Setting Goals to Lose and Maintain Weight for an Active Lifestyle

The Mayo Clinic offers ten tips to start a weight loss program, the most important of which to set realistic goals and write them down.Sometimes people think that when goals are on paper that they are written in stone, but as we become more self-aware, learn new thing, and change our ways, our goals may need to be modified. A weight loss program should be evaluated every week.

Visualizing the person you want to be is a good way to think about setting personal weight goals for living actively and doing the things you want to do. Asking questions of ourselves such as how do we want to feel about ourselves right now and as we grow older are important. What do we want to achieve? What do we do when we have reached our weight goals and want to maintain a healthy weight for an active lifestyle?

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 -- not self-deprecating name calling or put downs. Do not allow others to undermine your confidence in yourself. That kind of behavior can only have a negative impact. A positive support group will help you achieve your goals.

Extra Large Microwave Heating Pad for the Back

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 and generally become frazzled. Having goals written down helps keep us focused. If you are stressed, try a little heat therapy to help relax tired and tense muscles. A Neck Warmer or a Back Warmer may help when life is stressful. Maine Warmers Comforting Creatures make great gifts for someone who is trying to lose weight.

Cozy Sheep Heating Pad

How to create a home spa

When the budget is tight and you feel like you could use a bit of rejuvenation, treating oneself to a spa treatment may not be high on the priority list. 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 veggies and fruits, keep the carbs low by focusing on meat, veggies, and fruit. Make sure to exercise 45 to 60 minutes each day all week. Plan the week so that you can give yourself 3 to 4 hours on Saturday or whatever day you have off for some self-indulgence.

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 hair with a magnifying mirror. 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.

Get together with friends. The best looking thing you can wear is a smile. Enjoy conversation and laugh.

If you need to relax before bed, heat a Maine Warmer in the microwave then wrap it around the back of your neck to help ease tension. A Dachshund Neck Warmer conforms to the body. A Cozy Cat microwave body warmer can also help to relax sore tight muscles. All will last much longer than a pricey spa treatment and will help you relax and get your beauty sleep.

Healthy Outdoors

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. Be a Scout and be prepared for the worst.

• 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.
• Wear clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly.
• Wool will keep you warm even if it is wet.
• 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 on you. Extra matches, candles, blankets, food (granola bars and crackers), and a cell phone. Keep extras in your car. 

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 age or Alzheimer's can have an impact on a person's ability to make sound judgments and decisions.

Maine Warmers will not help you on the side of a mountain unless you have access to a microwave oven. But if you come in out of the cold and are frozen to the bone, Maine Warmers microwave heating pads will help. A Cozy Cat or a Dachshund Neck Warmer will keep you toasty warm without feeding or walking, and costs less than one vet bill. 

How to care for someone with hypothermia

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, and 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.

Cold extremities can be painful, and a Maine Warmer can provide soothing comfort. A microwave heating pad on the hands or feet Black Bear Warm Compress may be just the thing to help bring body temperature up gently. It can be heated slowly in the microwave increasing the heat as necessary.

Who is Most at Risk for Hypothermia?

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 at risk. People who may wander away from home and not be able to find their way back may suffer from hypothermia if they remain outside overnight. Also, drugs and alcohol may alter judgement causing similar issues.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads will keep you warm in winter, inside or out.

To keep warm when the temperatures drop, try a Maine Warmers microwave heating pad instead of turning up the thermostat. If you know an elderly person who suffers with the cold, suggest a heating pad to add warmth. It can be taken into a cold car or on a frosty winter walk. Neck Warmers can be worn under a coat and Hand Warmers  will keep fingers from getting cold on winter walks..

Exercise - road map to independence as we age

"Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn't keep up with the removal of old bone." Mayo Clinic  This condition can rob us of our activity and independence as we age, especially if bones become so fragile that they break easily. Being wheelchair bound at any age is less fun than being able to walk freely and engage in activities.

Experts tell us that weight bearing 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. Exercise may feel uncomfortable but it should not cause pain. People well into their nineties can experience benefits of moderate exercise.

A physical therapist can explain and demonstrate how to do exercises correctly to avoid fractures or muscle pulls. Using proper posture and technique when exercising or participating in a sport can help prevent muscle soreness. There are online resources and books that also explain how to exercise, but if you do not do the exercises correctly you can cause damage to cartilage and connective tissues.

Warming up and stretching after exercise help to maintain flexibility. If you still experience tight muscles, try a heating pad to relax muscles, help blood flow and flexibility. Yoga is also a good exercise that is best done with an instructor who can guide you to do the routines properly.

Most people experience tenderness after exercising,
and we all make mistakes and move

the wrong way occasionally. Maine Warmers  microwave heating pads help relax sore or stiff muscles. When frozen, these warmers become ice packs that are soft and gentle on the skin and reduce swelling and pain.

Maine Warmers' Back Warmers and Neck Warmers offer hot and cold therapy to relieve muscle aches. Their Cozy Sheep, Black bears, Cats, Dachshunds, and more make great gifts for those who exercise -- or need to exercise.

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

How to Prevent Back Pain and Relax Back Muscle Spasms

The most common type of pain in the US is back pain according to MedlinePlus,  Causes are often due to muscle spasms and degenerative disks. When we consider the aging process and our routine activities of lifting, twisting, and bending, it is reasonable to predict that most people will suffer some kind of back pain in their lifetimes.

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 inflict severe pain. Disk degeneration is when the soft disc

Microwave Back Warmer relaxes stiff back muscles.

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.

Stretching, watching our posture as we stand sit and lift, and exercise to build strong muscles that help support the back two to three times a week may help prevent back pain.

A Maine Warmers microwave heating pad will help relax sore stiff back muscles Their Back Warmers are Cozy Sheep make the perfect gift for a friend with back pain.

Cozy Black Sheep Microwave Heating Back Pad

safe and easy to use and help relieve muscle spasms and cramps. A

How to reduce pain in arthritic knees

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.

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs (NAIDS) are often recommended. 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.

You may want to try eliminating gluten from your diet and thus reduce inflammation. It may not get rid of your pain completely. The diet takes getting used to but there are now so many options in grocery stores and restaurants that it is not as hard to manage as it once was. Reading labels and looking up information on the internet helps.

Using a brace can 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.  For a child with arthritis, the gift of a Bunny or Penguin heating pad offers comfort and companionship.

What to do when your arthritic knees are barking at you

Like the annoying bark of a dog, when your knees are burning they are sending you a message, loud and clear. If you have osteoarthritis you may want to lose some weight to stop the annoying bark and keep it from getting worse. A nutritionist or dietitian can help you shed some pounds and slow the deterioration of cartilage due to osteoarthritis while not making you feel starved. Just taking in the appropriate levels of vitamins C and D may help you retain knee cartilage and avoid pricey and risky surgeries. Ask your doctor for the recommended dosage for your age and activity level. Managing weight according to Arthritis Health Monitor, (Vol. 15, No. 6) Dec. 2008/January 2009, may be one of the best ways to maintain bone health. For More information on managing arthritis, go to Health Monitor.

As much as one doesn't want to move when arthritis is present exercise can help you feel better. A physical therapist, a trainer, or teacher at a reputable gym can set up a routine of exercises and show you how to do them appropriately to strengthen muscles without doing more damage to cartilage or connective tissues. Keeping muscles strong helps support and stabilize joints, plus exercise will help with weigh loss.

To increase flexibility and stimulate blood circulation try a microwave heating pad. Maine Warmers has a Knee Pack that can be heated and strapped onto the knee, and it can be frozen and used as a gentle, soothing ice pack. A Neck Warmer or Back Warmer can be wrapped around the knee to relax sore tight muscles and improve flexibility. Flexibility is critical to motion and your independence -- a great motivator.

Back Warmer              Knee Pack               Neck Warmer

The Best Facial Ice Packs for Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery

Recovery from cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery, removal of basal skin cells, especially on the face, may require the use of ice packs to reduce swelling. A corn-filled ice pack is soft on the skin, not as harsh as ice cubes or a frozen plastic covered gel pack, provides comfort, and helps with the healing process.

The best facial ice pack can be found at Maine Warmers. There are actually two packets (2) of whole corn that come with a pair of their Hand Warmer mittens. Used one at a time, this soft flannel covered pack is the perfect size for the face. A "Corn Ice Pack" conforms naturally to the contours of the face, different than plastic gel packs that may be stiff, and with any pressure on a sore swollen area pain is a likely result. This "Corn Ice Pack" can be held on the skin with the outside mittens to keep hands from feeling cold.

Store in a plastic bag in the freezer for an hour or two until ready to use. With two of them, there is always

 Maine Warmers' Hand Warmers with one inside Packet of Corn

one cold. Whole corn has some water content, but not as much as ice cubes, gel packs, or frozen peas. Therefore the coldness will feel more comfortable while still reducing swelling.

These packets of corn will stay cold about 15 minutes -- the recommended icing time.

Size of each packet: 8" x 6" x 1"
Weight: 1 lb.
Flannel cotton cover
Cotton & corn insert
Removable, washable cover
Reusable
Safe


Note: All of Maine Warmers' products can be frozen or microwaved to relax stiff muscles or to warm up. We recommend the Hand Warmer Mittens because the coldness will penetrate the flannel fabric of the inside packet better than it will the fleece covered products.

How to stay warm for extended periods of time outside in winter

With winter temperatures bottoming out it is good to avoid hypothermia when you venture outdoors -- 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.
• Wear a Neck-up or extra long turtleneck pull up to help cover your face.
• 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 come inside away from the 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 your neck 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.

When a sitz bath isn't practical a microwave heat pack comes in handy

Sitz baths are meant to bring heat to the pelvic area to increase blood flow. They can also be used cold to reduce swelling and pain. Sitz comes from the German word, sitzen -- meaning to 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. KidHealth has an excellent article on what to expect after giving birth.

Sitz baths can be taken in a bath tub or more conveniently sitting with a basin of water on a toilet. They can be fairly simple to use and are not expensive. Drug stores carry them and they range in price from a few dollars to $75. There is one available at a popular chain drug store for $15.

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. It can also be frozen and used cold to reduce swelling.

Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads mold to your 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. There are several animal shaped heating pads, called Comforting Creatures, that make fun and functional baby shower gifts for expectant moms. Expectant dads may like the Neck Warmer.

Hand Warmers for Stroke Victims

My father had a stroke at age 75 but managed to live a relatively social and active life for several years with support from my mother, siblings, and friends. One of the issues stroke victims have to deal with, as did my dad, is that one hand would get very cold. A Maine Warmers' Hand Warmers helped keep his hand warm when he was inactive.

With Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads there is no worry of overheating as with conventional, Hand Warmers and Neck Warmers that can be wrapped around hands or feet. A variety of Comforting Creatures offer companionship with warmth and decorate a bed or chair when not in use.

Maine Microwave Hand Warmers

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 heating pad. Maine Warmers has a variety of

Diagnosis and treatment today have helped many people who have had strokes. 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.

Tips to promote sleep without taking medications

When we are worried about jobs, money, our health, families, or friends it can be difficult to relax and go to sleep. It seems impossible when we are over-worked, over-tired, over-stressed, and need sleep the most, to access it.

Here are a few tips to help promote relaxation and go to sleep without the use of medications.

1. Drink plenty of water during the day time.
2. Limit alcohol intake.
3. Write down a list of things that need to be dealt with the next day.
4. Read something light before bed or if sleep is interrupted to help shift the mind away from pressing issues.
5. Find a comfortable position in bed and concentrate on relaxing muscles starting with the toes and working your way up to the head.
6. Practice being still.
7. Adjust the blankets so you are not too hot or too cold.
8. Soak the feet in warm water then massage them with moisturizing cream.
9. Use a microwave heating pad to help relax tense neck, back, and leg muscles.
10. If necessary, get up in the night to do a few of the things that need doing in order get them off your mind and to relax. Make sure it is for no more than an hour.

Maine Warmers'  Panda Bear bed & body warmer is just the thing to help relax tense muscles. A Cozy Sheep, like all of their microwave heating pads, placed on the feet will deliver ultimate relaxation. Because these heating pads don't look medicinal, both will decorate a bed when not in use.

Alternative Therapies for Arthritis

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:  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. 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

Maine Warmers' Gray Seal Microwave Heating Pad

be very helpful but should not replace physician subscribed medications.

Heating pads help relax tense muscles and ease stress. Maine Warmers' Sheep, Bears, and Dachshund Neck Warmers, among others, make the perfect gift for children with arthritis. Adults love them as well.

Home Remedy for Swimmer's Ear

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

Benny Bumpeezer soothes an ear ache

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. Benny Bumpeezer – The Soothing Mouse  may help ease the pain of a child's ear ache.  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

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 use 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.

Home Remedies for Water on the Knee

We use our knees in daily routine activities and knee pain can limit those things we like and need to do. Preventing knee injuries, especially water on the knee, is important to a healthy lifestyle. Fluid build up around the knee is painful and makes exercise uncomfortable. Yet strength in the legs can help reduce knee pain.

Controlling weight may ease knee pain. 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. Take care when exercising not to over-stress the knees.

The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing your doctor regularly and taking medications that will help prevent diseases that contribute to water on the knee or that have other deteriorating effects on the body.

Home remedies 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.

At Maine Warmers you can find gentle ice packs that help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Neck Warmers will wrap around the knee or Back Warmers can be placed under or over a knee. They also have a Knee Pack that can be strapped onto a knee. The ice packs are comforting and soothing -- not harsh like a bag of ice or frozen peas.

All of these "Warmers" can be frozen for cool therapy or heated to help relax muscles, improve circulation, and increase flexibility.

Need to reduce swelling after surgery but don't like the harshness of ice?

Many people avoid using cold therapy after surgery to reduce swelling and ease pain because thoughts of harsh ice on the skin, while already feeling uncomfortable, discourage them. Ice placed directly on the skin can cause skin damage. A towel or other cloth that protects the skin and short periods of exposure can prevent skin damage and minimize discomfort.

Maine Warmers gentle ice packs (microwave heating pads that are placed in the freezer for a few hours)

Use hand warmer inserts only for gentle-on-the-skin ice packs.

provide cool comfort inside soft flannel covers. They stay cool for about 10 - 15 minutes – the recommended time for applying ice. The filling is whole corn which does not get as cold as ice or a bag of frozen peas.

The best size and weight "warmers" are the inside packets that come with Hand Warmers. They are about 7" x 5" and are soft and supple, easily conform to your body and have a washable cover. From the freezer to the microwave – they are versatile and easy to use. With a pair, you can keep both in the freezer and alternate using them. And when you need warmth, just microwave them and put them inside the mittens to warm chilly fingers or toes.

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 Microwave Hand Warmers

The best way to cool down in the midst of summer heat

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.

Try  Maine Warmers' microwave heating pad and gentle ice pack to help cool down from summer heat. Neck Warmers, Back Warmers, as well as all of their products can be frozen and used to soothe the discomfort of summer heat, sunburns, and insect bites.