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!

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.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure, aka Hypertension, isn’t diagnosed in one reading.  It can take time, especially if your elevated results are repeatedly labeled ‘white coat hypertension’ (a term used when the patient is anxious or nervous in clinical settings), possibly missing or delaying the truth.

For me, it wasn’t until my doctor saw a pattern of high blood pressure - more than 140 over 80 (140/80) – over many visits that she recommended I monitor my BP at home.  Only then did we discover that my high blood pressure was consistent and required medication.

As you age, high blood pressure becomes more common.  It is most common among adults over 35 and is prevalent in African Americans, middle-aged and elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers and women on birth control pills.

An easy way to monitor your blood pressure yourself is with a home monitoring device.  They are inexpensive and very easy to use.  Please understand that they are not intended to replace doctor’s visits. 

I highly recommend you take your blood pressure home monitoring device into your doctor’s office to compare your readings against their professional cuff.  That way, they’ll trust your home readings when you report back.

Top 5 Most Popular Home Blood Pressure Monitors

HealthSmart Premium Digital Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor - Chart and store the readings from 2 people in your household with this easy-t0-use digital wrist BP monitor.  Features include WHO Indicator, Irregular Heartbeat Detection and more.

Shop all Mabis Diagnostic Products

Automatic Premium Digital Blood Pressure Arm Monitor - This fully-automatic blood pressure monitor has an arm cuff like the ones they use in a doctor’s office but the one-button operation makes it easy for home monitoring.  Complete with WHO Indicator and Irregular Heartbeat Monitor, plus 60-reading memory bank, date/time stamp and large LCD display.

Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor with AC Adapter - This arm cuff monitor has IntelliSense technology which helps ensure accurate and comfortable readings.  It is completely automatic and works at the touch of a button.  Operates on AC adaptor (included) or 4 AA batteries (not included.

Shop all Omron Marshall Diagnostic Products

Premium Talking Digital Blood Pressure Wrist Monitor – This gem has so many features it will even speak your results out loud – in your choice of Spanish or English!  It also has two memory banks, a Who Indicator, Irregular Heartbeat Detection and much more.  Super easy to use.

Shop all Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors

Advantage 6015 Digital Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor - This portable, economical and easy-t0-use wrist BP monitor offers a high degree of accuracy demonstrated through clinical studies.  It is fully-automatic, runs on 2 AA batteries (included) and is latex-free. Comes in a compact storage case.

Shop all American Diagnostic Corporation

To see all of our Blood Pressure Diagnostic Products go to our Shop By Condition: High Blood Pressure category.

Feel more in control of your health.  Order a Blood Pressure Monitor today!

For more information on Blood Pressure, please read:

How to Check for High Blood Pressure

7 Steps to a Long and Healthy Life

Tools to Help You Measure Your Progress

I’m off my Blood Pressure Meds

The key to prevention is protection.  But with more than 200 strains of cold virus and three types of  flu viruses floating around it’s no wonder that so many people catch these highly contagious bugs.  All you have to do is inhale infected air, share infected items or touch tainted surfaces then touch your hands to your nose, eyes or mouth and BAM, the virus is yours.  Flu shots are formulated to prevent Types A and B viruses, but can’t touch Type C.  And the common cold, well, the causes of 30% to 50% of adult colds remain a mystery.

Allegro’s Cold/Flu Season Category has a wide selection of products to help prevent and relieve cold and flu symptoms.  Ideal for everyone from individuals to caregivers, schools, offices, stores, clinics, homes and hospitals – it’s time for everyone to take stock and be prepared.

Cold and Flu Products

Personal Protection Masks and Hand Sanitizers - If you are in close contact with cold or flu victims, protect yourself from inhaling virus infected droplets in the air with a face mask (level of effectiveness depends on masks rating) and keep your hands sanitized to provide the first level of protection against viruses.

Exam Gloves- Gloves provide protection from viruses that can survive on surfaces – especially in health care and caregiver settings.  Keep a box handy also for household chores, messes and hobbies.  Great for changing the oil, gardening, cleaning, pet clean-up and much more.

Shop all Exam Gloves

Cold & Flu Diagnostic Products- With flu comes fever, which is likely the easiest way to distinguish between a flu and a cold.  What’s your temperature?  Also find tongue depressors, otoscopes and other diagnostic products for kids and adults alike.  Say ahhhhhhh.

Shop all Diagnostic Products 

Pain Relief / Comfort – Stock up on products that will help you feel better if that ol’ flu or cold bug catches you.   Heating pads, cooling pads and fluffy slippers, mostly.

Shop all Pain Relief

Shop all Hot/Cold Therapy

Shop all Heat/Heating Pads

Respiratory/Breathing Products - Loosen tight chests and ease your breathing with humidifiers, vaporizors and nebulizers.

Shop all Humidifiers/Vaporizers 

Shop all Respiratory Therapy

Surface Sanitizers / Disinfectants - These hospital-grade disinfectants and surface sanitizers kill bugs and bacteria you didn’t know existed.  Wipe down counters, walls, bannisters, door knobs, desks, tables and other surfaces in the home, office, clinic or school to keep everyone safe.  Read product descriptions and directions carefully!

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications - Generic and name brand aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, nausea relief, cough syrup, Mucinex, naproxen sodium, sleep aids and more.  Super values.  Stock up today!

Shop all OTC Medications

Shop all Cold & Allergy Remedies

Shop all Dietary Supplements and Nutrition

Still looking?  Shop by Condition: Cold / Flu

Please try to stay well!  And remember to ask you doc if you should get a flu shot.

Shop by Body Part is one of the many ways to find products at AllegroMedical.com along with Shop by Category, Shop by Brand, Shop by Condition and Shop by Stores.   And of course, everyone’s favorite, the search box.

Try shopping by body part.  It’s fun! 

Shop by All Body Parts

Ankles

Arm

Back

Calf

Chest

Circulatory System

Feet and Foot Care

Hamstring

Hand

Head

Heart

Hip

Ear

Elbow

Eyes

Finger

Knees

Lateral Ligiment

Lungs

Mouth and Oral Care

Neck

Nose

Palm

Penis

Rectum

Shoulder

Thigh

Thumb

Toes

Trachea

Vagina

Here’s to making all your body parts happy and uplifted!  And as always, we appreciate your business.

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.

Have you ever wanted to know how many steps you take everyday? Clip a pedometer on your belt loop! Following a low-carb regimen? Keep your fat metabolism in check with ketone test strips.

See All Home Test Kits including drug tests and cholesterol checks.

One of the neatest gadgets to come along 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 going on. Some of them even calculate your water and muscle percentages too.

See All Body Fat Analyzers and All Scales

Outside of the wide selection of blood pressure monitors and thermometers to help keep you healthy we also have some really neat ways to monitor your heart rate during exercise (or whatever)… I wear one to make sure I’m staying within a good heart rate zone while I’m hiking or doing cardio. It helps tell me whether I’m working too hard, or not hard enough.

See All Heart Rate Monitors

How about an Eye Chart or a Color Blindness Test?

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

First things First:

Okay, so, the most important thing is that you dial 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY  (no more than 5 minutes) if you have heart attack symptoms.  Time is critical, especially now that they have all these new medications and treatments that will stop some heart attacks and strokes. 

Most heart attacks don’t happen the way we see them on TV.   Granted, some are obvious and immediate, but most heart attacks start slow, with only mild discomfort.  That’s what makes them so tricky!  Hey, you know when something is just not right.  Don’t wait too long if have the following symptoms:

Heart Attack Warning Signs for Men (from the American Medical Assoc.)

• Chest Discomfort – Take heed if you are feeling uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
• Other Upper Body Discomfort – You may feel pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of Breath – This could happen with or without the chest discomfort or pain.
• Breaking out in a cold sweat, feeling lightheaded or nauseous

Heart Attack Warning Signs for Women

Cardiovascular disease is the Number 1 cause of death in women and it is the most preventable.  Women experience the same heart attack symptoms as men, most commonly chest pain or discomfort, but women are more likely than men to experience the other common symptoms, particularly shortness or breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. 

Women, Respond to these Symptoms!

• Chest pain – may include back pain and/or deep aching and throbbing in one or both arms
• Breathlessness and/or inability to catch your breath when waking up
• Clammy sweating
• Dizziness — unexplained lightheadedness and possible blackouts
• Anxiety — unusual nervousness, feelings of impending doom
• Edema — fluid retention and swelling in the ankles or lower legs
• Fluttering, rapid heartbeats or palpitations
• Nausea or gas
• Feeling of heaviness, such as pressure-like pain between the breasts that may radiate to the left arm or shoulder 

What do I do if I Think I’m Having a Heart Attack?

Don’t second guess!  And don’t have someone drive you to the hospital if you can help it.  You’ll almost always get faster treatment if you call 9-1-1 and let the EMS crew take care of you.  You’ll also get faster treatment at the hospital if you arrive by ambulance.  Don’t ever drive yourself to the hospital unless you have absolutely no other option.

Difference Between a Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

A heart attack is caused by a circulation or blockage problem in the heart whereas cardiac arrest is caused by an electrical problem in the heart.  Sudden cardiac arrest is more frequent in people who have had heart attacks before because their hearts may be damaged and may pump poorly. Damage to the heart muscle can lead to disturbances of the electrical system and in turn can cause dangerously fast heart rhythms that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. 

Signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest:

• Cardiac arrest strikes immediately and without warning
• The victim is unresponsive (no response to tapping on shoulders)
• The victim is not breathing normally (no normal breath when you tilt the head up and check for at least five seconds)

What do I do of Someone is Having a Cardiac Arrest?

• Tell someone to call 9-1-1 and get an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) (if available)
• You begin CPR immediately (while someone else calls 9-1-1).  Read CPR Myths, Tips and Updates
• If you are alone with an adult who has these signs of cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 and get an AED (if one is available) before you begin CPR
• Use an AED as soon as it arrives

Stroke Warning Signs (from the American Stroke Assoc.)

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Notice that the word *SUDDEN* appears in every case.  One of the “signs” is that these symptoms happen very quickly.  Like, you’re fine one second and not fine the next. 

What do I do if I Think I’m Having a Stroke?

If you or someone you’re with has one or more of these signs, immediately call 9-1-1 so an ambulance can be sent.  As with a heart attack, time is the biggest factor in your odds for recovery.  Check the time the symptoms first appeared so you can tell the EMS team.  There is a clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) that, if administered within three hours of the start of symptoms, can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.

Stop heart disease and strokes before they happen!  Read Staggering Heart Facts, 5 Ways to Celebrate American Heart Month and Are You At Risk for Heart Disease?.

Do you have something to share that might help someone?  Please reply below!

Strength, muscle and range of motion testing

Measure range of motion, posture, physical angles and curvature accurately with a goniometer or inclinometer from Allegro. To test strength, and for rehab evaluation see our manual muscle testers, hand squeeze dynamometers, pinch gauges and other muscle strength electronics from only the highest quality brands.

Diagnostic tools and measuring devices

Test and track your body fat anytime, in the privacy of your own home with a body fat analyzer. Or, track your fitness goals with a pedometer. You will always know your heart rate when exercising, and can track distance, pace and calories burned- better than any personal trainer.

Allegro has dozens of scales for home or office, including mechanical and digital bathroom-style, physicians’ scales, scales for weighing babies, and high capacity and wheelchair scales, all at the best prices anywhere.

Get fast and accurate measurement of edema for arms, legs, feet or hands with a volumeter.

Physicians, assess patients’ hearing and vibratory sensation with a set of tuning forks. Doctors (and Dr. Moms), detect ear infections or eardrum abnormalities with an otoscope.

Assessment tools

Test children of all ages for development and proficiency. Our motor proficiency tests use balance, coordination, strength, motor control, and more in fun, challenging, game-like tasks. Tests gross and fine motor development. Or, test dexterity, cognition, perception and manipulative ability for developing or injured patients with our assessment tests.
Assess functional performance of psychiatric, brain-injured, geriatric, or developmentally disabled patients with the BaFPE (Bay Area Functional Performance Evaluation) test.

Allegro has reference books for physicians, such as a Stedman’s Concise Medical Dictionary, Quick Reference to Occupational Therapy and more.

We have a wide array of timers and stopwatches for the countertop or the wrist. Time anything, anywhere, anytime…on time!

Allegro has eye charts for vision testing from a variety of distances, and for all ages and levels of patients. Test your eyesight and track your vision at home, anytime.

Looking for medical models? Life-size anatomical columns of the skeleton, including foot, leg, spine and shoulder are perfect for your office. Use our anatomical charts for teaching and informing patients or students the human muscular system, knee and more. Color charts show skeletal, ligament and muscle anatomy with anterior and posterior views.

Vital signs equipment

Allegro has everything you need to check vital signs. Check temperature in the ear, quickly and accurately, or the old-fashioned way, orally with our selection of thermometers and thermometer supplies. Medical pros, find your new stethoscope here, at a great price. While you’re at it, you may as well stock up on tongue depressors and pen lights for the office.

Watching your blood pressure? We have blood pressure monitors perfect for home or professional use, including fully automatic monitors with digital readout and memory of the previous reading, and manual or automatic inflate.

Check pulse during exercise or anytime with an oximeter. Heart rate is read with finger pulse or chest strap with wrist monitor for fitness testing. With the latest in oximeter technology you can record up to ten hours of information for later analysis, or download the information directly to your computer!

If you are watching or lowering your cholesterol, check it on a regular basis at home, quickly and easily with a cholesterol home test kit. It is even FDA approved!