Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Pediatric Nebulizers

Does your child suffer from asthma and is hesitant to use a nebulizer? We may be able to help. Puff the penguin is a child friendly nebulizer that can help. It's friendly design makes using a nebulizer much less intimidating.





When does your child need a nebulizer?

nebulizer changes medication from a liquid to a mist so that it can be more easily inhaled into the lungs. Nebulizers are particularly effective in delivering asthma medications to infants and small children and to anyone who has difficulty using an asthma inhaler.
It is also convenient when a large dose of an inhaled medication is needed. Nebulized therapy is often called a "breathing treatment." And a variety of medications -- both for immediate relief and maintenance of asthma symptoms -- are available for use with a nebulizer.  

Monday, April 11, 2011

We Carry Maternity and Post Maternity

Purely Yours Professional Breast Pump with Carry All


Pump: Adjustable suction and cycle settings simulate babys nursing pattern; maximize milk production and personal comfort level. Pump anytime, anywhere with AC adapter or AA batteries. Stylish black tote bag carries pump and accessories; keeps mothers milk cooled and stored for 10 hours. HygieniKit allows single or dual pumping; prevents contaminants from entering milk with unique closed milk collection system. Pump may be removed from tote, or operated inside the tote bag for added privacy. PumpPump directly into bottles or freezer bags”two built-in holders accommodate either container. Contents: Purely Yours breast pump, dual HygieniKit, microfiber Carry All tote, AC power adapter, milk storage guide magnet, and Cool'N Carry insulated tote bate bag with 3 cooling elements and six 4 oz bottles with tops. 1-year warranty.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Lift Chairs: Restoring Independence for the Elderly

Age is an inevitable fact of life. We will all age, there is really no fountain of youth, and no way to keep age from finding us. Possibly the most frustrating aspect of aging is the loss of our mobility and independence. Having the ability to remain independent throughout the aging process is a very important aspect in many lives. Knowing that we can come and go as we please without help is crucial in respect to our self confidence.


A lift chair is a wonderful resource for retaining or regaining your independence. With a lift chair, you have the ability to move from a sitting to a standing position without any help from others. Many styles of lift chairs are available, as well as different aspects of reclining positions. A lift chair can help you to regain your confidence by ensuring that you will be able to go from sitting to standing, without the fear of falling.

A lift chair works by using a motorized mechanism that simply lifts your seat with the push of a button. If you normally need help standing up, a lift chair can give you that help. You simply push the button to raise the chair, and you are lifted into a complete standing position. Once you are on your feet, you can simply walk away from your chair.
Lift chairs also help with the sitting process. When you are ready to sit in your chair, you simply back up to the seat, and push the decline button. The chair will take you into a sitting position slowly, so that you do not lose your balance.

Gaining independence is a very important feeling. Knowing that you have the ability to sit and stand alone, without the help of family and friends, is a wonderful emotion. Many elderly people, as well as those who have been injured or are disabled for a number of reasons, have found their independence again with a lift chair.

With the many styles and colors available in lift chair models, it is safe to assume that you will be able to match your lift chair to your current home furnishings. There are also styles available that will take up very little space, so if you live in a small home or apartment, there is a lift chair that will fit perfectly into small living spaces.
Making the decision to purchase a lift chair seems like an overwhelming task, however, knowing how a lift chair can help to restore your ability to do things on your own is a major decision maker for many. Knowing that you will have restored your mobility, and having more independence in your daily life is the best reason to consider purchasing a lift chair. You will have the ability to move around your home as you wish, without relying on the help of others to get you on your feet or to help you sit. Regaining your independence is a wonderful feeling, and deciding to use a lift chair is the first step.

For more information about the benefits if lift chairs visit www.alpinemedicalsupply.com.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Why Durable Medical Equipment?

How Durable Medical Equipment Can Assist People With Impaired Mobility 

Written by Nancy McMahon

Durable medical equipment is used to provide additional support and care to patients outside of the hospital environment and is designed to support both temporary and permanent conditions.  Durable medical equipment ranges from inexpensive items that can be bought from any good healthcare supplier (offline or online) such as walking sticks, basic blood pressure monitors and back supports, through to expensive specialist equipment that needs to be prescribed by a healthcare professional such as prosthetics or dialysis machines. 

Durable medical equipment can offer a number of practical ways to support patients that are suffering from impaired mobility, whether this is a temporary affliction due to accident or post-surgery recovery, or a permanent condition resulting from a disability or ongoing illness.   Health insurance providers may be able to assist you with financing durable medical equipment and it is important that you check your policy carefully to see what you are entitled too.

Help for getting around

When you have mobility impairments even the simple process of getting around in your own home can become difficult and you may need round the clock assistance from a care giver.  There are a number of durable medical equipment products that can help you to move much more easily around your home, and these can give you a measure of independence and make normal, everyday tasks such as feeding your pets or going to the bathroom on your own much easier.  Grab rails and other lifting aids positioned at key areas around the home are ideal for those patients that are unsteady on their feet, and can assist people with difficulties rising from a sitting or prone position to get more easily out of bed and up from chairs.  

Motorized lifting equipment can also be useful for patients with severe mobility issues, and can assist care givers in lifting the patient in and out of bed, and can also be used to modify bathrooms so that washing and using the toilet is easier.  Wheelchairs and walkers are other key items of durable medical equipment that can assist patients to become more mobile and independent, and there are a number of different designs available to suit a whole range of disabilities and physical impairments.  There are also some specialist types of equipment available for helping mobility impaired patients to travel outside of the home more independently such as mobility scooters and also adapted bikes, which are basically three wheeled pushbikes (that can be foot or hand driven), which are ideal for helping to encourage young children with physical impairments to become more mobile.

Help around the home

Mobility impairments can make even simple, everyday tasks much more difficult and time consuming, but there are a many different types of durable medical equipment available that can assist with these tasks and make day-to-day life much easier such as:
  • Ramps – small steps between rooms can represent trip hazards and obstacles for patients with mobility impairments, but these can easily be modified with permanent or temporary ramps that come in all sizes, which can make the home much safer.
  • Motorized chairs – people who have recently undergone hip replacements or who have other problems standing up from a sitting position can benefit from motorized chairs, which gradually lift up to a more upright position, making it much easier for patients to stand up without any assistance.
  • Adjustable beds – physical impairments may mean that conventional beds are unsuitable, as you may not be able to lie down for long periods of time or find certain positions uncomfortable, and adjustable beds can be a practical solution allowing you to find a comfortable sleeping and resting position to suit your needs.

Where to get durable medical equipment

Specialist durable medical equipment such as prosthetics will have to be provided by your local hospital or healthcare provider, and they will also service these items for you and provide any replacements you need.  Other types of durable medical equipment such as walkers, crutches and wheelchairs can be sourced from any good medical suppliers and there are many different stores both online and offline stocking these kinds of products. 

Durable medical equipment can provide ongoing support for patients suffering from illnesses, disabilities or injuries that restrict their mobility and normal daily functions, and come in a diverse range of products from self help tools such as crutches, walkers and grab rails through to complex and expensive devices such as prosthetics and respiratory apparatus. The range of durable medical equipment is diverse and costs can vary significantly depending on the individual person’s needs and the duration of their illness, but there is no doubt that durable medical equipment can significantly improve the lives of many patients and allow them to live at home with the minimum reliance of carers and family members.

Types of durable medical equipment

Durable medical equipment comes in many different shapes and varieties, and although the term ‘durable’ is used is can also cover disposable, non-durable items that are used in everyday, essential home healthcare.  Therefore durable medical equipment can be split into two main groups:
  • Durable equipment – this includes long lasting essential items such as wheelchairs, beds, adaptive bikes, walkers, respiratory apparatus, nebulizers, hearing aids and more.
  • Non-durable equipment – this includes disposable or non-permanent equipment such as gloves, rubber/plastic hose (used for equipment such as catheters and nebulizers that needs regular replacement), syringes and more.

Costs of durable medical equipment

Many items of durable medical equipment are inexpensive, and can be sourced easily from specialist stores and online providers and these can provide useful items that can help support patients to allow them to carry out everyday functions around the home.  For example grab rails can be fitted to steps, bathrooms and bedsides to provide additional assistance when moving around and getting up and down from a sitting or prone position, and these are easy to source and can be installed by a professional fitter or someone who is good at DIY and understands the need for secure, durable installation.

More specialized forms of durable medical equipment such as hearing aids and prosthetics will need to be obtained through your healthcare provider in most cases, and will require a number of fittings and adjustments, and also ongoing maintenance and servicing.  These specialist items can be very expensive, but the benefits they can bring to the patient are vast and they can significantly improve quality of life and assist patients to be more independent in the home and when traveling.

Help with choosing durable medical equipment
If you are unsure what durable equipment would be best for you it is important to talk to your doctor or specialist healthcare provider about the different types of equipment that are available, and which would be most suitable for your individual circumstances.  Many charities can also provide support and assistance for patients that need durable medical equipment and can provide a lot of helpful advice on the different types of equipment available and also may be able to offer some funding towards assisting patients to purchase this equipment.  

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Lumbar Support Cushion with Massage



Lumbar Support Cushion with Massage gently supports the natural curvature of your lower back, preventing the tendency to slouch, enhancing overall posture. Vibrating, soothing massage added for extra comfort. Lightweight & Portable.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Help Prevent Spider Veins During Pregnancy with Compression Stockings

 
All women fear them...painful and unsightly spider veins that occur as a result of pregnancies. Compression Stockings can help to prevent these veins.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The Legend of St Patrick
Celebrated on 17th March

Patrick was born in Britain in the year 387. His real name is Maewyn Succat. The name St. Patrick was given to him later in life by Pope Celestine. His parents, Calphurnius and Conchessa belonged to a high ranking Roman family. St. Patrick recorded most of the history of his life and his spiritual writings in the "Confessio" (Confession). St. Patrick also wrote letters to Coroticus. In this letter, he criticized a raid on Ireland conducted by Coroticus, a British chieftain. Several of Patrick's converts were killed during the raid. The letter also shows St.Patrick's resentment of the scornful attitude of British clergymen and nobility toward the Irish.

When he was 16, he was captured by pagan Irish raiders and sold into slavery to a chieftain named Meliuc in Antrim , Ireland. He spent his teen years and time alone as a shepard to tend to his master's sheep. During this time, his spirituality awakened and his belief in God became strong. He would pray many times in a day. After 6 years being in slavery, he had a dream that he would find a ship to take him to freedom. He escaped to follow his dream. He had to travel about 200 miles before he found a ship ready to set sail.

He managed to return to his family and home. Although Patrick was born a British, he considered himself an Irish because it was in Ireland that he discovered God. He had another vision. This vision would take him back to Ireland to preach the Gospel later. After his escape, he visited the St. Martin's monastry at Tours. He also visited the island sanctuary of Lerins. He placed himself under the guidance of a bishop named, St. Germain (Germanus). Patrick was promoted to priesthood later. He stayed in Britain for eighteen years. During those years, he was still haunted by memories of Ireland and would often speak of his experiences in Ireland with St. Germain. The Bishop, St. Germain recommended Patrick to the pope. Patrick requested to be sent to Ireland but was denied. Palladius was chosen instead. When Palladius died, Patrick was chosen to be sent to Ireland. He was called to Rome and made a Bishop by Pope Celestine in 432 before he went on his mission to Ireland. It was during that occasion that the name "Patercius" or "Patritius" was given to him. The name comes from two Latin words, "pater civium" meaning "the father of his people".

He suffered many trials as a missionary in Ireland. St. Patrick was imprisoned by the Druids but managed to escape. There are also many legends which talks about the miracles and magical fights between him and the Druids. One of which is when he was confronted by a chieftain named Dichu. Dichu drew his sword to kill Patrick but could not do so because his arm became rigid until he declared himself obedient to St. Patrick. Dichu was overwhelmed by the miracle that he made a gift of a large sabhall (barn). This was the first sanctuary dedicated by St. Patrick.

Another legend St. Patrick is most known for is driving the snakes from Ireland. Some tales tell that he stood on a hill and used a wooden staff to drive the snakes into the sea and banished them forever from Ireland. Another legend says that the snake resisted. St. Patrick then tricked it into entering a small box and cast it into the sea. It is true that Ireland has no snakes.

However, he managed to win favor with the local kings later. He spent the next 28 years traveling across the countryside to spread the word of God. He could do this easily as he was fluent with the Celtic language. He succeeded in converting almost the entire population of the island.

Legend has it that St. Patrick would use the shamrock to explain the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The word "shamrock" comes from the Gaelic word "seamrog" (In irish, it means "summer plant") meaning "trefoil" (three leafed) or "little clover". In Arabia, it is called shamrakh. It was a sacred emblem in Iran and to the Persian triads. It is also a sacred plant among the Druids. Shamrock is the national flower of Ireland. Many Irish people wear a shamrock on St. Patrick's Day. It is not the Irish national emblem. The harp has that honor. This explains the color green and shamrocks on St. Patrick's Day. Today, if you do not wear green on St. Patrick's Day, you will get pinched !!

St. Patrick died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, on the 17 March, 461 A.D at the age of 76. He is believed to be buried in Downpatrick, County Down. This is why we celebrate St. Patrick's Day on the seventeenth of March. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.

The first St. Patrick's Day celebration in the United States was held in Boston in 1737. The largest St. Patrick's Day parade is in New York City.