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Supporting a Woman with Breast Cancer

Posted on: October 22nd, 2015 in Health by vgmforbin |

Supporting A Woman with Breast Cancer

Among American women, the most common form of cancer is Breast Cancer. Approximately 1 in 8 women will face that diagnosis at some point in her life, which means you may have an acquaintance, friends, mother, sister, daughter, wife, girlfriend or other loved one who has breast cancer. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we thought we would touch on the subject of breast cancer in today’s blog—and what you can do to support a friend or loved one who is battling the disease:

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Prepping Your Wheelchair Halloween Costume

Posted on: October 15th, 2015 in Uncategorized by vgmforbin |

Prepping Your Halloween Wheelchair Costume

Life can be hard on a child when they have obvious differences. No one knows this better than a parent whose child has mobility issues! However, because Halloween is the time of the year when everyone dresses up as something different, this is a time to let your child’s uniqueness stand out. With a little bit of creativity, you can turn your child’s wheelchair into a fun Halloween costume. Before you get started, however, keep these things in mind:

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Common Sense Tips for Preventing Dangerous Falls- Part 2

Posted on: September 10th, 2015 in Falls by vgmforbin |

Mother and daughter outdoors

Falls can result in cuts, bruises, broken bones and hip fractures in older people. Falls can also be deadly. Fall related brain injuries and deaths are increasingly common as we age and are even more dangerous to mean than women.

 

Are you, a parent or other loved one at a higher risk for a fall due to limited mobility? What would you do to increase your safety? What are some other ways to increase your safety and reduce your risk of falls?

 

The Medical Department Store suggests some ways to reduce taking a dangerous fall:

  • Be careful when starting a new medication until you know how it affects you. Some medications can cause dizziness or a suddeen drop in blood pressure when standing.
  • Take all of the medications at the right times and in the right dosage. If you miss a dose or accidently take too many, contact a doctor or nurse right away.
  • Watch out for wet floors, grass and sidewalks. If you see a Wet Floor sign, believe it. Remember that the floor may be wet even if it’s not marked, so scan the area before you walk on it.
  • Choose sidewalks over grass. You can‘t always see holes in grassy lawns.
  • Be careful with alcohol. While a glass of red wine may have health benefits, too much can raise your fall risk (and other risks too).
  • Be careful mixing over-the-counter medicines with prescriptions drugs, they may gfight each other or magnify the affect. Tell your doctor about all of the prescriptions you’re taking.
  • Stand up slowly if you are taking blood pressure medication. A sudden drop in blood pressure may leave you light headed and dizzy, leading to a fall.
  • Sit in chairs with arms that will offer more support when standing or sitting. Avoid chairs with rollers that can move suddenly.
  • Don‘t reach too high or too far. Over-reaching can cause you to lose your balance and fall.
  • Stay upright and stay safe from your friends at Tim’s Home Medical Supplies.

The Medical Department Store carries lift chairs, walkers and bathroom safety equipment to increase your safety. See us today.

Common Sense Tips for Preventing Dangerous Falls- Part 1

Posted on: September 10th, 2015 in Falls by vgmforbin |

Senior Couple Together Horizontal

Fact:  1 out of 3 people over the age of 65 will suffer a fall this year. Will you be that one? What about a parent or spouse? It’s also common that the same people more than once throughout the year and their injuries can worsen every time.

 

Fact: Less than half of the people who sustain a fall will report it to a doctor which can lead to more falls.

 

The fear of falling is a very real and common fear amongst older people and people with limited mobility. This fear can cause the person to limit their activities, which can lead to more reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness. Loss of physical fitness and strength increases the risk of falling.

 

The Medical Department Store wants to offer some ideas on how can you prevent falls in your home:

 

  • Keep all cords including phone cords, electric cords and vacuum cleaner cords out of the way.
  • Paper, and especially the shiny paper of the magazines, is very slippery. Pick up all mail, papers and magazines off of the floor and never stack newspapers on any steps.
  • Turn on the lights before walking into a room or down stairs inside or out. Consider installing motion detector lights that will turn on automatically.
  • Area rugs are a major tripping hazard, so roll up the rugs throw rugs and put them away. Use rubber backed rugs in the kitchen or bath if you need them and never stand on towel while getting out of a tub or shower.
  • Make sure all bathtubs and showers have secure bath mats or grips. Replace them if the start to slip.
  • Increase safety in the bathroom with a shower chair and a hand held shower head from The Medical Department Store. Easy to use and easy to install, these simple devices can be a huge help in staying safe and preventing falls.

Heat and Hydration, What you need to be Aware of

Posted on: June 29th, 2015 in Health, Heart Health by MDSBlogger |

Week 3 Post 2

Living in Florida means we have beautiful weather all year round, but that also means that summers can be seemingly unbearable. July is considered the dog days of summer because of the muggy and humid weather, so the Medical Department Store is bringing you information about heat safety and hydration.

Information about Heat:

Even if you’ve been a lifelong resident of Florida, the heat can be overwhelming. Staying cool and staying inside can help you stay safe this July. Stay cool by drinking plenty of water and avoid being outside when there is a heat advisory. There are many illnesses that can come from heat including: heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heat stress. You can avoid these illnesses by seeking shade, wearing sunscreen, drinking water and staying in an air conditioned environment when it’s too hot outside.

Information about dehydration:

Dehydration is one of the top summer health issues because of the higher temperatures and humidity. Hydration is the only way to stop and prevent dehydration, so drink plenty of water throughout the dog days of summer. Drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, then you should be drinking 80 ounces of water each day.

A few ways to drink more water:

  • Get a reusable water bottle you will actually use
  • Put ice in the water to keep it cold for a longer period of time
  • Add a lemon or cucumbers to add a bit of flavor to your plain water
  • Log your water intake on a smart phone app

The Medical Department Store hopes you enjoy the Florida summer, but be aware of health issues that come along with high heat. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.

The Silent Summer Danger, Drowning Awareness

Posted on: June 29th, 2015 in Drowning Awareness by MDSBlogger |

Week 2 Post 2

Drowning is the leading cause of injury related death among children according to Safe Kids Worldwide. During the summer, the number of drowning deaths or near death experiences from drowning skyrockets, especially in Florida with so many tourist attractions and bodies of water. It is also the most preventable injury related death among children. Today’s Medical Department Store blog will talk about being aware of children around water and more statistics about drowning.

Drowning statistics:

-350 drowning deaths each year in the United States

-The summer months have the highest number of drowning cases

-Drowning accounts for 33% of accidental deaths in the United States

Tips for parents and caretakers about drowning:

  1. Never leave your child unattended around water. This tip may seem obvious, but the Medical Department Store stresses the importance of having eyes on your children at all times while around water. Drowning can happen within minutes and even seconds, so watching your children while around water is extremely important. Most drownings actually happen when plenty of people are around, like family gatherings because people assume someone always has an eye on your child.
  2. Learn CPR. Getting certified to perform CPR does not take much time and can be done through your local Red Cross. Performing CPR on a drowning victim can save a life and give you peace of mind knowing you would be able to help someone because of your certification.
  3. Empty all buckets of water after a day at the pool or running through the sprinkler outside. This may seem strict, but be aware that babies can drown in as little as one inch of water.

The Medical Department Store cares about making our customers aware of the dangers of drowning. We offer pool lifts and portable spas for your convenience. Contact us today to learn more.

Safe Summer Tips

Posted on: June 9th, 2015 in Summer Safety by MDSBlogger |

Week 4 Post 2

The summer season is filled with days spent outdoors and laying by the water. The Medical Department Store wants you to have a great and safe summer in Florida so we are bringing you safety tips to keep in mind. Whether you’re at the beach, in the backyard or at the park, be sure to always consider your safety first.

Safety tips to keep in mind-

Bug safety- The beautiful summer weather also brings pesky bugs to be aware of. It is best to think about bug safety before you head outdoors. For example, consider using unscented hairsprays, lotion and avoid perfume. The sweeter you smell, the more likely bugs will be there to bug you. When leaving wooded areas, check for ticks and other small insects that could potentially harm you.

Heat safety- The temperature will continue to rise as the summer moves along. The best thing you can do for yourself is to stay hydrated and seek shade when able. Heat related illnesses become more relevant in the summer months, meaning prevention is the best thing you can do to stop the heat illnesses before they strike.

Sun safety- Similar to heat safety, protecting yourself from the sun is just as important. Skin cancer cases are on the rise, so lather up with sunscreen before heading outdoors. Even if it doesn’t seem sunny outside, you can still catch the sun’s rays through clouds. Use at least a 15 SPF sunscreen daily and when you plan to be in an area where you are exposed to more sun, up the SPF in your sunscreen. Wear a wide brimmed hat to protect your face.

The Medical Department Store wants you to enjoy the summer, but stay safe with these tips. Contact us to learn more about our products.

 

Ready for the Storm- Disasters and Home Medical Equipment

Posted on: June 9th, 2015 in Weather Safety by MDSBlogger |

A group of supplies necessary to survive the aftermath of a hurricane or natural disaster - Path included.  (re-edited to avoid blowing highlights on bottles, and clipping path included)

The Medical Department Store is located in Florida, which means we are at a higher risk for severe weather like hurricanes. Because of our higher risk for severe weather, we need to be extra prepared for a disaster. Today’s blog is bringing you the importance of preparing a safety kit which includes back up home medical equipment for your safety.

Disaster Kit Necessities-

Portable Oxygen Concentrator– If you are dependent on an oxygen system, it is always a best practice to have a portable oxygen concentrator in case the power were to go out. A portable system will enable you to have an adequate amount of oxygen if you are unable to use your at home system.

Manual Wheelchair– During a natural disaster, there is no guarantee as to when the power will kick back on or if you will need to immediately evacuate your location. A manual wheelchair is a promised way to get around during a disaster. Your power wheelchair is great, but if the battery dies, they are nearly impossible to push around. Save yourself and your caregiver the stress by getting a transport chair or manual wheelchair for a disaster.

First Aid Kit– This may seem like a no brainer, but remembering to have a first aid kit in your storm shelter could save a life. Basic medical supplies like band aids, gauze and anti-bacterial ointment can easily clean up cuts and bruises. The Medical Department Store carries wound care items to make preparing your first aid kit easier.

Extra food and water- Keep at least a two day supply of food and water in your storm kit just in case you are stuck at home. Canned foods that do not need to be heated or kept cool are the best option during an emergency.

The Medical Department Store hopes you do not need to use these tips, but they are here for your safety during a storm or hurricane. Contact us if you need a portable oxygen concentrator or manual wheelchair for a disaster.

 

 

Enjoy the Benefits of Gardening

Posted on: May 14th, 2015 in Gardening, Happy, Health by MDSBlogger |

Pretty blond lady enjoying her garden at spring time.

While you take the time this spring to clean up your garden and plant new vegetables and flowers, there are some safety tips to keep in mind. From avoiding falls to steering clear of injuries by gardening tools, the Medical Department Store is bringing you ideas to safely enjoy the benefits of gardening. Besides health benefits from gardening, there are also many social benefits as well.

Safely enjoy the benefits of gardening:

Dress for protection. When you are outdoors, you are more likely to be sun burned, so it is best to wear a hat and long sleeve clothing for extra protection. Not only is it important to dress for protection while gardening, always have at least a 15 SPF on your face and other uncovered portions of your body. You will save yourself from a severe burn and you will likely be able to enjoy being outdoors for a longer period of time.

Put safety first. Always be aware of possible hazards when you are outdoors, but especially when you are gardening. Be aware of the area you are in so you don’t risk a fall or tripping on sticks or bumps in the yard. Remember where you are placing your gardening tools so you don’t step on them and wear proper footwear while gardening. The more you pay attention to safety risks, the better your gardening experience will be.

Stay hydrated. As the weather continues to warm up, you will need more water to keep your body hydrated. Avoid beverages or alcohol because they have higher sugar content and can dehydrate you. Drink water while you are gardening and you can enjoy a different beverage at the end of your day.

The Medical Department Store wishes you well this gardening season, but always remember to stay safe while outdoors for any reason. Contact us today to learn more about our wound care items to keep you safe this summer.

 

Detection and Protection against Skin Cancer

Posted on: May 14th, 2015 in Skin cancer by MDSBlogger |

Living in Florida means we get to experience the sunshine all year round. Although catching rays feels great, we also need to be aware of our risk for skin cancer. The Medical Department Store is bringing you information for your skin health just in time for the summer season. Now is the time to prevent and detect your skin cancer risk. Today, we are going to give you facts about skin cancer and how to detect all forms of this cancer.

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Detecting skin cancer:

Stand in front of a full length mirror in a well-lit room to check your skin at least once a month. Check all areas of the skin and use a smaller, handheld mirror to check your back and hard to see areas. If you notice any changes in your skin, contact your doctor.

Preventing skin cancer:

  1. Always use sunscreen. This may seem like a given, but whenever you are outdoors, it is best to have a layer of sunscreen to protect your skin. Use at least a 15 SPF sunscreen and reapply every few hours. Reapplying is the key to saving your skin from frequent sun damage. Wearing sunscreen regularly can reduce your risk for melanoma by up to 50% according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
  2. Avoid sun burns at all cost. When you get 5 or more burns per year, your skin cancer risk increases greatly. Living in Florida means we have an increased risk for sunburn, so always apply sunscreen and wear clothing to protect parts of your body from burns.
  3. Avoiding tanning beds and UV beds. Time spent in tanning beds will increase the risk for melanoma and other forms of skin cancer by as much as 75%. It is important to stay out of tanning beds to avoid increasing the risk of skin cancer. Tanning beds can also cause irreversible aging affects.

Skin cancer is becoming more relevant in the United States, but it is also treatable if caught in time. The Medical Department Store is your area medical equipment provider. Contact us to learn more about our products and services.

 



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