How to Make a Heat Pack

Heat packs are used to ease pain caused by muscle strains, pulls or general muscle aches. This heat pack is inexpensive, is quick to make and lasts up to 5 years. These heat packs are great projects for kids to make as gifts for Father's Day or Mother's Day. Warm it up in 30 seconds, and it stays hot for more than 1 hour.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Small package of deer corn
• 1 large tube sock
• Paint or decorations

1. Wash the sock. Even if the sock is new, wash the sock to relax its fibers. This makes the heat pack more comfortable when it's against your skin.

2. Fill the sock with deer corn. Do not fill the sock all the way up. Leave enough room at the top of the sock to tie a knot. Make sure the deer corn is packed in firmly.

3. Tie a knot in the end of the sock to hold the deer corn in.

4. Paint or decorate the sock to personalize it. Allow time for the sock to dry if you paint it. Another idea is to hot-glue decorations to the sock. Be careful not to add anything that won't survive in the microwave.

5. Microwave the sock for 30 seconds. When removing the sock from the microwave, hold the sock by the knot to keep from burning your hands. The deer corn heats up to create the warmth for the pack.

6. Apply the heat pack to the aching area for relief. Reheat the sock as needed. When not in use, store the heat pack in a cool, dry place.

Tips & Warnings

• These heat packs also work well to help relieve migraine headaches.

• This heat pack is great for traveling because it is easy to carry and needs only a microwave to start working its pain-relieving magic.