Holiday Gift Ideas

Have you got your gift list ready? Do you know who you need gifts for? Do you know what to get them? If you know of someone who suffers from arthritic pain, you might consider something that helps them stay warm:

A shawl or a wrap, maybe a warm robe or slippers, how about some gloves, a scarf or some leggings? How about a new heating pad or ice pack?

Maybe your loved one enjoys herbal remedies. Perhaps an herbal pillow that can be refrigerated or microwaved is an option. If not maybe a re-usable pack that is used in a similar way will be just as good, They are often available for multiple body parts such as backs and necks or arms or legs. Even eye masks are often available to help folks with facial pain.

Herbal teas can make great gifts. Aroma candles or incense might help folks who need to calm their surroundings. What about music for relaxation or maybe gentle exercise? Mats for Yoga, a special exercise towel or a new water jug to take to the gym? maybe sweat bands or nice hair ties/clips to keep hair out of the way during work outs? These would be great stocking stuffers perhaps!

A day at the spa is usually a very nice gift for a loved one. And if this isn't in your budget, you might consider some creative ways you can bring the spa to that special someone using a few of the items presented here!!

These are just a few gift ideas that have popped into my head during these few minutes. Can you think of others to add to my list?

Related Topics:

• How to Keep the Holidays Healthy and Happy
• Emotional Survival Guide for the Holidays

Technorati Tags: holidays, holiday gifts

Preparing for a comfortable winter

Well the leaves are reaching peak and the air is growing cool. The first hints of the winter season are beginning to show. Are you ready? Do you have warm footwear with a good sole/tread? This will help prevent falls. How about a hat? It is important to wear hats to help retain body heat when the weather is very cold. If you are prone to headaches, protect your face and ears during temperature extremes as well. And don't forget warm gloves or mitts for your hands. I find when I am cold, I tense my muscles trying to keep warm. My muscles often go into spasm and I suffer greatly. I have learned the importance of wearing warm clothes and avoiding cold chills. Remaining comfortably warm helps me enjoy the colder weather without some of the arthritic pains I might ordinarily have.

Related Topics:

• Preparing Your Family for Winter Weather
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• Healthy Winter Foods

Technorati Tags: winter, warm clothes

Black Friday

I went by a store the other evening and there were people camped out in front of it with lawn chairs and sleeping bags on the ground. It surprised me to see this and it also presented a real truth about our society and how priorities make little sense some times. 

These people were lined up hoping to purchase an item at the store that was just coming on the market. People could and would live without the items this store sold. What possesses people to go to such lengths to buy these items?  For some it is the plan to purchase cheap and resell for a profit. For others it is the drive to purchase an ultimate holiday gift with the hope of achieving love, acceptance, or to make someone happy. One has to ask--is it worth it to stay out in the cold, rain and wind overnight just to make this purchase?  Is the person who receives it going to see the sacrifice and efforts you put into it?  Is it even going to matter? Probably not. 

It is no surprise that people call the Friday after Thanksgiving "Black Friday"...People are wild in the stores. They are goal driven and plan to achieve their mission at any cost.  Lines are usually long and shoppers have no care for others.  I remember many years ago when special dolls came out on the market.  I happened to be with a few friends planning to shop for one of these dolls.  It was my first and last attempt to shop on "Black Friday".  That year, people were in a craze by the time the doors opened. When they did, people shoved themselves through the doors and had no regard for anyone but themselves.  In fact, shoppers fought over gifts like little children themselves. Windows were broken, displays dismantled and people injured just so they could get their hands on these dolls.  I was so disgusted with the entire performance I lost my desire to shop all together and walked out of the store.  There is nothing in any store that is so important as to make behaving like foolish children an acceptable thing.  I for one will remained home this year! 

Surviving Thanksgiving

Well I made it through the holiday!  It was a wonderful day even though I had to change my menu slightly and deal with some last minute issues.  The food was delicious, the company was wonderful and I am thankful for everything.

It's funny that during the day, there were the usual aches and pains which I dealt with and kept on going.  It was interesting how I was able to focus on the excitement and events around me and how that helped me to feel better.  But when the company was gone and I was finishing up the clean up chores, all of a sudden it felt like my body started falling apart.  My heels began to ache like tooth aches. Massage and elevating legs helped them to calm down. 

Today, I am thankful to have had the day off but I applied to have it off so I would be ok if something like this happened. I spent it being lazy and resting in bed. My back hurt significantly and I needed to take care of me. My heating pad was a blessing. Thank goodness I only needed to heat leftovers for a meal so prep was not an issue.  I should be back to normal by tomorrow.  For that I will be very thankful! 

Thanksgiving

When folks hurt, it is all too easy to focus on the pain and negativity that sometimes threatens to consume us.  It is easy to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and defeated in our ability to cope with such debilitation.  Depression can creep up on folks and take away the ability to manage daily routine. This can add to the downward spiral and sense of hopelessness that many folks experience at least once in their lifetime. 

It is a proven fact our thoughts can and do effect our body. What we think can have a direct effect on how we perceive our pain and condition. Negative thoughts can lead to increased pain and limitations. Pain can be magnified by our thoughts.

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to focus on the things we have and the things we are able to do. Remeniscing about years past can be a good thing!

While I was sitting in Physical Therapy this afternoon doing exercises for my neck strain, I began thinking about things I was thankful for.  I developed quite a list including my new husband and our first Thanksgiving. I have the opportunity to share the day with family which is a blessing that many folks do not share.  I started to think about the cooking and baking that was ahead of me and then thought how good it was that I was able to do it. I know I am going to need to adjust my approach in order to manage comfortably. And I know I am going to need to ask for assistance with some things such as lifting the turkey and placing it in and out of the oven--but that is ok!

I have made a list of the things I need to prepare and I am deciding what things I can do ahead of time. Wednesday evening I will work on these tasks and get them out of the way. This will leave some room for the larger ones that must take place on Thursday.  Pacing myself will help me avoid problems with spasms and discomfort which can interfere with my day.  Timing my morning dose of anti-inflammatory medication will also help with functioning and comfort.  When others ask if they can help, I am going to say Sure!  and have them help with some of the tasks such as setting the table or preparing condiments.

I have a feeling Thanksgiving will be a great day in my home.  It will be an opportunity to let others know how special they are.  It will be a time to let them know they are appreciated and loved.  It is a little bit harder to feel badly when positive thoughts fill the mind. 

How about you?  Do you have any special thoughts or memories that come to mind?  Are there any plans or strategies you can put into place to help you this Thanksgiving?

Maintaining a healthy perspective

For folks with chronic pain, it is easy to get discouraged.  Some people suffer daily over extensive periods of time without relief. They become exhausted fighting their pain. Other parts of their life break down as they try to cope and find some semblance of normalcy. 

When someone says take things one day at a time, they are offering good advice.  When you have one day of pain, focus on getting through that one day. Don't look back and don't look forward. How we think effects how we feel. The one thing we need to avoid is anticipating pain before it has a chance to develop. If we are already convinced tomorrow is going to be a painful day, we stand a great chance of that being the case.

It might be a good idea to create a journal and a time line. If we are going to track various aspects of our life and our condition, be sure to include a timeline that will enable you to view your condition over a large period of time. What you will gain is an opportunity to see your condition in a big picture. When you see a series of painful days over a course of a few weeks, you may see patterns and an overall steady state rather than a decline which may be how you feel you are doing. An overall average will include very good days and very bad days. You will see the average rather than every up and down pattern. This can help you regain hope and comfort that you are coping better than you think you were.   

Giving informed consent

Sometimes hearing from a doctor that you need to have a specific procedure performed can be overwhelming. When faced with these words it might be hard to determine what you need to ask and know.  In fact some folks may not realize they have a right to refuse treatment.

On my Pain Management and Migraine boards, I often read posts from folks asking questions that should be answered by their doctors.  More times than not, they are afraid to ask or have asked and have yet to receive answers. What should someone do in this situation?

First of all, no one should sign a consent if they do not understand what they are consenting to. Doctors are required to explain what they intend to do as well as share what the potential complications might be to either having or not having a procedure perfomed.

Everyone faced with making an informed decision should have answers to the following questions before doing so:

• What is the procedure to be performed?
• How is it going to be done?
• Where? How long will it take?
• Will I need to involve anyone else?  Have a driver after the procedure?  Home care?
• What preparations will I need to make before the procedure?
• What can I expect after the procedure?  Sedation, possible swelling, pain? How long should I anticipate for a recovery period? 
• How will we handle the post op recovery period?
• How will my pain or discomfort be managed?
• What limitations will I have?  For how long? 
• What is the anticipated benefit from having the procedure?
• What if I decide not to have it performed?
• What potential complications exist with this procedure?

Consider finding answers to your questions in a variety of ways.

• In doctors offices, look for any available literature and pamphlets that may be available.
• Perform web searches using key words and phrases.
• Talk to others who have an understanding of the procedure to be performed.

It is important to understand your rights.  Take time to explore what you don't understand. Get answers to all of your questions.  Keep asking until you get clear understandable answers. Weigh the Pros and Cons of having or not having a procedure. Know that you have made an informed decision.  Know you have given informed consent.

Changing Seasons

It seems this time of year of falling leaves and cold winds makes me want to prepare for winter. I find myself thinking about simmering stews and baking for the holidays. Warm blankets are brought out to replace the lighter ones.

Curling up under a warm comforter with a good book begins to sound nice compared to going outside, hopping in the car and driving at the drop of an idea. I find myself working on crossword puzzles and listening to the TV. New programs are underway and I have found the one or two favorites that I will probably navigate toward during idle times.

I turned on the gas furnace and began the habit of listening for the sounds that confirm it is running properly. I call it "Tick-Whish" which stands for the sounds of opening gas valves and the ignition of burners. I know if I hear one without the other it could mean trouble and immediate attention is necessary.

Preparing my vehicle for winter driving is very important. I need to rely on my vehicles. Investing in quality tires is important. Make sure wipers are in good condition. I used to live in the Adirondacks and during cold weather I kept a warm blanket in the car along with some non-parishable snacks. If you don't have an emergency roadside kit, you might think about having one in case you need it.

I know this time of the year can be painful if I am not careful. I know from past experience my cluster headaches can attack around this time of the year and I need to take care to avoid triggers.

I have arthritis. I take out my heating pad and make sure it is in good condition and place it where I can reach it if I need to.

I find this is a good time of year to think about the different tools I have in my pain management toolbox. Taking a little time to refresh myself on the different skills I have used in the past can be a very valuable activity. Remembering how to use imagery or relaxation techniques when they are not needed is much easier than trying to focus on them in the midst of severe pain. Warm teas, herbal pillows, bubble bath oils and aromatherapy candles can be very valuable additions to your kit at this time.

You may be wondering how this all relates to pain and its management. First of all, it really does. This time of year becomes stressful. I don't know how many times thoughts about the things shared here go through my mind. One way to create peace of mind is to deal with those things that need attention. Being proactive can be very valuable. And if you are ready to meeting challenges head on, you are more apt to win any battles that may come your way. Are you ready?

Related Topics: WebMD Video: Understanding Aromatherapy, Chronic Stress: The Body Connection

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can occur at any age. It is amazing how some people have such passion for a game that they will endure pain and injury just for the opportunity to play and keep playing.

Repetitive injuries can take a toll, leaving people in chronic debilitating conditions as they live beyond their ability to compete. When people do not allow themself time to heal properly and completely, they risk re-injury and/or prolonged healing. Re-injury or delayed treatment can lead to permanent damage. In extreme situations, joint replacements may be necessary. Is it worth it? For the athlete the answer is probably a resounding "yes".

But just when is enough -- enough?

Related Topics: Kids' Sports: 7 Questions Can Prevent Injuries (WebMD Video), Weekend Athletes: How to Avoid Sports Injuries

Technorati Tags: sports injuries, joint replacement, chronic pain