Warning: Declaration of Walker_Nav_Menu_Dropdown::start_lvl(&$output, $depth) should be compatible with Walker_Nav_Menu::start_lvl(&$output, $depth = 0, $args = NULL) in /home/medshopp/public_html/wp-content/themes/goodnews4/framework/functions/mobile_menus.php on line 40

Warning: Declaration of Walker_Nav_Menu_Dropdown::end_lvl(&$output, $depth) should be compatible with Walker_Nav_Menu::end_lvl(&$output, $depth = 0, $args = NULL) in /home/medshopp/public_html/wp-content/themes/goodnews4/framework/functions/mobile_menus.php on line 40

Warning: Declaration of Walker_Nav_Menu_Dropdown::start_el(&$output, $item, $depth, $args) should be compatible with Walker_Nav_Menu::start_el(&$output, $item, $depth = 0, $args = NULL, $id = 0) in /home/medshopp/public_html/wp-content/themes/goodnews4/framework/functions/mobile_menus.php on line 40

Warning: Declaration of Walker_Nav_Menu_Dropdown::end_el(&$output, $item, $depth) should be compatible with Walker_Nav_Menu::end_el(&$output, $item, $depth = 0, $args = NULL) in /home/medshopp/public_html/wp-content/themes/goodnews4/framework/functions/mobile_menus.php on line 40

Warning: Declaration of Walker_Top_Menu_Dropdown::start_lvl(&$output, $depth) should be compatible with Walker_Nav_Menu::start_lvl(&$output, $depth = 0, $args = NULL) in /home/medshopp/public_html/wp-content/themes/goodnews4/framework/functions/mobile_menus.php on line 82

Warning: Declaration of Walker_Top_Menu_Dropdown::end_lvl(&$output, $depth) should be compatible with Walker_Nav_Menu::end_lvl(&$output, $depth = 0, $args = NULL) in /home/medshopp/public_html/wp-content/themes/goodnews4/framework/functions/mobile_menus.php on line 82

Warning: Declaration of Walker_Top_Menu_Dropdown::start_el(&$output, $item, $depth, $args) should be compatible with Walker_Nav_Menu::start_el(&$output, $item, $depth = 0, $args = NULL, $id = 0) in /home/medshopp/public_html/wp-content/themes/goodnews4/framework/functions/mobile_menus.php on line 82

Warning: Declaration of Walker_Top_Menu_Dropdown::end_el(&$output, $item, $depth) should be compatible with Walker_Nav_Menu::end_el(&$output, $item, $depth = 0, $args = NULL) in /home/medshopp/public_html/wp-content/themes/goodnews4/framework/functions/mobile_menus.php on line 82

Warning: Declaration of WPBakeryVisualComposer::addShortCode($shortcode) should be compatible with WPBakeryVisualComposerAbstract::addShortCode($tag, $func) in /home/medshopp/public_html/wp-content/themes/goodnews4/builder/js_composer/composer/lib/composer.php on line 232

Warning: Use of undefined constant face - assumed 'face' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/medshopp/public_html/wp-content/themes/goodnews4/framework/main.php on line 392

Warning: Use of undefined constant face - assumed 'face' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/medshopp/public_html/wp-content/themes/goodnews4/framework/main.php on line 392

Warning: Use of undefined constant face - assumed 'face' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/medshopp/public_html/wp-content/themes/goodnews4/framework/main.php on line 393

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home/medshopp/public_html/wp-content/themes/goodnews4/framework/functions/mobile_menus.php:40) in /home/medshopp/public_html/wp-includes/feed-rss2.php on line 8
Medcine Shoppe in Norton http://medicineshoppenorton.us You're not just a patient; you're part of the family. Wed, 19 Feb 2014 00:00:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.5.14 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do http://medicineshoppenorton.us/13-things-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/ Wed, 19 Feb 2014 00:00:37 +0000 http://medicineshoppenorton.us/?p=567 Mentally strong people have healthy habits. They manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in ways that set them uparmsa for success in life. Check out these things that mentally strong people don’t do so that you too can become more mentally strong.

1. They Don’t Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves
Mentally strong people don’t sit around feeling sorry about their circumstances or how others have treated them. Instead, they take responsibility for their role in life and understand that life isn’t always easy or fair.

2. They Don’t Give Away Their Power
They don’t allow others to control them, and they don’t give someone else power over them. They don’t say things like, “My boss makes me feel bad,” because they understand that they are in control over their own emotions and they have a choice in how they respond.

3. They Don’t Shy Away from Change
Mentally strong people don’t try to avoid change. Instead, they welcome positive change and are willing to be flexible. They understand that change is inevitable and believe in their abilities to adapt.

4. They Don’t Waste Energy on Things They Can’t Control
You won’t hear a mentally strong person complaining over lost luggage or traffic jams. Instead, they focus on what they can control in their lives. They recognize that sometimes, the only thing they can control is their attitude.

5. They Don’t Worry About Pleasing Everyone
Mentally strong people recognize that they don’t need to please everyone all the time. They’re not afraid to say no or speak up when necessary. They strive to be kind and fair, but can handle other people being upset if they didn’t make them happy.

6. They Don’t Fear Taking Calculated Risks
They don’t take reckless or foolish risks, but don’t mind taking calculated risks. Mentally strong people spend time weighing the risks and benefits before making a big decision, and they’re fully informed of the potential downsides before they take action.

7. They Don’t Dwell on the Past
Mentally strong people don’t waste time dwelling on the past and wishing things could be different. They acknowledge their past and can say what they’ve learned from it. However, they don’t constantly relive bad experiences or fantasize about the glory days. Instead, they live for the present and plan for the future.

8. They Don’t Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over
Mentally strong people accept responsibility for their behavior and learn from their past mistakes. As a result, they don’t keep repeating those mistakes over and over. Instead, they move on and make better decisions in the future.

9. They Don’t Resent Other People’s Success
Mentally strong people can appreciate and celebrate other people’s success in life. They don’t grow jealous or feel cheated when others surpass them. Instead, they recognize that success comes with hard work, and they are willing to work hard for their own chance at success.

10. They Don’t Give Up After the First Failure
Mentally strong people don’t view failure as a reason to give up. Instead, they use failure as an opportunity to grow and improve. They are willing to keep trying until they get it right.

11. They Don’t Fear Alone Time
Mentally strong people can tolerate being alone and they don’t fear silence. They aren’t afraid to be alone with their thoughts and they can use downtime to be productive. They enjoy their own company and aren’t dependent on others for companionship and entertainment all the time but instead can be happy alone.

12. They Don’t Feel the World Owes Them Anything
Mentally strong people don’t feel entitled to things in life. They weren’t born with a mentality that others would take care of them or that the world must give them something. Instead, they look for opportunities based on their own merits.

13. They Don’t Expect Immediate Results
Whether they are working on improving their health or getting a new business off the ground, mentally strong people don’t expect immediate results. Instead, they apply their skills and time to the best of their ability and understand that real change takes time.

Source: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/13-things-mentally-strong-people-dont.html

]]>
Pet Safety Tips! http://medicineshoppenorton.us/pet-safety-tips/ Fri, 13 Dec 2013 08:50:21 +0000 http://medicineshoppenorton.us/?p=556 Have questions? Please call your VET. For suspected poisoning, you can contact the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: (888) 426-4435.

]]>
Healthy Eating Series: Sun-Dried Tomato and Mozzarella Garbanzo Burgers http://medicineshoppenorton.us/healthy-eating-series-sun-dried-tomato-and-mozzarella-garbanzo-burgers/ Wed, 30 Oct 2013 22:25:52 +0000 http://medicineshoppenorton.us/?p=542 Guest Author:  Rebekah Barkhauerveg_burgera

I made this recipe to help my family on their quest for healthy meals!  I personally try to reduce my meat intake, and this makes a protein rich, tasty alternative!  I opted to bake (instead of fry) these patties to make them healthier yet!  I made believers out of my family, with this recipe, when I told them that garbanzo beans (chic peas) can taste good!  It’s all in the preparation!  I hope you enjoy these as much as we do!

Ingredients:

1 can (15oz) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 tsp lemon juice
3 tablespoons water
1 cup dry bread crumbs (italian style)
1 egg
10 small sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
5 – 1/4 inch slices of fresh mozzarella
1/2 tsp ground clove
1 1/2 tsp crushed, dried coriander (cilantro)
1 tsp salt

Preparation Directions:

1)  Place beans, water and lemon juice in a food processor, cover and process into a rough paste.     Transfer into a large mixing bowl.
2)  Place mozzarella cheese and sun-dried tomatoes into food processor. Cover and blend 2 to 4 quick     bursts. Add this to the mixing bowl and stir mixture.
3)  Add egg, clove, coriander and salt to the mixture, stir until well blended.
4)  Set aside 1/4 cup of the bread crumbs in a medium bowl.
5)  Slowly add remaining 3/4 cup of bread crumbs into the large bowl. Mix well
6)  Form 6 balls of mixture, roll in bread crumbs (that were set aside in medium bowl earlier) and press     into patties.

Patties may be refrigerated to cook later.

Cooking Directions:

1) Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2) Spray a large baking sheet with non-stick spray or line with non-stick aluminum foil
3) Place patties on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes (flipping them half way through bake time)

Serving suggestions:

Cut or break patties in half and serve on whole wheat tortilla wraps with lettuce and choice of condiments and ENJOY!  These also make a wonderful alternative to chicken on salads or in a chicken parmesan recipe.  It is easy to make this a gluten free recipe by replacing the bread crumbs with a gluten free, bread crumb substitute!  Serve on gluten free bread and enjoy!

]]>
Healthy Eating Series: Making healthy choices in life…. http://medicineshoppenorton.us/healthy-eating-series-making-healthy-choices-in-life/ Wed, 02 Oct 2013 18:03:24 +0000 http://medicineshoppenorton.us/?p=525 by Guest Author, Teresa Fullerton

When it comes to your diet and daily exercise, wow, it’s amazing the plethora of choices available on both topics.  How does a person choose the right path for their own life?  And, it really is a personal choice, a personal decision.  Think about all the diets, or lifestyle options we’ve been exposed to over the last 20-25 years.  We can be vegetarian, vegan, a ‘Weight-Watcher,” a ‘South-Beach-er,’ an ‘Atkins’ advocate, a ‘Master Cleanser,’ a ‘Cabbage patch-er,’ or, we can just eat ‘grapefruit.’  Or was it lemons?  For whatever reason, when my brain hears ‘diet,’ I think of suffering and extremes.  And, the amount of exercise options available, as the kids would text, “OMG,” there’s Zumba, Yoga, Jazzercise, running, walking, cardio, strength training, bicycling, swimming, and gardening, etc., etc.  There is so much to choose from.

A few days ago, a friend of mine asked me, “What are doing to eat healthy and how much do you exercise?”  (I’m glad she asked me about eating healthy versus ‘do you diet?’  I hate dieting, it’s so depressing).  So, what is it that I do?

glass_watgeraFor starters, years ago, knew I needed to drink more water, which have you ever noticed that most medical doctors never ask you about your water consumption, or explain the benefits of water for your body.  Why?  It’s one of the easiest things we can do to improve our health and longevity.  I hear people say all the time, “I hate water, can’t drink it.”  Yes, you can!  Start small and build on it.  I enjoy a 22 oz. bottle first thing every morning, before coffee or breakfast and then consume another two bottles (22 oz. each) throughout the morning and afternoon.  Your body will crave it once you’ve developed the habit.

Food, I like all things God has created and my aim is for balance.  My goal is to incorporate protein (lean meats, nuts, beans, cheese, or eggs), vegetables, fruit, some whole grain, and good fat into each meal.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not perfect at it, but it’s what I aim for.  I try to avoid pre-processed foods as much as possible and try to stay away from ‘bad’ carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, pasta, cookies, crackers…blah, blah, blah).  Making my own salad dressings has become the ‘norm’ at our house.  My favorites are a blue cheese dressing, compliments of Ina Garden, and whole-mustard vinaigrette, compliments of Rachel Ray, to name just a couple.  Some of the simplest dishes are the best, like the vegetable dish we had with last night’s dinner:  take one fennel bulb, sliced in ½ inch strips, two medium sized red-skinned potatoes, cut in wedges, three carrots, cleaned and cut in 1 ½ inch pieces, season with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, then coat with extra virgin olive oil.  Spread out on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes at 400 degrees.  This is an excellent accompaniment with a pork dish.

Exercise, where the ‘rubber meets the road,’ if you will.  Again, this is such a personal choice but unless you have some type of physical limitation that prohibits you from exercising, there’s something you can do.  I enjoy a variety.  We don’t really have the extra money for a gym membership, or ability to join exercise classes, but have found maintaining a variety of exercise DVD’s works well.  There are so many styles of DVD’s available and it really doesn’t require much room at home.  Even my husband has been incorporating them into his exercise routine.  My personal goal is to exercise at least 5-6 times a week, for 30-45 minutes, two to three days are strength building, a couple are cardio, and I end the week with Yoga.  Not real ambitious as some but find it’s a good balance.  My friends think I’m a little crazy since my typical work out time is 4:30 a.m. (during the work week), but after work, or during work, I don’t have to worry about having to fit in a work out.

Enjoy making healthy choices that will improve your life!

]]>
Healthy Eating Series: Italian Veggie Stir-fry http://medicineshoppenorton.us/health-eating-series-italian-veggie-stir-fry/ Thu, 22 Aug 2013 22:57:35 +0000 http://medicineshoppenorton.us/?p=516 by Lynn S. Karant, Business Manager of The Medicine Shoppe

It is my turn to share a recipe for our healthy eating series.  Our family has made a conscious choice over the past year and a half to try to eat healthier.  For us that meant cutting back to whole grains, eating more fruits, vegetables and nuts, eating more chicken and fish, and less beef (and the added benefit was that we all lost weight – woo-hoo!).

One of our family favorites is any kind of stir-fry, because it keeps in all the good vitamins and nutrients, and some of the veggies are still quite crunchy (but you can cook a little longer if you like them softer).  The beauty of the stir-fry is that you can use whatever veggies you have on hand.  On Sunday afternoon last, I stir-fried up a whole pot full of veggies fresh from our garden, as you can see from the picture.  Here is the basic recipe (you will note that I don’t specify amount – because that is up to you):

veggiesa

VEGETABLES:
Zucchini (sliced thin))
Yellow Squash (sliced thin)
Sweet Bell Peppers (any colors)
Onions (chopped or sliced)
Scallions (sliced)
String Beans (cut or whole)
Snow Peas
Tomatoes (sliced)
Carrots (sliced or in strips)
Broccoli (florets cut into bite sized pieces)

(You can add any other veggies you like…garlic, mushrooms, cucumbers, etc.)

SEASONING:
Oregano, Basil, Thyme, Parsley,
Chives, (which came from our herb garden) Salt and Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Add about 2 T. of olive oil to the wok (over medium heat) and saute the onions, scallions, garlic, mushrooms first.  Add vegetables by hardest first (carrots, then beans and peas, then broccoli, squash, peppers, etc. and last tomatoes).  The colors will brighten as they steam…cook until the texture is to your liking.  At the last minute add about 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.  Make sure you stir constantly so nothing burns.

If you want to make it a great one dish meal, then cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips along with the onions on the first step.  Add some fully cooked rice (brown and wild rice is our favorite) or orzo, or another favorite fully cooked pasta (thin egg noodles are good too) right before you throw in the tomatoes, and increase the seasonings and parmesan cheese slightly.

Hope you enjoy this as much as the Karant family does!

]]>
CoQ10 Fuels Your Heart! http://medicineshoppenorton.us/coq10-fuels-your-heart/ Wed, 14 Aug 2013 10:05:25 +0000 http://medicineshoppenorton.us/?p=489 What is CoQ10 and How Can it Help You?

by Joshua Corn, Editor-in-Chief of the Live In The Now newsletter

Remember That Your Heart Is Your EngineHeartbeata
I like to think about it this way.  Your heart works day in and day out to bring crucial oxygen and nutrients to literally every cell in your body, especially your brain cells.  It is essentially the “engine” that is powering your entire body, and on average it needs to pump about 100,000 times a day to get its job done.  That means it will pump billions of times over the course of your life.  Sounds like a lot of work and strain on the heart muscles?  It is, which is why taking care of your heart and keeping it strong is the key to a healthy heart and a long life.

What Fuels Your Heart?
Your heart is fueled by something called CoEnzyme Q10.  You may have heard of CoQ10 before, but it’s  important to understand why this nutrient is so critical to your body function.  CoQ10 is a cellular energy booster and powerful antioxidant and it is an essential part of your body’s energy-producing process.  CoQ10 is found throughout your body, but is most highly concentrated in heart muscles because of high energy demands there.

When your heart has the high levels of CoQ10 it needs, it works like a charm.  But when levels get low, your heart strains to do its job, and ultimately your entire body suffers.  Suboptimal heart function can result in “mystery” illnesses such as fatigue, muscle discomfort and decreases in mental functions, just to name a few.

Why Take Supplemental CoQ10?
According to leading experts who are on the cutting edge of natural health, it’s critical to supplement with CoQ10 as you age.  After the age of 30, natural levels of CoQ10 begin to diminish.  By the age of 50, your CoQ10 levels may be too low to support optimal heart function.  By age 70, your levels can become so low they can actually accelerate aging.  Your age aside, further loss of CoQ10 is caused by stress, illness or the use of certain medications such as statins.

In fact, the WORST culprit is statins.  It is now estimated that 1 in 3 adults over 50 take a statin. Meanwhile, few physicians warn their patients that by taking a statin to “help” their heart, they are in fact slowly draining their heart of the very fuel it needs for optimal health.  In my opinion this is a shame, since so many people’s heart health is being needlessly jeopardized at the hands of their own health care practitioners.

 

The Benefits of CoQ10 Are Too Good To Ignore

 

I’ve read literally hundreds of CoQ10 studies from around the world.  I can tell you first hand that CoQ10 is amazingly safe and well tolerated by the human body.  There appears to be no toxicity, even at super high levels.  Also, it has virtually no side effects.  It doesn’t make you jittery or upset your stomach. It doesn’t conflict with any other medications or supplements you may take.

What it does do is nothing short of fantastic in my opinion:

  • Energizes your heart and keeps it pumping strong
  • Boost brain power and provides mental clarity
  • Provides cellular energy and effectively combats fatigue
  • Fights off harmful f-r-e-e radicals that accumulate in your body
]]>
Healthy Eating Series: “A Grain Free Diet” http://medicineshoppenorton.us/healthy-eating-series-a-grain-free-diet/ Fri, 26 Jul 2013 14:53:24 +0000 http://medicineshoppenorton.us/?p=461 by Guest Author: Mariana KapusinskiGrain Free Granolaa

As a 34 year old mother of three, looks aren’t everything. What is important is feeling good, being “healthy,” and okay yes, losing a few pounds wouldn’t hurt either. My unintended quest for these three facets of a woman’s life began in June 2012.

My oldest child was almost 6, my middle child was 4, and my youngest was almost a year old. It was time to take control of my body again and get to work. My Weight Watcher days were long gone and that plan simply wasn’t working anymore.

I decided to cut grains (wheat, rice, oatmeal, cornmeal etc.) out of my diet to see if it would help with weight loss as well as my dermagraphism (itchy skin and hives). Since that change 13 months ago I have lost 47 pounds, I have more energy and my appetite has decreased. My dermagraphism, although not completely gone, is markedly improved.

My decision to go grain free started when a friend told me about her success with this lifestyle. I did quite a bit of research and found some interesting facts about grains that I didn’t know before. For example, they are high in phytic acid which binds up minerals and prevents the body from absorbing them. The high starch content in Lila Kagrains also contributes to chronic inflammation (a leading cause of many modern diseases). This means the body ultimately treats grains like sugar, telling the body to produce insulin. Once insulin levels fall, you crave more sugar (or grains) again, creating a vicious cycle. Our focus is on eating whole foods that nourish the body and allow it to function to its full potential. I try to cut out nearly all processed food, focusing on vegetables, fruit, full fat dairy products from grass fed cows (meat, butter, milk, cheese), pastured chicken and pork, nuts and seeds, coconut oil, coconut flour, almond flour, and extra virgin olive oil. We have also made the transition to purchasing non-GMO, organic and/or locally sourced food as much as possible (helps the local economy too!).

One of my family’s favorite recipes is Grain Free Granola. It’s full of healthy fats and just enough pure maple syrup to lend some sweetness without making it a dessert. We enjoy it with plain full fat greek yogurt and berries for a filling and protein packed breakfast.

Here is the recipe we use:

1 cup raw walnuts, chopped
1 cup raw cashews or raw pecans, chopped
1 1/2 cups sliced raw almonds
1 cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup raw sesame seeds
1 cup unsweetened coconut
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg white
1/4 to 1/3 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
  2. Whip egg whites until frothy, then mix in maple syrup and vanilla.
  3. Toss nuts with cinnamon and salt.
  4. Combine egg mixture and nuts and coat thoroughly.
  5. Spread nuts on 2 lined cookie sheets and bake for 25 minutes.
  6. Let cool completely then break apart. Add any dried fruit and banana chips (optional).

 

Recommended Reading: Wheat Belly, by William Davis, which sheds some light on gluten grains and their effect on our bodies.

]]>
Shingles Vaccine http://medicineshoppenorton.us/shingles-vaccine-2/ Tue, 25 Jun 2013 13:15:32 +0000 http://medicineshoppenorton.us/?p=453 What do I need to know about the Shingles vaccine?
BY: DAYNA RUFF

Have you ever asked yourself or someone, “Do I need to get the Shingles vaccine?” If so, then this article is just for you!

First, you may be wondering, “What is Shingles?” Shingles (also called Herpes Zoster) is a painful outbreak of a skin rash or blisters. This is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Symptoms include burning, tingling pain, or itching and may last from two to four weeks. It often appears on one side of the face or body. The pain that is associated with Shingles can be mild or severe. Some individuals experience itching while others feel pain from just a tender touch.

Furthermore, you may ask, “Am I at risk for Shingles?” There are several risk factors to consider. Anyone who has had chickenpox and/or is 50 years and older may be at risk. Shingles is also more prevalent in those with cancer or those taking drugs such as steroids. If any of these risks apply to you, you should consider receiving this vaccine.

So now the question is “What is the Shingles vaccine?” The Shingles vaccine is called Zostavax which is a single-shot live attenuated vaccine that helps prevent the occurrence of Shingles. According to the CDC, it is recommended that Zostavax be given to individuals who are 60 years and older. Zostavax cannot be used to treat Shingles or to prevent chickenpox. Receiving the Zostavax vaccination does NOT mean that a person will not get Shingles, but it can reduce the risk by 50%.

You may be wondering, “Is it safe for me to receive the Zostavax vaccine?” Zostavax is not safe for everyone. Some contraindications include individuals with a history of an anaphylactic reaction to gelatin or neomycin, taking immunosuppressive therapy, and diagnosed with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Since this is not a complete list of contraindications, contact your physician with concerns.

Finally, you might want to know “How can I receive this vaccine?” The Zostavax vaccine does require a prescription so you will need to make an appointment with your physician. If this vaccine is safe for you to receive the vaccine, you should take the prescription to a local pharmacy where they give Zostavax vaccinations.

Zostavax is an easy, effective approach to help prevent the occurrence of Shingles! Contact The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Norton, Ohio at 330-825-7676 with any questions.

Click here for more information.

]]>
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) http://medicineshoppenorton.us/durable-medical-equipment-dme/ Tue, 07 May 2013 22:49:03 +0000 http://medicineshoppenorton.us/?p=430 What is DME?

Durable Medical Equipment, or DME, is a term used to describe medical equipment that is available for home use during injury or illness. DME can be used in a variety of situations, but most commonly, DME is used to improve a patient’s mobility, comfort, and/or quality of life.

 

 

Who uses DME?

 

  • Persons who are injured or have recently undergone surgery

Athletes and non-athletes can endure an injury or accident resulting in a sprain or broken bone. Other times, a patient requires the replacement of a hip or knee in order to relieve pain and improve mobility. DME such as braces, crutches, canes, walkers, or wheelchairs can be used in these instances to help healing patients get around without putting weight on their injury.

  • Disabled or bedridden patients

Being confined to a bed brings additional challenges for both patients and caregivers. DME can be used in such instances to provide a more comfortable way to perform activities of daily living. DME used in such instances includes equipment for bathing (sponges with extendable arms, inflatable hair-washing basins, etc.), urinating or defecating (urinals, bed pans, etc.), and incontinence supplies (waterproof bed coverings and disposable undergarments).

  • Others

Sometimes patients have special conditions that do not necessarily leave them disabled or immobile, but require them to use specialized types of DME. Such patients include:

  • Patients with diabetes – may require the use of blood glucose monitors
  • Patients with high blood pressure – may require frequent monitoring of blood pressure
  • Patients with breathing difficulties – may require the use of a nebulizer
  • Patients with hemorrhoids – may require specialized cushions in order to sit comfortably

What are some examples of DME?

 

  • Crutches
    • Crutches are used to provide additional stability when a patient has undergone an injury or recent surgery and needs to keep pressure off of a leg, knee, hip, or ankle.
    • Crutches are often made of either wood or metal and are adjustable to a person’s height. Both pediatric and adult crutches are available.
    • The proper way to size crutches is by making sure that the patient’s arm is bent at a slight angle while grasping the handles, while at the same time not putting too much pressure under their arms with the top of the crutch.

 

  • Canes
    • Canes are used when a  patient needs to put limited pressure on one side of their body, or when they need additional stability to prevent falls when a hip or knee has a tendency to “give out” on them.
    • Canes come with a variety of handles:
      • Shepherd’s Crook
      • “Derby” or “Pistol Grip”– more comfortable than a Shepherd’s Crook handle
      • Contour – largely considered to be the most comfortable, but is shaped in a way which makes it only usable on one side of the body
      • Canes also have different types of bases:
        • Single tip
        • Four-pronged base – come in both small and large bases to provide desired stability
        • The proper way to size a cane is to have the arm bent at a slight angle while grasping the handle of the cane. If the arm is not bent, this puts too much pressure on the elbow and shoulder. The appropriate amount of “bend” in the arm is usually provided by placing the top of the cane handle about an inch or two above the wrist.

 

  • Walkers
    • Walkers also come in several varieties to help suit the needs of each patient.
      • Some walkers are provided with wheels so that the patient does not have to lift the walker to move forward.
      • Other walkers may come with chairs (to provide a place for the patient to sit when they get exhausted) or with baskets (so that the patient does not have to juggle their belongings while moving).
      • Walkers are sized similarly to canes, in that each arm should be slightly bent while grasping the handle. An additional precaution to take, however, is that the walker must be level, meaning that all legs of the walker should be adjusted to the same height.

 

  • Wheelchairs and Transport Chairs
    • Wheelchairs are often used by patients who are capable of using upper body strength to move themselves.
      • Large wheels provide a place for the patient to grip and propel themselves forward.
      • Handles on the back of the chairs provide a place for caregivers to grasp the chair when moving it forward (or backwards over curbs or steps)
      • Transport chairs are used by caregivers to move a patient who does not have upper body strength, or who should not attempt to move on their own.
        • Unlike wheelchairs, these chairs do not have large wheels, preventing the patient from moving on their own.
        • These are typically seen in nursing homes or hospitals, but can be used in the home.
        • Most wheelchairs and transport chairs, as well as certain walkers, have a breaking mechanism to provide stability when sitting down into or standing up from the chair.

 

  • Urinals, Bedpans, and Catheters
    • Urinals are used for patients who have difficulty making it to the bathroom, or who are confined to a bed or are unable to walk.
      • Urinals are designed only for urine, and should not be defecated into.
      • Urinals come in two different designs in order to suit the different anatomies between male and female patients.
      • Bedpans are also used to hold urine, but can also be used when the patient needs to defecate or vomit.
      • Occasionally, patients need to measure the amount of urine that they are producing, so it is common to see measurement markings on certain types of urinals.
      • Specialized, water-proof bed coverings (another type of DME) are used to protect bedding against spills that may occur in situations where a urinal or bedpan is being used, or in patients who are incontinent (meaning they cannot control their bladder). Such coverings may be required in addition to disposable undergarments for added protection.
      • Catheters are a type of DME that is inserted directly into the bladder through the urethra, thereby facilitating the elimination of urine in those who have difficulty emptying their bladder. 
  • Bath Chairs, Transfer Benches and Bath Railings
    • Bath chairs are useful for patients who cannot stand in the shower, or who are at risk for falling or slipping when they are not seated.
    • Transfer benches are a specialized type of bath chair. These chairs are somewhat safer as they sit both inside and outside of the tub. This allows the patient to scoot across the chair when getting in and out of the bathtub, rather than having to step in and out.
    • Bath railings provide for additional stability when both entering and exiting the bath or shower, and most come with grips as an extra security feature to prevent slipping.

 

  • Sitz baths
    • Sitz baths are commonly used for relief of pain in a variety of medical conditions, including: hemorrhoids, anal fissures, episiotomies, and more.
    • In addition to providing pain relief, they can also be used to clean the area submerged in the water.
    • Either cold or hot water can be used, depending on the condition being treated; medicines or other ingredients may be added to the bath to provide additional comfort or cleansing

 

  • Inflatable or rubber cushion rings, aka “O” rings
    • Cushion rings are used to relieve pressure off of the rectum or lower back/spine.
    • These rings can help provide patients with relief for a variety of conditions, from hemorrhoids to spinal injuries (such as a bruised tailbone).

 

  • Extendable Arms (Reachers/Grippers)
    • Extendable arms are most often used in patients who have difficulty bending over.
    • They are most commonly used to grab things that have fallen on the floor, or to easily reach things that the patient would otherwise have to strain to reach.

 

  • Braces (for the elbow, knee, ankle, etc.)
    • A variety of specialized braces are available, and are intended to provide stability to the desired body part. These are commonly used to help relieve pressure or to prevent the wearer from moving in a way which will cause discomfort to an injury.
    • Ankle and foot braces are available in a variety of designs. They can range from a slip-on compression over the ankle, to a full-length boot. Each of the following conditions uses a special type of ankle/foot brace: drop foot, Achilles’ tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, bunions, ankle sprains/strains, and ankle swelling.
      • Aircasts are inflatable boots that use air to keep the ankle in a stable position. These are sometimes preferred to typical plaster casts, since they can be easily removed.
      • Knee braces are used for conditions affecting the knee, such as ACL injuries, arthritis, or Runner’s Knee. There are several types of knee braces – those with openings at the knee, slip-on braces, strap-on braces, metal braces, and braces that are a simple band placed directly under the knee.
      • Leg braces come in a variety of lengths, stretching anywhere from the hip down to the ankle/foot. Generally, these braces are used to either immobilize the leg completely, or give it only a limited range of motion.
      • Back braces support the back for a variety of conditions, including: herniated discs, lower back or sciatic pain, and for support when lifting heavy objects. Specialized back braces are available for patients with scoliosis.
      • Abdominal braces are commonly used after certain types of abdominal surgeries. By providing pressure and support around the abdomen, it makes moving around – or even coughing and sneezing – less painful. Abdominal braces are also used to keep hernias inside the abdomen until corrective surgery can be performed.
      • Wrist braces are commonly seen on bowlers and other athletes who need to extra support for their wrists.  Wrist braces are also frequently used by patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which is a painful condition resulting from a pinched nerve caused by repetitive use of the wrist.
        • Typical wrist braces are flat, and limit the range of motion of the wrist.
        • Other braces, known as “Cock-up Splints,” use a piece of bent metal that rests under the hand, raising it above the wrist.
        • Other braces contain a special splint designed to immobilize the thumb.
        • Elbow braces are commonly used for a condition called “Tennis Elbow,” which is named such because it is frequently seen in tennis players. In these patients, there is soreness on the outside of the upper arm near the elbow, which may be a result of inflammation or tearing of the tendon. These braces are designed to put pressure on certain parts of that tendon to prevent it from moving around, relieving pain associated with this condition.
        • Cervical collars are commonly used for neck injuries or spinal injuries. These braces are designed to lift the head, relieving pressure off of the spine. They also prevent the patient from turning their head, which could worsen their injury. Cervical collars come in a variety of heights – the correct height is determined by the length of the patient’s neck and the desired “lift” of the head that is required.
        • Clavicle or shoulder braces are used for a few reasons, including: fractured clavicles, chronic shoulder pain, and even to correct or maintain good posture.

How can the Medicine Shoppe help?

The Medicine Shoppe caries all of the above types of DME. However, not all DME is displayed in the front of the shop. If there is a particular type of DME you are looking for, please ask for assistance. In the event that we do not have a particular product you are looking for, or you need a different size, we welcome special orders. Special orders typically arrive next day.

 

]]>
Clostridium Difficile http://medicineshoppenorton.us/clostridium-difficile/ Sat, 04 May 2013 09:11:25 +0000 http://medicineshoppenorton.us/?p=422 Clostridium Difficile  (klo–strid–ee–um  dif–uh–seel)

What is Clostridium Difficile?
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), which is also known as C. diff, is a spore-forming bacteria found in feces.  The bacteria cause a toxin-mediated response, which means they release a poisonous substance that causes the symptoms of the infection.

How does C. difficile cause infections?
C. difficile spores enter the body through the mouth and develop into the bacteria, which colonize in the small and large intestines.  Then, the bacteria release toxins, which destroy the mucosal lining of the gut.  Usually, the “good” bacteria in the stomach keep the C. difficile from forming colonies.  However, when patients are on broad-spectrum antibiotics, the antibiotics can kill the “good” bacteria and then there is no longer anything to keep the C. difficile from colonizing and causing an infection.

Are C. difficile infections common?
In the United States each year, about 500,000 people, mostly in hospitals and nursing homes, get C. difficile infections. However, the number of infections occurring in the community is increasing and now account for anywhere from 15,000 to 180,000 cases yearly.  Of those 500,000 people, approximately 14,000 will suffer a C. difficile related death.

Who is at risk for getting a C. difficile infection?
The main risk factor is taking broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as clindamycin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, penicillins, etc., that kill many different types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause disease.  The reason for this occurrence is that these antibiotics can kill the “good” bacteria in the gut that keep C. difficile from growing there.  When C. difficile infections are related to antibiotic use, the infections usually occur during or shortly after completion of the antibiotic therapy; however, the infection onset can be delayed for up to two or three months.

Other risk factors for getting a C. difficile infection include advanced age, taking a proton pump inhibitor such as Prilosec® and Prevacid®, an underlying illness, immunosuppression, tube feeds, a long stay in a healthcare setting, and the use of laxatives.

How is C. difficile spread?
1.Direct contact with infected person
2.Indirect contact with a contaminated surface
3.Indirect contact with an individual with transient hand colonization

People can become infected if they touch items or surfaces that are contaminated with feces and then touch their mouth or mucous membranes, such as eyes, nose, etc.  C. difficile is shed in feces. Therefore, any surface, device, or material such as toilets, bathing tubs, light switches, electronic rectal thermometers etc. that becomes contaminated with feces may serve as a reservoir for the bacterial spores.  C. difficile has been found in some meat products; however, the transmission from animals to humans has not been proven.  The overwhelming majority of C. difficile infections are spread from human to human.

What are the symptoms of a C. difficile infection?
The symptoms of C. difficile infections can range from symptomless carriage, to mild or moderate diarrhea, to severe, life-threatening intestinal inflammation.  The diarrhea, which is usually at least three bowel movements per day for two or more days, may be watery and contain mucus or blood.

Other symptoms that may be present include stomach cramps, abdominal pain or tenderness, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, and altered blood chemicals.

How is C. difficile treated?
The first step is to stop taking the antibiotic if it is thought to be the cause.  Doing so will resolve the infection in about 20% to 25% of patients within two to three days.  However, C. difficile infections usually are treated with antibiotics for 10 days.  Doctors may prescribe metronidazole, oral vancomycin, fidaxomicin, or a combination of these depending on the severity of the infection.

In addition to antibiotics, probiotics are often suggested for patients with C. difficile infections to help replace the “good” bacteria that are missing from the gut.  Our recommendation is to take Floraster® for one month and then Florajen 3® for an additional three months.

Lastly, due to the diarrhea it is also important to maintain hydration by drinking a lot of fluids.

How do you stop C. difficile from infecting other people?
The most important step is practicing good hand hygiene.  Hands should be washed with soap and running water after caring for or being in contact with the infected person. Alcohol-based products, such as Purel®, do NOT kill the C. difficile spores.  They only move the spores around the skin’s surface.  Therefore, hands must be cleaned with soap and running water to physically remove the spores by mechanical washing.

C. difficile spores can survive in the environment for months to years.  As alluded to above, C. difficile spores are highly resistant to killing by alcohol.  Therefore, most typical household cleaners and standard disinfectants do NOT kill the bacterial spores.  Chlorine-based cleaning agents, such as bleach, or other sporicidal agents are the ONLY products that can kill the C. difficile spores.  The available chlorine concentration in products used to kill the C. difficile spores should be at least 1,000ppm and ideally may be 5,000ppm.  The lower concentration is equal to a dilution containing one part bleach for every 10 parts of water.  This product needs to be made fresh every day.

In addition to maintaining good hand hygiene and disinfecting the environment, it is advised to use contact precautions for the duration of the diarrhea.  Using a separate bathroom is recommended.  If doing so is not possible, be sure the bathroom is cleaned well, with the appropriate bleach solution, after the infected individual has used it.  It may also be a good idea to limit unnecessary human-to-human contact as much as possible to further prevent the infection from spreading to others.

How do you lower your chances of getting C. difficile?
Maintaining good hand hygiene is very important for preventing infections in general.  Although Purel® is effective for killing most types of bacteria, it does NOT kill C. difficile spores.   Therefore, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water on a regular basis, and frequently if you have been around someone with a C. difficile infection. Soap and running water is the only way to remove C. difficile spores from your hands if they become contaminated.

Do not demand antibiotics if your doctor says you do not need them.  Antibiotics can be life-saving medicines.  However, in addition to killing the bad bacteria they also kill the “good” bacteria in the gut.  Therefore, when a person takes antibiotics, it may be months before the “good” bacteria grows back to protect against a C. difficile infection.

References:
1. Clostridium difficile Infection.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 14 December 2012 from http://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/cdiff/cdiff_infect.html.
2. Cohen SH, Gerding DN, Johnson S. et al.  Clinical practice guidelines for Clostridium difficile infection in adults: 2010 update by the society for healthcare epidemiology of America (SHEA) and the infectious diseases society of America (IDSA). Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2010;31(5):431-55.
3. Gould C, McDonald C. Clostridium difficile (CDI) Infections Toolkit.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2009. Accessed 14 December 2012 from http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/guidelines/eic_in_HCF_03.pdf.
4. Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities.  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2003. Accessed 14 December 2012 from http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/guidelines/eic_in_HCF_03.pdf.
5. Laino C.  C. diff on the Rise Outside the Hospital.  WebMD Health News 2011. Accessed 14 December 2012 from http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20110920/c-diff-on-the-rise-outside-the-hospital.

]]>