Comforting Heat for Scleroderma

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that impacts connective tissues in the body and can cause hardening of the skin. According to the Scleroderma Foundation, symptoms range from mild to severe, depending upon the individual and the type – localized or systemic. The milder form, localized, impacts the skin and muscles. Systemic may affect the skin and internal organs. The cause is not known, and there is no cure, but there are treatments that may help.

A woman who has a form of this disease and called to place an order alerted me to the fact that on the Scleroderma Foundation Web site there is a page called “Products that benefit,” offering resources for heating pads. The Foundation does not endorse any of the companies listed but I noticed several offer hand warmers to help deal with the symptoms.

Cozy Sheep microwave heating pad
for soothing relief from Scleroderma

Maine Warmers® heating pads come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from Back Warmers and Neck warmers, Hand Warmers, and unique animal designs that can be micro-waved for heat or frozen for gentle cold. They make great gifts for those with Scleroderma. All of Maine Warmers® products have removable covers for easy laundering. Products may be purchase online or in stores that are listed on the Maine Warmers Web site.

Dealing with Spinal Stenosis

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, 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

Woolly Bear Neck Warmer provides a fun way to feel better.

the stresses of life. Heat also stimulates circulation and helps increase flexibility. Check out Maine Warmers’ Great Big Back Warmer. A simple Neck Warmer or a fun Cozy Caterpillar called the Woolly Bear makes a unique gift for a friend or relative.

To reduce inflammation, use cold therapy. Place a Neck Warmer in the freezer for a few hours, then enjoy the cool comfort, without the harshness of ice cubes.

Do Juniper Berries Have Health Benefits?

In 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 the alcoholic drink known as 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.

Sticking to tried and true home remedies seems like the best path to follow. One of those home remedies is heat therapy. 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.

Sheep Microwave Heating Pad for Stiff Backs

 It can be used to relax stiff muscles, help relieve neck tension, promote sleep, calm a cranky baby, soothe arthritic conditions, and more!

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