It surprised me to learn that more than 1 million people in the U.S. experience a significant slip, trip or fall each year.  And an average of 17,000 of them die because of it. 

According to the National Safety Council, 70% of slips and falls occur on level ground, by everyday people like you and me.

The risks of falling increase as we age.  Annually, about 30% of those age 65 and older fall at least once, and 15% fall twice.  Many falls result in broken bones or death.  Of course there are risk groups among children as well.  Infants are more likely to fall from furniture, while toddlers are more likely to fall from windows. 

The good news is that most falls are preventable.   What are you doing to prevent falls in and around your home?

Slip and Fall Prevention Products

Standers and Standing Aids

Walkers

Rollators

Mobility Scooters for Indoors and Outdoors

Canes

Grab Bars

Bed Rails

Toilet Safety Frames

Raised Toilet Seats

Shower Chairs

Bone Health

Balance and Core Strength

Ramps

Bed Alarms

Baby Gates and Railnets

Children’s Bed Rails 

 Nightlights

Don’t let slips and falls happen to your or your loved ones!  Take stock and put together your Fall Prevention Plan today.

The American Heart Association (AMA) calls them “The Simple 7″.  Seven things you can do to reduce your chances of dying of heart disease, stroke, or other cardiac related incident.  Take it slow – start with 1 or 2.  Even small changes in lifestyle can make a big difference.

7 Steps to a Long and Healthy Life

Get Active- The AMA suggests at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise – or a combination of both.  When you break it down, that is only about 22 minutes per day of moderate exercise.  The simplest solution is to start walking.  Join AMA’s Start Walking Program to develop your walking plan.  If you are mobility-challenged or just not the outdoorsy type, there are plenty of great ways to get your heart pumping at home. 

Browse Allegro’s Fitness category for hundreds of Exercise/Fitness Products to fit any level of fitness or ability.   Sorted into helpful sub-categories.  Get instruction from books, DVDs and videos to make your home workouts even more fun!

Control Cholesterol- Cholesterol is in your bloodstream and your cells.  It is soft and waxy.  Too much of the ‘bad’ cholesterol, the LDL, is a bad thing.  It clogs arteries and puts you at major risk for coronary disease.  75% of cholesterol is produced by the body and the rest comes from the foods you eat.  Many people inherit the genes that make too much cholesterol so you might not be able to control it without medication. 

The AMA says “It’s important for all people to know their cholesterol level.”  Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood.  A cholesterol level of 200mg/dL or higher puts you in a high risk category and you need to take action. 

Monitor your cholesterol at home with the  CholesTrak – FDA approved Total Cholesterol Device.

Cholesterol can be controlled by prescribed medication, diet and/or lifestyle changes.  The AME recommends you schedule a screening, eat foods low in cholesterol and saturated fat, skip the trans fats, maintain a healthy weight and stay active.

See all Home Test Kits

Eat Better- If you haven’t heard it already, you must be living under a rock.  Stop with the fast food, trans-fat laden crap and get healthy.  Eat a diet of vegetables, fruits, unrefined whole-grains, fish (at least twice a week), lean meats, poultry (without skin), fat-free/low fat dairy.  Aim for less than 1500 mgs of salt per day and less than 300 mgs of cholesterol.  Stay away from foods with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.  If you do all this, you’ll be fine.

Maybe.

Even your best intentions may need a little supplemental help from time to time. See Allegro’s large selection of Vitamins and Herbal Supplements.  I take a multi-vitamin, glucosamine and an Omega-3 tablet every day.

See all Dietary Supplements

Manage Blood Pressure – The AMA says that high blood pressure is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease.  The scary thing is, you can’t feel high blood pressure.  That’s why they call it “the silent killer”.    Blood pressure is exactly that – the pressure of your blood on your veins.  If it gets too high, over time it will stretch your veins and cause microscopic tears.  When the body heals these tears it creates scar tissue which can form clots, blockages, blood clots and weakened arteries leading to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and heart failure. 

Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg systolic AND less than 80 mm Hg diastolic.  High blood pressure (hypertension) is a reading of more than 140 over 80 (140/80).

Another scary fact about blood pressure:  One in three adults have it, yet 21% don’t even know it.  And of those with high blood pressure, 69% are receiving treatment, yet, only 45% have it controlled.   Having your blood pressure checked only once in a while is dangerous.  It took years to diagnose my high blood pressure because it was only tested periodically. 

Take your own blood pressure.  It’s easy! - I highly recommend the wrist models.

See all Blood Pressure Monitors

See all Diagnostic Products

If you have high blood pressure, please read I’m off my Blood Pressure Meds.   By the way, I am still monitoring my blood pressure at home and it remains normal without medication.  I still see my chiropractor about 3 times a month and check in with my physician every 4 months.

Lose Weight – Are you overweight/obese?  If your body mass index (BMI) is 25.0 kg/m2 or higher, then you are among the 145 million overweight or obese Americans.  Calculate your BMI by multiplying your weight in pounds by 703, then dividing that number by your height in inches and then dividing again by your height in inches.

Reduce your risk for heart disease by losing weight and keeping it off.   My approach to weight loss is summed up in How to Not Gain Weight in 65 Days or Less and The Secret to Making Resolutions Work.

See Weight Loss Products  Please be careful if you use synthetic weight loss supplements!  Consult your physician.  My body prefers all-natural foods and supplements.  See FucoTHIN.   For tried and true weight-loss advice, read Eating for Life by Bill Phillips.

Obesity is a major, independent risk factor for heart disease.  And if you have a lot of belly fat you’re at even higher risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.  Get rid of it.

 Reduce Blood Sugar – Diabetes is controllable and treatable, but even so, adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or stroke than adults without diabetes.  

The AMA says that controlling glucose levels can slow the progression of long-term complications. Often, many small changes add up to surprising improvements in diabetes control, including less need for medication.

What is Diabetes?

 How to Tell if you have Diabetes

Diagnosed Diabetic?  See our Diabetes Care Medical Supplies

Stop Smoking - Smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death in the U.S.  It increases the risk of heart disease, decreases your tolerance or physical activity, increases the tendency for blood to clot.  It decreases HDL (good) cholesterol.  It creates a higher risk for peripheral artery disease and aortic aneurysms.  Ick.

Quiting cigarettes is hard, even for adolescents.  How do you do it?  Here’s a 5-Step Process to Stop Smoking.  Don’t feel bad if you slip.  It’s very common.  Just try again… and again… until it works.  Don’t give up.  Look to your local resources through hospitals and hotlines for help.

Education Center for Heart Smarts

Are you a rehab specialist or physical/personal trainer?  Learn more about cardiac health and rehab, see The ABCDE’S of Cardiac Rehabilitation, Yoga for Cardiac Rehab, Cardiovascular Disease and Women, Heathy Hearts, Healthy Women and Major Cardiac Risk Factor Screening.

See all Healthy Learning books, CDs and DVDs

Anyone can learn more about health, nutrition and fitness with the Health & Fitness in Plain English book.

How prevalent are heart problems? Read Staggering Heart Facts. 

Are you at Risk for Heart Disease? 

Did you know that heart attack and stroke symptoms for men and women may differ? Read Heart Attacke & Stroke Warning Signs.

We hope you will take this to heart and make the changes in your life that will see you through a long, healthy life.   Read more about the  The Simple 7 on the American Heart Association’s website.

And as always, we thank you for your business – from the bottom of our hearts. (sorry, had to).

The good news is, headaches can usually be eliminated without drugs.

Instead of popping a pill when you get a headache, your best bet for getting rid of them for good is to determine the cause. As in life, if you fix the source of your problems then all your headaches go away, right? 

Headache Causes and Remedies

Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching

Super Calcium Magnesium – 250 tablets – Check with your doctor or dentist, but often times Calcium and Magnesium tablets, taken at bedtime, can eliminate your jaw clenching and headaches.   Have your calcium/magnesium levels checked however, because high calcium could actually be the cause of your migraine or cluster headaches.  If you need just Magnesium to stem your headaches, try Magnesium Oxide tablets.  If you have muscle cramps (night time leg cramps), menstrual cramps, fatigue, constipation, heart palpitations, insomnia and/or anxiety, you may have a magnesium deficiency.  Regulate the dosage if the magnesium causes diarrhea.

See all Vitamins

Tension Headaches

AcuBead Headache Beads – Acupressure Strips - Easily applied at home.

The Original Backnobber II- If you can’t remove your source of tension, at least give yourself a deep muscle massage with the Backnobber II.  Find your pressure points to relieve muscle tension and get the blood flowing again.  Bye-bye headache.

See all Pressure Positive Massagers

See more Tension Headache Relief Products

Skeletal Misalignment

Neckpro Cervical Traction Device- One of our most popular products, the Neckpro home cervical traction device is used to relieve, among other things, tension headaches associated with back, shoulder and neck pain, fibromyalgia and whiplash.

See more Home Traction Sets

Stress and Anxiety

Spa-N-A-Box Portable Spa - Nothing relieves a stress induced headache faster than a nice soak in the spa – in your own house!  This portable home spa with air-jets soothes and relaxes at a fraction of the cost of traditional hot tubs.  Super popular.

See all Stress Reduction Products

Bad Sleeping Habits

D-Core Pillow – Restores the natural curvature of your neck and upper spine.  The wrong pillow, or too many pillows, will put your neck in a bind and throw your alignment off.  That can cause a major headache.  Headaches are also caused by not getting a good night’s sleep due to sleep apnea and snoring.

See all Pillows

See all Snoring Products

Sinus Problems

Eye Pillow with ergoBeads – Conforms to your face and eyes, blocks the light and provides cool relief (when frozen) without the shock of ice or gel packs.  Sinus headaches melt away with this eye pillow.  Great for travel.

See all Sinus Headache Products

Menstrual Problems

Thermophore Automatic Moist Heat Pack – Stop the cramps and the headache follows suit.  Moist heat almost always helps.

See all Menstrual Pain Products

When I can’t pinpoint the exact cause of my headache I usually determine that I’m dehydrated.  Dehydration headaches are very common and a few glasses of water can often cure a nagging headache.  Try it!

When worse comes to worse, I pop a couple Headache Relief Tablets or other Over the Counter Pain Relievers, although for me this is a last resort. 

Shop our Headache Products “Shop by Condition” category for even more headache cures and pain management products.

A word about Migraines.  Migraine headaches may have different causes (usually chemical) than run-of-the-mill ones and we recommend you see a doctor if you believe you are experiencing migraines.  Symptoms are intense throbbing pain, usually on  one side of the head, sensitivity to light and nausea.   See our Shop By Condition page for Migraine Headache Products.

Here’s to a clear and pain free head!  Have a healthy day and as always, thanks for your business.

If I stay ahead of colds and flu I find that I only get sick when foreign germs are forced on me – like in an airplane or by my thoroughly wonderful, germy nephews.    When you are constantly fighting something and you have to ‘chase’ good health, it is important to realize that you can’t win unless you strengthen your immune system. 

Create and follow a plan to bolster your immunity and you may just sail through cold and flu season sniffle-free.  Those with disabilities or chronic illnesses have an even tougher time avoiding colds and flu, but they are often times better prepared to prevent colds and flu because they know the dangers.

Going into the holiday season with a chink in your immunity armour is really asking for trouble.  Here are some ideas and products to help you prevent colds and flu this season by strengthening your ability to fight germs:

Reduce your Stress

Stress Eraser - We’ve all heard that stress kills and we’ve seen plenty of evidence to support it.  Perhaps this amazing stress relieving tool could save your life.  It is a portable biofeedback device that helps you learn how to activate your body’s natural relaxation response.  FDA regulated, non-invasive and drug-free.  Featured on The Rachael Ray Show and The View.  A great gift!  Those with high blood pressure might consider the RESPeRATE as well.

Manage your stress with other stress relievers, massagers and spa products in our Stress Products Category

Are You Too Stressed?  Take the Stress Test!

Do Moderate, Consistent Exercise

A recent study  shows that the risk both of catching a cold or the flu and of having a particularly severe form of the infection “drop if you exercise moderately”.  If you are sedentary, or if you exercise too intensely, the opposite is true.  As with most things, moderation wins.

Exercise Peddler - Work at your own pace peddling with your arms or your legs.  This exercise peddler is a favorite because it folds up and there is no assembly required.  Features adjustable resistance and an electronic display, all for under $50.  Makes a great gift.  I use mine while I watch t.v.  That’s not cheating, is it? See all Cycles/Pedlars

See all Exercise and Fitness Products

Take your Vitamins

Emercen-C Immune Defense - Includes all the necessary vitamins to boost your immune system.  Mix with water and enjoy hot or cold.  Emergen-C products are extremely popular and provide a wide range of targeted benefits. 

See all Vitamins

See all Dietary Supplements

Avoid Germs

Most of our germ avoiding products are in our Swine Flu Products section where you’ll find germ-fighting Gloves, Hand Sanitizers, Masks and Surface Disinfectants.

Hand Sanitizing Gel – Our most popular hand sanitizing gel.  It’s inexpensive and it works.  Buy in various sizes to have it handy in your car, purse, briefcase and home.

Educate your friends, family and community to make immunity boosting a TEAM approach!  Take vitamins, Exercise moderately, Avoid germs and Manage stress.  I promise you’ll be way ahead when it comes to fighting colds and flu this season.

If, by chance, you lose the fight, there are nearly 60 items in our Cold and Flu Season Products category to make you feel better. 

Wishing you a healthy holiday season.  -v

New Weight Loss Products

Sunny Indoor Cycling Bike - How nice would it be to have your own indoor bicycle?  Pedal away the pounds with this fully loaded workout machine.  Fully adjustable seat and handlebars. 26 lb flywheel. Magnetic resistance guarantees smooth and quiet workout .

Magnetic Elliptical Trainer – This deluxe elliptical trainer is the ultimate value in home gym equipment with high-quality features such as large anti-slip platforms, a hand pulse monitoring system and high quality magnetic resistance with 8 levels of workout.   You’ll even get an elliptical training monitor to monitor your heartbeat and keep tabs on your time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, IPM and body fat!

See all Sunny Fitness Products

Designer Whey – The Biggest Loser Protein Powder - As used by Al Vincent on “The Biggest Loser”.  Packed with vital B Vitamins and Protein, this powder will keep you feeling satisfied and away from fatty snacks.

Optygen HP - This revolutionary formula is the result of human clinical trials and the latest scientific research on increasing endurance and performance. New features include Beta-Alanine as well the most potent Rhodiola available.

Get in shape on the disc!  It’s all the rage at gyms across the country.  Choose from the Fun Disc, Fit Disc, Trim Disc and Sport Disc and you’ll increase your balance, flexibility and core strength in no time.   If you play sports, disc workouts can make a huge improvement in your performance.   

Inversion Table - After a stressful day or to relieve sore muscles and back pain, nothing works like an inversion table.  Supports up to 300lbs. 

Let us help you build an affordable home gym.  Shop all Home Fitness Equipment for more ideas.  And for all your dietary supplements and weight loss/weight gain products, see our Dietary Products Category.  Have a healthy day!  And, as always, thanks for your business.

Don’t Jack the Back, Mac

What kid wants to be walking around with a messed up spine when they’re ten? As a parent, you’ll have one less thing to worry about if you get them an Airpack Ergonomic Back-Saving Backpack.  These things are amazing. They’re cool, trendy, ergonomic AND healthy. Plus they have compartments, zippers, hidey holes, bells and whistles galore.

Airpacks backpacks patented design redistributes weight from the shoulders to the hips and lower back, thereby lightening the effective weight of the pack by 50%. Stress on the body is reduced by a whopping 80% because the design promotes a more upright standing position. Airpacks come in small, medium, large and mesh and are sized to fit by height (or torso length). Great for students of all ages and yes, that means adult students too.

Even if you’ve already invested in a backpack, you may consider swapping it out for one with back saving technology. Did I mention that it makes you stand up straight? The bonuses never end.

Stop Missin’ the Bus, Gus

(school morning dialog without the Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock):
Time to wake up! Sweetie, get up… Get up, please. C’mon now, up, up, up. You’re going to be late for school…. (5 minutes later) Don’t make me come in there. Get…up…NOW.

(school morning dialog WITH the Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock):
Well, aren’t you on the ball today! Holy moley, you’re dressed already. What a great kid. (smiles, whistling, high fives ensue)

Having a hard time waking them up? Fear not. Blast ‘em out of bed with a Sonic Bomb alarm clock. There’s even a Sonic Boom Sweetheart Alarm Clock to wake your sleeping beauty.

Really, they’re not as scary as they sound and we sell a ton of them so they must work. Allegro Medical product manager Mike Benge wakes up to the Sonic Bomb every morning.  He says, “It’s like a freight train coming at me. Lights are flashing, the bed is shaking, and the sound is like nothing you’ve ever heard.”

You can set these clocks to do all kinds of things – loud or not so much. I have the Portable Vibrating Travel Alarm that gently vibrates my pillow so I don’t wake up all freaked out. Ahhhhh. No noise – but I could add noise if I wanted.  And for all you do, Soccer Mom, you deserve a nice gradual awakening with the Sunrise Alarm Clock.  

Hate running to catch the bus?  How about chasing your alarm clock instead?  This one jumps from the nightstand and runs away.  Seriously!  It’s called the Chrome Clocky Mobile Alarm Clock.  Makes a great gift.

See all Sonic Alert products

See all Alarm Clocks

Quit Wettin’ the Bed, Fred

The start of a new school year is stressful for everyone, but even more so for families with bed wetters. Besides the lack of sleep and overall frustration you’re ALL feeling, your child is also likely dealing with significant emotional and social issues associated with bed wetting.

If you are tired of the stress (and mess), you should try the Nite Train’r Bedwetting Alarm as a training tool.

The Nite Train’r is a device that sets off an alarm to awaken the child when just a drop or two of urine hits the sensor pad, worn in the child’s undergarments. There’s a Nite Train’r for Males and a Nite Train’r for Females.

Crissy, an Allegro customer from Fullerton, CA says, “Our six year old son never had dry nights, even as a preschooler. He is a very sound sleeper, but after two nights he began waking up to the alarm…he has had three dry nights during the third week of use.”

Don’t wait until you’re at the end of your rope. Hopefully the Nite Train’r is the answer you’ve been looking for, and you can remove bedwetting from the list of stressors in the morning rush to school.

See all bedwetting products.

No more Starvin’, Marvin

It’s no secret that kids don’t always eat right. At least when they are home, you can do a better job of monitoring it. Once they’re off to school it’s anyone’s bet. If you know, or suspect, or have been told that little Suzy is not getting enough calories, there is a simple answer. Supplement their meals with balanced shakes, juice drinks or puddings. We have a complete selection of Child Nutrition products – our most popular being Pediasure, Nutren Junior, Resource Just for Kids and Boost Pudding.

These products cover picky eaters, skinny kids, special needs, gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, reduced appetite, super-active, low-weight, chronic illnesses, short-term illnesses, mal-nutrition – pretty much everything. There’s no reason for you to worry every day about Junior getting enough to eat. Kids love this stuff.

 Be Ready, Mama Betty

School time means toting kids around. Sometimes toting other people’s kids around. Even if you’re not driving with kids, we all need to pay attention to this. Are you prepared for an emergency? Here is a checklist of things you need in your car in case you’re stranded or in an accident:

Don’t dilly dally. Order now. It’s easy.  I hope you never, ever have to use this emergency stuff, but it pays to be ready. And believe me, when you need a rescue blanket or a side window breaker, you’re not only glad you have it, but it could save your life.

Don’t Sneeze Up the Goo, Drew

Preparing for the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus – or just flu season in general?  Check our Swine Flu Category for available products (several are still back-ordered from the last break-out).  Meantime, make sure you have plenty of hand sanitizers to squirt on those little germy fingers, and surface disinfectants for your counters, bannisters, keyboards, etc.

Have a nice day. Be safe. Eat your greens. And thanks for being an Allegro Medical customer. We appreciate your business.

To help you choose the right supplemental or complete nutrition products, here is a list of Allegro’s most popular dietary supplements by indication, application or medical condition.  These are medical food products for use as directed by a healthcare practitioner.  A prescription is not required.  They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.  Most products can be used as complete meal replacements or as between-meal supplements.  Click on the links to purchase the product or for more information.

Calorie and Protein Intake

• Benecalorie – Low Volume Calorically Dense Supplement
• Beneprotein – Instant Protein Powder
• Boost – Nutritional Energy Drink
• Boost High Protein – Nutritional Energy Drink with Extra Protein
• Boost Plus – Nutritional Energy Drink
• Boost Pudding – Nutritional Pudding
• Boost Kid Essentials – Nutritionally Complete Drink
• Boost Kid Essentials 1.5 – Nutritionally Complete Drink with Extra Calories.  Choose with or without fiber.
• Carnation Instant Breakfast Powder – Complete Nutritional Drink
• Carnation Instant Breakfast No Sugar Added Powder – Complete Nutritional Drink
• Carnation Instant Breakfast Lactose Free – Complete Nutritional Drink
• Carnation Instant Breakfast Lactose Free Plus – High-Calorie Complete Nutrition Drink
• Carnation Instant Breakfast Lactose Free VHC – Very High-Calorie Complete Nutrition Drink
• Compleat – Real Food Tube Feeding Formula
• Complete Pediatric – Real Food Tube Feeding Formula
• Enlive! - Apple Flavor Nutrition Drink
• Ensure High Protein – Complete Liquid Nutrition, with Extra Protein
• Ensure Ready-to-Drink – Complete Liquid Nutrition
• Ensure Plus - Concentrated Calorie Complete Liquid Nutrition
• Ensure Pudding – Nutritional Pudding
• Fibersource HN – Complete Liquid Formula
• Isosource 1.5 Cal – Complete Liquid Formula
• Isosource HN – Complete Liquid Formula
• MCT Oil – Medium Chain Triglycerides
• Microlipid – 50% Fat Emulsion
• Nutren 1.0 – Complete Liquid Nutrition for Oral or Tube Feeding
• Nutren Junior – Complete Liquid Nutrition for Children
• Pediasure Ready-to-Drink – Complete Liquid Nutrition for Children
• Resource 2.0 – Complete Liquid Nutrition
• Resource Breeze – Nutritional Supplement 

Cancer Nutrition Support

Benecalorie – Low Volume Calorically Dense Supplement
Beneprotein – Instant Protein Powder
• Boost High Protein – Nutritional Energy Drink with Extra Protein
• Boost Pudding – Nutritional Pudding
• Carnation Instant Breakfast Lactose Free Plus – High-Calorie Complete Nutrition Drink
• Carnation Instant Breakfast Lactose Free VHC – Very High-Calorie Complete Nutrition Drink
• Enlive! - Apple Flavor Nutrition Drink
• Ensure High Protein – Complete Liquid Nutrition, with Extra Protein
• Ensure Pudding – Nutritional Pudding
• Glutasolve – Glutamine-Intensive Powder
• Impact – Specialized Nutrition for Surgical and Trauma Patients
• Impact 1.5 – Specialized Nutrition for Surgical and Trauma Patients
• Impact Advanced Recovery – Advanced Nutrition Drink
• Nutren 1.0 – Complete Liquid Nutrition for Oral or Tube Feeding
• Resource 2.0 – Complete Liquid Nutrition
• Resource Breeze – Nutritional Supplement
• Resource Dairy Thick – Thickened Beverage
• Resource Thickened Coffee – Instant Powder
• Resource Thickened Juice – Ready-to-Serve
• Resource Thickened Water – Ready-to-Serve
• ThickenUp – Instant Food Thickener

Diabetes Health Support

• Boost Glucose Control – Nutritional Drink
• Carnation Instant Breakfast No Sugar Added Powder – Complete Nutritional Drink
• Diabetisource AC – Advanced Control Tube Feeding Formula
• Glucerna Shakes – Nutritional Drink
• Resource Diabetishield – Nutritional Drink

See All Glucerna Products 

Digestive Health Support

• Gulatasolve – Glutamine-Intensive Powder
• MCT Oil – Medium Chain Triglycerides
• Nutren 1.0 Fiber - Complete Liquid Nutrition with Prebio
• Nutren Junior – Complete Liquid Nutrition for Children
• Nutren Junior with Fiber – Complete Liquid Nutrition for Children, with Prebio
• Peptamen – Complete Peptide-Based Elemental Nutrition
• Peptamen 1.5 – Complete Peptide-Based Elemental Nutrition
• Peptamen OS – Complete Peptide-Based Elemental Nutrition
• Peptamen OS 1.5 – Complete Peptide-Based Elemental Nutrition
• Peptamen with Prebio – Complete Peptide-Based Elemental Nutrition
• Peptamen Junior – Complete Peptide-Based Elemental Nutrition
• Peptamen Junior 1.5 – Complete Peptide-Based Elemental Nutrition
• Peptamen Junior Fiber – Complete Peptide-Based Elemental Nutrition
• Peptamen Junior with Prebio – Complete Peptide-Based Elemental Nutrition
• Tolerex – Nutritionally Complete Elemental Formula
• Vivonex Pediatric – Elemental Formula
• Vivonex Plus - Elemental Formula
• Vivonex T.E.N. - Elemental Formula

See All Peptamen Products

Pediatric / Child  Nutrition

• Benecalorie – Low Volume Calorically Dense Supplement
• Beneprotein – Instant Protein Powder
• Boost Pudding – Nutritional Pudding
• Boost Kid Essentials – Nutritionally Complete Drink
• Boost Kid Essentials 1.5 – Nutritionally Complete Drink with Extra Calories.  Choose with or without fiber.
• Carnation Instant Breakfast Powder – Complete Nutritional Drink
• Carnation Instant Breakfast No Sugar Added Powder – Complete Nutritional Drink
• Complete Pediatric – The “Real Food” Tube Feeding Formula
• Enlive! - Apple Flavor Nutrition Drink
• Ensure Pudding – Nutritional Pudding
• Microlipid – 50% Fat Emulsion
• Nutren Junior – Complete Liquid Nutrition for Children
• Nutren Junior with Fiber – Complete Liquid Nutrition for Children, with Prebio
• Pediasure Ready-to-Drink – Complete Liquid Nutrition for Children
• Peptamen Junior – Complete Peptide-Based Elemental Nutrition
• Peptamen Junior 1.5 – Complete Peptide-Based Elemental Nutrition
• Peptamen Junior Fiber – Complete Peptide-Based Elemental Nutrition
• Peptamen Junior with Prebio – Complete Peptide-Based Elemental Nutrition
• Resource Breeze – Nutritional Supplement
• Resource Dairy Thick – Thickened Beverage
• Resource Thickened Juice – Ready-to-Serve
• Resource Thickened Water – Ready-to-Serve
• ThickenUp – Instant Food Thickener
• Vivonex Pediatric – Elemental Formula

See All Child Nutrition

Post-Bariatric Surgery Nutrition

• Beneprotein – Instant Protein Powder
• Optisource High Protein Drink – Nutritional Beverage

Renal Health Support

• Beneprotein – Instant Protein Powder
• Enlive! - Apple Flavor Nutrition Drink
• Novasource Renal – Specialized Nutritional Support
• Resource Breeze – Nutritional Supplement

Surgery

• Arginaid – Arginine-Intensive Drink Mix
• Arginaid Extra – Arginine-Intensive Drink
• Beneprotein – Instant Protein Powder
• Enlive! - Apple Flavor Nutrition Drink
• Ensure Ready-to-Drink – Complete Liquid Nutrition
• Impact 1.5 – Specialized Nutrition for Surgical and Trauma Patients
• Impact Advanced Recovery – Advanced Nutrition Drink
• Resource Breeze – Nutritional Supplement

Swallowing Difficulty (Dysphagia)

• Boost Pudding – Nutritional Pudding
• Ensure Pudding – Nutritional Pudding
• Nutren 1.0 – Complete Liquid Nutrition
• Resource Dairy Thick – Thickened Beverage
• Resource Thickened Coffee – Instant Powder
• Resource Thickened Juice – Ready-to-Serve
• Resource Thickened Water – Ready-to-Serve
• ThickenUp – Instant Food Thickener

Nutritional Support for Wound Healing

• Arginaid – Arginine-Intensive Drink Mix
• Arginaid Extra – Arginine-Intensive Drink
• Benecalorie – Low Volume Calorically Dense Supplement
• Beneprotein – Instant Protein Powder
• Boost High Protein – Nutritional Energy Drink with Extra Protein
• Boost Pudding – Nutritional Pudding
• Carnation Instant Breakfast Lactose Free VHC – Very High-Calorie Complete Nutrition Drink
• Diabetisource AC – Advanced Control Tube Feeding Formula
• Enlive! - Apple Flavor Nutrition Drink
• Ensure High Protein – Complete Liquid Nutrition, with Extra Protein
• Ensure Pudding – Nutritional Pudding
Impact 1.5 – Specialized Nutrition for Surgical and Trauma Patients
Impact Advanced Recovery – Advanced Nutrition Drink
Optisource High Protein Drink – Nutritional Beverage
Resource 2.0 – Complete Liquid Nutrition
Resource Breeze – Nutritional Supplement
Resource Diabetishield – Nutritional Drink

See All Adult Nutrition Products

See All Nestle Clinical Nutrition Products

See All Nutricia Products

See All Ross, Division of Abbott Labs Products

We understand how important a product *like* Pediasure is for the care of loved ones requiring supplemental nutrition. Allegro Medical has helped hundreds of thousands of people just like you conveniently buy their supplements over the Internet for the past 11 years. However, Abbott Laboratories, the pharmaceutical manufacturer, has announced that it would no longer allow the the 8 oz cans (used in hospitals and health care facilities) to be sold to retail customers.

 
The good news is, we have a great alternative for you, plus a savings discount:

Nestle Boost Kid Essentials –
Nestle offers a fantastic nutritional product – Boost Kid Essentials – that is widely accepted by pediatricians and moms everywhere. Click here to order Kids Boost

To help with the transition, we’re offering a 15% savings on Boost Kid Essentials – Use gift certificate code Nestle15 at checkout – good through Monday, Feb. 23rd.

*Important Note to Health Care Providers – If you are a health care provider or institution purchasing Pediasure 8 oz. cans from Allegro Medical, please respond with your company information. We can assist you in the Abbott Laboratories qualification process which will allow us to continue shipping you the institutional products.

Allegro Medical values your business. We apologize for this inconvenience and encourage you to try the Nestle alternative. Check the homepage blogs for future updates as this story unfolds.

Best regards,

CEO & Founder
Allegro Medical
480-990-8881 Ext 100

We understand how important a product *like* Ensure is for the care of loved ones requiring supplemental nutrition. Allegro Medical has helped hundreds of thousands of people just like you conveniently buy their supplements over the Internet for the past 11 years. However, Abbott Laboratories, the pharmaceutical manufacturer, announced that it would no longer allow the 8 oz cans (used in hospitals and health care facilities) to be sold to retail customers.

The good news is, we have a great alternative for you and a savings discount:

Nestle Boost –
Nestle offers a fantastic nutritional product – Boost – that is widely accepted by physicians everywhere. Click here to order Boost

To help with the transition, we’re offering a 15% savings on Boost – Use gift certificate code Nestle15 at checkout – good through Monday, Feb. 23rd.

*Important Note to Health Care Providers – If you are a health care provider or institution purchasing Ensure 8 oz. cans from Allegro Medical, please respond with your company information. We can assist you in the Abbott Laboratories qualification process which will allow us to continue shipping you the institutional products.

Allegro Medical values your business. We apologize for this inconvenience and encourage you to try the Nestle alternative. Check the homepage blog section for future updates as this story unfolds.

Best regards,

CEO & Founder
Allegro Medical
480-990-8881 Ext 100

Low Carb Step-by-Step:

1.  You stop eating carbohydrates – bread, rice, pasta, high-starch veggies (potatoes, corn, peas), anything with sugar, fructose, honey, etc. in it including fruit and things like ketchup, salad dressing, gum & baked beans.   Instead, you eat low-starch veggies, plus protein and fat – things like lettuce, turkey, eggs, cheese, olive oil, chicken, fish, seafood, beef & pork.   This depletes your body of sugar.  It takes about 48 hours to get the sugar out of your blood and it sucks but your sugar cravings go away pretty quickly.  I always feel tired and a bit confused the first few days if I go too low on the carbs.  This too passes as my body figures out a new way to burn fuel. 

2.  The fewer carbs you eat, the less insulin you produce.  Note:  Insulin is produced when your blood glucose levels rise in order to bring the levels down in your blood stream (otherwise you have a build-up of sugar in your blood, i.e. diabetes).  Insulin also acts as a hormone to condition your body to store future carbs as fat in case of starvation and it also tells the cells not to release stored fat.

3.  So, if you aren’t eating anything that converts to glucose (carbohydrates), then insulin does not get produced and your body goes into “ketosis”.

4.  Ketosis is a state where your body primarily uses fat to fuel the body since there is no fast-burning fuel available.  Fast-burning fuel is made from carbohydrates and it is burned first.  If that’s gone, you start burning fat for energy and thereby lose weight.  If you’re always carbo loading, your body continues to burn that first plus you store the fat and never lose it.

I definately recommend you talk to your doc before starting any diet plan.  My doctor and I talk about what I eat and when I eat it (sometimes why I eat it) at every visit.  I’m a good student and I only significantly reduce my carbs for short periods of time, then reintroduce high complex carbs a little at a time (whole grains, quinoa, brown rice, sweet potatoes), always trying to avoid white rice, white breads, potatoes and refined sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup).

See My Favorite Breakfast – Cheesy Egg Muffins. 

Important Things To Remember:  If you’re going to go out for a low-carb dinner, go ahead and have that wedge salad with blue cheese, grilled steak (try to pick a lean cut) smothered in mushrooms, some creamed spinach and grilled asparagus on the side.  Enjoy every bite.  It’s all low-carb or no carb.  If you’ve already burned off any sugar in your body (maybe since lunch depending on what you did to burn energy that day) and you don’t add any bread or potatoes or desert or alcohol to your meal at dinner, you will burn that meal as fat as long as you don’t add any carbs before it is burned, which could take a while.  If you eat that big fat meal and have a few bites of a roll and maybe a glass of wine or a little bit of dessert, your body is going to release insulin, burn the roll and dessert as energy first, tell your body not to release the fat and you will have just consumed a gazillion calories of food that will stick to you like glue.  That’s the danger of going off and on the carb wagon without knowing what you’re doing.  You could easily gain weight instead of lose!  Along those lines, be sure to check the “nutritional facts” on the food packaging.  Many products contain sugar or carbs and you would never know it.  Beware of foods marked “lite” or “low-fat” as well.  They can be surprisingly high in carbs.  Did you know that pretty much everything at PF Changs has sugar in it?  Be sure to ask your waiter about the ’sauce’ you’re about to order, wherever you are.

One of the most important components of keeping the weight off is an exercise plan.  Now hear this.  You can lose weight without the burden of a full blown workout schedule and maybe that’s the best way to go at first, but I guarantee you will feel better if you get moving.  Start with a slow, short walk and some stretching and go from there. 

Allegro Medical has a Dietary Supplements category with everything from Low Carb Products to Herbal Supplements and Vitamins that just by reading the different product descriptions will educate you.   I also recommend a visit to our Exercise/Fitness area for tools to get your in-home workout plan going.  Need help losing weight?  Visit our Weight Loss Help category.

Please respond with comments below.  I would love to hear from you about your experiences with dieting, recipes, advice, etc.

As always, thanks for being an Allegro customer.

-v