After 2 years of backlog and no production in Canada for the AirMinis, they are finally starting to manufacture the top of the line travel CPAP due to chip shortage and supply chain issues being resolved.
The ResMed AirMini is the smallest portable CPAP on the market today. The AirMini includes three therapy modes: CPAP, Autoset™ (APAP) and Autoset for Her (fAPAP). The AirMini is designed to work with the AirFit P10 for AirMini, AirFit N30 for AirMini, AirFit N20, AirTouch N20, Airfit F20 and AirFit F30. Whilst the AirMini is compatible with 5 of their top of the class CPAP masks, humidification is available with 4 of the 5 CPAP masks, excluding the F30 Freedom Full Face Mask.
The AirMini is easily transportable in a basic drawstring carry bag but if you feel bougie enough, you also have the option of traveling with the premium travel bag.
The AirMini system includes:
And one of the following:
The AirMini uses a waterless humidification system that delivers the comfort of humidity without having to carry distilled water with you on your travels. It provides humidification anywhere you go and does not require a heated tube to prevent condensation! Traveling to the tropics where humidity is high? The AirMini may be the perfect match.
It is a trial and error approach to deciding which level of humidity will work best for you in each situation. It is always best to start with the HumidX filter and if the moisture is not sufficient for you to progress to the Humid Plus filter. As a significant amount of moisture goes through the filter they must be changed every 30 days from opening the package.
In short, Yes! The Airmini is an exceptional device allowing for 3 modes of therapy and all comfort features that come with the AirSense S10 and AirSense S11.
The AirMini has the following comfort features:
The comfort features are set by your provider based on your needs, but you may find you would like to make small adjustments to make your therapy more comfortable. The AirMini app Patient eHelp section has more information.
Ever travelled light with a CPAP? Well, the 5 lbs AirMini is a great CPAP set up for traveling. All that is needed are the wall plugs to where your final destination is as the AirMini si compatible with 110V and 220V.
We never like hiccups at airports, train stations or bus terminals. So it’s important when traveling to obtain any travel requirements and restrictions. For most but not all airlines, medical devices do not count towards carry-on luggage limits (CPAP machins, Insulin pumps, Etc). It is a good idea to to always travel with the RX from your physician for your CPAP therapy. Is where you are going familiar with CPAP therapy? If not, or if something happens to your CPAP machine/accessories, it is best to always keep a copy on hand.
Sleeping on a red-eye flight? The AirMini can be used on an aircraft as it meets Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. If you require a letter attesting to this information, one can be downloaded from ResMed.com
When on an aircraft it is important to place your unit in airplane mode. To get your AirMini into airplane mode:
The AirMini does not have an internal or external battery, it must be plugged into a power source to operate. The AirMini DC/DC converter 65W allows you to operate your AirMini from a 12V or 24V DC power source (a“cigarette lighter” style socket).
The coverage for an AirMini varies by insurance provider but generally is not covered as a stand alone item. However it is always best to contact your health care provider to see how they can help you with claiming for the AirMini and Accessories. There are often ways of getting the most bang for your buck and actually have coverage towards the AirMini CPAP coverage.
CMS Team
]]>Snoring - Only considered a social nuisance when we dismiss everything else about snoring. To state snoring is a social nuisance would be an understatement at most in this day and age.
Icebergs are phenomenal naturally formed of huge floating blocks of ice. The only thing is, the phenomenal view is only the very tip of the iceberg and not nearly in its entirety. What we see is a small part of mother nature’s creation, the rest is submerged underwater and can be 3-6 times bigger than what is visible to us.
You’re probably wondering why I am talking about icebergs, after all this is a medical blog, not the discovery channel.
Truth is, snoring can, and more often than not does, resemble an iceberg. What we see is only the starting point of the health issues that will accompany your health later on in life. What was once thought of as a social nuisance has come to be a priority diagnosis for patients with a variety of health problems. and/or family history of health problems, such as persistent hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, strokes, heart attacks and generalized fatigue and insomnia.
Previously it was thought if you get diagnosed with sleep apnea you must get on CPAP machine. Although personally speaking CPAPs are not bad at all, there are now many more effective avenues for treatment. We will go through some of the treatment options
How can snoring affect blood pressure?
How can snoring affect Atrial-Fibrillation?
Persistent High Blood Pressure and snoring.
Generalized Fatigue.
We all have heard of the “darth vader masks” and the pessimistic view people have on using a machine overnight. Although I do not agree with that point of view I understand why people would not want to try it. But just a few key takeaways for CPAP therapy:
For more information on CPAP therapy please visit https://www.capitalhme.ca/what-is-cpap-therapy
Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure devices. Hoseless, easy to use and proven efficacy. Some options are BongoRx and Optipillows
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If you have an oxygen concentrator, you may want to know how much maintenance is needed to keep your concentrator in good functioning condition for as long as possible. If this hits close to home, it would be beneficial to keep reading as I touch base on Maintenance, cleaning, replacement guidelines, warranty & warranty violations where the manufacturer will not cover repair costs.
Devilbiss 525 5L & 10L Concentrators
To prolong the life of your brand new oxygen concentrator and to ensure the cleanest oxygen flow is provided to you, there are a few tips and tricks that should be followed regularly.
Cabinet Filter: Some models have this, some don’t. It depends which fabrication facility made the concentrator. For example there are 5 different types of Devilbiss 525DS 5L concentrator models. Each starts with either “N”, “F” & “J” for serial numbers, depending where they were made. The Devilbiss 525DS-Q has “J” and “R” which identifies which fabrication facility made it.
All the units provide the same therapy and are equally reliable with the only difference being on how they are built. Depending which one you have, you will see a foam external filter and others you will not. If you do see a cabinet filter, these should be washed monthly and replaced annually at a minimum. You may find the filters in our online store
Please keep in mind if there are no records of filters being changed, the manufacturer may void warranty due to negligence of the medical equipment (their words, not ours).
HEPA Filter | Air Intake Filter: These are important to change out every 6 months to 1 year to prevent bacteria from colonizing inside the unit affecting air quality being provided that can lead to pulmonary infections. It is also used for sound dampening of the machine. If there is smoke inside the home, these must be replaced every 1-3 months and if there are pets every 4-6 months. Do NOT wash. You may find the filters in our online store
Please keep in mind if there are no records of the HEPA filters being changed, the manufacturer may void warranty due to negligence of the medical equipment (their words, not ours).
Bubble Humidifiers: Are you using the correct one? These are used for very small amounts of humidification to be added to the oxygen flow. There are 3 different types and you must know how many liters per minute of oxygen you require to ensure there is actual delivery of the medical gas. There are 3, 6 and 9 PSI bubble humidifiers. You must choose the correct one to prevent backflow of oxygen lessing oxygen output and possible oxygen concentrator alarm beep. These are an EXCELLENT source for bacterial colonization and fungal growth. These MUST be washed frequently with soapy water and ideally replaced every 3-6 months. You may find the filters in our online store.
Oxygen Tubing: Oxygen is a very cold and dry gas. The long oxygen tubing does get brittle over time and may start to have very fine cracks leading to oxygen escaping from the tube. Kinks and compression of the lumen will also play a factor in proper oxygen delivery. To prevent this, replace your tubing every 6 months. You may find the filters in our online store.
Oxygen Nasal Cannulas and masks: These should be wiped down with alcohol wipes or hydrogen peroxide to eliminate any organic particles that can remain on the masks. Failure to do this can lead to pneumonia and more complications including hospitalization. The masks and nasal cannulas should be replaced on a monthly basis for proper hygiene. You may find the filters in our online store.
Rafael Mendonca, RRT & CMS Team
]]>Asthma is a condition where the small airways in the lungs swell, narrow and increase mucus production leading to difficulty in breathing, exponentially increased exhalation time. It is often in conjunction with monophonic or polyphonic wheezing heard either by auscultation or by proximity.
Yes. While for some Asthma can be a bit of a nuisance, for others it can mean the difference between life and death. Asthmatic bronchospasm frequency can progress and it can settle and be very well controlled with medication and environment exposure control. There are methods to reduce asthma attack onset and improve lung function by going back to basics.
We need to look at this scenario via a global approach. There is NEVER only ONE factor that induces an asthma attack. Take a look at the picture below for a general reference.
There can be many triggers for any individual and at times triggers that we may not even be aware. These triggers are especially dangerous if there is no routine use of Inhalers - One of the leading causes of uncontrolled asthma; patient non-compliance.
There are several different categories of Medications and many different medications with 3 names each (Generic, Molecular & Brand names) within every category… some include:
SABA (Short-Acting-Beta Agonists): Ventolin (Salbutamol)
SAMA (Short-Acting Muscarinic antagonists) Anticholinergics: Ipratropium (Atrovent)
LABA (Long-Acting-Beta Agonists): Salmeterol (Serevent), Formoterol (Foradil)
LAMA (Long-Acting Muscarinic antagonists) Anticholinergics: Tiotropium (Spiriva)
Corticosteroids (Mainstay): Flovent (Fluticasone), Budenoside (Pulmicort), Beclomethasone (Qvar), Ciclesonide (Alvesco)
Systemic steroid: Prednisone (oral)
Combination (LABA & Steroid): Symbicort (Fluticasone & Vilanterol), Zenhale (Mometasone & Formoterol), BREO (Fluticasone & Vilanterol)
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists: Singulair (Montelukast)
Generally, we find patients non-compliant with the most important inhalers: the LONG ACTING & Steroidal medications and end up using the “Rescue inhalers” much more frequently than they would have to.
As an RRT, I’ve had the pleasure of educating many patients on proper use of MDI, DPI inhalers and nebulizer systems. The main reason we see lack of compliance with respiratory medication is because patients don’t notice a difference when they are using the inhaler and possibly because of incorrect ways to take the medication. It is CRUCIAL to understand the general pathology, why we are using each puffer and how to use each inhaler.
To find out how to use your inhaler, first we need to find out how your medication comes. Is it a Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI), or Soft Mist (Nebulizer).
MDI (Metered Dose Inhalers)
DPI (Dry Powder Inhalers)
Soft Mist (Nebulizer)
Chamber | Spacers: Why should I use them?
There are many reasons as to why someone should be using the spacers with MDI administration. The main reasons are:
Using you puffers without much results? Are you using a Spacer? If the answer is No, then Get one TODAY and stop making breathing harder for yourself. That $50.00 will be much better off having you breathing right.
Overall, It is very important to know what the TRIGGERS are for proper asthma control as well as understand and follow the physician’s prescription even if we think we are okay! Seriously, this is the #1 reason people will stop their everyday puffers- because they feel well. I’ve got news for you, You’re feeling well because you re taking the medications! Once you do not, the lungs become hypersensitive again and likeness is you will have another asthma attack.
It is unfortunate that sometimes it can take us a little longer to figure out what works best for us, and even when we do, the body changes over time which can lead to needing medication change once more!
If you are following the Asthma treatment guidelines to the T, and keeping away from any known triggers, maybe it would be wise to talk to your physician. Ensure to keep a log on how you were feeling on a day by day basis and what you did to exacerbate/treat the onset of asthma and how the weather was. Just keeping a log can clear up what the triggers are. However, you can always converse with your physician about:
Rafael Mendonca RRT CPSGT PFT Technologist Manager
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You know the basics of infusion feeding:
The liquid or liquified solute (containing nutrients),
Is administered over some period of the day or night ;
Through the digestive tube (Enteral feeding) or through the veins (Parenteral feeding).
It can be useful when...
It can be exclusive (Total Infusion Feeding)
or combined (Complementary, Partially Infusion Feeding) with oral intake when and as much as possible.
Ok.. Maybe you still feel you don’t quite understand all of it…as if you may be missing something…
Well then, you are at the right place, because here, we will help you feel better by helping you feed better.
A- Either the food and medication are having a hard time reaching the Intestines where they would normally be processed, because of loss of control, strictures or lack of progression to and through any level of the digestive tube, or because the digestive system can’t hold it in and keeps hurling it out.
In which case:
This tubing needs to be maintained, flushed, cleaned or changed, and constantly reevaluated until it is no more necessary because it is necessary no more (enough feeding through natural ways).
a- Bottle or Portable Bag that connects to tubing and lets gravity do its magic, only limiting the flow manually with a roller clamp.
c- or a simple Feeding Syringe for intermittent boluses, used manually or connected to a Feeding Pump, or even to an automatic syringe pump for precise small amount feeding needs (especially with infants). Again, different syringe tips are available !
2- Feeding Set to connect the container to the feeding tube.
Connection can be specifically designed ! (needle, cap, cone, screw…), so you will need to check with your medical health supplier.
3- Feeding tube, placed by a professional, with a nasal or percutaneous access (-ostomy)
B- Or maybe the food can eventually make it to the intestines, but the enzymatic soup the digestive system is supposed to secrete (stomach, bile, pancreas) to process the the food is missing an ingredient, or the Intestines are not doing their job correctly in transferring the normally processed food from the intestine lumen and to the bloodstream and into our body.
Then, sterile, already processed nutrients can be put right through a skin puncture and directly into the bloodstream.
The level of vascular access will depend on:
Now what nutrients are out there for you?
1- For intravenous (parenteral) feeding, it is simple : an elixir of basic nutrients cocktail will be progressively tailored on a case by case basis by your Chef team : Doctor and Nutritionist, using more or less, all life sustaining, necessary ingredients on their most basic form : Glucids for basic energy needs, lipid formulas containing essential lipids, protein formulas containing essential amino-acids, vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.
Only trained professionals can safely have access, connect and monitor the parenteral feeding, as very specific precautions need to be taken.
Nutrients are specifically prepared for intravenous administration in humans.
2- For enteral infusion products, it is more natural soup-like preparations and some even taste good!
A- HOMEMADE/BLENDERIZED ENTERAL FEEDINGS: By knowing our basic needs, one could seemingly prepare a balanced meal, mix it, filter it and just go with it. Although they may increase the chance of food borne illness, in addition to an increased work burden.
However, if you have a strong desire to provide “home-made” nutrition, there are plenty of resources that provide recipes adapted from the “olden days” (circa 1980 - https://med.virginia.edu/ginutrition/wp-content/uploads/sites/199/2015/11/MaloneArticle-June-05.pdf).
B- But usually, interested persons would want to check with their doctor and nutritionist and go with more specific, goal oriented PHARMACEUTICAL or INDUSTRIAL PREPARATIONS.
There are well over 100 enteral formulas now available, making formula selection rather challenging. But no worries, we will walk you through the gist of it all.
1- And let’s begin at the beginning :
STANDARD FORMULAS tend toward the most natural balance of glucid to lipid ratio in its most natural nature found, polymeric form. They are known to be the least expensive feeding preparations and can successfully be used with most patients at a much lower cost.
2- Then, for specific needs, a lot of variants can be found :
THE ELEMENTAL diet offers a complete nutritional profile broken down into its most “elemental” form : amino acids, short-chain triglycerides and short-chain maltodextrins, combined with vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.
They are the easiest and the fastest to absorb and digest.
CALORIE DENSE Products are standard formulas with less water, hence, less volume to be ingested, with 1-2kcal/mL. They are most practical for use in patients requiring smaller volumes over shorter periods, or Intermittent Bolus feeding.
FIBER SUPPLEMENTED FORMULAS, Promotes digestive function through several mechanisms :
ENTERAL FEEDING IN PATIENTS WITH ALLERGIES:
Approximately 20% of the population in industrialized nations has been reported to suffer from adverse reactions to food.
Nuts, fruits and milk are the most common triggers,
with only about a third of the reactions in children and 10 percent of those in adults due to actual food allergy.
The majority of adverse reactions to food are non-immunologic in origin with lactose intolerance being the most common type of adverse reaction worldwide.
Allergy to cow’s milk, eggs, wheat and soy is more common in infants and young children
While seafood, peanuts and tree nuts are the more common causes of food allergy in adult life.
The 8 major food allergens in the food industry being crustaceans, egg, fish, milk, peanut, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.
Although not an allergy, but an autoimmune process, patients with celiac disease need to avoid gluten-containing enteral formulas.
DISEASE SPECIFIC FORMULAS
A lot can be said about these products, but scarce are conclusive proofs of efficacy.
Renal Disease: Generally are lower in protein, calorically dense (less water) and have lower levels of potassium, magnesium and phosphorus when compared to standard formulas.
Hepatic Disease: offer increased amounts of branched chain amino acids (BCAA): valine, leucine, and isoleucine; and reduced amounts of aromatic amino acids (AAA): phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan, compared to standard products.
Supposedly reducing neurological symptoms that occur with hepatic encephalopathy.
Diabetes/Hyperglycemia: offer a lower amount of total carbohydrate and a higher amount of fat than standard formulas as well as a variation in type of carbohydrate consisting generally of oligosaccharides, fructose, cornstarch and fiber.
It has been shown to improve glycemic control in normal subjects as a result of delayed gastric emptying and reduced intestinal transit.
Pulmonary Disease: developed for two types of pulmonary disease:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): The high amounts of dextrose provided in standard parenteral nutrition formulas were suspected to induce adverse ventilatory effects. Substituting a portion of carbohydrate calories with fat calories (high fat formula) was thought to limit carbon dioxide production resulting in improved ventilatory status.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): contains borage and fish oils, sources of g-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids as well as increased amounts of antioxidants, designed to modulate the inflammatory cascade.
Penile compression clamps (PCCs).
They are urethral compression devices designed to minimize male urinary leakage while maintaining blood flow to the penis.
PCCs are known to be an effective palliative modality for male urinary incontinence. Used to control stress incontinence or dribbling of urine, they offer an alternative to surgical approaches.
Designed to be worn daily, they are more secure and less likely to leak than pads, allowing men the opportunity to participate in all types of vigorous activities.
They are also a good money saver in the long run, compared to the constant use of disposable pads and guards.
That is a very good question, for which, Manufacturers are working constantly, engineering the best safety-versus-efficacy designs.
There is no correlation between price and patient satisfaction. The most frequent issue seems to be described by users as bad design or material related discomfort (device caught in underwear or pinches the skin, heavy or uncomfortable material).
There is a theoretical potential for deformation-inflicted tissue damage due to elevated tissue stress, leading to a risk of low penile blood flow, skin irritation, pressure ulcers (PU) and Urethral diverticulum.
While higher risk of Urinary Tract Infection is present with obstruction by any mechanism and at any level of the urinary tract.
An inflammatory response can be noted as early as 10min of compression, and tissue and blood flow compromise can be measured throughout the compression time.
Fortunately, some simple user guidelines can help lower the risk to a viable minimum.
Cuff-type and knurl-type PCCs pose the highest potential tissue damage with a critical tissue pressure, regularly exceeding 10 kPa (75 mmHg), while the normal mean pressure at the capillary level may be next to 25-30 mmHg.
The soft and contoured PCCs produced the lowest values of these mechanical parameters. Constructed of soft contact material (Foam, sponge, rubber) and can be adjusted to fit comfortably.
Pressure of compression needs to be adjusted for best personal comfort, and adapted to patient anatomy.
Compression is usually put mid-shaft, then opened, to allow urine to flow, and repositioned each urination, or each 1-2 hours, never more than 2 hours.
Vigilance is required for any tingeing, redness or soreness.
The device itself needs to be regularly washed or cleaned, then checked for cracks and texture defects, to be changed generally each 2 to 6 months.
Most designs are available for all ages and sizes, and are meant to be effective, for an all day use, on both circumcised or uncircumcised men.
Some manufacturers don’t recommend using the clamp while sleeping
Special care needs to be taken if used with non-autonomous and unconscious persons.
Professional advice should be seeked at all times, before starting, for first use, and for regular checkups.
Some of the most popular designs are shown next:
Bard Cunningham Incontinence Clamp is a hinged, stainless steel frame supporting two foam rubber pads and a locking device.
The lower inverted "V" pad presses against the urethra to the underside of the penis.
It is reusable, washable, and adjustable, thanks to a five settings ratchet locking clamping mechanism.
Suitable for use with males of all ages, it is available in 3 sizes : juvenile (1-1/2"), regular (2") and large (3").
Caution:
Cleaning Tips:
Many Users keep three serviceable urine clamps on-hand at any given time. They rotate between two of the clamps daily and keep one as a spare. Rotating the clamp daily allows the foam pads to reposition fully before each use.
The Original, ergonomic design is very easy to sanitize. Comes along with multi size guides, for better customization results.
Disclaimer :
This blog is for general education and does not intend to replace your professional advisor
Please don’t buy from unprofessional sellers
Please share your intended use with your Doctor, Pharmacist or Health Supplier
References:
As a health care professional, or a patient needing therapy, choosing which type of water to use for medical purposes may at times seem like a kid trying to choose between a PlayStation and an X-Box.
First thing’s first : WHAT IS THIS WATER ?
Distillation typically removes around 99.9% of all minerals found in tap water.
It is true that tap water is not a major source of mineral intake for most people, and drinking distilled water should be relatively safe, ONLY as long as a well-balanced diet is followed.
In fact, exclusive distilled water drinking habits can be associated with : nausea, headache, vertigo, increased risk of fracture, preterm birth, heart disease ,loss of memory, dementia and Coma.
NOT SAFE FOR INJECTION
Sterile Water for Injection, USP
NOT safe for injection without a solute (may result in hemolysis).
That means, it may be NOT adapted to the product or solute you are intending to use it with (Please check before use : Medicinal leaflet , Doctor, Pharmacist, Medical Supplier)
USP: United States Pharmacopeial Convention
ISO: International Standards Organization
ISO 5 environment: Super clean (few over 0,5 microns particles per square foot)
Hyper Filtered: (Unidirectional HEPA filtered Air Changes of 240-360 / H)
HEPA: High Efficiency Particulate Air (Filter) as per US government regulations
Then, depending on the level of purity you need, you might consider (in increasing level of purity)
Purified waters - Mineral waters - Sterile Water for Irrigation - Distilled Water - Sterile Water for Irrigation UPS
Lastly : What size should I get ?
(Single vs Multiple use/time unit) x (volume you want for each use) = Your BEST Choice
(5 ml, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 1000, 2000, 3000 ml)
Disclaimer :
This blog is for general education and does not intend to replace your professional advisor
Please don’t buy from unprofessional sellers
Please share your intended use with your Doctor, Pharmacist or Health Supplier
By Dr. Omar, MD
]]>Today I wanted to discuss nocturnal bathroom breaks and it’s correlation to sleep apnea as well as some fundamentals as to why we seek therapy. I'll discuss some major points about sleep apnea and I will let you conclude, along with a link to a scholarly study, if it is a coincidence or science. Lets get started..
“I go to the bathroom throughout the night, isn't that normal? Everyone does it”
I may have said in the past or in a previous appointment that this is my absolute favorite part of my job - educating and proving the denial (if any) that sleep apnea, whatever degree of it, can and does affect bathroom break frequency. I love this because I have seen MANY different situations where people thought “that is how it is” or “I’m just getting old” when it doesn’t have to be like that!
I have even improved the quality of sleep, and overall quality of life for a previous patient of mine that thought sleep was what it was because the patient had a permanent catheter in place with very frequent uncontrolled urination at night (about 5-7 per night). I still remember him and his wife at the appointment looking at me while discussing his Home Sleep Apnea Test reviewing the diagnosis of moderate sleep apnea. They were convinced CPAP would not work. His exact words were “but I’ve been getting up 5-7 times per night and it’s been going on for all my life since my 20s, I really don't think it will work but we'll see”. I kindly asked them to believe me, that I was not playing any voodoo tricks or giving “sales pitch” rather just informing them on how physiology works. 2 weeks later after the initial struggles with CPAP were dealt with, the patient called me and said “I can’t believe this. I only wake up once now. You were right! I can't believe it.”. Needless to say, he has been "happy" on therapy ever since.
So how can sleep be affecting bathroom breaks? Glad you asked!
To fully understand the physiology behind it we need to go back to some basics.
We know that sleep apnea is a cessation, or partial cessation in breathing. This stoppage in breathing can affect oxygen levels and most importantly it interrupts the sleep cycle you are in to try to protect your vital organs from additional physical stress. You may not directly notice this, ever, which is why we perform sleep tests at the sleep lab and home sleep tests as well for diagnosis.
If our breathing and oxygen levels are getting affected nocturnally, rest assured there is a long molecular physiological response to the increased stress. One of the primary driving factors is release of adrenaline (nor-epinephrine) initiating the Fight or Flight response. The release of adrenaline results in an increase in heart rate, increase in blood pressure, release of glucose, inhibition metabolic hormones release and a shift from deeper restorative stages of sleep (stage 3 & REM) to lighter stages of sleep… Now, lets break it down:
Heart rate and Hypertension
Why is ANP significant?
Coincidence or health science?
Find out more here in this study about ANP Hormone & sleep.
Glucose release:
Inhibition of metabolizing hormones
Conclusion:
If we do some napkin math, this would mean that roughly ¼ to ⅓ of our lives we spend sleeping. If there are physiological stressors, it will start resonating throughout the day through any symptoms such as high blood pressure, insomnia, diabetes, fatigue, morning headaches, restless leg, and so much more.
Remember, not everyone will experience the same symptoms so it is always better to get a global approach when evaluating sleep and look at things from all sides by a sleep therapist and a doctor. The worst thing one can do is live in denial and accept something that is so easily treated.
I will never, EVER say you will die in your sleep if it is left untreated nor will I say Sleep Apnea Treatment is the end-all-be-all and all is peachy afterwards. With all my patients I focus on quality of life, not longevity. Leaving OSA untreated can lead to premature, avoidable deaths and greatly reduced quality of life requiring intensive medical attention, increasing the number of medications and more. We all understand as we age it is normal for some things to start going and medications start being needed. However the list and amount of medications can greatly be reduced by a positive health plan and quality, treated sleep.
Sleep Apnea is one of the leading under diagnosed conditions affecting millions. The more awareness there is, the better outcome for people's health and less of a burden it will be in the health care system. I hope with this tad-bit of education and facts I have helped strengthen your understanding of what I do daily!
Rafael Mendonca, RRT CPSGT Manager
On behalf of Capital Home Medical & www.Capitalmedicalsupply.ca and the College of Respiratory Therapists.
It seems like only over the past two years we have been constantly told to sanitize, wash our hands and maintain a clean environment. Truth is, Health care facilities and providers have constantly and tirelessly been educating their patients on the importance of sanitization. Crazy enough, many healthcare workers just now started proper hand hygiene practices throughout their shifts.
When something becomes a common everyday habit, humans tend to get lazy about doing it well and maintaining compliance. However, Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) remain a major patient safety issue. In a study from 2009-2018, 40 hospitals reported a total of 4,300 device associated infections (CCDR, 387). A 2020 medical journal article estimates HAIs affect up to 80,000 patients in Europe each day (Murphy et al. 1). Contaminated surfaces can transmit antibiotic-resistant pathogens, making it more important to limit exposure. Disinfection and sanitization remains important, especially in the healthcare industry. Let's take a quick look at the path of transmission...
First, the virus/bacteria transfers from a host (human) to a light switch or door handle through touch.
Second, not enough time lapses for the virus to die between another human touching the same surface and the virus gets picked up by touch again.
Third, the only way for the virus to enter the host is through mucosal membranes (Touching eyes, mouth, ear, nose, cuts, etc).
The first line of defense against infection is hand hygiene. This includes hand washing visibly soiled hands and sanitizing prior to and following patient contact or medical procedures. Hand-washing has been preached extensively over the last couple years, so I will not harp on it here. One thing less mentioned is that for hand hygiene, it is important to not only clean your hands, but also keep your hands hydrated. When your hands dry out, they are more susceptible to infection.
To keep your hands hydrated, try to use soaps with a lotion-base such as VioNex Antimicrobial Liquid Soap and apply lotions as necessary such as Revitalizing Skin Lotion.
Since hand washing is not always enough, hand sanitizers and disinfectants are important to have on hand, such as Germiphene IC-Gel Antiseptic Skin Gel.
As we all know, surface sanitation is also important. For proper sanitization in healthcare settings, it is not enough to spray disinfectant once and be done with it. You must ensure the surface is clean before disinfecting it. When cleaning a visibly dirty surface, wipe clean of any visible dirt or biohazard, then spray the disinfectant following label instructions. Finally, wipe the surface clean and discard the cloth. Products you can use for surface cleaning include Cavicide or Caviwipes among others.
Instrument Reprocessing
Not only must your hands and surfaces be clean to prevent infection in the healthcare industry. Cleaning your medical instruments is vital to prevent cross-contamination. When sterilizing instruments, Metrex, an sanitation producer, lays out a three-step process for instrument reprocessing: Preclean, Lubricate, and High-Level Disinfect/Sterilize.
Precleaning starts the cleaning process by breaking-down and cleaning visible bioburden or soil from the medical instruments.
You need to take care of your instruments. You can do this by lubricating them to prevent spotting or rusting on metal instruments. This also makes any moving parts glide more easily.
Now it is time to disinfect or sterile your instruments. This will prevent cross-contamination by killing the majority of the lingering pathogens.
Sanitation and infection control does not stop at disinfectants. Other products include medical waste solidifiers, deodorizers, and, of course, PPE such as goggles, gloves, and surgical gowns.
To sum it up, for proper sanitization, it is important to understand the products you are using. There is no true all-purpose sanitizing product. The different categories of sanitation products accomplish different roles that all can work together to prevent infection and keep you and your patients healthy. While the layman may tend to use the words sanitize and disinfect synonymously, disinfecting is more absolute than sanitizing. Sanitization means lowering the pathogens to a safe level while disinfecting means removing close to 100% of the pathogens. Which product you use will depend on the situation and the type of surface you need to clean. Read product descriptions to understand what the product aims to achieve when selecting sanitation or disinfection products.
Sincerely,
CHME Team
Works Cited
By straight definition sleep apnea refers to the cessation of breathing for over 10 seconds. With newer studies however, sleep apnea has come to be much more complex than we once thought. Lets dig in on what it is as well as what we do about it...
Sleep apnea can be categorized in 3 main sections: Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Central Sleep Apnea and Complex Sleep Apnea. Furthermore there are other types of sleep disorders such as Hypopnea, Obesity-Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS), Cheyne-Stokes-Respirations (CSR), Respiratory Effort Related Arousal (RERA), and Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome. I don't mean to throw too much jargon here, but my point is there is much more to this illness than meets the eye and treatment of sleep apnea should be equally as important as any other illness such as hypertension and diabetes. For the purposes of this write up, we will be focusing on the first 3.
As you can see from the picture on the left, Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) may be one of the more complex types of sleep disordered breathing there is. In fact, up today there are only theories with strong backing evidence based research as to why it happens but there are no groundbreaking discoveries as of yet. So what is it? CSA is the cessation in breathing for over 10 seconds where there is an open airway but no drive to breathe. Truth is CSA is present even in the healthiest of individuals. Everyone has it to some degree even if it is extremely minor. It also may occur for several reasons such as untreated chronic sleep apnea, post-stroke, post-heart attack, neurologic degenerative diseases and more. If CSA is present to a degree affecting sleep quality, there may an underlying issue. At the end of the day, therapy for CSA is a fixed pressure only includes CPAP without EPR/A-FLEX or a BiPAP ST for CSA that do not go away with a fixed pressure of CPAP with no EPR/A-FLEX. If there are other medical issues associated with the CSA, BiPAP ST-A/ AVAPS or BiPAP ASV may be recommended.
Sometimes referred to as "Mixed Sleep Apnea" is referring to nocturnal apneic events where there is a mixture of Central, Obstructive and Hypopneas. Generally speaking, central sleep apnea will be accompanied by another form of apnea. When these are found together further investigation may be needed as there is a greater chance of more significant sleep disordered breathing such as Cheyne-Stokes-Respirations which is related to Cardiac health.
In Canada, the assessment process differs by province. For example, British Columbia and Alberta both accept either a Level 1 (Sleep Lab Testing) or Level 3 (Home Sleep Apnea Testing) sleep testing for a full diagnosis and treatment coverage through extended health care. This makes it convenient for anyone to request a timely sleep test, have the option of sleeping in your own environment to get a more precise test based on routine. So in a nutshell, the differences are listed below:
Level 3 testing is limited to 5 sensors: air flow, oxygenation, heart rate, breathing efforts, positional sensor. This test covers the main components needed for true diagnosis of sleep apnea. Like with any good invention and technology there is always a downside. The flaws are mainly that the testing does not have real-time support so patient errors are the leading cause of repeat testing needed as well as being unable to see who performed the test as no one is there to witness.
A level 1 test covers everything the level 3 test does plus EEG, ECG, periodic leg movement sensors, eye movement, jaw clenching/grinding of teeth, abdominal paradoxical breathing and a video camera that views the patient all night. Clearly the Level 1 test is the superior test theoretically speaking, however when it comes to practicality and accessibility to the general public, there is a bottle neck effect that hinders proper timely treatment of those affected by this illness.
Provinces such as Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan all have provincially-regulated-CPAP funding which means there are much more strict criteria that has not been changed or updated with new studies since the 1980s (Refer to the NCBI Study) . Having said that, Level 3 at-home tests are available in Ontario however the Ministry does not recognize it for funding of the medical equipment. Due to no government support for the Level 3 testing, it would cost approximately $350.00 CAD for a one-night test which includes a one-on-one appointment with a sleep therapist and an interpretation from the Polysomnography Technologist/RRT and physician. Although the cost can be a bit high, it can prevent months upon months of delay. It also serves as a starting point to see if further studies are needed in the sleep lab for funding of medical equipment.
Ultimately treatment of Sleep Apnea or sleep breathing disorders will fall under the category of CPAP or BiPAP which are the golden standard of sleep apnea treatment. To view some CPAP and BiPAP Machines check out our Constant Positive Airway Pressure Machines.
Think again! Just because someone may not wake up gasping from the apneic episode, it is a far cry from not having it and may be used as a deterrent to not get tested. Reality is that 80% or more of people with sleep apnea do not wake up in a panic like one would think. Rather, usually there is a peaceful wakening throughout the night and the individual will either have a bathroom break with a full bladder (due to cardiac stress brought upon by lack of breathing, low oxygen and higher blood pressure due to physiological stress) and/or have insomnia due to the sympathetic system kicking in (fight or flight).
In the past decade I cannot begin to say how many times I have heard this and how many times I have had to explain that is the wrong thought process. Remember, sleep apnea does NOT come out of nowhere. It has been likely there for a very, very long time (yes even children have it) and if you had sleep issues as a child, look no further unless we are trying to keep it a mystery that no doctor can solve. It is very common for children to have an undiagnosed sleep disorder because who would think to have it tested? Technology advances every year as does medical research. The research is there, the general public's mindset is not but it will catch up one day.
In Conclusion, YES CPAP absolutely may help your restlessness. By providing a deeper uninterrupted sleep and being able to achieve a normal sleep architecture, the restless will subside as a result.
I'll start by asking, do you snore? If so, even a humming CPAP will be quieter.
To answer this question in full, CPAP machines have come a long way. They used to be loud, have mechanical sounds and humming like a generator. However, that is far from waht they are today. In fact, throughout my career I have noticed an increasing amount of younger population starting to get their sleep checked. Is it a coincidence? Do more people have sleep apnea than before? Or is it because of increased availability of testing and more vigorous tools to assess sleep deprivation? Food-for-thought.
Far from the truth and is one of the main misconceptions and reasons why many sleep apnea sufferers go undiagnosed until other health conditions start to take place. Literature used to indicate to screen obese patients for sleep apnea as they are prone to airway collapse due to extra tissues around the neck and shallow breathing due to excess weight on the diaphragm and chest wall. However through research weight is found to only be one aspect that affects severity of sleep apnea. Other factors to consider are Age, Sex, Smoking history, Occupation and anatomical build (hereditary). Furthermore, if OSA was purely a weight issue, why do people that go through massive weight loss (100 lbs or more) still get diagnosed with sleep apnea pre and post weight loss? The likeliness sleep apnea will reduce to normal levels where you will feel symptomatically better is very, very low. When people come to me and ask if it is a permanent therapy, the answer is always "likely, yes."
Try again! Yes, that is right. This is my FAVOURITE mindset that I absolutely love educating and proving (through lots and lots of denial and reluctance) to my patients until they realize I am not a sales person, rather a respiratory therapist looking out for their health and spreading the latest facts about the disease. It is NOT normal to have increased bathroom breaks regardless of friends and family members doing the same. Imagine saying that about headaches and irritability associated to high blood pressure (hypertension) before the late 1800s when they were finally discovered a method to measure blood pressure? Check this link to find out more on the discovery of blood pressure.
So how does sleep apnea affect bathroom breaks? When our bodies go through physiological stress due to collapsed or partially collapsed airways we go through a sympathetic response where nor-epinephrine (Adrenaline) is released, a few physiological responses start to happen.
First, there is diversion of blood flow from non-vital organs to vital organs as a survival response to increase oxygen uptake by the more important organs (brain and heart).
Second, adrenaline is a beta agonist which means it increases heart rate for faster output of blood and increases blood pressure for faster and more efficient delivery to vital organs.
Third, in normal circumstances the pituitary glands in the base of the brain naturally releases a hormone called the Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH). When this is released, it is meant to divert blood flow from the kidneys preventing the production of urine allowing humans to sleep for longer periods without the need of urination. In a physiological state of stress such as sleep apneic events, this process is overridden because the body's natural response to hypertension is to eliminate fluid. Therefore the kidneys primary purpose will to reduce the volume of blood/fluid in our arteries to lower the blood pressure naturally. They will work in overdrive to produce more urine by filtrating the blood.
Fourth, Did you know the sympathetic response also causes glucose to be released? Having elevated amounts of sugar can cause to increased urination (pre-diabetic stages) and insulin deficiency leading to onset of Diabetes Mellites. If we stop and think about it, if you get tested for glucose levels int he morning shortly after waking up, not having eaten anything in the past 8-10 hours, how can glucose levels be high if we really did have a "good sleep". Good sleep is subjective and if there is no optimal sleep to compare it to, the sleep experienced may always be "good" because we don't know otherwise.
Will I die if I leave sleep apnea untreated?
Never have I ever told anyone that they would likely die in their sleep if they didn't get treatment rather focused on comorbidities going forward and overall quality of life. However if the oxygen levels are severely low and there is history of cardiac disease and other comorbidities, then it could absolutely be a possibility.
____________________________
Rafael Mendonca, RRT Manager
Certified Polysomnography Technologist (2018-2021)
Just kidding.
Definitely "To clean" would be the way to go. But how important is it? How do I properly clean my equipment? and what happens if I don't clean the CPAP machine and accessories? And do I need a cleaning machine?
I am sure now you are aware that the most deadly and communicable diseases are ones that the naked eye cannot see. COVID-19 definitely was an eye opener for many. Although we cannot generally see them, bacteria, fungi and viruses can and will accumulate in the CPAP mask, CPAP tubing and CPAP Humidifier. Functionality wise, the CPAP device will operate just fine and you may not notice anything is off, even the mask seal. However, the air that you are breathing in can and will be contaminated with bacteria and fungus due to the nature of a warm, moisturized internal climate within the CPAP system.
As I commented above, the equipment will likely be functional which is why over the years countless patients couldn't fathom why we need to replace items more regularly including the mask, hose humidifier and filters.
I'll add this analogy- Do you change your surgical mask every 4-6 hours or do you use the same one? Do you wash your cloth mask regularly or do you wait a month before washing it? They will work the same way but what you don't see is the extraordinarily high accumulation of germs stuck on there that can make you sick. At times there can be a biofilm of bacteria that can grow where we are unable to scrub it off leading to the need of a replacement! Let's get more in to it..
Check out this Harvard Medical School Publication for more information on the risks of dirty CPAP equipment
Now-a-days, CPAP machines can have their own reminder systems or your local service provider may be kind enough to remind you about the replacement schedule. Although it may seem like they may want a sale, they are actually just reminding you to take good care of your health! As a rule of thumb, follow the general guideline below or place them on a calendar with a reminder so you don't forget. I've also added some hyperlinks with one of the lowest costs for CPAP supplies across Canada just for you!
Every month
Every 3 months
Every 6 months
As much hassle it seems to be, it doesn't have to be that way! I've listed below in bullet form what the general CPAP cleaning schedule should be:
I am sure by now you have heard of automatic CPAP cleaners that will clean your CPAP system for you. Sounds great right? Truth is, it is an option that should be considered by all CPAP users assuming they receive the proper education to make an informed decision. I am not here to say yes or no, I am here to state facts and from there, you make your decision.
Let's start with the definition of cleaning vs. Disinfection:
Although similar they are different. Think of it as hand washing vs. Hand sanitizing. Hand washing is the act of removing soil and germs from your hands. hand sanitization is the act of killing any live germs on your hands but does not remove it.
Now that we are more familiar with the terms, there are 2 methods in which CPAP cleaners disinfect your equipment:
I have and will continue to recommend the SoClean or the Lumin for anyone that is vulnerable to frequent pulmonary, sinus or ear infections.
Conclusion
It can definitely be a hassle to keep washing your equipment and even feel wasteful replacing your accessories when you think your therapy is going just fine. However, I hope you remember these pro-tips when it's time to replace your equipment.
Rafael Mendonca, RRT
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COVID-19 Restrictions are lessening & travelling is imminent that you may as well start packing. Getting ready for a trip can be very exciting and stressful at the same time and if there is the need for oxygen therapy it is always better to be over prepared than not. So if you think you are overwhelmed, we don't blame you! That is why we are here. So question is, are you ready to travel with your Oxygen Concentrator or tank? Let's review some key points to consider before heading out...
We breathe oxygen on a daily basis. Believe it or not, supplemental oxygen is a drug that needs to be prescribed by a physician and/or your healthcare provider. It is critical to ensure a properly trained healthcare professional is assisting with your therapy as oxygen can lead to oxygen toxicity and can cause irreversible pulmonary damage if administered incorrectly. Supplemental Oxygen is defined as extra oxygen to enrich the air with a higher fraction of oxygen in the air we breathe in. The air we breathe on a daily basis contains 20% oxygen, 79% Nitrogen and <1% trace gases. When an individual requires extra oxygen to maintain their saturation at normal levels, to reduce shortness of breath or to alleviate pulmonary hypertension it is called supplemental or prescribed oxygen therapy. Therefore, an individual should only use Oxygen therapy under the guidance of a Doctor or Nurse Practitioner and ensure you have a knowledgeable Registered Respiratory Therapist assisting in your care through a local home care services provider. Click here for a respected & knowledgeable local oxygen service provider in Ottawa, Ontario!
The better question is, "which one is right for me?". Throughout the years, we have gotten this question ample amounts of times. Truth is, it depends. Lets dig a bit deeper...
First lets look at the history of oxygen tanks and concentrators. Having the first oxygen tanks around since the 1800s and evolved to what they are now, it is a no brainer on how much technology has been pumped into the oxygen therapy sector. Now-a-days you have access to old fashioned oxygen tanks, Stationary Concentrators for home use and also the newest technologies of portable oxygen concentrators with batteries that can last up to 10 hours!
On one hand Oxygen Tanks do not require electricity and on the other Stationary Concentrators run on electricity. In the event of a power outage, anyone that just has a home oxygen concentrator without a back up tank or portable concentrator will not have access to their oxygen therapy unless powered by a back up generator. Additionally, certain healthcare providers offer installation services of large T or K sized- oxygen tanks at home and are able to act as an emergent back-up supply of supplemental oxygen for a much longer period of time vs. a portable concentrator in the event of a power outage.
Did you know Oxygen Concentrators create their own oxygen whilst Oxygen Tanks need to be refilled? Yes, that is right. Concentrators make their own oxygen! No more refills, no more waiting for oxygen deliveries, staying home due to depletion of oxygen or unexpected delays in oxygen tank deliveries! Definitely something to consider as it can be weeks for a delivery depending on the situation. Be worry-free with a Stationary Concentrator by doing the regular maintenance which usually only includes: Cleaning the air filter monthly, replacing the HEPA filter once per year and replacing the nasal cannulas and oxygen tubing on a monthly or as needed basis.
Furthermore, Airlines are growing weary of pressurized oxygen tanks. Therefore many will not accept pressurized tanks unless specifically requested by a medical doctor with significant evidence of hypoxemia requiring high-flow oxygen therapy. In these cases, portable oxygen concentrators (POC) such as the OxyGo NEXT (Inogen 5) or OxyGo G3 (Inogen 3) would be the #1 choice for ease of travelling with oxygen therapy. The key here is to ensure that the device meets the criteria for your travelling needs. For Example, majority of airlines require the portable concentrators to have 1.5x battery charge than the anticipated travel time. This can be looked at as an inconvenience to some given the price of POC batteries, but overall it is to ensure the safety of the passenger and preparing for the worse. After all, the saying is "Hope for the best, prepare for the worse". If you are looking for POC batteries, please go to CapitalMedicalSupply.ca for the most competitive prices!
No matter where your destination is, it is ALWAYS a good idea to get your hands on the physical oxygen prescription. This will set your mind at ease knowing that whatever questions come your way or whatever the situation is, no one will be able to take away or refuse admittance due to your oxygen therapy. If you don't have one yet or you have misplaced it, close this window and call your doctor ASAP!
A prescription for oxygen is great and no one will be able to argue whether you need it or not. However, Airlines, Train companies & Cruise lines can all have their own systematic approach for accepting medical equipment such as Oxygen Concentrators on board. The number one reason for this is for your safety and all passengers' safety. The second reason is to ensure your needs will not be un met in the event of delays or any unexpected events.
To see if your Oxygen Concentrator is FAA approved, go to Acceptance Criteria for Portable Oxygen Concentrators.
We've included some links below for certain airlines but make sure to check in with the airline you have chosen to fly with!
Although I cannot recommend one or the other since Oxygen needs differ with pathologies, overall from a practical standpoint and 10 years in the Respiratory and Oxygen Service industry, I highly recommend to take a hard look at Portable Oxygen Concentrators for safe and stress-free travelling and Stationary Concentrators for home use.
Rafael Mendonca, RRT CPSGT
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Now that we have hit that mid-season of scooter riding, you should be considering how well maintained your scooter is at the moment. If you haven’t already, we always recommend that you get your scooter checked at your local vendor, just to make sure everything is working well. Now if you have some technical experience there are a couple of things that you can do yourself to help keep the scooter maintained.
]]>Now that we have hit that mid-season of scooter riding, you should be considering how well maintained your scooter is at the moment. If you haven’t already, we always recommend that you get your scooter checked at your local vendor, just to make sure everything is working well. Now if you have some technical experience there are a couple of things that you can do yourself to help keep the scooter maintained.
One thing that does get overlooked in keeping the scooter maintained is the scooter seat. Since the chair is a swivel seat that can be popped off and on at any moment, it is somewhat susceptible to rust if you get water on it. If neglected the rust can cause the chair to get stuck in place. Once that happens it becomes quite difficult to remove the seat, and for some people that becomes quite a detriment if you need to take the scooter apart for storage or travel reasons. To help prevent this, I would remove the seat regularly and apply some oil lubricant to the stem of the chair. Doing so will keep the rust from accumulating and helping to prevent any future problems.
You should also be keeping tabs on your scooter’s wheels every now and then to make sure not a lot of dirt and grim has accumulated. If you have the technical experience, removing the wheels every couple of weeks, removing debris build-up and applying oil based lubricant will go a long way. Given that wheels are not covered under warranty, keeping them in good shape will be key to a smooth ride.
The rule of thumb for your battery is to keep it topped up. Your scooter should be plugged in nightly after every use. Also be conscious of where you are storing your battery while it is charging. As summer progressive we begin to get warm days and cooler nights. This is great for sleeping but bad for battery health. For many scooters the battery can be removed and charged separately, so bringing your battery inside to charge will help it last longer. If this isn’t possible, it is always good practice to keep your scooter protected from the elements as best as possible.
Just like a car, making sure to consistently stay on top of maintenance for your scooter. Whether it's you who personally does it or your closest vendor, a good maintenance schedule is the key to a long scooter life. With these three quick tips added to our usual maintenance routine you would do on the scooter, you’ll be riding with style and piece of mind during the beautiful summer season.
]]>The skin around your ostomy stoma (peristomal skin) can be prone to damage and irritation if not properly cared for. Damaged peristomal skin can often be painful, itchy, sore and often hard to manage. Because the skin barrier for your ostomy system needs to be placed over this damaged skin, often a vicious cycle of poor adhesion, leakage and increased skin damage occurs. In this article we’ll give you a few tips to help keep your skin healthy and irritation free.
The output from your stoma is not good for your skin, so really you want to make sure that your skin barrier fits perfectly. A perfect fit means that there is no exposed skin between the barrier’s inner edge and your stoma. It’s also important to pay attention to the shape and characteristics of your stomach around your stoma. Some people have hard flat stomachs, some have soft, loose skin on their stomach, while others may find that their stomach is easily depressed around their stoma. Everyone’s stoma and stomach are unique and can change over time. Don’t be afraid to ask your ostomy nurse to try other options, products and brands of ostomy care products to make sure you have the right combination for you regardless of how long you have used ostomy products before.
Motion and pulling on the skin barrier lead to skin damage. This can occur by either the adhesion of the barrier pulling on your skin more than it can tolerate or by the adhesion eroding and leakage occurring. You will want to make sure that your ostomy equipment is secure and staying in place. If you are being active with work or exercise you will want to make sure that your pouch is secure with either an ostomy belt or appropriately chosen clothing that helps hold things in place. You will also want to make sure that you empty your pouch regularly. The extra weight can easily pull on the skin enough to cause skin damage.
You have to change your ostomy equipment eventually. In fact regularly scheduled equipment changes are recommended based on your individual needs and stoma characteristics. It is important not to wait until things start to degrade before switching things up. When you do go to remove your barrier, go slow. The adhesives on your barrier are very strong and your skin can easily stay with the barrier if you go too fast. Start with a corner or the top edge and detach the barrier bit by bit.
I’ve already mentioned sticking to regular emptying and changing schedules. A regular cleaning schedule for your peristomal skin is also very important. Within your cleaning routine, be conscious of the soaps and creams that you use. You will want to be sure that the products you use don’t leave any films or residue on your skin that can affect your skin’s integrity once covered by a barrier or reduce the adherence of your barrier and lead to potential leaks. For many people just water is sufficient for cleaning the skin around their stoma. If water isn’t enough, ask your ostomy nurse if there are any ostomy specific products that are designed and tested to work with your equipment.
Lastly, know what your peristomal skin looks like when it is healthy. As soon as your skin starts to change, or even if you are simply in doubt contact your ostomy nurse and ask for help. Unfortunately, most people who use an ostomy system will deal with peristomal skin issues at some point. Resolving the issues that are causing the irritated skin early is the best habit that you can develop for your overall health and wellness.
https://www.convatec.ca/ostomy/living-with-an-ostomy/skin-care-tips/preventative-care/
]]>Maintaining and cleaning your therapy equipment is essential so that you can get the most out of your treatment. Here are some simple instructions in order to keep your equipment clean.
Humidification chamber needs to be cleaned out daily to prevent bacteria build-up as well as calcification.
With these simple tips on routine cleaning and replacement of your CPAP accessories, you will assuredly have a much better CPAP therapy experience. If in doubt, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for product cleaning. Remember, if you take care of your equipment, your equipment will take care of you.
]]>If you were a gym go-er, like me, I am sure you have seen these tiny loop bands being used in the free weight section for fire hydrants and donkey kicks. So what is a Mini Band, you might be wondering, or more so why should you use them? Resistance bands work most similarly like free weights by providing some sort of external resistance that your muscles have to work against. While pushing against the resistance of the bands during an exercise, your muscles have to engage to fight the tension to keep your good form and not break it. What this means is you’re working against resistance throughout the whole range of your exercise, not just the position when you’re moving against gravity.
Most often then not, these little resistance bands seem to be used for glute related exercises. And nothing more. I am here to show you a couple of new exercises that you can use with these handy mini bands, in the hopes of shaking up your workout routine. Or changing your view on this versatile exercise tool!
If you were a gym go-er, like me, I am sure you have seen these tiny loop bands being used in the free weight section for fire hydrants and donkey kicks. So what is a Mini Band, you might be wondering, or more so why should you use them? Resistance bands work most similarly like free weights by providing some sort of external resistance that your muscles have to work against. While pushing against the resistance of the bands during an exercise, your muscles have to engage to fight the tension to keep your good form and not break it. What this means is you’re working against resistance throughout the whole range of your exercise, not just the position when you’re moving against gravity.
Most often then not, these little resistance bands seem to be used for glute related exercises. And nothing more. I am here to show you a couple of new exercises that you can use with these handy mini bands, in the hopes of shaking up your workout routine. Or changing your view on this versatile exercise tool!
This is an excellent example of how the mini band can be used to work your back muscles and upper body.
The set up: Put mini bands around your wrists, making sure your palms are facing away from you. Raise your hands over your head and push your hands apart, creating some tension in the band.
Step 1: Lower - Bring your elbows down to chest height, making sure to push out on the bands as you do this. Be sure to engage your back by thinking of squeezing your shoulder blades together.
Step 2: Rise - Bring your hands back up over your head to the starting positing. Besure to relax the tension of the bands at the top, when your hands are over your head.
Step 3: Repeat - Take a moment before repeating the steps. Feel free to repeat as many times as you like.
Looking for a challenge? Pick the next colour up for tension in your mini band pack. Alternatively you can slow down the movement, do a slow 3, 2, 1, countdown as you lower your elbows. Keep the rise step at the same tempo.
This is a full body exercise, that challenges muscles throughout the body to help improve coordination and performance in sports or day to day activities. The bear crawl targets shoulders, chest and back, glutes, quad and hamstrings, and your core. You will build both strength and endurance if you do this exercise regularly.
The Set up: Start on all fours with your hands and knees on the floor. Knees under your hips and hands under your shoulder. The Mini band should be around your wrists.
Step 1: Rise - Slowly rise by bringing your knees slightly off the floor, holding yourself up with your hands and your toes. Your knees should only be a few inches off the floor, hands flat on the ground with thumbs pointed at each other, and your back should be level. Make sure your butt is never above your head.
Step 2: Crawl - Move your right hand and left foot forward slightly. To start the key will be to take SMALL steps forward. Next move your left hand and right foot forward. This movement will be tricky and feel weird to start, take it slow and with time it will get easier! Take as many steps as you feel comfortable doing to crawl forward. I would recommend going the length of a yoga mat to start, then turning around and going back if it was not challenging enough.
Step 3: Rest and Repeat - When you have moved as far as you want to go, put your knees back on the floor and rest. Once you catch your breath feel free to repeat this exercise for as many times as you like.
Looking for a challenge? There are a few variations you can do! Start with putting the band around your knees. Next you can crawl forward, then do a reverse crawl by going backwards, instead of turning around. For the biggest challenge you can do a bear crawl box, where you move off to the right of your yoga mat, then backwards one step, to the left of your yoga mat, and finally forward one step to get back to your start position.
Are you a fan of foam roller? Discover its versality with this article, click here.
This last exercise is a glute activation exercise, specifically gluteus medius, as this is an important muscle for hip stabilization, balance, and power. Having a strong, and functioning, glute med will help protect your knees and lower back from unnecessary strain during activity. This exercise is very important to combat long days of sitting, for those who work at a desk all day.
The Set up: Put the mini bands around your legs, slide it up to just above your knees. Lie on your right side with your feet and hips stacked (on top of each other). Your knees should be bent at 90 degrees and your head resting on your right arm. Draw your knees forward until your feet are in line with your butt. Place your left hand on your hip or on the floor to balance yourself if you need to.
Don't have a set of mini-bands? Curious about getting a set? Check out our product page
Step 1: Lift knee - Engage your core and keep your feet together, raise your left knee as far as you can without rotating your hips (rolling backwards) or lifting your right knee off the floor. Hold your knee up for 1 second, while squeezing your glutes at the top of the movement.
Step 2: Lower knee - Slowly lower your left knee to the starting position, making sure to control this movement and not let the band pull your knee down.
Step 3: Rest and Repeat - Rest your left knee down and take a moment before repeating this exercise. Feel free to repeat as many times as you like.
Looking for a challenge? Use the next colour up in your resistance band tensions, or take your hand off the floor to engage your core and stabilizers muscles more.
As always, as a quick reminder before starting any of these fun new exercises, make sure that you consult your physician or trusted health care professional before starting this or any other fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately and contact your physician immediately.
]]>Spring is here! Which means that the summer season is just around the corner as well. That means this is the perfect time to start thinking about one thing...scooters!!! More specifically travel scooters. Why a travel scooter? Whether a boat, plane, train, or car, back it down, toss it in and go; when you get to your destination, unfold it and go. In this quick article, I’ll be providing some information on what you should be thinking about when considering purchasing a travel scooter.
]]>Spring is here! Which means that the summer season is just around the corner as well. That means this is the perfect time to start thinking about one thing...scooters!!! More specifically travel scooters. Why a travel scooter? Whether a boat, plane, train, or car, back it down, toss it in and go; when you get to your destination, unfold it and go. In this quick article, I’ll be providing some information on what you should be thinking about when considering purchasing a travel scooter.
One main difference between a travel scooter and something like a full size luxury scooter is weight. Travel scooters are intended to be much lighter for the simple fact that you’ll most likely be taking the scooter in and out the car quite frequently. An example would be the iCruise scooter from Pride Mobility which comes in at about 46.5 lb with batteries, while the full size Wrangler scooter also from Pride Mobility comes in at 259.9 lb. As you can see the weight difference is quite substantial between the two models. With something like the wrangler you’re always going to have to take its heavy weight into account when loading it up for any long or short term trips. While a travel scooter being so much lighter is much more easy to manage in and out of the vehicle. At the end of the day if “light weight” is something you’re going to prioritize when making a purchase then a travel scooter should be near the top of your list.
To see Capital Medical Equipment.ca’s collection travel scooters like the iCruise click here.
Another piece of information to think about when selecting a travel scooter is, unlike other scooters, they have the ability to be a lot more compact. To add to this compactness, travel scooters either fold-up to become even more compact or break apart into more manageable components. Given that they are also lightweight, this ability allows them to be very portable. The ATTO by Moving Life is one such scooter that allows it to go from a drive mode to a trolley mode in quick sequence. This allows it to be easily stored in the vehicle or even in the home. If you would prefer not to put it into the trolley mode, it still has the ability to split into two parts like many other travel scooters and be stowed away in pieces.
As you can see the two main focal points for travel scooters come down to the weight of the scooter and how compact you need it to be for either the vehicle or home that you will be stowing it in . After you’ve narrowed down the options on that end, that's when it would be best to look at other basic options such as maneuverability, ground clearance, travel distance and accessories. Well I hope I’ve given you some food for thought that better helps with your scooter purchase decisions. Let’s get out and about and enjoy that scooter weather!!
]]>There is such a thing as too many choices! I have suffered from decision paralysis on many an occasion. When it comes to enteral feeding there are A LOT of choices. In this article, we are going to group those choices into a few different categories in hopes of aiding your decisions about what formula is best for your situation.
]]>There is such a thing as too many choices! I have suffered from decision paralysis on many an occasion. When it comes to enteral feeding there are A LOT of choices. In this article, we are going to group those choices into a few different categories in hopes of aiding your decisions about what formula is best for your situation.
Before we start let's get a quick understanding of enteral feeding. Enteral or Tube feeding is used in a variety of areas. It can be used short term in the case of admittance to the ICU or post surgery; or it can be used as a long term, life saving solution for many people. In short, tube feeding is utilized in situations where a person’s digestive system is working fine but for some reason they are not able to intake nutrients orally (by eating and swallowing).
While different brands of formula vary in ingredients, caloric content (typically between 1.0 and 2.0 kcal/ml), hydration level, etc; it is important to note that they are all composed of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water to ensure a complete nutritional intake by the person receiving the formula.
But how do we try to make sense of the differences? Here is a simple classification system to help you understand the differences between feeding formulas.
Standard Formulas contain a ‘normal’ mix of carbohydrates, protein, fats and micronutrients. Unless otherwise indicated this is the formula type that most people would choose for their enteral feeding needs as they will provide a balanced healthy nutritional intake.
A couple examples of standard formulas are Isosource 1.5 and Osmolite 1.2.
As the name suggests, Standard + Fibre Formulas are the same as standard formulas with the addition of fibre. The addition of fibre will help with any diarrhea or bowel irregularities.
An example of a standard formula + fibre is Jevity 1.5 with fibre.
Semi-Elemental and Elemental Formulas are also known as peptide formulas, hydrolysed formulas or predigested formulas. These formulas have proteins and fats that are pre-broken down to simple forms in order to make them easier to digest and absorb by one’s gut. These formulas are used for people with mal-absorption concerns.
An example of a (semi) elemental formula is Peptamen® 1.5 Peptide Based Formula.
Blenderized is a growing trend within the tube feeding world. These formulas are most closely related to standard formulas but are all or mostly composed of whole foods. As the name suggests the whole foods are blended into a liquid. Some brands of blenderized formulas state benefits such as less chemicals and/or the use of organics foods.
A couple examples of blenderized formulas are Liquid Hope and Compleat
There are far more formulas designed for specific medical conditions and circumstances. This may include diabetes, renal failure, liver dysfunctions, COPD, injury recovery, low weight and malnutrition. This category can obviously be divided into smaller and smaller categories but to keep this article short and sweet, we will bulk these formulas into one category.
A simple example of one of these formulas is TwoCal HN, which has a higher than normal caloric content.
To wrap things up, choosing an enteral formula will be based on your unique situation and needs. Factors to consider are not only your basic nutrition needs but also your physical requirements, gastrointestinal function, medical history, metabolic abnormalities, overall medical condition, and most importantly your lifestyle and health goals. Before starting or changing your feeding formula be sure to always consult with a qualified member of your healthcare team to help provide an accurate assessment of your unique needs.
Hello everyone, today we’ll be tackling what I call the “Wheelchair Maintenance Guide”. It's relatively a quick guide that will give you some pointers on how to keep your wheelchair in Tip-Top condition. If you can follow these 3 pointers then you can make sure that your ride stays repair free for a long time.
]]>Hello everyone, today we’ll be tackling what I call the “Wheelchair Maintenance Guide”. It's relatively a quick guide that will give you some pointers on how to keep your wheelchair in Tip-Top condition. If you can follow these 3 pointers then you can make sure that your ride stays repair free for a long time.
When it comes to maintenance on the front/rear wheels of your chair, what you really want to be looking out for is the accumulation of hair and dirt. Hair and dirt is a wheel bearing’s worst enemy. I would recommend at the end of every month you should be taking off the wheels and wiping away any hair/dirt that you find and applying a spray of lubricant on the bearings. This will help keep the rust from accumulating quickly and allow for smooth movement.
Now when it comes to maintaining brakes it’s a pretty simple task. All you need to do is regularly (about once a week) make sure that the screws haven’t loosened up. Once those screws have loosened you’ll notice that the brakes don’t firmly lock the wheels anymore. I would HIGHLY recommend to take an allen key and check that those screws are tight, as loose brakes are a safety issue that needs immediate attention.
Now this checkpoint depending on the type of wheelchair can be a bit of a daunting task, nonetheless it's definitely a checkpoint that needs attention. Wheelchairs come in varying sizes and because of that some will have a lot more screws/bolts installed on said chair. What you need to be mindful of is always making sure to check on these screws/bolts and making sure that they stay tightened. Now locations that will need to be checked upon regularly are the armrest, you’ll see two screws located on them. They tend to get loose, the back canes have a couple bolts located at the bottom that will loosen up over time as well and the cross frame of the chair which will have 4 bolts under the chair that can be tightened. Essentially to sum it up, anywhere that you see a bolt or screw make sure you’ve taken an allen key or ratchet and tightened it back up.
All in all, if you can follow this checklist you can increase the lifespan of your wheelchair far longer than what it's rated for.
]]>We have all seen it, the hunched over Rollator or Walker user. Walking around with their head pointing down to the ground, arms are almost straight out in front of their body, and the Rollator or Walker is very far away from the user's body. Learning how to use a Rollator or Walker correctly takes some time and practice. These movements do not always come naturally, but is it important to ensure you are using your Rollator or Walker correctly. Incorrect use can increase the users risk of falling or cause more aches and pains in the shoulders, neck, or back. So why are people walking this way?
]]>We have all seen it, the hunched over Rollator or Walker user. Walking around with their head pointing down to the ground, arms are almost straight out in front of their body, and the Rollator or Walker is very far away from the user's body.
Learning how to use a Rollator or Walker correctly takes some time and practice. These movements do not always come naturally, but is it important to ensure you are using your Rollator or Walker correctly. Incorrect use can increase the users risk of falling or cause more aches and pains in the shoulders, neck, or back. So why are people walking this way?
The main reason why this might be happening is because the handle height of the mobility aid is not set up correctly for the user’s height. If the handles are not set at the appropriate height, where the elbows are slightly bent and shoulders are relaxed, the user could adapt by walking incorrectly with their mobility aid as depicted in the image above. This will in turn increase the likelihood of falls, as the Rollator or Walker is not supporting the client or helping with their balance issue. There will also be an increase in stress that is being put on the shoulders, neck, and back. Over time this will lead to more aches, pains, and poor mobility in the future. Lucky for you, it is very easy to check if the handle height is set up correctly for the user! Just follow these easy steps:
Now that you know the handle height is set correctly, what other steps should you take to walk safely? (Pun intended!)
At Capital Medical Supply.ca, we sell a wide variety of rollators. To see our collection click here.
Follow these simple tips to ensure you are using your Rollator or Walker properly. This will help avoid pain or aches and keep you walking safely with your mobility aid! You will also notice yourself always have a nice tall posture when walking.
Before clicking that purchase button on a brand new scooter, you’re going to want to make sure that you have done a little homework especially since the topic of scooters is quite broad. In this quick article I’ll give you a couple tips to consider before buying that fancy new ride.
First things first, accessibility. The term accessibility in this case refers to how easy it will be to access the scooter. Sometimes when looking at a scooter purchase we can forget that we will have to eventually store the scooter away for the winter season so we end up purchasing something that is entirely too big to fit within the home. On top of the fact that even before ordering the item, some prep work might have to be done to your home location to accommodate a scooter coming in. An example is you might need a ramp installed so you have the accessibility to get the scooter in and out of the home, if that is something that you require.
Also something else to consider is the general area around your home, living in the city versus living in the country will have a great impact on the scooter you will be purchasing. All in all, make sure you have a good understanding of the area you live in before hitting that purchasing button.
Like a car, scooters have to be maintained on the regular, otherwise they can start having issues prematurely. Noticeably one of the most common issues that you'll come across on a scooter is either the batteries have died or a blown fuse has occurred. Now if you yourself have some technical skills, regularly checking the fuses or doing a load test on the batteries will save you some time and energy in the long run, especially if you take the scooter out everyday. Be warned though that for some scooters accessing the battery casing can be more difficult than others, especially the bigger scooters.
Even if you don’t have any technical skills one of the main things you can do to help maintain the scooter is to always charge the batteries at the end of the day after use. Now that sounds like basic knowledge but it's important! Scooter batteries are quite expensive and if you let the charge get too low for an extended period of time, they will have trouble carrying the same amount of charge, or potentially not charge at all. At the end of the day you should regularly get the scooter assessed at your local repair shop every six months, that way you can prevent any major breakdowns or surprises along the way.
This is going to be a pretty straightforward tip but when buying a scooter you should also keep in mind how active you are in your daily life. This does tie into accessibility somewhat but even more so if you are always out and about, maybe getting a scooter that's a little more adaptable to travel will be better for you. If you know that the scooter will be regularly in and out of the car, selecting one that's lighter will be much more beneficial to you in the long run versus a robust scooter that can't go in a car. Vice versa maybe selecting a scooter that is more robust will benefit you more than something that is light. If a certain requirement is needed to be met, for example "shock absorbers" then you should look up all scooters that provide that part and start sorting what works and doesn't work from that criteria you listed. Always pick the scooter that meets the requirements you need and then worry about perks after.
If you can take these small tips into account when looking to buy your next scooter you’ll have made a great step in finding the scooter that suits your needs and lifestyle best. But these aren’t the only tips that we have to offer, stay tuned for more articles throughout the season. And as always We are Here to Help!
Now that you are an expert on what a lift chair is, and the different positions they can achieve, you are probably wondering how to pick the best one for your specific situation. Picking the perfect lift chair for you can be tough. I see it similar to the story of Goldielocks and the Three Bears, you want that perfect fit. Nothing too small, too big, or too lumpy. Not only are there a wide variety of sizes, but you can pretty much customize a lift chair to your specific needs and wants. Yes, I said want, because who doesn’t want to have a comfortable place to sit, with some fancy bells and whistles for extra comfort and relaxation! Do you want to have heat and massage, a handy USB charging port for your smartphone/tablet, and built in cup holders on your favourite chair?! All that is now possible. Keep reading to learn how to determine what Lift Chair would best fit you, and the additional features you can choose from, when looking to invest in the Lift chair that is best suited for you!
]]>Now that you are an expert on what a lift chair is, and the different positions they can achieve, you are probably wondering how to pick the best one for your specific situation. Picking the perfect lift chair for you can be tough. I see it similar to the story of Goldielocks and the Three Bears, you want that perfect fit. Nothing too small, too big, or too lumpy. Not only are there a wide variety of sizes, but you can pretty much customize a lift chair to your specific needs and wants. Yes, I said want, because who doesn’t want to have a comfortable place to sit, with some fancy bells and whistles for extra comfort and relaxation! Do you want to have heat and massage, a handy USB charging port for your smartphone/tablet, and built in cup holders on your favourite chair?! All that is now possible. Keep reading to learn how to determine what Lift Chair would best fit you, and the additional features you can choose from, when looking to invest in the Lift chair that is best suited for you!
When considering purchasing a Lift chair, you should really sit down and think of how you expect to use it. Will it simply be a relaxing TV watching chair that gives you an added boost when standing up? If so, an entry level or more basic Lift Chair would work great for you and keep your cost down. Do you have specific positional needs, as in leg elevated when sitting to reduce swelling, being able to lay completely flat to sleep in the chair, or wanting to recline the back but leaving your feet flat on the floor? If so, you may want to look at the Infinite or Zero Gravity options. To recap see brief position guide below.
Two Position: Cost-effective entry level lift chair for clients who want a comfy place to sit, who also need the added boost when standing.
Three Position: Simple two button hand control that is suitable for all users.
Infinite Position: Has two motors, and allows you to control the backrest and footrest independently. Ideal for clients who need customizable support or are looking to sleep in their lift chair.
Zero Gravity: Has an additional motor on the base which tilts the chair in space, allowing for a true feeling of weightlessness. Ideal for clients who require specific positional needs for pain relief and/or must elevate their legs above their heart to improve circulation and reduce swelling in their legs. Best option for clients who are looking for customizable support or will be sleeping in their lift chair.
Finding the perfect Lift Chair for you next comes down to fit. The correct size of Lift Chair for you is important to prevent discomfort, falls, and mechanical issues when transferring in and out of your chair. It is kind of like Goldielocks and the Three Bears, you want that perfect fit. Nothing too small, too big, or too lumpy. Since people come in all different shapes and sizes, lift chairs come in a marriot of sizes ranging from Petite, Wide, to Heavy Duty. With such a wide size range you’d think it would be hard to find your new lift chair. To make it easier to find the best chair size for you, you will need to fill out the following 6 measurements
(1) Height: height of the main users of the lift chair. Ideally in feet and inches.
(2) Weight: weight of the main user. Ideally in pounds.
(3) Seat to Top of Back: Measure from the base of the seat to the top of the main user's head. Ideally in inches.
(4) Seat Depth: Measure from the back of the seat to the back of the main user's knee. Ideally in inches.
(5) Floor to Top of Seat: Measure from the floor to the top of the back of the main user's knee. Ideally in inches.
(6) Width between the arms: Measure from the left hip to the right hip, or the widest part of the client, while seated. Add 2 inches to get required width between the arms.
Once you have all these measurements written down, you can then use them to reference the specific measurements of your potential new chair in question to see if it will be a good fit for you. Most companies have these details listed in their brochures to help clients find their perfect fit. See a generalized size chart below, feel free to use the chart below to help you navigate the size of the Lift chair you may require based on your measurements.
Model Size |
User’s Height |
Seat to Floor Height |
Weight Capacity |
Petite Wide |
Below 5’3” |
19” |
375 lbs |
Super Petite |
4’8” - 5’4” |
16” |
250 lbs |
Small |
Below 5’ 3” |
19” |
375 lbs |
Medium |
5’4” - 6’ |
20” |
375 lbs |
Large |
5’10” and up |
21” |
375 lbs |
Heavy Duty |
5’6” - 6’1” |
20” |
500 lbs |
Very Heavy Duty |
5’6” - 6’1” |
20” |
600 lbs |
This is arguably THE most important thing when picking a lift chair. Not only does it need to suit your needs and fit you well, but it also needs to fit in with your existing home décor. No one wants an ugly piece of furniture sitting in their living room. Trust me, I have learned over time this makes or breaks the lift chair selected. Each manufacturer will have their own specific line of fabrics and colours, as well as which ones are considered standard or an upgrade for an additional price, so it is always best to check with them on that before purchasing. But I have seen that they all typically have the following categories of fabrics.
Soft Touch Fabrics: These are typically the standard fabric for most Lift Chair manufacturers and are the most similar fabric to a traditional chair or sofa. Not only are they soft to the touch, they come in a variety of colours so you will have no trouble finding the perfect match to suit your home décor. They are 100% polyester, durable, and have some resistance to stains and spills.
High Performance/Ultra Fabrics: Ideal fabric for if you are worried about messes or spills, because let’s be honest they happen from time to time.These fabrics are breathable, 100% spill proof and ready for anything life might throw at it. They are stain resistant and anti-microbial. A great option for Senior Living facilities.
Leather/Leather-like Fabrics: These fabrics are for clients who are looking for the look and feel of leather. These fabrics are scratch and blemish resistant, as well as antimicrobial and easy to clean, which will keep your Lift chair looking newer for longer. Leather/Leather-like fabric options are typically an upgrade, meaning there will be an additional cost and building time frame for them. Be sure to check on cost and build time for this fabric option before you purchase.
Vinyl Fabrics: This is the only fabric option that can be wiped down and disinfected without worrying about damages. Best option for Senior Living facilities where spills or accidents may occur. Vinyl fabrics are an upgrade, meaning there will be an additional cost and building time frame for them. Be sure to check on cost and build time for this fabric option before you purchase.
Be sure to research through your preferred store or the manufacturer’s website to see what colour and fabric options are available for the model you are looking to get.
We finally made it to the fun part! Time to look at extra features and options to make your chair custom to you. There are a lot of different options, depending on the manufacturer, and some are even considered standard features on higher end models. Make sure to check what options come with your lift chair model, and see if upgrading or adding on the following options is possible.
Footrest Extension: Do you have long legs? A footrest extension is a great option to consider if you need extra length and support.
Heat and Massage: Do you need heat and massage for pain relief? With a dual heat and massage system you can ease achy joints and enhance your comfort and relaxation.
Power Headrest and Lumbar support: Looking for extra support? Select chairs will have articulating headrests for optimal head position and/or powered lumbar system for added customizable low back support.
Backup Battery: Worried about power outages and being stuck in your lift chair? Invest in a backup battery that will ensure your lift chair is opernational when the power goes out.
Others Options:
Built in features such as cup holders, storage space, USB chargers.
To make your selection process easier, because let's be honest there are A LOT of options, feel free to use this handy dandy checklist below. Record your measurements, check off important features, and use it to help find the perfect Lift chair that not only fits you, but suits your day to day needs! As always, be sure to check with your preferred store and/or the manufacturer of your Lift Chair to see what options are available for the model you are looking to get.
]]>“Don’t slouch”. “Stand-up straight”. These phrases may cause horrific anxiety inducing memories for some of you from your childhood. I will be perfectly honest, I didn’t hear this too often as a child. Not that my Mom didn’t care, more so that it wasn’t as important as keeping 3 neanderthal-like boys from killing each other. Also, I grew up at a time when personal screens weren’t in existence quite yet. However, today is a very different story, not only do we have 3 smartphones and 2 tablets in our house, I am married to a physiotherapist. It is an understatement that I hear a version of these two statements daily. On bad days, I hear them with statistics (I love you, honey…).
To add insult to injury, I know that she is absolutely right. (Yes, honey I admitted you’re right… this time!). I have a honours degree in kinesiology that focused on biomechanics. Not only do I know that poor posture is bad for you. I know how to calculate how bad it is for you. Now before you run away on me. This article is not a run through of the grueling mathematics of poor posture, nor is it intended to guilt you into acknowledging how bad your posture is (because of course, dear reader, your posture is perfect. You’re reading this article for someone else). This article simply contains a few quick tricks to help correct or at least minimize some of the common poor posture habits, and the pains that come with them that most of us (but not you) are prone to.
]]>“Don’t slouch”. “Stand-up straight”. These phrases may cause horrific anxiety inducing memories for some of you from your childhood. I will be perfectly honest, I didn’t hear this too often as a child. Not that my Mom didn’t care, more so that it wasn’t as important as keeping 3 neanderthal-like boys from killing each other. Also, I grew up at a time when personal screens weren’t in existence quite yet. However, today is a very different story, not only do we have 3 smartphones and 2 tablets in our house, I am married to a physiotherapist. It is an understatement that I hear a version of these two statements daily. On bad days, I hear them with statistics (I love you, honey…).
To add insult to injury, I know that she is absolutely right. (Yes, honey I admitted you’re right… this time!). I have a honours degree in kinesiology that focused on biomechanics. Not only do I know that poor posture is bad for you. I know how to calculate how bad it is for you. Now before you run away on me. This article is not a run through of the grueling mathematics of poor posture, nor is it intended to guilt you into acknowledging how bad your posture is (because of course, dear reader, your posture is perfect. You’re reading this article for someone else). This article simply contains a few quick tricks to help correct or at least minimize some of the common poor posture habits, and the pains that come with them that most of us (but not you) are prone to.
One of the easiest things to do to help your posture is to move. To put it another way, don’t stay in one position for an extended period of time. On average, you should be changing position every 30 to 45 minutes. And I don’t mean just a small position “shift”. It needs to be a relatively big movement. If you’re sitting, stand up. If you’re standing, sit down. If you can walk around for a few minutes, even better! There are numerous good reasons to do so, from aiding with blood flow to reducing ligament creep and muscle tightening. The main point is that the machine of your body is built to move around.
I want to take a moment to talk about sit-to-stand desks because I really think that they could be used better. Many people think, well “if I stand at a desk that is better, and I will sit when I start to feel tired”. But standing still is no better than sitting, if you don’t move. In fact, I would argue that it could be worse as you are more likely to fall out of good posture because you will tire quicker. The best way to use these devices is to change the height and thus your working position before you are tired. And as I mentioned about, about every 30 to 45 minutes.
Ok, let’s knock out 3 quick tips to help you move during the day (finally…). Number 1, set a timer. This is super straight forward. Set a time for 30 to 45 minutes. When it goes off, change your position or get up and do a few minutes of vigorous movement (personally like to stretch; I haven’t pulled a downward dog in the office yet, but I’ve come close; and trust me, no one cares). I also prefer an old fashioned egg timer as my phone alarm tends to lead to other distractions when the alarm goes off. Number 2, spread your office out. Set-up your work space so that you have to get up to get things done. Put your printer away from your computer. Set-up your filing cabinet and bookcase on the other side of the room as well. And number 3, stand while you're on the phone. Now, I understand that you may not talk on the phone a lot when you are at your workstation. But, for the times that you are on the phone, if you make a habit of standing if provides a couple of positives. First, it changes your position and posture (I think we’ve established this). Second, it helps you sound clearer and louder (it helps you project, in other words). Third, it makes you a more engaging conversationalist. Movement helps vocal expression. Everyone to some degree talks with their hands, when you allow yourself to move while you talk that energy comes through in your voice, and your listeners are naturally more engaged with your message.
One of the worst bad habits most people (but of course, not you) have is holding their phones down near their belly buttons. This habit causes serious troubles over time. The main reason for this is the increased force (or weight) that your head exerts on your neck joints and tissues. On average, your head is about 10lbs to 12lbs (or 5kg to 6kg for you good metric folk). Now, we have the ability to balance that head with our neck muscles such that there is minimal force required to keep your head up. But taking into account that we need to move our head around, let's say it requires about 10lbs of muscle force to control our head in an upright “good posture” position. Now, if you look down toward your belly button (or where you hold your phone with your shoulders relaxed and elbows bent), your chin will almost be touching your chest. You, now, require up to 60lbs of muscle force to hold your head in this position. Just to point out the obvious, that is 6 times as much as when you are in a normal “good posture” position.
Ok lift your head up, I’m sure that you are getting tired! Which is the exact problem, (I know, I’m tricky right), those tiny little muscles in the back of your neck tire quickly. When those little guys or gals are tuckered out, your body takes on a couple of strategies. The first is that it utilizes the static structures of your body. In other words, your head is left to literally hang off the ligaments on your neck. The problem is these ligaments are elastic and stretch (or creep) and lengthen. This causes an over extension of your joints and pain. The second is that you increase your range, to accomplish your goal (ie looking at your glowing belly button window) by bending another part of your body. In this case you bend your upper spine.
Here is the kicker to all of this, we are really adaptable, and in this case that adaptability is not a positive. As your body is required to hold one position either for a long time or repeatedly for moderate amounts of time. Some tissues will lengthen and stay lengthened while others will shorten and stay short. In the case of poor posture, this eventually can lead to the classic hutch position (or kyphosis if you want to impress your non-healthcare friends).
Ok so let’s get to a couple of tips (finally, again…). Number 1, think of engaging your shoulders when you hold your phone or tablet. Ideally your device should be about 10 to 20 degrees below your head for a good viewing position. In this position you should be able to just look down with your eyes slightly. Now this position can be tiring, so you’ll need to suck it up. I’m just kidding. The addition to this tip is to move around, hold the phone with one hand if you are reading, allowing the other arm to rest. If you need to lower the phone to type, do so, just don’t stay in that position for long. Number 2, use a pillow (or a stuffy if you prefer, my house seems to have them everywhere) on your lap while you are sitting and using your device. This will allow you to rest your arms on something and keep your device closer to eye level, quite comfortably.
Yup, I said it again. Stretching helps. (Mamma nooooo…. Not more stretching). I know, it can be a bitter pill; if my wife is reading this, she is likely calling me a hypocrite at the top of her lungs. But, it is a resolution for me every new year, birthday, anniversary, etc, because I know how important it is. One of the core issues with poor posture causing health problems is the shortening of tissues that cause your body to be ‘stuck’ in a poor posture position. Having a part of your body ‘stuck’ means that you will have to adapt with other body parts working at the edges of their normal range of motion, or finding alternatives to perform relatively simple tasks. By keeping tissues long and allowing your body to easily move through its ranges of natural motion, you set a foundation for good health and good posture.
]]>Let’s get some Definitions:
According to The Canadian Continence Foundation FAQ page Urinary incontinence (UI) is “an involuntary loss or leakage of urine”. In simpler terms, whether a little or a lot, you pee when you don’t want to. This issue is so common that it’s subdivided even farther. ‘Urge’ urinary incontinence occurs with or after a sense of bladder urgency. Whereas, ‘Stress’ Urinary incontinence is accidental leakage “during physical activities such as coughing, laughing, lifting or exercising.”
You are Not Alone:
We all know about post pregnancy and elderly incontinence issues but even in those cases it’s not something that is spoken about. Like the title of this article suggests, most find it embarrassing to admit to others. The concern is that this embarrassment prevents you from seeking help and restricts you from your living life in a satisfying way. I think it's important to understand how common UI is, in order to realize that you are not alone.
]]>Let’s get some Definitions:
According to The Canadian Continence Foundation FAQ page Urinary incontinence (UI) is “an involuntary loss or leakage of urine”. In simpler terms, whether a little or a lot, you pee when you don’t want to. This issue is so common that it’s subdivided even farther. ‘Urge’ urinary incontinence occurs with or after a sense of bladder urgency. Whereas, ‘Stress’ Urinary incontinence is accidental leakage “during physical activities such as coughing, laughing, lifting or exercising.”
You are Not Alone:
We all know about post pregnancy and elderly incontinence issues but even in those cases it’s not something that is spoken about. Like the title of this article suggests, most find it embarrassing to admit to others. The concern is that this embarrassment prevents you from seeking help and restricts you from your living life in a satisfying way. I think it's important to understand how common UI is, in order to realize that you are not alone.
Again according to The Canadian Continence Foundation FAQ, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 1 in 3 women suffer from some level of UI globally. And Canada has somewhat similar rates with 33% of women over 40 experiencing symptoms. But it’s not a female only issue, as 16% of men over 40 also have UI concerns. Overall, about 3.3 million Canadians have issues with UI. That’s 10% of our population. Trust me when I say you are not alone.
Here is the saddening statistic though; of those over 40 years of age with self reported UI concerns only 26% have consulted a doctor regarding their concerns. That means that 3 out of 4 people are likely being held back on some aspect of their life due to UI troubles. And according to The Canadian Continence Foundation “almost all cases of urinary incontinence can be treated, managed or cured.”
The First Step is Always the Hardest
Obviously, a great first step is to speak with your family physician or another healthcare professional such as a pelvic floor physiotherapist. I understand, if that is a bit of a big step at the moment, the website that I am referencing for this article - The Canadian Continence Foundation - is a great resource for information and direction of how to manage UI issues.
Now let’s get things figured out
After consulting a healthcare professional, there are several avenues that can be taken to manage UI. I am going to list a few briefly, but I want to be sure to note that each option has pros and cons to consider and will greatly depend on the underlying causes of your urinary incontinence.
Surgical options: These include creating or implanting a sling to support the urinary anatomy, implanting an artificial sphincter, and implanting an inflatable insert
Therapy options: These include pelvic floor physiotherapy (exercise and tissue release), biofeedback muscle training, electrical muscle stimulation, and kegel exercises
Lifestyle Changes: These include reducing fluid intake, decreasing leak inducing physical exertion, weight loss, and quitting smoking
Medical Products: These include wearing absorbent pads or underwear, or using catheters.
As always be sure to discuss any treatment options with a certified healthcare professional for your own safety.
Shameless Plug
At Capital Medical Supply, we have a wide variety of incontinence products including pads, briefs and adult diapers. We also carry catheters in a wide variety of brands, sizes and styles. We’re here to help.
Once again, The Canadian Continence Foundation was used as a reference for the information in this article.
]]>Along with rolling/massaging those pressure points, or knots, you can use a foam roller to perform mobility exercises. I bet you didn’t realize that! Having poor mobility is another reason you may experience tightness or soreness after exercise or day to day activities. Since the vast majority of people sit most of their day, either at a computer for work and then in front of the TV at home, it is VERY important to work on staying mobile. Sitting for long periods of time causes your shoulders to round forward, hips flexors become shortened and tightened, and glutes and hamstrings get weaker from lack of use. Holding a static position like sitting for long periods of time causes your muscles to lose their function and will increase the likelihood of you experiencing aches and pains, it even increases your likelihood of injuries. Using a foam roller to perform simple mobility exercises and self-massage on a regular basis, a couple times a week, can help you move and feel better!
Whether you lift weights, run, bike, or even sit at a desk all day at work, using a foam roller should be a part of your exercise routine. Grab your foam roller and add these 3 exercises to your exercise routine to start feeling better!
]]>If you are familiar with working out I am sure you are well aware of what a foam roller is, but my question for you is, do you actually use it? If you’re anything like me, the true answer is no. From time to time you might remember to use it at the gym or at home, but rarely do you use it on the regular. Rolling feels like it takes a long time and often doesn’t feel very nice, but is a very important part of your exercise routine! The foam roller is the most basic tool for self-massage or mobility you can own! Using these devices can help relieve muscle soreness by releasing myofasicial build up, or in layman's terms knots in your muscles and connective tissue. The best way to self-massage is to use the foam roller to apply pressure on these pinpointed spots so you can loosen the tight soft tissue and improve blood flow. This will also aid in recovery of these soft tissues post exercise and reduce the soreness you feel from exercise or your daily life.
Along with rolling/massaging those pressure points, or knots, you can use a foam roller to perform mobility exercises. I bet you didn’t realize that! Having poor mobility is another reason you may experience tightness or soreness after exercise or day to day activities. Since the vast majority of people sit most of their day, either at a computer for work and then in front of the TV at home, it is VERY important to work on staying mobile. Sitting for long periods of time causes your shoulders to round forward, hips flexors become shortened and tightened, and glutes and hamstrings get weaker from lack of use. Holding a static position like sitting for long periods of time causes your muscles to lose their function and will increase the likelihood of you experiencing aches and pains, it even increases your likelihood of injuries. Using a foam roller to perform simple mobility exercises and self-massage on a regular basis, a couple times a week, can help you move and feel better!
Whether you lift weights, run, bike, or even sit at a desk all day at work, using a foam roller should be a part of your exercise routine. Grab your foam roller and add these 3 exercises to your exercise routine to start feeling better!
This is an amazing mobility exercise to help combat poor posture and range of motion of your upper back (Thoracic Spine) associated with long periods of sitting. Good mobility in your T-Spine allows you to move better and pain free in basically all directions; flexion, extension, and rotation.
The Set-up: Lay down on one side, bend your top knee and place it on top of your foam roller. Top of the foam roller is level with your belly button, your top hip bent at 90 degrees and hips should be level keeping your pelvis stacked and knee supported by the foam roller.Support your head by using a pillow or towel roll. (You may need less pillow or towel roll as you rotate. The goal is keep your neck relaxed and in a neutral position. Your bottom arm is straight out on the floor at shoulder height and the top arm is reaching up towards the ceiling, aslo at shoulder height
Step 1: Rotate - Begin slowly rotating your top arm behind you, think of your top shoulder moving toward the floor behind you. Maintain contact with the foam roller by pushing your knee down on it as rotation occurs. Reach the top arm out to a 45-degree angle from the body as you are rotating. Your bottom arm should be reaching towards the ceiling as you rotate backwards.
Step 2: Hold - Your bottom arm should now be pointing to the ceiling, and the other arm rotated back as far as you can go comfortably. Let your breathing sink you further into the stretch while actively reaching. Take 5 deep breaths while holding this position, think of relaxing into the stretch further if you can.
Step 3: Return - After 5 deep breath cycles begin to rotate back to the start position, returning to the start position.
Step 4: Repeat - Now that you are back at the start of the exercise, feel free to repeat as many times as you like. Then switch to the other side and repeat.
Use is self-massage rolling technique to help fight tight or sore glutes from exercise or sitting around all day!
The Set up: Sit on the foam roller with legs straight out in front of you. Cross your right leg over your left knee and lean towards your left side. Use your left hand for support if needed.
Step 1: Roll Forward - Slowly roll over your left butt cheek. This movement will be small, only a few inches forward.
Step 2: Roll Backwards - Slowly roll back to the start position. Again this should be a small movement, only a few inches if that.
Step 3: Repeat - repeat the rolling process on this side as you feel necessary, as either repetitions or under a timed amount, then switch sides and do it all over again!
Modification 1: If you cannot cross your leg yet bend your knees and use your heels as support. Lean leaning your weight to one side and rolling out that butt cheek.
Modification 2: If rolling feels too much, as in it is hurting a lot, feel free to roll to the tender spot and sit there for a few deep breaths. Work your way up to continuously rolling, as it can be intense if you are not used to it. Self-massage/rolling rarely feels good, but you never want to over do it. Make sure you are always working at a tolerable level for you!
This is an amazing mobility exercise, combined with a stretch, can help to relieve tension in your upper back and alleviate poor posture that stems from leaning or hunching forward often.
The Set Up: Lie on your foam roller directly under your spine, supporting your head and tail bone with the foam roller. Knees should be bent with feet flat on the floor. Arms should be above your chest at shoulder height, palms facing each other.
Step 1: Reach - Making sure your shoulders and back stay flat on the foam roller, slowly round your shoulders forward and reach your fingers towards the ceiling. Think about doing this in a nice slow 1….2….3…count. This is not going to be a big movement, most mobility exercises focus on small minute movements.
Step 2: Squeeze - Again, make sure your shoulders and back stay flat on the foam roller. Pull your shoulders down and squeeze the foam roller in between your shoulder blades. This should also be done by doing a nice slow 1….2….3…count. Don’t worry if you don’t feel yourself moving a whole lot, this is also a small movement.
Step 3: Repeat - Repeat the movements above as many times as you feel necessary.
Step 4: Chest Stretch - after you are done the reach and squeeze spread your arms out wide and rest your forearms on the floor. Palms should be facing upwards towards the ceiling.
Step 5: Hold - Hold this position for as long as you feel necessary, focus on breathing deeply and slowly while relaxing into the stretch.
As always, as a quick reminder before starting any of these fun new exercises, make sure that you consult your physician or trusted health care professional before starting this or any other fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately and contact your physician immediately.
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