Lionfish Stings

According to the Florida Poison Information Center in Miami, stings from lionfish can be serious, and should not be taken lightly. Any broken spines should be removed, if possible, and the affected area exposed to heat (100-114 degrees F. or 38-46 degrees C.) for 15-20 minutes. Lionfish venom contains proteins that are denatured by heat, thus preventing them from spreading in the bloodstream.

Lionfish Sting First Aid Kit

The AcuSpear Lionfish Sting First Aid Kit contains four reusable, instant heat packs, a 4-inch wide Ace compression wrap bandage, tweezers, alcohol prep swabs, and Band-Aids.

For more info visit: http://accuspear.com

The Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Alaska, 2009 review says, “The Homer Bookstore, sells new books to what’s obviously a more intellectually demanding market than most. The selection is phenomenal.”

Be sure to Like them on their Facebook page
Visit their website at: http://homerbookstore.com/

Perfect for SCUBA diving and wind surfing this great article from Australia discusses how HotSnapZ product bring warmth and comfort to the wet and cold conditions sometime encountered in wind surfing.

Today’s session was the coldest windsurf session ever for both of us, but we stayed nice & warm and had fun. Ok, I did get a bit cold at the start, but once I figured out that the beginning of January is not a great time for being in the water under the sail (at least here in the Northeast), and after I used the hand warmers, things got a lot better. We sailed cautiously because of this was a new spot for us, and because of the cold; and then, we had to cut the session short because Nina had an important appointment in the afternoon. But nevertheless, this was a great day of sailing.

For all of you who might be interested in trying re-usable hand warmers, here’s a bit more information. We used the HotSnapZ reusable handwarmers, purchased from Amazon.com. They cost $20 for 3 pairs, and can be re-used many times. They contain a over-saturated solution of sodium acetate and a little metal plate. When you bend the metal plate, the sodium acetate starts to crystallize, and the bag gets really warm. It stays warm for about 30-60 minutes, depending on the size (we used the 4-inch red round bags). They can be re-used after putting them in boiling water for 10 minutes, which dissolved the crystals again. This process can be repeated hundreds of times if you are careful enough. And if the bags should burst, not really a problem – the stuff in them is food grade (not that I suggest that you eat it!).

See the complete article here: http://boardsurfr.blogspot.com/2011/01/secret-to-warm-hands.html

Posted at PerilouslyPrecocious.com

Excerpt:

And ooooh boy, let me tell ya’ll, I effing LOVE my Hotsnapz.  They heat up to 110 degrees (43.3 C) and on cold nights up in the hills, we would snap them, throw them into the sleeping bag with me, and I’d stay warm all night.   Just had to boil them in the morning, and they’d be good again for the next night.

We had been using these for the last two summers.   Unfortunately, early this summer, we forgot to re-boil the Hotsnapz, and when I tried boiling them again, they would NOT go completely back into their ready state.  Which annoyed the hell outta me because I’m a chemist by nature (not just a salesperson), and I understood the reaction.  Was my water boiling at too low a temperature or what?

I emailed the dude at Hotsnapz, and he totally had my sitch nailed.

“Did you leave them in the solid state for a long period of time?”

Me: [bashful] “Maybe just a little.”

And you know what he did?  He mailed me new ones!  FOR FREE!

How stinking awesome is that?!

+++

I remember these sorts of things– the customer service that too few companies will go to in order to make a customer for life– and I can tell you that A) I’ll always be a fan of Hotsnapz, and B) I’m never leaving my trash disposal company ever.

Thanks to VideoKnowsJoe and Cindy for the fun video on using HotSnapZ for SCUBA diving!

We are excited to announce our latest and greatest HotSnapZ product.  Our new HotSnapZ Heat wrap will put heat exactly where it is needed.  This belt will fit waists from 12″ to  51″ and the easy velcro fastener makes it a snap to also use it on most any part of the body.

(Belt + HotSnapZ reusable heat pack)

Belt Details:

Length : 52 inches
Height: 5.25″ Belt Flaps, 8.625″ Mid-section
Easy Velcro belt attachments on both pouch and belt flap.
Heat Pack Pocket: 11″ x 8.25″ – Velcro enclosure, one side
Emroidered with HotSnapZ.com logo. Allowing customers to find insructions and product support.

Fit waists up to 51 inches. Larger waists can be accomodated by use of two belts.

Multi-purpose, can be used as heat wrap for all body extremities.

Reusable Heat Pack Detail:

Dimensions: 9.5″ x 7″
Weight: 22 ounces
Rated Heat Duration: 2+ hours/use
Safe & Non-Toxic ingredients
Self Regulating Heat temperature – Non-burning

Reactivated in boiling water and/or microwave

Heat Treatment and Therapy:

Use whenever heat therapy is suggested and recommended.

Outdoor Use:

Great consumer test feedback on using product as winter body heating product.

Check out our first HotSnapZ WOW video here:

Raynaud’s is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the fingers, toes and, less commonly, the ears, lips and nose. It is characterized by attacks of vasospasm, in which the blood vessels supplying blood to these structures constrict, decreasing blood flow. Raynaud’s may occur as a single entity, or may occur as part of another condition. It has been estimated that 5 to 10 percent of the population may be affected, with women being affected in higher numbers. The Framingham study found that 5.8% of men and 9.6% of women had the condition.

Raynaud’s is more common in people who live in colder climates; however, people who live in warmer climates can also have Raynaud’s, and may have more attacks during colder periods of weather. In addition to being triggered by cold weather, attacks may also be precipitated by stress.

What Happens During an Attack?

When the body is exposed to cold, the normal response of the body is to conserve heat by shunting blood away from the extremities to the body’s core, or vital organs. Blood is diverted from the surface arteries to the deeper veins in the body.

Raynaud’s is simply this normal response in an exaggerated form. When someone with Raynaud’s is exposed to cold, they experience a sudden, spasmodic contraction of the small blood vessels (arterioles) that supply blood to the hands and feet, greatly decreasing blood supply to these areas.

Symptoms may include:

Ÿ  Color changes- extremities may turn white, blue or red. The order of this color change is not the same in all patients. Some may experience all three colors; some may experience only one.

Ÿ  Abnormal sensations- sensations of coldness, numbness, throbbing and tingling may occur.

Ÿ  Duration- symptoms may last minutes to hours.

Subtypes of Raynaud’s

Primary Raynaud’s, also known as Raynaud’s disease, is Raynaud’s which is not associated with any underlying disease. It is the most common form: 75% of all cases occur in women aged 15 to 40 years. It is uncommon for primary Raynaud’s patients to develop other conditions, but in some cases primary Raynaud’s is the first manifestation of another problem, such as a connective tissue disorder, and may herald the onset of one of these conditions by years.

Secondary Raynaud’s, also known as Raynaud’s syndrome, occurs in conjunction with another condition. This form is often more serious and complex than primary Raynaud’s, and has more potential for complications, such as gangrene and skin ulcers.

Conditions which may be the underlying cause of secondary Raynaud’s include:

Ÿ  Connective Tissue Diseases- scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, dermatomyositis, poliomyelitis, and arthritis.

Ÿ  Carpal tunnel syndrome

Ÿ  Arterial disease

Ÿ  Medications- beta-blockers, cyclosporine, sulfasalazine, chemotherapeutic agents, ergotamine

How is Raynaud’s Diagnosed?

The condition is often diagnosed by the patient’s description of the signs and symptoms experienced. Sometimes doctors will attempt to cause an attack by having the patient immerse their hands in cold water, in order to determine if Raynaud’s is present. Generally the patient’s description is sufficient for diagnosis. A physician may also choose to perform certain blood tests to determine whether an underlying condition is present (usually a connective tissue disorder). Other tests may be done if the diagnosis is in question.

How is Raynaud’s Treated?

Treatment of the condition is aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of the attacks, as well as preventing complications such as permanent tissue damage.

Treatment of the condition is generally symptomatic. Medications are generally not prescribed to treat the condition; when they are prescribed, they are usually reserved for people with secondary Raynaud’s. Patients who suffer from primary Raynaud’s can benefit from the following self-help remedies:

Ÿ  Treat attacks immediately: do not ignore attacks. When attacks occur, re-warm the affected parts by running warm water over them, or by soaking them in warm water. If the attacks are stress-induced, try to remove yourself from the stressful condition. Relaxation techniques may be helpful.

Ÿ  Dress adequately for cold conditions: Dress in layers when you must be outdoors in cold weather. The use of hand warmers, such as HotSnapZ, can be used inside mittens, gloves, pockets, or boots to keep the extremities warm. The benefit of these hand warmers is that they are quick to activate and can be used numerous times, making them cost efficient.

Ÿ  Keep air conditioning at a minimum

Ÿ  Wear socks at all times, even to bed if the feet are involved

Ÿ  Wear gloves when removing food from the freezer, or have someone else perform this chore

Ÿ  Stop smoking, as this will help improve blood flow and damage to vessels

Ÿ  Control stress where possible

Ÿ  Use insulated drink containers

If attacks are frequent despite self-help measures, attacks occur on only one side of the body, or attacks result in sores (ulcers), consult your doctor. In severe cases, medication may be used to lessen symptoms.

HotSnapZ and Raynaud’s Phenomenon

HotSnapZ are hand warmers which contain water and sodium acetate, and thus are safe to use. They are activated by pressing a metal disc embedded in the hand warmer, which causes a chemical reaction producing heat. This heat can last up to 2 hours, making HotSnapZ ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, sporting events and activities, and any other occasion in which you may be exposed to the cold. Keeping your extremities warm can prevent attacks of Raynaud’s phenomenon, and allow you to enjoy these activities without pain. HotSnapZ are reusable and inexpensive, and can greatly improve your enjoyment of cold weather activities. To learn more about HotSnapZ, visit www.HotSnapZ.com.

How do they work?

In essence, HotSnapZ sodium acetate heating pads work through a simple chemical reaction, which was discovered in 1978.  The heating pads contain a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate dissolved in water.  Sodium acetate, also abbreviated as NaAc, is a chemical which is safe and is even added to foods sometimes as a preservative and flavoring.

The main action of these heating pads is the process of crystallization, which is incited when you bend a small disc composed of a ferrous metal, which is located in the sodium acetate heating pad. Pressing on this disc releases very small particles of sodium acetate into the solution. These crystal particles are trapped within the slits and microscopic cracks of the metal disc. Snapping the disc, releases these minute crystals which then act as nucleation sites that allow for recrystallization of the remains of the sodium acetate solution.

The beauty of sodium acetate heating pads is that the pad can be reused over and over again simply by immersing the pad in boiling water for 8 to 15 minutes.   Boiling the heating pad redissolves the sodium acetate in the water contained in the pad, and renews the supersaturated solution. This takes place at temperatures 137F (58C) and above.  When the pad has been cooled to room temperature, the process can be started all over again.

What can they be used for?

Sodium acetate heating pads can be used for many activities that you can think of, and for some you may not have thought of!

What are the benefits of these pads?

Sodium acetate hating pads have many advantages to use over other methods of heat delivery, such as electric heating pads, microwave warmers, air-activated heating pads, hot water bottles, and others currently on the market. Some of these advantages are:

Ÿ  Can be used over and over-Totally reusable

ŸŸ  Provides almost instant heat, happening within seconds of activation

Cost effective-pennies per use

Ÿ  Heat to a safe temperature-self regulating & will not exceed set temperature

Ÿ  Safe to sleep on-will not cause burns

Ÿ  Can be cleaned-easily sanitized by the reactivation process

Ÿ  Can be used with a moist towel to provide moist heat

Ÿ  Portable-can be taken anywhere and are lightweight

Ÿ  Provides long-lasting heat-can stay warm up to six hours

Ÿ  No risk of fire, shock, or burns

As can be seen, sodium acetate hating pads can be used any place at any time. They are safe to use and provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional heat sources, such as heating pads and air-activated heating pads. They may be used in virtually any situation that may be encountered outdoors, as well as being useful for the treatment of many medical conditions.