Smaller Size Food Packaging Disappoints

A can of Bumblebee white tuna fish packed in water used to be 10 ounces, but today the can is 6 ounces. It used to be white and hard packed in the can so that it was difficult to get out with a fork. Today the tuna is mushy and falls out of the can -- not worth the money. I have stopped buying it altogether.

It used to be that ice-cream came in a half gallon container, but the container of sherbet I bought a few days ago says 1.5 quarts. As long as the quality remains high I will buy it, but if the producers reduce the size of the container again I will stop buying it. It would probably be healthier for me to stop eating frozen yogurt and sherbet anyway, but I would prefer to enjoy it.

Whale Extra Large Back Heating Pad

At Maine Warmers, we have not reduced the size of our products. We actually doubled the size of our Back Warmer and now sell more of the extra large one at a higher price than we do of the traditional sized Back Warmer. I have noticed some other items that sell more are our over-sized ones including the Whale Back Warmer and Al-the-Gator which is an extra long neck warmer.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads are perfect gifts for Father's Day.

Al-the-Gator -- extra long microwave neck heating pad

Dealing with Challenges Takes Practice and Yoga May Help

My yoga teacher says that the things in life that happen to us count less than the way we react to them. Yoga teaches us to find a calm place where we can breathe, and to practice breathing calmly when we are being challenged. Then, when we face a difficult situation in life, we have a coping mechanism in place to help us deal with it.

In yoga, we are taught that it is okay to push ourselves to failure in order to find out what we can achieve. At the same time, we don’t want to injure ourselves. So, there is always a tugging and pulling in opposite directions – or stretching oneself.

I think some people may have a twisted view (no pun intended) of what yoga is – especially if they have not practiced it. There are different types of yoga, of course, and I am only familiar with one or two of them. I know that when I practice it I can breathe better, and I feel better. I told the  yoga teacher that sinus doctors should recommend yoga to their patients, and she replied that all doctors should recommend it to their patients.

I do tend to get sore muscles after yoga, but that is natural. A Maine Warmers’ microwave heating pad relaxes them. Frozen it relieves sinus headaches.

Black Sheep microwave heating pad

Support and attitude help stroke victims

As a child I was told my great aunt was unable to talk due to a stroke. Most of the time she sat and listened and had a pleasant look on her face. Once though she cried, and not understanding, I thought she was unhappy.

When my father had a stroke, I was quite a lot older and understood his situation and how frustrating it was for him to lose his speech and the use of his right hand. He regained about 65% of his speech and a few times he cried out of frustration. As much as it hurt to see him sad, I knew he wasn't unhappy.

His attitude, sense of humor, close friends and family gave him a quality of life he might not otherwise have enjoyed. He never lost his ability to use a computer and to keyboard although he had to learn to use his left hand. He would write weekly newsletters to his friends and print them to be read aloud on Friday nights. He loved to laugh and never missed an opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Toward the end of his life when he needed to be in a wheelchair, he had my mother make a sign out of cardboard that said"Will work for food." He then sat outside at the end of his driveway with the sign enjoying laughs with neighbors who stopped to see him. He died at age 90 with  his family all around and a smile on his face. (BTW: My father lost a leg in WW II.)

Even when he and my mother lived in Florida his left hand would get so cold. He used a microwave

Maine Warmers' Microwave Hand Warmer Mittens

hand warmer from Maine Warmers to help warm that one hand. Maine Warmers has a variety of microwave heating pads that can be used to warm hands, whether from a stroke or just the chill of winter.

May is Stroke Awareness Month.

Increases the risk of stroke:

• Being overweight
• Lack of physical exercise
• Tobacco use
• Drug use
• Heavy use of alcohol 
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Cardiovascular disease

Unavoidable risk factors:

• Heredity
• Age -- 55 and older
• Race -- African Americans are higher risk
• Gender -- Males are more likely to have a stroke

Symptoms -- Call 911 if you are or see someone experiencing any of these:

• Trouble speaking or understanding
• Weakness, numbness, or loss of use of an arm or leg, or portion of the face
• Loss of balance or dizziness
• Blurred vision or double vision in one or both eyes
• Sudden, severe headache

For more information on strokes visit the Mayo Clinic Website.

Reducing knee pain by making changes in diet

"Every pound of body weight yields five pounds of force on the knee, so even 10 extra pounds can put a considerable load on those joints." WebMD 

Added force on a knee causes the protective covering of the knee to break down more rapidly according to the Arthritis Foundation, in an article, How Fat Affects Arthritis. It seems like common sense. 

Beyond this, some fats may produce a chemical reaction that increase inflammation and contribute to joint degeneration. Omega 6 fatty acids, saturated fats (from animal and whole dairy), trans-fats, gluten, casein, some artificial sweeteners, are considered inflammatory. Read more about these foods in the article, 8 Food Ingredients that can Cause Inflammation. 

Making the changes in diet for less pain and more fun may be worth every ounce of effort. Pain zaps our energy levels and is very distracting -- from work, play, relationships, and generally our whole lives. 

Changing one's diet takes concentration and effort -- plus planning and lots of chopping. Many grocery stores now carry pre-chopped veggies and cut up fruits. Salad bars are also in many grocery stores, so instead of buying a pizza on your way home from work, stop at the salad bar and pick up a hearty green salad. Add some black beans, smoked salmon, or buy some fish that is easy to cook.

A change in diet can have a stunning affect on how you feel and may reduce knee pain. When you are in pain or if you are feeling anxious, instead of running to the fridge for comfort, go for a walk, read a book, write to a friend, or find something else you like to do.  Put a Maine Warmer in the microwave for a minute and a half, then relax with a non-caffeine beverage. Heat relaxes tense muscles, stimulates circulation, and increases flexibility -- helping you feel better.

Maine Warmers Microwave Back Warmer, Knee Ice Pack, & Traditional Neck Warmer

What to buy a father who has everything for Fathers' Day?

At the end of a busy day, most dads want to sit down and relax. A microwave heating pad can help.

Some men don't think they need a heating pad to relax and may consider it to be unnecessary or even effeminate to use one. I often hear men at trade shows tell me, "Oh yes, my wife uses one of these." Other times I have heard women say, "My husband uses the Sheep I purchased from you for his sore back muscles." Men don't think they need a heating pad, but once they try one they like it.

I think most men have sore backs from lifting heavy objects. If men are active, chances are they have a few tight muscles. If they aren't active, they may have poor circulation and feel chilled. Either way, a microwave heating pad, whether it is a traditional Back Warmer, or a Gray Whale Back Warmer, or some other comforting creature, will help relieve muscle stiffness or provide comforting warmth.

Some men need to be shown -- not told. So, heat one of these up and when your dad sits down in a chair ask him if you could put this between his back and the chair. If his neck is what bothers him most, then make it a Neck Warmer.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads are portable, so dad can sit with it in front of the TV, computer, in a car, or take it on a walk. It doesn't have perfumes and it is washable.

Maine Warmers Microwave Heating Pads for Dads

What to buy mothers and grandmothers who have everything?

Dachshund Neck Warmer

A mother or grandmother who has everything can be tricky to shop for. Fancy food may be an option, but if the woman receiving the gift is struggling to lose weight (most women do), then it might be best to offer comforting relaxation instead of "comfort food."

A Dachshund Dog or Cozy Gray or Black Cat are microwave heating pads, a.k.a. comforting creatures, that do not require feeding, walking, litter boxes, pooper-scoopers, or vet bills. They don't leave hair on couches or beds, but will curl up next to you to keep you warm or to help relax sore muscles. They also decorate a bed or chair when not in use.

Cozy Gray Cat foot warmer relaxes tired feet

Many women soak their feet in warm water to help relax their sore, tired toosties at the end of the day. Heat is a natural home remedy for relaxing muscles, including foot muscles. A microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers will relax feet without the fuss of filling a basin with water -- and sometimes spilling it.

Cozy Gray Cat & Dachshund Neck Warmer

Warning: Maine Warmers can be addicting.

When pets need a heating pad or ice pack

Dogs and cats get arthritis and a heating pad gives them some comfort. They get cold in the winter, and they, like humans, enjoy a little extra warmth. Sometimes they get stiff muscles after a run or playing Frisbee. Heat helps relax stiff muscles, improves circulation, and increases flexibility.

Girls using Mainely Ice Pack on dog's swollen ear.

When dogs and cats have surgery, the vet will often tell you, the pet owner, to put ice on it to reduce swelling. Ice can be uncomfortable, and just when you want to provide comfort for your pet, you probably are reluctant to ice it. A Mainely Ice Pack is soft and gentle yet still helps reduce swelling. It's can even be heated in the microwave when heat is needed. Otherwise, store it in the freezer in a plastic bag. It is washable.

Check out Maine Warmers' microwave Back Warmers to use in dog or cat beds or when your pet needs a little TLC.

Refilling the cup -- recovering from loss

My mother passed away less than a month ago. I miss her, the laughs, and the closeness we shared. Now the cup is empty, waiting to be filled again with laughter and intimacy.

I have watched people spend years grieving the loss of a spouse or significant other, and to what end? Maybe a wish to die also and follow a lover?

If I should die before my husband or my children I want them to continue on, refilling their cups with laughter and friendship, and giving their love to those around them who need love and to laugh.

Because I go out and have fun today and laugh doesn't mean I don't miss my mother or have forgotten her. I found the time to spend with her when she was alive and needed me. Even through the most difficult phases of her passing there was room to find joy. Her face looked beautiful even hours before she passed.

Now I have time to see friends and make new ones. Life is a blessing that I have learned to appreciate.

Comforting Cozy Sheep Microwave Heating Pad

While refilling the cup, in order to reduce stress, it is important to sleep well, to drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods (easier said then done when stressed), exercise, and laugh. Maintaining balance has helped me in the grieving process. If relaxation is difficult, a microwave heating pad in the shape of a Cozy Sheep or Black Bear can help relax tense muscles before bedtime and bring much needed comfort.

Talking with someone who is dying

Toward the end of my mother's life I spent a lot of time with her, staying overnight with her because she was afraid to be alone. She couldn't talk much but she did ask why it was taking so long. She was not in pain but she was clearly struggling with living every day.

Our conversations became shorter as she declined. She didn't talk very much. I talked about what a good family she had and about how we would carry on as she and the rest of the family did after her mother and father died. I could see a small twinkle in her eye when I said we'd all be stuck in the cold weather while she'd be golfing where the sun was shining.

When she was actively dying we didn't say much of anything. I sat and held her hand when she took her last breath. I had promised her that I would be there when she died if I could and that I would hold her hand. I was glad I was able to keep my promise.

I don't miss the conversations about death, and as much as I would like to forget them, I know I will remember them at times. I hope that if I ever have to go through a similar experience, that the time I spent with my mom will help me know what to say and how to help the one who is dying. And when my time comes I hope I will keep in mind to use humor as much as possible to help my helper through it.

Humor Helps with Winter Blues

Several years ago, my friend Jackie had just finished reading aloud the first chapter of a book she had written. She was in a children's book writers' critique group with me. Jackie's goal was to interest and motivate middle school boys who didn't like to read books. Her story was about a couple of young teenage boys who discovered that a few common ingredients, when mixed together and slipped into food, would give people uncontrollable gas. The boys were greatly amused by the results of their trickery and wanted to spread the fun.

"Farts are cheap entertainment for kids," explained Jackie, then mother of four teenagers. The critique group giggled and tee-heed and gave the chapter "a two thumbs up." It was a silly, funny evening that made me feel like I was in sixth grade again.

I am not promoting flatulence as humor, just that laughter with friends makes us feel young. As we plow through the remainder of a record cold and snowy winter in the Northeast, trying to avoid our own March "madness," laughter is good medicine. If you are experiencing a long winter, wherever you live, I hope you will find fun, healthy ways to cope.

Dachshund Neck Warmer

Another way to help you get through the remainder of the winter is to use a Maine Warmers' microwave heating pad. It will warm a bed, cold hands and feet. Sign up for their e-Newsletter Dachshund Neck Warmer on March 12, 2015. They have other give-a-ways scheduled for the month of March and April.

to receive coupons and be entered in a give-a-way. Follow Maine Warmers on Facebook to be entered into a drawing for a free

Challenges of being a primary caregiver

I search for help during my mother's slow progression toward death. The Caregivers Journey, (Hospice Web site) is a beautifully written piece that helps visualize what one cannot know or see ahead on the path to the other side.

Some days are hard for me as the primary caregiver, and I feel guilty that I cannot be 100% everyday. Balancing the needs of my mother with my own need to be mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy is part of that journey. On those days when I have my own difficulties coping it is important to take time off, regroup, and find ways to escape the heaviness that accompanies the job. I feel awful leaving her to herself. But I know that others are there to help her too.

Microwave Sheep Heating Pad

I don't know how long the journey will be. It's hard to make plans ahead, especially travel plans. So, to make the best of each day, and to live my life with joy, I need to go to the gym or go outside and exercise, avoid the foods that may give me comfort for a few minutes but will make me gain unwanted pounds. There isn't much time to socialize, and rest. Managing my own needs with those of my mother and other family members is part of what makes this journey so challenging.

A Maine Warmers microwave heating pad helps me relax as it also helps elderly people who are inactive due to illness or stroke.

Finding the right person to talk to about death

Young people seem to have a hard time talking about death, even though they are curious about it.  Conversations about death make people uncomfortable.

I recently mentioned my mother’s wish to die to an acquaintance who asked about her. I could tell the conversation made this person uncomfortable and I tried to change the subject quickly. Injecting a little humor into a difficult conversation often makes a transition less awkward.

When someone is dying, the care-taker needs to maintain a healthy life balance. Having a confidant who can listen, understand, and empathize about the daily stresses of dealing with death is critical. Hospice has people who are trained, have experience, and are willing to be that person. Some people may have to deal with an impending death over a long period of time due to the nature of an illness and continued support is important.

If you need someone to talk to about death and family or friends are uncomfortable with the subject, then check out Hospice. They will help take care of you, too.

Dachshund microwave heating pads offer comforting companionship

Dealing with the discomfort of conversations about death

My grandmother’s wish to die seemed so unnatural to me when I was younger, but as I hear my mother utter, “I wish I could die,” I have more understanding.  She is dependent due to lack of mobility, inability to see or hear well, with little hope of improving.

Sometimes I try to make light of her “wishing to die” and respond by saying, “You’re too damn strong to die, Mom!” I try to shift the conversation to what is important to her after she dies and taking time to let her know the things I appreciate about her as a mother and that I will miss her.  

Her desire to die has a way of creeping into many discussions. Dwelling on the topic of dying doesn’t seem like a good idea. There are times when it is appropriate to remind her that I will do all in my power to make sure she is comfortable and does not feel any pain. Some repetition becomes security for her. Then shifting the discussion to remembering people who have died is more satisfying for both of us.

Discussions of my mother's expectation of death are more frequent, and as much as I try to make light of them, they do cause stress and anxiety. They make me wonder how I will handle my journey to the other side. I hope it will be with humor as much as possible. 

Panda Bear Microwave Body Warmer

The soothing warmth of a Maine Warmer helps me relax when I return home from the daily visits with my mom. 

Keeping humor in conversations with someone who is dying

Young or old, who wants to sit around and think about death when there is an opportunity to laugh?

When my children were babies and dependent I tried to make them happy and laugh. It is the same now with my mother. I try to find funny things to talk about with her like comical stories I read in the newspaper, funny things our grandchildren have done or said, humorous comments my husband makes, or something I have seen on Facebook. 

When my mother talks about death I listen. When she talks about wanting to die, the only way I can respond is to say that I understand her feelings, but she is strong and not ready yet.

I know while she is alive, she might as well try to have a good time, as long as she is physically and mentally up for it.  I am thankful that my mother has a sense of humor and is alert and aware, and that she has lived well into her nineties.

She is happy to have a Cozy Sheep Warmer to keep her company and comfy on cold

Cozy Sheep Bed & Body Warmer

winter nights.

Conversations about Death

Some of the hardest conversations we have are about money and sex. But talking about death tops both of those. We talk about giving birth easily, but we don’t recall the struggle to be born. When we talk with someone who is approaching death, we tend to feel uncomfortable, making the person who is dying uncomfortable.

Although death doesn’t seem like much of a laughing matter, it is possible to bring humor into the conversation without feeling guilty about it. It’s not the conversations about living wills and typical end of life issues, although some of those are difficult, but questions regarding when and how.

As I help my mother struggle with health issues that will in the near future claim her life, I try to reassure her that we will do our best to keep her comfortable and out of pain. Once that is stated she seems to be able to crack jokes about dying. Her ability to talk freely about it helps my discomfort.

In a recent stay at the hospital, she awoke and said to the early morning nurse, “Where am I? I thought I was supposed to be dead by now.”  The nurse thought that was a hoot.

When someone young is dying, the conversations may be very different. A good friend who passed away at age 50 talked openly about his death and was able to joke with his friends about it. It was the best thing we could do for him. But, I later felt unnecessarily guilty about laughing about death.  Conversations with people who are inexperienced with a loved-one dying, might include assurances that it is okay to laugh at death.

There is a feeling of helplessness that also accompanies the expected death of a friend or family member.

Maine Warmers' Foot Warmer Pad

We want to help, but there isn't much we can do except be there. Our friend’s wife told me that the microwave back warmer that we gave him was the only thing that could warm his feet as the cancer progressed. That was before I started Maine Warmers and one of the reasons I thought it was important to make these products available.

Encouraging Children to Enjoy Swim Lessons

We want to encourage our grandchildren to enjoy swimming and have taken them for lessons for several years at a local school.  In Maine, in the winter, the ladies’ locker room feels cold, especially after basking in the warmth of the heated pool area. Our young granddaughter’s teeth would be chattering as I tried to change her out of wet swimsuit and into some warm, dry duds.

I wondered if a Maine Warmer might help make that transition a little more comfortable for her and make the locker room experience less frantic.  I wanted to make the experience as comfortable and fun as I could.

So, before we left home I would microwave a Back Warmer, wrap it in a Turkish towel, and place it in a canvas bag. We would leave an hour before the lesson, pick up our grandchildren, and drive to the pool. At the locker room I placed the bag in the locker while we waited the hour for the lesson. After two hours, the towel and heating pad would be nice and warm and our granddaughter was elated to be wrapped in a heated, dry towel while I pulled her clothes out of the locker.

Warm a Turkish towel with a Maine Warmers' Back Warmer and enjoy soothing warmth after a winter swim in a pool.

The Turkish towel is quite large but folds up into a small area, taking up less room than the terry towel that she takes into the pool area and returns with soaking wet.

Once dried, dressed, and in the car, we gave them snacks – usually a banana, but occasionally a granola bar. We would return them to their home just at suppertime. On the last day of the session, we would take them out or buy pizza to celebrate them and with their parents.

Maine Warmers’ microwave bed and body warmers bring soothing warmth and comfort in the middle of winter to young and old. A variety of Neck Warmers and Back Warmers are available in traditional shapes or in unique animal designs and patterns.

Maine Warmers' Cozy Sheep Bed and Body Warmer

What kind of ice pack to use for face surgery?

The types of ice packs that are given to patients by surgeons after surgery on the face are generally gel packs

gel pack

that are hard and stiff -- not very comfortable on the face. When I recently had basal skin cells removed from my nose and needed to reduce swelling, I felt fortunate to have an ice pack that was soft, pliable, and gentle. I was able to reduce swelling comfortably.

Teenager using Maine Warmers' gentle ice pack

This Maine Warmers' gentle ice pack for the face is not harsh like ice cubes because the corn filling inside it does not get quite as cold as ice. It helped reduce swelling and offered soothing relief.

The "Maine Ice" pack can be purchased by itself.

It is also the packet inside each Hand Warmer Mitten and if you own a pair of Hand Warmers you could use the packet for ice as well as heat. The mitten may keep you hand from getting cold while you use the ice pack.

The ice pack can be stored in the freezer in a plastic bag. It takes about 1 hour to cool it off, then it is ready to use. Most physicians recommend icing about 10 - 20 minutes in one hour.

These Facial Ice Packs are also gentle for surgeries in sensitive areas -- other than the face. They conform to your body.

Maine Ice Pack for the face

What to look for in a microwave heating pad

When you need a heating pad for sore muscles a microwave heating pad offers comfort with convenience. There aren't any electrical cords to deal with and no filling or leaking hot water bottles. 

The fabrics should be high quality and not break down or pill after laundering. Microwave heating pads should have removable, washable covers. The inside lining should have a removable cover, so if something spills or the filling needs to be changed it can be done without any sewing.

If you are allergic to scents and perfumes, choose a heating pad that does not have added fragrances. Those filled with whole corn do not need fragrances. Rice filled heating pads can take on a peculiar odor after being microwaved several times. Cherry pit fillings do not take on peculiar odors, but they have an odor that is not as appealing as I thought it would be. I have read that the insides of cherry pits are poisonous if ingested, so if you have pets you might not want to use a cherry pit filled warmer just in case your dog or cat thinks it's a toy or a snack. Dried beans make a good filling, although they may have to be changed out if they take on an unpleasant odor.

The best microwave heating pads can be found at Maine Warmers and are filled with whole corn and are made in Maine by professional sewers with high quality fabrics. They have a variety of fun designs for backs and necks and some unique animal shapes -- sheep, bears, seals, Dachshunds, cats, and more.

Order them online or call them. They are happy to talk with you and will go out of their way to ship your order fast when you need it in a hurry. 888-835-7485

Check out their products and feedback on eBay, or reviews on Google+.

Be sure to sign up for their monthly newsletter to be included in a drawing once a month for a free warmer. They do not share your info, do not SPAM you, and you may unsubscribe at any time.

Things to do with kids when you are broke

When money is tight there are many things we can do to enjoy life and not break the bank.

Here are a few:

Gather the kids, friends, and friends’ kids for a scenic day hike or a walk. Do a little homework to 

find a good location and take time to talk with kids about what the hike will be like and what things to take along and why. Get them to help make a little home-made safety kit with a few bandages, wipes, and ointment. Take insect repellent and sunscreen and layers of clothing for changes in weather. Don’t forget a lunch – get them to help make it. Talk about the things you see on the hike. Ask them to tell you about things they have learned in school regarding the things they see. Or sing together on part of the walk.

If it is raining, stay home and make something that they like. When my children were young and they wanted a Fisher-Price Star Wars toy, and we didn’t have the money to buy one, I found some cardboard boxes and we made one together. It took a whole day, but they played with it for a long time and because they helped make it, they took care of it.

Go to a free or low cost museum. Sometimes there are small museums that offer a glimpse into things that you or your kids don’t know. It’s worth a peek and then talk about what you see and why they liked it or didn't like it. Make a bowl of popcorn and some hot chocolate and discuss what you learned and how the museum could be improved.

Sometimes the thoughts of owning things are more appealing than actually having them. When we look at what is really most important in our lives and take time to spend with the people we love, then we are rich, no matter how broke we are.

Betsy Hanscom is the owner of Maine Warmers. On her blog you can find out how to make your own rice or corn sock. If you have kids, get them to decorate a sock with felt or other fabric -- nothing metallic -- and make your own rice sock. If you are not broke and want a fun gift, especially for a child with arthritis, consider a gift of an Al-the-Gator heat wrap.

Living within a Budget

Over the years I have written a number of budgets, managed cash-flow, scrimped and saved, and made minor to major financial decisions -- both personal and business-related. Finding a balance between what is needed and what is available is always the trick. We have more wants than needs, and as the song goes, “You can’t always get what you want…  but if you try sometime, you just might find you get what you need.”

When money is tight I tend to first save on food. We don’t go out for dinner. At the end of the day, when I don’t feel like cooking and want something nutritious, instead of buying a pizza or going out, I stop at the grocery store and buy a green salad and a cooked chicken or frozen shrimp or even smoked salmon (depending on what I have to spend).

I used to go to the library frequently. There I could check out all kinds of books from cookbooks to 

fix-it-yourself books, some on how to sew, and others on writing and drawing. When the toilet broke or the faucet leaked I found out how to repair it in a book. If it needed a valve with a plumber’s expertise, then I called one in. In the long run it's less costly to have this kind of repair done correctly than it would to pay for the damage caused from a major water leak. Today, the Internet may offer the same solutions to do-it-yourself household repair.

Starting with a realistic budget is critical. Then finding ways to stick with it is the challenge. Engage the help of your partner if you have one because you will need his or her understanding to make it work. If only one lives within the budget and the other does not, there is sure to be some conflict.

Betsy Hanscom is the owner of Maine Warmers, LLC. She designs microwave heating pads in traditional and animal shapes.