SweatZone Sweat Wipes Review
SweatZone Sweat Wipes
Grade: A+
Teacher’s Comments: They do the job. They should be in everyone’s golf go-bag or gym bag.
Manufacturer’s Site
On Amazon
So here’s a first-world problem. I get in my Subaru Forester and drive an hour or two to add a new golf course to my “collection.” I play, photograph and take notes for a golf course review, all while walking. Four hours of walking golf works up a lot of sweat, so when the round is over, I’m drenched and smelly. Changing to a fresh shirt solves the wet problem, but I’m still driving home smelly and feeling gross from being covered in sunscreen and bug spray.
As I said. First world problems.
Fortunately, I’ve found a first world solution. This past winter, Sweatzone sent a couple of packages of their multi-sport disposable body wipes. Although I play plenty of golf in Michigan in the winter, as you can imagine, sweat is not an issue: staying warm is.
So now that I’ve had a few weeks of sweaty, smelly, sunscreened golf under my belt, I’ve been able to properly test the sweat wipes.
They really do the job.
The Sweat Wipes are large (10″ x 12″) and relatively thick at 50 grams per square meter (GSM). They’re slightly damp and soft. A single one is all I need wipe off the grime, lotion, and all the sand and grass bits that have stuck to the lotion on my arms and legs.
Although the wipes have no scent and are alcohol free, they also do a pretty good job of killing odor. They are vitamin E enriched and contain aloe, so they’re easy on the skin.
I have sensitive skin, which is another reason why I want the sunblock and bug spray off as quicky as possible.
SweatZone’s Sweat Wipes are priced at around $6 for a dozen. Fifty cents each seems to me to be very reasonable.
The wipes come in a bag that has a resealable closure and that has seemed to work well enough to keep the wipes moist and fresh, even after sitting for a week in a hot car. However, I recently decided to double bag them in a ziplock.
This is the sort of thing that I think belongs in every golfer’s go-bag (you DO have a go bag, don’t you) or gym bag.
]]>Tags: School, Preschool, Kindergarten, High School, Class, Teachers, School Supplies, University, Back-To-School, Students, Backpack, Subjects, Children, Elementary, Foaming Hand Sanitizer.
Table of Contents:
If you are a beginner at this, you probably know some of what I will be stating. You can still further read to dig more about the essential school supplies with or without a pandemic. You probably have some things on your mind now and let's see if I can get them correctly! If not, you can simply add what's on your mind or what's on mine! Collaboration of ideas would never be a bad thing. Let me highlight that.
What are School Supplies?
Children must have most of the required school supplies to succeed in academics. Although students are sometimes unable to purchase their school supplies, their overall achievement somewhat starts with their parents and guardians. Several institutions are exploring and arranging for the return to school in 2021, so now is a perfect time to reevaluate your school supply shopping list. Compared to last season, student's backpacks and lockers will eventually become an essential component of your children's school supplies. Regardless if they are homeschooled or using learning virtually in 2021.
Different Teacher, Different School Supplies
Each teacher demands various materials for school supplies, finding it challenging to get all necessary items supplies on hand. We may, though, purchase some essentials which will undoubtedly be utilized when classes resume. We've compiled a list of school supplies required for each student at every level to assist students and parents in ensuring that their children have all the necessary supplies to begin school.
List of Essential School Supplies Each Level
For Preschool Students:
For Kindergarten Students:
For Elementary Students:
For Middle School Students:
For High School Students:
The Foaming Hand Sanitizer Matters
As you have noticed, in every level, the foaming hand sanitizer was included. Not just because it is handy, but it also helps you keep safe and clean at all times. Imagine being in school all day, interacting with different people and objects, which probably lets you get all the bacteria around you. This foaming hand sanitizer helps you lessen the risk of getting sick because of the dirt and bacteria surrounding you. The fact that foam hand sanitizer adheres to palms upon applications is indeed a significant benefit. It doesn't slip off of the palms as quickly as liquid hand sanitizers would. Sanitizer drops can create stains on polished surfaces; therefore, this is especially critical in establishments with polished floor tiles. Furthermore, because more sanitizer remains on your hands, extra hand sanitizer is accessible to fight bacteria on your hands.
School Supply May Vary
After all the school supplies mentioned above, it may still vary. But never forget the foaming hand sanitizer to ensure your school hours' safety. Each subject requires one's own set of school supplies. During the first week of school, students must bring the materials listed above and writing tools and pads. Through the conclusion during the first week of class, each instructor might as well have given students a checklist of needed good school supplies. Many people feel that foam hand sanitizer was quicker to disseminate over the palms. This might be due to the foaming being lifted off the skin and readily pushed across the palms. Nevertheless, I feel that all this is merely a choice because I hear the very same "benefit" from those who choose gels.
Caring For Others Is A Must
The back-to-school period is a struggle for parents who will purchase school supplies. Parents frequently have had to expand their finances to fulfill the demands of several students in different schools, all while remaining normal. Before we proceed, let's all discuss this serious dilemma. Other parents were also working for minimum wage and cannot purchase school supplies. Whether this is the situation for you, there's still support in place. Your school seems to be the primary point of contact for assistance. Whenever you call your children's academy's headquarters, you will most probably discover that such a school provides a program to assist parents that need support. Although if you could somehow actually afford your school supplies, you will still want to save even more money when you can. Select a specific inventory of the supplies you already own whenever you go inside a shop. How could a school bag survive one school term? Will you have sufficient supplies left behind over the year to build a fresh bundle? Continue reading to find out how much you might save money on back-to-school deals. You could start helping each other by buying extra ones if you are privileged and wealthy enough. The help should start from the school and its students; the world needs a little more kindness during this certain time.
And that wraps up our suggestion list of school supplies needed for this upcoming academic year. Now, get up on your bed and start listing the things that you need. Might as well rest your body and mind to prepare yourself for the opening of classes. Your school supplies won't matter if their owner isn't academically active. Studying is fun and interactive when you have the best supplies. So list down, rest, and be prepared!
References:
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]]>In case you missed it, you can see what A Triathlete's Diary recommends for gift ideas. From really nice socks to our ChafeZone anti-chafing stick you can see find some great gifts. Read the full article here.
]]>The new dispensers are made from stainless steel and offer many unique features to allow the dispenser to work effectively in your work space.
Since 2001 the team at MedZone has offered high quality products to its customers. The addition of the HandSanitizer.Net brand now bring another great product to the market for industrial settings where hand sanitizer is needed. The brand is easy to remember and the look of the dispenser is unique and stylish.
You can learn more about the brand and the dispensers at www.handsanitizer.net
The team has also released its first video infomercial on the product. You can see the video below.
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We want to help you answer these questions. Our new all natural Face Balm is a great tool to help prevent the friction and rubbing that comes with wearing face masks.
Often times wearing a mask your face can sweat, coupled with the rubbing of the face mask on the chin, nose, ears or cheeks can cause small dots, acne or what is now being called "maskne".
Maskne can occur with any one who wears a face mask for prolonged periods. Teachers, nurses, medical personnel, first responders, restaurant workers and more can benefit from using Face Balm to help prevent rubbing from face masks.
If you wear a face mask for extended periods of time and experienced changes your skin, you are not alone. As if dealing with the stress of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic wasn't enough, now many are wondering how to deal with skin issues that can arise from wearing a mask all day. Stress can play a role in the development of skin conditions, making it even more challenging to determine what may be causing our breakouts, rashes or bumps.
Today, with the increase of wearing a mask for extended periods, what used to be a skin irritation more commonly seen in athletes wearing chin straps and helmets is now a concern for people in all walks of life.
The key to avoiding this problem is preventing it before it starts. At MedZone we worked this summer to create an all natural formula that can be applied directly to the face and then wear a mask. Face Balm is easy to apply, all natural, comes in an easy to carry stick that can be carried on the go and new to the market in 2020.
We have heard from many teachers this summer who have benefitted from using Face Balm to help prevent the break outs on the face. Check out what one of our favorite teachers in Florida said about Face Balm. @thecrazycreativeteacher
More than 175 Small Businesses Find Opportunity at Walmart’s First-Ever Virtual Open Call for U.S. Manufactured Products
Out of the 4,800 small and medium-sized businesses that applied for this years Walmart Open Call, MedZone was chosen out of the select 175 to continue forward. The businesses chosen will have the opportunity to be featured in Walmart Marketplace, Samsclub.com and Walmart.com. Walmart's President and CEO Doug McMillon stated, "We want to help small business owners weather the current situation and take care of their employees, so that after this pandemic, they and the communities they serve can thrive." After a very successful Open Call, many businesses are eager to get their products on the shelves.
Supplying 265 million customers worldwide with affordable prices, Walmart is a leader in the retail industry. "In January 2013, Walmart announced commitment to help boost job creation and U.S. manufacturing through buying an additional $250 billion in products supporting American jobs by 2023." Walmart is helping people globally to "save money and live better."
MedZone has been supplying customers with an array of products since 2001. One of their best sellers has always been their anti-chafe stick ChafeZone. When the panemic hit, some of their customers reached out asking if they could use ChafeZone on their faces to combat the irritation from wearing a face mask. MedZone said yes, but they knew they could do better; as a result, Face Balm was born. Face Balm is the first all-natural anti-chafe stick to help with irritation and "maskne" while wearing a mask. MedZone is grateful to be a part of helping people during this turbulent time.
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Breaking out? Here's how to combat acne under your face mask
Breaking out from wearing a mask is a very common issue these days. With people adapting to the new normal, this article highlights ways to combat the discomfort of wearing a mask. "I’ve recently returned to work and am wearing a mask for 8 to 10 hours a day. One game-changing product that has helped me combat “maskne” is MedZone's Face Balm for Masks."
The Houston Chronicle is a reputable newspaper out of Houston, Texas. In April of 2016, the Houston Chronicle became the third largest daily newspaper in the county.
MedZone's Face Balm glides effortlessly onto the skin to create a friction barrier that protects from the rubbing of a mask. Face Balm contains all-natural, soothing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe extract. Working just became more comfortable!
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Despite the lack of in-person shopping available this summer, shoppers have found ways to find the best products online. Among the 12 Summer Bestsellers is MedZone's Face Balm. "In the first few weeks after MedZone launched the product, the company sold over 2,000 units on Amazon."
It's no secret that the TODAY Show is nationally recognized as a place to see what products are trending and actually work. The feature on the TODAY Show helped generate a lot of buzz for MedZone's Face Balm.
MedZone introduced Face Balm to the scene amidst the global pandemic when it was needed most. Face mask irritation is now a very common issue, and Face Balm soothes that irritation into oblivion. Face Balm is made with all-natural ingredients and is dermatologist-recommended.
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The second consecutive win for the company who won Chub Rub anti-chafe balm in 2019
(LENEXA, Kan.) August 3, 2020 - MedZone, an industry leader in sports medicine, skincare, anti-chafe and hygiene products was voted by retail buyers as the #1 ECRM Buyers’ Choice Award for the second year in a row for its Face Balm for Masks. The brand won in 2019 for its Chub Rub anti-chafe balm under the Zone Naturals brand and is one of the only companies to win in back to back years with innovative products that help underserved markets.
“Winning this award once is a great honor for any company considering the competition during an ECRM event,” said Seth Mendelson, Editor-in-Chief of Drug Store News. “Winning the award two straight years is unheard of and shows how important innovation is to the Medzone team. Keep it coming.”
Face Balm, which was selected from dozens of entries, is the first all-natural solution to help reduce chafing, chapped skin and friction caused by wearing masks. On the heels of the successful launch of their line of high-quality hand sanitizers available at https://www.medzonecorp.com/, the brand moved quickly to bring this much-needed product to the market for first responders, medical professionals as well as everyday consumers who are now wearing masks regularly. The award, voted by large retail buyers, chose Face Balm as the most innovative product for its creative packaging and the timely need in the marketplace for an effective product for mask wearers. Given the increased need and requirements to wear face masks globally, this product is applicable to many market segments.
“We are very excited and humbled that retail buyers from national and regional stores saw the innovation, benefit and need of Face Balm for face mask usage. The MedZone team has worked hard to develop unique and effective products for consumers and having won this award for back to back years is a great testament to the hard work of our team members. Being highlighted on the Today Show, getting extremely positive customer comments, significant interest by retail partners and now being voted as the #1 Buyer’s Choice Award winner has made for a wonderful past few weeks for our brands. All of us enjoy seeing our hard work ultimately creating products that help our customers feel better,” says MedZone CEO, Joe Freeman.
Face Balm has been in the market for less than 30 days and has captured national attention on The Today Show in addition to various prestigious digital outlets. The product was quickly developed and brought to market following inquiries from customers regarding ways to prevent irritation or ‘maskne’ by using other MedZone anti-chafe products. The team took the customers' feedback and used their years of expertise to create a gentle, easy-to-apply formula made with natural ingredients such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter, aloe extract, avocado, jojoba and olive oil, making it great for all skin types. This entrepreneurial mindset and ability to act fast to market conditions is something MedZone has come to be known for in the industry.
MedZone has donated products to various hospitals around the country to help medical teams and first responders during this chaotic time. Plans are being made to contribute a portion of sales to charitable organizations, previously the company engaged in social responsibility programs for its hand sanitizer products. Face Balm for Masks is available now at Amazon and coming to additional retailers in the coming weeks.
About MedZone
The mission of MedZone® is to make EveryBODY Feel Better. MedZone products work to prevent, treat and manage aches, pains, discomforts, wounds, hand hygiene and skin-chafing issues for individuals in sports, industrial settings and recreational activities.
Our products were initially designed in 2001 based on requests from medical professionals, athletes and U.S. Military. Over the years the products have been adapted to work for athletes, active people, law enforcement, military and for certain healthcare needs. With the increase in market need for sanitizers and hand hygiene products, Medzone has created a new brand of products including hand sanitizing gel, hand sanitizing spray and foaming hand sanitizers in addition to Face Balm. Many of our formulations have been used for years by medical professionals.
The Made in USA company is growing its Hygiene and Health Product category due to the increased need in the marketplace. Additional new products in this category are planned through the Summer 2020.
]]>Skin/Sun/Anti-Aging
Global Cosmetic Industry discussed products in recent article that aid in battling skin irritation, sun damage, and anti-aging. At the top of the list is MedZone's Face Balm for chafing while wearing a mask. "The natural formula comprises coconut oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter, aloe extract, avocado, jojoba and olive oil."
Global Cosmetic Industry is a reputable magazine that showcases regional and global trends in the beauty industry. They introduce new products to help create buzz, and keep readers up to date on the latest popular items.
Face Balm by MedZone is the perfect addition to anyone's everyday kit. "Maskne" is a relevant topic today, and Face Balm soothes that irritation with its all-natural ingredients.
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Best anti-chafing products from gels, creams to everything else in between
With warmer weather comes wearing cute shorts, skirts and tank tops. And the one thing that ruins this is, of course, chafing. MedZone's Face Balm for Masks, "Is a Godsend during these turbulent times". Face Balm helps prevent "maskne" and is very moisturizing on the skin.
BURO. is a online blog that talks about all things luxury and lifestyle. With tips and tricks from people across the world, BURO keeps its viewers up to date with all of the latest trends.
In the midst of the pandemic, MedZone wanted to reach as many people as possible to help with the new trend of complaints, chafing while wearing a mask. This chafing stick is all-natural and contains soothing ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter. Face Balm is one of the latest and greatest additions to the MedZone family of products.
]]>Face Balm for Masks makes headlines again by being featured on the popular fashion & beauty brand Coveteur. Known for helping with "maskne" (acne from wearing a mask), Face Balm helps prevent friction, chafing, or chapped skin from wearing a protective mask. This new and innovative product has become quite popular in the healthcare and beauty industry. Try it for yourself here.
]]>MedZone is launching www.kchandsanitizer.com - a new Business Sanitizer service to businesses in the Kansas City Region.
If you run a business you will probably need hand sanitizer for your employees. Understanding the best sanitizers, how much you need and where to put them are all key parts of the process to get your office equipped with right safety products.
"Today companies need to be working on their core business but having the right safety products is important as well. The Business Sanitizer Program by MedZone was created to help deliver the best products without employees having to run to the local retailer in hopes to find what you need. We do the work for you when it comes to hand sanitizers." said Joe Freeman, CEO of MedZone.
MedZone has created basic starter packs for small, medium and large businesses and they also offer a custom option to help outfit an office with the appropriate sizes, styles and quantities.
"Our goal is to make it simple. Companies can go to www.kchandsantizer.com to learn more and find the best alternative. We are here to help." said Freeman
MedZone has worked with OTC products extensively over the years and they understand hand santizer. Their products are registered with the FDA, made in a FDA registered lab and distributed out of Lenexa, Kansas.
The company plans to perfect the program in the Kansas City area and then expand to more cities in the near future. They are working with companies nationally to help business customers of all sizes.
If you company needs help with Hand Sanitizer for your office go to www.kchandsanitizer.com to learn more.
]]>https://www.hilarytopperonair.com/how-to-avoid-painful-chafing/
]]>Easy to use, portable and long-lasting, read on to see how Katz’ daily use of Chub Rub empowered her to be more confident and affected her motivation, from working out more to feeling less self-conscious about her thighs and arms rubbing.
]]>With three active ingredients and no water, our topical pain solution offers deep penetrating relief for muscle soreness, joint pain, arthritis pain and more. If you want to find out how to relieve sore muscles at home or at work, learn more about our PainZone cream and roll-on applicator in the video below.
]]>On December 28, 2019, we sponsored the Run for the Ranch in Springfield, Missouri – an annual fund raiser for the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch, Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners, and other local charities.
We donated 1,000 ChafeZone sticks to the event so runners can avoid chafing during their 1 mile run, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay or 6 Hour Endurance run! Our ChafeZone anti-chafe prevention stick is perfect for all runners, and works well with all sports and activity! Now available in your local Walmart and Amazon.
For more pictures, click here.
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On average, studies show that it takes about 66 days for a new habit to become ingrained as routine. That said, January 17th has grimly been marked the day that most people – as many as 60 percent – give up on their New Year’s resolutions and slip back into their old ways. For some, resolutions aren’t planned out enough, so they’re not set up for success from the beginning. Others have trouble getting on track again after a hurdle, like muscle strain, presents itself.
With a majority of New Year’s resolutions centered on getting active, losing weight or some combination of the two, there are some simple adjustments you can make this year to sidestep that mid-month backslide. If you’re looking for a solid way to keep up with your resolution, check out our three realistic healthy habits you can incorporate to stick to your fitness goals and enjoy a happier new year ahead.
It may seem strange to start off a list of resolution-strengthening advice by telling you to slow down, but it’s true what the old adage says: Slow and steady wins the race. In your first weeks, ease into your new routine to help prevent burnout and increase your chances of sticking with it.
If your goal this year is to run a half marathon, but you haven’t run in years (or ever), you could try starting out with a couch-to-5k goal for the month of January. It’s good to push yourself beyond your comfort zone – but when you take on too much too fast, it can spell disaster.
Extra tip: If your resolution involves taking up running, don’t forget to use an effective chafe prevention product. You’d be surprised where chafing can pop up – everywhere from your thighs to your chest!
When you feel thirsty, you’re actually already dehydrated. Oops. Staying hydrated should be a crucial part of your everyday routine. That’s especially true when you’re working exercise into your day and losing lots of water from sweating. You should plan to drink around 20 ounces of water a couple of hours before your workout, but pay attention to heat and humidity conditions, because you may need more to keep hydrated. Believe it or not, proper hydration keeps you powered throughout your workouts … and without it, it’s easy to feel sluggish, exhausted, or even ill.
Worried about all that water turning into pesky, stubborn water weight? Consider using a workout enhancer to increase sweat in hard-to-target areas like your abs, arms and thighs.
If your body has grown accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle, you can expect to face some minor discomfort, aches and sore muscles as you introduce more and more activity. Unfortunately, many people don’t have a plan in place to manage these pains, leading to continued stress on the body and multiple days resting and recovering. And when you take extended breaks from exercising, it becomes that much more tempting to throw in the towel.
Don’t let tired muscles knock you out of the game! With the help of a pain reliever cream for quick and effective pain relief, you can treat and manage those aches in between workouts.
While these three tips won’t guarantee success in your New Year’s resolutions (that part’s up to you!), it can go a long way in avoiding some common pitfalls and minimizing your obstacles along the way to reaching that habit-forming mark. If, one week into the new year, you find yourself saying that you’ll start hitting the gym for sure next week, try approaching your resolutions with these good habits, and see the difference for yourself.
It might feel daunting now but sticking with your resolution until it’s second nature will happen before you know it. And at this time next year, who knows? Breaking these habits could feel as difficult as it feels to form them this year! But, with a little perseverance and the right toolkit, everyone can succeed.
]]>Swimsuit rash, (Also called chafe, chafing, thigh rub, swamp ass, monkey butt and more) may sound like humorous or provocative terms but the irritations caused by chafing are real, painful and can ruin your vacation. Getting in and out of the water in the heat can accelerate the onset of friction that cause chafed skin.
The professionals at MedZone developed our signature chafing prevention product ChafeZone in 2001. Since then we have written the book on "How To Prevent Chafing".
ChafeZone is long lasting, moisture resistant and durable for those vacation trips to the beach and pool. Applying ChafeZone before you get in the water will help you enjoy the trip to the beach more and avoid the painful irritation associated with heat and friction...whatever term you use to describe it.
ChafeZone comes in an easy to apply roll on anti chafe stick for use on your legs, thighs, chest, midsection and arms. It's a gentle formula that can be applied any where externally and will help you enjoy your vacation even more.
Summer is heating up, vacations are being enjoyed and parents and kids now have a solution to help prevent the painful swimsuit rashes commonly referred to as chafed skin.
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During the 2017 Open Call event, MedZone presented its ChafeZone product and after months of working with Walmart buyers they were accepted into Walmart in over 3,000 stores. Due to the success of the product journey and the efforts by the MedZone team work with the Walmart Buyer's, they were invited to speak at the 2019 event.
Inside a meeting room set for 1,200 people, Freeman discussed the company's journey to Open Call and gave advice on how to approach their buyer meetings.
In 2013, Walmart pledged to purchase approximately $250 billion in products by 2023 that support the creation of American jobs. It is estimated this commitment could create 1 million new American jobs, including direct manufacturing job growth of approximately 250,000, and indirect job growth of 750,000 in the support and service sectors
MedZone was honored to be a participant in this program and continues to expand its relationship with the Walmart teams. "Many or our customers regularly shop at Walmart and we want to offer our products where they shop. Having our ChafeZone products in Sports & Fitness section gives access to millions of Americans to our product line. We appreciate our relationship with Walmart and look forward to growing it.", said Freeman.
(MedZone CEO, Joe Freeman speaking at Walmart Headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas during the 2019 Open Call Event)
]]>From the way you eat to the way you dress, many factors affect the condition of your arthritis. Read below and learn about some quick fixes you can use to keep the joints in your hands comfortable throughout the cooler months.
The Problem with Cold Weather
What is it about cold weather that causes so much trouble for people with arthritis? The key could be barometric pressure. When the temperature drops, so does barometric pressure. This makes bodily tissues expand, and there’s only so much room for your muscles and tendons to grow. This creates extra pressure inside the body and leads to pain.
If you suffer from arthritis, you’re already prone to inflammation and swelling. People with arthritis also deal with chronic pain, and both of these factors can amplify the effect of the cold. The inflammation and pain associated with the cold combined with the preexisting inflammation and pain associated with arthritis to create an even more uncomfortable situation.
Cold weather also has an effect on people’s moods, which in turn affects their sensitivity and ability to deal with pain. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mental health condition that causes people to feel depressive symptoms when the seasons change. If you find that you’re susceptible to mood changes during different times of the year, you may be more sensitive to pain and discomfort.
Winter joint pain isn’t something that you just get used to. If your joints start to feel worse or you develop new symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. You should also contact your doctor if you have persistent swelling or redness, or if you experience debilitating pain.
How You Can Stay Comfortable and Healthy
The best way to deal with winter joint pain is to put protective measures in place to avoid the discomfort entirely. Here are a couple of ways you can stay comfortable and healthy.
Common Pain Remedies for Cold Weather Arthritis
Sometimes you can’t avoid winter joint pain, even if you follow all the precautions. Fortunately, you have a few options when it comes to remedying the pain. Read ahead to see how you can warm up and alleviate your arthritis.
Regular movement is a crucial part of keeping your arthritis in check. Movement improves your circulation and keeps the blood moving through your hands, and simply rubbing your hands together can have an effect. You can also shake your hands out or use a stress ball to keep your hands active.
You already know how important it is to dress properly when you go out in the cold, especially if you already suffer from arthritis. What you probably don’t know is that mittens can actually be a lot more effective than gloves.
Gloves cover each finger individually, which can be helpful in the moderate cold but not so efficient when the temperature really plummets. Mittens enclose your fingers together and do a better job of trapping the heat, so your fingers get better circulation and your arthritis doesn’t flare up from the cold.
If you typically get uncomfortably cold throughout the winter, topical ointments can be lifesaving so be sure to stock up. Topical ointments are effective for arthritis of all kinds, but they’re especially helpful for dealing with winter joint pain. If you were just working outside or you have a drafty house, cold joints might be a consistent problem.
Simply rub the ointment on your hands until the skin is moist. Just don’t use this kind of treatment on broken skin, and don’t apply too much or too frequently. You should also talk to a doctor before using topical ointments if you take medications like blood thinners.
Inflammation is part of the reason arthritis hurts so much, and it’s more likely to happen during the winter. That’s why this is the best time of the year to shake up your diet and eat anti-inflammatory foods. Tomatoes, nuts, and leafy vegetables can help reduce inflammation and potentially reduce the pain in your hands from winter arthritis. You can also take over the counter anti-inflammatory medications, but make sure it’s okay to take them with any other medications you’re on at the same time.
]]>Don’t let your holiday fun and excitement turn into a painful trip to the hospital. Here’s everything you need to know about treating and preventing burns this holiday season.
How to treat a burn
Most kitchen burns aren’t too serious. But you want to take note of how the burn looks and feels in order to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
First-degree burns are superficial on the epidermis (top layer of skin). These burns are typically accompanied by pain, redness, and minor swelling. You could get a first-degree burn by accidentally bumping your arm into a hot pan or picking up a hot coffee mug. This is the most common type of kitchen and holiday burn.
Second-degree burns will also have pain, redness, and swelling, but they may also cause blisters and thickening of the skin. These burns extend to the dermis, which is the bottom layer of skin. You could get a second-degree burn if you press down on an oven rack or spill boiling water on your leg, for example.
Third-degree and fourth-degree burns reach down into the tissues and destroy the skin. The skin usually appears white and charred. There may also be numbness or loss of sensitivity in the area. If this is the case, call 911 immediately.
Know when to seek medical treatment:
When in doubt, go to the hospital.
If you have a first- or second-degree burn, the first thing you should do is rinse it under lukewarm water. You don’t want the water to be too hot or too cold, which can both cause deeper burning. Instead, use room temperature water that is mildly cool. Hold the burned area under gently flowing water for five to ten minutes.
Do not apply ice to the burn. This can actually cause deeper tissue damage and lead to long-term scarring.
If you were wearing clothes that got burned to your skin, don’t try to pull the clothes from your skin. Rinse the area under cool water first, and the cloth fibers should gently start to separate from your skin for easier removal.
After you’ve thoroughly rinsed the area with water, you will want to cleanse it with a mild soap. This can help prevent a serious infection since a burn is considered an open wound.
Any soap usually works in this case, as long as it is mild and unscented. An antibacterial soap can help get rid of bacteria before it settles in your skin, but any mild soap can do the trick.
You want the soap to be as natural as possible to avoid irritation or chemical burns. We recommend a natural castile soap if you have it available.
Tip: Make sure you wash your hands before washing the burn. You don’t want germs from your hands spreading to your wound.
After the area is thoroughly washed and cooled, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin or herbal salve. This helps get rid of any bacteria, prevent infection, and speed up the healing process.
Don’t apply antibiotic ointment on an open wound, like a broken blister. Consult a doctor first.
Try out Blisterzone. From kitchen burns to sunburn to blisters, BurnZone uses 1% lidocaine to help relieve pain quickly and get you back in the game for the holidays.
Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat burns and speed up the healing process of wounds. It’s naturally anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, and it also helps promote circulation of the affected area.
You want to apply pure aloe vera to get the greatest effects with the lowest risk of irritation. If you have an aloe vera plant at home, break off one of its leaves, and apply the gel directly from inside.
If not, you can find aloe vera at a local health food store. Choose at least 90% aloe gel. Aloe lotions typically don’t have much aloe gel, and they can actually contain chemicals that can be damaging to burns. Stick to the pure stuff.
After cleansing and treating the wound, you want to protect it from potential infection. Wrap the affected area loosely with sterile gauze. This is especially important if your burn has caused broken or exposed skin.
If you don’t have sterile gauze, you might want to gently wrap it in a clean cloth until you can get gauze.
As the burn heals, you want to keep the area clean and dry. Burns can actually continue to do damage for up to 48 hours after the initial impact, so you will want to continue to keep an eye on it.
Every four to six hours, you should gently remove the gauze, wash with lukewarm water and soap, and reapply ointment. This will ensure your new layer of skin doesn’t get infected or stick to the gauze bandage. If you find that the gauze is sticking to the wound, dampen it with a sterile saline solution to help the gauze separate from the wound before removal.
Ask your doctor if it’s okay to take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen. This can help reduce swelling, redness, and pain, so you’ll feel more comfortable during the healing process.
We recommend asking your doctor first, though, because these medications can interact with certain health concerns. You may also not want to take these painkillers if you have a serious burn, because you may not be able to appropriately monitor the severity.
What not to do for burn treatment
Don’t use butter.
An old wives tale says that butter is good for a burn, but it’s not. Butter can actually retain heat, which can make the burn even worse. Butter can also be contaminated with bacteria that can cause an infection in the wound.
Instead of butter, use natural aloe vera gel or an antibiotic cream.
Don’t use steroids.
Don’t apply a steroid cream to the area. Steroids agitate the damaged cells, which can worsen blisters and deepen the burn.
Instead, opt for a product like Blisterzone. With 1% lidocaine, you’ll have effective pain relief that’s safe for burns.
Don’t break blisters.
If your burn is blistering, you might be tempted to break it open. But open blisters are highly prone to infection, and they’re more likely to scar. Your body blisters as a defence mechanism, so it’s important to let your body heal itself.
If the blister breaks on its own, wash the area with mild soap and water and cover with sterile gauze.
How to prevent burns blisters
Are you prepared in the case of a holiday burn? Make sure your first-aid kit includes BurnZone so you’re always ready for any accident that comes your way!
]]>In fact, broken wrists and ankles are the most common orthopedic injury, especially during cold winter months. That’s because the bones are so small, but they get a lot of pressure and work—especially with falls and slips.
Don’t waste away your winter in pain. Take these few simple steps to prevent wrist, ankle, and joint injuries this winter.
Slips on ice, especially black ice, are one of the most common causes of wrist and ankle injuries. You could twist or sprain your ankle, and you can break your wrist if you put pressure on it during the fall.
Prevent slipping by choosing the right winter boots. Your boots should be slip-resistant with good traction, typically made with plastic soles that can grab on to the ground.
Plus, your winter boots will be the basis of your structural support for the season. How you walk in your shoes determines your posture, which impacts how your joints and bones work. Bad posture means a higher risk of injury and pain. And bad posture can stem from shoes without proper support.
Shoveling snow is one of the most prevalent causes of pulled muscles and strains, especially in the back and wrists. If you aren’t shoveling correctly, you could be creating a repetitive movement that causes micro-tears in the ligament or muscle. This ongoing movement can create injury so you’re completely out of commission the day after shoveling.
So make sure you focus on your shoveling technique:
You’ll also want to stretch and warm up your muscles before shoveling. Think of it like a winter workout: you want to stretch before and after to lessen the chance of a strain.
Or you can invest in a snow blower or hire a professional to do the work for you.
Throwing sand or salt on slick or icy areas is one of the simplest ways to prevent falling. This adds traction that your boots can grab on to. We recommend spreading salt on your driveway, walkways, and outdoor steps.
This isn’t house salt. You’ll want to use high-grade salt specifically designed to remove ice. Learn more about how to melt ice and snow with salt here.
Pro-tip: Keep a bag of kitty litter in your car. If your car gets stuck in ice or snow, you can throw kitty litter in front of the tires to help your car grab on to the ground.
Sometimes slips and trips are inevitable. Accidents happen. But you can still take control of the fall as it’s happening.
If you feel yourself starting to fall, don’t fight it. It’s this “panic response” that actually causes the most damage. Instead, try to position yourself to land out of the fall on your buttocks, which is usually the fattiest area of the body. Try to avoid putting pressure on your wrists if falling backwards.
If falling forwards, you’ll want to put your arms out to protect your face and head. To avoid serious wrist injury, though, don’t lock your elbows in place. This allows them to bend with the fall, so you’ll have a smoother landing with less pressure on your joints.
The same is true if you’re a winter athlete. Work with a coach to go over specifics on how to fall properly if you’re going down on the slopes. A few falling and rolling techniques can save your joints and bones from injury.
For winter athletes or even just someone walking to the car, you want to stretch before going out into the cold. If you have an accident, you’re more likely to hurt “cold” muscles than “warm” ones.
So warm up your muscles and joints with a few easy stretches. This keeps your body flexible and pliable, which minimizes the risk of injury in case of an accident. Stretching can also help improve your posture and structure, so you’ll have fewer aches and pains in general.
You want to understand the winter conditions before you walk or drive anywhere. Driving in bad weather increases your risk of a collision, which in turn increases your risk of injury.
Here are some notes to keep you aware of hazards when walking:
Here are potential hazards when driving in winter weather:
The best way to care for an injury is with RICE: rest, ice, compress, and elevation. For a sprain or strain, put it on pillows elevated above your heart level. Ice it for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Wrap it tightly with a bandage or even a blanket to help minimize swelling.
If you’ve had a fall and any part of your body is hurting, you should visit a doctor or go to the ER. You should especially take action if the pain hurts for more than two hours, is radiating or numb, or the area has significant swelling.
Always take pain seriously. It’s your body’s way of telling you something is wrong.
Are you and your joints prepared for the winter season? Stock up with our PainZone to help with pain this winter!
]]>We’re going to give you 7 low impact indoor workouts that will keep you active and healthy this winter. They’re low impact, so you don’t risk damage to your joints, muscles, or bones. And they’re indoors, so you don’t have to deal with the cold wintery weather. No more excuses, so let’s get to it!
Why Workout in the Winter?
There are two main reasons you want to keep up your workout routine this winter: to keep your weight down and to keep your joints moving.
First, it’s not uncommon to put on a little winter weight. We’re eating heartier foods, and we have less motivation to get to the gym. We also tend to be more sedentary during the winter. We sit at our desks, we drive in the car, and we lounge on the couch. We’re not getting outside to play or go for walks.
This kind of sedentary lifestyle can quickly run up the number on the scale. Added weight means additional pressure on your joints and bones. Joint injury and arthritis are more common among those who are overweight because their body has more to support.
Maintaining a consistent workout routine helps burn calories and shed that extra weight. This helps promote a healthy body, strong joints, and enhanced energy levels.
Learn which foods to eat and avoid for bone health here.
Second, if you don’t use it, you lose it. In order to keep your muscles and joints strong, you need to keep working them. If you don’t keep your joints warm, they will actually start to harden and freeze up in the cold weather. That’s one reason people with arthritis have more pain in the winter—their joints are actually “freezing”!
So how can you keep up your workout routine in the winter? Here are some easy, low impact, indoor exercises you can do to fight winter stiffness.
Ice-skating is a fun way to get moving with family and friends. It may not help you escape the cold, but why not embrace a comfortable chill to keep you in the winter spirit while you workout?
Skating can actually burn anywhere from 300 to 600 calories per hour, making it a highly effective form of cardio. The balance and movement needed to skate also help tone your butt, legs, and core. Skating requires the use of stabilizer muscles to stay upright, including your hips (which is often an under-appreciated joint when working out).
Plus, ice-skating is low impact. If you keep your knees bent and flexible, you’re barely put any weight on your joints. Make sure your skates fit correctly to protect your ankles out on the ice.
One of the best workouts you can do—and you can do it anywhere—is the plank. Not only is it low impact, but planks also help burn fat faster than other types of single-movement calorie busters.
Planks build your core muscles which in turn realign your entire structure and posture. A strong core supports your joints and other muscles in daily movement. Strengthening it will cut down on muscle sprains preserve your joint mobility later on in life.
To do a plank, start in a push-up position. Keep your arms and legs extended and your toes curled underneath you. You want your back to be completely straight as if you drew a line from your head to your feet. Pushing your butt up or down can actually put a strain on your lower back.
See how long you can hold the plank for. We recommend starting with 30 seconds and adding 5 or 10 more seconds every day until you’re a planking pro.
Swimming is low-impact and can be done in heated pools at your gym or local rec center. A 20-minute swim will work out almost every muscle in your body and has little to no impact on your joints. The compound movements necessary for swimming burn fat and strengthen your muscles without the stress of weights or gravity.
We especially love swimming because it can actually help fortify your joints. Repetitive movements in the water can help loosen and strengthen your shoulder, knee, and hip muscles.
When you’re walking down the hall in your house or waiting for leftovers to heat up, do some lunges. These work your leg muscles and core to burn calories quickly and blast fat effectively.
Learn how to do the perfect lunge here. You can even hold water bottles in either hand to imitate gentle weights that further deepen the lunge and stabilize your core.
Be careful not to strain your knees when you bend them. Keep your kneecap straight above your ankle to prevent injury.
Yoga improves flexibility and strength while using your core and leg muscles primarily. One yoga class can work nearly all of the muscles in your body. Hot yoga in the winter will help you warm up and deepen your stretches to promote flexibility and joint fluidity.
Yoga also offers mental benefits for its practitioners. Yoga can help to ease seasonal depression, improve sleep patterns, and reduce stress levels. If you find that winter makes you more anxious or moody, yoga might be a great way to get back in tune with your mind and body.
Don’t forget to stretch! Check out these 8 stretches to promote joint health in the winter.
Invest in a rebounder or small trampoline for your home. Jumping on a trampoline is a low impact workout that helps burn calories, increase your energy, and improve your mood. Rebounding actually has a lot of health benefits that will get you healthier this winter:
Rebounding can help manage the symptoms of arthritis through safe joint lubrication and reduced stiffness.
Dancing is one of the healthiest—and most fun—ways to stay fit. Whether you attend a dance class or you’re just dancing around your home, it keeps you active and engages your muscles and joints. Plus, dancing makes you feel “silly” and lighthearted, which is a great way to reduce stress and improve quality of life.
Try out Zumba, ballet, or barre. Barre classes combine dance, yoga, Pilates, and weight training for a great workout. And it’s not just for women. Men find it equally challenging (sometimes even more challenging, because they’re working muscles they’ve never worked in other sports).
But you don’t even have to attend a class. Throw on your favorite dance-worthy playlist and get down. No one’s watching, so really get into it. The more you move, the better you’ll feel!
Conclusion
Working out is critical to maintaining your health during the unforgiving cold season. Low impact exercises keep your muscles strong, your joints flexible, and your energy high.
What indoor exercises do you do to stay fit and healthy in the winter? Let us know in the comments below.
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