Are Cold Hands Normal?

Keep hands warm - Heated Computer Mouse & Mouse Pad

posted by Dr. Brent

Q: My wife has cold hands all the time it seems. Is this something I should be worried about or is it just normal for women (that’s what she says)?

A: While I wouldn’t be so cavalier as to say that all women have cold hands, the complaint is a common one and much more often than not does not indicate that there’s ice flowing through the veins or anything else as cold-hearted or sinister.

When our bodies are exposed to cooler temperatures, the natural defense mechanism is tries to retain heat in the body’s core (where all the important organs are). In order to do this, the tiny peripheral blood vessels in our extremities constrict and limit circulation of blood to these distant parts of the body. Without good blood flow, the fingers, toes, hands, feet, nose and ears can all become cold. The best defense is to keep the body covered so it never has to put this defense mechanism into action.

If there are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (age, history of smoking, diabetes, family history, high cholesterol or high blood pressure), then cold extremities could indicate that there are blockages in the small blood vessels of the hand that are impeding blood flow. If this is the diagnosis, there are some medications that may be useful. Additionally, increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet may also help.

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a symptom associated with several conditions including lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and certain medications (estrogen, nicotine, propanolol). When the fingers are exposed to hot or cold conditions, the blood vessels begin to spasm, limiting blood flow and causing the fingertips to turn white or even blue. In addition to feeling as if the hands are cold, Raynaud’s is generally painful. When talking to the doctor, make sure your wife gives a complete history of all symptoms, even if they don’t seem to be related.

Dr. Brent Ridge is the health expert for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. You can call and ask him a question live every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern on Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 112 (1.866.675.6675). You can also follow along as he learns to grow his own food and raise goats on his farm in upstate New York by visiting www.beekman1802.com.

Hand Warmer Master Saber Motorcycle Jacket

from Motorcycle Jacket

Keeping your hands warm on a motorcycle can be a challenge. Gloves help, and wearing a good jacket with hand warmer pockets is ideal.

* The 600 Denier Carbolex three quarter shell length combines with a Rainguard waterproof/breathable barrier for a garment that protects from the road and rain

* The collar features a soft, microfiber relief panel

* Zippered chest vents, sleeve vents and rear exit vents provide flow-through ventilation

* Two-way main zipper closure with dual wind flap to seal out the elements

* 360° Phoslite reflective piping and Tour Master's signature reflective rear triangle help increase nighttime visibility

* The Microfiber lined collar and cuffs are soft yet durable

* Adjustable sleeve take-up straps at the forearm and bicep help secure elbow armor and material

* Removable, CE approved armor at the elbow and shoulder with an articulated Triple Density back protector

* Tour Master's removable Z.O.Q. (Zip-Out Quilted) Liner features warming 100G polyfill insulation

* Zippered chest map pocket, hand warmer pockets, flap closure bellows pockets, internal media pocket and dual zippered fanny pack

* Adjustable waist belts, with TPR pulls help fine tune the fit

* Includes a jacket/pant zipper attachment with the pant side included

Mouse Hand Warmer available online only

There's buzz on the blogs about a new product soon available online only at IGMproducts.com. The ecommerce site is being developed and should be ready for shoppers within the next couple of weeks or sooner. The new Mouse Hand Warmer is made of warm polyester fleece with a non-slip surface. A standard mouse pad fits inside the hand warmer keeping your hand snuggly warm as you work. There's nothing worse than a cold mouse hand when you have work to complete or a deadline to meet. You don't have to ignore the cold, numb fingertips anymore.

Here's information we received directly from the manufacturer. More details and photos will be posted here as soon as they are made available:

The Mouse Hand Warmer is $19.95, and the price includes Free USA Domestic Ground Shipping & Sales Tax! That's a great deal and perfect price point for upcoming holiday shopping. The perfect gift idea for computer users and lovable Geeks in your life!

Keeps your mouse hand covered by a warm blanket. Constructed of a warm polyester fleece blanket material with a non-slip surface. Fits standard mouse pads. 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. The Mouse Hand Warmer is 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 most mouse sizes, 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 by i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. For more information, for distribution or wholesale orders, please write by clicking on the Contact Us located at the top of each page at IGMproducts.com.

FREE SHIPPING & NO SALES TAX

We'll be posting news about the new product here as soon as it is made available.