Remembering Fathers

My father worked all day, but he came home with a smile on his face.  He had a great sense of humor

Take a walk with your dad on Fathers' Day.

and used it often. He lost the lower part of his leg in WW II in Northern Italy, and as a very young child I thought all men had one leg. As I grew older, I wondered how he maintained such a good attitude about life. I think he felt lucky that he escaped that war with an injury and not loss of life.

He was a chemist and taught me to use a camera and to develop film in our basement, creating a makeshift darkroom. He loved computers and taught me how to use them and the software, plus he gave me all of his hand-me-down computers. If he had learned how to use Photoshop he would have loved it.

There were times that he made me angry, but I never expected him to be perfect. There were times when he forbade me (unfairly) to do things because he was trying to protect me.

The best thing he did was love my mother and stay with her. They had their differences but he was always there.

Once when I was substitute teaching I overheard a second grade student tell his friend in the lunch line, “My mother’s boyfriend made me cry last night.” My heart went out to that child, and I thought how lucky I was that as a child I didn’t have to move in with another family because of divorced parents.

I understand that people divorce and do the best they can for their children, but it is never the same as

Maine Warmers' Whale Back Warmers

having two parents. When parents think first of themselves and use children to gain control that is the worst. Thank goodness the majority of parents who divorce make their children’s needs a priority.

As Fathers' Day approaches it is good to remember that fathers bring laughter, fun, toys, love, and more often than not, financial support to children. Fathers are important. If you can't afford to give your father a gift then just be there, call, enjoy an outdoor activity with him, and be sure to tell him you love him.

Remember that fathers love the relaxing heat of a MaineWarmers’ microwave heating pad. Check out their web site, Facebook page, and Instagram photos to find out about a 15% off Fathers’ Day coupon.

The Maine Mystique

What is the Maine Mystique?

According to Dictionary.com “mystique” means : an aura of mystery, power, and awe that surrounds a person or thing.

I think the mystery surrounding Maine is that people manage to survive through cold winters in an economy that is perpetually depressed. You might wonder why people live in remote places where decent paying jobs are as scarce as four lane highways.  Mostly it is the natural beauty of Maine that offers more than monetary appeal and holds people in awe.

A physician in New Jersey asked me once if we had hospitals in Maine! Others occasionally ask if we have indoor bathrooms. Yes, to both, although some of the latter still exist. The focus of most Mainers is not only on the basics of shelter, heat, and food, but on ways to play in this environment. Without enjoyment, there wouldn’t be any point in living here.

Southern Maine, often considered part of Massachusetts, offers beautiful un-crowded, sandy beaches, coastal marshlands, estuaries, and islands. There is little evidence of poverty and the expensive coastal real estate will make your jaw drop. Go inland a few miles and things change. You’ll find lovely rolling hills and rock-framed lakes and rivers. The real estate is more affordable than along the coast, and you’ll find more modest homes. Go North and you’ll see a mix of real estate, a few places with unadorned basic homes, gray, unpainted clapboards, sagging roofs, and yards full of rusted out autos and debris – different type of jaw drop.

The mountains and northern scrublands provide hiking, snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting opportunities. Paper companies changed the landscape of northern Maine beginning with the Industrial Revolution. The need for pulp to make paper caused rivers to be dammed, creating more lakes. Log runs left lots of driftwood along the banks of lakes and rivers, and inspired competitions to see who could stand on a floating log in the water the longest. A web of dirt roads used to haul logs out of the forests now provide access to the public and replaced the log drives. The paper industry is all but gone from Maine, leaving thousands to find other ways to make a living or move away.

Most of those who leave Maine are high school graduates who, naturally, want to see what the rest of the world is like. Living in Maine is not for everyone, which is why Maine’s population is about 1.3 million.  Given the size of the state, that is 16.65 acres per person.

To survive in Maine, people depend on family, friends, and strangers. There is an unpretentious camaraderie among people in Maine. Fashion is whatever you want it to be. Often warm clothing comes from the Goodwill or from hand-me-downs, and mud boots can be worn to a formal wedding if the weather calls for them.

Maine folks are as much a piece of its mystique as its beautiful landscapes. There is, unfortunately, among Mainers an unhealthy skepticism of “people from away.”  Even though many people from out of state have settled in Maine, locals wonder if these newcomers will survive, take their jobs, make changes, fit in, or exploit the land and people. Sometimes Mainers, unfortunately, remain aloof to “outsiders.” But don’t be fooled, Mainers are the first in line to help a stranger when trouble knocks on the door.

Most people living in Maine are hard working and seek a life that respects family, friends, and environment. There is a power among the people who struggle to live here that is stronger than the Nor’easters that hit our shores or the Northwest winds that blanket us with Arctic air masses. Mainers are tough and confront the harsh weather and economy by creating events like the potato blossom festival, pie and paddle (with a pie warden), lobster boat races, dump parade, giant pumpkin festival, boat building competitions, and more. The sign that greets people as they cross over our border is, “Maine, The way life should be.”

Betsy Hanscom is the owner of Maine Warmers and designs microwave heating pads which are

sold online and in gift stores through out the US.

Best way to get rid of foot and leg cramps

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

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

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

Easy way to get rid of leg cramps

Nocturnal leg or foot

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

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

A few things that may cause cramps are:

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

Prevention

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

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

Emergence of Emergency Medical Technicians

At dinner last night we were talking about a man who collapsed on a street in Portland, Maine on Christmas Eve and how someone stopped to help him until the EMTs arrived. Today the man is back to living a normal life.

We take for granted that when there is a medical emergency an ambulance with trained personnel will be there ASAP to help. They’ll not only transport people to the nearest hospital, but they will perform procedures to help the victim survive while on the way.

It wasn’t until the early 1970's that a need for emergency personnel became an issue in Portland, Maine. A committee was established to look at setting up MEDCU, a new emergency response system designed to help people – not just transport them to the hospital. Before that, people were often transported in the back of a police car, a “Paddy Wagon,” or sometimes in a hearse to the hospital, and help was not administered until they arrived.

Today, EMTs, or Emergency Medical Technicians, are trained to administer IVs, give injections, administer life support, and more. Improved communication systems allow physicians to give directions to EMTs while en-route to the hospital.. The training is rigorous and requires hundreds of hours of education and often state certification.  

Helping people feel better is a great profession. Thankfully there are people who are willing to become EMTs and do this important job.

Maine Warmers' Microwave Neck Warmer

At Maine Warmers we provide products that help people feel better. Al-The-Gator brings comforting heat to relax stiff muscles. Cozy Sheep warm beds on cold winter nights and help stimulate circulation when physical activity is limited due to illness or surgery.

How to meet your goals post-surgery

Medical professionals will tell you to keep moving after surgery. A physical therapist may be able to help you reach your activity goals. Moving joints and muscles helps keep them flexible and gives you more range of motion. You may not reach the goal you set each day or week, but if you write down a few notes about each session and occasionally look back to see how far you have come, it may encourage you and help motivate you to keep working at it. It takes work and some discomfort to keep on track with the exercises prescribed.

Cozy Gray Cat

When you see a physical therapist ask a lot of questions and have instructions written down so that you understand them. Go over the exercises 2 or 3 times with the therapist so that you are sure you understand how to do them correctly and don't cause more damage.

After the swelling has gone down, you may help keep your joints flexible with a Maine Warmers microwave heating pad. These items are versatile and wrap around necks, knees, hands and feet.  Back Warmers and Neck Warmers as well as Cozy Cats  for get well gifts for someone who has just had surgery. Heat stimulates blood circulation and may help increase flexibility after surgery.

These corn-filled heating pads can also be frozen and used as ice packs that are soft and gentle on the skin

Preparing for a visit to the physician

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

When did you first experience the pain or discomfort?

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

What makes the symptoms worse?

What makes them better, if anything?

Write down questions to ask a physician when you experience pain or discomfort. Remember to have a written record of medications you are on, 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 both of these?

Are there restrictions with this course of action?

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

Are there other information resources available?

Take along a personal medical journal to fill out. Many physicians today will give you a print out of your visit. Keep them in a file so you can look back on them.

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 minor aches and pains. Heat is one of the oldest natural home remedies for aches and pains.

Microwave heating pads are natural home remedies for aches and pains.

Preventing Cervical Spondylosis

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 become worse over time without treatment and lifestyle changes.

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. 

Customers will often call and tell me that their physicians recommended the use of heat. Recently a customer told me her husband had Spondylosis and the doctor said to use heat or ice.

Soft & Luxurious Neck Wrap

Maine Warmers’ heating pads easily go in the freezer as well as the microwave and can be used as gentle ice packs. Use heat and cold therapy for Spondylosis and other conditions involving muscles and joints according to your doctor's advice. 

Heat is used to help stimulate blood circulation and improve flexibility. Cold therapy helps reduce swelling and pain. An extra long Neck Warmer, filled with whole corn, will provide comforting warmth or cold for periods of 30 to 40 minutes and is reusable, durable, washable, and safe. It is flexible and will conform to your body. Some of Maine Warmers' neck wraps are whimsical animal shaped Warmers like the Woolly Bear Neck Warmer. The Giraffe pattern Neck Warmer is made with the softest and most durable of fabrics called "Plush."

Tips to help relieve the pain of arthritis

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. Exercise is critical but it must be done correctly to avoid pain and aggravating the condition.

Maintaining a health diet and weight are also important. You may want to try a gluten-free diet to help reduce inflammation in the body. Since arthritis is painful inflammation of the joints, this diet may help. With today's awareness of gluten and so many people choosing this diet, the availability of gluten-free foods has increased significantly. This is not a diet to lose weight. But keeping weight down reduces the stress on the joints. Check out Maine Warmers Gluten-free Recipes on their blog.

Using implements to help open jars, insert keys, brush teeth are a few of the recommendations.

They recommend making changes gradually – not trying to do everything all at once. Read the article on RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS.

A heating pad helps relieve the pain of arthritis. Maine Warmers have microwave heating pads and gentle ice packs that stimulate circulation and help with flexibility. If you need a gift for someone with arthritis check out Maine Warmers’ Cozy Sheep.

TMJ - Dealing with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

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. A Neck Warmer is versatile, and like all of Maine Warmers' products, can be microwaved for heat when not being used as ice packs.

Relief for sinus headaches

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 helps. An ice pack on the forehead for an unbearable sinus headache my help reduce the swelling. Sitting with a bowl of hot water under your chin also provided some relief. Doctors often recommend taking an expectorant which can break down the sinus pressure, relieving the pressure.

Maine Warmers’ Mainely Ice pack that is 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.

Laughter is good medicine

Laughter can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and among other benefits, help improve brain function. Healthy  laughter, according to Helpguide, helps improve our social interaction and makes us feel good. Whether you are on vacation or not make sure to laugh and have fun with friends and family. It's fun and healthy. Who would have guessed you could get these two things together.

I have heard that a good sense of humor is the most important factor in a healthy marriage. If we can laugh at ourselves we can make it over a lot of bumps in the road and have fun in the process.

If you know of someone in pain due to injury or surgery give them the best gift of all -- your time, your smile, Sheep, Bears, and Moose make great gifts.
and time spent together enjoying a few laughs. Consider taking along a Maine Warmer to help them recover. Back or Neck Warmers make perfect gifts to help someone recover from surgery, stroke, chemo, or other conditions that cause temporary inactivity.  Remember that Maine Warmers may be frozen to cool down or help reduce swelling. The Cozy

Aromatherapy and Microwave Heating Pads That are Perfume Free

My grandmother used to wrap orange blossoms in plastic baggies and mail them to me in Maine from Florida in the dead of winter. As soon as I opened the door of the mail box and that sweet fragrance condensed in the cold air, I knew what was inside the envelope and who had sent them. That was 25 years ago but the smell of orange blossoms brings back fond memories of my Nana who was so loving and such an important part of my life.

Many people associate particular smells with comforting experiences -- especially cooking smells. Maybe that is why aromatherapy helps because it brings back fond memories of good times.

According to Brent Bauer, MD at the Mayo Clinic, some studies show that there may be some benefits to aromatherapy in relieving anxiety or depression, or "improved quality of life, particularly for people who have chronic health conditions." 

I also understand that some people have allergies to fragrances, and so, at Maine Warmers, we fill our microwave heating pads with whole corn, not popping corn, and skip the essential oils and other perfumes, as much as they might appeal to me.

Rice heating pads take on a peculiar odor after being microwaved several times, and so fragrances are added to them to cover the smell of the cooked rice. I have learned from talking with folks that some people have developed adverse reactions to microwave warmers because of the association of that unfavorable smell.

Whole corn-filled (not popping corn) microwave heating pads have a mild aroma of a bowl of freshly popped corn. Whether or not the aroma does something for you, all of Maine Warmers offers help relax sore muscles and ease pain. Neck Warmers, Back Warmers, and creature shaped warmers are all filled with whole corn and have removable, washable covers. As much as I love the aroma of orange blossoms, I think it best to leave the aromatherapy to the professionals, as Dr. Bauer recommends.

How to deal with stress naturally during pregnancy

Pregnancy changes the body and mind. The belly grows, bones soften, breasts and feet swell. Added weight puts stress on the whole body, including lower back and hips. Worries over the health of the baby, how you are going to manage work and family, and how the birthing process will go all manage to drive you nuts even before the baby is born!

Natural remedies to help deal with anxiety associated with pregnancy may seem difficult to find, but there are some that can be very effective. An important and maybe the most effective one is moderate exercise. Make sure you check with you doctor first about what exercise is the most appropriate.

Aspirin and other over-the-counter drugs are not recommended for pregnant women because of the effect they may have on the fetus. Of course substances such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol should be avoided completely while pregnant.

Natural herbs and herbal teas can have effects on the fetus, so if one is considering taking herbs it is best to consult a physician first. Midwives also have information on herbal remedies. The American Pregnancy Association has general information on what herbs are likely to be safe to take during pregnancy and what are not. Also, Parents Magazine also offers suggestions and information about ingesting herbs and herbal teas.

Other relaxation techniques may include listening to music, participating in a hobby or activity that you enjoy, socializing and laughing. A microwave heating pad on the feet or lower back will help relax muscles and may help you fall asleep.

Maine Warmers offers a variety of unique microwave heating pads that can be used during pregnancy to help you deal with stress, and they can be used after the baby is born to promote mil let-down and relieve blocked ducts or engorgement. It can be used to relieve sinus headaches. Pre-warm an infant's crib to prevent the baby from waking due to the shock of cold sheets when you place him/her down.

If the summer heat is getting to you try putting your Maine Warmer in the freezer for a few hours and then enjoy a comforting gentle coolness on the neck or feet.

Maine Warmers' Cozy Sheep or Bunny make great baby shower gifts for mothers-to-be. Fathers love them too.

Tips to help prevent Repetitive Motion Disorder

Repetitive Motion Disorders, RMD, can cause temporary and permanent damage to soft tissue of the arms, hands, legs, feet, backs, and necks. If you sit at a computer all day at work you may be experiencing some signs of this condition like tingling, numbness, lack of strength, redness, or swelling.Other activities like playing tennis, sewing, playing a musical instrument, holding a phone with your shoulder, and pogo stick jumping can also wreak havoc with your body.

There is a known cure for RMD. Stopping the activity is one way but may not be possible if it is the way you make a living. Changing the way you perform your tasks can make a big difference and protect your body from harm.

Have someone take a photo of you in your normal computer posture to help you make corrections in posture may help. If you are slouching or listing to one side you can consciously work to change that. Make sure the person who takes the photo promises not to post it on Facebook.

Besides improving your posture, changing your chair and computer screen height may help. Last year after I redesigned a new computer station from a chair at a desk to one where I can stand, I developed knee and ankle swelling. Now I have a second computer for sitting and one for standing.

Setting a timer across the room now pulls me away from the computer when it’s time to take a quick stretching break. A physical therapist may offer stretching exercises for your particular issue.

Medical professionals often recommend using ice to relieve the symptoms of RMD. Because ice packs can feel uncomfortably harsh on the skin you may decide not to use them, especially if you are already in pain. A MaineWarmers microwave heating pad can be frozen and used as a gentle ice pack to relieve any swelling or pain. The whole corn filling does not get as cold as ice cubes and offers a simple solution for providing cold therapy when ice packs seem too harsh.                                                                                                                                                                           

Preventing problems before they happen is the best way to deal with RMD. Remembering to stretch, take breaks, and improving your posture may be the best methods to keep this condition at bay.

 For a more detailed description of RMD and how to deal with it please visit the National Institutes for Health Web site.

For ice packs to help reduce swelling and pain, visit Maine Warmers and check out some unique and fun designs -- heating pads that do not look medicinal. All of their products may be microwaved and become Neck Warmers to relax stiff neck muscles.

Thousands of uses for corn

According to the Corn Growers Association corn has 3500 uses! It is used in everyday products that we
never think about. Now it is being used to manufacture ethanol to be used in our automobiles.

Consider corn flakes, pop corn, corn chowder, corn-on-the-cob, corn meal muffins, and corn syrup for adding a bit of sweetness to life.

It is fed to livestock which in turn provides protein to our diets.

Several industries used different parts of corn to make laundry detergents, printers’ inks, packaging materials, baby diapers, and automobile fuel filters. Cornstarch is used in a variety of products including the making of paper!

“Indian Corn” decorates our doors in the autumn and corn stalks stand to salute the harvest. Corn husk dolls entertain and delight adults as well as children. Fields of corn mazes also provide great entertainment and help raise funds for local organizations.

Microwave heat pads are filled with whole corn (see Maine Warmers) and used for warmth in the winter or to help relieve aches and pains. Frozen, they help reduce swelling and pain.

There is a whole bushel of information about corn at the National Corn Growers Association Web site.

http://www.ncga.com/education/main/FAQ.html#cob

Use relaxation to help reduce food cravings

Sometimes I crave sweets when relaxation is what I really need. A cup of tea with a couple of cookies and a few minutes time out to enjoy it is how I tend to chill out. The time out is what I need -- not the tasty treat.

There are times when I crave something sweet so much I will stop at the store or make a special trip to buy dessert. Once I have it in my pocket, purse, or grocery bag the craving magically goes away. I haven't eaten it, but have lost the craving.

There are times during the day when it is hard to relax, either because the schedule is so tight or I’m already in a high speed wobble and cannot seem to slow down. It helps to slow down when those cravings bite. Sometimes I will ask my husband to offer a gentle reminder after supper to take a deep breath and relax. Other times a self reminder is all that's needed.

The Mayo Clinic has several suggestions for relaxation techniques that might help chase away some of those food cravings. I was a bit surprised that they don't mention a little time out on the couch with a heating pad. I have used heat to relax tense muscles and help ease away anxiety and cravings. A microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers is versatile and can be used for a variety of ailments. Check out the Cozy Sheep Warmers.  They are portable, easy to use, safe, and have no added fragrances.