Making your own wheat bags and giving them out as gifts is more risky. If you don't know the exact moisture content of the wheat you use, you can't give guidance on how long they can be microwaved. Follow the heating instructions carefully. If your microwave uses more than 1,000W, use a lower power setting. The district council is also planning to expand discounts for council tax, and agreed to hold a consultation on its proposals. Councillor John Williams, the lead cabinet member for resources, said this could not be introduced straight away and would need to be approved in February next year as part of the authority's decision around council tax. But in 2019, an eagle-eyed Which? member flagged to us that their microwave's manual recommended against using one. We then discovered that this was the case for most major microwave manufacturers. Make sure your microwave is clean before heating up wheat bags. The turntable or flatbed should be clean and dry. If your microwave has a turntable, it should turn freely and easily – this prevents hotspots forming.

Heat therapy should be avoided with any injury that is considered acute or has just recently occurred,” Dr. Raineri says. “Acute injuries will likely present with swelling, bruising, and possibly even open wounds where heat should not be used." Heat Settings Place them under covers to warm bedding. They can continue to heat up and could begin to smoulder or set the covers alight. Last winter, the council opened up all of its libraries and community libraries as Welcoming Spaces. The initiative forms part of the council's Helping Hand programme of support for residents impacted by cost of living pressures. The idea behind Welcoming Spaces is to provide warm, free, safe, and supportive places that any resident can visit at any time of year. They allow people to keep warm, save money on heating and access free support, advice and Wi-Fi, as well as meet new people, find local groups and activities to participate in and look after their physical and mental health. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/heat-therapy-helps-relax-stiff-joints https://www.cochrane.org/CD004522/MUSKEL_thermotherapy-heat-treatment-for-treating-osteoarthritis-of-the-knee

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The Groundwork Green Doctor programme offers free, impartial advice and practical measures to help individuals take control of their bills, save energy where possible in the home, and access other services and initiatives available. Heating them for longer than specified – if you're used to hot water bottles, you might think the wheat bag isn't hot enough, but overheating it can be dangerous.

Heat therapy is not recommended for acute management of sprains, strains or contusions as this promotes blood flow and can increase swelling and pain. Cold therapy, or applying ice, is often used in conjunction with rest, compression and elevation, known in first aid by the acronym RICE. Heat your wheat bag for longer than the specified time. This could lead to it igniting in the microwave or burning your skin. We would not suggest the use of wheat bags, we've had something similar before where this caused a failure in the microwave. If a customer uses wheat bags, we believe that the warranty will be voided – this is also stated in some of our instructions.'Additionally, the Council will support residents by authorising and providing Trussell Trust Food Bank vouchers, offering onward support and signposting as appropriate.