Tips for Measuring your Blood Pressure at Home

Posted on April 23, 2013 by administrator — No Comments ↓

It’s impossible to measure your blood pressure without some form of equipment. You may be able to get a close read with an arm cuff and a stethoscope, something that you might remember your doctor doing on one of your annual check-ups. But, for those of us who don’t have a medical degree, that are concerned about hypertension, a digital blood pressure machine is the best way to monitor our important blood pressure stats.

There are two forms of digital devices available:

The first utilizes an arm cuff. Click here for an example of a Digital Arm Cuff Blood Pressure Monitor.

Put the cuff about 1 inch above your elbow. Wrap it around your arm. Make sure the cuff is tight, the blood pressure reading may not be correct if the cuff is too loose.
Turn on the monitor and follow the directions.
Let the air out of the cuff. Turn off the monitor and take off the cuff.

The second is a smaller version that is applied to the wrist. Click here for an example of a Digital Wrist Cuff Blood Pressure Monitor.

Place the wrist cuff around your right wrist with the velcro facing palm-side. Check to see that cuff is secure. Make sure it’s not too tight and causes your hand to go numb or turn blue.
To ensure an accurate reading – move your right arm and wrist to the level of your heart.
Turn on the wrist blood pressure monitor. Press the start button and the wrist cuff will begin to inflate with air. The cuff will get tighter around your wrist.
Watch the digital display. When the numbers stop changing, it will display your blood pressure.

Whichever monitor you decide to purchase, make sure to record the following information each time you test your blood pressure.

Your blood pressure – systolic and diastolic
Date and Time
Which arm was used
Any special circumstances like any recent exercise, meal, or stressful event.

When first purchased and then every year after, it is good practice to bring the monitor with you on your doctor’s visit and have it checked for you. This is done by putting the monitor on one arm and using the doctor’s monitoring method on the other. Together with a doctor’s care, a home digital monitor can be very important in managing your blood pressure related issues.

How to Choose the Perfect Walking Aid

Posted on March 4, 2013 by administrator — No Comments ↓

A walking aid is a lifeline. It makes you feel safe and secure. It gives you back that sense of independence, the knowledge that you have the ability to walk around freely without the worry of a fall.

Making the right decision when it comes to this assistive tool should be of the utmost importance. Luckily there are many different features available on walking aids that can make your everyday chores easier, more enjoyable and safer.

The Basket: A basket is a great way to carry multiple items. It’s basically, the same concept as the front basket of a bicycle. One great advantage to have a basket on a walking aid, is that you can use it as a basket for your light shopping. If you’re just picking up a few items at the grocery store, you can still have the security of having your walker with you.
The Brake: For those times when you stop to chat with a friend. The brake is a safety feature that will help keep you and your wheels steady and secure. It allows your walker to keep you safe whether you are moving or standing still.
The Chair: Some walkers have the ability to convert into a chair. This is another handy feature. If you are running errands and you’re waiting on your ride to finish up their activities. Just pop the brake on, fold down the chair and the walker will seat you comfortably until you’re ready to go.
Folding Ability: The ability to fold your walker is a very convenient feature. This main reason why you might fold your walking aid is when you need to travel in a car. The walker in its everyday state can be large and bulky and may not fit properly into the back of your automobile. Being able to fold the walker allows you to store it in a limited space area and prevents any possible damage to walker or to your car.

MedicalSupplyDepot.com has a vast selection of walking aids that have some or all of the features listed above. Select one of our reasonably priced products and look forward to a much safer, healthy and a more independent lifestyle.

Tagged with: assistive furniture, walker, walking aids
Posted in About Us

Bathroom Safety for Night Visits

Posted on January 10, 2013 by administrator — No Comments ↓

Bathroom Safety Whether you call it the Loo, the Office, the Lavatory or the Powder Room. Your restroom is one of the most frequented areas in your home. As we get older, those visits tend to increase. Making sure your space is set up in a convenient and safe way is important in avoiding potential hazards and accidents.

Here’s a familiar scenario. You wake up in the middle of the night and need to visit your restroom. What steps can be taken to ensure that you will be safe:

First, if you do require some kind of walking assistance, make sure your walking aid is in reach of your bed. This will assist you on your trek and if the aid is within reach of your bed, you won’t have to strain and possible cause a mishap.
Second, make sure there is adequate light to guide you and that there is some kind of motion sensor night light that is installed in the actual restroom space. This will prevent you from walking into any furniture and will make it easy for you to find the light switch in the bathroom,
Third, since a walking aid is difficult to use in the restroom, it would be helpful to have some form of safety bar available. The bar should be sturdy and can be placed as a frame around the toilet.
Last, the flooring should be safe in your restroom foyer, non slip rugs and mats should be placed down to prevent slipping.

Medical Supply Depot is here to help take the risk out of your everyday experiences.

Wishing 2013 will be a safe and happy year for all!

Tagged with: assistive furniture, bathroom furniture, bathroom safety, safety
Posted in About Us

Heat Emergencies: Know the Signs

Posted on July 5, 2012 by administrator — No Comments ↓

We’ve been having a heat wave, and while we hope that temperatures won’t be above 100 degrees every day this summer, it is still going to continue to be hot! Make sure you recognize the warning signs of heat so that you can take action if you need to.

Heat stroke and heat-related problems are emergencies, so be prepared to call 911 if you need to!

Symptoms of heat stroke

Heat stroke is a result of the body being unable to regulate its temperature. Body temperature elevates quickly, the person stops sweating, and can’t cool down. Heat stroke is an emergency and can result in death.

These are some warning signs of heat stroke:

High body temperature (above 103°F, orally)
Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
Rapid, strong pulse
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Unconsciousness

If you see these symptoms, do not wait. Call 911 while you work on cooling the affected person.

Then do the following:

1. Move the victim to the shade.

2. Cool the victim however possible. Hose them off, put them in a tub of cool water with ice, fan them.

3. Keep an eye on the body temperature until it reaches 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Do not give fluids.

5. If the victim is vomiting, turn him or her on his or her side and keep the airway clear.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is milder than heat stroke, and a cummulative effect of prolonged exposure to heat. The body loses salts and water through sweating, and the result is heat exhaustion. Children, the elderly, and people working or exercising in hot and humid conditions are most prone to suffering from heat exhaustion.

Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke if not treated!

Heat exhaustion symptoms:

Extreme sweating
Pale skin
Muscle cramps
Tiredness
Weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Fainting

The skin may be clammy and pale, and the pulse will be fast and weak.

If the victim has high blood pressure, call 911. Otherwise, you can begin to cool the victim

Give the victim cool, nonalcoholic beverages
Encourage the victim to rest
Give the victim a cool bath
Move them to an air-conditioned environment
Change them into lightweight clothing

All heat injuries and symptoms can become life-threatening very quickly. Do not delay in seeking treatment for yourself or someone around you exhibiting signs of heat-related illness.

*This is not intended to be medical advice. Consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment.

Tagged with: dealing with heat stroke, heat emergencies, heat symptoms, what to do if you suspect heat stroke
Posted in Daily Care

Declare Independence with a Mobility Scooter

Posted on July 4, 2012 by administrator — No Comments ↓

If you want to be up, out, and on your way, it’s tough if you can’t walk. If you want to take back your independence, you want a mobility scooter. But which one to buy?

Portable Mobility Scooters

For individuals always on the go, a portable mobility scooter is a sure bet. The best of these are sturdy enough to safely carry you from point a to point b, and collapsible and relatively easy to lift into the car. One of our most popular models, and a model that consistently gets great reviews across the board, is the Drive Medical Phoenix 3 Wheel Compact Mobility Scooter. One reviewer even mentions that it will fit in the back of her SUV without disassembly.

This scooter has a sharp turning radius and isn’t at all tippy. It is perfect for indoor/outdoor use. While shopping, vacationing, or just enjoying fresh air, this scooter gives you back your independence.

Heavy Duty Mobility Scooters

Larger individuals or individuals looking for a heavier four-wheel scooter will want to consider a heavy duty model. These are the cream of the crop, and great for individuals who spend most of their time in the scooter. We offer models that carry up to 500 lbs for easy transport.

Mobility Scooters Have Come a Long Way

Mobility scooters have come a long way from their beginnings. They all have rechargeable batteries, most of which can be removed for charging in a separate area. There are more options for portable and folding scooters. All of the scooters run with quiet action and can fit through smaller spaces.

While you can rent a scooter at a shopping mall or borrow one at the grocery, it is so much easier to have your own that you’re used to for your day to day activities. Accessories and add-ons make it easy to keep all of your essentials with you.

Declare independence with a Mobility Scooter today!

Tagged with: independence, mobility scooter, scooter
Posted in Daily Care

Savings Through Online Ordering

Posted on July 2, 2012 by administrator — No Comments ↓

Why go to the trouble of online ordering and shipping if you can run by the shop for all of your wound care needs?

It’s less expensive to shop online.

Recently, one of our staff members, Katie, cut her foot on an oyster. After comparison shopping at her local drug stores and Medical Supply Depot, she remarked to us that “It’s amazing how much less expensive it is to buy everything from MSD than from that other ‘three letter drug store on the corner’.” It’s true! From wound care items (such as band aids and bandages) to routine diabetic testing items, by shopping with Medical Supply Depot, you get professional-quality medical supplies at wholesale prices.

Where do you think clinics order supplies?

Your local Urgent Care center doesn’t pay retail, so why should you?

But don’t take our word for it. Take our Customers’ word for it:

“We are so happy with the crutches we ordered. They are perfect. We received them so quickly, What survice.We love your Co.” Chuck and Lou Brillon

“I just wanted to let you know that I am not sure as to who you have heading up and working in your Shipping Department, but, whoever it is: KEEP THEM. I have never in my 50+ years of life seen any company’s Shipping Department work as quickly and efficiently as yours does. Every order I have made has been correct when I received it, and order #[removed for privacy] that I place online early on 03/21/12 actually arrived before dark, on my doorstep, the same day. Hats off to your Shipping Department. I will continue to use your company for the more than competative prices, and especially the prompt service. Thank You” Jim Roberts

Free Shipping and Auto-Ship

If you find yourself commonly needing certain items (such as incontinence supplies or diabetic testing strips and supplies) it is much easier and more efficient to order online with free shipping. Medical Supply Depot offers free shipping for all orders over $50. You can also give us a call at 888-874-3831 to sign up for auto-delivery of your most frequently used products. You’ll never have to worry about running to the drug store again!

Tagged with: online medical supplies, online ordering, saving with online ordering
Posted in Chronic Conditions, Daily Care

Summer Heat Safety Tips

Posted on June 29, 2012 by administrator — No Comments ↓

It is ridiculously hot outside right now, and that means you need to take extra care to hydrate, protect yourself from the sun, and monitor yourself and loved ones to prevent them from overheating. Dehydrating is a huge problem among children and the elderly. If you don’t have air conditioning or you have to be out in the sun for long periods of time (or short periods when the heat index is over 85 degrees) here are some safety tips to follow.

Follow These Tips to Stay Safe

The Centers for Disease Control offers these tips for staying safe in the heat.

Drink more fluids than you normally would. The best thing to drink is water. Alcohol and sugar actually cause you to lose more water. Even if you aren’t exercising, you should still drink more water than you normally would. Just sitting around in extreme heat causes you to sweat.
Replace salts and minerals. (If you’re on a low-salt diet, consult your doctor.) Sports drinks can help you replace salts and minerals lost through sweating. Don’t overdo it on the sports drinks, though. They do have sugar, and excessive sugar isn’t helpful in a heat situation.
Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes while you’re indoors. While outdoors, wear sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburns.
Limit outdoor activities to morning and later evening hours. The coolest part of the day is usually the morning. Heat starts to accumulate during the day, and it can be fairly hot during the evening.
Enjoy outdoor activities with a friend. If it is extremely hot out, going with friends can mean the difference between life or death. You can keep an eye on each other and call for help if needed.
Do not leave infants, pets, or anyone in a hot car. The temperature inside the car can be 30-40 degrees hotter than outside.
Go to a shelter or a public place like a library or shopping mall if the heat becomes too much for you and you don’t have air conditioning.

Stay safe out there!

Need ice packs? See our Hot/Cold Therapy options

Tagged with: cold packs, heat, heat safety, heat wave, ice packs
Posted in Daily Care

Bathroom Safety Tips

Posted on June 27, 2012 by administrator — No Comments ↓

According to statistics from the National Safety Council and the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a quarter of a million bathroom related injuries occur every year in the Unites States. About 81% of these injuries (fractures, sprains, contusions and concussions) are caused by falls, and women are more likely to be hurt in the bathroom than men.

Recently a bathroom injury rendered Eren Derdiyok, the Switzerland International Soccer Team forward, out of the Champions League. Don’t become a statistic! Learn what you can do to prevent bathroom injuries.

Beware the Shower

First thing’s first, the majority of these accidents occur in the bath and shower and not while getting in to the bath/shower. Every bath and shower should have a grab bar. A grab bar is a very basic safety precaution that will make the bathroom safer for the elderly, adults and children alike. It also adds value to your home! Many of the grab bars available are semi permanent, applied by suction cup or clamp and are very moderately priced.

Another basic safety feature that should be installed in every bathroom is a bathtub mat. After hearing that my good friend, a mother of four, fell, rendering her helpless for up to 6 weeks, I realized that slips and falls can happen to anyone. You can purchase mold-resistant bathmats that cover the entire tub and prevent slipping.

Another great thing to have in ANY household is a shower seat. You don’t have to be handicapped to want to take a seat in the shower. This is a great tool for helping teach kids to shower themselves, an easy way to shave your legs, a comfy relaxing and safe spot to shower if you’re pregnant and just a great way to create that spa like relaxing feeling in the comfort of your own bathroom.

Take a look around your bathroom. Is it safe?

See all Bath Safety Products

Tagged with: assistive furniture, bathroom furniture, bathroom safety, safety
Posted in Daily Care

Dealing with Incontinence

Posted on June 27, 2012 by administrator — No Comments ↓

Urinary Incontinence: a topic no one is comfortable discussing openly, but from which many Americans suffer. When thinking of bladder incontinence, everyone immediately thinks of elderly people who lose control. This problem is much more widespread, though.

Many Americans suffer from incontinence, in one form or another, and are so embarrassed that they have trouble bringing up treatment wit their physician. Dr. Christopher Hutchison, an OB-GYN at Intermountain Healthcare’s Riverton Hospital in Salt Lake City Utah recently estimated that 40% of his patients do not speak to him directly about their bladder incontinence, “I’d say about 40% of them don’t say anything if I don’t ask.” This is a worrying statistic, especially because “nearly all” cases can be fixed, according to Hutchison.

Factors that lead to incontinence

Some common causes of incontinence in women are related to pregnancy and menopause. Memories of my mother, aunts and grandmother hanging out at a family gathering and laughing so hard they scream “I’m peeing!” come to mind. It’s funny for onlookers, but not so funny for middle aged women who have to sport adult pull ups.

Other factors that irritate the bladder and lead to incontinence are smoking, consuming carbonated beverages and those with artificial sweeteners, being chronically constipated, carrying excess wight and chronic cough (which causes weakness in the muscles.) Many of these causes of incontinence can be resolved just by “taking better care of yourself,” according to Dr. Hutchison.

Surprisingly, incontinence symptoms are most common in women in teir late 30s to early 40s. That’s why a healthy doctor patient relationship is so important for women in this age group and for everyone else. Simply being comfortable enough with your physician to address an issue like incontinence is half the battle.

Incontinence treatments include medication, lifestyle adjustments, surgery and non surgical procedures.

If your doctor determines that you need to lose some of that excess weight and exercise to get your bladder under control, you can still deal with incontinence with a wide range of products that make day-to-day living comfortable.

Incontinence products

Adult pull ups, exactly like the children’s version, can be a very discreet and comfortable way of dealing with bladder incontinence.

TIP: The hot advice on the street for new moms is to use the adult pull ups to deal with after birth incontinence and bleeding as well.

From sterile wash wipes to bed pads, to adult briefs, we have a large supply of incontinence products available here.

Tagged with: auto ship, incontinence, incontinence supplies
Posted in Chronic Conditions

Welcome

Posted on June 11, 2012 by administrator — No Comments ↓

We are proud to invite you to the new Medical Supply Depot blog!! The place to discuss all things “home health care” related.

Posted in About Us