Have you ever wanted to know how many steps you take during the day? Clip a pedometer to your belt loop and find out!  It’s a great motivator, especially if you get one that tells you how many calories you burned. Following a low-carb regimen? Keep your fat metabolism in check with ketone test strips.

 Shop all  Home Test Kits including drug tests, blood alcohol tests and cholesterol checks.  Diabetics, find all of your Glucose Meters and Test Strips in our Diabetic Supplies category.

Some of the neatest gadgets on the market are the body fat analyzers and body composition scales. You just hold them, or stand on them and they send a harmless beam through you to see how much fat you have in there. Some of them even calculate your water and muscle percentages too. 

Shop all  Body Fat Analyzers and Scales

In addition to the wide selection of blood pressure monitors and thermometers to track your health, we also have some cool techno ways to monitor your heart rate during exercise… I wear one to make sure I’m staying within a good heart rate zone while I’m hiking or doing cardio.

 Shop all Heart Rate Monitors

Professionals, check out our great deals on diagnostic tools such as:

• Pulse Oximeters
• Eye Charts
• Color Blindness Test
• Physician’s Scales
• Stethoscopes (Sphygmomanometers, if you must)
• Calipers
• Otoscopes
• Health Monitors (Reflex Hammers, Pregnancy Tests, Goniometers…)
• Therapy Test Kits (Hand Evaluation, Manual Dexterity…)
• Thermometers

And if you’re wondering what else you can possibly monitor, shop All Diagnostic Products.  Happy shopping!

When to Use Heat to Treat Arthritis Pain

Therapeutic Heat is most commonly recommended for arthritis pain because it relaxes tendons and ligaments thereby increasing flexibility and decreasing pain. Heat also increases blood flow and improves joint range of motion.

So why the debate over hot or cold? Dr. Sperber says that for acute injuries (sprains, strains, etc.) just about everyone recommends ice, but for chronic conditions, like arthritis, both cold and heat can help reduce inflammation, so it may come down to whichever feels better to you.

As for how heat should be used, there are competing problems. The trick is to get enough heat into the tissue, for long enough, without burning your skin. For example, hands heat up fairly easily because the tissue is not “deep”, but for deep tissue pain, in the hip for instance, you may need to apply a lower temperature for a longer time. There are specific products that address these issues and each product comes with recommended time usage guidelines.  Since everyone feels and responds to pain differently, you should discuss a pain management plan with your doctor.

Most Popular Heat Therapy Products

Portable Whirlpool Spas – Get the benefits of a hot tub without the expense of installing one. The ultimate in heat therapy, relaxation, pain relief and stress relief, portable whirlpools are highly recommended by arthritis pain sufferers.  And for the ultimate in moist heat, step into your own AromaSteam Portable Steam Sauna!

Shop all Relaxation Products

Massaging Foot Spas - Get heat and hydrotherapy to your sore arthritic feet fast with a warm, bubbling foot spa.  Perfect for stimulating circulation and reviving tired feet.

Shop all Foot Care

Shop all Massagers

Heating Pads - Sometimes deep penetrating heat is the best thing to reduce your arthritis pain. The Thermotex Infrared Heating Pad TTS Platinum model is the most popular infrared model. It is a nice portable size (17” x 15”) and has adjustable straps so you can fit it comfortably almost anywhere on the body.

Shop all Thermotex heating pads

Moist Heat – Arthritic and rheumatic pain is often relieved with moist heat. Moist heat increases blood flow, soothing inflamed joints and increasing flexibility. We suggest the Theratherm Digital Electric Moist Heating Pad, the Thermophore Automatic Moist Heat Pack or the Thermophore Arthritis Pad. There’s also a Therabeads Moist Heat Mitt that you wear on your hands.

Shop all Heat / Heating Pads

Shop all Thermophore heating pads

Shop all TheraBeads

Light Relief Light Therapy - This popular hand-held device provides topical heating to elevate and/or maintain tissue temperature wherever it is placed. My grandmother uses it to relieve joint pain and she loves it. One of our Allegro customers used it to relieve pain in her dog!

Shop all Pain Relief

Paraffin Bath - Dip your hands, feet or elbows in melted paraffin wax and let the intense heat spread through your stiff arthritic joints for fast acting, drug-free therapy. The best one on the market is the Therabath PRO Paraffin Bath. This unit is large enough to accommodate your hands, feet or elbows but small enough to fit on your countertop. It includes hospital grade paraffin with your choice of scents.

Shop all Hot/Cold Therapy

Arthritis Gloves - These specially designed arthritis gloves provide mild compression and warmth for your hands. Heat increases circulation which reduces aches and stiffness. Some people wear them day and night. They have open fingertips so your can feel, touch and grip.

Shop all Arthritis Products

When to Use Ice to Treat Arthritis Pain

“As a general rule of thumb, ice is best for soft tissue musculoskeletal injuries such as bruises, sprains or acute trauma”, says Dr. Kevin Sperber, Board Certified Pain Management Specialist at Columbia University.  ”Cold therapy may also be beneficial if you experience a flare of pain after activity. Cold acts as an analgesic by numbing the sore area and can also drastically reduce swelling and discomfort.”

For the most part, doctors recommend cold packs be applied for only 10-20 minutes, then wait 40 or 50 before applying again if necessary. With prolonged application of cold you could hurt yourself, especially if you have sensory problems or impaired vascular circulation in your hands and feet.  I’m also told that after 20 minutes or so, your body starts to try to warm itself up again so cold therapy applied longer than that may be counter-productive.

Most Popular Cold Therapy Products:

Frozen Gel Cold Packs - Save your frozen peas and use a pliable, reusable “ice pack” instead. ColPaC makes them in lots of sizes and shapes. Keep ice packs in the freezer and they’ll be ready whenever you have a flare-up. Remember to use layers of dry terry toweling between the cold pack and your skin.

Biofreeze - This topical pain reliever is highly recommended for temporary relief of arthritis, neck pain, back pain, sore muscles and more. You can order it in a tube, roll-on, wipes, spray or gel pump.

Shop all Pain Management

Thousands of Allegro Medical customers have found relief with these products. So can you. Order yours today.

Check out all of our hot/cold therapy products or Shop by Condition: Arthritis to see all arthritis products.

Allegro’s most popular creams and ointments and are primarily barrier type or moisturizing products designed to help protect and heal skin irritations from incontinence, diaper rash, wound drainage, fistulas, feeding tube leakage, minor burns and perspiration.   We also carry specialized skin products and antifungals for specific skin conditions.  Browse our Shop by Condition: Skin Conditions area to find all of Allegro Medical’s top skin care and personal care products.

Top 10 Most Popular Creams and Ointments

Sween 24 Superior Moisturizing Protectant Cream- This long-acting once-a-day moisturizer soothes dry, flaky, itchy skin.  Fragrance and lanolin-free. Contains 6% Dimethicone.  Easily applied, readily absorbed and silky.

Shop all Coloplast Sween

Shop all Creams

Remedy Skin Repair Cream - Specially formulated for those at risk for skin breakdown.  Remedy Skin Repair uses water molecules to moisturize and deliver nutrients of Olivamine to the cells.  Also provides relief to dry skin and protects and relieves damage caused by frequent hand washing.  Ideal as a facial moisturizer.  Available in 4 oz tubes, 2 oz tubes, 32 oz pump or Remedy Skin Repair Kit

Shop all Remedy Skin Products

Shop all Barrier Products

Shop all Incontinence

Calmoseptine Ointment - Contains calamine, zinc oxide, menthol and lanolin to provide a multipurpose moisture barrier.  Protects and heals skin irritations from feeding tube leaks, incontinence, burns, scrapes, diaper rash, wound drainage, fecal or vaginal fistulas and moisture.  Temporary relief from discomfort and itching.

Shop all Calmoseptine

Shop all Ointments

Shop all Burn Care

Bacitracin Zinc Ointment – 1/32 oz foilpac - Compares to Baciguent.  Used topically to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns. Ask a doctor before using this in the case of deep or puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns.  Don’t use longer than a week without talking to your doc. 

Shop all Antibiotic Ointments

Shop all Fougera

Shop all OTC Medications

Aloe Vesta 3-n-1 Protective Ointment - An ideal  barrier and ointment for routine incontinence care.  This easy-to-apply petrolatum-based ointment provides an effective barrier that seals out moisture, contains protein-rich emollients and is non-sensitizing and fragrance free.

Shop all Aloe Vesta

Shop all Ostomy Supplies

Aloe Vesta Antifungal Ointment- Cures most superficial fungal infections with 2% Miconazole Nitrate in a petrolatum base.  Ideal for treating athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch.

Shop all Convatec

BAZA Antifungal Cream - This anti-fungal is also a moisture barrier against urine and feces.  The zinc-oxide based formula with 2% Miconazole Nitrate inhibits fungal growth and treats yeast/monilia, jock itch, ringworm and athletes foot.  Another very popular antifungal moisture barrier, formulated for perineal skin irritation due to fungal infection is the Critic-Aid Clear AF.

Shop all Antifungals

Shop all Foot Care

Shop all Moisture Barriers

Sween Cream Moisturizing Body Cream - Cracked knees or elbows? Red, sore, irritated skin?  Look no further.  Sween Cream is known the world over for its ability to immediately restore dry, fragile skin at risk for cracking.  Non-occlusive formula absorbs quickly.  Won’t interfere with the adhesion of tape or ostomy appliances.

Shop all Sween

Atrac-Tain Moisturizing Cream - Superior moisturizing relief for severely afflicted dry, scaly and cracked skin conditions.  Contains 10% Urea and 4% Alpha Hydroxy Acid (lactic acid).  Fragrance and preservative free.  Safe for sensitive skin.

Shop all Dry Skin Treatments

Medseptic Skin Protectant Cream - This superior moisturizer is formulated to treat adult diaper dermatitis, denuded skin and minor burns.  Contains 50% USP approved lanolin.  Recommended by the Foot and Ankle Institute for diabetic patients to help hold moisture in, especially on the feet, ankles, elbows and hands.

Shop all Diabetes Skin Care

Shop by Condition: Diabetes

Bonus Product

My Personal Favorite – Deep Healing Foot Cream - Diabetic feet, sensitive feet or not, you’re heels will love this cream.  It contains mineral oil, urea, lanolin and vitamins A, D & E.  Also works great on hands.  I use it every night before bed.  It’s non-greasy and safe for all your body parts.  Get some!

Here’s wishing you clear, smooth skin throughout your life.  As always, we appreciate your business and thank you for being an Allegro customer.

5 Tips for Successful Resolutions

1.  Define Feelings First.  Sometimes we set “the wrong goals”.  We think that accomplishing a certain goal will make us feel the way we want to feel.  For example, you may resolve to lose weight, or stop smoking, reduce stress,  or spend more time with the kids/spouse/family, etc. but really what you want is to have more energy or to stop worrying about your immortality, or to stop feeling anxious.  Maybe you want to rid yourself of shame.  Or to feel more connected or safe or grounded.  Whatever you want, your feelings may not be realized or satisfied if you set the wrong goal.  Start by defining the feeling and then pinpoint the things that make you feel that way, essentially backing into a goal.  If you ever say “I’m tired of feeling (fill in the blank).”  That’s a good place to start.  Connect the dots back to a goal that, when accomplished, will make you feel the way you want to.

2.  Tell the Truth.  If, say, your resolution is to eat healthy and work out every day - and these have been your resolutions every year for as long as you can remember, then perhaps you need to come clean about why you’re failing.  Ask yourself WHY it is hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle year-round.  Get your answer and then ask WHY THAT is happening.  Keep interrogating yourself, fleshing out your excuses until you get to the truth.  Be honest. It might not be pretty, but it is a place to start.

3.  Break it Down.  So you’ve decided that your goal is to feel proud and confident in your clothes.  Breaking it down further, you want to look hot in your jeans and get positive feedback, compliments – whistles even.  This could mean you need to lose weight, gain weight, buy new jeans, change your shoes, firm up your fanny or a number of other things. Point is, you are drilling down to a goal that can be measured and tracked.

4.  Say it Out Loud! It’s part of the Secret, and it seems to work.  Anyone who knows the power of prayer will agree that something about making your intentions, plans and wishes known to the universe makes them more likely to happen.  Try articulating your goals and dreams out loud – often.  Put them on the fridge or write them on the bathroom mirror.  Say your goals with confidence to yourself and others.  Don’t worry about failing or looking like a fool. Ignore the naysayers and negative people.  The people who care about you will support you.  Those who don’t, don’t matter.

5.  Plot Your Strategy.  Research your options, make your goals measurable and seek help.  Monitor your progress and adjust if necessary, but don’t give up.  Gather the right tools to measure and chart your success.  In the case of weight loss or health improvement, you can use Diagnostic Products such as  Body Fat Analyzers, Pedometers, Home Test Kits and Scales.  If you make your goals and progress visible, you will remain committed and motivated. 

Whatever you do, remember to reward yourself along the way!  Good luck.

Helpful Health Monitors and Aids

Track your blood pressure and cholesterol with the Cholestrak Test Kit, Resperate BP Reducer, Automatic Wrist Digital Blood Pressure Monitor, or Talking Blood Pressure Monitor.

Protect your family with a Smoke Detector w/Strobe & Battery Backup or Carbon Monoxide Detector w/Strobe.

Rest easier with a Better Sleep Pillow, Sleepmatterzzz Pillow, D-Core Pillow or Butterfly Pillow.

Be on time with the Sonic Bomb Alarm, Sonic Boom Alarm or SunRise Alarm Clock.

Bath assists can help you safely navigate the tub, sit down in the shower, get on and off the commode, manage your hygiene or assist in your bowel program.  Generally, bath assist products are designed to help you do your business safely and within your means, with limited or no help from others. 

If you can’t get to the bathroom, no fear.  We have portable commodes, rinse-free shampoo and cleansing products, plus inflatable tubs and sinks.  A caregivers dream!  Take a look (and pardon the potty humor) . . .

Best Bathroom Assists

Magic Bullet Suppository - Prepare for a short evacuation!  This water based laxative stimulant works fast – usually within 15 minutes. 

Shop all Laxatives

Shop all Magic Bullet

Toilevator Toilet Riser, 500 lb Capacity - Gives new meaning to the term throne.  This king of toilet risers – this hip-pampering, knee-saving gem of a product – raises your existing toilet a full 3.5″ off the ground, as if to meet you.  As it should.  Dignified, stable and cost effective.

Hinged Elevated Toilet Seat – 3″ - An alternative to raising your toilet off the ground, this hinged toilet seat incorporates the riser into the existing toilet seat.  Handy for men when Number 1 calls, they simply raise the hinged elevated seat  instead of completely removing it.  All it needs is a automatic lid lowering mechanism, right ladies?

Shop all Raised Toilet Seats

Invacare Shower Chair – 400 lb Capacity - Stability, comfort and tool-less assembly in seconds.  It has everything – adjustable height, rubber tipped legs, deep contoured seats and an ergonomic backrest.  Let’s face it though, the best part is that you can sit down in the shower. 

Shop all Shower Chairs

 Don’t forget the Hand-Held Shower Sprayer!

Bath + Safe Adjustable Transfer Bench - Slide on over, ‘lil trucker.  This bath transfer bench provides easy access to the tub/shower for those who have difficulty getting in and out. Decked out with height adjustable legs, removable back and arm, built-in hand held shower holder and suction feet, you’re all set.

Shop all Bath Transfer Benches

Suction Rail – Heavy Duty Suction, 19 3/4″ - Stability is within reach wherever and whenever you need it with this heavy-duty, non-marring, portable suction cup grab bar. Installs in seconds, with no drilling.  Reposition as needed. Red light/Green light indicator lets you know when it is secured to the wall.  Get one!

Shop all Grab Bars and Tub Rails 

Comfort Bath Rinse-Free Shampoo and Conditioner Cap - Wash and condition your hair without ever getting wet?  The Comfort Bath Cap is the first complete, one-step rinse-free hair care system in a microwavable cap (one time use).  Remarkable invention.

Shop all Bath and Shower Aids

Shop all Wipes and Washcloths

Shop all Personal Care Hygiene

All-In-One Steel Commode - Instead of going to the toilet, let the toilet come to you.  This bedside commode features a large 16″ wide-snap on seat with a lid and a greater seat opening depth.  And with the backrest removed, it becomes a toilet safety frame or raised toilet seat.

Shop all Commodes

Shop all Commode Accessories

Shop all Bed Pans

Swash 1000 High-Tech Bidet Toilet Seat – Seriously, folks, this is great for everyone. Believe me, I’ve tried it.  The ultimate in bathroom comfort and hygiene, the Swash 1000 high-tech toilet accessory washes and dries your nether regions in style, with warm water, no less.  The perfect gift.

Shop all Brondell

Shop all Sitz Baths & Bidets

Shop all Toilet Seat Accessories

Carex Toilet Safety Frame - It fits around your toilet,  helping to stabilize your comings and goings.  Adjusts both in width and height. Weight capacity of 300 lbs.

Shop all Carex Bathroom Assists

Shop all Toilet Safety Frames

The Freedom Wand- This portable toileting aid grasps toilet tissue (self-wiping aid), a razor, loofah or an oitment applicator and lets you reach places you have trouble reaching otherwise.  Great for those with limited mobility!

Shop all Toileting Aids

Want to see everything at once? Shop all Bathroom Assists 

Thank you for doing your business with Allegro.  Did that come out right?

Allegro’s wound care category has a variety of products designed to protect wounds and speed healing.  The type of products used depends on the stage and severity of the wound.  Below are our most popular wound care products for pressure sores, venous and arterial leg and foot ulcers.

Most Popular Pressure Sore and Ulcer Products

Mepilex Border Self-Adherent Absorbent Foam Dressing- This popular self-adherent foam dressing minimizes trauma to the wound and pain to the patient during dressing changes.  It is designed for a wide range of exuding wounds including pressure ulcers, leg and foot ulcers and traumatic wounds.

Shop all Mepilex Dressings

Shop all Molnlycke

Shop all Foam Dressing

Shop all Wound Care Dressings

Promogran Prisma Matrix Wound Dressing- Appropriate for diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, pressure ulcers and all chronic wounds, Promogran Prisma contains a unique combination of collagen, ORC and silver-ORC to absorb chronic wound fluid and create the optimal environment for cellular growth.

Shop all Promogran Wound Care

Shop all Systagenix Wound Care (formerly Johnson & Johnson)

Shop all Collagen and Silicone Dressings

Iodosorb Gel Cadexomer Iodine- Triple action kills bacteria, manages exudate and debrides the wound.  Iodosorb Gel is specially formulated for use on wet, exudating ulcers, diabetic and venous ulcers, pressure sores and infected wounds.

Shop all Iodosorb

Shop all Wound Cleanser & Debridement

SAF-Clens AF No Rinse Cleanser - Intended for the cleansing of Stage I-IV pressure ulcers, stasis ulcers, diabetic ulcers, post-surgical wounds and more. Removes debris, slough and eschar without damaging healing tissue.  No rinse formula.

Shop all Convatec Wound Care

Shop all Cleanser & Debridement

Normlgel Hydrogel Dressing - Provides a moist environment for the wound, optimum for healing.  Normlgel may be used on granulating and open wounds such as pressure ulcers, venous and arterial leg ulcers, diabetic ulcers, burns and open surgical wounds.  Another popular hydrogel is the SilvaSorb Hydrogel with antimicrobial silver protection.

Shop all Hydrogel Dressing

Shop all Silver Dressing

3M Tegaderm Transparent Film Dressing – This all-in-one sterile, transparent dressing frames the wound and delivers first aid all in one.  Used for acute wounds, surgical sites and chronic wounds including Stage I and II pressure ulcers,  Tegaderm protects at-risk skin or can be used as a primary or secondary dressing. Breathable yet waterproof. 

Shop all Tegaderm

Shop all 3M Wound Care

Shop all Transparent Dressing

Silvercel Antimicribial Alginate Dressing- Great for pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers and surgical wounds, Silvercel combines silver and alginate into one unique dressing, providing both antimicrobial action and enhanced exudate management.

Shop all Sivercel

Shop all Alginate Dressing

Shop all Wound Care

Want more? See all these pressure sore/diabetic ulcer products and more in Shop by Condition: Dermal Ulcers.  We also recommend the following categories: Bedridden, Diabetic Shoes, Diabetic Socks, Pressure Reduction, Foot Care, Hospital Discharge Favorites and Skin Care

Injuries can happen in a split second. Do you have a first aid kit handy?  Everyone should have one at home and in the car, at least, and also at work, school, church or wherever you or your kids spend time.  Be responsible. Make sure you have well-stocked first aid kits in easy-to-locate places. 

There are several types of first aid kits, designed and pre-packed to contain everything you’ll need to handle certain types of emergencies in different areas such as home, business office or vehicle.   

Types of First Aid Kits

HOME FIRST AID KITS

Basic First Aid Kit for Home – This super organized, inexpensive 67-piece first aid kit contains medical supplies used for common injuries such as cuts, sprains, minor burns, insect bites or splinters.  It even has a first aid instruction card.  Keep this case in an easy-to-find location out of reach of small children.  Let older children know what it is, where it is and how it is used.  Buy as many as you need to cover your bases.

CAR and TRAVEL FIRST AID KITS

Emergency First Aid Auto Kit - This first aid kit contains  emergency aid for your car and emergency aid for minor injuries – all in one.  It comes in a durable case and contains bandages, non-stick pads, first aid cream, wipes, alka selzer, pain relievers, tape, tire puncture sealer and a flare.  See also the Car First Aid Kit in a Black Nylon Bag

Compact First Aid Kit for Travel – Small and durable, this compact first aid kit is perfect for your boat, backpack, camping gear, vehicle or office.  It contains adhesive bandages, tape, various wipes, gauze pads, burn cream and aspirin.  Take it with you!

OFFICE FIRST AID KITS

25 Person First Aid Kits - Every office should have at least one first aid kit to cover occasional cuts and abrasions, or for emergencies affecting more individuals at once.  Choose from a plastic case or steel case.  Kits contain bandages, first aid cream, cold pack, tape, plastic forceps, gloves, pads, gauze, ammonia and more.

50 Person First Aid Kits - First Aid coverage for a mid-sized office.  Choose from plastic case or steel case.  Each kit varies slightly but basically contain a variety of bandages, pads, gauze, various wipes, ammonia, cold packs, eye wash, plastic forceps, gloves, scissors, tape and first aid guidelines.

100-150 Person First Aid Kit – First Aid coverage for a larger area or emergency preparedness.  Durable steel case is portable or can be mounted on the wall.  Contains adhesive strips, stretch bandages, gauze pads, wound dressing, adhesive tape, site bandages, iodine, cold packs, ammonia, eye pads, antiseptic, first aid creams, cotton, alcohol, peroxide, aspirin, burn spray, antacids, scissors, tweezers, gloves, tongue depressors, antibiotic, eye wash, sting relief and poison ivy relief.

Shop all First Aid Kits

Shop all Wound Care

Shop all Emergency Preparation

Shop all Disaster Preparation

Shop all Infection Control

Shop all Personal Protection

Do you know what to do if someone cuts themselves?  Read First Aid for Cuts and be ready to do the right thing!

Allegro’s Most Popular Stress Relievers

1.  Snappy Spa - Oh boy, are you going to love this . . . your own portable spa.  Accommodates up to 4 adults comfortably.  Put it on your deck, patio or even inside your house, cabin or apartment.  Simply snap connectors together and plug it into a regular outlet.  You’ll have your own thermostatically controlled spa  (80 to 104 degrees F) at a fraction of the cost of a traditional hot tub.  Insulated for maximum heat retention.  Yippeee!!

2.     ergoBeads Hand Exerciser & Stress Ball - A stress ball for the stress ball.  Sometimes you just need something to hold onto, right?  In fact, doing something physical often gets your mind off your worries.  For $6 bucks its worth it to find out.  If nothing else, you’ll have a stronger hand.

3.   Body Back Buddy - No one to give you back rubbies?  Do it yourself with this crazy looking contraption.  Hey, with 11 therapy knobs, you’ll surely hit the spot.  Designed after years of feedback from massage therapists, chiropractors and physical therapists your Back Buddy may just end up to be your best buddy when it comes to relaxing.

4.    Hand Rollers – For Cutaneous Stimulation – Use the large roller for broad areas to help your body deal with stress, increased blood flow, stiff joints, sore muscles, back & neck pain and headaches.  The small one is for your face, ears, between the fingers & toes.  Stimulates the meridian or acupuncture points on the body.

5.    Dr. Riter’s Real-Ease Neck & Shoulder Relaxer - I haven’t tried this product yet, but it’s selling like crazy and getting great reviews.   It is a patented, scientifically contoured headrest designed to let you deeply relax.  Kick back and use it for 10 to 15 minutes a day.  Forced relaxation…  Sign me up!

6.      Eye Pillow with ergoBeads- Again with the ergoBeads.  Freeze it for headaches and sinus relief.  Or how about wearing it during your 10 minutes on Dr. Riter’s Neck & Shoulder Relaxer?  Huh? Huh? That’s what I call doubly relaxing.  Want silk?  Try Dr. Riter’s Silk Eye Pillow

7.      Spine Worx Back Support Alignment System - This is more of a back pain reliever than a total stress reliever, but if you’re like me, you carry your stress in your lower back and neck.  The Spine Worx definately works out the kinks.  It’s all about proper alignment.  I have one of these actually.  It feels weird and not very comfortable at first, but you get used to it quickly and it feels like heaven.  Another very popular product.

8.      Travel Wal-Pil-O – If you travel a lot, this 4-in-1 cervical pillow will make your trips a whole lot more comfortable.  Properly aligns and supports your neck whether you’re a side-sleeper or a back sleeper.  Read Bed Check for Better Sleep for more ideas.

9.    Fitball Stress Buster Ball - Be careful not to say it wrong…  Okay, so, if you move around on this knobby ball it gives you a massage!  You can improve circulation, reduce stress and relax muscles at the same time.  Just lean against the wall with the ball sandwiched in the middle and move around until you feel your muscles relax.  Outstanding! 

10.    Allegro Medical Lomi-Lomi Massager- Bring out the big guns baby and have yourself a REAL massage with Allegro’s own Lomi-Lomi.  Maintenance free and economical, this will keep the whole family in a state of bliss.

See All Stress Relievers in our Shop by Condition area.  If you’re looking for some other kinds of relief, check out our Sexual Well-Being area. 

We wish you the best in your quest for relaxation.  For the latest advice in stress relief therapy read Managing Stress: Practical Advice from a Pro.  Not sure if you’re stressed?  Take the Stress Test!

Thanks for being an Allegro customer.  Take care!  -v

Types of  Home Blood Pressure Monitors

Automatic Wrist Digital Blood Pressure Monitors - These wrist units are my preference.  Compact, easy-to-use home blood pressure monitors that fit around your wrist instead of your arm. Perfect for those who want a second unit for travel or for people who have trouble placing a cuff on their arm. 

Arm Cuff Blood Pressure Monitors – Automatic & Semi-Automatic - Inflate and deflate the arm cuff with the touch of a button, or manually inflate and automatically deflate – you choose the best one for you.  Digital readouts.

Manual Professional Aneroid Sphygmomanometers - If you can pronounce it, you are probably qualified to use it.   Most likely, you’ll see these manual inflation units in your doctor’s office.  Check out our great prices on Aneroid units!

Talking Blood Pressure Monitors - Let the monitor give you the readings out loud, in English or Spanish.  These talking blood pressure monitors are amazingly feature-rich.  

See all Blood Pressure Monitors

See all Diagnostic Products

See all Home Test Kits

What is Blood Pressure?  Simply put, arterial blood pressure is the force of blood exerted against the walls of your blood vessels.  High blood pressure, hypertension, is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder, plus it contributes to hardening of the arteries and the development of heart failure. 

There are two components to blood pressure – systolic and diastolic pressure.  Systolic, the higher pressure, occurs during contraction of the heart.  Diastolic, the lower pressure, occurs when the heart is at ’rest’.

Your level of blood pressure is determined in the circulatory center of the brain and adjusts to a variety of situations through feedback from the nervous system. To adjust blood pressure, the strength and frequency of the heart (Pulse), as well as the width of circulatory blood vessels is altered.  Blood vessel width is effected by fine muscles in the blood vessel walls.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?  Several factors may play a role in the development of high blood pressure.  Factors such as smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, salt, stress, alcohol, age, genetics, kidney disease or adrenal and thyroid disorders.  In 90 to 95 percent of cases, the cause is unknown.  This is known as non-essential hypertension.  That’s what I was diagnosed with about 5 years ago.  After 4 years on medication, however, my blood pressure suddenly dropped after my chiropractor adjusted my C-1 vertebra, aka my Atlas bone.  It dropped to below normal and I was directed to stop taking my BP medication by my family physician.  It evened out in a couple days.  This was more than a year ago and my blood pressure remains in the normal range.  I take my blood pressure with my wrist monitor once a week just to be sure I’m still okay! I recommend regular chiropractic adjustments for all kinds of health reasons, but this was a complete surprise.

How high is too high?  The normal range is less than 120/80.  Your blood pressure is too high if, at rest, your diastolic pressure is above 90mmHg and/or the systolic blood pressure is over 160mmHg.  If your blood pressure is above the normal range you should consult your doctor about lowering it.  Even if your blood pressure is normal, a regular self-check with your BP monitor is recommended.  This way, you can detect possible changes early and react quickly to alert your physician.

If you are undergoing medical treatment to control your blood pressure, keep a record of your blood pressure by taking your measurements at several times of the day.  Show these to your doctor.  And remember, never use the results of your measurements to discontinue or independently alter the drug doses prescribed by your doctor.

Monitoring your blood pressure could save your life.  And we wish you a very, very long life.  Thanks for being an Allegro customer.

There are also hand exercisers that can help you strengthen your hands so that you can improve the grip you have.  Golfers, baseball players and other sports players benefit by having the strongest grip possible - and save the rest of us from flying baseball bats and golf clubs!   

Hand weakness or limited hand function can be related to many medical conditions – the more common ones being arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, MS, Quadriplegia and various myopathies and neuropathies.  See all the products below that can help you regain or keep your independence.

Products for People with Limited Hand Function

Easi-Grip Gardening Tools - The ergonomic design makes these gardening tools ideal for gardeners of all ages and abilities.  Each tool has a “soft feel” non-slip, angled handle that keeps your hand and wrist in a natural position.  Pain-free gardening!

See all Easi-Grip Products

Bionic Gloves – Better grips for golfers and gardeners alike.  Also works as a batting glove.

Scissors - Self opening scissors are designed for people with weak hands or wrists, or anyone unable to use conventional style scissors.  Don’t forget the Scissors Stand!

Kitchen Aids  - Knives, jar openers and kitchen utensils that all require less strength and dexterity than conventional products.  How about a Good Grips Peeler, Cheese Slicer, Kitchen Grater or Spatula!

Grooming Aids – Groom yourself with the no-slip Table Top Finger Nail Clipper,  Long Handled Hair Brush,  Tube Squeezer, Hand Held Shower, Terry Soap Mitt and Long Handled Under-Toe Washer

Make your own pencil and utensil grips with Grippers  or Color-Coded Handle Foam

Eating Aids – See our built-up handle eating utensils.  Perfect for limited hand function or a weak grip.

Dressing Aids – Get Dressed with Zipper & Button Pullers and a Foam Grip Dressing Stick and Shoehorn

Playing Card Holders -  Much easier than trying to hold multiple cards in one hand.

Look around the site.  There are sure to be more great products to increase your independence.  Scroll through all Daily Living Aids and Personal Care

We hope you have a flexible and pain free day!  And thanks for your orders.  We appreciate your business.