Cold Hands

My Hands Are Always COLD!

2009-09-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

Sitting at the computer and trying to use the computer mouse and keyboard with cold, frozen fingers and hands is painful. I've tried running my cold hands under hot water, and as soon as I start working again, the cold hands return. I tried wearing a long sleeve cashmere sweater and pulling the sleeves over my hand, and the sleeves gradually creep up to expose my hand. I even tried fingerless gloves, but I lost touch, and the computer mouse wouldn't work properly. Seems like I've tried everything to keep my hands warm when using the computer, and the only thing that actually works is to stop using the computer, and sometimes (most of the time) that's not an option.

Recently, a friend introduced me to USB hand warmers. These are heated computer gadgets designed specifically for people who have cold hands when using the computer. The heated gadgets are made with a carbon fiber heating element making them produce infrared heat when plugged into the USB port of the computer. What a novel, innovative idea and cold hand problem solver!

The USB hand warmers include a heated computer mouse, a heated mouse pad, a heated keyboard pad and a heated mouse hand warmer blanket pouch. They are remarkable. Not only do they provide a cost-effective, energy-efficient source of warmth, they provide deep healing therapeutic infrared heat. Studies show 20-30 minutes of infrared heat daily can help certain hand conditions like poor circulation, arthritis pain and cold hand pain. The infrared heated hand warmers are plug and play. No additional software is needed to add warmth to a cold office or work area. It sure sounds better than cranking up the thermostat on a cold winter's night.

If your hands get cold when using the computer, and your fingers get so numb it's difficult to type, search Google for "infrared heated USB hand warmers." Learn about the benefits of using infrared heat. The warm computer mouse provides soothing relief to stressed and strained muscles. Infrared heat relieves tension, and the warm keyboard pad is designed with proper ergonomic support for typing.

There are a variety of USB hand warmer options. Select the best option to solve your cold hand problem. It's easy to use the computer when your work area is comfortable and warm.

Anna Miller
ValueRays® USB Infrared Heaters & Hand Warmers
http://IGMproducts.com
http://www.Warm-Mouse-Heated-Keyboard.com

ValueRays® Products - A Review by Alaskan Apple Users Group

2009-08-31T09:53:00.001-07:00

ValueRays.com partnered with the Alaskan Apple Users Group (AAUG) to review the ValueRays® USB Infrared Heated Hand Warmers. The review written in depth by Carlene Brown details the usefulness and functionality of each of the ValueRays® USB hand warmers. The AAUG is a professional organization of Apple users based in Alaska. For more information about the AAUG or to join their group, please contact AAUG.

By Carlene Brown, AAUG Member

When I first saw the ValueRays® heated accessories I immediately wanted to try them. I have arthritis in my wrists and hands extending to the tips of my fingers.,. My hands are often swollen, stiff and painful and at other times ice cold. These conditions can make working on the computer a torturous ordeal. I was skeptical about the effectiveness of these products and really wasn’t expecting much. I am happy to report my skepticism was totally misplaced.

These USB hand warmers are infrared heated and provide ‘infrared heat” therapy for computer users with hand pain and cold hands. I did a little research and discovered that there is ongoing medical research that support the healing & therapeutic benefits of infrared heat therapy. Benefits include increased circulation and oxygen supply to damaged tissues, decreased joint stiffness, increased blood flow, help to relieve pain and aid healing. Infrared heat has been proven to be beneficial to people who suffer with wrist and hand injuries and problems such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and Raynaud’s Syndrome.

ValueRays® Warm Mouse, Warm Keyboard Pad, Mouse Hand Warmer and Warm Mouse Padare all infrared heated. The low 5v heating element is safe for people and computers. The USB 5v infrared heating element produces temperatures ranging from 99 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, comfortably warm but not hot enough to burn.

All of the products are plug and play and require no drivers or software installation.

VALUERAYS® WARM MOUSE I

The ValueRays® Warm Mouse I is a two button mouse with a scroll wheel. It has a smooth metallic finish and an on/of button to shut off the heat supply when it is not needed.

To get started you simply plug the USB cord into a USB port, I was not able to use the USB ports on my Apple keyboard because the Warm Mouse uses too much power for that hub, Turn the heated mouse “on” by pressing the control switch located on the USB cord. Quickly the mouse warms and begins to generate heat. It is recommended that you turn the mouse “off” when not in use. Turning the switch “off” only shuts off the heat supply, you are still able to use the mouse which makes it very convenient at the times when you don’t need the heat.

I have used a one button Apple mouse since the beginning of time and thought I would have trouble adapting to this two button scroll mouse. Not true, it is so very comfortable and easy to use that I was off and surfing immediately. The warmth is very soothing to the hand, I didn’t want to remove my hand from the warm mouse, and the shape fits my hand comfortably. The ergonomic shape also makes the scroll wheel easy to use.

VALUERAYS® WARM KEYBOARD PAD

The ValueRays® Warm Keyboard Pad connects to your computer using a USB port. The wrist pad is made of a soft foam sponge and covered with a hand-washable black nylon sport fabric that has a zipper on one side to make it easy to remove for washing. The infrared heating element is inside and sits on top of the foam pad. It is enclosed in fabric and attached to the USB cord. The heating element can be placed in the center or moved to either end of the keyboard pad depending on where it is most helpful or convenient for the user. The keyboard pad has a connector plug allowing it to be disconnected from the USB cord and used without the heat. The bottom has a non-slip surface.

I love this Warm Keyboard Pad. I broke my wrist several years ago and, also, have extensive arthritis at the base of both thumbs. My wrists are quite painful especially in damp or cold weather. I have probably tried every type of wrist aid that is made to relieve the pain when using the computer keyboard…most didn’t help at all. When I set up the ValueRays® Warm Keyboard Pad i was so surprised. It warmed up quickly and immediately felt good on my wrists. The more I used it the better my wrists and even my hands felt. The heat penetrates through to the painful areas and warms and soothes them.

The nylon sport fabric cover is not smooth material and it took a little while to get used to the feel of the material on my wrists. Mainly it was irritating to me when using the keyboard pad with the heat turned off.

With the ValueRays® Warm Keyboard Pad connected and turned on I now look forward to typing on the keyboard, even first thing in the morning.

VALUERAYS® USB MOUSE HAND WARMER

Upon opening the ValueRays® USB Mouse Hand Warmer I laughed. I wasn’t quite sure what it was. I had never seen a blanket for your hand. But, that is exactly what it is. Think of those cold winter mornings when you don’t want to get out of bed, and so you snuggle down to keep warm under the soft covers. The USB Mouse Hand Warmer is just that. A cozy, heated, mini-blanket to warm your cold mouse hand.

The USB Mouse Hand Warmer is a pouch made of a double layer of soft fleece and has a non-slip surface on the bottom. It contains an infrared heating element and has a USB plug. It measures 12″ X 12′

The USB Mouse Hand Warmer can be used with a USB connected mouse or a wireless mouse. Simply slip a mouse pad and your mouse into the Mouse Hand Warmer Blanket and plug it into a USB port. In a few minutes it will be toasty warm. The infrared heating element is positioned in the center of the fleece blanket positioned over the top of your hand, warming the entire area of the pouch with a warm steady heat.

This is really a creative idea and it works wonderfully. Keeps your mouse and your mouse hand comfortably warm. Your mouse moves freely and it’s easy to slip your hand in and out of the pouch, you don’t even have to look. The only problem I see is when you have to take your hand out of the warm pouch and leave it out in the cold.

VALUERAYS® USB WARM MOUSE PAD

The ValueRays® Warm Mouse Pad is a USB heated computer mouse pad delivering infrared heat to the mouse pad’s surface. As with all the other ValueRays® Warm accessories, the surface of the heated mouse pad is warm not hot, heated 99 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

The pad has a black compact pad panel and smooth movement suitable for all types of mechanical mouse and optical mouse usage. The pad measures about 10″ X 10″ and is surrounded in plastic trim illuminated by a blue light. The mouse pad has a raised cuff where you can comfortably rest your wrist..

The USB Warm Mouse Pad has two USB cords to connect to your computer. One is specifically
for the infrared heating element. You just unplug this cable if you don’t want to use the warmer function.

Also, the Warm Mouse Pad is a USB hub, featuring 4 USB 2 ports to use with a variety of USB devices. What more could you ask for in a mouse pad? Comforting warmth and additional USB ports for your computer.

SUMMARY

All of these ValueRays® products are unique and create a warm, soothing computer environment for those of us who have hand medical problems or injuries. If you have cold or painful hands for any reason and find working on the computer unpleasant I would recommend you try at least one of these products. I think you will find, as I have, the ergonomic design and soothing infrared heat they generate will improve your computer experience and make it enjoyable to work with your mouse and keyboard again.

You can purchase the ValyeRays® Warm Mouse Heated Keyboard products singly, or in sets of a combination of two, three of four products. For combinations and pricing visit the http://www.warm-mouse-heated-keyboard.com/ website. Also, check out the Coupon Page for available discounts.

In addition to the discounts they are offering free shipping. That’s right, FREE SHIPPING including Alaska.

I also want to mention a new ValueRays® product that will be available in October. The ValueRays® Pink Warm Mouse III. A portion of each purchase of the Pink ValueRays® Warm Mouse III will be donated to the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.

Cold Hands, Cold Fingers, Tingling Hands, Numb Hands & Fingers: How About Some Heat Relief!

2009-08-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

by Anna Miller, Warm-Mouse-Heated-Keyboard.com
http://www.IGMproducts.com & http://www.ValueRays.com

It doesn't matter if you sit and think, or if you just sit! It doesn't matter if it's Summer, Winter, Spring or Fall. When your hands are cold, your entire body feels the chill. Chills create distraction, and the only thing to think about is the cold. Not all people have cold hands when using the computer, but for those who do, there are infrared heat, ergonomic computer work aids to help cold hand pain.

Three items used whenever we use a computer are the computer mouse, mouse pad and computer keyboard. Using the computer mouse and keyboard with cold hands is very uncomfortable and at times very painful. A cold mouse hand creates numb fingers, and the chill is felt to the bone. Trying to grip a computer mouse and typing with freezing, frigid fingers and hands is nearly impossible. The solution is an infrared heat warm mouse, heated mouse pad and heated computer keyboard.

Heated computer gadgets and mouse hand warmers connect to the computer using an USB port. USB connections create an energy-efficient and cost-effective source of heat energy during winter months or during the summer when air-conditioning creates a cold work space and hands become cold. Some people sit near a drafty window or under a ceiling fan where cold drafts become a problem. Using a heated mouse, warm mouse pad and warm keyboard pad can help relieve cold hand pain.

When an USB warm computer gadget is designed with a carbon fiber, it creates infrared heat. Infrared heat is an excellent source of healing energy. The natural source of infrared heat comes from the sun. It's the deep penetrating heat we feel when the sun's rays hit our skin. The sun's natural infrared rays are capable of penetrating deep into the body where they elevate surface temperature and activate healthy body functions.

The infrared heat from USB warm computer gadgets is the same as the sun's infrared heat without the harmful UV rays of the sun. The infrared waves are a safe alternative to natural sun infrared rays. The infrared rays heat objects by direct light conversion - a process to directly warm an object; i.e., the warm mouse, warm mouse pad, and warm keyboard pad, and not the surrounding air. Infrared heat rays from the warming mouse, warming mouse pad and warming keyboard pad penetrate the hand, warm the muscles, tissues and dilate the blood vessels. The infrared heating process improves blood circulation by allowing the blood to flow more freely through the cold, painful, tense hand.

A standard, USB heated computer mouse connects to the computer through an USB (United Serial Bus) port and delivers infrared heat creating a comfortably warm mouse hand. It has the basic functions and characteristics of a standard mouse with the added feature of delivering heat to a cold mouse hand. The USB infrared heated, warm computer mouse is an efficient way to stay warm by using energy generated from the computer. The USB warm mouse is ergonomically shaped and comfortable to hold. It is an optical scrolling mouse with an accurate 800dpi. The warm mouse has two buttons and three functions, and it works with any PC, Mac or Notebook style computer. A warm mouse has a "plug & play" install with no additional software needed.

The heated mouse pad connects to the computer through an USB (United Serial Bus) port and delivers infrared heat to the mouse hand. It has many more functions compared to a standard mouse pad. The USB heated mouse pad creates a warm mouse pad surface to rest the hand and wrist. It's an efficient way to keep the mouse hand warm. The USB warm mouse pad is ergonomically shaped and comfortable to use. It has an ergonomic wrist support pad at the front of the mousepad, and at the opposite end of the mousepad there are four USB ports. The warming mouse pad is constructed of a smooth, hard surface compatible to use with any mechanical or optical mouse for ease of mouse movement. A standard heated mouse pad measures about 10" x 10" with a height of about .5 inch. When plugged into the USB port, the heated pad illuminates around three sides with colored lights. The warm mouse pad operates on a safe, low voltage and generates soothing heated mouse pad warmth. The warm mouse pad works with a 2.0 USB outlet on a PC, Mac or Notebook style computer. It has a "plug & play" install with no additional software needed.

The warm mouse and heated mouse pad help the cold mouse hand and serve a purpose when used together or separately. When the two items are used in combination with third item, a mouse hand warmer blanket pouch, infrared heat is insulated inside and under a mouse hand blanket creating a perfectly warm mouse hand environment.

With the mouse hand warm, the keyboard hands are still an issue for the person who suffers with cold hands. The heated computer keyboard pad connects to the computer through an USB port and delivers infrared heat to the hands, arms and wrists. It is ergonomically shaped and offers support for the keyboard hands and wrists for typing on the keyboard. The wrist pad is easy to maintain. It has a nylon cover with a zipper closure making it easy to remove and hand wash/air dry. A standard USB heated computer keyboard pad measures about 16 inches long, 3 inches wide and has a height of about 3/4" tall. It has a soft sponge insert making the wrist pad very comfortable for keyboard use. It aligns your wrist ergonomically over the keyboard adding support and warmth while you type or work. The USB heated keyboard wrist pad works with any PC, Mac or Notebook style computer. It has a "plug & play" install with no additional software needed.

There is help for people who have cold hands when using the computer. Warm computer gadgets to help cold hands are available online. Making an investment in one or all four computer gadgets to help relieve the cold has high a payoff value when cold hands cause pain and discomfort. A simple Google search for "infrared heat computer gadgets" will provide available online options.

Visit the ValueRays® Warm Mouse Giveaway Blog for Free ValueRays® USB Hand Warmers Infrared Heaters

Win a ValueRays Warm Computer Mouse! Giveaway Contest!

2009-08-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Warm Computer Mouse by ValueRays® - Giveaway Contest - Win a Heated Computer Mouse!

Win a ValueRays® Warm Mouse. It's a USB Computer Mouse with infrared heat to keep your mouse hand warm. It's the healthy way to use the computer. Helps relieve hand pain!

Warm Mouse, ValueRays� Warm Mouse, Heated Mouse: ValueRays� Heated Computer Keyboard Pad Review & Giveaway - A Warm Keyboard Pad,Heated Computer Mouse,Warm Computer Mouse,Warm Mouse Pad!

2009-07-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

Warm Mouse, ValueRays Warm Mouse, Heated Mouse: ValueRays Heated Computer Keyboard Pad Review & Giveaway - A Warm Keyboard Pad,Heated Computer Mouse,Warm Computer Mouse,Warm Mouse Pad!

ValueRays Warm Mouse Pad Giveaway

2009-07-16T13:49:00.001-07:00

ValueRays Multi-Functional Heated Mouse Pad!

Click here and enter the giveaway contest for one ValueRays Warm Mouse Pad! It is a heated mousepad using a carbon fiber heating element making it a healthy source of infrared heat for your cold hands! The surface gets warm, not hot and it's safe for the computer, mouse and people! It measures about 10x10 inches and has two USB cords to control the multi-funtional mousepad.

This giveaway is sponsored by an authorized ValueRays supplier: http://IGMproducts.com

Cold Hands? Warm Mouse! Win a Heated Computer Mouse Giveaway

2009-07-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

Win this Heated Mouse!

The ValueRays® Heated Mouse is an optical mouse with a long cord and an on/off control on the USB cord. It heats from 99-104 degrees Fahrenheit. Many people suffer with cold hands. The ValueRays® heated mouse is ideal for people who have cold hands, work in a cold area or have a condition causing cold hands like poor circulation, arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Click Here and Enter the ValueRays Heated Mouse Giveaway. Ends August 2, 2009.

ValueRays® USB Hand Warmers - A Story to Be Told!

2009-07-03T18:36:00.000-07:00

Vote for Us
on
Start Up Nation's Competition!

Warm Mouse, Heated Keyboard's ValueRays® Home-Based Business entered the Start Up Nation's Competition! Please Vote for Us! Your vote is appreciated. Thank you!

Here's Our Story

ValueRays® is the trademark brand chosen for our products because infrared heat is a valuable source of healing for people who suffer with cold hand pain when using the computer.

ValueRays® = Valuable Infrared Radiant Heat Rays.

The home-based business came about after spending over 13 years owning and operating an ecommerce website with freezing cold hands from arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms -- tingling, numbness, pain. Plus, I had employees who suffered with cold hands and carpal tunnel surgery issues. Cold hands when using the computer became a personal issue for me, and my goal was to solve the problem. In January of 2008, I began design specs for a mouse hand warmer, and in February applied for a patent. In May of 2008, my ecommerce business sold making time to focus on solving the cold computer hands problem. In June 2008, I invented the Mouse Hand Warmer® blanket pouch. It was commended by experts and marketed. After the Mouse Hand Warmer®'s market test by late 2008, and with the encouragement of family and friends, in February 2009, I launched the ValueRays® Brand of USB Infrared Heated Hand Warmers on the website www.Warm-Mouse-Heated-Keyboard.com.

It took a year of research and development to introduce a healthy product line to solve the cold mouse hand problem. Plus, with the addition of infrared heat, ValueRays® created a solution for cold keyboard hands, too. ValueRays® blossomed into a viable resource of cost-effective and energy-efficient computer products for people who suffer with cold hands when using the computer.

Far infrared ray (FIR) is a natural deep healing source of warmth penetrating deep through the skin's layers to the muscle tissue -- even as deeply as the bones -- improving circulation and reducing inflamed tissues and joints. This radiant heat is the deep warmth one feels from sunlight without the harmful UV rays of the sun. It's been used as a healer for hundreds, if not thousands of years by Eastern Cultures. And, now people can benefit from its healthy effects by using a variety of products and devices.

The ValueRays® USB hand warmers are infrared heaters and provide "infrared heat" therapy for computer users with hand pain and cold hands. ValueRays® USB infrared heated, warm mouse, heated mousepad, heated keyboard pad and Mouse Hand Warmer® provide deep healing infrared heat for the cold mouse hand and cold keyboard hands. ValueRays® USB Hand Warmers provide a healthy way to use the computer!

Make the computer help you, not harm you! Reduce stress. Improve circulation. Keep warm! Infrared heat penetrates deep through the skin's layers to the muscle tissue relieving tension and stress. Infrared heat improves blood circulation; helps heal and reduce the onset of computer-related hand injuries - RSI, CTD, CTS. Plus, when heat is needed for arthritis joint stiffness, infrared heat therapy helps reduce pain associated with arthritis.

Poor circulatory conditions like diabetes, Raynaud's and carpal tunnel have cold hand symptoms. USB infrared heat computer accessories relieve the cold and improve circulation to the affected areas. Studies show about 20-30 minutes of infrared heat therapy daily produce positive results.

The use of infrared heat for computer users is an innovative solution to a widespread problem. In an effort to support non profits, we offer free advertising on our website to the American Diabetes Foundation, American Cancer Society, American Arthritis Foundation. We also support the Raynaud's Foundation in the USA & UK. Plus, we work closely with the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. One of our most recent fundraisers is with the American Cancer Society. Our Team raised over $3500 in May 2009 for the Relay for Life Cancer Walk. Future efforts include a pink Warm Mouse III product for our website with partial proceeds going to the American Cancer Society, product donations to the Raynaud's Foundations and to Occupational Therapists throughout the USA.

The Founder & Chief Executive of the UK Raynaud's & Scleroderma Association tested our products and endorsed them for Raynaud's sufferers. Her testimonial is on our website. Plus, we have received positive feedback and testimonials from a variety of other professional groups, hand therapists, massage therapists, occupational therapists and chronic cold hand sufferers nationwide.

We are a small home-based business with a small selection of products with HUGE benefits for our users and partners. We want our website to be more than a place to purchase products. We want our visitors to learn, become our partners and help support our mission to provide a healthy computer work area using deep healing infrared heat. We provide an extensive Learning Center and many other possibilities for creating a virtual partnership with our visitors. We plan to grown and add more healthy USB infrared heated products in the near future.

Computer use is at an all-time high! With computer use comes an array of computer-related injuries. Our goal is to teach people to use the computer in a proactive healthy manner to help prevent the onset of computer-related injury. Make the computer work for you, not harm you! ValueRays® infrared heat can help us achieve our goal.

Fairy Blog Mother Reaps the Benefits of Infrared Heat for Cold Hands! Mouse Hand Warmer Giveaway!

2009-06-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

Win the ValueRays USB Mouse Hand Wamer by visiting the Fairy Blog Mother's Giveaway

Anna Miller's Mouse Hand Warmer invention designed in February 2008 has taken some pretty intense modifications over the past several months. Introduced to the technology market in July 2008, the latest version of the Mouse Hand Warmer just hit the Internet in June. It's a mouse hand blanket and has infrared heat! It's like a mini-electric blanket for a cold mouse hand with the deep healing effects of infrared heat! You might think a cold mouse hand is an uncommon experience, but think again. Many people have what's labeled as chronic cold hand pain associated with poor circulation from computer over-use. Yup, there's another condition from computer overload and it's making our hands as numb as ice!

The Fairy Blog Mother just listed a giveaway contest on her blog for a ValueRays USB Mouse Hand Warmer. Visit the Fairy Blog Mother's website and follow the instructions to win.

ValueRays® Warm Mouse Giveaway - Cold Hands a Daily Challenge for Raynaud's

2009-06-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

ValueRays® Hand Warmer Giveaway - Cold Hands a Daily Challenge for Raynaud's

Barefoot Mommies

Cold hands when using the computer a problem? Head over to Barefoot Mommies and enter the ValueRays Warm Mouse Giveaway! The ValueRays Warm Mouse uses deep healing infrared heat to soothe the aching and cold mouse hand. The heated mouse is ergonomically shaped and provides relief to a cold mouse hand by delivering a steady flow of warmth using the USB connection on the computer. Use the computer in a healthy way.... Use a ValueRays Warm Mouse.

_____________________

Raynaud's Phenomenon
from Patient.co.uk

Raynaud's phenomenon occurs when the extremities of the body, usually the fingers and toes, change colour and may become painful. It is due to a narrowing (constriction) of the small blood vessels on exposure to the cold, or to a change in temperature, or to emotional stress. In most cases, the cause is not known. In some cases, Raynaud's is a symptom of an underlying condition such as scleroderma, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment is to keep warm. Drugs to open up the blood vessels are used in some cases.

What is Raynaud's?

Raynaud's phenomenon, often just called Raynaud's, is a condition where the small blood vessels of the fingers become narrow (constrict), most commonly when they are in a cool environment. Sometimes blood vessels to other extremities such as the toes, ears and nose are affected. It is named after Dr Maurice Raynaud, the man who first described it in 1862.

What are the symptoms of Raynaud's?

Typically, symptoms develop in fingers when you become cool. For example, in cold weather. At first the fingers go white and cool. This happens because the small blood vessels in the fingers narrow (constrict). The fingers then go a bluish colour (or even purple or black in severe cases). This happens because the oxygen is used up quickly from the blood in the narrowed blood vessels. The fingers then go bright red. This happens because blood vessels open up again (dilate) and the blood flow returns. This may cause tingling, throbbing, numbness, and pain (which can be severe in some cases).

Many people with Raynaud's do not have the full classic colour changes, but develop bouts of uncomfortable, pale, cold fingers. Only the fingers are affected in most cases. In some cases the toes are also affected. Less commonly other extremities of the body are affected such as the earlobes, nose, nipples, or tongue. Each bout of symptoms can last from minutes to hours.

Raynaud's phenomenon is usually mild, with infrequent, brief bouts of symptoms that last just a few minutes. Sometimes it is moderate with more frequent bouts of symptoms that last longer. Rarely, it is severe with repeated frequent bouts with each bout lasting longer periods of time.

What causes Raynaud's?
Primary Raynaud's - when the cause is not known. In most cases there is no known cause (more than 9 in 10 cases). This is called primary Raynaud's. The small blood vessels in the fingers, toes, etc, are just more sensitive than usual to cool temperatures. The reason for this is not known. Symptoms are triggered more easily in some cases than others. Even mildly cool weather, or getting something out of the freezer, can trigger symptoms in some people. Strong emotion may also trigger symptoms in some cases.

Usually, all fingers on both hands are affected in primary Raynaud's. It also tends to run in some families. Women are affected much more often than men. It usually first develops before the age of 30. There are no other symptoms apart from those described above, and symptoms go completely after each bout.

Secondary Raynaud's - due to an underlying cause. In less than 1 in 10 cases, there is an underlying cause. This is called secondary Raynaud's. Various condition of blood vessels, joints, muscles, nerves, or skin can cause secondary Raynaud's. For example, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), and other 'connective tissue' diseases. If you have secondary Raynaud's you will normally have other symptoms in addition to the symptoms of Raynaud's. The Raynaud's is just one feature of the condition. For example, you may also have joint pains, rashes, joint swelling, etc.

Often the underlying condition is already present, and you may develop Raynaud's as a complication. Sometimes the symptoms of Raynaud's occur first, and other symptoms of the underlying condition develop weeks, months or even years later.

In secondary Raynaud's, symptoms may first begin in just one or two fingers on one hand. This is in contrast to primary Raynaud's when all fingers on both hands are typically affected. Certain medicines may also cause secondary Raynaud's as a side-effect (see below).

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (vibration white finger) is one common cause of secondary Raynaud's. This is caused by using vibrating tools regularly over a long time. For example, it occurs in some shipyard workers, mine workers, road diggers, etc. It is thought that repeated vibrations over time may damage the small blood vessels or their nerve supply.

How common is Raynaud's?

Raynaud's phenomenon is a common disorder. About 1 in 20 people develop Raynaud's phenomenon. Up to 9 in 10 cases are primary Raynaud's. Primary Raynaud's usually first develops in teenagers and young adults, but it can develop at any age. Secondary Raynaud's can develop at any age when the underlying condition develops.

Do I need any tests to confirm the diagnosis?

Not in most cases. There is no test that confirms primary Raynaud's. The diagnosis of primary Raynaud's is made on the basis of the typical symptoms (described above) and there is no abnormality found that may suggest a secondary cause when a doctor examines you.

Features that may suggest secondary Raynaud's include:

Onset of symptoms after 30 years of age.
Abrupt onset with rapid progression and worsening of symptoms.
Severe symptoms that may include an ulcer or gangrene of part of a finger or toe.
Symptoms that only affect one hand or foot, or the symptoms are not the same or as severe on both hands and feet.
Joint pains or arthritis.
Skin rashes.
Dry eyes or mouth.
Muscle weakness or pain.
Swallowing difficulties.
Breathlessness.
Mouth ulcers.
Previous work with vibrating tools.

Blood tests and other tests may be done if secondary Raynaud's is suspected. Sometimes the diagnosis of an underlying cause is already known (for example, rheumatoid arthritis) and the development of Raynaud's is not a surprising feature.

What are the possible complications of Raynaud's?

Primary Raynaud's - complications seldom, if ever, occur. Secondary Raynaud's - complications occur in a small number of cases and include: ulcers developing on affected fingers and toes; scarring of tips of fingers and toes; gangrene (tissue death) of parts of affected fingers and toes.
What can I do to help? Smoking may make symptoms worse. The chemicals in tobacco can cause the small blood vessels to narrow. If you smoke, stopping smoking may ease or even cure the problem. Some medicines that are used to treat other conditions sometimes trigger symptoms, or make them worse. The medicine may cause the blood vessels to narrow. Such medicines include: beta-blockers, some anti-migraine medicines, decongestants, and, very occasionally, the contraceptive pill. Don't stop a prescribed medicine if you suspect it may be making symptoms worse. See your doctor to discuss possible alternatives. Other drugs. Caffeine (in tea, coffee, cola, and in some medicines) triggers symptoms in some people. Try cutting out caffeine for a few weeks to see if it helps. Amphetamines and cocaine may also be a trigger.

Try to keep warm in cool weather or in cool environments:
Keep your hands and feet warm. Warm gloves, socks, and shoes are essential when you are out in cool weather. Keep your whole body warm, not just your hands and feet. Although your hands and feet are the most important, symptoms are less likely to occur if you keep your entire body warm. So, wrap up warmly before going into cooler areas such as outside on cold days. For example, wear hats and scarves in addition to warm clothes. It is best to put on the gloves when you are warm, before going into colder areas. Ideally, keep gloves, socks, and headgear in an airing cupboard or near a radiator so they will be warm when put on. If you have severe symptoms, or symptoms that are easily triggered, then portable heat packs, and battery heated gloves and socks are useful. The Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association have a list of suppliers - see below for their details. Your pharmacist or local medical supplier may also be able to advise.
Try not to touch cold objects. For example, use a towel or gloves when removing food from the freezer or working with cold food. Regular exercise is recommended by many experts. Exercise your hands and feet frequently to improve the circulation. When a bout of symptoms develops, warm the affected hands or feet as soon as possible. Soaking the hands or feet in warm running water is a good way to get warm (but take care that the water does not become too hot, or lose its heat and become cool).

What treatments can help prevent Raynaud's symptoms?

Keeping warm is the main treatment. Symptoms are much less likely to occur, and be less severe, if you keep warm (described above). Other treatments are needed only in some cases.

Medication
A medicine called nifedipine may be advised if symptoms are severe. It works by 'opening up' (dilating) the small blood vessels. Some people take nifedipine regularly, each day, to prevent symptoms. Some people take nifedipine just during the winter, or just during cold weather spells. If you are prescribed nifedipine, read the leaflet that comes in the medicine packet for a full list of possible side-effects and cautions. Some main points about nifedipine include:

Most people do not get any side-effects, or only minor side-effects. Of side-effects that may occur, the most common are headache, flushing, nausea (feeling sick), and dizziness.

Nifedipine should not be taken by:

Pregnant women or breastfeeding women.
People with myocardial infarction, aortic stenosis, heart failure, peripheral oedema, symptomatic low blood pressure, and unstable or acute attacks of angina.
A lower dose may be required in the elderly and people with severe liver disease.
Do not drink grapefruit juice if you take nifedipine. The two can interact.
If you also take a medicine called rifampicin it may reduce how well nifedipine works.
You need your blood pressure monitored if you take both a beta-blocker medicine and nifedipine.

Various other medicines may be tried if nifedipine is not helpful, or causes side-effects.

Stress counselling or relaxation techniques. These may be helpful if you have primary Raynaud's and the symptoms are triggered by stress or emotion.

Treatment for an underlying condition -May be needed if you have secondary Raynaud's.

'Nerve blocks' or other hospital based treatments -May be tried if you have severe Raynaud's which is not helped by other treatments.

What is the outlook (prognosis)?

Primary Raynaud's
The outlook for people with primary Raynaud's is usually good. Most people have mild symptoms that do not interfere much with daily life. People with more severe symptoms often respond well to treatment with nifedipine. In some cases the condition remits (goes away) in time. In one study that followed up people with primary Raynaud's over seven years, the condition had gone away in nearly 2 in 3 cases at some point over the study period.

Rarely, someone who is thought to have primary Raynaud's develops other symptoms several years later and the diagnosis is changed to secondary Raynaud's.

Secondary Raynaud's
There are various underlying conditions that can cause secondary Raynaud's and their severity can vary. In general, symptoms are often more severe than with primary Raynaud's, and tend to respond less well to treatment. In some situations, treating an underlying condition will ease the symptoms of Raynaud's.

Further information and help
The Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association
112 Crewe Road, Alsager, Cheshire, ST7 2JA
Tel (helpline): 0800 917 2494
Tel (office): 01270 872776
Web: www.raynauds.org.uk

Warm Hands Can Make for a Healthy Heart

2009-05-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Cold hands when using the computer are a common fact. Yet, it is something most people are just recently paying closer attention to..... Why? Cold hands are a sign of many medical conditions and can be the first sign of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD). If you over use your computer hands, you may want to upgrade to USB hand warmers - infrared heated ergonomic computer accessories.

by John Scott

Getting a good night's sleep is so easy for the majority but, when something goes wrong with this natural reaction to physical tiredness, the way you feel the next day can be serious. It can be simply that you feel excessively tired. You walk around in a daze, feeling as if you had no sleep at all. This can affect your performance at work because you find it more difficult to concentrate. Moods can also change for the worse with you feeling more irritable and bad tempered. Headaches become more common.

One quite understandable reaction is to reach for the ambien bottle which has a proven track record for helping people get to sleep and stay asleep for longer. But, like many conditions, insomnia is not "cured" by taking medication. The best that ambien can do is to give relief to the immediate symptoms. In the long term, cognitive behavioural therapy provides a "cure" in most cases. So the answer is just walking into your local doctor's surgery and get an appointment? Well, not necessarily.

In an increasing number of rural and urban areas in the US, there is a widening gap between the supply of primary care physicians and the demand for their services. Because pay levels are lower than in hospitals and the debts from medical school are higher, only about a quarter of newly qualified physicians go into general practice. It can now take months to get an appointment as the population ages and more boomers require treatment. The shortage of doctors is also highlighted in states like Massachusetts where new health insurance legislation is restoring cover to many who have gone years without insurance. It is an irony that universal health cover is meaningless without a significant increase in the number of doctors in general practice. This situation will only grow worse as older doctors retire over the next decade. As it applies to insomnia, not only is there is a shortage of physicians but also of therapists.

Against this background, it was interesting to see a new potential solution for the treatment of insomnia. It has long been known that as people fall asleep, the circulation of blood slows and more blood stays longer in the arms and legs. As a result, the hands and feet warm slightly. In the Center for Sleep Medicine in New York, specialists have begun to train insomniacs in the use of biofeedback techniques to replicate this physical response.

It usually takes between two and three hours of training spread over a number of weeks for the brain to learn how to control the body's heart rate, circulation and temperature rise. About 90% of those taking part in the experiment have mastered the necessary skills and have found it easier to get to sleep. Although biofeedback and relaxation skills have been used alongside or as an alternative to ambien for some time, this is one of the first major centers to run a full-scale training exercise. If this technique can be proved effective in a statistically significant number of ordinary people rather than volunteers patient and persevering enough to learn a physical skill, it could be a highly cost-effective solution to a difficult medical problem.

As it stands, physicians are forced into the expedient of prescribing ambien to treat insomnia because there are too few therapists. The heart and temperature monitors are relatively cheap. If demand rose, the price would drop further. A simple "how to" guide plus the equipment might be all that many people need to relearn the art of failing asleep.

Beyond cold feet: painfully cold fingers and toes may signal Raynaud's disease

2009-05-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

There are products available to help solve the cold hands problem. Visit WARM-MOUSE-HEATED-KEYBOARD.com to learn more about the benefits of using USB Infrared Heated Computer Accessories. Just plug & play to generate instant therapeutic infrared heat and warmth while using the computer. It's as simple as that! Keep your hands warm and do yourself a favor. Infrared heat therapy helps improve blood circulation to restricted areas. To learn more, visit the Learning Center.

Painful cold hands and fingers are the sign of a problem. It's best to seek medical advice if cold hands interfere with your daily life activities.

Vegetarian Times , by Joanne McAllister Smart

I first heard of Raynaud's disease while rock climbing on a cool spring day. The heat of the sun had yet to caress the cliff, and I could scarcely feel my fingers as I made my way up a 60-foot crack. It's not easy climbing when your fingers are numb - they feel big and clumsy, but I was on a top rope, meaning that even if I slipped, the rope above me would keep me from faring. After finishing the route and being lowered off the cliff, I complained about my cold fingers. As I worked to warm them, my climbing partner suggested I might have Raynaud's disease. She described it as a fairly common condition that causes hypersensitivity to cold.

Though I hated to disappoint my friend - she's one of those people who likes to find an underlying disorder for every minor health complaint - I assured her that it was just that die rock was really cold. In no time my fingers felt normal, and I was ready to climb again - though I was glad the rock had warmed up.

That my friend thought I might have Raynaud's was actually not too far-fetched. According to the Mayo clinic, one in 20 Americans has the disease, named for the French physician who described it more than a century ago, with women four times to five times as likely to develop it. Leonard Bielory, M.D., director of the Allergy and Immunology division at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey estimates that S percent of the population has it. Other estimates run from 2 percent to as high as 10 percent.

Change in circulation in the hands or feet is a normal physiological response, a reflex mechanism that causes the blood vessels to narrow when exposed to the cold. Almost everyone can recall a time when their fingers, nose or toes were painfully cold, but for people with Raynaud's, even minimal exposure can cause the small arteries that supply the fingers and the toes to contract suddenly, cutting off blood flow. During an attack, which can last for minutes or hours, the affected fingers and toes tingle, bum or go numb. (In rare cases, sustained restriction of the arteries causes ulceration.) Aside from unusually cold extremities, Raynaud's is defined by color: Fingers and toes turn white due to a lack of blood, then blue as the blood sluggishly returns. As they warm and normal blood flow is re-established, they turn red.

When such symptoms are the result of a known underlying disorder, such as atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, or are caused by long-term use of vibrating tools like jackhammers and chain saws, the disease is known as secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Primary Raynaud's phenomenon - what my climbing buddy thought I had - has no known cause. "It's not a disease," says Frederick Wigley, M.D., associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University and co-director of the Raynaud's center there. "People with primary Raynaud's phenomenon are perfectly fine."

Though Wigley is technically right, people who suffer from severe cases of Raynaud's view it as more than a nuisance. "I get frustrated," says Barbara Lax, a fund-raiser who works in New York City. "I'm fearful of going outside because I know it will cause me pain." Lax, 42, says her Raynaud's began while she was in her mid-20s. At times during the winter, her feet would become so painful she could barely put on shoes. When she goes outside in the winter, Lax bundles up from head to her often painful toes.

Bunding up when it's cold is perhaps the most obvious advice for preventing an attack. But though winter may be almost a distant memory, for people who suffer from Raynaud's disease, the discomfort of numb fingers may be only as far away as an aggressively air-conditioned office. Bielory has pointed out that although Raynaud's is more prevalent in winter, "it can occur any time in a variety of cold environments, such as the frozen foods section of a supermarket." And according to Wigley, it's not necessarily constant cold temperatures that cause attacks; it's often die shifting of temperatures. "A lot of my patients have the worst time at the changing of the seasons," he says.

Stress also can bring on an attack because it creates the same reaction in the body as does the cold (think of the term "cold feet"). Under stress, blood is pulled from the hands and feet to the brain and internal organs to help one think and act more quickly.

If you have primary Raynaud's - and it's important to undergo a medical exam to make sure your symptoms are not a sign a more serious disorder - there is a lot you can do to help prevent attacks. Keep warm and dry in cold weather. Before going out in the cold, have a warm meal or drink to raise your core body temperature. (Avoid caffeine, however, as it constricts blood vessels.) Run your car in cold weather to warm it up. In all seasons, keep mittens near the freezer to use when handling frozen foods, and use insulated glasses for cold drinks. Drink plenty of fluids - dehydration can aggravate the condition by reducing blood volume - but pass on the booze. Alcohol increases blood flow to the skin, making you feel warm at first, but then cold as the heat is soon lost to air. Avoid smoking as it further restricts blood flow.

Once an attack has started, your first move should be to get warm. You can also try swinging your arms around to increase blood flow to your fingers. Rosemary Gladstar, herbalist and author of Herbal Healing for Women (Simon and Schuster, 1993), suggests a tincture (herbs soaked in alcohol) of ginkgo and ginger to help increase circulation quickly. (You can make your own tincture - combine one ounce of powdered herb with one, 80 - or 100-proof alcohol in a glass jar, cap tightly and store in a dark place for two weeks; shake well, strain out the herbs, and place a few drops under your tongue with an eyedropper - or buy a commercially prepared one at a natural food store.) She also suggests rubbing St. John's wort oil mixed with a warming oil like ginger or sage on affected fingers and toes. St. john's wort, according to Gladstar, helps soothe damaged nerve endings.

Proven long-lasting treatment is less readily available. According to The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies (Rodale Press, 1990), you can condition yourself to overcome chills and train your hands to heat up in the cold, with an adaptation of a technique developed by U.S. Army researchers in Alaska. In a room that's a comfortable temperature, submerge your hands in a container of warm water for three to five minutes. Then go into a freezing room (outside in wintertime unless you have access to a walk-in freezer) and again dip your hands in warm water for 10 minutes. The cold environment would normally make your blood vessels constrict, but the warm water makes them open. Repeatedly training vessels to open despite the cold around them may enable you to counter the restriction reflex even without the warm water.

For patients with severe cases of Raynaud's, drugs such as short-acting Nifedipine may be prescribed to help reduce the intensity of the attacks by relaxing the walls of the blood vessels. But these drugs, used to treat high blood pressure, can have side effects including headache, dizziness, rapid heartbeat and water weight gain.

Dr. Wigley suggests that to treat Raynaud's, it's important for the patient to understand what triggers an attack. Whether the condition is stress-related or related to the cold (in most cases, it's a combination of both), the treatment that looks the most promising is biofeedback, which teaches a person how to control a physiological function.

The principle behind biofeedback is that every physiological change is accompanied by the appropriate change in mental or emotional states (conscious or unconscious); the theory also involves the notion that any function that can be monitored with results made available continually to subjects can be voluntarily controlled by subjects. According to Wellness Medicine (American Health Press, 1987) "voluntary warming of the extremities using feedback with a thermal machine has been very successful. Following training, elevated temperature can often be maintained despite cold temperatures."

In biofeedback, subjects are attached to a recording device that electronically monitors a physiological function and presents a visual or auditory signal to the subject. On observing this information, the subject is able to vary the internal neurological elements controlling the monitored function by assuming a relaxed, quiet internal mental state. Though the electronic monitoring is done by trained staff, patients usually do relaxation exercises on their own between sessions.

Barbara Lax had some success with biofeedback when she tried it through the International Center for the Disabled in New York City about 10 years ago. "They [staff members at the center] taught me how to find imagery that would represent peacefulness, warmth, calm." Lax imagined a hot bubble bath. "That was my image; I got to the point where I could feel myself slide into the tub." Lax believes her biofeedback experience helped reduce the severity of her attacks but says that over time the effects of her sessions wore off. "It's something you need to practice all the time," she says. Though Lax is currently taking the drug Cardisem, a calcium channel blocker used to treat angina, to help combat her Raynaud's, she is thinking about trying biofeedback again.

Biofeedback studies concerning Raynaud's - though promising - have not been conclusive, says Wigley. Currently both he and Bielory are involved in separate ongoing clinical trials funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health testing biofeedback treatment for Raynaud's sufferers. The trial is also looking at the effectiveness of long-acting Nifedipine in separate tests. Though neither Wigley nor Bielory could comment much on their double-blind studies, Wigley says the trials are to compare the results of biofeedback to the results of taking the drug.

Other non-traditional ways to help alleviate Raynaud's attacks may also emerge. Chiropractors (health practitioners who use hands-on manipulation to bring the patient's spinal cord into alignment, thus helping alleviate other symptoms the patient may have) and osteopaths (medical doctors who focus on the impact of the musculoskeletal structure on all of the body's systems) claim success in treating the condition by working on the neck and upper spine to improve nerve and circulation supply. Lax's osteopath, George Kessler, D.O., has used manipulation to help his patients with Raynaud's. One patient, whose Raynaud's seemed exacerbated by a back injury, saw great improvement after undergoing cranialsacral balancing, a manipulation technique involving the spine that normalizes the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. "Even I was amazed" at the patient's improvement, says Kessler, who practices in New York City. Kessler says that more traditional manipulation of the neck, as well as body massage, "relaxes symptoms, but never really resolves the disease.

Iron-rich foods also may help relax symptoms, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center in Grand Forks, N.D. Researchers measured the effects of dietary iron on six healthy women when they entered a cold chamber. When the women took only one-third of the recommended amount of iron for 80 days, they lost 29 percent more body heat than when they were on an iron-rich diet. You can find iron in leafy greens like spinach, lentils and other dried beans; orange juice and other foods high in vitamin C help the body absorb iron.

To boost the circulatory and nervous systems, herbalist Gladstar recommends regularly drinking tea made from hawthorn berries. For overall relaxation, she recommends soothing herbs like chamomile and valerian. Aside from all these suggestions, Wigley maintains that the real trick to living with Raynaud's is "recognizing what the challenges are."

Barbara Lax understands that advice. "I learned how to know my body," she says. She's even taken up ice-skating. "But," she adds, "I skate indoors."

Heated Computer Mouse - A Case for Cold Hands

2009-05-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

Heated Computer Mouse by ValueRays is a bargain for those who have cold hands when using the computer. It is a USB optical computer mouse, ergonomically shaped and the perfect size to fit anyone's hand comfortably. To read more about the ValueRays Heated Computer Mouse, visit Warm Mouse Heated Keyboard. A heated computer mouse is the ideal gift for holidays, birthdays and just to say, "I'm thinking about you, and I care."

While your browsing Warm Mouse Heated Keyboard for the heated computer mouse, take a peel at the heated computer mouse pad by ValueRays, too. It has a soothing warm surface to rest your computer cold mouse hand.

Two of the small joys in life - a heated computer mouse and a heated mouse pad. Both ValueRays USB Heaters offer warm relief for cold working hands!

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The Case of the Cold Hands - Raynaud’s disease could be the culprit.
By Dr. Rob for MSN Health & Fitness

Q:I have a problem with cold hands, especially at the fingertips. This happens most often when I am nervous or exposed to cold conditions. I have no other medical problems. What do you think is wrong, and could it be a symptom of a more serious health problem? Is there a way I can improve this situation?

A: Your symptoms of cold fingertips and hands during times of stress and cold exposure suggests the benign but annoying condition of primary Raynaud’s, also called Raynaud’s disease. However, it’s possible you could have the less common and more serious version—secondary Raynaud's, or Raynaud’s phenomenon. It is called secondary because the symptoms of cold and even painful extremities are the result of other health problems. Treatment for both depends upon the severity of the symptoms and the specific form of the disease. Keep in mind, too, that cold triggers can range from just taking something out of the freezer to being exposed to chilly winter temperatures.

Primary Raynaud’s usually appears between the ages of 15 to 40, is more common in women and those who live in cold climates, and affects up to 10 percent of the population. While we don’t completely understand the process of Raynaud’s, it appears the blood vessels in the extremities overreact to stress or exposure to cold by going into spasm. This leads to decreased blood flow and loss of heat. As a result the fingers and other affected areas feel cold and become pale or blue in color. When the spasm is over, the affected areas may temporarily turn a red as the warmth returns.

Secondary Raynaud’s produces symptoms similar to primary Raynaud’s, but is triggered by smoking or a medical condition, which includes:

• Connective tissue diseases such as Scleroderma or Sjogren’s syndrome.
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
• Arterial diseases including Buerger’s and peripheral arterial disease.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Neurological disorders such as carpel tunnel syndrome and reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
• Previous fractures and vibration-induced injuries, from, for example the use of vibrating tools.

Even certain medications have the potential to trigger secondary Raynaud’s symptoms. These medications include beta blockers, estrogen-containing drugs, certain chemotherapeutic agents and the over-the-counter decongestant pseudoephedrine.

Our current approach to the treatment of Raynaud’s-type symptoms include:
• Biofeedback, which can help manage stress and decrease blood vessel spasm.
• Avoiding exposure to cold environments. If that’s not possible, then wearing gloves when cold exposure is imminent.
• Medications, such as calcium channel blockers and alpha blockers, that stimulate the blood vessels to open up.
• Regular exercise, which can improve circulation.
• Quitting smoking.
• Treatment of the underlying medical condition, if secondary Raynaud’s is diagnosed.

The diagnosis of primary vs. secondary Raynaud’s is not always straightforward, because the disease causing the Raynaud’s symptoms may not be obvious for months—or even years. This means it’s especially important to get a complete physical exam, which may include blood or circulatory testing, when you suspect Raynaud’s.

Fortunately, most people’s symptoms improve over time with lifestyle adjustments and/or medical treatments.

Cold Hands Warm Mouse by ValueRays - Shop Wholesale Online

2009-04-25T18:52:00.000-07:00

ValueRays WARM MOUSE -- ValueRays MOUSE HAND WARMER -- ValueRays WARM MOUSE PAD

Are cold hands a problem for you or your clients? Great News for Online Wholesale Shoppers! Buy ValueRays Warm Mouse, Mouse Hand Warmer and Warm Mouse Pad at very deep discounts in small quantities for your practice, store or online boutique.

Don't be fooled by cheap imitations. The ValueRays Brand is a High Quality USB infrared heater. Visit the ValueRays Wholesale Store and place an immediate order for fast delivery. Plan your Fall budget now with deep discounted and best wholesale prices for products to relieve cold hand pain.

Many people suffer from medical conditions which cause cold hands. Arthritis, Raynaud's, Diabetes, Poor Circulatory Conditions, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are just a few!

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Cold Hands Help: Noninvasive Evaluation Of Hand Circulation for Cold Hands

2009-04-19T16:11:00.000-07:00

If you or someone you know suffers with cold hands when using the computer due to poor circulation, the cold hands problem is solved! USB Infrared Heat Computer Accessories provide warmth using the computer. Cold hands are gone using the ValueRays Warm Mouse and ValueRays Warm Mouse Pad inside the Mouse Hand Warmer blanket pouch. It's three handy cost-effective, energy-efficient computer gadgets you want to soothe aching cold hands due to arthritis, rheumatism, diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, Raynaud's phenomenon, and countless other conditions with cold hand symptoms. Prices start at $19.95 with free shipping and no sales tax!

Featured Article:

Noninvasive Evaluation Of Hand Circulation for Cold Hands

from J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg
If you suffer from cold hands due to poor hand circulation, read this study located on the J Thorac website. Cardiovascular surgery may lead effect hand circulation as noted below. For more details of this study, please visit jtcs.ctsnetjournals.org.

Objective:
Radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass may lead to digit ischemia if collateral hand circulation is inadequate. The modified Allen's test is the most common preoperative screening test used. Allen test, is used to test blood supply to the hand. Unfortunately, this test has high false-positive and false-negative rates. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of a modified Allen's test with digit pressure change during radial artery compression for assessing collateral circulation before radial artery harvest.

Methods:
One hundred twenty-nine consecutive patients were studied before coronary artery bypass operations. A modified Allen's test was performed with Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow in the superficial palmar arch before and during radial artery compression. A decreased audible Doppler signal after radial artery compression was considered a positive modified Allen's test. First and second digit pressures were measured before and during radial artery compression. A decrease in digit pressure of 40 mm Hg or more (digit P) with radial artery compression was considered positive.

Results:
Seven of 14 dominant extremities (50%) and 8 of the 16 nondominant extremities (50%) with a positive modified Allen's test had a digit P of less than 40 mm Hg (false positive). Sixteen of 115 dominant extremities (14%) and 5 of 112 nondominant extremities (4%) with a negative Allen's test had a digit P of 40 mm Hg or more with radial artery compression (false negative).

Conclusion:
Use of the modified Allen's test for screening before radial artery harvest may unnecessarily exclude some patients from use of this conduit and may also place a number of patients at risk for digit ischemia from such harvest. Direct digit pressure measurement is a simple, objective method that may more precisely select patients for radial artery harvest. Additional studies are needed to define objective digital pressure criteria that will accurately predict patients at risk for hand ischemia after radial harvest.

Arthritis Hand Pain Relief: Infrared Heat Therapy Ergonomic Computer Workstation

2009-04-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

ValueRays® ergonomic computer accessories provide infrared heat therapy using infrared heaters in the comfort of your home or office. If your hand pain diagnosis results in cold computer hands and numb cold fingers, cost-effective and energy-efficient infrared heat therapy using your computer provides warmth and relief.

(PRWEB) April 12, 2009 -- IGMproducts.com announced today the availability of infrared heated computer accessories to help those who suffer with arthritis hand pain to use the computer with improved comfort and relief.

"Infrared heat is a deep penetrating source of heat therapy for computer users who have arthritis in their hands," said Anna Miller, IGMproducts.com owner. "I have arthritis in my hands, and only 20-30 minutes of infrared heat therapy daily makes a big difference in reduced hand pain and increased amount of time I can use the computer."

Infrared heat can make a difference for computer users with hand pain associated with arthritis and other conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, Raynaud's Phenomenon, diabetes and poor circulation. The relaxing heat helps get blood circulating to the affected areas.

Not everyone has poor circulation or cold hand pain when using the computer, but for people who do, IGMproducts.com provides a high-quality, low-priced infrared heated mouse, heated mouse pad, heated keyboard pad and mouse hand warmer blanket.

IGMproducts.com is the premiere online store for ValueRays® USB Infrared Heat Ergonomic Computer Accessories. The ValueRays® brand includes the following USB items:

ValueRays® Warm Mouse
ValueRays® Warm Mouse Pad
ValueRays® Warm Keyboard Pad
ValueRays® Mouse Hand Warmer®

If you or someone you know suffer from hand pain when using the computer, infrared heat computer accessories are an ideal source of soothing heat to relax sore muscles, relieve tension and stress, and provide a deep penetrating source of heat to aching hands, fingers, wrists and arms.

Using USB heat is cost-effective and energy-efficient. The computer supplies therapeutic heat energy for the mouse hand and keyboard hands. The ValueRays® USB plug & play products require no additional software to install. Just place the USB connector in an USB port to start a home-based heat therapy treatment while you are using the computer. Within a few minutes warmth is delivered to the surface of the mouse pad and to the computer mouse. Use the two heated items inside the Mouse Hand Warmer® blanket pouch and insulated infrared heat creates the perfect mouse hand environment.

IGMproducts.com offers Free USA Shipping & No Sales Tax for its online shoppers.

April is Occupational Therapy Month. If you know someone recovering from a hand injury, suggest infrared heat ergonomic work aids to assist the rehabilitation process. See the IGMproducts.com ValueRays® advertisement in April's Conference issue of OT Practice Magazine.

If you have severe hand pain symptoms, severe cold computer hands and numb cold fingers, please consult a doctor to discuss cold hand causes for a proper hand pain diagnosis. Do not rely solely on Internet research to define the causes of cold hands and hand pain.

For more information about ValueRays® USB Infrared Heat Ergonomic Computer Accessories, please visit http://igmproducts.com/

Simple Method Found To Warm Cold Hands

2009-03-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

Seems to me, the simplest method to keep your cold hands warm while using the computer is with USB Heat Computer Accessories by ValueRays®. For more information about the value of using infrared heat, visit ValueRays.com, IGMproducts.com or Warm-Mouse-Heated-Keyboard.com

from New York Times

A simple and inexpensive method of training the body to change the way it reacts to cold has proven highly successful in curing victims of a little-known disease that cuts circulation to the hands in cold weather, according to a researcher for the Army.

Using hot water and an ice chest, victims of ailment, Raynaud's disease, can train their body to prevent a routine reaction that leads to restricted circulation to hands and feet as the body saves energy to cope with cold, Dr. Murray Hamlet of the Army's Research Institute of Environmental Medicine said last week.

The curtailment of blood flow is harmless to most people because the circulation will resume after about 10 minutes, Dr. Hamlet said. But Raynaud's victims do not regain circulation to their fingers, causing a painful condition that increases the risk of frostbite and in severe cases can force amputation, he said.

Raynaud's is primarily caused by cold but also can be brought on by emotional stress and by frequent use of vibrating machinery, such as jackhammers and chain saws. For victims whose conditions are prompted by cold, the treatment has proven virtually foolproof in eliminating the problem, Dr. Hamlet said. Condition's Cause Unknown

When the body is exposed to cold, the nervous system constricts blood flow to hands and feet to retain heat. When the temperature of the extremities reaches dangerously low levels, the nervous system in effect throws a switch that dilates blood vessels and restores full circulation, Dr. Hamlet said.

But Raynaud's sufferers do not regain circulation because blood vessels leading to their hands do not dilate as they should. Researchers have been unable to determine what causes the condition, Dr. Hamlet said.

It is unclear how many people have Raynaud's, which occurs predominantly among women, affecting perhaps as many as 10 percent of them, Dr. Hamlet said. Many victims are not aware they have the disease because they think their body's response to the cold is normal, he said.

A procedure originally devised a decade ago by an Army doctor at an laboratory in Alaska to treat the disease has been refined by reasearchers at the Army laboratories here and now is being used more and more by civilian physicians, Dr. Hamlet said. Warm and Cold Water

Three to six times a day, every other day, Raynaud's sufferers undergo a treatment in which they first sit indoors with their hands submerged in warm water and then are put in a cold environment, exposed to the cold except for their hands, which are submerged in an ice chest filled with warm water.

After 50 rounds of treatment, all of the 150 test subjects at the laboratories here were able to venture into the cold without losing circulation to their hands, he said.

''We just retrain those blood vessels to dilate rather than restrict in response to cold,'' Dr. Hamlet said. ''It works extremely well.'' He said the treatment may not work, however, for victims of Raynaud's who developed the disease as a result of other illnesses, such as high blood pressure, arterial disease, drug abuse and trauma.

Dr. David Trentham, medical director of rheumatology at Boston's Beth Israel Hospital, said the success rate of the treatment had not been shown independently of the Army data but that it appeared to work well.

''It's a very innovative and interesting approach and there is an abundance of evidence to indicate why it should work,'' he said. ''It hasn't been confirmed but I think that is largely because it is so new.''

Cold hands? USB Infared Heat to the Rescue!

2009-03-28T20:29:00.000-07:00

If you are one of the many people who suffer with cold hands when using the computer, there's a solution. Computer users use USB Heated Computer Accessories to create a cost-effective and energy-efficient source of warmth. The products are manufactured by ValueRays®: Infrared Heat Warm Mouse, Heated Mouse Pad & Warm Computer Keyboard Pad.

It doesn't matter if you sit and think, or if you just sit! When your hands are cold, your entire body feels the chill. Chills create distraction, and the only thing to think about is the cold. Not all people have cold hands when using the computer, but for those who do, there are infrared heat, ergonomic computer work aids to help cold hand pain.

Three items used whenever we use a computer are the computer mouse, mouse pad and computer keyboard. Using the computer mouse and keyboard with cold hands is very uncomfortable and at times very painful. A cold mouse hand creates numb fingers, and the chill is felt to the bone. Trying to grip a computer mouse and typing with freezing, frigid fingers and hands is nearly impossible. The solution is an infrared heat warm mouse, heated mouse pad and heated computer keyboard.

Heated computer gadgets and mouse hand warmers connect to the computer using an USB port. USB connections create an energy-efficient and cost-effective source of heat energy during winter months or during the summer when air-conditioning creates a cold work space and hands become cold. Some people sit near a drafty window or under a ceiling fan where cold drafts become a problem. Using a heated mouse, warm mouse pad and warm keyboard pad can help relieve cold hand pain.

When an USB warm computer gadget is designed with a carbon fiber, it creates infrared heat. Infrared heat is an excellent source of healing energy. The natural source of infrared heat comes from the sun. It's the deep penetrating heat we feel when the sun's rays hit our skin. The sun's natural infrared rays are capable of penetrating deep into the body where they elevate surface temperature and activate healthy body functions.

The infrared heat from USB warm computer gadgets is the same as the sun's infrared heat without the harmful UV rays of the sun. The infrared waves are a safe alternative to natural sun infrared rays. The infrared rays heat objects by direct light conversion - a process to directly warm an object; i.e., the warm mouse, warm mouse pad, and warm keyboard pad, and not the surrounding air. Infrared heat rays from the warming mouse, warming mouse pad and warming keyboard pad penetrate the hand, warm the muscles, tissues and dilate the blood vessels. The infrared heating process improves blood circulation by allowing the blood to flow more freely through the cold, painful, tense hand.

A standard, USB heated computer mouse connects to the computer through an USB (United Serial Bus) port and delivers infrared heat creating a comfortably warm mouse hand. It has the basic functions and characteristics of a standard mouse with the added feature of delivering heat to a cold mouse hand. The USB infrared heated, warm computer mouse is an efficient way to stay warm by using energy generated from the computer. The USB warm mouse is ergonomically shaped and comfortable to hold. It is an optical scrolling mouse with an accurate 800dpi. The warm mouse has two buttons and three functions, and it works with any PC, Mac or Notebook style computer. A warm mouse has a "plug & play" install with no additional software needed.

The heated mouse pad connects to the computer through an USB (United Serial Bus) port and delivers infrared heat to the mouse hand. It has many more functions compared to a standard mouse pad. The USB heated mouse pad creates a warm mouse pad surface to rest the hand and wrist. It's an efficient way to keep the mouse hand warm. The USB warm mouse pad is ergonomically shaped and comfortable to use. It has an ergonomic wrist support pad at the front of the mousepad, and at the opposite end of the mousepad there are four USB ports. The warming mouse pad is constructed of a smooth, hard surface compatible to use with any mechanical or optical mouse for ease of mouse movement. A standard heated mouse pad measures about 10" x 10" with a height of about .5 inch. When plugged into the USB port, the heated pad illuminates around three sides with colored lights. The warm mouse pad operates on a safe, low voltage and generates soothing heated mouse pad warmth. The warm mouse pad works with a 2.0 USB outlet on a PC, Mac or Notebook style computer. It has a "plug & play" install with no additional software needed.

The warm mouse and heated mouse pad help the cold mouse hand and serve a purpose when used together or separately. When the two items are used in combination with third item, a mouse hand warmer blanket pouch, infrared heat is insulated inside and under a mouse hand blanket creating a perfectly warm mouse hand environment.

With the mouse hand warm, the keyboard hands are still an issue for the person who suffers with cold hands. The heated computer keyboard pad connects to the computer through an USB port and delivers infrared heat to the hands, arms and wrists. It is ergonomically shaped and offers support for the keyboard hands and wrists for typing on the keyboard. The wrist pad is easy to maintain. It has a nylon cover with a zipper closure making it easy to remove and hand wash/air dry. A standard USB heated computer keyboard pad measures about 16 inches long, 3 inches wide and has a height of about 3/4" tall. It has a soft sponge insert making the wrist pad very comfortable for keyboard use. It aligns your wrist ergonomically over the keyboard adding supprt and warmth while you type or work. The USB heated keyboard wrist pad works with any PC, Mac or Notebook style computer. It has a "plug & play" install with no additional software needed.

There is help for people who have cold hands when using the computer. Warm computer gadgets to help cold hands are available online. Making an investment in one or all four computer gadgets to help relieve the cold has high a payoff value when cold hands cause pain and discomfort. A simple Google search for "infrared heat computer gadgets" will provide available online options.

Source:

http://igmproducts.com

http://valuerays.com

http://warm-mouse-heated-keyboard.com

Warm up cold hands

2009-03-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

by Noel

While out walking in the Chiltern Hills on Sunday I experienced something that many of my clients have commented on and that is cold hands. Now, you may well ask what's so remarkable about cold hands.....we all experience this when it's cold. But sometimes we can get hands that are colder than it is outside, even when wearing thick gloves and even when it's not cold at all. In extreme situations the colour of our hands or feet can change from pink through purple to orange, blue and even to white.

As with any medical condition it is important to not self-diagnose. By trying to diagnose for ourselves without professional experience and then to 'treat' a medical condition for ourselves it's possible to delay discovering the actual cause of the problem to such a degree that the condition gets worse. So if you have concerns that you have circulatory problems of any sort, you should visit your doctor without delay.

There are many causes of extremely cold hands....apart from the weather. Raynaud's Syndrome is a condition where some people's blood vessels go into spasm and contract in response to feeling cold, but do so to such a degree that they constrict the flow of blood to the extremities of the body, such as hands or feet. This can be very painful, resulting in white finger or wax finger. But this may not be the cause for many of us who just create unnecessary tension and constriction of blood vessels by postural habits.

In my own situation on Sunday, I was carrying a backpack for our lunch and I had been tensing my shoulders in a way that is not normal for me, and of which I should have been more aware. However, the experience served to remind me how uncomfortable it can be. By hunching my shoulders even just a little, it's possible to create sufficient tension in muscles around the blood vessels to constrict the flow of blood, so causing my cold hands. I was fortunately able to do a lot for myself and relieve the situation.

It's interesting though, just because we suffer the discomfort in our hands or feet, the cause of the problem is unlikely to be limited to that location of the symptom but elsewhere too. As I've said, tense shoulders can reduce circulation to the hands, but so too can tense wrists or elbows as well as in the hands themselves.

The answer to many cases will be to help free up our arms and shoulders. Try swinging your arms over your head like a cricket bowler or a windmill. Stretch your fingers while you do so. I picked up ia very useful tip from an article in January issue of The Strad magazine by Simon Fischer who describes an exercise Jascha Heiftez recommended to his pupils to warm up their hands in readiness for playing the violin.

There are three stages to this exercise. Neutral, Stretched and Closed.

Neutral: Keep the back of your hand straight with your forearm then allow your fingers to curl gently. The fingers should be close together. Viewed side on, your hand forms the letter C, but the thumb should be pointing in line with the back of your hand.

Stretched: Now pull all the fingers backwards so they are still hooked, but pulled away from the palm. The muscles in the back of your hand are contracting to do this. (If you were a rock climber you may hang onto a ledge with these hooked fingers.)

Closed: Then push them forwards so the fingers close inwards and touch your palm to make a fist. The muscles in the inside of your fingers are now contracting.

This exercise uses both extensor muscles and flexors alternately. Do this repeatedly, but keep your hands and fingers relaxed while doing so. As Stephen Fischer says, they will not feel completely relaxed or 'floppy'. The muscles will be 'active' but should not tensed tight.

As with any situation regarding tense shoulders, there is a real requirement to 'let muscle tension go', to let them relax. Think of freeing your neck, and allow your shoulders to 'soften' and think of them widening. Do not 'pull' your shoulders back, as that is more tension in a different place! 'Think' them wide. You can also shake your hands and fingers loose...make them floppy and flap them around a bit.

If you are concerned about your hands and circulation, it is very important that you visit your doctor and do not just rely on my suggestions written here. However, I do hope this has been of help or interest.

Cold Hands and Feet

2009-03-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

We Specialize in Infared Heated Computer Mouse, Mouse Pad and Computer Keyboard Pad. They are USB devices plugged into your computer. Why not do something healthy while you are using the computer! Visit IGMproducts.com to learn more about ValueRays Warm Mouse, Warm Mouse Pad and Warm Keyboard Pad.

from Brigham and Womens Stay Well Solutions Online

Chronic cold hands and feet most often are caused by circulatory problems associated with medical conditions. Cold hands and feet can affect men and women of any age, but they are somewhat more common among older adults.

In an older person, cold hands and feet can indicate hardening of the arteries. In a younger person, the condition might mean vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels. When hardening of the arteries is the cause, physical exertion may bring on cold hands and feet, and rest may relieve the problem.

The most frequent but often misunderstood condition associated with cold hands and feet is a syndrome called Raynaud's phenomenon. Raynaud's is more common in women and may first appear between the ages of 20 and 50. Raynaud's may appear alone or be part of a more serious disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma or other types of vasculitis. About half of all people with Raynaud's have it alone, while others have Raynaud's as part of a more serious illness.

Raynaud's doesn't cause cold hands and feet, however; it is triggered by exposure to cold or stress. Exposure to cold causes blanching and pain in the extremities of individuals with with Raynaud’s.

People who suffer Raynaud's phenomenon are fine until they are exposed to very cold weather or place their hands or feet in cold water. Normally, your hands and feet will return to normal temperature within minutes after you leave the cold behind. But people with Raynaud's sometimes have cold hands and feet up to an hour after their exposure ends. They may experience cold, pain or a stinging sensation in their hands and feet. Their hands and feet may even appear abnormal after exposure to cold -- they look white, then blue, then red. This occurs in reaction to the blood vessels in the extremities becoming constricted (narrowed) and then taking awhile to dilate (widen).

What to Do
See your physician to rule out a serious condition, such as a major circulatory problem or a connective tissue disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma. People prone to cold hands and feet should be sure to wear warm gloves, socks and shoes in cold weather. They should also exercise care when exposing their hands to cold water by wearing special waterproof gloves. If you know you'll be going somewhere you'll be exposed to cold, wet weather, take an extra pair of gloves and warm shoes or boots in case the first pair gets wet.

Use Medicine Effectively
Medications can be used to treat cold hands and feet. Perhaps the most widely used medications are the class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Aspirin also improves blood circulation. Beta blockers, on the other hand, could worsen this problem.

Self-care Steps for Cold Hands and Feet

If you smoke, quit. Smoking can cause hardening of the arteries.
Use warm gloves, shoes and socks.
Limit your exposure to cold weather and cold water.
Eat a low-cholesterol diet.
Begin a graduated exercise regime with your physician's advice.

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How to Cure Your Low Thyroid Symptoms with Essential Oils

2009-03-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

Cold Hands? Visit the Cold Hand Specialists at ValueRays.com

by Sarah Tomley

Even after you’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's, you may find yourself suffering fluctuations in how you feel – especially since even the foods you eat can affect how well your medicines can work

Which Essential Oils Should I Use?
Each essential oil has a unique quality and ability to soothe or stimulate different parts of the mind and body. You’ve probably got very used to noticing how your mind and body is reacting, to keep track of how well any medicines, such as thyroxine, are working. You can use the same information and awareness to choose an essential oil that will perfectly suit your needs.

There are lots of ways to use essential oils: you can use them in the bath, mix them with carrirer oils for massage or on compresses, or diffuse them into the air, by heating them in a burner.

Myrtle (Myrtus communis) Myrtle is said to help normalize hormonal imbalances of the thyroid and ovaries and support immune function. It is considered to be the most useful oil of all in treating hypothyroidism.

Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare Dulce) This oil and herb helps the adrenals, which is important as many people with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s also suffer from adrenal deficiency. It is also said to balance the pituitary and thyroid – the critical glands for regulating the thyroid.

Lavender (Lavandula Augustifolia/Officinalis/Dentata) This has anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. If your thyroid becomes inflamed, try mixing some Lavender oil with hot water, and dipping a flannel into the water. Press the warm flannel gently over your neck as a compress, preferably while lying down. Do this twice a day, or whenever you feel your thyroid needs calming.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) This oil helps support the respiratory, nervous, and glandular systems. It is said to have a hormone-like activity, and is antispasmodic, so may also help with cramps. It is something of a star performer, as it is also anti-infectious, antiparasitic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory – so may be particularly useful for people with Hashimoto’s disease.

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) This oil (and spice) helps support the adrenal glands – so is good for those who suffer from adrenal deficiency. The oil stimulates circulation, which should help with cold hands and feet, and helps with digestive problems such as indigestion and flatulence.

Pine (Pinus Pinaster/Sylvestris) This oil acts on the hormones, having a cortisone-like effect. Since the body needs adequate stores of its own cortisol hormone in order to use thyroxine successfully, this oil might be worth trying if you’re still feeling very tired while on medication.

German Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita) Chamomile can improve hair growth and condition, soothe inflamed joints, lessen insomnia, dispel migraines, and generally de-stress the body and mind.

Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens) Geranium oil works strongly to help balance hormones, and is also a relaxant (good for cramps), anti-inflammatory (good for those with Hashimoto’s), and stimulates the liver and pancreas. Since the liver does a lot of the good work in converting T4 hormone into T3 – vital for those on thyroxine – this is a big bonus.

Sandalwood (Santalum Spicatum/Album) This oil stimulates the pineal and pituitary glands to enhance meditiation and calm stress. It is also thought to help balance the metabolism, which is the hypothyroid patient’s ultimate goal.

Tansy (Tanacetum Vulgare) This oil is an anti-inflammatory and it also improves circulation, which is great for treating those cold hands and feet. It is also said to cleanse the lymphatic system, which is important for those with Hashimoto’s. Use the oil or the herb in teas and cooking.

Sage (Salvia Officinalis) This essential oil works wonders on the mind, helping to relieve depression and lift any sense of mental fatigue.

Vetiver (Vetiveria Zizaniodes) This oil has a deliciously fresh smell, and has powerful anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly, it has “warming” properties too, so should help with the low body temperature so common to people with hypothyroidism.

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) This oil is an anti-inflammatory that can also help with intestinal problems, muscle spasms, headaches, and mental fatigue.
Clove (Syzgium Aromaticum) This oil is renowned for improving the memory (as well as famously soothing tooth pain).

Dill (Anethum Graveolens) This oil and herb helps to lower glucose levels, which can be a problem for people with thyroid conditions. It is also said to help with liver deficiencies, which can be a cause of ineffective conversion of the T4 to T3 hormones in the body.

Marjoram (Thymus Mastichina) This plant is useful as a herb and oil for releasing muscles and blood vessels – it works brilliantly for shifting very stubborn headaches (press a marjoram compress against the back of your neck) and for relieving bad cramps. It also helps to ease insomnia and bring restful sleep.

Warning! Use your Oils Safely
Always consult your doctor before using any oils, especially if you are on thyroxine medication or are pregnant.

The only essential oils that can safely be used in neat form, and small amounts, are Lavender and Tea Tree. Do not be tempted to use any other essential oil without diluting it: these are strong substances that can cause severe effects if used incorrectly.

If you accidentally get any mix of essential oils in your eyes, put a few drops of pure vegetable oil in the eyes to dilute it and “wash” it out. Do not use water.

Cold Hand Pain: Warm mouse, heated mouse pad & heated computer keyboard

2009-03-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

ValueRays.com and IGMproducts.com are the best online resource for USB Infrared Heat Computer Gadgets: Warm Mouse, Heated Mouse Pad, Heated Computer Keyboard Pad, Mouse Hand Warmer Blanket Pouch

Cold hands when using a computer are a common symptom for many people. People who use nicotine and alcohol report having cold hands because blood vessels open less when nicotine or alcohol is present in the blood. People who suffer from poor circulation of the hands experience cold, numb hands and fingers when they are using the computer.

Poor ciculation may or may not be associated with a medical condition. The medical conditions known to have symptoms of cold hands are: Buerger's disease, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon, de Quervain's tenosynovitis syndrome, Tendonitis, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Diabetes, and any condition affecting the circulatory system causing poor circulation.

Although the medical conditions are treated, at times, the medication itself causes side effects and cold hands. Whether you suffer from a medical condition, or have cold hands without any medical diagnosis, the task of using the computer with cold hands is not comfortable. As a matter of fact, it can be very painful. Painful cold hands and numb fingers make it difficult to use the computer mouse and the compute keyboard. The only relief for cold hands is to stop using the computer, and in today's technology-dependent environment that's not a viable option.

There are ergonomic computer work aids designed to provide heat for computer users with cold hands. The heated USB computer gadgets are the Warm Mouse, Heated Mouse Pad, and Heated Computer Keyboard. These products use infrared heat to deliver soothing, relaxing warmth to the computer users frigid hands.

The USB warm computer gadgets use infrared heat. Infrared heat removes toxins from the blood and improves blood circulation. Studies show 20-30 minutes of infrared heat daily can have positive results. Infrared heat is known to heal stiff joints and sore muscles making it ideal for many people with arthritis. Infrared heat penetrates deep through the skin's layers through the blood expanding blood vessels to enable blood flow. When blood flows easily, poor circulation is improved. Poor circulation is most-likely the top cause of cold hands and fingers.

Not all people suffer with cold hands when using the computer, but if you do, or if you know someone who does, using infrared heat computer gadgets may solve the cold hand problem. For therapeutic cold mouse hand pain relief, use the warm mouse and warm mouse pad inside a mouse hand warmer blanket pouch. The heat generated from the warm mouse and heated mouse pad is insulated inside the blanket pouch creating a perfectly warm mouse hand environment. This trio of hand warmers is ideal for anyone who has cold hands when they use the computer. Plus, it's an economical and energy-efficient source of warmth for computer users.

Nothing ventured is nothing gained. When we have a sore back or stiff neck, we reach for the heating pad. Now, when we have a sore hand, wrist, fingers or stiff joints, we can reach for the warm mouse, warm mouse pad and warm keyboard pad. Plus, slipping the warm mouse and heated mouse pad inside the mouse hand warmer blanket is an added feature and creates a multi-functional ergonomic work space. These items deliver healing infrared heat to our aching, sore and cold computer hands. No need to suffer while browsing the Net or surfing your favorite website. USB heated computer gadgets deliver quick warming relief from the computer to your fingertips!

Article Source: IGMproducts Learning Center

More Cold Hand Pain Articles: IGMproducts Articles

Start Up Nation - Vote Cold Hands

2009-03-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

Cold Hands Blog says, "Please click the above picture and vote for our start up company on Start Up Nation."

Voting deadline is March 31, 2009. Thank you!

http://www.igmproducts.com/

We specialize in Ergonomic Heated Computer Aids.

Keep cold hands looking pretty

2009-03-07T21:59:00.000-08:00

A life saver for cold hands.... ValueRays Heated Computer Products

A Show of Hands - Skin Care for Your Hands
By Kimberly Kolodzizejski

Wrinkles on your face aren’t the only way nature gives away your age. Your hands can be a more obvious age tattle than you think. Wrinkles, saggy skin and brown spots are all signs that even though the skin on your face looks young and radiant, your hands may be screaming “neglect!”

Sun damage can affect the skin of your hands even more quickly than protected facial skin. Your hands are constantly exposed to the sun and consequently brown spots tend to pop up in your late thirties or early forites. Previously known as "age spots", the nomer is only semi-correct as these are caused by sun exposure over the years and appear as we age, but are not just a result of getting older. While our facial moisturizers should, and most often do, contain the minimum SPF 15 sunscreen, most hand lotions do not. It is essential to apply a lotion with sunblock to your hands if you want to avoid the very same results of sun damage that occurs on your face.

Don’t be afraid to use the same moisturizer you use on your face on your hands when moisturizing your face. Using a mild exfoliating cleanser daily will slough off dead skin cells leaving your hands looking more radiant and feeling smoother and using your weekly lactic acid exfoliator will have the same affect on your hands as it does on your face. Using antioxidant serums and retinol creams can repair much of the damage caused by the sun.

So don’t sit on your hands when it comes to younger looking skin, daily skin care is essential to beautiful skin ~ hands down!

Frostbite & Cold Hands - What to look for...

2009-02-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

Learn about ways to keep your hands warm while you are at work. We specialize in Warm Mouse Hand products. Visit us today.

Expert advice By Meredith Cohn

It's cold outside. And as people shovel snow, scrape car windows or just spend time in the frigid air, some find that their hands and feet become numb or painful. Better get indoors or warm up, because this could mean frostbite or, more likely, frostnip, says Dr. John Wogan, attending physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Greater Baltimore Medical Center.

What is frostbite?

Frostbite is what happens when exposure to severe cold temperatures reduces blood flow and causes ice-crystals to form inside body tissues, leading to serious, even irreversible, damage. Frostbite can result in permanent nerve injury - primarily numbness or pain - and tissue destruction, even the loss of fingers or toes. Frostnip is a milder, reversible, cold-related illness in which the numbness and pain are only temporary.

How common is it?

Frostbite is not terribly common in Maryland. Most people are able to avoid really frigid weather. Of the cases of frostbite that we treat in emergency departments, many involve people who are homeless, intoxicated, have psychological illness, exercise poor judgment or don't take typical precautions.

Are women, seniors or children more likely to suffer from it?

Yes and no. The single most important contributing factor to the development of frostbite is behavior. The people who are most prone to develop frostbite are those who make bad decisions about things like exposure to the elements, clothing or alcohol and drug use. Children and adolescents, who may be responding to peer pressure, and people with psychiatric illness are especially vulnerable. Seniors are at marginally greater risk for frostbite because they have conditions, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, collagen vascular diseases and anemia, which compromise good blood flow. Certain medications, especially those taken for heart disease or high blood pressure, can also play a role. Alcohol not only interferes with sound judgment but also dilates blood vessels, leading to heat loss, and reduces sensation, a triple threat when it comes to cold-related illness.

How do you know you have it other than really cold body parts?

If the symptoms - numbness, pain and changes to skin color - do not improve despite re-warming for 15 to 30 minutes, seek medical attention. Frostnip is quickly reversible. With frostbite, the skin looks pale, thick and inflexible, and may even blister. In addition, the skin usually feels numb, although there may be minimal sensation to touch.

Does frostbite affect more than hands and feet?

Yes. Those body parts that are furthest from the core - abdomen and chest - of the body including the fingers, toes, nose, ears and chin, are most susceptible to frostbite.

What's the first thing you should do?

Rewarming is the key to treatment. If you are out of doors, get indoors. If you can't get indoors, use adequate, dry clothing or try to position the symptomatic body parts in a warm place, like under your armpits or between your thighs. If you think you have frostbite, do not rub the skin because friction can lead to more damage. Warm, never hot, water is useful for treating frostbite.

Should people avoid running their cold hands under hot water?

Yes. Hot water burns, especially in patients with frostbite, which can produce further tissue destruction. Also, since your skin may feel numb if you have frostbite or frostnip, you could have trouble sensing just how hot the water is, causing even worse burns.

Do you always need to seek medical help?

Not always. If you really think you have frostbite, seek medical attention. But if your symptoms - pain, numbness, color changes - resolve as you warm up, you should not need to see a doctor.

Are you more likely to get frostbite if you've had it before?

Yes. The damage to tissues and blood vessels caused by frostbite does make you more susceptible to recurrent frostbite. Also, the behavioral issues that led to the first episode of frostbite may still be present.

Are there long-term problems associated with frostbite?

Yes. You may develop numbness to the skin and sensitivity to the cold. Severe frostbite can cause loss of the involved body tissue, e.g., tips of the nose, ears, toes and fingers.

What's the best way to prevent it?

Avoid exposure to extremely cold weather. Layer your clothing and keep it dry. Use mittens rather than gloves. Cover your head, including your ears, with a warm hat, preferably wool. Use a scarf. Cover your face, e.g., with a balaclava. Tight-fitting clothing, especially shoes, can cut off circulation, interfering with your ability to stay warm. Wear warm, water-resistant shoes or boots. Stay well-hydrated. Limit alcohol use. Don't smoke cigarettes because nicotine further constricts blood vessels.