Posts from — March 2010

Durable Medical Suppliers are invited to MedTrade Expo 2010 at the Sands Center In Las Vegas.
The Medtrade Spring Conference is only $99.00 and the Expo-only $25.00.
Preconference sessions offer training on sales methods, rehabilitation equipment, venous disease, new legislation, wheelchair selection, documentation and reimbursement, respiratory and sleep therapy products and more. Seventy breakout sessions provide information and training on almost anything that you need to know about the Durable Medical Equipment products and services. CEU credits and certificates are available for a fee of $30.00.
For more information or to provide feedback on your Medtrade experience, visit us at http://blog.medicalhealthsupply.com . The Medical Health Supply Guide staff invites attendees, providers and manufactures to provide information and articles on new products, devices and equipment. Contact patrick@medicalhealthsupply.com
–Thousands of products
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Before Church

Some years ago, my daughter and I raised money to send books to schools in Kenya and Tanzania. We were able to send about a quarter of a million dollars worth of books to boys and girls schools in those countries. That’s where it began.
Thereafter, we developed relationships with a former president of a fortune 500 company who built hospitals and clinics. Along the way, he continued to supply schools, paid for students to go to college, erected industrial chicken coops, purchased items like tractors for tea farms, furniture and much more.
Once we became involved in the business of sending supplies to schools, it became evident that medical needs were a higher priority. The next shipments, were paid for by several American businessmen who sent suites of products to birthing clinics, dispensaries, hospitals and an orphanages. These were not small shipments, but they were large well planned distributions. Some shipments included things like twenty anesthesia machines, entire surgery suites, waiting rooms, incubators, beds supplies for maternity wards, medical libraries and even a burn unit for a hospital in the largest slum in Nairobi.
For a few years, these businessmen paid for a warehouse to store and distribute supplies and equipment to hospitals and clinics free of charge. Our friends in the medical community used their vacations and resources to visit rural communities to complete needs assessments, create specifications and to inspect facilities after installations occurred. Today some of these facilities are as nice as any in wealthier nations. Being a small part of this experience was life changing.
A few years ago, the American businessmen, their friends and families, built an orphanage to house handicapped children in a town called Soy in Kenya Africa. When they arrived for the grand opening, they were greeted by thousands of children, townspeople and old friends. On that day, thousands of members of the Soy community gathered to sit under tarps propped up by sticks to celebrate life and mass. After mass, there were speeches made by politicians, a ribbon cutting ceremony and a luncheon.
The businessmen made an important decision that week. They decided to upgrade the orphanage kitchen and water supply and laudry facilities at the orphanage. They were preparing facilities to support around one hundred orphans. They wanted the utilities supplying the small infrastructure to be more substantial. The men also decided to build a church for the towns people. The church was to be dedicated to a dear friend, who had recently lost her battle with cancer. They thought that she would have liked this plan.
Shortly thereafter, corrupt elections led to civil unrest. Longstanding tribal unrest led to political instability and social chaos. Much of the money, that was slated for the church was redirected to supply tents, food and clothing for members of the community who lost their homes and feared their neighbors.
At night the women and children of Soy slept in an enclosure around the orphanage while the men patrolled the perimeters. This operation for survival required sacrifice, coordination and great dedication and focus. Outside the confines of the community corruption and violence prevailed.
During the day, women carried on daily life activities such as cooking, cleaning and caring for children. While women and children were in the light of day they worked and played safely in the confines of the grounds. At night they safely rested.
The men utilized the sleeping facilities, during the daylight hours, to rest up for their night watchmen duties. In hindsight the decision to build an industrial strength kitchen and utility upgrades were choices that changed the course of events for the entire village. The upgrade of facilities saved and supported an entire community for a very longtime.
As the civil unrest waned, people gradually filed back into their own homes and communities. Again, some of the money, saved to build the church, was redirected for seeds to plant and feed the community. Today, the seeds are planted and the crops are growing and nourishing the community of Soy.
The American businessmen, are still committed to this community, and are still moving forward as planned. The church is almost complete. A roof is being erected and windows are being installed. The children, families and people of Soy will soon have a place to meet, discuss village events and build community.
It was a long journey and more difficult and expensive than expected for all involved. The ironic thing about this story is that it is not a fairy tale. These businessmen and this community is not connected with government officials, or large organizations like the Gates and Clinton Foundations. They are just regular people doing the right thing.
This is a true story about people who do the right things in life to make a difference. This community building did not require government intervention, government funding or oversight. In fact, it was government that created civil unrest for power and personal gain. In every group of people there are those, who cause chaos to create opportunity. There are other individuals who quietly go about life slowly and steadily laying the foundations for communities with others.

Recent Photograph of Soy Building Project
For updates on this project visit us at Medical Health Supply Blog

Church

For additional photos, click the links below.

Equipment
Two of the Church

A study in the American Journal of Medicine reports that post-menopausal women have to work out one hour per day to maintain weight. Overweight women have to do more. Menopause is not for the light of heart and wallet. Additional hair maintenance, nail maintenance, and supplements are all part of the program. Extra work in the gym seems to part of the package. It just does not seem fair.

When therapy, stretching, exercise and pain medicine are not enough, individuals can arm themselves with tools to combat back pain. This article explores the some popular back pain relief supplies on the market.
Cold and hot therapy products do wonders for many types of back pain. Two of the most popular and effective are Therall and Clickits products. Therall products are filled with tiny beads that are heated in a microwave. Unlike traditional heating pads, Therall products contain tiny beads that are warmed in the microwave, producing soothing heat without cords and electricity.
In contrast to Therall products, Clickits self-generate heat. This fun, colorful novelty items offer quick warmth. One click on the little metal coin floating freely in the gel produces a soothing heat. As the Clickits slowly cools, the gel solidifies, and is ready to be boiled. Clickits return to a liquid state and are ready to reuse. Clickits can be used for either hot or cold therapy. They should not be frozen.
MHS traction sets are often utilized for back pain associated with neck pain. In case of neck pain, one places the assembled set on the rim of the door and paces the chin strap so it cups the face line. The Over-the-door traction set is helpful in relieving such problems as pinched nerves and tighten muscles. After a day leaning over a computer typing, a traction set may offer soothing relief from neck pain.
Abdominal binders and supports often provide relief to individuals with weak abdominal or core muscles. Poor core strength is a common cause of back pain. By reinforcing abdominal muscles, binders may provide the additional support needed for relief.
Binders and back supports are recommended for individuals suffering from back pain after surgery. They are also used by individuals who suffer from pain because they are required to lift excess weight. After giving birth, for example, the strain and pain of lifting a newborn can be excruciating. Reinforcing muscles with abdominal binders can provide incredible pain relief and assist individuals in the healing process.
Maternity supports are one type of abdominal support provided to women in their last trimester of pregnancy. Loving Comfort products are often recommended by physicians.
Wedges, knee separators and coccyx cushions are tools used by individuals suffering from specific types of back pain. Wedges are ideal for individuals who are bed ridden. Wedges provide additional support for individuals needing to sit in a seated position while in bed. They also are helpful in supporting one’s back while reading in bed.
Coccyx cushions, on the other hand, can relieve tail bone pain for individuals in a seated position. Often one purchases coccyx cushions to place on chairs, car seats and to alleviate pain caused by injury or excessive sitting.
Other types of seated support cushions include the lumbar support cushion. Lumbar support cushions support the lumbar area, which consists of some of the larger muscles in the middle and lower back area.
Knee separators are often utilized by individuals who have difficulty sleeping due to chronic back pain. Knee separators are used to alleviate back pain while in bed. They are particularly helpful to individuals who have difficulty sleeping on their backs. By maintaining a person’s spine alignment while sleeping, Knee separators can provide tremendous relief to the lower back area.
Raised toilet seats are often recommended for individuals after hip and knee surgery. After surgery, difficulty bending is not uncommon, and elevated toilet seats provide ease in utilizing toilet facilities. Raised toilet seats are often paired with toilet safety rails to help individuals balance.
Sock aids and reachers and other adaptive aids are important for individuals who have difficulty reaching and bending due to back pain and surgery. These items are particularly helpful to individuals after surgery or persons confined to a seated position when reaching and stretching can be challenging and painful. It is important to keep daily items in a comfortable reaching distance. When items are not in reach, these types of aids make daily chores, not only convenient, but possible.
Back pain may be temporary or chronic. Depending upon the severity, location and cause of back pain treatments vary. There are many tools available to individuals suffering from back pain. Adaptive aids, mobility tools, exercise, stretching and therapy are all important weapons in the fight for a happy healthy back and pain free life. To learn more, visit us at www.medicalhealthsupply.com.

“Varicose Veins Management & Treatment: Learn more about Treatment Methods and Compression Hose, Stockings & Socks”
 

Varicose Veins Overview
Because varicose veins occur just beneath the skin’s surface, they are often visible to the eye. These veins may look red, purple or blue. They often bulge above the skin surface. Although varicose veins are visually distracting, in most cases, they are not dangerous. Varicose veins, however, can be a sign of valvular malfunction in the deeper more critical veins. Insufficient blood flow and an inefficient circulatory system can lead to more serious complications.
Faulty Valves inside Veins cause Varicosities
Inside veins there are valves. Valves are flaps that open and close to promote blood flow toward the heart. When valves are faulty, blood pools, causing varicose veins.

Vascular Disease and Compression Therapy
Vascular surgeons and primary care physicians often prescribe compression stockings, socks and hose to treat varicosities. Graduated compression hose are designed to balance the flow of fluid into and out of limbs to increase blood flow by placing the greatest amount of compression on the areas furthest from the heart. This pressure promotes good circulation by directing blood flow toward the heart. Quite simply, the use of compression reduces fluid congestion and the backward flow caused by venous disease.

Through the use of compression hose or therapeutic stockings, varicose veins can be managed and the progression of disease is slowed. Wearing compression hose and socks is critical in the treatment of vascular disease and limb health.
Compression and Edema (swelling)
As discussed, the pressure of gradient compression acts to reverse gravitational pull and vascular insufficiencies, which can promote blood pooling and swelling (edema). Swelling in the lower extremities is a sign of vascular insufficiencies and an indication that compression may be needed. If ignored, poor circulation, swelling and insufficient blood flow can result in damage to the vascular system.

Therapeutic Hose & Tired Aching Legs
By improving circulation, the wearing of therapeutic hose can prevent both the aching and swelling associated with poor blood flow and varicosities. Not wearing appropriate support can make legs ache and feel tired. Beyond making legs feel better, graduated compression, also known as gradient compression hose, promote skin and muscle health.
Sclerotherapy and Phlebectomy
Years ago, vascular surgeons commonly removed varicose veins through a process known as stripping. Today, there are numerous viable outpatient procedures available to individuals with varicose veins. Two of the most common treatments are known as Sclerotherapy and Phlebectomy. Sclerotherapy and Phlebectomy treatments are inexpensive and safe. They can be performed in as little as an hour and they often relieve symptoms, as well as provide cosmetic benefits to individuals suffering from vascular disease.
 

Manufacturers of Compression Products
There are many manufacturers of compression products. Bell-Horn, Jobst, Sigvaris and Juzo are among some of the largest manufacturers of compression hose stockings and socks. Each manufacturer makes quality products. Consumers tend to gravitate to one manufacturer over others because of style variations, specific features, fit or price.
Bell-Horn has some of the most cost effective products and manufactures compression hose and socks in most strengths. Jobst has one of the most expansive lines. Jobst is a leader in custom products and maternity hose. Some people prefer Juzo silver anti-microbial products and sleeves. Others like Sigvaris’s fit. Personal preferences vary.
Compression Strength
Compression hose are manufactured in various strengths. Mild, medium and severe strengths are created to treat the various levels and different types of vascular disease. The following descriptions break down compression strengths into three easy-to-remember categories.

Mild: Compression 8-15 mmHg
–Compression strengths of 8-15 mm Hg are referred to as mild strength. These retail grade strength hose provide mild relief for tired aching legs and feet.
–Some diabetic socks are designed with mild strength compressive materials to improve circulation in the lower extremities and feet.
–Diabetic socks like Jobst’s Sensi-Foot socks are uniquely designed to protect sensitive feet.
 

Medium: Compression 15-20mmHg
–Compression hose with the compression strength of 15-20mmHg are often recommended for women who are pregnant to support circulatory health and help in the prevention of varicose veins. They are also commonly used as tool in the prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis D.V.T.
–During pregnancy, additional strain on the vascular system is common in the last trimester. BSN Jobst is also a leading supplier of maternity stockings and hose.
–Medical doctors and vascular surgeons most commonly prescribe15-20 mmHg or 20-30 mmHg stockings or socks to prevent or treat embolisms, also known as blood clots. These hose are referred to as anti-embolism hose. Many medical professionals refer to these stockings as T.E.D.s. Anti-embolism hose are made by many different manufacturers.
–As embolisms can be life threatening if not treated, the wearing of anti-embolism hose or socks is particularly important to individuals who are non-ambulatory, as they help ensure healthy blood flow.
Medium Compression 20-30mmHg
Medium Compression 20-30 mmHg hose are medical strength hose designed to treat individuals with various diseases, including venous insufficiencies, peripheral vascular disease and some deep vein thromboses.

Severe Compression 30-40+
Severe strengths of compression are prescribed less frequently than other strengths. Stronger compression strengths are designed for individuals with more severe needs.
–Stronger compression socks can be challenging to don and wear. Individuals with arthritis and flexibility issues often have the most difficult time putting on compression apparel.
–Higher strength compression hose, sleeves and socks are utilized for individuals with complex needs, who are under the care and ongoing supervision of a medical professional.

Compression for Travel
Wearing compression hose can make an enormous difference in the health and well-being of individuals, who stand on their feet for long periods of time or who travel. This is particularly important to individuals who are sitting or standing motionless for extended periods of time in airports, in cars or on planes. The reason why compressive travel socks are important to individuals who travel on planes and in cars for extended periods of time to avoid swelling, particularly in the ankles and feet. The wearing of compressive socks can also minimize the risk of embolisms.

Compression After Surgery
Compression is also important to individuals who undergo surgery. The reason for this is to keep pressure on the circulatory system while patients are less mobile. In particular, when muscles are motionless, less blood flow occurs.
Another important reason to wear compression products has to do with the health of the lymphatic system. When the lymphatic and circulatory systems are damaged, compression places external pressure on areas of need to improve blood flow by gently massaging the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
An additional reason to wear compression for certain types of surgery is that compression promotes healing, by encouraging blood flow and distribution of oxygen to areas of damage and need.

Compression, Wound Care & Wraps
Compression is important in the treatment of certain types of swelling ulcers and wounds. Wound care specialists are trained to care for specific types of skin ulcers with compressive wrap products like Comprilan . Comprilan and other generic compressive wrap products are also important in the care and treatment of other conditions like lymphedema.
Donning Tools
There are many different types of donning tools. The most popular tool is the sock aid. Compression sock aids assist individuals in sliding socks onto their legs and feet. There are many different designs and types of sock assists. Each manufacturer seems to favor their own sock donning device.
Rubber gloves are also helpful in donning socks and stockings, because they can be used to gently massage compression hose into position. Jobst makes a wonderful donning glove . Dish gloves are also useful in donning compression hose. After compression is over the foot and ankle areas, many people with arthritic conditions use common dish gloves to massage stockings into position, so as to avoid pulling and potentially tearing fabric. The benefit of using common dishwashing gloves is that they are inexpensive and easy to find.
Compression adhesives are another popular item. Adhesives are water soluble substances that adhere to the leg, so that individuals who wear items like thigh high stockings can do so without wearing a garter belt. The most popular adhesive product is It-stays.

Compression Fitting
In order to assure an accurate fit, individuals should be measured for compression first thing in the morning after getting out of bed, as swelling increases throughout the course of a day. In measuring for proper fit of socks individuals need to know the circumference of their ankles, calves and sometimes shoe size. A fitter should take measurements in the fullest parts of the ankle and calf for over-the-counter brands. Length is also important. Many brands come in tall, regular and short lengths. Measurements are then compared to the sizing charts on manufacturers’boxes.

Bell-Horn and manufacturers like Jobst, Juzo and Sigvaris put easy–to-read sizing charts on the outside of their retail boxes to make it easy for individuals to determine their size or fit. Although individuals can use string and a ruler to determine measurement, accurate fitting for compression socks may require the use of a measuring tape.
Compression Fitting Tips
In order to assure an accurate fit, individuals should be measured for compression first thing in the morning after getting out of bed, as swelling increases throughout the course of a day.
Bell-Horn and manufacturers like Jobst, Juzo and Sigvaris put easy–to-read sizing charts on the outside of their retail boxes to make it easy for individuals to determine their size or fit. Medical Health Supply Inc. has easy –to-read sizing charts for Jobst and Bell-Horn online.
As mentioned, measuring for proper fit of socks requires that individuals know the circumference of their ankles, calves and sometimes shoe size. Measurements are then compared to the sizing charts on manufacturer’s boxes. If an individual does not find their measurements on any over-the-counter brand, he or she may require a specialty product.
Care and Maintenance of Compression Products
If properly maintained, compression socks hold their compression for a period of 4-6 months. One should use mild soap or washing solution like Jolastic to wash compression products and purchase one pair to wear and one pair to wash. On humid days, products may not dry overnight. It is important to wear hose every day.
It is easy to tell when compression products should be replaced when the elasticity is gone and they are no longer snug. Usually people recognize that compression hose are too easy to slip on and off. This means the elasticity may be gone and it is time for a new pair of hose.

Online Sizing Charts
To view sizing charts for Jobst and Bell-Horn products, visit Medical Health Supply. To learn more about compression, vascular disease and other products, visit  more articles and videos on the Medical Health Supply Guide at Medical Health Supply, Inc. There are training videos, articles and more.

Compression Highlights

–Compression hose help maintain circulatory system heath. They also help individuals combat the fatigue associated with tired aching legs.
–Compression hose can be attractive. They come in many styles and sizes, and last 4-6 months if properly maintained.
–All strengths of over-the-counter compression hose are provided at discounted prices online. This is important to know because most insurance companies do not cover most compression strengths. A 5% off coupon can be attained from the Medical Health Supply Guide blog.
–Always seek professional advice when purchasing medical products, services or equipment. Information contained herein is provided for training purposes only. For more information on compression products such as stockings, hose and socks consult a physician.
–Graduated compression is also discussed in the resource section of the data base at blog.medicalhealthsupply.com

Common Questions and Answers
What do I do if my size and strength is not available over-the-counter?
In some cases, compression products are specifically tailored for individuals with special needs. If over–the-counter socks are unavailable, custom products can be ordered. Purchasing, ordering and getting fitted for custom compression garments can be time consuming and expensive.
What do I do if my socks roll?
This could be an indication that your socks do not fit properly. It may also indicate that you may need a specialized product, or a compression adhesive. Socks should not roll. Each time a sock roles, it increases the compression on the area where the compression has doubled-up. This could actually hurt circulation and constrain blood flow. Socks should never role.
I have trouble putting on compression hose?
It takes a bit of practice. Place the toe of your sock onto your foot and don’t roll the edge up. Just gently massage the socks or hose up your leg. Some people crunch compression hose up like they are putting on stockings. This makes it very difficult to get them on. If you are having difficulty, you may want to order a sock aid.
What does mmHg stand for?

MmHg is a medical abbreviation for the term Millimeters of Mercury. MmHg is a standard unit of measurement used to express compression strength within the medical community.
For more questions and answers ask questions or comment at the blog at http://blog.medicalhealthsupply.com.

 Visit http://www.medicalhealthsupply.com
   to learn more about medical conditions, vascular disease and compression.  Individual needs and requirements may vary. Be sure to speak to your pharmacist, a medical professional, or a physician if you have medical concerns or questions. This presentation should not be utilized for self-diagnosis purposes and is provided for educational purposes only.
Medical Health Supply, Inc. is a New York (N.Y.) based company. Information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and should not be utilized for self-diagnosis. If you have questions or concerns about compression and varicose veins, contact a medical professional.
© 2010 Medical Health Supply, Inc. A metropolitan Rochester, New York (NY) based company.