Sunbeam Shoulder Wrap Heating Pad Reviewed

If you ever have shoulder or neck pain, you will understand instantly why I love my Sunbeam Shoulder Wrap Heating Pad. 

After decades of trying to force a standard back heating pad to wrap around my neck, I finally invested in a heating pad that was made specifically for shoulders and necks.  It is well worth every penny I paid for it!
 
When I think of the thousands of times that I tried to hold a heating pad between my neck and shoulder, I seriously wonder why I waited so long to search for a shoulder wrap heating pad.  

Since I need both hands to type, I really don't have an easy way to hold a square heating pad in place between my neck and shoulder.  If I try to hold it in place by squeezing it between my shoulder and neck, then I end up with even worse neck pain.  Out of desperation, I've even tried tying a heating pad to my neck with a long shoe string.  Actually, that kind of worked. but I don't recommend it.  What I do recommend is the Sunbeam Shoulder Wrap Heating Pad.

The Sunbeam Shoulder Wrap Heating Pad

This is truly one of the best gifts I have ever given myself!  Even if I am not in extreme pain, the warmth gives relief to my shoulders when I spend the day typing.  

The shoulder wrap heating pad has several features that I love, but my favorite is that little heated piece of fabric that goes up the back of my neck.  Having the heat situated and held in place on the vertebral segments in my neck is fabulous!  It tends to make my lower back quite jealous.

Other Wonderful Features of the Sunbeam Shoulder Wrap Heating Pad

•  Magnetic Clasp in the front to hold it closed at the throat
•  Multiple Heat Settings from Warm to High Heat
•  Designed to "drape" over Shoulders and Around Neck
•  Weighted to Hold in Place
•  Auto Shut-off after 2 hours
•  Super long Electric Cord  (Mine is 9 feet) 
•  Odorless, unless you use a pain relieving cream or rub for  penetrating relief.
•  Machine Washable

The instructions say that you can lightly spritz the wrap with water for a damp steam effect, but I have never tried that.  I use mine dry. 

My Heated Wrap is the Sunbeam 885-911, but you may prefer the longer (XL) version  

 Sunbeam Heating Pad for Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief - XLCheck Price Sunbeam Heating Pad for Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief | StandardCheck Price Sunbeam Heating & Massage Pad for Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief, XLCheck Price Sunbeam Renue Tension Relief Wrap, Walnut, Neck and ShouldersCheck Price

 

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Review of a Great DIY Back Pain Relief Tool

Body Back Buddy on Amazon

A co-worker has brought a pain-relief tool to the office and has offered to share. I have since used this Body Back Buddy self-massage tool multiple times to find relief for chronic pain and to help relax my shoulders and back. If you experience chronic pain in your back or shoulders, this little gadget may also be helpful to you. I know that it has been so helpful to me at work that I'm ordering one of my own to keep at home.

Migraines and the Search for Pain Relief

My co-worker and I suffer from chronic migraines.  She and I are constantly discussing ways we find relief and things that are not as helpful. When she brought this massage tool to work my initial thought was that it was a gimmick. But I gave it a try anyway. With chronic migraines,  you become willing to give most anything a try.

As soon as I picked up this plastic hook with knobs, I found relief. It was intuitive to use. I just hooked it up over my shoulder and started "rubbing" the knots near my shoulder blades and spine.  

I had thought the hard plastic knobs would be uncomfortable. But the hardness of the knobs was, in part, what makes it so effective. And the curve of the item helped me to apply hard pressure to my tender spots. I was able to both press against and rub the stubborn knots as well as run the plastic knobs up and down my spine. 

Tender Points or Muscle Knots?

My sibling is officially diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and talks about her tender points and pain. We compare notes. I have similar painful points that I call my "traveling bumps". There never seems to be an explanation for the location of these tender areas.  I have not been officially diagnosed with Fibro and while my pains may be caused by whatever causes my migraines, the pain is similar to my sibling's Fibro. I am planning on suggesting that my sister give the Body Back Buddy a try.

This massage tool has been wonderful at reaching and releasing my painful "traveling bumps" no matter their origin.

Three of my four favorite moves with the Body Back Buddy (photos courtesy of Amazon)

The Pros and Cons of the Body Back Massage Tool

There are many pros and only a couple of cons that I have found with this wonderful pain relief tool. I am sure that you'll have your own opinion of the Body Back Buddy massage tool, but this is my list:

Body Back Buddy Pros:

• immediate relief where you are - without the time commitment and expense of massage appointments
• heavy duty and sturdy plastic - it does not feel as though it will break while in use
• the curve and placement of the knobs are intuitive - I picked it up and used it effectively without looking at any instructions
• compared to other pain relief tools and mechanical massagers - it is very affordable
• I can easily massage my neck, spine, shoulders, and back with this tool (it also massages your feet, but I have kept my feet off of it, since it is borrowed)
• the Body Back Company has made this, in the US, since 1995 and has a good track record and good reviews

Body Back Buddy Cons:

• beware of copies and knock-offs that seem to be more cheaply made and less sturdy
• it is large and can't be hidden in a small bag or purse for transport
• I am overweight and cannot do the technique that involves placing the Back Buddy around my middle (seen below) 

the only technique I cannot do (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Related Pain Relief Articles:

Barbara's husband suffers from neck pain and finds relief by using magnesium oil spray. For more information, take a peek at her article My Husband Loves Using Magnesium Oil for Neck Pain

Over time, I have found that peppermint essential oil often eases migraine pain. I use Dr. Bronner's organic castile soap and hot steamy baths to find pain relief. Dr. Bronner's soap has many uses and if you aren't familiar with this fantastic soap, let me introduce you with my review of Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castile Soap

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Prepare for Surgery with Incision Decisions: A Book Review

Getting Ready for Surgery Can Be Traumatic

Very few people really want surgery, and most would do anything possible to avoid it. Sometimes, though, it simply has to be done. It may save your life during a health emergency or it may simply help you continue to be more comfortable or independent.

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay

I've had six surgeries as an adult -- four in a hospital and two in a surgery center where I could go home the same day. I wish I'd known about Kaye Newton's book, Incision Decisions: A Guide to Getting Through Surgery, Recovery, and Your Hospital Stay before having my surgeries. Since we can't always predict when emergencies that may require surgery will happen, it would be smart for every family to have a copy of this book on hand to take to the hospital in case there is an unpredictable surgery. 

What To Do Before Surgery

Medical Preparation for Your Surgery

This section of Incision Decisions explains how to pick the right surgeon and hospital. Getting ready to meet your surgeon for the first time might cause some anxiety. Kaye answers all the questions you may have about this meeting and more. She helps you get ready for your initial consultation with the surgeon and suggests questions to ask.  She also suggests tactful ways to get a second opinion. The book includes a guide near the end to help you understand the medical jargon your surgeon and the medical personnel at the hospital may use so that you won't be confused by their explanations.

In the chapter on choosing a hospital, Kaye explains how to pick the best hospital your insurance plan will cover. She answers questions about outpatient versus inpatient surgery, surgery that requires travel, and the best times to schedule surgery. 

Organizing Help and Information before Surgery

This section answers more questions than I would even have thought to ask. The author stresses the importance of having an advocate with you in the hospital and what to do if you don't have one. She also covers what your advocate needs to know and do. 

The book will help you determine how much help you will need and provides a Six-Week Recovery Coverage Checklist to help you plan. There is also a blank copy at the back for you to use in your own planning. This checklist ensures you won't forget some of the helping tasks you may not have thought of. It suggests you appoint someone to organize those who have asked what they can do to help, lists websites for organizing meals and rides, and explains how to get through your surgery on your own without helpers if you must. 

Incision Decisions Helps You Get Organized before You Go to the Hospital

Before going to the hospital, you will need to organize all the information and paperwork required for admission. This book explains how to set up a central repository for all your medical information. It also explains how to create your personal health record. 

You will, of course, need to figure out how to pay for the surgery. This usually means meeting with a hospital financial counselor before admittance, as well as finding out beforehand just what your insurance will cover. If you don't have insurance, your hospital may have a financial counselor available to help you explore payment options. The book even explains how to raise money with crowdfunding.  

Physical and Mental Preparation for Surgery

Most people are a bit scared before surgery. This section of the book answers questions about anesthesia, pain, scars, and even all those needles you will encounter. Here you will find information to help you deal with your anxieties. Even with that information, many may still be anxious. To deal with this, the author suggests people pray, meditate, or even just keep busy enough to distract themselves. Following the helpful suggestions in this book will keep patients very busy getting ready for a hospital stay.  

Are you worried about how to explain your surgery to your children? The book will help you reassure them about what will happen at the hospital and who will care for them when you are gone. You can also let them know how they can help when you are away and when you come back home. 

Newton offers suggestions on how to prepare for time off work and get yourself into better physical shape before your surgery. You may need to stop smoking. You will also probably need to refrain from taking some of your medications and supplements a short time before your surgery. Do you need dental work? Get it done before the surgery if possible. The book will help you implement these suggestions. 

If you have chronic health conditions, you may need to make extra preparations. Do you have sleep apnea? If you snore loudly, you may have it, and you should find out before your surgery to see if you need to take additional measures before your surgery. 

Most people will have to rest for hours, days, or weeks after surgery as their bodies heal. This section of the book explains what doctors mean by"rest," and how to do it. The author also discusses what to wear and what not to wear after surgery and how to get a handicapped placard if you need it. 

Preparing Your Home for Recovery Time

After you come home from the hospital, you will probably have to ease back into your normal routines gradually and you may not be able to reach or lift as much as you could before you left.  That means you may need to rearrange your kitchen. You also may have to set aside and prepare a certain room for your recovery. I had to do that after my foot surgery since I was supposed to keep my foot elevated at all times. 

I chose my recliner in the family room as my recovery place. I put a portable table beside it to my left with everything I would need to work on my laptop, eat my meals, read, etc. I put a surge-protected power cord near my chair and bought a Kindle Paperwhite so I'd never run out of things to read. 

The end table on my right held food and drink. I also bought a lap desk for my laptop computer and a ventilated laptop stand for it as an extra precaution. That enabled me to keep writing from my chair. I spent 90% of my recovery time while awake eating, reading, or working on my laptop, so my purchases and preparations made it possible for me to keep everything I needed beside me most of the time. 

Kindle Paperwhite E-reader - Black, 6Honey-Can-Do TBL-03539 Portable Laptop Lap Desk with Handle, Blue, 23 L x 16 W x 2.5 HAmazonBasics Ventilated Adjustable Laptop StandLaptop Table Sofa Bedside Table Overbed Table 5 Adjustable Height Space Saving Movable Sturdy Notebook Computer Stand Desk with WheelsIceberg 65491 Indestructible Too 1200 Series Resin Personal Folding Table 30 x 20 Charcoal

Kaye Newton explains how to organize your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and laundry areas so that you will be able to easily reach everything you need after you return home to recover. She recommends getting a reacher-grabber like this Handi-Reacher, which I reviewed here.  We bought one before my husband's hip replacement surgery and I found it useful after my surgeries, too. Both of us still use it daily. In fact, we bought several more to keep handy throughout the house. My husband even keeps one in the car. 

When you return home you will also still need to eat. Friends may bring you meals at first, but after those meals stop coming you will need to have meals you can fix easily, especially if you live alone. Newton provides a suggested shopping list to help meet this need. She also lists activities you may enjoy during your recovery period to keep you from getting bored.  

To the Hospital and Home Again

Hospital stays need some preparation. Incision Decisions prepares you for just about anything you may encounter at the hospital -- preadmission procedures, donating blood to yourself, packing for your visit, and more. These are among the many questions Newton answers about your hospital stay:

• What if I get sick just before I'm to go to the hospital?
• How can I reduce the chance of medical errors?
• How can I avoid getting an infection at the hospital?
• How do I manage to get enough sleep in the hospital? 
• How do I manage visitors? 
• What can I expect hospital routines to be like?

The remaining chapters of the book deal with what you can expect to happen during your hospital stay and how to deal with any issues you may have at the hospital. They also cover the problems you may face once you get home to recover.

The last section deals with how to ease back into your normal life. That includes driving, sex after surgery, figuring out your medical bills, and cooking again. 

Incision Decisions: A Guide to Getting Through Surgery, Recovery, and Your Hospital Stay

My Recommendation
After reading this book, I can't think of one issue a surgical patient might have to face it did not address. It's a book to use for reference before your surgery, while you are at the hospital, and after you come home. I recommend it to all families who have a family member about to have a surgical procedure. I don't think you could find any book so thorough. It even offers suggestions on how to remind your medical professionals to wash their hands before touching you. I've often thought about how awkward that might be. 

I'm glad I have a copy now, since either my husband or I may need another surgery sooner than we'd like. Why not get yourself a copy now? You never know how soon you will need it. I suggest you get the paper edition so you can easily flip back and forth to the sections you need. I would not want to go to the hospital without it. 

Disclaimer: The author gave me a free copy of this book for review purposes, but this review is still my honest opinion about the book. If I owned a general bookstore I would definitely stock it and recommend it to customers facing surgery. I'm quite sure if they actually saw it, they would buy it. It's that useful. The copyright date is 2017, so its information is up-to-date.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Profoot Plantar Fasciitis Orthotics Review

If you dread getting up in the mornings because putting your feet on the floor elicits severe heel pain, and even the thought of walking makes you want to cry, then you may have a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Never fear, help is at hand. Let me tell you my heel pain story.

A few years ago, I began having foot pain with symptoms fairly typical of plantar fasciitis. When I mentioned it to my mother, she advised visiting a doctor right away. She had foot problems most of her adult life and she knew first-hand that having sore feet could absolutely ruin an otherwise good day and make a bad day worse.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and never played one on TV. The advice presented here is based on my personal experience as a plantar fasciitis sufferer. If you have foot pain that does not improve, take my mother's advice and visit a medical doctor for professional diagnosis and advice. 

I followed my mother's advice and consulted with my family doctor. He identified the problem right away and pointed out how I was allowing my right foot to roll inward. He also suggested some stretching exercises, and then wrote a prescription for medicine to help relieve the inflammation in my feet.

The anti-inflammatories helped and, having been made aware of the laxity in my right foot, I tried to do my best to correct the rolling habit on my own in order to strengthen that area. However, I figured that having a good arch support, and not only an arch support but support for that plantar fascia tissue that connects the ball of the foot to the heel and lends its name to this common condition, is what I really needed. After all, my feet aren't so young anymore.

ProFoot Plantar Fasciitis Insoles
Available for Both Women and Men

Now, I'm the first to admit that I don't like to spend money, so I tried a couple of inexpensive insoles first. It didn't take long to realize that I was simply throwing my money away on foamy pads that really didn't help. That's when I began looking again and found the bright green and black package containing a pair of plantar fasciitis orthotics (shoe inserts) that seemed very basic but exactly what I needed.

Even spending around $7 at that time hurt a bit, but didn't hurt nearly as much as my feet. And in a very short time, it was obvious that I had invested that money in the health of my feet and it was worth every penny.

I've been using ProFoot Plantar Fasciitis orthotics for a few years now and I wouldn't be without them. Recently I let time slip by and noticed that my old Profoot insoles were beginning to look a little ragged, so I ordered a new pair. Clearly, over time the insole "breaks down" (for lack of a better phrase) and needs to be replaced. This week my feet have felt even better with the new, very supportive orthotics.

As mentioned above, please don't take my advice as medical advice. If your feet hurt, you probably should visit a doctor. However, I can tell you that since my original diagnosis I haven't been back to the doctor, I no longer need an anti-inflammatory drug to keep my heel from hurting, and my feet feel great. The Profoot Plantar Fasciitis Orthotics get five stars from me.

ProFoot makes these in sizes for women and for men. Always wear them as a pair, making sure that the orthotic with the ProFoot logo is in your right shoe. These work in closed shoes, but may slip out of a sling-back shoe or sandal. I prefer closed, slip-on shoes and the insoles work great in those.

If you care about your feet, take care of them. And if you try the ProFoot Plantar Fasciitis orthotic, I'd love if you'd leave a comment to let me know how they work out for you. I hope they help eliminate your food pain as they have eliminated mine.

Two more quick things. One, inside the ProFoot package is an exercise guide pamphlet that shows how to do stretches to help improve your foot pain. This company actually cares about your foot health! Two, ProFoot is a family-owned company whose products are made in the U.S.A., Brooklyn, New York to be exact. Yet another reason to choose this excellent product.


~ Susan
Read more of my reviews here.

Read more about taking care of your feet.

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Posted by Susan Deppner

About the Author

Susan Deppner is a baby boomer, a cancer survivor, and a Southerner who believes in the Golden Rule. She enjoys writing about food, faith, and fitness; health, home, and holidays; people, places, pets, and patriotism, and more. Follow Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Review of Before, Afdre, and After: Memoir of a Stroke Survivor

Just Imagine if This Were You

You are 33 years old, healthy, and in the prime of life. You have a great job in an advertising agency as a copywriter. One day at work you have a massive stroke and nothing is ever the same again. That's what happened to Maureen Twomey. It's a miracle she survived her stroke and recovered enough to write Before, Afdre, and After (My Stroke...oh what fun). Maureen's story is one of courage, the support of friends and family, and dedicated doctors and therapists. It's a must-read for anyone who knows someone or is caring for someone who is recovering from a stroke. 

Image Courtesy of Pixabay, edited on FotoJet.com

Maureen's Miracle Story -  Before

The book opens as Maureen shows us her life before the stroke. She was born and grew up in California, graduated from UCLA as I did (but much later) and got some great jobs in advertising. At the time of her stroke, she was working in the Bay Area. She had oodles of friends and an active social life. She was taking a class in improvision, which she loved. She was known for her sense of humor. The stroke could not kill that in her. 

Maureen was at work the day she had her stroke, June 6, 2000. The first symptoms manifested while she had taken time away for an appointment with a dermatologist who saw her after 2 PM. She started to feel funny. Her right eye was flashing, but a few seconds later she felt better and walked back to work. It was there her coworker Amy found her crying in the hallway outside her office because she is anxious about her symptoms. The flashing lights in her eye are back and there is some tingling in one side of her body. She has a slight headache. But when she talks to her doctor and tells him she's not in pain, he just said to call back if the symptoms get worse. She starts to work again. It is now 3 PM.

At 4:20 she is still at work and her symptoms get worse and more resemble classic stroke symptoms. She had decided to skip her improvisation class that night and was typing an email to explain her absence. Suddenly the words made no sense to her. Then she fell on the floor. Amy heard her fall and start crying. Symptoms are full-blown. Amy calls the doctor back to get an appointment for Maureen and the doctor told her to call 911. 

At the Hospital - Afdre

When the paramedics arrive to interview Maureen it is 4:50. Maureen can express herself with some difficulty. Although the paramedics take her to the emergency room at California Pacific Hospital, they don't think this is an emergency that merits lights and the siren. It takes 20 minutes to get to the emergency room. By this time three hours have elapsed since the onset of symptoms. At 6:20 they do a CAT scan. At 7:30 they do a spinal tap. They release her to spend the night with her father and his wife Judy. 

The next morning, June 7, as Maureen tried to eat breakfast, she started feeling strange. Then she couldn't remember anything. Her dad was so alarmed he carried her to the car and drove her straight back to the emergency room. By then Maureen could neither walk nor talk. She finally was diagnosed with a massive stroke, but it was too late to give her the clot-busting drug that can prevent permanent damage. It has to be given in the first hours after onset of symptoms. 

Stroke Survivor Memoirs 

I plan to soon read some of these stories by and about others who have survived strokes. Some contain helpful information on recognizing early symptoms months before the onset of a stroke, as well as advice for stroke prevention. It amazes me how many of these stories were written by people only 33 -- like Maureen. 

Tell Me Everything You Don't Remember: The Stroke That Changed My LifeBefore, Afdre, and After (My stroke . . . oh what fun)My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal JourneyConquering Stroke: How I Fought My Way Back and How You Can Too

Maureen's Miracle Story: After

The rest of the book was written after Maureen recovered enough to use words again. She had to completely rebuild her life and learn again everything she'd ever learned -- how to talk, the alphabet, words, how to read, how to write. Before she recovered any of these abilities, her father sent our regular updates on her progress to her circle of friends and extended family. These emails are part of the book, as are illustrations of some of Maureen's first attempts to write during her recovery.

Although Maureen's recovery was much longer than she expected, she writes with a humorous and optimistic voice that won't accept defeat. As a result of that spirit and a lot of hard work, she accomplished much more than the doctors expected her to. She now is able to live alone again, drive, and write. You can follow Maureen Twomey on Twitter. 

My Review of Before, Afdre, and After

This book is different than most I read because the author is working under an extreme handicap compared to most. Although her stroke happened 15 years before she was able to write and publish her book, she has not completely recovered the all verbal and motor skills she once had. Her typing speed isn't what it used to be. She still can't always retrieve the words she wants to use from her memory bank. (If you are reading this, Maureen, please feel free to comment and correct anything that may have changed in the past two years.) 

I read the book to see what a stroke looks like to the one who has experienced it. Maureen is good at explaining what it was like for her, day by day. Although much of the book is in her voice, some of it consists of copies of emails sent by her father, coworkers, and friends. She also includes a copy of her resume and a list of resources. 

There are a number of photos and scans of some of the work Maureen did as part of her rehabilitation. She even has scans of some pages she completed from Explode the Code, a popular phonics workbook I used to sell at homeschool conventions. I was thinking how hard it must have been for her to start over learning to read and write with disadvantages healthy children learning the same things don't have. I can't even imagine how difficult that would be.

I'm glad I read the book and I recommend it to others who want a day-by-day look at what life is like for someone recovering from a  massive stroke. Maureen tells her story in a matter-a-fact way with a touch of humor. Since her stroke, she has moved back into an apartment, learned to drive again, participated in a walk for the Heart and Stroke group of the American Heart Association, and finished her book. She still can't run as she used to.

The only thing I didn't like was that I had chosen to buy the ebook so I could start reading right away. On my Kindle Paperwhite the illustrations, especially the scans of Maureen's written work, were too small to see clearly. I suggest you get the paper copy of the book if you don't want to miss anything. In this case, the illustrations are an important part of the book. I am finally able to see them on the Kindle App for my iMac. 

I hope you will show support for Maureen by buying her book and leaving her a review on Amazon so that her book may start showing on the first page of an Amazon search for stroke survivor memoirs. That way more people may be able to find it. Also, why not follow her on Twitter? 

Image Courtesy of Pixabay, edited on FotoJet.com

Have you ever had a stroke, known someone who survived one, or cared for someone recovering from a stroke? Is your experience similar to Maureen's?

***

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Why Drink Peppermint Tea?

Twinings Peppermint Tea - Photography by Lou's Designs

As I review Twinings Peppermint Tea Bags let me also answer the question 'why drink peppermint tea?' - you might be surprised at the range of benefits this delicious beverage has.

I will admit to a bias - I love, love, love peppermint tea, but who wouldn't?  I touched very briefly on why I enjoy peppermint tea on my fun tea infuser review as I usually enjoy fresh peppermint leaves steeped in boiling water.

Sometimes, however you need another source and my go to commercial brand is Twinings Pure Peppermint tea bags.

When you're unable to use fresh leaves for whatever reason then tea bags are a great idea, but I've also just discovered (thanks to Amazon) that you can buy Twinings peppermint tea in K-Cups as well which I know a lot of people use.

Why Do I Recommend Twinings Peppermint Tea Bags?

Twinings Pure Peppermint is a tea that I really enjoy and I first came across it a few years ago when I managed to kill my peppermint plant - apparently they can't be killed, but as I've said to my daughter on numerous occasions there's no such word as can't!   I had to find a replacement as I'd come to really enjoy my cup of peppermint tea after lunch so I set off on a mission to find some peppermint tea bags.

Looking at my supermarket's tea selection I couldn't find the two brands that I had previously tried (when living in New Zealand) so it was really luck of the draw that I decided to try Twinings Pure Peppermint.  Well not just luck, but three very good reasons - 

1. The name Twinings is synonomous with good tea
2. They were available in a 10 bag size - ideal for sampling
3. They were on a very good special

Once I sat down to my first cup I was very happy that I had decided on this brand as it really is delicious.   I work a few days a week in an office so I leave a few peppermint tea bags there so that I don't have to miss out on my peppermint tea when I don't have my plant handy (although making my own is my still my favorite way of enjoying this beverage).

Twinings Pure Peppermint Herbal Tea, 20 Count

& 

Why Drink Peppermint Tea?

The main reason I enjoy drinking peppermint tea is because it's delicious and I love the taste!   There are lots of health benefits for drinking it as well, though and it's always nice when something that is good for you also tastes delicious!

Here's some of the benefits of peppermint tea -

• Aids digestion, including bloating, cramping, vomiting & nausea - even motion sickness can be helped with peppermint tea.
• Boosts your immune system - it has known anti-bacterial properties which means it can help ease symptoms of illness (especially colds, flus and sinus problems) and it can also act as a preventative.
• Helps bad breath - it doesn't just make your mouth feel fresh and smell clean from the menthol (that's what gives you the minty flavor), but because of the anti-bacterial properties it can kill off germs that cause haliotis.
• Helps with concentration - more on that below!
• Can provide stress relief - menthol (an active ingredient in peppermint tea) has natural sedative and anti-spasmodic properties which combined together really helps to ease stress while the anti-inflammatory properties can help to lower blood pressure allowing you to relax.
• Helps with headaches and migraines - because of how it helps with stress and sinus (two causes of headaches) peppermint tea can be very helpful.
• Offers sinus relief - menthol is a natural decongestant which means it provides relief from sinus pressure, it also soothes a sore throat which is handy if the sinus congestion is from a cold or flu.   I've seen it recommended to add honey to peppermint tea for sinus, colds and flus, but I've never added honey myself.

There are lots more health benefits, it's almost sounding like a superfood isn't it?   I should add however that when taking herbal infusions for a medical reason you should always talk to your doctor.  Menthol has been known to cause typically mild allergic reactions in some people so if in doubt consult a medical professional.

Why I Drink Peppermint Tea At Lunchtime

I always enjoy my peppermint tea after eating my lunch (I sometimes enjoy it at other times, but this is my favorite time).  As I've said I enjoy the flavor, it leaves my mouth feeling lovely and fresh and I also think it helps with my digestion.

I have also discovered that I concentrate better in the afternoon if I've had a peppermint tea after lunch - no more '3pm fog brain' for me.  I had been wondering if this increased concentration was just a placebo effect, but apparently there have been scientific studies (and here was me thinking I'd 'discovered' this all by myself!).

A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that peppermint tea can increase focus and concentration.   Another study by the University of Cincinnati found that the scent of peppermint was even better at boosting alertness, concentration and improving memory than actually drinking the tea.

Now I'm not going to just sniff the tea and not drink it, but I take the study to mean - sit down, relax, cradle your cup/mug of precious peppermint tea and inhale the scent while also sipping slowly on it. Once it's finished you'll be set for a very productive afternoon!

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Natural Sinus Relief with Neti Pot

Neti Pot is a method of natural sinus relief and health that has been relied upon for centuries in other parts of the world. It's use in the US is increasing as more people find increased sinus health and infection prevention with regular nasal irrigation. I am convinced that my own Neti Pot use has prevented many sinus infections and headaches. In this quick review, I will outline how I use Neti Pot as an almost daily part of my health and hygiene routine. 

As the seasons change, my co-workers have taken turns fighting sinus infections and illnesses that involve pain, phlegm, and missing days of work.  I have not yet caught this round of sinus germs and I attribute that to the Neti Pot. I recommended nasal irrigation to a friend at work, and had a hard time explaining it to her. As I was searching for a "how to Neti Pot" video for her, I decided to share the information here.  I would like for everyone possible to find sinus and allergy relief. I also should add that at times using the Neti Pot has alleviated some of my migraine pain.

Sinus Irrigation as Illness Prevention

In the spring, our own Bev Owens reviewed NeilMed Sinus Rinse. She shared how adding this sinus irrigation to her daily hygiene routine has alleviated her sinus headaches. Please take a peek at her review to learn how helpful nasal irrigation has been for her.

Personally, I use a ceramic Neti Pot, warm water, and a bit of salt. Initially, I tried to learn how to Neti Pot when I was already ill.  For a week or so, no water passed through my nasal passages - that is how swollen and congested my sinuses were at the time. Thankfully, I did not give up.  

Every morning I lean over the bathroom sink and use Neti Pot.  Since I've begun this routine on a regular basis, I've only had a sinus infection/bronchitis type illness that required a doctors visit and prescription medication 2-3 times over the last decade. Historically, I'd visit the doctor for such illnesses 4 - 6 times each year!

It is very important that the water is a good temperature.  I check my water temperature on my wrist, as I did with baby's bottles. Too cold is painful.  Hot water could be damaging.  Baby bottle temperature is soothing to me. Learning to relax enough to allow the water to pass through is not an easy thing for some people. But I encourage you to try and to practice before giving up. I believe it is well worth the practice.

I prefer the ceramic Neti Pot because: 

• it holds the warmth longer than plastic
• it seems to be easier to clean than plastic
• the Neti Pot (versus a nasal spray bottle) holds more water and more fully flushes my sinuses
• the model of Neti Pot I use, has a partial top covering, which prevents me from spilling water on my face

ceramic Neti Pot

Others Who Recommend Neti Pot and Nasal Irrigation

I am not a doctor. Nor can I give trained medical advice. I highly recommend that you choose Neti Pot and nasal irrigation after consulting with your doctor. I am only sharing what has worked very well for me and has nearly eliminated my use of allergy medications and visits to the doctor for sinus/congestion types of illnesses.  

The writers on WebMD shares a brief history of nasal irrigation, comments that research proves that it works, why it works, and how to use a Neti Pot.  This is a fairly complete and concise overview for beginners.

Many hundreds of Neti Pot purchasers give 4.5 - 5 star ratings on Amazon Neti Pots. See their recommendations on the various styles

I know someone who frequently tells me that because I Neti Pot, I'm going to die from the water-born, brain-eating amoeba.  My first thought is that swimming in fresh water during the summer months is far more dangerous than using my Neti Pot. But, out of an over abundance of caution, I am including this informative video from The Doctors.  I have also begun to refrain from using tap water in my daily routine. The Doctors speak of the amoeba concern as well as demonstrate how a Neti Pot is used.

For more helpful product reviews browse articles on ReviewThisReviews.com

opening photo design courtesy of FotoJet and Pixabay

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Review: My Husband Loves Using Magnesium Oil for Neck Pain

Magnesium Oil Helps Relieve Neck Pain

My husband has suffered with neck pain and stiffness for many years. It was so bad it was hard to turn his head while driving. A week ago he asked about using magnesium oil. Fortunately, I had recently ordered some Asutra magnesium oil for myself and was able to provide it for him immediately.

 Asutra Magnesium Oil

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Magnesium Oil is Easy to Apply

Before Hubby went to bed, I got read to apply the magnesium oil. I washed the back of his neck and shoulders with a washcloth to remove any sweat or traces of sunblock, and then dried the area. Then I sprayed some magnesium oil on his back and neck and rubbed it in. Since I have an arthritic thumb, I did some of the rubbing with that, hoping it might help me, too.

I had used the Asutra behind my knee earlier and had noticed a slight sting. When you begin to use magnesium oil it can sting or itch for a few minutes. I had forgotten to mention this to my husband. If your cellular magnesium levels are low, your skin sucks up the large molecules quickly, and that's what causes the sting. As your levels come back up to normal, it doesn't sting like it might at first. It doesn't sting either of us now. Even when there is a sting, it disappears quickly.

The next morning Hubby told me his the treatment had lessened his pain and it was  easier to turn his head. We now do this every night to keep his magnesium levels up in those muscles.

He decided to also see a chiropractor at his gym for a massage. That helped, too, and the chiropractor told him that using the magnesium oil was a good way to retain the results of the massage. My thumb is also doing better than it was. My husband can now turn his head much farther than he could two weeks ago.

The photo below was taken outside because the light is better. I wanted you to see how easy it is to apply the oil. Aim it where it's needed and spray. You can then rub it in or not. We choose to rub it in for best absorption. I help because he can't reach to rub in the magnesium oil where needed.

Hubby Demonstrates How to Apply Magnesium Oil, © B. Radisavljevic 

What is Magnesium Oil?

It's not an oil at all. It's really a liquid form of concentrated magnesium chloride. It's made by dissolving magnesium chloride flakes in water. It only seems a bit oily when applied.

Don't I Get Enough Magnesium from My Tablets?

We have both taken magnesium in tablets for at least twenty years. The problem is that most of what we were taking was magnesium oxide, and that is not easily absorbed. After some research I learned that oral magnesium is most easily absorbed in its malate form.

I recently switched to to a sustained release magnesium malate and niacinamide formula called Arterin. Since I started taking it I am sleeping better and experiencing less knee pain that I was.

Arterin was designed to support normal blood pressure levels and a healthy heart rhythm. Since I started taking it my problems with both of these have not recurred. I was having a real problem with heart palpitations, even though I was supposedly getting lots of magnesium in my supplements and eating lots of almonds and other magnesium food sources.

Although I still take Arterin,  I've had to adjust my levels, because I was experiencing the one side effect of too much oral magnesium -- loose and watery stools. I can now take two instead of four Arterin tablets and substitute the Asutra magnesium oil to get the rest of the magnesium I need. This reduces the inconvenient side affect.

Are You Getting Enough Magnesium?

If you are relying on your diet and supplements in tablet form, you may not be. Many cheap supplements use magnesium oxide.  The calcium / magnesium ratio needs to stay at a balanced 2:1. We were taking Kirkland Calcium Citrate (most absorbable calcium form) with Magnesium (oxide) and zinc. Ratio was 500 mg calcium to 80 mg magnesium -- not enough. To make up for it, we were taking another tablet with 400 mg magnesium oxide. We also were eating lots of nuts, seeds, bananas, avocados, and dark chocolate -- all very good food sources. In spite of this, we weren't getting enough magnesium to alleviate the symptoms of lower than optimal magnesium levels.

Men under thirty need 400 milligrams of magnesium a day. Men over thirty need 420 milligrams. Women under thirty need 310 milligram. Those women over thirty need 320. Pregnant women nineteen to thirty need 350 milligrams. Pregnant women over thirty need 360. Pregnant women are advised not to take more than 350 milligrams a day in supplement form.

Since magnesium is stored mostly in your body's bones and organs, very little is in your bloodstream at any given time. That's one reason those batteries of blood tests your doctor orders from time to time don't show if you have enough of this important mineral.

Less than optimal levels levels of magnesium can manifest themselves through insomnia, fatigue, muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, muscle spasms, anxiety and depression, difficulty swallowing, forgetfulness, and poor nail growth. That's because magnesium is essential for over 300 chemical reactions in your body. It affects almost everything. It regulates the body's use of other important minerals and also some vitamins, such as vitamin D.

Optimal levels of  magnesium help keep us feeling mentally and physically healthy. They have been shown to improve memory; reduce depression caused by low serotonin levels; reduce stress and anxiety, both of which lower magnesium levels; prevent diabetes because it helps metabolize carbohydrates and glucose; thin the blood, which may reduce chances of heart attacks and strokes; build healthy bones; shorten duration of migraines; relieve some PMS symptoms; and improve flexibility by reducing the build-up of the lactic acid that cause muscle pain and tightness (like that in my husband's neck).

My Recommendations

To insure optimal magnesium levels, include rich sources of magnesium in your diet. I have mentioned some above. Avoid too much calcium in proportion to magnesium. Don't drink too much coffee soda, or alcohol. Use salt in moderation and avoid hidden salt in processed food. Use very few refined and processed foods.

Very few people get enough magnesium through diet alone. They can also deplete their supply through heavy menstrual periods, excessive sweating, and stress. Most people will need some form of supplementation for optimal levels. You can supplement with pills, magnesium oil, and soaking in salts that contain magnesium. Doctors can also give injections. Unless you love soaking in the tub, I recommend the following supplements. When you make your first order of Asutra, it includes a free e-book about the benefits of magnesium and how to get them. It also lists foods rich in magnesium.

 2 Bottle Value Pack - Pure Zechstein Magnesium Oil Spray - Triple Filtered for LESS ITCH & LESS STING / Effective Rapid Transdermal Absorption - Ultra Pure & Potent + FREE Magnesium E-Book Arterin Magnesium and Niacin Formula (30 Day Supply)

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What the Government Wants You to Know

The symptoms of low magnesium levels I have described may also have other causes. This post is intended for informational purposes only. My statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. My information and the products I have mentioned here are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease or illness. Please consult your doctor before changing your diet or using the products I have told you worked for us. Every body is different and can respond differently.

Those who have kidney failure or who are on dialysis should never take magnesium unless under medical supervision. 

Any Feedback?

Your comments are welcome below. If you think this might be helpful to someone you know, please share it. The image below was designed for Pinterest. 

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