Cold Mouse Hand

Heated Mouse on CBS News - The Early Show & YouTube

2011-01-17T23:46:00.000-08:00

Heated Mouse on CBS News - The Early Show & YouTube

Warm Mouse Hand with the Heated Mouse Featured on CBS News The Early Show

2011-01-11T17:58:00.001-08:00

Cold Mouse Hand Fix: Hot & Sexy on YouTube

2010-12-27T18:24:00.000-08:00

ValueRays® USB Body Warmers NEWS!

2010-11-22T23:55:00.000-08:00

ValueRays® USB Body Warmers NEWS!
Heated Mouse, Heated Mouse Pad, Heated Keyboard Pad, Mouse Hand Warmer

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Heated Computer Mouse Warms Cold Mouse Hand - Free Giveaway!

2009-08-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

Giveaway Contest: ValueRays® Heated Computer Mouse

Sponsored by
Warm-Mouse-Heated-Keyboard.com

Enter the giveaway contest for the ValueRays® Heated Computer Mouse shown above. The infrared heated mouse is a healthy addition to your desk top. About 20-30 minutes of infrared heat therapy daily helps soothe tired and overworked mouse hand muscles and helps relieve hand pain.

Many people suffer with cold hands when using the computer. ValueRays® solves the cold mouse hand problem using energy generated from the computer. The ValueRays® USB heated mouse is a great gift idea!

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Warm Mouse, ValueRays Warm Mouse, Heated Mouse: ValueRays Warm Mouse Review & Giveaway - Win a Heated Mouse!,Heated Computer Mouse,Warm Computer Mouse,Warm Mouse Pad!

2009-07-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

Warm Mouse, ValueRays Warm Mouse, Heated Mouse: ValueRays Warm Mouse Review & Giveaway - Win a Heated Mouse! Heated Computer Mouse, Warm Computer Mouse, Warm Mouse Pad!

Do you like to enter giveaway contests? The Warm Mouse Giveaway Blog features events for all the ValueRays USB Hand Warmers. Infrared heated hand warmers are a deep healing source of relief for overworked computer hands. Plus, they keep your cold hands warm with a steady flow of warmth generated from the computer.

Enter the Warm Mouse Givewaway Event today!

Giveaway - Freebie - ValueRays Heated Mouse Pad - A Warm Mouse Pad!

2009-07-16T13:42:00.001-07:00

ENTER TO WIN
ValueRays Heated Mouse Pad Giveaway

This HEATED mouse pad is multi-functional:

surface heats
surface gets warm, not hot!
safe for mouse, people and computer
trim lights in soft blue color
4-port USB hub
smooth gaming surface
carbon fiber heating element creates healthy infrared heat
two USB cords control separate functions
perfect size about 10x10 inches
ergonomic wrist rest is padded for support

Giveaway is sponsored by http://IGMproducts.com

Click here to ENTER CONTEST

Heated Mouse Giveaway! Enter to Win - ValueRays® Warm Mouse!

2009-07-15T12:29:00.001-07:00

ValueRays® Warm Mouse Review & Giveaway!

The New & Improved Warm Mouse I. The Warmest Mouse! Highest-Quality & Lowest-Price! Improved functionality! A cost-effective & energy-efficient source of infrared heat & warmth for computer users with a cold mouse hand. The New & Improved, ValueRays® Heated Computer Mouse, Warm Mouse I helps heal, soothe, relax and relieve chronic cold mouse hand pain!

Click Here to Enter the Contest!

Click Here to see All the ValueRays® Giveaways!

Meet Mouse Hand Warmer® Made In America at BuyAmericanMart!

2009-06-11T21:36:00.000-07:00

The Mouse Hand Warmer® found a new home! It's a cozy fleece hand warmer to keep your cold mouse hand warm! Made in the USA by IGMproduct.com, the Mouse Hand Warmer is now available at BuyAmericanMart.com.

Mouse Hand Warmer®

The Mouse Hand Warmer® is a non-electric "blanket" for your mouse hand. The Mouse Hand Warmer® is a pouch made of fleece fabric and a non-slip surface. It measures about 12" x 12" and will hold just about any size mouse. It can be used with or without a mouse pad - the non-slip, smooth surface works like a pad. Eco-friendly - no electricity is needed to keep your hand toasty warm! Can be used with corded or optical mouse.

For more details, visit BuyAmericanMart.com.

Computer Use Problems Common in Arthritis Patients

2009-05-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

When your mouse hand gets cold it's difficult to use the computer. This is true for anyone with a cold mouse hand, not just people with arthritis. But, just think how the intensity increases when a medical condition is involved with using the computer with cold hands! Read more about the value of infrared heat USB hand warmers here.....

Submitted by Ramona Bates MD
Posted under: Arthritis Pain Treatment

Nancy Baker, Sc.D., of the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues report more than 75% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), or fibromyalgia report problems with discomfort when using a computer. The report was published in the May issue of Arthritis Care & Research.

Arthritis patients often choose less physically demanding jobs, such as administrative or clerical positions. These days those jobs are very likely to involve computer time.

Dr. Baker and colleagues surveyed 1,190 patients with RA (502), OA (406), or fibromyalgia (282) about their computer use and associated problems. Three hundred and fifteen responded. Most had difficulties with their chairs -- such as having a hard time getting comfortable, standing up, or sitting down. These issues were followed by problems with the keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

Patients with fibromyalgia reported significantly more problems involving the keyboard, mouse, and monitor than those with rheumatoid arthritis or OA.

The rates of reported discomfort using the computer is 10-15% in the general population. Patients with arthritis can experience pain and discomfort issue even under ideal circumstances. It is important for these patients and their workplaces to work on ergonomic issues to try to solve or reduce these issues.

Wholesale Online - Warm Mouse, Mouse Hand Warmer, Warm Mouse Pad

2009-04-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

Breaking News for Cold Mouse Hand Readers!

IGMproducts.com in partnership with ValueRays Infrared Heated Computer Accessories opened an online wholesale store making it even more convenient to fill your wholesale orders online for ValueRays hand warmers.

Pictured above are the three products available online through the ValueRays Wholesale Store:

No muss, no fuss. No importing, no duty, no worries. Shop online to place your wholesale order for the nation's highest quality infrared heat computer accessories: Warm Mouse, Warm Mouse Pad and Mouse Hand Warmer blanket.

IGMproducts.com announced today the addition of two new products to their website. Soon wholesale clients will be able to add the Warm Keyboard Pad and USB Mouse Hand Warmer blanket to their inventory list.

Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark! Budget for your Fall products now and place orders at these super low prices. Minimum wholesale orders required. Visit the ValueRays Wholesale Store now. Place an order within minutes.

Delivered to your door, no lengthy applications to complete or approvals to be made. Contact vendor online anytime day or night! IGMproducts.com is owned and operated by i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. a 15-year ecommerce veteran. Buy wholesale from a trusted online supplier.

Infrared heaters relieve cold hand pain

2009-04-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

When it comes to a cold mouse hand there's nothing more effective than an infrared heated mouse and infrared heated mouse pad. ValueRays® is an USA based company specializing in the design and manufacture of infrared heated computer accessories. There are ValueRays® Warm Mouse, Warm Mouse Pad, Warm Keyboard Pad and Mouse Hand Warmer blanket. They are USB computer gadgets delivering therapeutic heat to cold computer hands.

Cold mouse hand and cold computer hand problems are an all year round situation for many people who suffer from poor circulatory conditions to the extremities -- cold hands & cold fingers. ValueRays® solves the cold hand problem and creates a cost-efficient, energy-efficient home remedy infrared heat solution for computer users suffering with cold hands.

How Does an Infrared Heating System Work
by Darren Chow from the California Chronicle

Are you considering installing a heating system for your home? If your prime concern is to have an effective and energy efficient system, consider installing an infrared heating system. Question is, how does an infrared system work, and how can it help you save energy and money?

An infrared heating system is also known as a heat radiation system. Unlike other heating systems, this system uses electromagnetic waves to generate heat. When the system is turned on, waves are circulated in the room. But no heat is actually generated unless the waves come into contact with a solid surface - walls, furniture, or human beings.

That is why when you have an infrared system installed, the actual room temperature may appear to be lower when compared to other more conventional systems. At least that is what the thermometer says. But the thermometer doesn't know that heat is generated upon impact. Human beings will be able to feel the heat as it is being generated, and comfort starts to set in.

Because of this unique ability to generate heat upon contact, infrared systems can be used to produce heat for different zones. Energy is directed to zones where it is needed. In other words, the system can direct energy to zones where there are people. This helps to save energy.

The energy efficiency of the system depends on several factors. The way infrared systems work is a big bonus by itself. But other factors such as how heat is being managed throughout the house also comes into the picture. For example, insulation plays a big part in heat retention. With proper insulation, the objects in the house can retain the heat energy for longer periods of time, hence reducing the reliance on the infrared heating system.

Windows also play a big role. If you have poor quality windows that don't help to retain heat, you will be using up more energy to produce the heat that is being lost constantly. When you combine these factors with a infrared heating system, you can save as much as 40% of your energy bills. In addition, infrared heating systems are also one of the cleanest systems in the world. There is nothing to burn (think fireplaces), and there is no carbon emission. All you need to do is to flick a switch, and electromagnetic waves will be generated.

The heat is almost instant. There is no need to wait for heat to be dispersed around the house. This wait is common if you employ normal heating systems. That is because once the heat has been generated, you still have to wait for the heat to be conducted via ducts or pipes to other parts of the house. Obviously, electromagnetic waves travel much faster. Homeowners will start to feel warmer and more comfortable very quickly. Learn more about infrared heating system and other home heating systems.

ValueRays® relief for arthritis cold mouse hand pain

2009-04-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

It doesn't have to be winter to feel the pain of cold hands for people who suffer with arthritis, Raynaud's or poor circulation from diabetes and other conditions affecting the circulatory system. Cold hands when using the computer is experienced by a number of people. Now, there's relief thanks to a company called ValueRays®.

ValueRays® uses infrared heat and the USB connection on the computer to deliver cost-effective and energy-efficient healing infrared heat therapy for computer users. Design a warm ergonomic computer workstation using ValueRays® USB infrared heat computer accessories.

PRWeb.com announced today a Press Release for ValueRays® products available at IGMproducts.com.

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/

Cold Hand Causes - Use Infrared Heat Therapy

2009-04-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

ValueRays® ergonomic computer accessories provide infrared heat therapy using infrared heaters in the comfort of your home or office. If you have hand pain symptoms, severly 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 cold hands risk factors, causes of cold hands, and hand warmers for sale, please visit the individual items’ pages and visit the Learning Center Library.

Hand Therapy: 10 Reasons to Use a Heated Mouse

If you or someone you know suffers with cold hand pain associated with computer use, this article is for you. There are many medical conditions with cold hand symptoms related to hand pain -- carpal tunnel, arthritis, diabetes and poor circulation. Simple advice given to people who want to avoid hand surgery and medication include the use of heat, exercise and behavior modification.

If you have hand problems when using the computer, consider the use of infrared heat therapy. It's simple. It's easy, and it's fun! Infrared heat hand therapy is simple because it's USB heat from the computer. It's easy because infrared heat is generated from the computer to the computer's mouse, mouse pad and keyboard pad plugged into the computer. It's fun because you can sit and use the computer during your infrared heat hand therapy treatment.

There are probably hundreds of reasons why a person with a cold mouse hand, cold computer hands or hand pain should use USB heat ergonomic computer accessories. Here are ten reasons why you should use an USB heated, warm mouse:

1 - USB heat is cost-effective. In today's economy, we need to look at ways to cut costs. Keeping warm using USB heat generated from the computer will allow us to keep the thermostat turned down in chilly weather.

2 - USB heat is energy-efficient. Using the computer to generate heat is an efficient use of the computer's resources.

3- Infrared heat is healthy. Infrared heat penetrates deeply through the skin's layers to the muscle tissue. It is a deep healing source of heat. Research indicates 20-30 minutes of infrared heat therapy daily improves circulation and produces positive results.

4 - Reducing the onset of hand injury. An USB heated, warm computer mouse produces relief and helps offset the side-effects of medical conditions related to cold hands like muscular and joint hand pain, stiffness, stress, tension, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis hand pain, poor circulation, Raynaud's cold hands and diabetes poor circulation.

5 - Occupational & Hand Therapy. Hand Therapists report an increase of hand injuries due to the increased amount of computer use. The importance of ergonomics is at an all-time high. The use of healthy computer gadgets will assist in creating a productive and healing work environment. The infrared heated computer mouse assists a worker's rehabilitation after hand injury during and ongoing throughout the rehabilitative, healing process.

6 - All year use. A warm mouse is used during the winter months when temperatures drop, and it's used during the summer months when the air-conditioning creates a cold work area. Everyday is a good day for an infrared heat therapy hand treatment.

7 - Warmth and heat is soothing when your hands hurt. Painful hands are not uncommon for computer users. Fingers, thumbs, palms and wrists ache, and these aches & pains come and go depending upon our actvities and the amount of time we sit and work at the computer. A warm computer mouse helps relieve the pain by increasing blood flow, expanding blood vessels and increaseing blood circulation.

8 - Weather predicts our body's reaction to cold. When it's cold outside our body reacts with chills and an uncomfortable feeling. When we sit still at the computer, the chills seem to magnify. Warmth from a heated mouse can help eleviate the chills by delivering a steady flow of infrared heat rays to our hand and body.

9 - Heat therapy is one way to treat arthritic joint pain. A little arthritis is found in many of us. It gets more noticeable as we age. The warming infrared heat generated by an USB heated mouse penetrates deeply through skin layers into the muscles and joints. The warming mouse can actually help loosen and prevent joint stiffness.

10 - Humans pick up toxic by-products in the food we eat and the air we breathe. We also pick up toxins in medications and by handling certain materials. The toxins accumulate in our blood and go undetected until we become ill. Infrared heat helps to remove these toxins from our blood by inhibiting bacterial growth from these toxic substances.

For more information about USB infrared heated ergonomic computer accessories visit the Learning Center at IGMproducts.com.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Infrared Heat Therapy

2009-03-30T16:54:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy of AMA

by Anna Miller

Don't laugh, there's a list of new warm, USB infrared heated computer gadgets available to help prevent the onset of repetitive strain injuries like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. So, instead of causing problems, the computer may actually be helping us!

Many people suffer from hand and arm injuries due to overusing the computer mouse hand and keyboard hands. It's referred to as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD). The most common form of the condition is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve running from the arm to the hand gets squeezed near the wrist. The median nerve deals with the palm side of the thumb, most of the fingers and some muscles in the hand. The area called the "carpal tunnel" is a narrow area of ligament and bone at the base of the hand that holds the median nerve and some tendons. When the median nerve gets squeezed, it usually causes pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in the hand, wrist and arm.

The onset of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is gradual. So, taking a proactive approach to this type of condition is the smart thing to do. There are things a person can do to help decrease the chance of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and possibly prevent it altogether.

The most obvious health tips include relaxing the hand's grip on objects like the computer mouse, excercising the hands and arms instead of sitting in the same position for long hours, creating a healthy ergonomic computer work area and keeping the hands using the computer warm.

What Causes Cold Hands and Fingers?

2009-03-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Do you experience cold fingers and hands even when you're in a warm room?

from HealthMad

Do you suffer from cold fingers and hands even when it’s not cold outside? While it’s normal to experience cold fingers and hands when you step outside on a blustery day, some people have this experience when temperatures are more moderate. What causes cold fingers and hands?

Sometimes cold fingers and hands can be brought on by something as simple as stress. If you’ve ever reached out your hand to greet a nervous candidate who’s interviewing for a job, you may have noticed that their hand felt cold and clammy. The reason? When you’re fearful or under stress, your nervous system reacts by constricting blood vessels in the extremities, effectively shunting blood away from the hands and feet back towards the heart. This may give some credence to the phrase, “cold hands, warm heart”. At the same time, the hands become cold, sweaty and clammy to the touch. People who are constantly nervous often have cold hands, particularly if they smoke which further reduces circulation to the hands and feet.

A lesser known, but still relatively common cause of cold fingers and hands is a condition known as Raynaud’s syndrome. People who have Raynaud’s syndrome have unusually reactive blood vessels in the hands. In response to even mildly depressed temperatures, the hands and fingers may become cold and numb and even manifest color changes ranging from white to purple. This can occur sometimes with something as simple as touching a cold object for a few seconds. Although the exact cause of this syndrome isn’t known, it’s believed to inflict up to fifteen percent of the population to some degree with women being more commonly affected than men.

In rare cases, cold hands can be caused by more serious problems such as heart disease, arthritic disorders, or diseases that affect the circulatory system, but these causes are generally associated with other symptoms.

Whether you experience cold fingers and hands from chronic nervous or from Raynaud’s syndrome, it’s important to avoid making the problem worse. Stress management is important to keep the nervous system from constricting blood flow to the hands. Smoking is another activity that should be avoided if cold hands are a problem. It’s also important to avoid tight or constrictive clothing on the upper body. Of course, when you venture outside in cold weather, you’ll want to have your hands and fingers covered with a good pair of gloves. In some cases, medications known as calcium channel blockers are used to treat cold fingers and hands associated with Raynaud’s syndrome.

If you’re experiencing other symptoms with your cold fingers and hands, it’s a good idea to see your doctor to rule out more serious causes such as heart disease, arthritic diseases, or problems with circulation.

How to Warm your Cold Mouse Hand

2009-03-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

The Mouse Hand Warmer® shown above is the invention of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. Read about the Mouse Hand Warmer at Inventor's Spot or at IGMproducts.com. The article below was found at another website which clearly copied the orginal Mouse Hand Warmer®. To keep your cold computer hands warm, use infrared heated mouse, mouse pad, keyboard pad and mouse hand warmer blanket. Quality products available online at IGMproducts.com.

From eHow
Inventor & Trademark Owner i-GlobalMall.com, Inc.

Did you ever notice after a long period of time on the computer, that your mouse hand (your right hand) is much colder than your left hand? It's a condition called Cold Mouse Hand. If this happens to you, there are several things you can do to warm your cold mouse hand.

Periodically during your computer time, practice stretching your fingers and do ergonomic hand exercises to improve circulation to your hands. Look under resources for links to two excellent articles with various techniques you can implement to keep your hands healthy and strong.

Look on the internet for mouse hand warmers for sale or better yet, make your own simple warmer for your cold mouse hand and save yourself $30.

Lay your mouse pad on a remnant of fleece to size the square you'll be making. Allow extra inches surrounding the mouse pad so your hand will have ample room to move inside the hand warmer. (The hand warmer being made is 13 1/2" x 13 1/2" square.) Cut two pieces identical in size.

Center seam opening for mouse. Center seam opening for mouse. With right sides together, saw a 1/2" seam around 3 sides of the square of fleece. Leave a small opening at center top that is just wide enough to fit your mouse through.

Turn square right side out. Lay mouse pad inside and insert your mouse and cord through the top.

Netting between squares. Netting between squares. You can make a warmer to warm your cold mouse hand even if you use a cordless mouse. The basic directions are the same.

Cut your two square pieces of fleece. In addition, cut a strip of tulle netting that is 2 1/2" wide x the length of your square. (which is 13 1/2" in the example shown). Fold the netting strip in half lengthwise and sew edges in a 1/4" seam to each of the top of the fleece squares.

Cordless version. Cordless version. Your netting should now be centered between the squares. With right sides together, sew along opposing sides of the squares in a 1/2" seam. Turn right side out.

Lay your mouse pad and cordless mouse inside. Your mouse will be able to project through the netting.

Inside mouse hand warmer. Inside mouse hand warmer. Warm your cold mouse hand with either version of the mouse hand warmer. Don't forget the finger stretching and hand exercises. Using these simple methods will help to eliminate your cold mouse hand. Stay healthy!

The Cold Facts About Seriously Cold Hands

2009-03-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Karen Barrow

Cold hands and feet are a common occurrence, usually blamed on the frigid weather, not dressing warmly enough or poor circulation. In most cases, a pair of mittens and some heavy socks will make you feel toasty again. But at what point are cold hands a sign of more serious problems? Dr. Robert Spiera, director of vasculitis and scleroderma at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York explains Raynaud's syndrome, a surprisingly common condition that underlies many cases of cold feet.

What is Raynaud's syndrome?
Raynaud's syndrome is a condition where people develop spasms in the blood vessels going to the hands or feet. These spasms are most often precipitated by exposure to cold, but they can also be caused by stressful situations. It is something that is fairly common, especially in young women. Some estimates will say that as many as 10 percent of women have Raynaud's phenomena.

What are the symptoms of Raynaud's?
The hands or feet turn colors. The most typical thing would be first turning a whitish color, possibly followed by a phase where the hands can become very bluish and then a very reddish phase at the end. This is called the "French tricolor" changes of Raynaud's: white, blue and red.
These color changes are a result of the alterations in blood flow to the extremities. [The white color is caused by a lack of blood. The blue to red color is a result of a rush of blood to the hands.]

Should you be concerned about Raynaud's syndrome if you often get cold hands?
Raynaud's symptoms can fall within a spectrum in terms of the severity of the disease. There are people who are cold-sensitive, and their hands might turn a little white or feel a little bit cold in the cold weather; that's actually a normal physiologic response. But when people have Raynaud's, it's a more striking change, where they can actually see the color changes.

Why do people with Raynaud's get cold hands and feet?
Raynaud's is based on a normal physiologic response. If somebody is exposed to cold, the normal physiologic response is for your body to maintain core body temperature and prevent heat loss through the extremities. So, the body would clamp down on the peripheral vessels to have the blood go to the vital organs to maintain warmth.

But in people with Raynaud's, this normal response is exaggerated. For example, frostbite wouldn't be considered Raynaud's, but it's caused by the same response. In people who have Raynaud's, something like frostbite might happen much more readily or be more pronounced when it happens.

What causes Raynaud's phenomena?
There are families that are predisposed to having Raynaud's phenomena, but the symptoms of Raynaud's are usually indicative of some other disease. There are some autoimmune or connective tissue diseases that cause a higher rate and more severe form of Raynaud's.

For example, Raynaud's occurs in almost everybody with scleroderma, a chronic connective tissue disease. So, while some people just have Raynaud's syndrome alone with mild symptoms when they get very cold, in people with scleroderma the Raynaud's can be so severe that they develop injury to the tips of their fingers from the lack of blood flow. It becomes such a profound lack of blood supply that they actually can get ulcerations on the fingertips or even autoamputation (detachment) of the digits. In these patients with scleroderma and Raynaud's, the changes to the blood vessels can be seen; there's a thickening of the blood vessels which causes less room for the blood to flow.

How is Raynaud's diagnosed?
Raynaud's is really a clinical description. The only way to diagnose Raynaud's is by getting a good history from the patient and asking them to describe what happens to their hands. If the patient says, "Doctor, on cold exposure or during a stressful situation, my hands turn white and maybe little bluish," it's really just that description that would allow the doctor to diagnose Raynaud's.
Sometimes we'll just see it happen right in front of us. A patient gets nervous as a new doctor walks into the room, or they're in a cold exam room, and it will precipitate Raynaud's, so the doctor can observe it there.

How is the severity of the symptoms determined?
The severity would be determined by how much it bothers the patient, and how much it interferes with their daily life. That really depends on the individual patient and daily demands.
For example, I had a young woman who was a surgical resident and would go into the cold operating room and have the symptoms of Raynaud's there. It really wasn't necessarily a more severe form of Raynaud's than maybe somebody else's, but it interfered with her life more.

I would say it's significant if people are developing attacks where the white phase lasts more than 15 minutes. That really raises a flag that it might be serious Raynaud's, because during that white phase the fingers are not getting blood. That person is probably at higher risk for actually having injury to the tissues in their fingers or feet (but more often fingers) from the Raynaud's. This prolonged white phase signals more serious Raynaud's, and also would make me delve more deeply into whether this might be Raynaud's in the context of a more serious autoimmune or connective tissue disease like scleroderma.

What other diseases are associated with Raynaud's phenomena?
We seem to find that patients with autoimmune diseases have a higher frequency of Raynaud's than the general population. Scleroderma has the strongest association. In phospholipid syndrome, a person has certain blood proteins that predispose them to sluggish blood flow or blood clots that may show up as Raynaud's. We also see Raynaud's in patients with lupus.

Is this often the first sign of a more serious autoimmune problem?
Well, it can be. But more often than not, it's not going to be representing an autoimmune problem. So if somebody calls me up and says, "You know, I just met this young woman and she has a ten-year history of Raynaud's, and it's not changing, " I don't even think I need to see that person as a rheumatologist. But if someone's Raynaud's has suddenly gotten much, much worse, or somebody is 30 and is developing new Raynaud's, it can be a sign of an underlying connective tissue disorder brewing.

But I would say the most common consultation is to a young person with new Raynaud's. Do they have another disease or not? More often than not, they don't. But on the other hand, it is fair to look at that as something that should be at least evaluated, at least by their internist, if they develop new Raynaud's.

What does treatment consist of?
Once Raynaud's is diagnosed, how it is treated depends on how much it's interfering with the patient's life. There are some people with Raynaud's phenomena where they notice it, but it doesn't particularly bother them. So, beyond reassuring myself that it is nothing more serious, maybe that person doesn't need any treatment at all. If a person is uncomfortable with it, there are a few very basic things to do. Maintaining core body temperature warmth is important. People with Raynaud's intuitively recognize, "Gee, I'd better wear gloves more often," but it's not just wearing gloves, it's also keeping a sweater on to keep your core body temperature up.

There are also medications we sometimes use in people who have very bad Raynaud's, or when it is interfering with their quality of life. One class of drugs used is called calcium channel blockers, like Procardia (nifedipine) or Norvasc (amlodipine), and are usually used as high blood pressure medicines. For Raynaud's they dilate the blood vessels and improve circulation. It's important to note that these drugs are not going to completely eliminate Raynaud's, but if they were having ten episodes a week, maybe they'll have four episodes a week. The drugs will decrease the frequency and often the severity of attacks.

Avoiding smoking is probably the most important thing for people with Raynaud's to do. You can actually give somebody a cigarette and precipitate a Raynaud's episode. Smoking causes spasm of the blood vessels.

Do you need to see a rheumatologist for an accurate diagnosis?
I think most rheumatologists would be comfortable with evaluating Raynaud's, but a lot of internists would be very capable of dealing with new Raynaud's as well. I think as rheumatologists, we deal with it a lot, and we're very familiar about the other things we should be thinking about in the context of new Raynaud's.

Cold Hand Help for Computer Users: ValueRays Infrared Heat - Warm Mouse, Heated Mouse Pad & Warm Computer Keyboard Pad

2009-03-15T21:32:00.000-07:00

Computer users can get help with cold hands by using infrared heat computer gadgets; an infrared heat warm mouse, heated mouse pad and heated computer keyboard pad. The cold hand help is enhanced when the products are used in combination with one another and with a mouse hand warmer blanket.

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.

ValueRays 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.

The ValueRays 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, ValueRays 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 ValueRays 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 ValueRays 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 a 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. It creates an ideal, warm house for the mouse hand.

With the mouse hand warm, the keyboard hands are still an issue for the person who suffers with cold hands. The ValueRays USB 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 at IGMproducts.com or ValueRays.com. Making an investment in one or all four ValueRays warm computer gadgets to help relieve the cold has high payoff value when cold hands cause pain and discomfort.

Visit http://www.IGMproducts.com and http://www.ValueRays.com for more information.

Cold mouse hand? Use a warm mouse!

2009-03-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

Do your hands feel cold after you start working from gripping the computer mouse? Do you sit for hours with freezing numb fingers? Think about how good a warm mouse would feel to the hand used to hold a computer mouse. Then, imagine all the cold and pain gone! That's the result you will get from using a heated, warm mouse.

Ever wonder why computer mice are shaped the way they are? Does your mouse hand ache regardless of the shape of computer mouse you use? I've asked myself lately, and came to the conclusion people are all the same, yet they are very different. So, for every ergonomic need and every hand condition, there's a different shaped computer mouse with different and helpful functionality.

The computer mouse was invented about 40 years ago by Douglas Engelbart. If you search Google for "computer mouse inventor" you can read more about its history. Pictures of the first mouse illustrate a small wooden box filled with techie guts. We've come a long way in 40 years. And, the functionality of the computer mouse has, too.

The missing ergonomic link in modern-day computer mouse technology is heat. The warm mouse is the answer to many ailments and hand injuries. The use of the computer is growing, and it's use is not going to fade or go away anytime soon. As a matter of fact, computer use being on the rise, educators are debating as to whether or not to continue teaching penmanship in schools!

If we rely upon the computer for everyday connections, for Presidential campaigns and for daily tasks, then why wouldn't we begin the introduction of computer work aids to assist in healing and creating a more healthy computer work environment. That's where the warm mouse fits nicely. The warm mouse generates heat to the mouse hand. Whether the mouse hand is cold, sore, tense or stressed, the heat from a warm mouse penetrates deeply through the skin's layers to sore muscles creating a comfortable, relaxed, healthy experience.

The use of a carbon fiber heating element inside the mouse creating infrared heat adds tremondous benefit for using a warm mouse. Infrared heat heals (search Google for "infrared heat heals"). This has been proven and documented by medical practitioners worldwide. Infrared heating pads, lamps, saunas, incubators and NASA space programs use infrared heat. Studies show about 30 minutes of infrared heat daily improves poor circulation by getting blood flowing to constricted blood vessels. What a relief for people who suffer with poor hand circulation from Raynaud's Phenomenon, arthritis and diabetes! Holding a warm mouse at home or at work can make a huge difference for hand pain and comfort when using the computer.

When there's a stiff neck or sore back, a heating pad helps relieve the pain. Similarly, when the computer mouse hand hurts, a warm mouse feels good and creates relief. The positive results of the warm mouse have been so very good it has inspired the manufacture of warm mouse pads, warm keyboard pads, and a vast array of other USB (Universal Serial Bus) connected devices to create heat and warmth for computer users. Plus, the heat created is energy-efficient and cost-effective. No need to crank up the room temperature when a computer's energy is easily converted into creating comfort for its user.

Before you race out to get a warm mouse, make sure you get one with a carbon fiber to generate infrared heat, and be certain to compare prices and shipping costs. Free shipping and purchasing from a reputable supplier is best. Driving to your local office supply store for a warm mouse may be a waste of time. The best place to obtain a warm mouse is online. The search engines are a good place to shop and compare (search Google for "infrared heat computer mouse"). While you are at it, take a look at other heated computer products, too. The warm mouse, the warm mouse pad and the warm keyboard pad are only the beginning of things to get to create an ultimate warm ergonomic computer work environment.

Source: http://www.IGMproducts.com

Reference: http://www.ValueRays.com

Cold Mouse Hand? We need your vote!

2009-03-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

Mouse Hand Warmer for Cold Mouse Hand

Vote for us on Start Up Nation!

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.

Alternative Treatment of Raynaud's Disease

2009-03-07T22:14:00.000-08:00

Cold Mouse Hand? Visit IGMproducts.com

by PETER HUTCH

Raynaud's disease is a condition of the circulation that affects blood supply to the skin and causes the extremities of the body to lose feeling and become numb. The symptoms of Raynaud’s are most commonly associated with cold and stress and sufferers of this condition will find their toes and fingers feel very cold or even lose sensation in response to a stressful situation or exposure to cold.

Raynaud's Disease is an uncommon condition caused by nervous spasm in the small arteries, especially of the fingers, resulting in their going cold, white, and often numb. It most often affects young women. Raynauds disease is a condition that causes extremeties of the body such as fingers and toes to feel cold and numb. Prolonged attacks can be painful and debilitating. It is caused by spasms in the blood vessels reducing the flow of blood to the affected areas, and can be brought on by low external temperature or stress.

Treatment involves symptomatic relief using herbal medicines such as Chilli & Comfrey Cream and Ginger to promote peripheral blood flow. Supplementary Rutin along with Bilberry and Horse Chestnut are all excellent long-term treatments vital to improve the condition of the blood vessel walls and thus the efficiency of the circulation generally. Herbal Medicine Rub in calendula (marigold) ointment if the skin is broken.

Chilblains are caused by exposure of extremities such as fingers, ears, nose, and, especially, feet and toes to cold and damp, causing the skin to become tender, painful, and intensely itchy. People with sensitive skin or poor circulation are most vulnerable, especially those who smoke (nicotine reduces circulation in the skin).

Ginger and has a yearn record of permit in habitual Chinese and Ayurvedic (Indian) Chinese herbalistsmonly rmend this "hot" herb to investigate conditions involving difficulties with distant including the distant fingers caused by Raynaud's.

Conventional treatment of Raynaud’s will include treatment of the underlying condition (in Secondary Raynaud’s) as well as medications to reduce the frequency of attacks and prevent tissue damage. These medications work mostly on the principle of dilating the blood vessels in order to prevent the symptoms of Raynaud’s. In severe cases surgery on the nerves in the hands and feet may be performed.

To help sort out the problem, you can consider using nutritional compounds to assist with this. Raynaud's disease can be classified as one of two types: primary (or idiopathic) and secondary (also called Raynaud's phenomenon). Raynaud's disease affects a small percentage of Americans. Women are more likely than men are to have the disorder. It's more common in people who live in colder climates. Treatment of Raynaud's disease depends on its severity and the presence or absence of associated conditions. Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon may also be associated with exposure to vibrating tools such as jackhammers, which cause trauma to the hands and wrists. And it may be linked to certain drugs, such as chemotherapy agents, or to chemicals such as vinyl chloride.

If you use birth control pills, you may wish to switch to another method of contraception because these drugs affect your circulation and may make you more prone to attacks.

What's the Deal With Cold Hands and Feet?

2009-03-03T01:58:00.000-08:00

Raynaud's Phenomenon is a strange disease affecting the hands, feet, and all other extremities. The blood vessels become constricted and poor circulation causes cold hands and feet. The hands turn color as illustrated in the photo. Raynaud's sufferers find it difficult to keep hands warm. We specialize in heated computer aids, a heated computer mouse, a heated mouse pad and a heated keyboard wrist/hand/arm pad. ValueRays Infrared Heated Computer Aids.

What's the Deal With Cold Hands and Feet?

from fitsugar

It's Winter, and for many people, especially women, their hands and feet are always cold. The reason this happens is basically your body's way of surviving cold temps. When the thermometer level drops, your body tries to keep your core warm, where all your vital organs are. So the blood vessels in your extremities constrict and limit circulation to these parts of your body. The result is cold-to-the-touch fingers, hands, toes, feet, nose, and ears. The best thing to do is bundle up with warm clothes, exercise, or drink hot beverages to increase your body temperature.

If it's not cold where you live, then cold hands and feet could mean something else. To find out what then read more.

If you have risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease such as history of smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, then cold hands and feet could also be a sign that there are blockages in the small blood vessels. Medications can help with this, or increasing your omega-3s.

If your fingers and toes are often cold and they turn a whitish color, then you may have Raynaud's Disease, which can be caused by cold weather or stress. If you're concerned about your hands and feet constantly being cold, then it can't hurt to make an appointment with your doctor.

The Chill Factor: Raynaud's Disease

from fitsugar

I was teaching a yoga class the other day, and when this woman took off her socks before class, her friend said, "What's up with your toes?" Her big toe and the toe next to it were completely whitish-green, and the others looked normal. She told us she had something called Raynaud's disease. It's a condition that most commonly affects your fingers and toes but can also affect your nose or ears. It makes them become numb and feel cool, and it's a response to cold temperatures or stress. It's really common in women and in people who live in colder climates.

It's not the same as frostbite, which happens when your tissues freeze and can permanently damage the affected area. With Raynaud's disease, arteries to your fingers and toes go into what's called a vasospasm, which constricts the blood vessels and temporarily limits the blood supply to those areas, causing them to turn pale. Once the spasms stop, the area may turn red, but then goes back to its normal coloring.

This condition may occur alone or may be caused by something else, such as lupus, arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome, thyroid disorders, genetics, or smoking. If you think you may have Raynaud's disease, make an appointment with your doctor to have it checked out.

Are you Having Cold Hands and Feet?

2009-02-27T19:04:00.000-08:00

We specialize in Warm Computer Gadgets to keep your digits toasty! Does your mouse hand get cold? Do your finger tips get numb? We can help.

from Natural Home Remedies Blog

Hands and feet feel cold when they don’t receive an ample supply of warm blood containing oxygen and nutrients. The most common reason for this problem is exposure to cold air, especially from a draught or the wind. An underlying health problem may be responsible, but whatever the cause of the condition, there is much you can do to relieve the symptoms.

Although cold extremities can be uncomfortable or even painful, the problem is usually relatively minor. When you are inadequately protected from the cold- especially if you also smoke or feel tired, faint or anxious – your peripheral arteries become narrower. This narrowing restricts the circulation of warm blood to your hands and feet with the purpose of keeping the rest of your body warm.

Cold extremities can also result from hormone fluctuations before menstruation or a lack of circulating nutrients, as when a person is on a very strict diet or is suffering from an eating disorder. In addition, they may occur during the incubation period before an infection. Other causes include Raynaud’s syndrome and circulatory problems associated with such conditions as chronic bronchitis and arterial disease. Prolonged restriction of the blood supply to the hands and feet may lead to chilblains – shiny red or purple lumps on the fingers or toes that can be painful and itchy.

Cold hands and feet and the development of chilblains can be prevented in four simple ways. Dress warmly in cold weather. Stop or reduce smoking. Get exercise that raises your pulse rate for about 20 minutes every day. Eat regular, nutritious meals to fuel your body so that it raises metabolism, creating heat. Smaller, frequent meals are better than one or two large meals a day.

Massage with stimulating aromatherapy essential oils can boost the circulation in hands and feet. Mix three drops each of rosemary and black pepper oils into a tablespoon of warm sweet almond or olive oil, and massage your hands, arms, feet and calves with the mixture. Use a firm stroke as you sweep your hand up your leg or arm, and a lighter one as you sweep back down towards your hand or foot.

Raynaud's chronic cold mouse hand

2009-02-26T19:05:00.000-08:00

Severe Raynaud's Disease. Cold hands turn colors due to diminished blood supply to the fingers. A heated computer mouse relieves a cold computer mouse hand. Visit ValueRays.com for more information about the healing effects of infrared heated computer gadgets.

Raynaud's Phenomenon
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Medical Editors: Dennis Lee, MD, and Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a condition resulting in a particular series of discolorations of the fingers and/or the toes after exposure to changes in temperature (cold or hot) or emotional events. Skin discoloration occurs because an abnormal spasm of the blood vessels causes a diminished blood supply to the local tissues. Initially, the digit(s) involved turn white because of the diminished blood supply. The digit(s) then turn blue because of prolonged lack of oxygen. Finally, the blood vessels reopen, causing a local "flushing" phenomenon, which turns the digit(s) red. This three-phase color sequence (white to blue to red), most often upon exposure to cold temperature, is characteristic of RP.

Raynaud's phenomenon most frequently affects women, especially in the second, third, or fourth decades of life. People can have Raynaud's phenomenon alone or as a part of other rheumatic diseases. When it occurs alone, it is referred to as "Raynaud's disease" or primary Raynaud's phenomenon. When it accompanies other diseases, it is called secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.

What causes Raynaud's phenomenon?

The causes of primary and secondary RP are unknown. Both abnormal nerve control of the blood-vessel diameter and nerve sensitivity to cold exposure have been suspected as being contributing factors. The characteristic color changes of the digits are in part related to initial blood-vessel narrowing due to spasm of the tiny muscles in the wall of the vessels, followed by sudden opening (dilation), as described above. The small arteries of the digits can have microscopic thickness of their inner lining, which also leads to abnormal narrowing of the blood vessels.

What conditions have been associated with Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon has been seen with a number of conditions, including rheumatic diseases (scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus), hormone imbalance (hypothyroidism and carcinoid), trauma (frostbite, vibrating tools), medications (propranolol [Inderal], estrogens without additional progesterone, nicotine, bleomycin [Bleoxane] used in cancer treatment, and ergotamine used for headaches), and even rarely with cancers.

What are the symptoms and signs of Raynaud's phenomenon?

Symptoms of RP depend on the severity, frequency, and duration of the blood vessel spasm. Most patients with mild disease only notice skin discoloration upon cold exposure. They may also experience mild tingling and numbness of the involved digit(s) that will disappear once the color returns to normal. When the blood-vessel spasms become more sustained, the sensory nerves become irritated by the lack of oxygen and can cause pain in the involved digit(s). Rarely, poor oxygen supply to the tissue can cause the tips of the digits to ulcerate. Ulcerated digits can become infected. With continued lack of oxygen, gangrene of the digits can occur.

Less common areas of the body that can be affected by RP include the nose, ears, and tongue. While these areas rarely develop ulcers, they can be associated with a sensation of numbness and pain.

Patients with secondary RP can also have symptoms related to their underlying diseases. RP is the initial symptom of 70% of patients with scleroderma, a skin and joint disease. Other rheumatic diseases frequently associated with RP include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome.

How is Raynaud's phenomenon diagnosed?

In patients with the characteristic sequence of skin-color changes of the digits upon cold exposure, diagnosing RP is not difficult. Sometimes, certain patterns in the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) adjacent to the fingernails of patients with RP can be seen using a magnifying viewing instrument. Abnormal nail-fold capillary patterns can suggest the possibility of an associated rheumatic condition. There is, however, no single blood test to help the doctor to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor can order certain blood tests (for example, sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody, thyroid hormone levels, and protein levels) to exclude associated rheumatic diseases and thyroid disorders. The doctor can also perform certain maneuvers with the patient's extremities to exclude pinched blood vessels that can produce symptoms that mimic RP, such as in thoracic outlet syndrome.

Typically patients with Raynaud's phenomenon that is a manifestation of a rheumatic disease have elevated blood sedimentation rates and antinuclear antibodies. Furthermore, capillary nail fold abnormalities can frequently be found as described above.

How is Raynaud's phenomenon treated?

Management of Raynaud's phenomenon involves protecting the fingers and the toes from cold, trauma, and infection. Medications that can aggravate blood vessel spasm should be avoided by patients with RP. In patients with persistent symptoms, medications that dilate the blood vessels can be administered.

Patients with Raynaud's phenomenon who have no symptoms other than the color changes of extremities may require only measures to prevent complications. Prevention measures are important in primary and secondary RP regardless of the severity. Simple initial care involves keeping the body warm, especially the extremities. Warm clothing in colder environments is essential. Cotton gloves can be helpful while searching the freezer. Room temperatures should not be too cool. Rubber gloves protect the hands and prevent cooling while washing dishes. Barefoot walking should be minimized. Compression of the blood vessels by tight-fitting wrist bands, rings, or footwear should be avoided.

Those with RP should guard their hands and feet from direct trauma and wounds. Any wounds or infections should be treated early to prevent more serious infections. Avoiding emotional stresses and tools that vibrate the hand may reduce the frequency of attacks. Biofeedback can also help to decrease the severity and frequency of RP in some patients.

Direct and indirect (passive) smoking should be avoided by patients with RP. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can cause blood-vessel constriction and lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can further impair oxygen supply to the extremities.

Care of the nails must be done carefully to avoid injuring sensitive toes and fingertips. Ulcers on the tips of the digits should be monitored closely by the doctor. These can become infected. Gently applied finger splints are used to protect ulcerated areas. Ointments that open the blood vessels (nitroglycerin ointment) are sometimes used on the sides of severely affected digits to allow increased blood supply and healing.

Medications that can aggravate symptoms of RP by leading to increased blood-vessel spasm include over-the-counter cold and weight-control preparations, such as pseudoephedrine (Actifed, Chlor-Trimeton, Cotylenol, and Sudafed). Beta blockers, medicines used for high blood pressure and heart disease, can also worsen RP. These include atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol.

Patients with persistent or bothersome symptoms may be helped by taking oral medications that open (dilate) blood vessels. These include calcium antagonists, such as diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor), nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Procardia), and other medicines used in blood pressure treatment, such as methyldopa (Aldomet) and prazocin (Minipress). Recent research has shown that the blood-pressure drug losartan (Cozaar, Hyzaar) can reduce the severity of episodes of RP possibly more than nifedipine.

Medications that "thin" the blood, such as low doses of aspirin or dipyridamole (Persantine), are sometimes helpful.

Some patients with persistent symptoms can benefit by adding a medication called pentoxifylline (Trental) which makes the red blood cells more pliable, thereby improving circulation.

Severe RP can lead to gangrene and the loss of digits. In rare cases of severe disease, nerve surgery called "sympathectomy" is sometimes considered. In this procedure, to prevent blood-vessel spasm, the nerves that stimulate the constriction of the vessels (sympathetic nerves) are surgically interrupted. Usually, this is performed during an operation that is localized to the sides of the base of the fingers at the hand. Through small incisions the tiny nerves around the blood vessels are stripped away. This procedure is referred to as a digital sympathectomy.

Research

Researchers have reported finding a substantial genetic (inherited) contribution both to the symptoms of RP and to the associated blood-vessel changes of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon.

Other researchers are studying nitric oxide and its potential relationship to Raynaud's phenomenon. A gel is being studied which might promote local production of nitric oxide in involved digits. The local nitric oxide, it seems, may open the blood vessels and improve the impaired circulation.

Raynaud's Phenomenon At A Glance

Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by a pale-blue-red sequence of color changes of the digits, most commonly after exposure to cold.

Raynaud's phenomenon occurs because of spasm of blood vessels.

The cause of Raynaud's phenomenon is unknown, although abnormal nerve control of blood-vessel diameter and nerve sensitivity to cold are suspected of being involved.

Symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon depend on the severity, frequency, and duration of the blood-vessel spasm.

There is no blood test for diagnosing Raynaud's phenomenon.

Treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon involves protection of the digits, medications, and avoiding emotional stresses, smoking, cold temperature, and tools that vibrate the hands.

For further information about Raynaud's phenomenon write to:

The Arthritis Foundation
P.O. Box 19000
Atlanta, Georgia 30326

Raynaud's Phenomenon - Describe Your Experience

I am 24 and I live in Kentucky. I was diagnosed with Raynaud's when I was 16, and was told that there was nothing that I could do but live with it and try to stay warm. What people didn't understand is that it could be nearly 100 degrees F. outside and my fingers and toes would still freeze. It is the most miserable feeling in the world to be cold and in pain all the time and there is nothing you can do about it but sit and wait for it to go away. Luckily, when I got married in September, my insurance changed and I had to find a new doctor. How lucky was it that the provider I chose had written a thesis in college about Raynaud's phenomenon! She prescribed "Nifedipine" for me and I rarely have any problems anymore. The only side effects that I have found is that my heart races for a few moments after it kicks in and sometimes I get leg cramps. I still have symptoms, but only a few times a week compared to the 10 times a day before I started the medication. My life has almost done a complete 180!
Published: July 08 ::

I was diagnosed with Secondary Raynaud’s Phenomenon three months ago and am still trying all sorts of products to relieve the outbreaks. I have severe outbreaks and can have up to 10 outbreaks a day. Wind, moderate temps, and A/C all contribute to the outbreaks. The greatest relief for me has been a pair of motorcycle gloves I purchased at the BMW motorcycle store. They are about $200 but well worth it. Their meant for motorcycle riders in colder temps. They plug into the car adapter and warm up the hands in about one minute. I haven't found a pair of gloves yet for outside the car, but my car is my office so it's been a tremendous help.
Published: July 25 ::

I am a 39 y/o male and was told 4 years ago I have Raynaud’s. In winter my toes turn white and blister like ingrown toenails. When the blood starts to flow through the toes again, my toes feel like they are on fire and very painful until they are normal again. I wear 2 or 3 pairs of socks and wooly shoes at home. If anyone has this and has to work outside like me, I brought some waterproof socks called sealskins and put them over 2 pairs of woolly socks and no matter how hard it rains my feet stay dry and warm. I also take medication over winter which helps a bit but wearing lots of clothing to stop the cold hitting the area is the answer and once I knew what I had, it was easier for me to protect myself and limit the pain.
Published: July 23 ::

I am a 37 year old female and was diagnosed with Raynaud's syndrome about 4 years ago. In cold weather, my toes and fingers turn completely white and are extremely painful. It feels like pins and needles and severe aching. I can't even walk until the blood returns to my toes. No one understands how intense the pain actually is. Lately I have been having attacks in the air conditioner. I have also been diagnosed with a connective tissue autoimmune disease, which Raynaud's can be a symptom of.
Published: July 16 ::

I found out in the last couple of years that Raynaud's phenomenon has affected my hands and fingers. I play golf, and on mornings when it’s under 50 degrees, the blood circulation in my fingers almost stops completely. I will go four or five holes before the blood flow starts again, which is followed by a stinging sensation in the fingers lasting 15 to 20 minutes.
Published: July 11 ::

This disease is absolutely awful and depressing. I suffer all day. The only time I have relief is minutes after waking up and minutes after lying down and being in a hot bath. The rest of the day I am trapped inside a body that can’t regulate itself. I am constantly irritable. It starts out physiologically with capillary constriction and then turns into mental distress where my extremities look like a walking road map not to mention the discomfort. I can’t stand the fact that there is no treatment. I have tried several vasodilators but they don’t work. I have tried warm clothing but as all of you know as soon as the capillaries open up you become irritably hot and the clothes must come off. I can’t spend my life lying down, in a hot bath and taking clothes on and off.
Published: July 10 ::

I was diagnosed with Raynaud's about 3 years ago. I dread going outside anymore...even in the spring and autumn...as the slightest breeze sends me into cold spasms. Living in New Zealand has been difficult in the winter as heating is extremely expensive. When I was diagnosed with Raynaud's, I also had bruise-like markings on my upper leg. The doctor who diagnosed me said it was dry skin. A few months later, the bruises became darker, hard and spread. Turns out I have a disease called morphea that affects 1 in 100,000 people. Nobody is sure what causes it but say they see it in patients who have Raynaud’s.
Published: July 08 ::

My mother was diagnosed with Raynaud’s about two years ago. It has become so bad that her left middle finger was amputated. We live in California, and even in the hot summers she stays up all night with severe pain in her fingers. It's hard to see my mother cry night over night telling me how much her fingers hurt. Like I mentioned it's getting worse, her right pinky began turning red then blue and is now in a stage of a charcoal black color. We are seeing a specialist at U.C.L.A who are running tests and doing the best they can.
Published: July 08 ::

I am now 65, living in the UK. I was diagnosed with Raynaud's disease in my 30s.Both my hands suffered all the described symptoms and I had acute pain. I was given the choice of living with it and risking gangrene and losing my fingers or having two operations to treat it, both sides. This was a cervical sympathectomy which cuts the nerve carrying the cold messages to each hand. I chose that and had the two operations. They were partially successful. My left hand is better than my right. When it's cold, I get some recurrence but much less than before the operations. I've never met anyone else who has the illness or treatment.
Published: July 02 ::

I'm 13, and I have had the condition since I was about 6. It used to happen to only one of my toes. It would turn numb and white. Then a while ago, it started affecting all of my toes and the heels of my feet. The other day I was swimming in pretty cold water and my fingers turned white as well. I have never experienced pain or red and blue coloring, thank goodness. I just have to be careful in the winter and in cold swimming pools.
Published: July 01 ::

My daughter was diagnosed at 4 months of age. The soles of her feet and hands were very dark blue. She is now 5 years old. Some days are hell for her, and she will just sit and cry in pain. She says it feels like pins and needles that never goes away. Winter is worse for her. She drinks green tea and that seems to help. She always wears shoes and at nights she puts her shoes on her bed so her feet don't have to touch the floor. She is coping well, but now we’re testing for secondary things that can go hand in hand with her Reynaud’s phenomenon.
Published: June 30 ::

Have pinched nerves and nerve root in back with spinal stenosis. Last November both feet became very tender with blister-like sores under toes. Color began changing to purple and red, but I have not noticed the white. Feet, toes and heels very sore and I feel hot even when cold and like standing in a patch of stinging nettles. I am seeing a specialist in July. I would like to know if natural treatment exists.
Published: June 27 ::

I’m a 20 yr old living in Australia, and just recently found out I have Raynaud’s disease. It’s been happening for 6 years now but only recently saw a doctor about it. I get it in my legs so badly I can’t walk or use my legs because there is no blood in them and they go blue. It worsens with cold and tiles and air conditioning. It affects my work because I work in air conditioning running around all day.
Published: June 24 ::

I was diagnosed with Raynaud's Phenomenon when I was about 18 years old(2000). My first attack was only in my hands, which turned such a dark blue that it was almost black. Since that day I've had moderate attacks with cool weather or stressful situations. Unfortunately I've been experiencing much more severe symptoms with my Raynaud's, I'm not sure whether they are related or not. Symptoms during attacks have included: -color change of limbs in cool or hot weather, or under stress -changing pasty white in my face and chest -tingling, cool sensation of lips and digits -warm to burning sensation of ears -distortion to loss of hearing -dizziness (Vertigo) -feeling of sea sickness -cold, very cold
Published: June 24 ::

My lips, nose and most of my face is so cold. I live in Florida, am 51 years old, so it’s actually nice when I go outside into 80 degree heat with 80% humidity. The air conditioning makes it worse. Also my hands, sometimes my feet are affected. I am told nothing can be done about this.
Published: June 20 ::

I’m a hairdresser, and the constant vibrating of my hair dryer, causes my wrists to tighten and get a tingling sensation in my fingers. Then I get pain in my thumbs and my hands go white, cold and dead looking. My doctor has told me I have Raynaud’s phenomenon. My other symptom is that my bicep goes into a spasm and feels like a cramp.
Published: June 18 ::

I have had Raynaud’s for a number of years. Each year my illness gets worse, and I have found it hard to cope. The doctor says it’s something that I have to deal with, which is very hard. I get frost bite symptoms, and I can’t walk as my bones feel crushed together. There is no help with things like heating costs etc., if you’re on a low income. People just don’t seem to understand. At times, I am housebound by this, even with a car I am not able to go out when I want.
Published: June 18 ::

I've recently been diagnosed with Raynaud's and the tip of my finger died. The Dr.'s have no clue so far and my finger is green and scary looking. I have never seen a documented case as bad as mine. So if you get symptoms o Raynaud’s seek medical attention A.S.A.P.
Published: June 10 ::

I have suffered with Raynaud’s phenomenon my whole life and it’s on my mind every day cause the slightest change in temperature or working with water brings it on. I’m a 20 yr old male and my hands look like a 90 yr old man which is bad for my self esteem. I have just started learning about the disease and by the sound of things there is no cure.
Published: June 09 ::

I’m cold all the time! Winter is the hardest because we live far north and it gets below 0 a lot. I turn blue/purple in the winter and I also have rosacea, which makes me turn bright red in heat and when I exercise.
Published: June 09 ::

I like to walk my dog very early each morning (before 6 a.m. if possible). Unfortunately, I can no longer do this in wintertime. In fact, walking at any hour during the winter anymore can be an exercise in agony. This is due to my Reynaud's Phenomenon where the cold causes the blood vessels in my finger tips and the tips of my toes to clamp shut, causing me intense pain. When that happens, I must get back home ASAP as I just can't handle the pain.
Published: June 30 ::

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For information about heated computer devices, visit ValueRays.com

Cold Hands Mouse Hand Warmer Blanket Mouse Pad Giveaway Winners

2009-02-26T18:56:00.000-08:00

IGMproducts.com sponsored two giveaways in partnership with Grammy Janet's Place and Everything Up Close. Two USA winners were announced and received their free Mouse Hand Warmer to help solve the cold mouse hand problem.

Continue to read the Press Release...

A Mouse Hand Warmer giveaway is in progress now. Don't delay. Enter to win. Join the fun at GrammyJanetsPlace.blogspot.com for a mouse hand warmer mouse pad giveaway in progress now. The giveaway announcement blog post was made by Grammy Janet on January 28, 2009. The giveaway ends February 6, 2009. Visit GrammyJanetsPlace.blogspot.com and scroll the page until you see the Mouse Hand Warmer Mouse Pad Blanket Giveaway. Follow the instructions, and enter a comment to win.

The Mouse Hand Warmer second giveaway is scheduled for February 9 - 18, 2009 at EverythingUpClose.blogspot.com. Mark your calendar to enter this giveaway on February 9th. On February 9, 2009, visit EverythingUpClose.blogspot.com for instructions to enter the Mouse Hand Warmer giveaway. Everything Up Close features new product reviews and giveaways every week.

The Mouse Hand Warmer mouse pad blanket pouch was designed to create the ultimate mouse hand environment. It helps relieve the pain caused by a cold, exposed mouse hand. It's a warm, fleece, cozy blanket pouch used to hold your favorite mouse and mouse pad (optional). If you or someone you know complains of a cold mouse hand, IGMproducts.com has warming products to address the problem.

IGMproducts.com offers its shoppers free USA shipping and no sales tax worldwide. They support the Arthritis, Raynaud's and Diabetes Associations. IGMproducts' warming devices relieve cold hand pain, relieve stress and tension of the hand and wrist experienced by computer users.

The Mouse Hand Warmer was recently seen in PC Magazine, Delight Magazine, Coolest Gadgets and many other popular websites. To read more about the Mouse Hand Warmer products, visit http://www.igmproducts.com/.

Now, don't delay, visit Grammy Janet's Place now to enter the free giveaway event.

"Mouse Hand Warmer - Designer Mouse House - The perfect mouse hand environment."

# # #

Mouse Hand Warmer is a fleece blanket for your mouse hand. Many computer users who sit and work at the computer for long hours suffer with an exposed, cold mouse hand. The Mouse Hand Warmer helps solve the cold mouse hand problem.

source

Copycat Counterfeit Fake Cold Mouse Hand Warmer on eHow.com

2009-02-25T18:41:00.000-08:00

The Authentic Mouse Hand Warmer shown above was designed to keep an exposed, cold mouse hand covered.

A fake Mouse Hand Warmer was spotted recently on eHow.com.

eHow copied IGMproducts' Mouse Hand Warmer which is designed to address the cold mouse hand problem. IGMproducts.com sells the authentic, original, Mouse Hand Warmer blanket pouch. It is designed to use with ValueRays infrared heated computer mouse and ValueRays infrared heated mouse pad. Together the three items create a perfect mouse hand environment.

We stumbled upon an article written by an eHow member who copied the IGMproducts' cold mouse hand blanket pouch. IGMproducts.com is somewhat honored to say the least.

"We aren't Prada, Gucci, Fendi or Louis Vuitton," said Anna Miller, IGMproducts.com Webmaster, "but now we can say there's a counterfeit Mouse Hand Warmer, and it's somewhat flattering."

The authentic Mouse Hand Warmer is constructed of high quality blanket fleece and made in the USA by a Los Angeles design house. The photos on eHow illustrate a very poorly made Mouse Hand Warmer. The IGMproducts version is made well of high quality fabrics, and the workmanship is exceptional. The fleece blanket fabric is like crawling under the covers on a cold winter night.

Authorized resellers of the IGMproducts Mouse Hand Warmer are: Etsy.com, eBay.com, Amazon.com and MadeinTheUSAForever.com.

If you suffer from a cold mouse hand and want a blanket to keep your hand warm, please visit http://www.igmproducts.com/.

The ValueRays heated mouse and heated mouse pad are also available and can be purchased as a set to save money. Each item when used separately serve the cold mouse hand purpose, and when used together, the three items keep warmth and heat insulated inside the blanket pouch. Plus, the USB heated computer mouse and heated mouse pad are made with a carbon fiber which create infrared heat. Infrared heat is a source of healing heat. Research shows 20-30 minutes of infrared heat therapy daily will help reverse poor circulation, tension, muscle stress and hand strains. To learn more about the healing effects of Infrared Heat, visit the IGMproducts.com Learning Center.

Also see:

Amapedia

eBay Guides

Press Release at PRweb

IGMproducts.com Solves the Cold Mouse Hand Problem

2009-02-21T17:19:00.001-08:00

The three items pictured above solve the cold mouse hand problem completely! The items are a Mouse Hand Warmer blanket pouch, a heated mouse and a warm mouse pad. When used together, the three items create a warm house for your mouse hand.

Here's how it works:

The Mouse Hand Warmer blanket pouch is designed to hold the heated mouse and warm mouse pad. The heat generated by the two USB computer devices is insulated inside the blanket pouch.

The USB heated computer devices are made with a carbon fiber. The carbon fiber generates infrared heat. Infrared heat has healing effects. When used for 20-30 minutes daily, infrared heat is known to soothe tired muscles and relieve pain and stress.

For more information about these products, please visit the manufacturer's website at IGMproducts.com.

Occupational Therapy - Infrared Heat Heals Computer Cold Mouse Hand Pain

2009-02-20T16:15:00.000-08:00

Join the American Occupational Therapy Association's April 2009 celebration. Occupational Therapy Month month is right around the corner.

Occupational Therapy intervention is one of the most promising, results-oriented job-savers a person can experience within a lifetime. A healthy, healing intervention saves jobs, restores hope, a worker's self-confidence and self-esteem. This story is about the loss of hand movement, and the positive results of an OT intervention.

Losing the function of a hand can be devastating, especially when the hand is needed to work at the computer all day. Finding a new job is not easy and almost impossible in today's economic situation. Rehabilitating an injury is a lot of work. Of the two choices, we choose rehabilitation. The alternative of not holding a job isn't an option.

The loss of the use of a person's computer mouse hand due to arthritis and poor circulation can make everyday computer tasks painful and dreadful. The pain from a sick computer mouse hand causes the hand to cramp, freeze and fingers become numb. Pills aren't always the solution and aren't an attractive idea. The only relief is not working, and it is not a suggested option.

Most occupational interventions rely upon ingenuity and creativity. For our computer mouse hand injury, we relied upon a mouse hand warmer blanket pouch to hold the computer mouse and mouse pad. The blanket is made of fleece and covers the computer user's hand completely creating a warm house for the mouse and mouse pad. We inserted inside the mouse hand warmer blanket pouch an USB heated mouse and USB heated mouse pad to generate heat inside the blanket pouch housing.

The USB heated devices are designed with a carbon fiber. Carbon fiber generates infrared heat. Infrared heat is healing. The sun is an example of the natural source of infrared heat. The Eastern Medical profession has been using the healing effects of infrared heat for thousands of centuries. The Western world is starting to catch on to the healing effects of infrared heat through infrared saunas and now occupational computer devices.

It is documented proof by therapists and physicians worldwide, 20-30 minutes per day of infrared heat has healing effects on an injury, in this case, of the hand. I conducted a 4 week study using a mouse hand warmer blanket, an infrared heated mouse and infrared heated mouse pad with a person who suffers with arthritis and poor circulation of the computer mouse hand. After three weeks of 30 minutes of daily use, the right hand is healed. There's no cold, cramp, pain or discomfort in the person's right mouse hand.

The use of the hand for computer related work is not going to fade or go away soon. As a matter of fact, the occupational related hand injuries will increase based on the continued widespread computer use activity. The first computer mouse turned 40 years old in 2008, and introducing the healing effects of infrared heated computer mouse and mouse pad is being made in 2009. We've come a long way, and we have a long road ahead.

For more information about the healing effects of infrared heated computer devices visit http://www.IGMproducts.com. To receive free samples of the products and to review the products for your OT needs, please visit IGMproducts.com and Contact Us.

Anna Miller
Mouse Hand Warmer
http://www.IGMproducts.com

Cold hands? Don't blame it on the weather: How icy fingers could be a sign of something more serious...

2009-02-19T15:44:00.000-08:00

Raynaud's sufferers report cold mouse hand when using the computer. Mouse hand warmers and heated mouse, mouse pad is important items for the Raynaud's computer user.

By Moira Petty

Cold hands are not only a sign that the weather's bitter - they could be a symptom of something more serious. There are at least a dozen conditions which cause chronic cold hands, including peripheral vascular disease and ME. But for an estimated nine million Britons, cold hands are a sign they have Raynaud's. The condition causes the small blood vessels in the fingers, toes, ears and nose to constrict when their temperature drops. Although it's usually worse in the winter, even in warm weather patients can suffer in the slightest temperature drop, such as moving into an air-conditioned atmosphere.

During an attack the skin visibly whitens and the area becomes numb or extremely painful. Sufferers often develop sores and patches of hard skin, which makes walking painful; because of poor blood flow their skin is also prone to ulceration and infection. Even a moment's exposure to the cold can leave sufferers in agonising pain. As Alison Wright, a sufferer, explains: 'Just opening the front door is enough for an attack - you feel as if glass is being scrunched in your hands.'

'People assume Raynaud's is "just" about numb hands,' adds Alison, 37, from Portsmouth. 'In fact, you're unable to use your fingers at all. Getting coins out of your purse, keying in your pin number, unscrewing jars or just putting the key in the door become impossible.'

Chilly: Having cold hands could be a symptom of something more than the bitter weather

Nine out of every ten sufferers are female - it's thought that oestrogen makes the blood thicker, slowing down its flow in the tiny vessels (the symptoms often first appear with puberty and attacks can be worse at certain times in the monthly cycle, sometimes tailing off after the menopause).

The severity of the condition varies with the patient.

But the key is that the condition is diagnosed early, says Chris Denton, Professor of Experimental Rheumatology at University College London and a consultant at the Royal Free Hospital. Not only because patients can be given treatment to reduce the debilitating effects - but, more importantly, to identify if it's secondary Raynaud's, which is potentially far more serious.

An astonishing half a million Britons are thought to have the secondary form - where their symptoms are a sign of an underlying problem. It can be a side-effect of certain medication (such as migraine treatments, betablockers and the Pill), or exposure to chemicals or a virus.

More worrying, their symptoms could be caused by an auto-immune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or scleroderma. Some of these conditions are potentially fatal; one form of scleroderma, for instance, is linked to lung disease and problems with the kidneys, gastrointestinal system and the heart. Raynaud's symptoms are often the first sign of the more serious health problem, says Professor Denton. For this reason it's important anyone with symptoms should be tested.

'By screening for these serious complications at the earliest stage, it means we can treat them.'

Alison Wright has secondary Raynaud's, although this wasn't discovered until her condition rapidly worsened. She was diagnosed with Raynaud's five years ago, but when treatment didn't help, a GP referred her to a rheumatologist four months later.

Don't blame the weather: A street in Glasgow last week - the cold weather is not the only reason you may get icy fingers

Blood tests revealed she has a form of scleroderma.

Her body produces too much collagen, the tissue used for building the skin, blood vessels, joints and organs. Some forms of scleroderma can cause inflammation of the skin, or growths of thickened skin. 'As well as Raynaud's symptoms, the skin on my fingers is permanently taut, shiny and can get very red,' says Alison. 'They're difficult to move. My hands are also puffy and I've had horrible ulcers on fingers and toes. It's a progressive disease and they can't tell how bad it will get.' There is no treatment for her form of scleroderma, and she has her heart and lungs checked annually as the condition can damage the organs. But at the moment it is the Raynaud's, not the scleroderma, which gives Alison the greatest discomfort.

'If I go into the chiller section at the supermarket, my hands go white from fingers to palms. 'At the cashier I can barely pick up the food from my trolley let alone get my money out of my purse. Even getting from the car to the house can bring on an attack so bad I cry out with pain.' Alison, who is married to a lieutenant commander in the Navy, is keen to start a family, although she worries about the practicalities of daily life with a condition which means she can't use her hands.

Raynaud's used to be treated with surgery to the sympathetic nervous system (the nerves from the brain to the hands and feet). But because the effects are temporary and there is the risk of complications, such as nerve damage, surgery is rarely offered these days.

The most common drug treatment is with vasodilators such as ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers - these work by relaxing the blood vessels. Prozac is also used - this blocks the hormone serotonin, which constricts blood vessels. In severe cases, iloprost may be offered; this has similar properties to the natural hormone prostacyclin, which opens up the blood vessels and prevents the blood flow becoming sluggish. 'Because of the side-effects, we reserve it for the severe sufferers,' says Professor Denton. 'Many patients might have it once a year to get them through the winter.'

The risk of unpleasant side-effects with drug treatments - including severe headaches - means that those with a mild version of the condition are advised to keep fingers and feet warm with silk or thermal gloves and use hats and scarves to cover the nose, mouth and ears, as well as keeping warm generally. Sufferers are also advised to use portable heat packs, and to keep a hot water bottle or flask of hot water in the car. Simple exercises can get the circulation going. 'Studies have shown ginkgo biloba to be helpful,' adds Professor Denton. 'And we have anecdotal evidence that ginger may help, too.' But unfortunately for those with more severe Raynaud's, there are other problems. An infection or cut can be more serious as poor blood flow means these take longer to heal.

Also any ulcers on the fingers or toes will not heal on their own and require antibiotic treatment - even then, healing will be slow. In the past Alison has been given courses of iloprost and also takes nifedipine, which helps reduce the pain of her attack. But as other sufferers with severe Raynaud's find, the medication cannot prevent the attacks completely. 'I don't get much sympathy because people don't understand what's wrong with me,' says Alison. 'But the real worry is that many - but especially those who might have it - don't know about the condition.

• RAYNAUD'S and Scleroderma Association, 0800 917 2494, www.raynauds.org.uk

Does your mouse hand get cold? Get a FREE mouse hand warmer!

2009-02-11T19:16:00.001-08:00

Visit Everything Up Close to see the Mouse Hand Warmer blanket pouch and to enter a Mouse Hand Warmer giveaway. Here's details about the Giveaway:

What can you win? One winner will receive a Mouse Hand Warmer from IGM Products.

To enter, go here and tell me one thing you learned about the Mound Hand Warmer. This question must be answered to gain an entry in the giveaway.Each of the following will give you one extra entry in the giveaway.

Please make sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do:

-Reading the article, “Mouse Hand Warmer, Cold Mouse Hand”, then coming back here and leaving a comment telling me one thing you learned.

-Going here then leaving a comment stating the name of one item that IGM Products will be releasing soon.

-Telling me the name of one organization that IGM Products supports. This information can be found on the left sidebar of IGM Products' main page.

-Subscribing to my blog via email.

-Adding my button to your blog sidebar.

-Following me on Twitter (ihchicky). Please leave your Twitter name.

-Tweeting about this giveaway (with a link to this page) on Twitter. Please leave a link to your tweet. You can do this once a day.

-Blogging about this giveaway on your blog. Please leave a link to your blog post in your comment.

This giveaway will end on Thursday, February 19th at 11:59pm (Central Standard Time).

After the giveaway has ended, the winner will be picked randomly using random.org.

EMAIL RULES: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email only. Please make sure your blog profile includes your email address and make sure that it is visible. If you do not have a blogger account, please make sure you have included your email address in your post. If there is no email address provided, to contact the winner, another person will be chosen. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email notification with their complete mailing address (I will be forwarding all this information to the sponsor). If this information is not received within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US only!

RAYNAUD'S DISEASE - Cold Hands, Cold Fingers, Cold Extremities

2009-02-09T13:04:00.000-08:00

Cold Mouse Hand? Crawl Under the Mouse Hand Warmer Covers

by: devika
from e-healtharticles.com

Raynaud's disease is a circulatory condition that affects blood supply to the skin and peripheries and causes the extremities of the body to lose feeling and become numb.

Raynaud's Disease is most commonly associated with cold temperatures and stress and sufferers of this condition will find their toes and fingers feel very cold or may even lose sensation in response to a stressful situation or exposure to cold. During a Raynaud's attack, the arteries and blood capillaries narrow, reducing blood circulation to affected areas, usually the extremities such as toes, fingers, ears and the tip of your nose.

This reduced peripheral blood flow is a normal protective mechanism to prevent excessive heat loss from these areas and preserve the body's core temperature. Similarly, in times of stress the body goes into a 'flight or fight' response which causes the blood flow to the fingers and toes to be significantly reduced so that blood is conserved for the vital organs and muscles.

In people with Raynaud's syndrome these responses are exaggerated causing troublesome symptoms at inappropriate times. The reduced blood flow leaves the extremities looking pale or even blue and cold as no warm blood reaches these areas.

Diagnosing Raynaud's Disease:

There are no blood tests that can specifically diagnose Raynaud's syndrome , but generally health care practitioners will make a diagnosis based on the description of your symptoms. Your doctor may examine you and order further tests to rule out other conditions and diseases of the arteries, and to determine if there is a possible underlying condition that is causing Raynaud's.

In some cases your practitioner may ask you to place your hand in cold water to bring on an episode of Raynaud's in order to make a more accurate diagnosis.

Though its causes are not completely understood, Raynaud's seems to be caused by an overreaction of blood vessels in the extremities to temperature and stress. In normal physiology, when a person's body is exposed to cold, the blood vessels in the extremities become narrowed and slow down blood supply to the fingers and toes. In the case of an individual with Raynuad?s these blood vessels narrow dramatically, causing troubling symptoms.

There are two types of Raynaud's Disease,it can develop as a complication of an underlying disorder (Secondary Raynaud's) or it can develop independently in the absence of any other underlying health conditions (Primary Raynauds).

As Raynaud's Disease is related to poor circulation, the most successful treatment methods are those that provide long-term assistance with circulation problems. Herbal and homeopathic remedies specific to the condition and containing ingredients such as Rosemary, Ginger, and Ginkgo biloba can do just this in a natural manner.Used regularly, these work to effectively restore the function of the circulatory system; improving blood flow to the extremities while helping to prevent tissue damage. These herbal ingredients also address the underlying triggers of Raynaud?s by reducing inflammation and stress levels while working to guard against cold fingers and toes.

Prevention:

Raynaud's Disease is a condition that you have to learn to manage and adapt to. While this may be difficult at times, there are a number of ways to prevent and cope with attacks.

1.Dress warmly outdoors and avoid getting cold. Winter is often a difficult time for those with Raynaud?s so it is essential to cover up with hats, gloves, thick socks and ear muffs in cold weather.

2.Consider moving to a milder climate. While relocation may seem like a huge preventative measure, it is definitely something worth considering if you live in an area with extremely cold winters.

3.Exercise regularly! Keeping fit with a regular exercise routine will encourage circulation and reduce the chances of Raynaud?s attacks.

4.Don't smoke and avoid secondary smoke. The nicotine in cigarettes causes the blood vessels to constrict resulting in a drop in body temperature in the extremities. This can induce an attack so if you are a smoker, try to stop smoking naturally.

5.Manage your stress levels. Stress is a common trigger of Raynaud's so find ways to recognize and better manage your stress. Avoid those situations that tend to stress you and adopt stress relieving techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises.

6.Look after your hands and feet. Avoid wearing things that may constrict blood flow to these extremities such as tight rings, tight socks or wrist bands.

Cold Hands (Warm Heart)

2009-02-08T18:07:00.000-08:00

by Darlene in London

I am freezing. It seems Mr. Mak has made some type of mistake with the heaters. He was supposed to add hours, not take them away. This kind of neglect is just cruel... especially on snowy days when I'm actually feeling good about doing school work. I wish I had a space heater. Better yet, I wish I had a fireplace!

I've spent the last few hours trying to write and re-write cover letters to send with my CV for internships. But it's hard to concentrate when your hands are too cold to type without shivering. Brrrrrr. I've resorted to making a hot cup of tea every 30 minutes so I can keep the juices flowing.

So here I am, in my room, frozen to the core - despite the thermals, sweats, socks and fuggs. I think I might have to call it an early night, just so I can wrap myself in blankets. I swear it's like 40 degrees in here.

Common Methods of Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2009-02-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

Cold Hands? Carpal Tunnel diagnosis? Keep your hands warm using a warm mouse and warm mouse pad. Both are available at IGMproducts.com

by: Jeff P. Anliker, LMT & Staff
from e-healtharticles.com

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an increasingly common and painful affliction that harms millions of workers world wide every year. Carpal tunnel syndrome is an affliction that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes impinged at the wrist junction. The carpal tunnel is a narrow area consisting of the transverse carpal ligament and the carpal bones located at the base of the hand. This is the area where the median nerve can become impinged, hence the reason it is called carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome will cause pain, weakness, paresthesia (pins and needles) and numbness in the hand and wrist, along with increased weakness and decreased strength. The best way to deal with carpal tunnel syndrome is to take the steps to prevent it.

The first most important step in prevention is knowledge. Carpal tunnel syndrome most often affects workers who have jobs that require constant static or repeated movements, such as factory work, grocers, or computer workers. Carpal tunnel syndrome is not relegated just to these occupations, but it is much more common. It is the consistent static motion such as gripping a steering wheel, holding a book and/or repeated motions performed over and over that cause this disorder. Due to musculature development and wrist size, women are almost three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men. The worst profession for carpal tunnel syndrome is not data entry and other computer jobs, but it is actually assemblers in a factory. Recent studies estimate that approximately three of every 10,000 workers lost considerable time from work because of carpal tunnel syndrome. Those restricted to light duty is much higher.

Catching the problem early is extremely important. The earlier the disorder can be recognized and addressed, the better. A physical of the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck can help determine if a worker's pains are in any way related to daily activities or to any type of disorder. The wrist should be examined for discoloration, swelling, tenderness, or warmth. Each finger should be tested for sensation, and the muscles at the base of the hand should be examined. The best way to decrease onset of injury in the workplace is for workers to do conditioning. Workers can take a short amount of time to perform stretching and exercises to maintain muscle balance, take frequent rest breaks, and use correct posture and wrist position. Maintaining proper wrist position is essential. In a factory setting, jobs can be rotated among workers.

Some great tips to follow at work:

Avoid activities requiring excessive up-and-down and side-to-side movements of the wrist. These are the repetitive motions most likely to cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Position your hands properly while working. Wrists should always be parallel and elbows should make a 90-degree angle to your work surface.

Situation permitting, take frequent breaks to stand, walk, stretch and exercise the entire upper extremity to maintain balance of the muscles, thereby reducing impingement of the associated joints.

Avoid direct pressure on the heel of the hand. This puts pressure on the wrist.

If working with a keyboard, use correct posture, holding your hand above the keyboard in order to help keep your wrists in an appropriate position.

Following these tips is a great way to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. However if you do have an early mild case of carpal tunnel, there are still ways to minimize the damage and prevent it from getting worse, even while keeping the same job. It is important for the worker to take all necessary precautions as soon as he/she believes there might be any damage. Once you are sure that you have early stages of carpal tunnel, be sure to pay attention to the following tips.

At work:

Take more frequent breaks from the pain-causing movement.
Perform active and passive stretches
Perform exercises to correct muscle imbalances in the hand and forearm.
Keep your keyboard level at your desk, and be sure to take advantage of any wrist friendly keyboards or other equipment that might be in the office. Some larger companies offer ergonomic consultation for their employees; if it is available, make use of it.

At home:

Perform correct exercises and stretches.
Use cold therapy on the wrist. (Acute Phase)
Have someone massage your neck, back, shoulders, forearms and hands to relieve tension in the forearm and wrist.
Wear splints at night. (Nighttime only) Most doctors will recommend a forearm brace, a narrow cuff worn just below the elbow that reduces fluid content in the carpal tunnel. (Daytime use will increase muscle imbalance and severity of symptoms.)
Minimize static flexion and repetitive hand movements when possible.
Switch up tasks to reduce strain.
Take breaks at least once an hour, to rest, shake your hands and loosen everything up. (It is best to take a brief rest break every 30-45 minutes.)

General lifestyle tips:

Keep hands warm. Warmth can help increase circulation, which will help ease the swelling and pain.
Keep active! Get regular aerobic exercise such as walking or swimming.
Do your best to cut caffeine intake and smoking, both of which reduce blood flow and therefore worsen the situation.
And most important, there are many muscle balancing exercises that doctors and therapists recommend that help restore stability in the joint and reduce impingement, thereby alleviating the pain and also stabilizing the carpal tunnel.
Ask your doctor about these exercises and what the actual benefits are for full results.

Follow these guidelines and you will be able to lead a healthier lifestyle, free of the pain and anguish that can be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Jeff Anliker, LMT & BSI Staff - Includes Therapists, Inventors and Researchers that work together to provide information to Corporations, Consumers and Medical Facilities around the world for the treatment of muscle imbalances affecting the upper extremity.

Jeff Anliker is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in the state of Oregon, specializing in sports-related injuries and performance enhancement. As a Therapist, Bodybuilder, Author, Inventor and Researcher, Jeff Anliker has extensive knowledge on human biomechanics and its implementation in the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries as well as its use for enhancing performance in professional athletes, musicians, office workers and anyone else wanting to perform at an optimal level. Prevention Training is Performance Training. Stay well!

Mouse Hand Grammy's Giveaway Fixes Cold

2009-01-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

Grammy's grandchildren were her inspiration for Grammy Janet's Place Blog. This month, Grammy's is sponsoring an array of giveaways as part of the quaterly Bloggy Giveaways Carnival.

Spotted today was the Mouse Hand Warmer giveaway at Grammy Janet's Place. Visit Grammy's to read the instructions to participate in the free USA giveaway event. If you or someone you know suffers with a cold mouse hand, this event is for you!

The mouse hand warmer is designed to cover a cold mouse hand with a fleece blanket. It's a pouch for your mouse and mouse pad. To read and learn more, please click here.

Computer Mouse: Heat for Arthritis Cold Hand Pain

2009-01-26T17:54:00.000-08:00

If you suffer from arthritis, here's information about the illness and ways to help relieve the pain. Arthritis may produce poor circulation in your hands. If you work at a computer and your mouse hand gets cold, it's wise to use a heated warm mouse. A USB connected heated warming mouse generates dry heat like a heating pad. This will promote better circulation to your cold mouse hand. The heat from the heated warming mouse will also loosen muscles and improve movement. Heat to the mouse hand is relaxing, soothing, relieves stress and tension. It's a healthy alternative from the pain a cold mouse hand can create.

Heat relaxes the muscles and stimulates blood circulation. Dry heat, such as heat lamps, a warm mouse or heating pads, and moist heat, such as a heated washcloth, or a warm bath are good options for heat treatments.

How Is Arthritis Pain Treated?

There is no single treatment that applies to all people with arthritis, but rather the doctor will develop a management plan designed to minimize your specific pain and improve the function of your joints. A number of treatments can provide short-term pain relief.

Short-Term Relief

Medications—Because people with osteoarthritis have very little inflammation, pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol*) may be effective. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis generally have pain caused by inflammation and often benefit from aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil).

Heat and cold—The decision to use either heat or cold for arthritis pain depends on the type of arthritis and should be discussed with your doctor or physical therapist. Moist heat, such as a warm bath or shower, or dry heat, such as a heating pad (or USB heated warm mouse), placed on the painful area of the joint for about 15 minutes may relieve the pain. An ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables) wrapped in a towel and placed on the sore area for about 15 minutes may help to reduce swelling and stop the pain. If you have poor circulation, do not use cold packs.

Joint Protection—Using a splint or a brace to allow joints to rest and protect them from injury can be helpful. Your physician or physical therapist can make recommendations.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)—A small TENS device that directs mild electric pulses to nerve endings that lie beneath the skin in the painful area may relieve some arthritis pain. TENS seems to work by blocking pain messages to the brain and by modifying pain perception.

Massage—In this pain-relief approach, a massage therapist will lightly stroke and/or knead the painful muscle. This may increase blood flow and bring warmth to a stressed area. However, arthritis-stressed joints are very sensitive so the therapist must be very familiar with the problems of the disease.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are chronic diseases that may last a lifetime. Learning how to manage your pain over the long term is an important factor in controlling the disease and maintaining a good quality of life. Following are some sources of long- term pain relief.

Long-Term Relief

Medications

Biological response modifiers— These new drugs used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis reduce inflammation in the joints by blocking the reaction of a substance called tumor necrosis factor, an immune system protein involved in immune response system. These drugs include Enbrel and Remicade.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—These are a class of drugs including aspirin and ibuprofen that are used to reduce pain and inflammation and may be used for both short-term and long-term relief in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. NSAIDs also include Celebrex and Vioxx, so-called COX-2 inhibitors that block and enzyme known to cause an inflammatory response.

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)—These are drugs used to treat people with rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded to NSAIDs. Some of these include the new drug Arava and methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, penicillamine, and gold injections. These drugs are thought to influence and correct abnormalities of the immune system responsible for a disease like rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment with these medications requires careful monitoring by the physician to avoid side effects.

Corticosteroids—These are hormones that are very effective in treating arthritis but cause many side effects. Corticosteroids can be taken by mouth or given by injection. Prednisone is the corticosteroid most often given by mouth to reduce the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. In both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, the doctor also may inject a corticosteroid into the affected joint to stop pain. Because frequent injections may cause damage to the cartilage, they should only be done once or twice a year.

Other Products— Hyaluronic acid products like Hyalgan and Synvisc mimic a naturally occurring body substance that lubricates the knee joint and permits flexible joint movement without pain. A blood filtering device called the Prosorba Column is used in some health care facilities for filtering out harmful antibodies in people with severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Weight reduction—Excess pounds put extra stress on weight-bearing joints such as the knees or hips. Studies have shown that overweight women who lost an average of 11 pounds substantially reduced the development of osteoarthritis in their knees. In addition, if osteoarthritis has already affected one knee, weight reduction will reduce the chance of it occurring in the other knee.

Exercise—Swimming, walking, low-impact aerobic exercise, and range-of- motion exercises may reduce joint pain and stiffness. In addition, stretching exercises are helpful. A physical therapist can help plan an exercise program that will give you the most benefit. (The National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse has a separate fact sheet on arthritis and exercise. See the end of this booklet for contact information.)

Surgery—In select patients with arthritis, surgery may be necessary. The surgeon may perform an operation to remove the synovium (synovectomy), realign the joint (osteotomy), or in advanced cases replace the damaged joint with an artificial one (arthroplasty). Total joint replacement has provided not only dramatic relief from pain but also improvement in motion for many people with arthritis.

What Alternative Therapies May Relieve Arthritis Pain?

Many people seek other ways of treating their disease, such as special diets or supplements. Although these methods may not be harmful in and of themselves, no research to date shows that they help. Some people have tried acupuncture, in which thin needles are inserted at specific points in the body. Others have tried glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, two natural substances found in and around cartilage cells, for osteoarthritis of the knee.

Some alternative or complementary approaches may help you to cope or reduce some of the stress of living with a chronic illness. If the doctor feels the approach has value and will not harm you, it can be incorporated into your treatment plan. However, it is important not to neglect your regular health care or treatment of serious symptoms.

How Can You Cope With Arthritis Pain?

The long-term goal of pain management is to help you cope with a chronic, often disabling disease. You may be caught in a cycle of pain, depression, and stress. To break out of this cycle, you need to be an active participant with the doctor and other health care professionals in managing your pain. This may include physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, biofeedback, relaxation techniques (for example, deep breathing and meditation), and family counseling therapy.

The Multipurpose Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Center at Stanford University, supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), has developed an Arthritis Self-Help Course that teaches people with arthritis how to take a more active part in their arthritis care. The Arthritis Self-Help Course is taught by the Arthritis Foundation and consists of a 12- to 15-hour program that includes lectures on osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, exercise, pain management, nutrition, medication, doctor-patient relationships, and nontraditional treatment.

You may want to contact some of the organizations listed at the end of this fact sheet for additional information on the Arthritis Self-Help Course and on coping with pain, as well as for information on support groups in your area.

Things You Can Do To Manage Arthritis Pain

Eat a healthy diet
Get 8 to 10 hours of sleep at night.
Keep a daily diary of pain and mood changes to share with your physician.
Choose a caring physician.
Join a support group
Stay informed about new research on managing arthritis pain.

Reference: organizedwisdom.com

To relieve cold mouse hand arthritic pain, please CLICK HERE.

Mouse blanket for cold hand made in USA forever

2009-01-25T17:45:00.000-08:00

American made products make the difference when it comes to warming up that cold mouse hand. Just in, the Mouse Hand Warmer at Made in USA Forever. A fleece blanket designed like a pouch holds your favorite computer mouse and mouse pad. It measures about 12 x 12 inches and is manufactured by IGMproducts.com in the USA.

IGMproducts also sells many other hand warming products that work very well with the Mouse Hand Warmer. A heated warm mouse and heated warm mouse pad generate heat insulated inside the fleece blanket.

Visit Made in USA Forever
Visit the Manufacturer's Website

Amazon mouse pad blanket for cold hand

2009-01-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

Enter: Amazon

Mouse Hand Blanket: Keeps your cold mouse hand covered by a warm blanket. Constructed of a warm polyester fleece blanket material with a non-slip surface. Fits standard mouse pads. Or can be used without a mouse pad on a hard surface. Hand wash and air dry. Instructions: Slip a standard sized mouse pad inside the Mouse Hand Warmer. If using a wireless mouse, the net front provides a clear optical connection. When using an USB connected mouse, slip the cord through a small slit opening made in the center front net. Easy to keep clean by hand washing with a mild detergent and air drying. Made in the USA. The Mouse Hand Warmer is an inexpensive way to keep your mouse hand warm during chilly weather or whenever you feel your mouse hand getting cold. A drafty air-conditioned office makes for an uncomfortable exposed hand if you sit and work all day at the computer. During the winter, a draft or drop in temperature makes your mouse hand cold, too. Sometimes fingers get numb due to the cold air. Keep your mouse hand warm inside a cozy blanket. The idea for a Mouse Hand Warmer came about after spending many years working long, late hours sitting at a computer. When your mouse hand gets cold there's really nothing you can do to warm it except stop working or cover it with a warm blanket. That's why the Mouse Hand Warmer was created. No wires or cords to get tangled on your desk top. The Mouse Hand Warmer is a contemporary, modern, techie-looking desk accessory in neutral colors of gray fleece with black and white trim. The pouch measures about 12" x 12" with a wide front opening to get your hand into and out of the Mouse Hand Warmer with ease. Fits any sized mouse, from a standard small mouse to a large ergonomically shaped mouse. Mouse Hand Warmer is a registered trademark and patented product made in the USA. For more information, for distribution or wholesale orders, please write by contacting us through Amazon.

Mouse Hand Warmer Mouse Pad Computer Industry’s Newest Gadget

2009-01-22T17:03:00.000-08:00

Cold Mouse Hand sufferers finally get relief!

IGMproducts.com introduces a new product to the computer accessories market just in time for chilly weather. The Mouse Hand Warmer -- not available in any stores and only available through the manufacturer is brand new, a novel idea and provides a solution for the cold mouse hand syndrome.

Desert Hot Springs, CA., (PRnews). Does your computer mouse hand get cold? Do you sit long hours working at the computer with an exposed mouse hand? Does the winter chill or air-conditioned room make your mouse hand cold and fingertips numb? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re not alone. There is a serious, cold mouse hand problem hitting the computer geek population, and IGMproducts.com has the cost-effective, energy-efficient solution.

"The Mouse Hand Warmer came about after spending over 12 years sitting at a computer working long, late hours with a very cold mouse hand," said Anna Miller, creator of the Mouse Hand Warmer. The Mouse Hand Warmer was made to solve the cold mouse hand problem. Once the Mouse Hand Warmer blanket was developed and used, it proved to solve the problem, and IGM decided to manufacture and sell the item to the computer accessories market.

There’s no known medical term for the cold mouse hand condition. We asked Doctor Oz from the Oprah Winfrey Show by contacting him through Oprah.com. The Mouse Hand Warmer is an energy-efficient way to keep your mouse hand covered by a warm, fleece blanket. Just like crawling under the covers on a cold night, the Mouse Hand Warmer provides a warm, cozy blanket for your mouse hand. Simply slip your computer mouse and hand inside the Mouse Hand Warmer blanket with or without the use of a standard sized mouse pad, and your mouse hand is covered and kept warm as you work.

The Mouse Hand Warmer mouse pad is made in the USA and is the registered trademark and patented product of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. The Mouse Hand Warmer uses no electricity, and there are no cords to plug in or get tangled on your desktop. It is available just in time for cold weather and when the cost of energy for heating is of key importance. Work long hours, keep warm and keep your energy bills lower by using a blanket to cover your exposed mouse hand.

The Mouse Hand Warmer has a non slip surface and is constructed of hand-washable fabrics. It is compatible with optical or USB connected mice of all sizes and shapes. It measures about 12 x 12 inches and has plenty of room inside for freedom of computer mouse hand movement. The only place you can obtain one of the techie gray, black and white mouse blankets is through the manufacturer who is currently seeking distributors of the product. To learn more about this novel computer geek accessory, visit http://www.IGMproducts.com.

We’ve tested the product, and it works! We’ve received positive feedback from computer users on Amazon.com, Etsy.com and eBay.com. Now, we’re ready to launch the product for resale. For more details, comments or to become a distributor of the Mouse Hand Warmer, please contact the manufacturer through their website at http://www.igmproducts.com/ or by email at Webmaster (at) IGMproducts.com.

About IGMproducts.com
IGMproducts.com is the ecommerce site of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. (IGM). Anna Miller is the President of IGM and has been creating, computing and selling online since the early 90’s. She is considered an Internet Pioneer and Ecommerce Entrepreneur. IGM's former ecommerce sites have been named Best of the Web by People StyleWatch Magazine and a top online resource by About.com. For more information, please visit IGMproducts.com.

Bordinary Blog Warm Thumbs Up for Cold Hands

2009-01-19T15:02:00.000-08:00

Mouse Hand Warmer
Posted by C. Holly Greene

If you suffer from cold hands when on the computer for a very long time like I do, I found something really cool to help and I ordered one to try. So far, it really does work, very warm, almost too warm! The downside: obviously you have to take it in and out in order to type and if you use shortcuts on the keyboard as much as I do, your hand is out a lot anyway. And now my other hand freezes, lol. But over all, I give a warm thumbs up!

http://igmproducts.com/index.php

Everything under $29.99 finds cold hand gadgets

2009-01-18T12:45:00.000-08:00

A very cool website called Everything Under $29.99 features a variety of nifty items all priced under $29.99! There are links to items priced under $10, between $10-$19.99, and from $20 - $29.99. There's no limit to the amount or type of items you'll find at Everything Under $29.99 either. Find very cool items to eat, gadgets for all sorts of things and devices for keeping warm during the winter. If you have cold hands, the site features the Mouse Hand Warmer and other computer gadgets to keep you warm while computing. The nice thing about the Mouse Hand Warmer blanket is it uses no electricity. Many other USB connected devices also keep your mouse hand warm. Click here for more details.

Iventor's Spot a perfect cold computer hand gadget

2009-01-14T16:57:00.000-08:00

InventorSpot.com is a fun and informative website focused on Inventions, Innovations and Interesting Ideas from around the world. They offer serious fun for the inventor in all of us. For example the Mouse Hand Warmer by IGMproducts.com.

Inventor's Spot is one of the most popular and most referenced invention related website on the internet. We also support the largest community of independent inventors in the United States.

The website was originally named AmericanInventorSpot.com. It was inspired and formed in March 2006 by an inventor to discuss the reality television show American Inventor. We are now a website that helps, informs and entertains independent inventors, innovators and others who think outside the box.

Chronic Cold Hand Sign of Overworked Mouse Hand

2009-01-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

There's much talk on the Internet these days about a cold mouse hand. It's a chronic condition, there's little medical knowledge about it, and there are products available to help relieve the cold hand pain. For many years, I sat at a computer formatting images in Photoshop. I owned and operated an ecommerce site and was too busy to actually do something to address the real problem. There were deadlines to meet, work to be completed, and frankly, suffering with the pain of a cold hand was not my top priority.

It wasn't until after I sold my e commerce site I focused on creating an energy-efficient solution to the cold mouse hand condition. Gathering fabrics, testing the quality, and producing a product became a new job. Within a few months, the Mouse Hand Warmer was patented, trademarked and proto-typed. The Mouse Hand Warmer (tm) turned out to be a warm, fleece pocket-style blanket to slip your mousing hand inside to keep it covered and warm.

Although there's no sound medical advice about why the mouse hand gets cold, it's common sense to understand exposed body parts tend to get chilled. After hours of exposure, using a computer mouse in the same position, it's not uncommon for the mousing hand to get cold. This condition becomes chronic for the computer geek who sits for hours using a computer mouse.

Cold mousing hand can be attributed to a number of medical factors like Poor Circulation, Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Raynauds, DeQuervains, Tendonitis or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Cold mousing hand can be experienced in a variety of settings like Air Conditioned Rooms, Under a Ceiling Fan, Drafty Cubicles, Winter Weather or Cold Offices at home or in a building.

There are a number of products on the market to help relieve the pain caused by a cold mouse hand. The most practical and cost efficient item is the Mouse Hand Warmer. It can be used only when needed and requires no electricity. In today's energy crisis thats a good thing. Anything that is earth friendly can only be helpful and good.

Your computer mouse is a personal device. We all have a favorite shape and style of computer mouse. We purchase a mouse based on the way it feels in our hand and the way it functions for the type of work we perform. Personally, I use a large Microsoft ergonomic shaped computer mouse. After all the years working with a computer, it's the best fit for my hand.

Another personal computing device is a mouse pad. The mousepads available today come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. My favorite mouse pad is a hard gaming style mousepad constructed of metal with a slick surface. It measures about 12 x 10 inches and works nicely with my large ergonomic computer mouse.

When designing the Mouse Hand Warmer, I decided to create something that worked with any mouse or mousepad because I didn't want to give up using my favorite computer accessories. The Mouse Warmer blanket measures about 12 x 12 inches in size and has a non slip surface. Its a large pocket to slip your favorite computer accessories and tools inside. There's plenty of room inside for movement with your favorite mouse pad and mouse. Sometimes when I'm traveling, I bring just the Mouse Hand Warmer because it can also be used stand-alone as a mousepad. The inside bottom surface is smooth, and the computer mouse functions on top of it without the use of an additional mouse pad. The Mouse Hand Warmer is perfect for any work environment.

If you suffer from chronic cold hands, especially when using a computer mouse, you may want to try the Mouse Hand Warmer to help relieve the pain experienced by the cold. The earth friendly item is avaialble atEtsy, eBay, Amazon and through the manufacturer at http://www.IGMproducts.com. It's not sold in any stores, and if you are interested in reselling the Mouse Hand Warmer, please Contact Us today at Webmaster(at)IGMproducts.com.

Geek computer gadgets fix nerd cold hand problem fast

2009-01-11T10:15:00.000-08:00

Geek computer gadgets fix a computer nerd's cold mouse hand problem fast!

by Anna Miller

You don’t have to be a NASA Rocket Scientist nerd or Disney Computer Artist geek to experience cold hands working at your computer. Sitting for long hours using a computer mouse can cause your mouse hand to get extremely cold, even if you are a simple stay-at-home or office-junkie computer nerd.

Many heavy computer user “nerds” suffer with a cold mouse hand as soon as the temperatures drop in their work space. It doesn’t matter if it’s winter or summer, if the work space is cold or drafty, a computer user’s mouse hand can become extremely cold. The most common occurrence of a cold mouse hand is by people who sit for long hours at the computer. If a person uses the computer occasionally, or if they are naturally hot-blooded, they may not experience a cold mouse hand. It all depends upon the person, their work space conditions, and their medical history.

Several online forums have surveyed their members about the cold mouse hand problem. The majority of responses indicate the cold mouse hand problem is fairly common with the exception being laptop users who do not use a computer mouse when computing.

There’s no specific medical condition for a cold mouse hand, but there are medical conditions with cold hand symptoms. The most common of the cold hand medical condition is “poor circulation.” Poor circulation is most commonly caused by a progressive blocking of the arteries. Factors for developing poor circulation include a lack of physical activity, smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The cold mouse hand problem can become very annoying because the longer a person sits and works at the computer, the colder the hand gets making the tips of the fingers and top of the hand numb. There are products on the market to address the cold mouse hand problem which include both USB connected devices and earth-friendly devices requiring no electricity. Depending upon which device you want to use, it’s wise to address the cold hand problem to relieve discomfort as you work. The only other option is to stop working, and that’s not always possible when there are deadlines to meet and computer work to be completed.

The mouse hand warmer geek gadgets available include mouse hand warmer blankets, heated mouse pads, heated mice and mouse hand warmer mousepads. The mouse hand warmer computer gadgets range in price and cost little compared to the price you pay for not using them. Most of the computer geek gadgets to keep your mouse hand warm are available online. Do some online research prior to making a purchase to make sure the items you are buying fit your needs.

Gaining much popularity online is a product called the Mouse Hand Warmer ™. It’s a blanket for the mouse hand. It is shaped like a pouch and holds a person’s favorite mouse (optical or USB connected) and mouse pad, or it works as a covered mousepad with out the use of another mouse pad. It’s made of a cozy fleece blanket material which insulates body heat as a person works. There are no cords to get tangled on the desk top because the Mouse Hand Warmer uses no electricity. It’s earth friendly in today’s energy-efficient world. The Mouse Hand Warmer is available at many online stores, and not yet available at regular retail stores. So, if you are interested in the Mouse Hand Warmer search Google to find online locations or go to one of these websites and search for the Mouse Hand Warmer – Amazon.com, Etsy.com, Pronto.com, IGMproducts.com and MadeInUSAforever.com.

Other computer geek gadgets designed to address the cold mouse hand problem require electricity and are also available online. The warming mouse, available in several colors, shapes and sizes, is a geek gadget that heats up after it’s plugged in and stays warm until you turn it off. If you purchase an USB connected warming mouse, make sure it’s ergonomic enough for your mouse hand. If the ergonomic shape is not suited for your mouse hand, you will end up with a sore mouse hand -- especially if you tend to spend long hours using a computer mouse. Plus, the USB connected heated mouse requires the computer user to manually turn off the mouse when finished using it or the mouse will stay heated and using electricity after you log off and shut down the computer. There’s no heat regulator on the warming mouse, so get ready to have a very warm mousing experience. A person’s body temp is about 98.6 degrees and most of the warming mice heat up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another practical computer geek gadget designed specifically for the computer nerd’s cold mouse hand is the USB connected warming mouse pad. If you currently use a metal gaming mousepad, it can become very cold during the winter months when heat is a virtue. Even the most common forms of rubber mouse pads become chilled in a cold work area or office space. So, if you decide to get an USB connected warming mouse pad, make sure the mousepad you purchase fits on your work area and the cords don’t get tangled on your desk top. Many of the current USB connected mouse pads also incorporate an additional USB connection strip making them handy to plug in several computer gadgets. The one you choose, depends upon your likes and needs. Just be careful, there’s a lot of junk out there, so buy from a reputable seller who stands behind their products, offers return policies and gives a refund if you are not happy with the purchase.

If you suffer with a cold mouse hand and haven’t taken appropriate action to relieve the problem, hopefully you will now. To learn more about how to keep your cold mouse hand warm search Google, Yahoo! or MSN. There are several blogs dedicated to the cold mouse hand condition. Regardless of the action you take, knowing relief is available may help the next time your mouse hand gets cold.

* * *

Anna Miller is the President of i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. is a freelance consultant, Google Blogger, and operates a website called IGMproducts.com. She is considered an Internet Pioneer and Ecommerce Entrepreneur with a successful online presence since the mid-90’s. For more information about ways to keep your mouse hand warm, please Click Here or visit IGMproducts.com.

Stuff that Delights Us about a Cold Mouse Hand

2009-01-06T13:56:00.001-08:00

Delight Magazine is a delightful resource for items that delight us all. The current January 2009 issue features all sorts of news worthy information. There's a section called Stuff that Delights Us. Featured in this section on lucky page 13 is the one and only Mouse Hand Warmer blanket from IGMproducts.com.

Does your computer mouse hand get cold? Do you find yourself trying to think of ways to keep your mouse hand warm? The folks at IGMproducts came up with a mouse blanket made of cozy fleece. The Mouse Hand Warmer has a non slip surface and fits your favorite mouse and mouse pad. If you don't want to use a mousepad, that's OK, too. The Mouse Hand Warmer can be used as a mousepad, a blanket and functions as an insulated "no electricity" hand warmer.

The Mouse Hand Warmer helps relieve a cold mouse hand. It's made in the USA and is an earth friendly product.

As an added incentive, use coupon code DELIGHT to receive an extra 10% off the total cost of your purchase at IGMproducts.com. Plus, never pay shipping or sales tax when you shop online!

Mousepad with Built-In USB Hub

2008-11-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

A very smart idea for a mouse pad with built in USB Hub.
Works perfectly with the Mouse Hand Warmer blanket.

from Geek Alerts

Of all the fun, weird and cool USB hub combos that have been covered here at GeekAlerts, this new model is probably the most clever and useful one so far.

This silicone mousepad is equipped with three USB 2.0 ports at the top. Perfect when you need some spare ports for your gadgets without taking up desk space.

Features:

3-Port hub
USB 2.0
Silicone rubber mouse pad
Plug and play
Support Window XP/Vista, Mac OS9.0 or above and Linux
Dimension: 177 x 233 x 20mm (approx.)
Weight: 93g

(Via Gadgettastic and Geeky Gadgets)

You can slip this USB Hub mousepad into the Mouse Hand Warmer pouch to keep your mouse hand covered by a fleece blanket. Great idea!

Contemporary Loft: Cold Hands, Cold Feet, Circulation and Cholesterol

2008-11-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

Contemporary Loft: Cold Hands, Cold Feet, Circulation and Cholesterol

Read about cold hands, cold feet and the affects of circulation. Poor circulation can definitely cause a cold mouse hand. There are specific things you can do to relieve a cold mouse hand. Click here for more details.

Handwarmer 'blows up' in youngster's face

2008-11-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

Freya Mansfield, left, with handwarmers that burst in her face with her grandmother Lorraine Shasby and Caitlin Shasby

Blogger's Comment: If your hands are cold, please read this article prior to using a chemical hand warmer pouch. Plus, make sure all children are supervised when using any heated device. For NON chemical or electical hand warmers, please CLICK HERE.

by Rhiannon McDowall

A FOUR-year-old diabetic was rushed to hospital at the weekend after a chemical hand warmer "exploded" in her face.

Little Freya Mansfield, of Hilton Close, Weston, was using the pocket sized device – which has now been pulled from all Ethel Austin stores – when it burst, splattering hot liquid into her left eye, it was claimed. Luckily, Freya’s quick-thinking grandmother, Lorraine Shasby, of Earlsway, held a damp tea towel to the tot’s eyes, before easing the pain with eye drops and rushing her to hospital.

She said: "She was screaming in pain. She was getting ready for my other daughter to take her to Sunday School and the next minute it had just exploded all over her. "It was in her hair, her clothes, there are still some spots on the ceiling – you wouldn’t think there was so much stuff in it." Lorraine, 41, added: "Thank god it wasn’t toxic – she could have been blinded."

Freya added: "It was hot and blew up in my face. I won’t use them again." Lorraine had bought the heart shaped hand warmers – gel packages which heat up when flexed – from Ethel Austin in Congleton as a treat for Freya, whose diabetes causes poor circulation in her hands and feet.

She said: "She goes through enough with her diabetes, with three injections a day, and she was in hospital last week with a stomach bug, now she’s on antibiotics for her eyes. I just feel so sorry for her." Freya’s mum, Natalie Trevena, said: "When my mum phoned me I thought ‘not again’ – she’d been in hospital not long before with her diabetes. But she’s better now."

An Ethel Austin spokesman said the product was from an external supplier they would not name, and added: "We are concerned to learn of this incident. All products sold in Ethel Austin stores are subject to a rigorous safety code. "The Heart Hand Warmers have been removed from the shelves at all stores while an investigation into the product’s source and content is carried out."

Paul Barrow, a team manager at Cheshire County Council’s Trading Standards, said: "As far as we’re aware there haven‘t been any other incidents in the country. "We are now investigating why this happened. It could have been a fault or a one off, we just don’t know."

For more information on Cold Hands & Ways to Keep them Warm, CLICK HERE.

Mouse Hand Warmer makes your hand comfortably warm during the cold season

2008-11-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

from Tech Fever

The Christmas season is almost here so it means cold winds and winter soon. I am waiting for the temperature drop so I could wear my fashionable jackets which have been stuck in the cabinet for months now.

But before the weather becomes really cold, I should stock on this Mouse Hand Warmer designed by Anna Miller. It’s for those who work in front of the computer all day long and are content in air-conditioning on full blast. You know how it is when your hand freezes so it’s only right that you get a Mouse Hand Warmer mouse pad.

This mouse pad doesn’t really need electricity so it can be considered as a ‘green’ product too.

Cold Mouse Hand - Dedicated cold hand relief

2008-11-04T16:49:00.000-08:00

We normally use the computer mouse as shown above, with an exposed mouse hand. If the room is cool or temperatures drop, our mouse hand gets cold.

This blog is mostly about how we can keep our mouse hand warm. We'll discuss other things, too like some of the medical conditions associated with cold hands, and we'll introduce you to new computer accessories, mouse pads, mousepad gadgets, interesting computer mice, and we'll make suggestions for keeping your mouse hand warm.

Working with a cold mouse hand is an unpleasant experience. And, short of stopping your work, there's not much available to minimize the cold. Sometimes the tips of the fingers and the top of the hand get so cold it feels numb.

Some people laugh when I tell them I have a cold mouse hand. Some of my neighbors think it's pretty funny, too. But, that's OK. I know there's a real problem out there in Geeksville because most of the computer nerds I talk to suffer with a cold mouse hand as soon as the temperatures drop.

I first noticed a severe numbness in my mouse hand and fingers a few years ago. Probably after I had been at the computer addict for several years. I didn't know what to do. The only relief was to stop working, and that was not an option. I tried pulling a long sleeve sweater over my hand and that didn't work. I purchased several products guaranteed to keep my mouse hand warm and nothing seemed to resolve my cold mouse hand problem. There are a variety of items available from USB connected heated mice to USB heated mouse pads.

In 2008, I had had enough of cold mouse hand. I created a Mouse Hand Warmer, had it patented and trademarked. The Mouse Hand Warmer uses no electricity. It accomodates your favorite ergonomic mouse and mouse pad. And, it fixed the cold mouse hand problem.

This blog is all about cold mouse hand. The medical conditions associated with cold hands and products available to keep cold hands warm. We'll post articles, news, press releases and anything we can find for you to read about chronic cold hand conditions. Comments are open and moderated to keep the discussions on topic. We hope to hear from you. Please no spam.

If you have thoughts to share on this blog, submit a blog post for consideration. We'll review your blog post and add it to the Cold Mouse Hand Blog. To submit a blog post for consideration, please Submit Here.