Friday, June 26, 2009

First Aid Kits

We live in a very fast paced society where accidents are common. Thus, first aid kits are invaluable both at home and at work. For most people, any minor trauma means a visit to the nearest emergency room or to a health care professional. Having a first aid kit can help save time and money.

There are many types of first aid kits available for the average consumer. The contents of first aid kits depend on what the kit is going to be used for and for what purpose. Most first aid kits do contain basic items like bandages, some topical antibiotic, dressings, knife, gauze, pain medication, disinfectant, gloves, saline for irrigation, eye goggles, scissors, alcohol wipes, thermometer, blanket, syringe, and an assortment of creams and lotions. Medications, which are generally included in a first aid kit, are an anta acid, pain pills, and an antibiotic.

There is no ideal first aid kit and one must improvise depending on the situation. For home use, most first aids kits are sufficient but if one is a traveler or an outdoors person, survival kits must be supplemented with additional material. This may include addition of breathing equipment, splints, braces, fire starting kits, or other higher quality items to help survive at extremes of temperature.

Almost all first aid kits also come with an instruction manual which detail the supplies and how to use them.

First aid kits come in a variety of packages ranging from durable plastic containers, leather pouches or wall mounted cabinets. Again, the type of container one selects depends on the situation. In any case, one should always ensure that the first aid kit is in a waterproof container and the contents are kept sterile. All first aid kits should be regularly inspected and re-stocked. All out of date items should be replaced.

First aid kits do range in prices but a decent kit for both home and outdoor use starts at $ 30 and above.

For more on first aid kits please visit, www.buyasurvivalkit.com/firstaidkits-First_Aid_Kits.html

Compression stockings 101

There are many styles and designs of compression stockings available for the consumer. Once these compression stockings were only used in hospitals but today a variety of attractive stockings are available for the outpatient. These specialized compression stockings are indicated for treatment of various medical disorders including:

- prevention of deep vein thrombosis
- treatment of varicose veins
- limit leg swelling
- prevent development of spider veins
- lymphedema
- post phlebitic edema
- treatment of venous ulcer

Compression stockings can be worn either below or above the knee. Below knee compression stockings are adequate for the majority of individuals. Compression stockings available today are very different from those manufactured 2 decades ago. The latest stockings are durable, attractive, made of excellent fabrics, easy to wear and are aesthetically pleasing.

All compression stockings function in a similar way. The compression increases muscle contraction and enhances blood flow. This prevents formation of blood clots and swelling in the legs.

Compression stockings have graded pressure meaning that they feel tight at the toes and less so at the knee. This graded pressure allows blood to move upwards back to the heart. The squeezing action of the stockings results in less swelling of the foot and prevents formation of blood clots. At the end of the day, most people who wear compression stockings claim that they feel relaxed and do not have aching feet.

To get the best benefit from compressions stockings, they have to be worn everyday. These stockings do not cure varicose veins but can help prevent or worsening of existing varicose veins. When compression stockings are worn on a regular basis, they can also help relieve foot swelling, aching, and fatigue. Compression stockings are also recommended when one is traveling long distance via air or train.

Compression stockings are also ideal for individuals who are bed-ridden or are non-ambulatory. To get the most use out of your compression stockings, hand wash them and air dry. A decent pair of compression stockings can be bought for $7 and above.


For more on compression stockings, please visit www.medicalsuppliesandmore.com

Friday, June 19, 2009

Survival Kits

Many of us love the outdoors but unfortunately are frequently not well prepared for the unexpected. There are countless stories about individuals who have gone camping, hiking or fishing and have run into difficulties. The one common missing element with most of these stores was the lack of a survival kit.

Survival kits are very handy and are vital for professions like the military, lifeguards, army, foresters, bush pilots, coast guard, and anyone whose job involves distance travel in remote areas of the country. Civilians who work outdoors or in remote areas where the climate is harsh or unpredictable should be equipped with a survival kit.. For the average consumer, survival kits may come handy at the time of an accident, earthquake, floods, or any other natural disaster. There is no telling when an emergency may occur and thus it is important to be prepared.

There a variety of survival kits available for the consumer. These portable lightweight kits generally contain most things that you may need in an emergency. The type of survival kit one buys is dependent on the budget. Survival kits come in many sizes and contain different tools and supplies. The most basic survival kit will contain something to help you keep warm, solar lights, flares, water container, mosquito net, wide brim hat, fire steel or water proof matches, butane lighter, first aid needs, flash light, map, knife, fish hooks, LED flash light and batteries.

Depending on the kit some survival kits also contain adequate health supplies including bandages, antibiotic, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, lip balm, sunglasses, and even rubbing alcohol. Most survival kits also come with enough water to last a few days, rice, salt, water bags, canned food, high energy protein bars, fishing gear, tea and a container. Other tools include a Swiss Army knife, needle, thread, plastic bags, heavy-duty foil for frying, sturdy cord, hatched with a sheath and a bandanna. Depending on your budget, one can even add a flare, mirror and GPS navigational aid.

The type of survival kit, one needs depends on the situation. For the average individual who goes hiking or mountaineering, there are minimal survival kits. There are also survival kits that can be loaded on to a vehicle for long-term trips.

The cost of survival kits varies depending on the contents. On average a back pack kit with enough survival tools and supplies for 2 individuals going out for 2-3 days costs anywhere from $50-$70. Of course, one can pick and choose only the items one wants.

For more on survival kits, please visit http://www.buyasurvivalkit.com/home

Blood Pressure Part 2

Higher levels of blood pressure in one arm compared to the other is sometimes observed in children with a disorder called Coarctation of aorta. In this disorder, the large blood vessel (Aorta) is narrowed in the chest and causes an increase in blood pressure in the left arm.

In adults, a large difference in blood pressure between the two arms is usually due to narrowing of the blood vessels anywhere along the aorta or its branches. In either case, it is important to have some type of radiological study to determine cause of the high blood pressure in one arm. In many cases, if the treatment is supportive.

Individuals who monitor their blood pressure at home can use either arm to record blood pressure. However, in any case it is important to get the blood pressure measured by a physician from both arms to ensure that there is no is no large difference.

When blood pressure is slightly higher in one arm, then one should always measure blood pressure from that arm. High blood pressure is a silent disease and progressively causes damage to many organs, including the heart, brain, kidney, and eyes. Thus, it is important to monitor blood pressure regularly. Ensuring proper control of blood pressure has long-term benefits. If blood pressure is well controlled, it can be monitored once a week. Individuals who have variable blood pressure should monitor the pressure at least once a day until it stabilizes.

No matter how good your blood pressure is monitored at home, it is essential to get the blood pressure measured in a physician’s office occasionally to ensure that there are no inaccuracies. Individuals who make an effort control and monitor blood pressure usually have a much lower risk of stroke, heart attacks or kidney failure.

For more information on blood pressure monitoring devices, please visit http://medicalsuppliesandmore.com/7-Blood_Pressure.html

Disclaimer


The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. The Medical information is not proposed to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice of your physician or other qualified health providers if you have questions regarding your medical condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or postpone in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

If you think you may have an acute medical emergency, call your physician or 911 STAT. Our website does not recommend or endorse any specific laboratory tests, pharmaceutical drugs, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the website. Reliance on any information provided by our Website is solely at your own risk.

Which arm should I use to monitor my blood pressure? Part 1

Many individuals who have high blood pressure wonder which arm they should use for measuring blood pressure. For all consumers, the answer is relatively simple. It makes no difference which arm is used to monitor blood pressure.

One should be aware that there is always a slight difference in blood pressure measurement between the two arms, but this difference is quite small and clinically not important. In any case, individuals who have high blood pressure should monitor their blood pressure from the same arm, using the same device and at the same time on a regular basis. This method of measuring blood pressure is important to ensure that there are no daily fluctuations in the readings.

The majority of blood pressure monitoring devices available today record two numbers, a top (systolic), and a lower number (diastolic). When there is a difference in blood pressure between the two arms, it is usually the top number which will vary.

All individuals will have a small difference in blood pressure between the two arms. The difference may vary from 2-10 mmHg. This difference is small and is considered insignificant. However, when the difference between the two arms is more than 15-20 mmHg on a constant basis, then there is most likely some disease in blood vessels supplying the relevant arm.