requiring a prescription or over-the-counter medication.

A microwave and some Maine Warmers would be available for those who needed to relax tense muscles. A Cozy Sheep to help one sleep could be microwaved and used to help relax tense neck and back muscles.

Tips on Surviving a Trade Show

2007-03-29T21:42:00.000-04:00

Presenting yourself at a trade show can be a challenge as the day or days wear on. Here are a few tips to help you make it through.

1. Wear comfortably fitting clothes. If you are not comfortable in you clothes it will show and be distracting. Save your energy for your clients - not ill-fitting colthing.

2. Make sure your shoes are polished, and they are ones in which you can comfortably stand for many hours. Wearing high heels can be draining and damaging to your feet.

3. Take breaks. Every hour or two leave the booth to a trusted colleague and find a seat for 15 minutes.

4. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or other low calorie caffeine free liquids. Coffee may act as a diuretic, draining your body of necessary fluids.

5. Eat healthy foods. Vendors offer chocolate and other sweets to attract visitors to their booths. Promise yourself one or two bites at the end of the day for a treat. If you start sampling early in the day the temptation to continue may be too hard to resist.

6. Eat a healthy lunch and avoid fried foods. A fresh green salad with some protein and fruit can make you feel better and help keep your energy levels up.

7. At the end of the day soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salts. Then massage them with moisturizing lotion. You’ll feel more relaxed and more able to fall asleep after a physically challenging day on your feet.

Representing your company at a trade show is a good way to connect and retain clients or gather new ones. Being in a good physical and mental state to smile and talk with people is critical to your business.

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Maine Warmers offers Foot Warmers (microwavable) to help relax sore tired foot muscles at the end of the day. Back Warmers and Neck Warmers may also be used on the feet to help relax tense muscles or to keep feet warm.

Migraines

2007-03-07T20:38:00.000-05:00

Migraine headaches seem to be caused by “vascular spasms” of blood vessels in the brain. They cause a pounding headache that can last 6 – 48 hours with increased sensitivity to light, throbbing in either one or both sides of the head, and nausea. There may be a loss of appetite.

They can sometimes be preceded by an aura – a bright flash of light or blinking lights. Many people have no warning before the onset of a migraine. Some migraines can be accompanied by or triggered by tension headaches. Other triggers include bright lights, smoking, caffeine, food allergies, perfumes and fragrances, hormone changes during menstrual cycles, physical or emotional stress, smoking, skipping meals, and changes in sleep patterns.

There isn’t a known cure for migraines so preventing migraines is important. Keeping a diary may help determine triggers for migraines thus helping one avoid headaches. For mild migraines over-the-counter pain relievers may help. Resting in a quiet, darkened room may ease the pain along with a cold compress or cold pack on the forehead.

Consulting a doctor to help determine treatment for one’s individual needs in regard to migraines is best.

The National Institutes for Health Medline Plus Web site has an excellent article on migraines – their symptoms and treatment.

For cold packs that are gentle on the face and provide comforting cold see Maine Warmers. Their cold packs may be frozen for gentle cold or microwaved for moist heat. Palm Packs can be placed over eyes or on the forehead. Their Mainely Ice is large enough to hold a bag of frozen peas.

EXERCISES FOR THE ELDERLY

2007-03-06T20:55:00.000-05:00

There are four basic exercises that people - young or old - need to maintain good health.

Strength Exercises

Strength exercises help keep your muscles toned. Don’t hold your breath while exercising. Your muscles need oxygen. Breath out as you exert yourself or push up, breath in as you relax or on the downward motion. Move smoothly – not fast or jerking. Don’t stiffen or lock joints.

Check out these strengthening exercises and/or watch the video at the National Institutes for Health Senior Heatlth page.

Balance Exercises

Balance exercises help to keep you steady on your feet and may help prevent falls resulting in broken bones. As with any exercise start slowly while you build up strength in your legs. View more information on balance exercises.

Stretching

Stretching exercises help with flexibility and should not cause. Smooth easy motion is needed, not fast jerking movements. Warming up before exercising is also important.
Stretching Tips and Exercises

Endurance Exercise

Endurance exercise raises your heart rate for an extended period of time. As with other forms of exercise it is recommended to start out slowly and increase the level as you progress. Brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and raking the lawn are examples of endurance exercises. For more information and tips on endurance exercises please check out the NIH Senior Health Web site.

To help stiff muscles become more flexible see Maine Warmers microwavable heat packs. They can be frozen if ice or cold therapy is what you need. Cold will help reduce swelling and pain. Heat therapy helps relax sore muscles, increase circulation, and help improve flexibility. Back Warmers and Neck Warmers will cover most areas of the body.

Exercise to Maintain Health & Independence

2007-03-03T04:31:00.000-05:00

Exercise can save your life as well as your life style! Maintaining good health demands physical activity especially as we age. Each year our muscles and connective tissue seem to stiffen up and limit our flexibility.

No matter what age we are we want to live independently and have energy to do the things we like to do. The National Institute on Aging recommends exercise to achieve these goals for as long as we can.

Exercise gives you strength to stay independent as long as possible, improves energy levels and balance, helps delay or prevent some diseases, reduces depression and perks you up!

In their brochure they offer 4 ways to exercise to maintain:

Endurance
Strength
Balance
Flexibility

To read or receive their free brochure about exercise see the AgePage at the National Institute on Aging. “Exercise and Physical Activity: Getting Fit For Life.”

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If you find you have a cold or flu and cannot be active for a few days you may want to use a microwavable heating pad to help maintain flexibility and to keep warm. Maine Warmers offers microwave heating pads that are decorative as well as functional. Tuck them into bed before turning in for a nap or for the night. The heat helps relax muscles and improve flexibility. They are safe and easy to use and make great gifts for elderly folks.

Sheep, Moose, Bears, Cats, & Dogs can be left on a couch or chair and do not look like electric heating pads.

Eye Care

2007-02-25T20:38:00.000-05:00

As kids we made a game of trying to know what blindness was like by closing our eyes and attempting to accomplish small tasks. I remember the feeling was so uncomfortable that I did not participate for more than a minute. Those of us who are fortunate to have healthy eyes often take clear vision for granted. We don’t think about what vision loss would do to our life styles.

Taking care of our eyes to prevent injury or loss of vision due to disease is something to keep in mind. Here are a few things we can do to help keep our eyes healthy.

Have an eye exam every few years and a test for Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of vision loss. If it is detected early, Glaucoma may not cause any vision loss.

Wear protective eye gear when using power tools or competing in extreme sports or outdoor activities.

Protect eyes from UV rays by wearing sun glasses. Photochromic lenses in sunglasses will protect again UV light and Polycarbonate lenses will help protect children and athletes from UV radiation as well as injury during activities.

Prevent eye strain while sitting at a computer by adjusting the height and distance from your eyes to the screen. Take frequent breaks and use artificial tears to help keep eyes moist.

If you sustain an injury and sight is blurred, double vision, bleeding, or severe pain seek immediate medical attention.

For a black eye use ice packs to reduce the swelling and pain around the eye.

For further information about keeping eyes healthy visit the Mayo Clinic.

Maine Warmers’ heat packs can be frozen and used as gentle ice packs – especially comfortable on the face. Their Mainely Ice will hold a one pound bag of frozen peas. Maine Warmers make lovely get well gifts for those recovering from an injury, illness, or surgery.

Bursitis overview

2007-02-18T21:02:00.000-05:00

Bursitis

Joint stiffness, swelling, redness of the skin, and a warm to the touch feeling are symptoms of Bursitis. “Fluid–filled sacs lubricate and cushion pressure points between your bones and the tendons and muscles near your joints,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

When these sacs, called Bursae, become inflamed and swollen they can cause pain and stiffness. The condition known as Bursitis affects joints and is usually due to trauma, overuse, repetitive motion, but can be caused by other conditions such as an infection, arthritis or gout.

Usually pain subsides in about 10 days to two weeks. If pain is acute, unusually swollen, shooting pains, redness, rash, or if a fever is present it is important to seek medical attention. When the presence of other conditions that decreases the effectiveness of the immune system or the use of medications that may increases the risk of infection are present it may be best to consult a medical professional.

Treatment includes rest and refraining from using the area as much as possible, use ice to reduce the swelling, and take ibuprofen or non-steroidal drugs to reduce pain and swelling. Rarely is surgery needed to remove the fluid from the Bursa.

If you need a gentle ice application to reduce swelling go to Maine Warmers. Their corn-filled heat packs can be frozen and used as gentle ice packs. Back Warmers and Neck Warmers provide cold therapy to reduce swelling and pain or heat therapy to relax stiff muscles and help flexibility. It is best to consult a physician before using heat or ice on injuries.

Whiplash

2007-02-12T09:40:00.000-05:00

Whiplash occurs when the neck muscles are stretched beyond their normal range of motion – usually in an automobile accident. Other causes of whiplash can be a sudden jerking motion of the neck on a roller coaster, in an athletic competition, or being shaken or punched.

Abnormal extension of soft tissues of the neck may also be involve muscles and other connective tissue in the chest, arms, head, and shoulders, according to an NIH Medline Plus article on Whiplash.

If a one experiences pain when moving the head, tingling or numbness in arms, recurring pain, or pain spreading to arms then one should seek medical attention.

Taking over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen may help reduce swelling and pain. Limiting certain physical activities for a few weeks is recommended. The Mayo Clinic recommends the use of an ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes at a time with at least a 40 minute rest in between.

Heat can relax stiff muscles but may aggravate swelling and is therefore not recommended for whiplash. Consulting a medical professional before using heat or cold on an injury is strongly advised.

Gentle ice packs that do not feel harsh on the skin are available at Maine Warmers. All of their ice packs can be microwaved for heat also. A Neck Warmer will stay cool for about 15 to 20 minutes and and can be continually reused. A washable cover makes laundering easy. A smaller ice pack, Mainely Ice, holds a bag of frozen peas, has a Velcro strap, and is available online.

Keeping Warm in Cold Winter Temperatures

2007-02-07T06:59:00.000-05:00

Keeping warm in the winter, especially if your job requires extensive outside exposure in bitter cold temperatures, can be a challenge.

Here are a few things you can do to help prevent hypothermia and frostbite.

Be aware of weather conditions and remember that wind can contribute to chance of frostbite.

Dress in layers.

Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

Eat appropriate nourishing foods.

Avoid fatigue.

Don’t drink alcohol or smoke as these activities affect blood circulation.

Wear layers of clothing for better insulation to protect susceptible areas. Hats that cover the ears, mittens, a couple of pairs of socks, scarves, wind pants, and even face masks can help prevent frostbite.

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Maine Warmers sells microwave heating pads to help keep warm in the winter. Palm Packs can be tucked into mittens on frosty winter walks. Neck Warmers can be worn under a jacket, and Back Warmers can pre-warm a cold car seat.

Muscle Cramps

2007-02-05T21:02:00.000-05:00

Hopping up and down in the middle of the night with a Charlie Horse is not my idea of a good time. Some cramps are more stubborn than others and can be difficult to walk or stretch away. They can ruin a good night’s sleep.

These involuntary muscle contractions occur more often in those who are dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water – especially during exercise – can help.

Lack of magnesium or calcium in the body may increase the likelihood of muscle cramps. Keep green veges, soy products, bananas, and avocados in the diet for magnesium. Adult women need about 310 milligrams per day and men about 400. Soy products, legumes, brown rice and other whole grains are also good sources of magnesium. Calcium rich products with vitamin D for proper absorption are found in dairy products and leafy green veges. Health professionals recommend not over-consuming calcium.

To help prevent muscle cramps maintain a healthy diet with recommended levels of calcium and magnesium, drink water to keep hydrated, and stretch muscles after exercising.

If cramps continue consult a physician as they could be caused by other conditions. The National Institutes for Health Medline Plus Web site has more information on muscle cramps.

To help relax cramped muscles try massage or a heat pack. Heat relaxes tight muscles. Maine Warmers sells microwave heat packs that are convenient, portable (no wires or outlets needed), and safe. A Back Warmer can be used for a leg cramp as well as on back muscle spasms.

Microwave heat packs are helpful for women experiencing cramping during menstrual cycles. Maine Warmers' Cozy Cat and Sheep make lovely gifts for birthdays!

TMJ - Dealing with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

2007-02-01T12:12:00.000-05:00

Facial pain, often referred to as TMJ, an abbreviation for Temporomandibular Joint, may cause “radiating pain in the face, jaw, or neck; jaw muscle stiffness; limited movement or locking of the jaw; painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth; a change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.” Source – National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

In an article on their Web site, the NIDCR says the condition is usually temporary and more likely to affect women than men. There is a good illustration and description of this complex joint where the jaw is connected to the temporal bone.

The exact causes of pain associated with TMJ disorder are unknown but may have to do with trauma to the jaw, stress, grinding of teeth, clenching of jaw, or arthritic conditions. Not all facial pain is due to this disorder and may be related to an inner ear infection or some other condition.
Read the full article.

To help ease pain the NIDCR lists the following:
(quote)
• eating soft foods
• applying ice packs
• avoiding extreme jaw movements (such as wide yawning, loud singing, and gum chewing)
• learning techniques for relaxing and reducing stress
• practicing gentle jaw stretching and relaxing exercises that may help increase jaw movement

Your health care provider or a physical therapist can recommend exercises if appropriate for your particular condition. (unquote)

Consult doctor before taking any pain medications.

Maine Warmers sells ice packs to help relieve pain. Their Mouse is just the right size, and its fleece cover is soft, comforting, and washable. Their Mainely Ice Packs and Neck Warmers are versatile and can be microwaved for heat when not being used as ice packs.

Tips for dealing with arthritis

2007-01-20T09:51:00.000-05:00

An article posted on the Mayo Clinic Web site offers suggestions for dealing with the pain of arthritis. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE RELIEVES ONE WOMAN'S PAIN

Essentially they recommend maintaining a healthy life-style.
Keeping weight down helps reduce strain on joints. Appropriate exercises, especially during times of remission, will keep muscles strong. A supportive family or community of understanding friends brings comfort and reduces anxiety. Good stress management – relaxation, deep breathing exercises, and visualization are recommended. I think they could have added prayer as a stress-management tool.

If you are feeling stressed – anxious or fearful – heat can help ease the tension in neck muscles. Or if you need to relax first to fall asleep a heating pad may ease tightened muscles.

Maine Warmers carries a variety of microwave heating pads that help relieve sore tense muscles. Their Neck Warmer stays warm for about 30 minutes.

If you are looking for a comforting gift for someone with arthritis consider sending a Woolly Bear Neck Warmer or Dachshund Neck Warmer.

How to lose 5 pounds

2006-11-05T08:47:00.000-05:00

I have always had to battle weight and the always hungry feeling. But in the past year or two I decided I wanted to feel better - mentally and physically. This is what I did to help me go down one dress size and to keep the weight off.

1. When I feel hungry I take a deep breath and tell myself to relax. A warmer helps relax tight muscles and can help make me feel better for awhile.

2. I try to find something to do that I know will keep me so preoccupied that it will help me forget about feeling hungry until the next meal time.

3. Reduce meal portions.

4. I joined an exercise class. Having other people to exercise with is fun and a help - do not share recipes or talk about food with them.

5. I try to snack on healthy foods - fruit, veges, small amounts of nuts and cheese, and high fiber items like popcorn.

6. I never ever think of dieting - it would cause me to eat more! Changing lifestyle and setting reasonable goals is important.

I feel pretty good that I was able to achieve my goal. Now the goal is to go down one more dress size over the next year and not be miserable doing it.

Above all, it is important to have fun and to be able to enjoy all foods in moderation. Find a friend who has similar goals and offer each other gentle reminders to take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy what is around you without eating.

Maine Warmers offers microwave heating pads and ice packs to relax tight muscles. They make great get-well gifts for people recovering from surgery or who are temporarily inactive due to illness. Their Cozy Bears and Moose are great for hunters who come in from a day outside with cold hands and feet!

Relief for sinus headaches

2006-11-04T11:33:00.000-05:00

A sinus headache that will not go away with decongestants may indicate an infection or possibly some blockage of the sinuses. To loosen mucus so that the sinuses may drain ask your doctor about taking an expectorant.

The Cleveland Clinic offers a description and information on sinus headaches.

Taking a hot shower, sipping hot tea and breathing the warm vapor, and drinking plenty of fluids helped me. An ice pack on the forehead for an unbearable sinus headache helped reduce the swelling. Sitting with a bowl of hot water under my chin also provided some relief. The doctor recommended the expectorant which finally broke the dam and allowed the sinuses to drain, relieving the pressure.

I used a Maine Warmers’ Mainely Ice pack that was gentle on the skin and face. It has a strap with Velcro that can keep it in place while one is reclining.

If heat is what you need, then this ice pack may be microwaved for soothing heat for the face, back, neck, elbow, or knee. Maine Warmers offers a variety of microwave heating pads and gentle ice packs to help relieve stiff necks and backs.

Hassles of using a bag of frozen peas for cold therapy

2006-09-05T21:20:00.000-04:00

Physicians often recommend icing a pulled muscle by using a bag of frozen peas to help reduce the swelling during the first 48 hours. Holding a bag of frozen peas in place becomes quite tedious after a few minutes. Ten to fifteen minutes can seem like hours!

To find out when to use heat or ice for a specific injury go to the Mayo Clinic or National Institutes of Health. They have reliable up-to-date information and recommended resources for more research.

Maine Warmers makes a soft flannel case to hold a one pound bag of frozen peas and has an adjustable strap to hold it in place. No need to be bothered with holding onto it to keep it from sliding to the floor. See their Mainely Ice Pack.

After thawing and refreezing a bag of frozen peas it seems best not to cook and eat them. But if they are stored in the freezer inside the flannel pouch then they’ll be ready to cool you on a hot summer day, to ease the pain or itch of an insect bite, or to help sooth a mild burn.

If putting cold peas on an injury feels too harsh then one may purchase an insert of whole corn filling to use instead of the peas. The water content in whole corn has been reduced, therefore the filling will not get as cold as frozen peas (or frozen corn).

Whole corn has the versatility of being able to go in the microwave and provide heat after the swelling has gone down. Mainely Ice may be purchased with a whole corn-filled insert that weighs about 1 and 1/2 lb.

Heat therapy will help relax tight muscles, improve flexibility, and aid in stimulating circulation.

Whole corn will not pop in the microwave and does not require added fragrances – unlike rice socks. Microwave heat packs are more convenient than conventional electric heating pads and hot water bottles.

Check out Maine Warmers Mainely Ice Packs.

Preventing Back Pain

2006-08-22T22:22:00.000-04:00

Back pain interrupts life and takes the joy right out of living. It can make one a pain in the neck to be around. Taking time off from work because of back pain isn’t the way most folks want to spend a day off.

Appropriate exercise will help strengthen torso muscles which support the back. Building stronger bodies with good nutrition is essential to health. Practice good posture. When sitting at a computer to keep feet flat on floor, knees lower than hips, computer screen at eye level, and stretch every half hour.

Being aware of sleeping position, stretching, and taking care when lifting and bending - using the knees – not the back – are important to maintaining a pain free back.

Health A to Z deals with many aspects of back pain, including symptoms, ways to deal with it, and genaral information to help you through a painful time. The Mayo Clinic also has good information about dealing with back pain and muscle spasms.

Minor back pain involving muscles can often be remedied with rest along with cold therapy during the first 48 hours. Icing may help reduce swelling and thus pain. Moist heat therapy will help relax tight muscles, help circulation and flexibility. The Mayo Clinic has information on cold and heat therapies.

Maine Warmers sells moist heat packs that can be microwaved and used in any room in the house. No wires, messy hot water bottles, or worry of falling asleep as with electric heating pads. Best of all – Maine Warmers products can be frozen and used for gentle cold therapy. They go from the freezer to the microwave to the freezer again! Maine Warmers offers Back Warmers, Neck Warmers, in basic shapes and in animal shapes that make lovely get-well gifts.

A Pain in the Wrist

2006-08-16T21:07:00.000-04:00

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (Pronunciation)

A pain in the wrist at the base of the thumb may be caused by repetitive motion that in turn causes inflammation of sheath (Tenosynovium) through which tendons pass. Continued friction during repetitive motion causes the condition to worsen. Self-care includes taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, icing the area about 3 – 4 times a day for 15 minutes each time, splinting, and discontinuing the activity that caused it.

Usually a doctor can do a simple test, The Finklestein test, to help diagnose the condition. For more information go to Medicine Doctor or the Mayo Clinic.

Icing an injury can be uncomfortable and it is important to avoid skin damage by using ice for no more than 15 minutes at a time no more than once per hour.

For ice that is gentle and won’t harm the skin try a Maine Warmers' ice pack. All of Maine Warmers’ products may be used for either heat or cold so when the icing is over and you need heat to help relax sore muscles or improve flexibility try heating it in the microwave. Maine Warmers’ microwave heating pads are safe and easy to use. Their Neck Warmers wrap around a hand or wrist.

Neck Stiffness

2006-08-12T05:05:00.000-04:00

The neck is an important part of your body. It is where the spinal column connects to the brain, and it supports the head.

Taking care of the neck is critical to good health. Healthline provides a good article that addresses the question - when does one run to a doctor for neck pain or stiffness?

Injury that causes severe pain or stiffness requires immediate medical attention. If one cannot touch the chin to the chest then professional medical advice should be sought. Neck pain that does not go away after a week is reason to seek a physician’s help. Neck stiffness accompanied by tingling sensations in the arm or hand is another.

Neck stretching exercises help with flexibility. Of course a good diet and regular exercise can keep the body in general good health.

Another excellent source of information on neck pain is the National Institute’s for Health – Medline Plus. They have a similar article on this subject.

General stiffness from sleeping the wrong way, over-excursion during physical exercise, or muscle tension may be treated with over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs. If swelling is the problem then cold therapy is generally recommended. Icing the area for 48 hours at intervals of 15 minutes – no more than once per hour – may help. For more information on when and how to ice an injury please consult your physician. The two articles mentioned here have more information on dealing with neck stiffness.

According to the Mayo Clinic, heat will relax stiff muscles, help flexibility, and stimulate circulation. A heating pad may help relieve stiffness once the swelling has gone down or is not involved.

Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads – Neck Warmers - offer moist heat that goes easily from room to room or in the car. There isn’t any worry of falling asleep as with an electric heating pad and not messy hot water bottles. Frozen, they provide soothing comforting cold – no harshness or inconvenience of melting ice cubes.