Girls & Sports

I recall the fuss when Title IX passed and people talked about having to take away some sports programs for boys in order to provide funds for girls and women's sports teams. Fortunately, there were far-sighted people who could see what we see today -- the lifelong benefits of physical activity that results from participation in sports.  Nancy Henderson, in an article, Girls & Sports, (AMERICAN PROFILE magazine, April 15 – 21, 2012) explains that research has shown that girls who participate in sports in middle school and beyond, lower their risk of some cancers and developing osteoporosis in later years.

The article states that athletics has helped girls on the whole avoid obesity, have better self-esteem, maintain better grades, and lower the tendency to use drugs and alcohol. “They also have higher rates of graduation from high school and entrance into college,” says Henderson.

Young people sometimes experience injuries when they participate in sports, but with proper medical assistance and therapy they usually heal. 

When kids experience stiff muscles during the start of training they may need a microwave heating pad to help increase flexibility. Maine Warmers’ microwave heating pads can also be frozen and used as ice packs for sore knees. A Cozy Bear may be just the thing for a young person or parent who needs a little comfort after a workout.

Outdoor Exercise helps you heal and develops good exercise habits in kids

By exercising in the outdoors you may help your body heal, according to a new studies in Japan and the U.K.  Dr. Esther Sternberg, a rheumatologist and researcher and author of Healing Spaces: The Science of Place and Well-being (2009, Harvard University Press), writes in Arthritis Today, March-April 2012, that outdoor exercise in nature may help your body heal.

Outside exercise not only may benefit your health, help you heal (as the study suggests), and keep your muscles strong and joints limber, but it may help your children develop a love of the outdoors and closer a relationship with them.

Take your kids for a walk in the woods, a park, or on the beach. By exercising with kids, you not only teach them good health habits but the time you spend together gives you a chance to have fun together. Take time to joke and laugh about things you both find aggravating, scary, or just bizarre. One-on-one time may be difficult to find in a house full of interruptions, especially with a myriad electronic devices present in our lives today. Take your phone on walks, but for emergencies only, while you are enjoying some time outdoors with your kids.

If they (or you) experience a little stiffness from exercising, use a microwave heating pad Cozy Bunny, Polar Bear, and Penguin are lovable creatures that provide a fun way to feel better. Kids will also enjoy the warmth in their beds on a cold winter night.
to help relax tight muscles. Maine Warmers has several animal-shaped heating pads that kids (and you) will love. Their

Helping hands for new moms

Providing the best for our children is what every parent wants. Education and support are key ingredients in that process.

There is no end to raising children. From the time they are in the womb our children need loving care -- until they start caring for us. When they go off to college they still need parental support -- and not just financial. When their relationships blossom or go sour, when they consider career paths and changes, and so on, their need for family never diminishes. As the care giver and support person, the parent or guardian needs guidance as well.

Check out the February 2012 issue of Maine Women Magazine, “Great Expectations,” to get off on the right foot as an expectant or new mom. Establishing a supportive community may prove to be one of the best things you can do as a parent. Once you have a positive support group, other resources will jump into your lap like an excited child.

For support and guidance through pregnancy, take a look at the article, Birth Roots delivers what’s needed. Birth Roots is a non-profit organization that offers community support for expectant moms and new moms through the first year after birth. The Birth Roots Web site offers more info.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads offer relief to pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding moms. These “Warmers” help relieve hip pain due to the softening of connective tissue between the pelvis and joints during pregnancy. Back Warmers relieve back pain from the weight of the baby. Palm Packs (designed for hand warmers) can be used on the face to relieve sinus headaches when medication is not recommended. Check out the other ways these products can comfort and help before and after birth.