Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome

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.

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 extra large back warmer, covers the whole back and helps relax tense muscles. Check out their microwave Neck Warmers as well, especially if you hold tension in your neck.

Can a gluten-free diet help reduce the pain of arthritis?

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, the pain was a great motivator. After two months on the diet, 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.

Heat also helps flexibility and stimulates circulation. Maine Warmers' Hand Warmers are especially helpful in relieving stiffness in arthritic hands. Cozy Sheep and a variety of other animal shapes also can be used to warm hands and help relieve the ache of stiff joints in backs, knees, and feet.

Microwave heating pads are safe. There isn't any worry of them overheating, as with electric heating pads, so they can be taken to bed and may even help you fall asleep.

Check out Maine Warmers' Gluten-Free Recipes on their blog. They publish a newsletter once a month with a gluten-free recipe, coupon, and a monthly give-a-way for subscribers.

How to help kids with growing pains

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 acknowledge that 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, washable, and reusable. Children might especially enjoy the Al-the-Gator Body Warmer or Cozy Penguin heating pads.

Comforting Creatures for Kids

Finding Relief from Colitis

The NIH (National Institutes of Health) and the Mayo Clinic Web sites say there are a few different types of colitis and the symptoms can be controlled, most of the time, with 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 stressful situations.

Since this blog was first published, a friend of mine who has suffered with colitis found a holistic physician in NYC and with his help has modified her diet. The result is that she went from taking sixteen pills a day and feeling lousy to taking zero pills and feeling great. She adopted a gluten-free diet, thus reducing inflammation, now avoids dairy and specific foods that cause inflammation, and takes probiotics.

She also told me she uses a heating pad to help relieve abdominal cramps if she has a flare up.

If you need a heating 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 Maine Warmers Comforting Creature and mention that Maine Warmers has a lot of gluten-free recipes on their blog.

Resources for Staying Healthy and Saving Lives as Well as Money

Keep Me Well that allows Mainers to assess their own health. It offers encouragement for good health habits and warnings for areas that need improvement or watching.

The Maine Center for Disease Control offers a lot of information on conditions and diseases, such a Lyme disease, West Nile Virus, heart, lung, and many more. They also have info on environmental health such as Radon, Carbon Monoxide, and Red Tide.

Workplace health is also important and HealthyMaine Partnerships offers a toolkit to help employers make sure the workplace environment is safe and healthy for workers.

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.

This blog is about healthy living, and Maine Warmers' e-Newsletter offers information and products for better health and well-being. Those who subscribe to the email newsletter are entered into a drawing once a month for a free Maine Warmers Cozy Sheep or one of their other Comforting Creatures which are microwave heating pads that can be frozen and used as gentle ice packs.

How to Warm Cold Feet in the Middle of the Night

Going back to bed with cold feet does not help one go back to sleep easily. If you get up during the night in the winter, when floors are chilly, your feet may be cold when you slip back under the covers.

A sure fired way to warm feet is to use a pair of microwave foot warmers or a foot warmer pad from Maine Warmers. Not only will it warm your feet but the heat will relax you and help you return to

Microwave Foot Warmers

sleep.

Maine Warmers sells Foot Warmers and Foot Warmer Pads. They can help make cold feet feel warm and comfortable in a matter of minutes.

Microwave Foot Warmer Pad

Microwave Heating Pads are safe for those on oxygen

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

Just when a person needs to relax the most is when he or she is under stress from health issues. This is the

time heat therapy can help a person relax.

Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads come in some whimsical animal designs -- Cozy Cat, Dachshund

Neck Warmer, and others -- offering cozy warm companionship for someone who is dealing with serious health issues. No feeding, walking, cat or dog hair, or vet bills.

Heat Therapy for Fibromyalgia

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. For more information on Fibromyalgia and heat therapy at the Mayo Clinic.They recommend reducing stress, getting plenty of sleep, exercise, maintaining a healthy schedule and not overdoing, and enjoying life.They also recommend acupuncture, massage therapy, and tai chi.

Heat will also help relax muscles and may help you fall asleep. Heat therapy is a pain management concept dating back to 400 B.C. and may be worth a try.

Maine Warmers’ microwaveable heating pads provide convenient heat therapy and will help reduce pain by

Extra Large Whale Back Warmer

relaxing stiff muscles, promoting flexibility, easing tender points, relieving tension headaches, reducing stress, and promoting sleep. Check out their Extra Large Whale Back Warmers and Extra Long Alligator Neck Warmers for comforting companionship at bedtime.

Need to relax while traveling?

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

Maine Warmers Cozy Sheep
microwave heating pad makes
a great travel companion.

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 I left the neck warmer in the car on the dashboard, and the sun warmed it, and it felt like heaven after an active day.

Maine Warmers has heating pads in all shapes and sizes. This Cozy Sheep is a traveler's best friend at home or away. Tuck this or a Neck Warmer in your carry-on and relax at the end of a busy travel day.

Living with Sciatica

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.

Finding the cause of this condition is critical so it can be treated effectively. That can be challenging.

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 important.

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. 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

Exercise and diet play an important role in dealing with Rheumatoid 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 veggies and whole grains and 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. However, it is important to note that medical professionals say a gluten-free diet reduces inflammation in the body.

When I was told almost five years ago that the pain I had was from arthritis on the spine caused by inflammation, I tried a gluten-free diet. In six weeks the pain was gone and remain on the diet today. Here are Maine Warmers' Gluten-Free Recipe Blog.

Another recommendation is to use devices that help you reach for things, open jars, and get dressed. 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 due to arthritis. Or if you have had surgery

Mainely Hand Warmers

you may need to use ice and heat.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads and gentle ice packs are easy to use, are portable, safe, and washable. Hand Warmers bring soothing comfort to arthritic hands. They have inserts that can be removed and frozen to be used as ice packs that are soft and gentle -- no harshness of frozen cubes or gel packs that do not conform well to the body. A Cozy Sheep is a perfect gift for someone with arthritis.

A few suggestions to help you sleep

In the middle of the night when you have a million things on my mind and worry about not getting enough sleep there are a few things you might help.

• 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.

If your blood sugar is low it can cause restlessness. Alcohol lowers blood sugar, so you might want to limit your alcohol intake to one drink. Protein and starch will help elevate blood sugar and last through the rest of the night. A cup of chamomile tea with lavender can do wonders to help you relax your mind.

• Pretend to be asleep.
• Read for twenty minutes.

Some physicians recommend taking an anti-histamine but it may leave you feeling drowsy in the morning.

I recently read about taking supplement 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 WebMD's information on Lavender

To read the NIH information on Valerian.

To read the NIH information on Chamomile.

A microwave heating pad on your feet will also help you relax, especially if your feet are tired and sore or are cold. An extra large Back Warmer is versatile and can be used to relax or warm feet.

Primitive Arts -- Decorative and Functional

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. In each product we try to capture the essence and character of the animal.

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 are microwave heating pads that include a Polar Bear, Panda Bear,

and others fun animals that 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.

Optimizing Brain Power

What does moving our posteriors 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.

Also, medical professionals say laughter 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 no matter what age.

At Maine Warmers we try to maintain a good sense of humor and share stories that make us laugh. We announce the drawing on our Facebook page about the beginning of each month.

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 a Cozy Sheep, Moose, and Gator.

Sullivan Center -- for Wellness & Disease Prevention in Maine

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 a few dollars.

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 are comforting for those who are temporarily inactive due to illness or chemo. Maine Warmers

microwave heating pads provide a natural and easy way to promote relaxation. They also bring warmth to hands and feet that may feel cold during periods of inactivity.

Cozy Sheep, Cats, and a Dachshund offer comforting companionship without the need to feed, walk, or pick up after them -- and no vet bills. What to give a person who has breast cancer? These made in the US gifts will provide years of warmth and will decorate a bed or chair when not in use.

Healing Strategies

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.

Black Bear microwave heating pad

In consideration of the latter -- relaxation techniques -- heat therapy helps to relax tight muscles. During temporary periods of inactivity after surgery a warmer will stimulate circulation and take the chill off cold hands and feet.  A Cozy Sheep, Bear, or Cat Warmer might be the ideal way to show your support. Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads are portable and easy to use.

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.