The benefits of massage while living with arthritis

Massage helps increase blood circulation and improve flexibility and may help relieve stiffness for those with arthritis. Some studies, though limited, show that massage can help reduce stress levels, pain, and may act as a natural anti-depressant, according to an article in Arthritis Today (Sept/Oct. 2011,page 96). Rutgers School of Health Related Professionals received a grant to study the effects of massage on osteoarthritis in the knee. Some research points to a correlation between massage and reduced pain and even how it may effect the immune system. 

Before you go to a massage therapist ask your physician or people you  know and trust for a recommendation. Find a reputable therapist through friends or your physician or through online Google Reviews. 

Make sure to talk with the massage therapist about areas that may be painful, where he/she should avoid or apply less pressure. Also ask your physician about types of pressure to avoid. Massage should make you feel good and not cause your worry or any more pain.

When a massage isn't possible you can stimulate circulation and help increase circulation with the use of a heating pad.  Maine Warmers' extra large Back Warmer is wireless and portable. Microwave it for soothing heat therapy. The cost is less than a massage, and with durable fabrics, it can be used over and over for long lasting value. This 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. Check out their extra large Neck Warmer and some of their unique Comforting Creatures -- functional & fun heating pads.

Hand, Back, and Neck Microwave Heating Pads

What to talk about with an older person who is terminally ill

Sometimes it is hard to know what to say to a person who is going to die from an illness in a relatively short period of time – maybe 1 to 3 months. Every person is different as is the experience of dying.

After watching my grandmother, my mother-in-law, father-in-law and my father pass away I have become less afraid of the discussions and conversations. I do feel discomfort at times when I am with someone who is looking at the end of life, but now I feel it is more important to share time with the person and give the gift of companionship rather than to run from those feelings.

If the person is mentally aware, then I find it is best to give them a chance to laugh and enjoy time together.

The illness may prevent the person from speaking clearly or at all, but you can engage them by asking for affirmation. Keep the stories light and talk about things the person can relate to, maybe stories from old neighborhoods, work, childhood, travels, and good times. Spend time looking at old photos together.

The summer before my father passed, I took him for walks in a wheel chair along the bay. He enjoyed being outdoors and seeing people walk by pushing strollers, some on bikes and roller blades, others jogging, and some just strolling along. Seventy-five percent made eye contact, smiled, and said hello. Even that minimal human interaction was huge to my father.

If the person wants to talk about dying then listen, and don’t be afraid to laugh when the person cracks a joke about it. Try not to belabor the subject, but let the person talk freely. It is likely to make you uncomfortable, but just your listening may be the best thing you can do to help.

At Maine Warmers, we often receive phone calls from friends and relatives who are looking for gifts of warmth to for people who are terminally ill. When people are not active then circulation is poor and the hands and feet are hard to keep warm. Our Hand Warmers can also slip over the feet, or our extra large Back Warmer can be used to warm extremities as well. We are happy to talk with you about your needs and we try to ship orders within 24 hours for fast delivery.

Tips to help relieve the pain of Osteoarthritis

As you age you may find that you have to deal with the effects of osteoarthritis. Yoga may be just the thing to help you feel good and keep moving. Those who exercise, within a range of appropriate activities, tend to feel better according to Arthritis Today, May/June 2014. Brian Teacher tells how yoga has helped him deal with the effects of osteoarthritis. 

When joints aren’t moving, just like car parts, they get rusty and freeze up. Talk with your physician about exercises that might help you feel better, ask about yoga, and then proceed gradually to avoid muscle pulls.

I practice Yoga 2 to 3 times a week, lift light weights, and do other types of cardiovascular exercise. I respect the age of my body and don’t do every move the teachers do or what the younger set in the class does. After Yoga, I am amazed at how much better I feel.

According to another article in this issue, keeping a positive attitude, feeling genuinely grateful for the things and relationships you have, laughing, and helping others may reduce stress levels and help you feel better. Permission granted to go out and have fun with friends

 Try a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, like fruit and veggies. I found that a gluten-free diet reduced inflammation in my body and allowed me to live without the pain of arthritis. Check out the gluten-free recipes on the Maine Warmers' blog. There is a new recipe every month.

When your joints are feeling stiff, try the heat from a Maine Warmers’ microwave hating pad. Comforting Creatures such as a Cozy Sheep or Dachshund Neck Warmers provide soothing relief and often times bring a smile. Back Warmers can be used for a variety of body parts, like hand, feet, elbows, and knees. 

Avoiding Sugar to Feel Better

According to Arthritis Today (Nov/Dec 2013) lots of sugar can increase inflammation in the body.  So, if you suffer from arthritis, a high blood sugar level may cause you some added pain. How can something that feels so good going down make you feel so bad after?

There are some indications that high blood sugar levels impact cartilage and may be responsible for the deterioration of this important body part. So, to help keep inflammation down and to feel better, a limited amount of sugar in the diet may be just the thing. This is much easier said than done.

This article talks about surviving holiday parties by not overdoing the sugar thing.  But when the party is over and there is an abundance of leftover cookies and chocolates, staying away from them may seem impossible.

If you need to reduce sugar in your diet, enlist the help of other family members. Let them know what you want to do and why, and ask them for gentle help – no ridicule or put-downs.

What can help you avoid giving in to cravings and unnecessary eating? Relaxation techniques recommended by the Mayo Clinic include yoga, meditation, massage, deep breathing, music, and art. Check out the full list and descriptions.

A Maine Warmer is a microwave heating pad that relaxes tense muscles and may help you relax too. Try a Neck Warmer in the shape of an alligator with a big smile on its face. It will warm you as well as help you relax, and during the cold months any extra warmth is welcome. Or give yourself the gift of comfort and relaxation without the calories with an extra large Back Warmer, a healthy indulgence that can help to get you past that feeling of needing something sweet. Have dessert once a week (not every day), and chances are you’ll be feeling better.