When and How to Use Heat Therapy to Treat Pain

Heated Back Wrap Heat therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat persistent pain associated with minor injuries, sore muscles, and chronic arthritis. When applied to problem areas, heat increases blood flow and loosens stiff joints and muscles, bringing almost instant relief to your ailing body.

But when is the best time to use heat therapy and how can you apply it? Let’s take a look at a few of the more common scenarios.

When to use heat therapy

Heat therapy can be used to treat a number of non-inflamed injuries, disorders, and conditions, such as:

  • Minor muscle pain resulting from repetitive motion or exercise
  • Joint pain related to the onset of arthritis
  • Discomfort stemming from menstrual cramps
  • Lower back pain
  • Migraines
  • General stress relief

How to use heat therapy

There are a variety of ways to deliver the heat required for therapeutic uses, so you can just choose the method that works best for you. Bear in mind that safety and comfort are the key points as you consider the following:

  • Wearing a battery heated back wrap
  • Soaking in a warm/hot bath or whirlpool
  • Sitting in a sauna
  • Wearing a reusable therapeutic shoulder wrap
  • Using a hot water bottle
  • Applying warm compresses or heat patches

Whatever your ailment and whichever delivery method you choose, experts recommend engaging in heat therapy for up to 20 minutes twice a day for the best results.

Heat therapy is a tried and true method for overcoming a whole host of pain-related issues, so if you suffer from any of the conditions listed above, it’s definitely worth a try. Be sure to visit CozyWinters.com today to view our selection of effective heat therapy products that can help you beat chronic pain at last.

Slope Safety Tips for Skiers, Snowboarders, and Trekkers

Winter Trekking One of the best things about winter is having the opportunity to head to the mountains after a fresh snowfall for a beautiful day of skiing, snowboarding, or trekking. These exciting activities are a fantastic way to get your blood flowing and adrenaline pumping, and they sure beat sitting around the house watching reruns on TV.

But nothing can turn a great day into a horrific one faster than an accident, injury, or other mishap out on the slopes. That’s why it’s important to put safety first and be prepared for some of the most common calamities that might arise. Here are a handful of safety tips that all skiers, snowboarders, and trekkers should keep in mind for every outing:

  • Dress in layers that can easily be removed or added according to changing weather conditions
  • Prevent hypothermia by changing into warm, dry gear every day. Portable glove and boot dryers can help get your equipment ready to go in just a few short hours.
  • Never take a jump blindly. Be sure to scout all landing areas and use a spotter if necessary
  • When venturing to remote areas, tell others about your plans, route, and destination
  • Heed all warning signs on the mountain and stay well clear of avalanche danger zones
  • If possible, carry a small shovel and wear an avalanche beacon as added precautions
  • Consider fitting your trekking boots with ice cleats to aid with traction and prevent falls
  • Know your limits and don’t try anything reckless that might needlessly put yourself or others in danger

Not every accident can be avoided, but a “safety first” attitude, common sense, and good preparation will help prevent minor problems from turning into major catastrophes. Keep the above tips in mind the next time you hit the slopes so you can enjoy your day and return in one piece.

Signs/Symptoms of Hypothermia

Stay Safe this Winter Some people take refuge in their homes at the first hint of cold temperatures or snowfall, never to emerge again until spring. But there’s plenty of fun to be had outdoors even in the winter, especially if you take care to protect yourself against the elements with battery heated clothing and similar gear.

For example, a high-quality jacket paired with heated gloves can help ward off hypothermia and other serious risks posed by extreme temperatures. Hypothermia is the condition that arises when your body loses heat at a greater rate than it produces heat, causing your internal temperature to dip to a dangerous—or even life-threatening—level.

If you plan to spend significant time outdoors this winter or if you work with children or the elderly, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the most common signs and symptoms of hypothermia. These include:

  • Near-constant shivering that may become progressively more intense
  • Loss of coordination
  • Slow, shallow breathing
  • Stumbling or staggering
  • Drowsiness or lethargy
  • Mumbled or slurred speech
  • Weak pulse
  • Memory loss or confusion
  • Irrational behavior, such as attempting to remove warm clothing

In the elderly, the symptoms of hypothermia may manifest a bit differently—particularly if the condition is caused by factors unrelated to the outdoors (such as a poorly insulated home or cranked up air conditioning).  In these situations be on the lookout for:

  • Faster breathing
  • Increased heart rate
  • High blood pressure
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Fatigue
  • Shivering

And in the case of infants, get ready to take action if you notice bright red skin that is cold to the touch or if the child exhibits very low energy levels.

If left untreated, hypothermia can lead to frostbite, gangrene, trench foot, chilblains, or worse. Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition is one way to avoid disaster; being prepared for the elements with new battery heated clothing and cold weather gear from CozyWinters.com is another, so check out our site today.

Hypothermia in Dogs: How to Keep Your Pet Warm in Winter

heated dog bedDoes your dog stay outside year round? Do you take him hunting in the winter? Does he like to frolic in the snow?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to take extra precautions to protect your pet against hypothermia.

That’s right: despite their heavy coats, dogs are still vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite when exposed to extreme cold for lengthy periods.

The symptoms of hypothermia in dogs are similar to what humans experience and may include excessive shivering, staggering while walking, listlessness, and clumsiness or loss of coordination.

To ensure your favorite canine companion makes it through the winter in tiptop shape, it’s vital that you keep him as warm as possible even when he’s outdoors. Here’s how to do it:

– Provide a sturdy dog house or other suitable shelter to block out the wind and cold
– Look into dog house heating options from CozyWinters.com, including furnaces and bed warmers
– Give your pet plenty of opportunities to stay active via regular walks and play sessions
– Increase your best friend’s daily food rations to help ensure he has adequate fat to insulate his body against the cold
– Consider outfitting your dog with a jacket, sweater, or booties for additional protection against the elements
– If possible, bring your pet indoors when overnight temperatures are expected to be dangerously low or when a big storm is slated to hit your area

Even the heartiest breeds need help to stay warm through a brutal winter. Follow the tips listed here and visit CozyWinters.com now to browse our complete selection of heated dog beds, self-warming beds, dog house furnaces, and other cold weather pet gear.