How to stay hydrated and warm in winter

Combine dehydration with shortened daylight in winter and it might feel like all of your 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 about quantities, other tips, and information.

Magnificent Moose Body Warmer

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 to help keep warm during the cold winter months. A Cozy Sheep makes a perfect bed warmer and gift for someone who is inactive due to an illness. 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.

Dealing with emergency power outages and keeping warm in winter

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 such as a fire if not installed properly, cleaned periodically, or maintained. 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 during a power outage. 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.

On a blowing snowy night when it is hard to warm up -- with electrical power in full force -- it's nice to have a Cozy Cat Warmer to snuggle with. Maine Warmers has a variety of Comforting Creatures to help you through the cold months.

Maine Warmers' Comforting Creatures offer cozy companionship in winter.