Expert Advice on Medical Supplies and Equipment

Aspirin can reduce heart attach risks and help prevent certain types of cancer. Because aspirin causes blood thinning and reduces inflammation, it has many beneficial effects. An aspirin a day, not only keeps the doctor away, but it may save your life.

Aspirin is well-known for reducing aches and pains.  It has also has saved the lives of individuals who experience heart problems. By thinning blood, aspirin can help prevent damage to the heart muscle during a heart attack. 

Did you know that Aspirin also reduces inflammation which can increase the risk factors of certain types of cancer? According to” The Journal of Clinical Oncology”, “Among women living at least 1 year after a breast cancer diagnosis, aspirin use was associated with a decreased risk of distant recurrence and breast cancer death.”   This is very good news for breast cancer survivors.

Always consult your pharmacist or a medical expert when taking supplements.  Aspirin does have side effects which can be detrimental.  Aspirin can reduce pain and aches, but many of its benefits are helpful in treating certain types of disease.

For more information on Medical Conditions and products visit us at http://www.medicalhealthsupply.com

In 1910, Americans received an average of about 9 hours of sleep per day.  In the year 2000, Americans acquired an average of 7 hours of sleep a night.  In 2010, Americans receive even less sleep.  Estimates indicate that American get just over an average of about 6 hours of sleep per night. 

 Lack of sleep impacts hormone levels.  The hormone leptin significantly impacts appetite. Reduction in leptin levels impacts appetite which leads to weight gain.  Eating more contributes to weight gain and obesity.  Lack of sleep also leads to higher cholesterol levels which can lead to clogged arteries.

By getting an additional hour of sleep, estimates indicate that individuals can reduce the risk of clogged arteries by as much as 33 percent. Lack of sleep also has other detrimental side effects  which  influence overall health and well-being. “Getting an additional hour of sleep can literally save your life.” 

Turn off the T.V. at night. Lower the shades and purchase a comfortable mattress.  Reduce alcohol consumption, food intake and caffeine input .  Get a good night sleep.  Your health and well-being are depending on it. For more information on medical conditions and medical supplies,  visit us at http://www.medicalhealthsupply.com

Jack W. O’Leary, former President of a Fortune 500 company in the U.S., observes that previous Congresses have already committed the entire Federal Annual Revenue for the next Federal Fiscal Year. The revenues (or more correctly taxes) have been committed to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, interest on debt and other entitlement programs.

Since the revenue for this year is already committed, new spending has to be borrowed further increasing the national debt. This will subsequently increase interest payments for future years. This will continue the spiral of borrowing and spending.

In 1912, Argentina was the sixth richest country in the world. They engaged in a similar borrowing and spending cycle and soon become a banana republic. Argentina has remained in this condition for 100 years.

By: Jack W. O’Leary
Rochester, N.Y.

Reported by: Mary Clare Lyons
Pompano Beach, Florida

On Monday January 25^th, “USA Today” released the results of the quarterly survey of 50 economists.  According to the economists’ median estimate, President Obama’s $787 billion stimulus package saved 1.2 million jobs. Without the 1.2 million jobs, 10% December unemployment rate would have been 10.8%.

What “USA Today” neglected to mention is that if you divide the $787 billion by 1.2 million the cost per job saved equals $655,000.  It is a matter of simple math.

By Jack W. O’Leary

Rochester, N.Y.

Jack W. O’Leary is a former President of a Fortune 500 Company in Michigan.  For the past 10+ years, he has been supplying and building hospitals in Kenya.

Like most people, I was interested in what congress was proposing in the healthcare reform bill. Some weeks ago, I learned that one of the ways that Congress intended to pay for reforms was to add additional taxes onto the medical equipment manufacturers. This sounded like a great idea to many people. After all, it is illegal to charge tax to consumers of medical appliances in cases where the government pays for equipment through reimbursements.
Last year, the government sliced 10% off Medicare across the board. This 10% hurt distributors. A tax on equipment and appliance manufacturers would wound manufacturers. In the end, the only way to make up the difference would have been to cheapen quality of goods because government places price caps on reimbursements.
I did not understand the gravity of the situation until I heard Malachi Mixon, President of Invacare speak about what the taxes would have done to Invare. Invare is a quality manufacturer of medical equipment located in Lorain, Ohio. He estimated the new tax would have cost his company between 12-14 million dollars. This amount of money is more than Invacare’s profit and R & D combined.
I pondered what equipment manufacturers would do if the bill passed through Congress. I wondered if companies like Invacare would have had to cut back on employees? They have about 6000 employees? After hearing about the bill, he suspended 401K contributions to employees.
Invacare is a good company and is currently the largest manufacturer of goods in Lorain County. They seem to be a well managed producer of quality products. I wondered how many other American equipment manufacturers would have had to go out of business if the bill had passed in its current state?

To learn more visit us at http://blog.medicalhealthsupply.com . To order products from quality manufacturers at discounted prices,  visit us at http://www.medicalhealthsupply.com.

The U.S. Military, Red Cross and U.N. are playing an important role in saving tens of thousands of lives in Haiti thereafter,  private sector charities and organizations will play an important role.

Estimates predict that over 3 million people will be affected by the earthquake in Haiti. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people are dead. More have lost their homes. One must have deep respect for the individuals that serve as volunteers, medical professionals, peace keepers, and the members of U.S. military that are providing relief. Private charities will play an increasingly more important role in the future well-being of the people of Haiti.

The U.S. Military and many other American organizations quickly swung into action to organize and assist the people in need when the disaster in Haiti occurred. These organizations are uniquely trained, organized and qualified to respond quickly and take action when humanitarian tragedies occur.

This reality was demonstrated when the troops on the ground in Haiti took control of the airport to expedite the distribution of equipment and supplies. While the U.S. military secured the airport, the U.N. sent patrols to secure the peace in the streets. The Red Cross also became a major player in the call for relief. This assistance and commitment broadens as many other organizations, like Naval Units, UNICEF, Catholic Relief Services, CARE, IMEC, Samaritans Purse, and The Gates Foundation become involved.

Yesterday, the Navy’s “Comfort”, a hospital ship which supports 12 operating rooms and 200 beds, sped toward Haiti.  In the face of the aftermath of an earthquake, more assistance will soon be required, because infectious diseases are likely to spread.

The immediate response organizations involve securing supply chains, maintaining order and getting food, shelter, clean water, medical equipment and supplies help to the people of Haiti. After the immediate needs are addressed, the next risk factors involve the spread of sickness and disease, like dysentery, cholera, typhoid, malaria, dengue fever, e. coli and more.

In the wake of this human tragedy other risks occur because of unsanitary conditions and lack of infrastructure. This is where Samaritans Purse, The Red Cross and organizations like IMEC and Intervol get involved. Segments of these organizations provide expertise, support, supplies and medical equipment that are necessary in the rebuilding process. Often donations from large American corporations are important to the successes of these organizations.

The initial wave of help will save tens of thousands of lives.  We owe a great deal of gratitude towards the military organizations and volunteers who are donating their services and providing economic means to save lives. Individuals, who wish to continue to donate their time or economic resources, are advised to work through organizations and groups with contacts and experience in the area of humanitarian relief. A list of a ten such organizations are provided herein.

Ten Organizations Involved in Global Relief Programs

1)       The American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross is currently in Haiti working on relief. Donations are welcome

Contact: By phone at 1800 RED CROSS,   or  Text message donations to 90999 and text  ”HAITI” to donate $10.00 or more. Contact: www.redcross.org

2)       Catholic Relief Services

Catholic Relief Service’s partners are moving food, water and medical supplies into Haiti. Donations appreciated.

Contact: www.CRS.org

3)       CARE

Care has approximately 140 people on the ground serving people of Haiti. CARE is providing immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation. Donations can be made on the web.

Contact: www.care.org

4)        The Gates Foundation

The Gates foundation website provides additional information about Haiti and Global initiatives. The Gates foundation awarded two grants to support the people of Haiti. Grants have been awarded to Catholic Relief Services and Partners in Health to support efforts in Haiti.  For more information visit the Gates foundation on the web. Contact: www.gatesfoundation.org

5)       International Medical Equipment Cooperative (IMEC)

IMEC coordinates 100s of volunteers to package and ship entire hospital suites of Medical Equipment and Supplies to equip hospitals and infirmaries at no cost to the receiving country.  Learn about IMEC’s Sheparding program on the web.

Contact: By Phone at 987-557-5510, or on the web at www.imecamerica.org

6)       Intervol  “A Humanitarian Success Story”

Gathers and recycles equipment and supplies to ship to third world countries.

Intervol  organizes  volunteer medical professions to donate services in areas of need. Intervol has ongoing needs for donations to collect, sort and distribute goods.

Contact:  By Phone at 585-922-5810, or on the web at www.Intervol.org

7)       Samaratan’s Purse

Samaratan’s Purse mobilizes volunteers and  professionals to donate services for disaster relief, community development and more.  

Contact: By Phone at 1800-528-1960, or on the web at  www.samaritanspurse.org 

8)       Partners in Health(PIH)

PIH has worked in Haiti for over 20 years. Recently PIH received a donation from The Gates Foundation.   Donations appreciated.

Contact: www.PIH.org

9)       UNICEF

Status: Provides emergency aid which is airlifted to ensure the health and safety of children at risk.

Contact: www.unicef.org

 10)   World Vision

World Vision has worked 30 years in Haiti. World Vision has about a staff in Haiti. They have been delivering hygiene kits, clothes, food and water.

Contact: www.worldvision.org

For more information on medical supplies and medical conditions visit http://www.medicalhealthsupply.com or the Medical Health Supply Guide on the web at  http://blog.medicalhealthsupply.com.  To view current photographs of Haiti, follow this link to American Red Cross photographs.

Prior to the earthquake in Haiti, in response to a negative comment on our military, we placed a comment on a personal Face Book.  We are somewhat defensive of those that serve us as members of the Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines at Medical Health Supply.  We commented on how Americans are willing to be generous and fight in the face of adversity. We commented on how the U.S. Military and other organizations swung in to action to organize and assist the people of Haiti.
Some of us at Medical Health Supply, Inc. have spent a great deal of time money in third world countries, building hospitals, shipping medical supplies and equipment and more.   The tragedy in Haiti is just unfolding.  Without clean water, medical supplies medical equipment, and appropriate medical staff and services, infectious disease will spread. 
Today, I noticed that the Navy’s “Comfort”, a hospital ship which supports 12 operating rooms and 200 beds, is heading toward Haiti.  In the face of the aftermath of an earth quake, infectious disease is apt to spread.  Cholera, typhoid, malaria, dengue fever, e. coli and more may be following in the wake of this human tragedy. 
It gives me some “Comfort” to know that the Navy and more support is on the way.
-Mary Clare

We will keep you posted on our trips and adventures along the way.  Currently, employees at  Medical Health Supply, Inc. are working on projects in Kenya.  To learn more about our projects visit us at http://blog.medicalehealthsupply.com .  To order products visit us at http://www.medicalhealthsupply.com

High Blood Pressure “The Silent Killer”

About one in four American adults suffers from high blood pressure. High Blood Pressure (HBP) is known as the “silent killer” because there are no obvious signs or symptoms. People generally do not know that they have a problem. They general find out about it through routine screening, or when an illness occurs. The reason to be concerned about High Blood Pressure is that it can damage vital organs and cause serious illness if undiagnosed or untreated.

Monitoring and checking blood pressure is important because undetected, High Blood Pressure can lead to vision loss, heart and artery disease, stroke, kidney failure, erectile dysfunction and even death. The American Health Association recommends monitoring blood pressure through healthcare professions. Regular physicals are important for monitoring blood pressure. When high blood pressure is detected, the American Heart Association recommends more frequent blood pressure monitoring and screening .

There are many home health care blood pressure monitoring devices available. The American Heart Association recommends a use of a cuff style blood pressure device that fits accurately. Blood pressure cuffs come in different sizes, and a cuff for a child is a different size than a cuff that is suited for an adult. The finger style blood pressure monitors are very convenient; however, many of the finger style monitors are less accurate.

The best way to prevent high blood pressure is to live a healthy life style. This means to; 1) exercise regularly, 2) maintain a healthy weight, 3) eat healthfully, and 4) avoid unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.

Diet and exercise are important to maintaining low blood pressure. Obesity is a major contributor to high blood pressure. Even a small weight loss or gain can greatly affect blood pressure. If living a healthy lifestyle is not enough to maintain low blood pressure, many physicians will prescribe medication.

For more information on high blood pressure, its symptoms, risks and treatments, contact your physician or a trained medical professional. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. This information should not be utilized for self-diagnosis purposes. Contact a medical expert if you have concerns, and additional questions
To read more about the most common medical conditions in America, view the 30 top medical health conditions at;  http://www.medicalhealthsupply.com. In the Shop by Medical Condition section.

Deep Vein Thrombosis(DVT)

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot formed deep within a vein. It usually occurs as a result of injury, or stasis. DVT is sometimes treated with anti-coagulating drugs, or agents that interfere with the body’s natural disposition to clot. Anti-embolism stockings are also utilized in the treatment of DVT. The management of DVT is complex and may require a combination of treatment approaches

Blood clots are most common in legs. Thromboses can cause fatal complications if they detach from the wall of a vein and travel through the circulatory system to the heart and thereafter to the lungs.

Deep Vein Thrombosis can be asymptomatic. Because they can go unnoticed or untreated, Blood Clots are a fairly common cause of unexpected death. Symptoms of Thromboses vary. An area can become discolored, (bluish or reddish) , or swollen. It may feel hard to the touch, or appear as a reddish streak under the skin as it travels. Always seek medical assistance, if any unusual symptoms occur.

When selecting products consult a medical professional to determine which products are best suited for a condition. When purchasing anti-embolism hose, details like correct compression strength are important. Read sizing charts to be sure that the correct sizes are selected prior to purchasing gradient compression products. nttp:// www.MedicalHealthSupply.com  provides information for reference purposes only. Individuals should not self diagnose, or select compression products without professional advice.

To view anti-Embollism stockings follow this link Anti-embollism Stockings

Over 10.9 million Americans over the age of 18 suffer from Chronic Depression. It is less severe than major depression, and very treatable. Individuals, suffering from Chronic Depression, often suffer from a feeling of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness. Many Chronically depressed individuals, suffer from sleep disorders like insomnia and experience changes in appetite. They may also display symptoms of noticeable mental and physical sluggishness and fatigue.

Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D)

Unlike chronic forms of depression, seasonal depression usually occurs in the darker wintery months. Conservatively speaking, about 9.9 million people in North America suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.). Some individuals refer to mild cases of S.A.D. as the “winter blues” or the “doldrums”, but it is really much more. S.A.D. is a recurrent depression that occurs in the Fall and Winter months. It affects an individual’s sleep patterns, mood and general well-being. Like Chronic Depression, S.A.D. can lead to sleep disorders, changes in appetite and decreases in energy.

How Light Therapy Can Improve your Mood

Light Therapy is a natural and safe tool used to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some doctors prescribe the use of light therapy in combination with medicine. Others utilize light therapy in lieu of medication for mild occurrences of S.A.D., P.M.S, and sleep disorders and more.

The benefits of light therapy include an increase in energy, elevation of mood and improved sleep.  Day Light Therapy involves regular scheduled exposure to artificial light to help regulate mood swings, sleep and a general sense of well-being. Researchers postulate that bright light works to increase levels of serotonin-a chemical that positively affects moods. Serotonin levels decrease in fall and winter months. Safe light therapy intervenes to counteract serotonin level decreases.

Medical experts recommend 20-30 minutes of exposure per day of special fluorescent light in a starting dose of 10,000 Lux. Lux is a unit of measuring illumination intensity of light. Most experts feel that these high light intensity levels are required to produce the desired therapeutic results. They also advise against concocting a self-made light apparatus to insure that light rays are properly administered with the added bonus of avoiding costly electrical hazards.

Light Therapy

Light Therapy has proven therapeutic effects. As, always consult discuss all treatments with a physician. Information contained herein is for reference purposes only. To learn more about depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder, consult a physician or a trained medical profession. Seasonal Depression and Chronic Depression should be carefully monitored, and may require several forms of treatment and intervention.

Two excellent studies on Seasonal Affective Disorder are;

1)Winter Blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder: What it is and How To Overcome It by Norman E. Rosenthal, Guildford Press, New York, 1998

2) Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond: Light Treatment for SAD and Non-SAD Conditions: by Raymond W. Lam, Editor, American Psychiatric Press, Washington D.D., 1998

To see or order  Light Therapy Products,  search for Day Light 1000Therapy Lamp Item: DL930  at:   www.medicalhealthsupply.com