How to relieve stress when you are recovering from surgery or and accident

Maine Warmers cannot fix broken bones, pinched nerves, and torn ligaments caused by summer activities.

They can’t cure arthritis, cancer, or other conditions plus damage done by strokes. But they can bring comfort when you are hurting. Heat helps relax tensed muscles when you are feeling stressed due to injuries and may help you chill out for awhile. Frozen they help reduce swelling in a gentle way, without the harshness of ice cubes.

Comforting Creatures bring a smile along with a sense of well-being when one is feeling under the weather.  So, if you know of a person who is undergoing cancer treatment, recovering from surgery or a stroke, dealing with the effects of arthritis, a heated Sheep microwave heating pad will bring comfort and smiles.  Maine Warmers unique designs include Black Bears, Polar Bears, cats, Dachshunds, penguins, seals, whales, and more.

Mud Season in Maine

"Texting" in Maine sometimes means writing a message in the dirt on the back window of a car or truck. This time of year, in most of Maine, the snow banks wear a film of road dirt, but the snow in the mountains is still white and offers great spring skiing.

It's "Mud Season." The ground is oozy all day and at night it freezes. The sharp westerly wind reminds us to keep our winter coats handy, and I think how hardy those dainty, little crocus must be to poke their faces out of the ground right now.

Taxes are due this month, it's too soon to start the garden, and I know how many workouts it will take before I dare to put on a pair of shorts or a bathing suit.


If you are feeling betwixt, between, and a bit scattered, it may just be the time of year. Try using a Maine Warmer to help you relax and rejuvenate. The warmth from a Cozy Sheep will help put a smile on your face and a little spring into your step. And if you feel like writing to us be sure to call, email, or leave a "Maine Text." We always love to hear from you. Or follow us on Facebook.

Sign up for Maine Warmers' e-Newsletter and be entered into a drawing each month to win a free "Warmer."

Vitamin D deficiency, diet, & daily sunshine

We are faced daily with enough conflicting dietary recommendations from new studies and research to give us indigestion. I've heard recently that baked chips, if they have trans fats, can be worse than the fried. Often a food or supplement that was okay one day is taboo the next.

I keep searching for a scientific study that reports potato chips and onion dip are good for us. Research would probably show that this food is difficult to eat in moderation and has little redeeming nutritional value, no matter how comforting.

One of the dietary issues in the news recently has been the lack of Vitamin D in our bodies. The sun is our best source of this vitamin, and fortified foods such as milk (unless one has an allergy to it) can help boost levels as well. In today's world of indoor jobs and wearing sunscreen to prevent skin damage and skin cancers some people lack sufficient levels of Vitamin D. If you have a job that keeps you indoors and when you do go outside you slather on sun-block, it may be worth a check with your physician to find out if you have a deficiency.

Very few foods contain vitamin D. Cod liver oil has the most; potato chips, zero. Swordfish, salmon, tuna,

Hand Warmers for Winter Warmth

and milk or orange juice fortified with vitamin D provide higher levels. To me, the pill supplement sounds more palatable than taking Cod liver oil. I wonder if there are potato chips fried in Cod liver oil - CLO Chips?

If you need a little comfort this winter and don't want the added calories from leftover holiday snacks, try heating up a Back Warmer and give yourself time to relax. Maine Warmers has a variety of Neck Warmers and Hand Warmers as well.

For more info on Vitamin D deficiency check out this article at the Mayo Clinic.

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.

13 tips to keeping warm while keeping the thermostat turned down.

With home heating oil and gas prices at record highs, you may want to keep your thermostat turned back toward 60 degrees but not suffer from the cold in the process of saving on your heating cost

Maine Warmers' Hand Warmer Mittens

1.  Dress in several thin layers. The air space between the layers also helps keep you warm.
2.   Look for silk or thin polyester long underwear – especially the tops. They can be worn under turtlenecks, blouses, and dresses.
3. Tights and leggings are fashionable. They can be worn under dresses, skirts, or pants for added warmth.
4. A vest will help keep your core warm and a scarf to wrap around your neck will help keep the heat in.
5.  Wear warm socks and shoes that do not fit tightly. When blood flow is restricted toes may feel cold. Shoes that cover your foot completely will help as well.
6.  Wear gloves without the fingers inside, and put on warm mittens or gloves before going outside.
7. Wear a hat. We lose a lot of body heat through our heads.
8. Stay well hydrated, drink warm liquids, and eat nutritious foods.
9.  Keep active to promote good circulation.
10. Going for a walk outside in the winter?  If it’s windy wear a shell either under or over your coat to help break the wind. Also, a light pair of wind pants will slip on over your slacks or blue jeans.
11. Slip a pair of Palm Packs (small reusable hand warmers) inside a pair of large fleecy mittens or your

    

    Palm Packs are small reusable hand warmers

    coat pockets to help keep your hands warm.
12. Put a Maine Warmer or two in your bed to take the chill off cold bed sheets before turning in at night. The warmth may also help you relax and go to sleep.
13. When you sit down to read or watch TV heat up a pair of Hand Warmers  or Neck Warmer and hold it on your lap or tuck it behind your back.

Coffee withdrawal and joint pain

A few years ago, I was standing in the checkout line at a hospital coffee shop when I overheard the conversation of two physicians in front of me. Of course I listened in. One of them said, "I love coffee but I always feel like I need to have something with it." On his tray next to the coffee sat a blueberry muffin.

I wanted to chime in that I agreed, but kept mum. The chemistry of coffee does cry out for a sweet accompaniment -- like chocolate or peanut butter -- something to neutralize the acidic element. Tea doesn't seem to have the same effect.

Coffee has no calories, until we add sugar and cream. It has no food value, although recent studies suggest it has some cancer preventing benefits. Surely, the caffeine in a cup of java perks us up in the morning, and to many of us that first sip tastes like heaven.

I recently decided to cut out my second mug of mid-morning coffee and go for a glass of water and a healthier snack like yogurt or fruit. I feel better and seem to have more energy during the day, although I found caffeine withdrawal headaches were uncomfortable for a day or two after the change.

According to Wikipedia caffeine withdrawal can cause "irritability, inability to concentrate, drowsiness, insomnia, and pain in the stomach, upper body, and joints..."

If you want cut back on coffee, a gradual reduction would probably reduce some of the difficult symptoms. Using heating pad a may help with irritability or joint pain. Unique and whimsical Cozy Sheep and Bears, or Dachshund Neck Warmer, all microwave heating pads from Maine Warmers, are fun to curl up with on a cold autumn or winter day. Enjoy a cup of coffee with or without the snack, read a book, and relax with the comforting warmth of a Maine Warmer.

Black Bear microwave heating pad for the shoulder

Dachshund Neck Heating Pad

I don't crave that sweet snack that seemed so desirable with a cup of coffee, but I must confess that I still love to hear what people talk about in checkout lines and sometimes join the conversation.

Protecting your gums may help protect your joints if you have arthritis

There is an interesting piece in Arthritis Today (Sept-Oct 2012) about a link between periodontal disease and joints -- especially artificial joints.

Taking care of your teeth, brushing frequently, flossing, visiting the dentist regularly are not only good for your teeth, but according to the article, recent studies show these activities may help your joints.

A diet with limited amounts of sugar, several helpings of fruit and veggies, healthy proteins, and high fiber grains help. Keeping active with arthritis is often recommended by researchers and writers who contribute to this informational magazine.

If you experience joint pain due to arthritis, you might find heat helps soothe the joint muscles, increasing flexibility and circulation. Maine Warmers' Back Warmers and Neck Warmers offer soothing relief.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Maine Warmers' Panda Bear

This Panda Bear loves the gardens in Boothbay, Maine, over 250 acres of paths that wind in and around formal gardens and stone architecture. Ponds, fountains, bridges, and other wooden structures showcase and support huge varieties of plants. A children’s garden provides a lovely place to play and even a spot to stop and read books.

If you take your children to this garden, be sure to talk with them about the importance of plants in our lives – from clothing, to the food we eat, medications we take, and the air we breathe. My grandson said that everything we make comes from plants, although we do make many things from minerals – abundant in the ground.

Be sure to take the walk along Back River and stop at the gazebo for a breather along the way.

Cecil, Maine Warmers' Harbor Seal, enjoying a dip in the pool

Maine Warmers' Harbor Seal, was so happy to take a break in the mediation pool, to the delight of two happy children who also wanted to jump into the water on this warm spring day. I wonder if they know that Cecil, the seal, can be frozen and used to cool off on a sweltering hot summer day.

We were all happy when the shuttle bus came along and provided a ride to our car. When we arrived home I put my tired feet on top of a microwave heating pad and relaxed in a cool breeze blowing across the deck and a frosty glass of ice-tea.

How to plan dinner for a guest on a gluten-free diet

You don't have to worry about planning a meal for someone who is on a gluten-free diet. Just think "meat, fish, and veggies" -- no prepared foods.

Avoid cans of  soup, anything with soy sauce, wheat flour or thickeners other than corn starch. If you have burgers, fries, and a salad you can easily accommodate the diet -- just omit the roll to make it gluten-free. You can even add a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Fire up the grill and cook it over a flame for extra flavor.

Bake some potatoes and some white fish (haddock is yummy) with a slight spread of melted butter, a sprinkle of lemon juice and garlic powder. Add a fresh green salad with Italian dressing -- no croutons. Green peas  sauteed with onions mushrooms in butter are simple and good.

Don' try to be fancy. A dessert of sliced bananas with a rum sauce topping with whipped cream and sliced toasted almonds are lovely. To make the rum sauce, dissolve a cup of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of cream (or butter) over heat and stir until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon of rum and let cool.

Maine Warmers offers other gluten-free recipes on their Snippets Blog. Some people with arthritis have found that by reducing gluten in the body, inflammation is reduced, thus easing pain. Maine Warmers microwave heating pads offer relief and aid for improved flexibility for those with arthritis. Their Neck Warmers and Back Warmers offer soothing warmth.

Microwave Hand Warmers for Health Professionals

Are you a physician, a physical therapist, a massage therapist, with cold hands? Most patients appreciate a warm touch. People are often anxious when they visit a health professional and cold hands on the body may cause more anxiety.

Are you a breast surgeon? Touching the breasts with cold hands – no thank you. Are you a chiropractor? Touching the skin with cold hands – no thank you.

A pair of hand warmers can warm your hands before your appointment with your customer. A warm touch is soothing and may help to give your patient a better sense that you care about their feelings.

A pair of microwave hand warmers from Maine Warmers are easy and quick to use. Slip your hands into them for a few minutes and enjoy the warmth. Then enjoy a more comforting relationship with your patient.

Yin Yoga Helps Flexibility

Yin Yoga may help improve flexibility by targeting tendons and ligaments in the joints and spine. In this type of yoga practice, poses are held for extended periods of time -- about 3 to 5 minutes. Muscles are not engaged.

I have noticed tightness in my shins and ankles that is very stressful in a few of the poses. Cramping of those muscles often occurs hours after I have stopped the practice. The use of a heating pad helps relax the muscles and improves flexibility. Continuing the practice, being careful to not overdo,  has helped me bring more flexibility into those muscles and connective tissues.

I started doing Yin Yoga in the fall of 2011 and find it is amazingly relaxing, in spite of some discomfort -- not pain -- while holding poses. It keeps me in the moment and challenges me to stay focused on the breaths I take. It has given me more flexibility -- something I seem to be losing as I age.

For a description of Yin Yoga and its origins see the article in Wikipedia.

For a heating pad that is portable and safe, check out Maine Warmers’ large variety of microwave heat packs to help improve flexibility. The Full Back Warmer covers a large area and can be helpful for all kinds of cramps or stiffness. Their Whale Warmer is unique and whimsical – a great gift for a yogie -- and it covers a large area of the back or even the legs. All of these products have removable, washable covers for easy laundering. They are filled with whole corn and do not have any added perfumes.

Better Sleep Through Better Habits

Sleeplessness is aggravating and can cause health problems. Dr. Mehmet Oz, A NEW BEDTIME STORY, in an article in Parade Magazine, (Jan. 22, 2012), explains how lack of sleep can affect your health and well-being. He makes several recommendations to help you get the rest you need through a 4 week plan. The following is a synopsis of his article and some great ideas to help you manage your health.

                                              

In your bedroom, keep the lights off including the TV. Even an alarm clock may cast a disturbing light. The mattress may need to be replaced if it is old and contains dust mites that make you sneeze. And the temperature in your room should be cool to help slow down your body’s metabolism.

Avoid going to bed hungry, limit your alcohol intake before bed, and even wear socks (helps keep you core cooler).

Establish a routine of going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. Exercise will also help promote sleep, as long as it is done a few hours before bed – not just before you plan to turn in. Checking email can be stimulating as well – not an activity to help you chill out.

A massage and a warmth bath can help you relax before sleep. Dr. Oz recommends using your shower massager to help you relax before bed. It can help with restless leg syndrome and cramps.

If he knew about Maine Warmers’ Full Back Warmer I am sure he would have suggested it. This microwave heating pad is quick and easy when taking a bath takes too much time. Heat relaxes muscles, helping you wind down and ease tension at the end of the day. It also helps release cramped muscles. Check out the Whale Back Warmer -- a fun way to feel better.

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.

Judge Judy Halloween Costume

What are you going to be for Halloween this year?

If you haven't any plans to dress up you could be missing out on a lot of laughs. Even if you are not going to a party, answering the door, in costume, for trick-or-treaters gives you an opportunity to make others smile and engage in conversation.

You may think it is ridiculously silly to dress up for Halloween, and you are correct. That's the point. It will cause you to laugh a lot. Maybe that explains why many adults dress up and go to parties or out dancing on Halloween.

Last year, when my husband and I were invited to a Halloween party, I dressed as Judge Judy. I watched a few of her TV shows, then went out and bought a graduation robe at the Goodwill Store, large fake diamond earrings, and a cheap costume-shop wig that had to be styled. I took the wig to my mom's and asked her to put it on while I played the role of hairdresser in her kitchen. We tee-heed and laughed until tears rolled down our cheeks.

I worried that people might not know I was playing Judge Judy. The night of the party, we gathered with friends, had dinner, then drove to a hall in Portsmouth, NH, to dance.

The line to buy a glass of wine was 4 people deep, the whole length of the bar, but as I approached to wait my turn the crowd parted and several people said, "Good evening, Judge Judy," and "You can go in front of me Judge." In the ladies room, women motioned me toward the front of the line. When I said I was happy to wait they insisted I go first, addressing me as "Judge Judy."

If you have a great idea for a Halloween costume, please feel free to recommend it. I highly recommend the Judge Judy costume and having fun on Halloween!

Consider taking a gift of warmth and comfort to the person who hosts the party -- a Comforting Black Cat, a Cozy Sheep, or Beautiful Bear would be greatly appreciated this time of year.

Communicating with a massage therapist when you have arthritis

 Massage should make you feel great. Some studies, though they are limited, show that ia massage can help reduce stress levels, pain, and may act as a natural anti-depressant, according to an article in Arthritis Today. page 96, Sept/Oct. 2011

If you have arthritis, you will want to talk with a massage therapist about areas that may be painful, where he/she should avoid or apply less pressure. Massage should be about comfort and if you are concerned about massage causing you pain, you should feel free to talk with your massage therapist about it. If you are not comfortable talking with the therapist, it may be time to find one who is more receptive to your concerns.

Ask your physician about types of pressure to avoid. Talk with friends about therapists they have used. Massage should make you feel wonderful and should not cause your worry or pain.

If you want to relax back muscles at home, a Full Back Warmer from Maine Warmers, is the next best thing to a massage. It costs $40.00, and can be used over and over, compared to a one-time massage at $35 to $100. The cover of this great big Back Warmer, microwave heating pad, is washable, the filling is all natural whole corn, without any added perfumes or other fragrances, and it conforms to your body.

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.

How to reduce risk when having knee surgery

Total Knee replacement (TKR) goes better when the patient is educated. Arthritis Today recommends knowing the surgeon’s experience, the number of surgeries performed in the hospital, and preparing one’s physical surrounding to make navigation easier through recovery at home. Studies show that having a surgeon who performs more that twelve knee replacements per year, and a hospital that performs more than twenty knee operations per year, may help decrease complications from surgery.

Experience can also be helpful as a surgeon decides what type of materials are needed for an individual’s knee. Newer, stronger, and better designed materials have extended the life of knee replacements to almost thirty years.

Check out Arthritis Today Magazine, July-August 2011, for the full article.

Knee Pack provides comforting cold after surgery

Through recovery, after the swelling has decreased, the use of heat to help stimulate circulation and flexibility may be recommended. Maine Warmers has a full line of microwave heating pads that are safe and easy to use. They have a Knee Pack that can be used for heat therapy as well.  More versatile Back Warmers, and Neck Warmers may be used on the knee, as well as on other body parts. 

How to ease Restless Leg Syndrome

A feeling of needing to move the legs is characteristic of  Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). The rapid leg movements and restlessness associated with this condition often disturbs sleep. The symptoms can be mild or severe. A Mayo Clinic article gives some of the symptoms and possible causes such as vitamin or iron deficiencies, peripheral neuropathy, and kidney failure. RLS does not necessarily indicate other serious conditions.

Sometimes relief can be relatively easy. The article suggests cutting back on caffeine, taking vitamin supplements recommended or prescribed by your physician, exercising moderately earlier in the day, and stretching to help alleviate symptoms. They also recommend relaxation techniques such as Yoga, practicing good sleep habits, massaging the legs, soaking in a warm bath, and using hot and cool packs -- possibly alternating hot and cold.

Maine Warmers offers microwave heat packs that can be frozen and used for gentle ice. They are

Cozy Sheep Heating Pad for restless leg syndrome

filled with whole corn, which does not get as cold as ice cubes because of the reduced water content. Keep one in the freezer and microwave it when you need heat. Or keep one handy for heat and one in the freezer for cold for alternating hot and cool therapy. They are safe, portable, and easy to use. There isn’t any mess of hot water bottles and no need for an electrical cord.

An extra large Back Warmer covers a large portion of the legs or an extra long Neck Warmer can also be used for someone with restless leg syndrome.

Finding a qualified physical therapist

Finding the right professional to help diagnose and develop a plan for wellness is critical to living pain free. A physician should know that a good physical examination by a qualified professional is critical to managing pain.

A trainer, who examined my husband’s back, found that the exercises, prescribed by a physical therapist, were doing more harm than good. It was my husband’s physician who had sent him to the physical therapist.

Finding the right person can be a challenge. Ask several other people, especially those in good physical condition. Talk with your doctor but also with friends, relatives, personnel at the local gym, Angie’s List, and read other online reviews. Do your homework, then during your first visit to the professional make sure you feel comfortable with his or her procedures, explanations, and office environment.

My husband knew it was important to keep exercising. As soon as one stops moving he/she loses muscle mass, flexibility, and optimal circulation. Once he knew the exercises to avoid and the correct ones to do for the different muscle groups in the body he was able to exercise without pain!

Heat is a great home remedy for muscle pain and can help warm muscles before exercise, thus improving Maine Warmers microwave heating pads are easy to use, are portable, and conform to your body. Their Extra Large Back Warmer is perfect for stiff backs as it covers the whole back. An extra long Gator Neck Warmer (designed for larger sized necks) can also be used down the length of the spine. Check out Maine Warmers' wide variety of shapes and sizes of comforting heating pads.
flexibility and blood circulation.

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."