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).

In recognition of American Diabetes Month we’re offering you discounted prices on our diabetes supplies.  Order today!!

Top 10 Lowest Priced, Most Popular Diabetic Test Strips

One Touch Ultra Test Strips – According to one Allegro customer, our price on the One Touch Ultra “makes daily checking affordable.”  That’s what we like to hear.  Rock bottom prices.

Freestyle Test Strips - Box of 100.  Works with the Freestyle Blood Glucose Monitoring System.  Affordable and easy to use.  Need fewer strips?  Try the Freestyle Test Strips Box of 50. 

FreeStyle Lite- New!  No Coding Required.  Use with the FreeStyle Lite meter featuring the world’s smallest blood sample size.

Bayer’s CONTOUR Test Strips(formerly Ascensia) – No coding and a 5 second test time.  Use with Bayer Contour Meter.  Super price.

Accu-Check Compact Test Strips -  “Never Handle Test Strips” for use with the Compact and Compact Plus Blood Glucose Meters.  Discounts galore.

Accu-Chek Aviva Test Strips -  Completely touchable strip and wide-mouth dosing area makes it easy to test right the first time.  Larger, wider strip makes it easy to use for all ages.  Great price!

Accu-Chek Active Test Strips – Designed for people on the go! Quick and accurate results.  Test from palm, forearm, upper arm, thigh or calf.  Apply blood to test strip in or out of the meter.  Easy and inexpensive.

Accu-Chek Comfort Curve Test Strips- Use with Accu-Chek Advantage, Complete and Voicemate. Unique curved target area fits your finger for easier blood application.

Bayer BREEZE2 Test Strips - The easy-to-use 10-test disc means you only have to load every 10 tests.  Simple wins every time.

Invacare TRUEread Test Strips-  Use with TRUEread or TrackEASE blood glucose monitors.  Large strips for easy handling.  Easy-open flip top.  True value.

See all Diabetes Test Strips

See all Diabetes Supplies

Shop by Condition in our Diabetes Store

Do you use a test strip or meter that you don’t see at AllegroMedical.com?  Please let us know (reply below) and we will try to stock it for you!

More on Diabetes: 

What is Diabetes and What’s the Difference Between Typ 1 and Type 2? 

How to Tell if you have Diabetes

Take care and thanks for being an Allegro customer.  -v

What is diabetes?

When you eat carbohydrates (mainly sugars and starches), your body digests the food and the glucose (sugar)  is sucked from your small intestine into your bloodstream.  The glucose goes into your bloodstream so it can be delivered to cells throughout your body.  The cells then convert the glucose to energy and you get to live a little longer.   

When the glucose enters your bloodstream, your blood sugar (aka blood glucose) levels rise, triggering the production and release of a hormone called insulin.  Insulin is made by beta cells scattered throughout your pancreas and, among other things, it tightly controls the level of sugar in your blood stream at any given time.  It does this by telling your muscle and fat cells to pull the glucose (sugar) from the blood into the cells, out of the bloodstream. 

It stands to reason, then, that if your body is unable to produce insulin, or can’t produce enough insulin, or can’t properly use the insulin, then you will have too much sugar in your blood and that’s a bad thing.   When you have elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in your blood you are said to have hyperglycemia or you are “hyperglycemic” (low blood sugar is hypoglycemia).   If the sugar in your blood tests out at consistently high or above average levels, then you are diagnosed with a certain type of diabetes.  Diabetes is a chronic disease meaning that once diagnosed it lasts a lifetime, although it can be controlled. 

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

You have type 1 diabetes (aka insulin dependent diabetes or juvenile onset diabetes) when your pancreas cannot produce insulin at all.  This happens when your body’s immune system malfunctions and mistakenly manufactures antibodies (proteins in the blood that are part of the immune system) that attack the beta cells in its own pancreas, rendering it incapable of producing insulin.  Any time your immune system attacks your own body tissues it is called an autoimmune disease.  That’s what type 1 diabetes is.  This tendency to produce abnormal antibodies is beleved to be, in part, genetic, although it is not fully understood.

Type 1 diabetes is the least common, and it is found primarily in young, lean people under the age of 30.  Screening for certain types of antibodies is encouraged for individuals who have a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes. 

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Of the people who have diabetes, 90% have type 2 and it occurs later in life.  It is sometimes called non-insulin dependent or adult onset diabetes and it is characterized by the fact that you can still produce insulin.  The problem is, you don’t produce enough, or your body doesn’t correctly use the insulin it produces.   Your body’s cells may be insulin resistant.   This is the primary problem in type 2 diabetes.  Insulin resistance is when your cells don’t respond normally to a given amount of insulin, meaning that higher levels of insulin are needed in order for insulin to have its effects.  In type 2 diabetes, there is also a steady decline of beta cells (they produce the insulin in the pancreas), which causes less insulin to be produced, thus contributing to worsening glucose control. 

How Insulin Resistance Leads to Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin resistance precedes type 2 diabetes, sometimes by years.  In fact, your blood glucose and insulin levels may be normal for years and then, bam! you become insulin resistant.  At this point, you will often see an association of high insulin levels, abdominal obesity, cholesterol issues and/or high blood pressure.  When you have all these issues, you have metabolic syndrome.  Insulin resistance has a strong genetic factor and can also be caused by some medications, but it is often seen in people who have metabolic syndrome, are obese, pregnant, severely ill, stressed or using steroids. 

Here’s how it works:  One of insulin’s jobs is to tell your muscle and fat cells to pull glucose from your blood so it can be used by the cell.  This is one way that insulin “controls” your blood sugar levels.  Insulin basically attaches itself to the surface of the fat and muscle cells, knocks on the cell’s door and says ”okee dokee, open up”.  The cells hear the knock and says “come on in you beautiful sugar baby” (it lets the glucose in, thereby removing it from the blood stream).  Then the cell uses the glucose to provide energy to the body.  With insulin resistance, the muscles don’t even hear the knock and so the pancreas is notified to make more insulin, which increases the levels of insulin in the blood that causes a louder knock.  The resistance continues over time and as long as the pancreas can create enough insulin to open the cells doors, then you’re okay.  Once the pancreas can no longer keep up, the blood glucose levels begin to rise – at first only after meals when your glucose levels are highest but eventually when you’re fasting too.  At this point, you have type 2 diabetes.

How can you tell if you have diabetes?

Normal fasting blood glucose levels are less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).  Fasting blood glucose levels of more than 126 mg/dl on two or more tests on different days indicates diabetes.  A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dl or higher, taken randomly at any time of day, also indicates diabetes. 

A fasting blood glucose level that stays above 100, but below 126 is known as impaired fasting glucose (IFG).  While these patients do not have the diagnosis of diabetes, it is important that it be addressed so that diabetes may be delayed or prevented.

The American Diabetes Assocation’s How to Tell if You Have Pre-Diabetes can give you more information and also can link you to a test to help you determine if you are at increased risk for diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Diabetes Symptoms:

Symptoms noticed by patients at the onset of diabetes range from no symptoms at all to extreme thirst, extreme fatigue, frequent urination, rapid weight loss, difficulty losing weight (common in the pre-diabetic stage), eye pain or blurry vision,  foot pain, dry mouth, dry skin, sweaty spells, weakness, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, bladder infections, tingling in the legs, gum disease,  vomiting/upset stomach, extreme hunger, headaches and dizziness. 

So you see, it can get quite difficult to diagnose this on your own. 

Unless you are familiar with how diabetes works, you may want to read What is Diabetes and the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2? to help you digest the follwing information. 

An explanation of the most common symptoms:

High amounts of glucose in the urine causes frequent urination, which leads to dehydration.  Dehydration causes excessive thirst, so you drink more water, which adds to the frequency of urination…and so around it goes.

Insulin resistance, which often leads to diabetes, promotes fat storage because glucose cannot properly enter the cells to be used as energy.  The body keeps producing more insulin to try to get those cells to open up and since insulin is a hormone that likes to store fat, this can lead to weight gain, which leads to obesity, which worsens insulin resistance, which accelerates the development of Pre-Diabetes, which, left unchecked can lead to type 2 diabetes.  On the other hand, obesity can be what initiates the insulin resistance in the first place.  Another chicken/egg situation.  This diabetes is tricky stuff.

Diabetics experience weight loss, despite their increased appetite, when the body is no longer producing any, or not enough, insulin.  This lack of insulin keeps the sugar in your blood instead of letting it into the cells where it can be converted to energy.  If your blood sugar is very high, you urinate a lot and that causes weight loss, plus a muscle breakdown can occur, causing unhealthy weight loss.  Many patients find out they have diabetes when they have experienced unexplained weight loss.

Some untreated diabetes patients complain of nausea and vomiting.  The nausea and vomiting could be because of a condition called gastroparesis, which is caused by high blood sugars that can, over time, damage the vagus nerve which controls the movement of food through the digestive tract.  When this nerve is damaged, food moves slowly or stops moving through the digestive tract.  Nerve damage also leads to problems of the feet.

If fatigue is paired with any of the other classic diabetes symptoms, you need to schedule a diabetes screening test.  The reason diabetics experience fatigue is because their glucose is just floating around in their system instead of being  converted to energy.  Without enough insulin, the cells don’t allow the glucose in, so you feel drained all the time.  This fatigue can only be alleviated by returning the blood sugar to its normal levels.

Diabetics are prone to all kinds of infections, but women with diabetes, in particular, often notice frequent urinary tract infections.  According to an article on DiabetesInControl.com, women with diabetes are two to three times more likely to have bacteria in their bladdres than women without diabetes (not true for men).  Poor circulation in diabetics reduces the ability of infection-fighting white blood cells to get where they need to go.  When they get there, they are less likely to ingest the offending bacteria and kill them than normal white blood cells.  Many people with diabetes also have bladder dysfunctions that contract poorly, allowing urine to remain in static pools where bacteria can grow. 

Diabetics also have more skin problems and other infections that often lead to a diagnosis.  There are too many to list but if you’d like to read more, see the American Diabetes Assocation’s “Skin Complications” sections. 

And last but not least, an early symptom of eye problems relating to diabetes is blurred vision.  High blood sugar changes the shape and flexibility of the lens of the eye, distorting the ability to focus which causes blurred vision.  Other symptoms include double vision, cloudy vision, floating spots and curtain-like shadows in the eye. 

If you have any of these concerns, please see your doctor and get a simple blood test. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to some really hairy complications including high blood pressure, heart attacks and heart failure, blindness, kidney failure, coma, nerve damage and amputation.  Not to mention death.

The good news is, if diabetes is caught in its early stages, and it is still considered mild, your doctor may start treatment by having you drop excess body fat, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol through diet and exercise.  If your diabetes is more complicated, or at a more advanced stage, you will be treated with oral medications or insulin injections.

Boost Glucose Control (formerly Boost Diabetic) – This is our most popular diabetic product, it’s selling for 32% below list price, it will help manage your glucose levels, it’s ready to drink, made by Nestle and has an average customer rating of 5 out of 5 stars.  May I take your order?

Comfy Feet Diabetic Crew Socks (pk. of 3) – Where else can you get 3 pairs of socks for 7 bucks?  Besides these are the most comfortable socks you may ever wear, diabetic or otherwise.  They’re such a good deal you can get one of every color.

AccelWell Travel Pouch – Keep your insulin cool and safe for up to 13 hours in 100 degree heat, plus keep all your supplies organized for travel. $14.95 but with mixed reviews.  You might opt for the $19.95 Micro-Cooler instead.  See all Accessories.

OneTouch Logbook - Use this little book to see how your meals and exercise impact your blood glucose over time.  Stock up, they’re $1.95!

   TriDERMA Intense Fast Healing Cream – I’m torn on this one because one customer says she wouldn’t recommend it to her worst enemy, but Harry from Milwaukee says that it works better than anything he’s ever used to heal foot and leg sores.  Hey, the name says it’s intense!  You decide… for $13.95 it might be worth a try.  Or, check out the rest of our Skin Care Creams & Moisturizers.

Transportable Sharps Needle Disposal Container – 2 gallon – For $7.95 you can use this container for months.  See more Sharps/Needle Disposal products.

Aetrex Worldwide Shoes & Sandals – Really neat ones, made for sensitive feet.  49 styles to choose from in regular, wide and extra-wide sizes – at the lowest prices on the web.  Aetrex shoes are very popular and a great find for hard-to-fit feet.  Highly recommended!

See more bargains in Test Strips, Control Solution, Diabetic Nutrition, Insulin Products, Lancets, Meters & Test Kits and Needles & Syringes.

If you’re buying your consumable diabetic supplies from Allegro, save both time and money and have them automatically sent to you on a convenient time schedule?  See the Allegro Auto-ReOrder Program.  It’s a piece of cake – sugar free, of course. 

If you’re not buying your supplies from Allegro…shame on you.  No seriously, if you’re not, PLEASE leave a comment below, tell me why and I’ll see what I can do about it.

Smoooch.  -v

Did you know?

*  Nearly 2,400 Americans die of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) each day, an average of one death every 37 seconds.

*  Preliminary mortality data for 2006 show that CVD accounted for 34.2% of all 2,425,900 deaths in 2006, or 1 of every 2.9 deaths in the United States.

*  Good news:  From 1995 to 2005, death rates from CVD declined by 26.4%.

* Cardiovascular disease claims about as many lives each year as cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, accidents and diabetes mellitus combined.

*  Half of adults 50 and younger with low 10-year risk of  CVD have high lifetime risk (News Release Jan. 13, 2009).

*  One in three female adults has some form of cardiovascular disease.

*  Since 1984, the number of CVD deaths for females has exceeded those for males.

*  In 2005, CVD was the first listed diagnosis of 3,023,000 females discharged from short-stay hospitals.  Discharges include people both alive, dead or of unknown status.

*  More than 150,000 Americans killed by CVD in 2005 were less than 65 years of age.

*  In 2009, an estimated 785,000 Americans will have a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 will have a recurrent attack.  It is estimated that an additional 195,000 silent first myocardial infarctions occur each year.

*  Each year, about 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke.  On average, every 40 seconds someone in the US has a stroke.  Good news: From 1995 to 2005, the stroke death rate fell 29.7% and the actual number of stroke deaths declined 13.5%.

Yikes!!

Are you at risk for heart disease?  Do you know what to do in the event of a heart attack?  Are you up to date on the latest CPR Myths & Tips?

Read 5 Ways to Celebrate American Heart Month for more information on how to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Here’s a Power Point Presentation for 2009 American Heart Org Stats in case you want to present these facts to your family, school or group.

It seems that matters of the heart are quite serious. So serious that every year since 1963, Congress has required the President to proclaim February ‘American Heart Month’.  The American Heart Association helps to draft this proclamation and get it signed.  Who knew?

Even so, after 45 years of ‘proclaiming’, cardiovascular disease remains the number 1 killer (including stroke) in our nation today. Let’s join President Obama and the American Heart Association’s plight to fight heart disease and raise awareness, shall we?

Here’s how:

1. Get Heart Smart. Like the American Heart Association (AMA) says, “learn and live”. Did you know that the death rate from cardiovascular disease (CVD) is higher for females than males? And that the warning signs of a heart attack may be different for men and women?  Read Staggering Heart Facts and Heart Attack & Stroke Warning Signs: Men vs Women.

2. Check yourself. According to the AMA, if you’ve made it to middle age (eg, 50) and you’re a non-smoker without high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes then congratulations!  You can look forward to: a substantially longer life; lower risk for CVD; lower risks for CVD death and non-CVD death; better health-related quality of life in older age; and, substantially reduced Medicare expenditures. Start monitoring your cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose levels now. They’re sneaky and you might not even know you’re in trouble. The good news is, they are manageable with help from your doc. If you smoke, quit it. It’s gross and stinky and stupid and so uncool,  unlike you.  Here is a List of Heart Attack & Stroke Risk Factors and Guidelines.

Products to help you measure and track from home:  cholesterol test kit, blood pressure monitors and diabetic meters & test kits.   Monitor your heart health here.

3.  Get Heart Healthy.  Eating right, staying fit and managing your weight will go a long way to keeping a heart attack at bay.  Learn how here.  Get started with  heart rate monitors.

4.  Spread the Word.  As with all diseases, I believe that awareness is half the battle.  You could save someone’s life by sharing your knowledge about heart disease with your family, friends, schools, social groups, community groups.  Even if it is just in casual conversation, try to work in “have you had your blood pressure checked lately?”  or “did you know that… ”.  The AMA asks you to be part of the cure.  Become an advocate!  Another way to spread the word is to get involved with local heart charities.  You can volunteer at hospitals, deliver leaflets door to door, start your own campaign or attend charity events.  Here are some specific ways to give.

5.  Cover your bases.  Do you know what to do in the event of a heart attack?  Do you know how to do CPR? Does your school, home, company and shopping mall have an Automated External Diffibrilator (AED)?  They are so affordable now, there is no excuse.  If you or a loved on is at risk for a heart attack you may also consider getting a 911 Medical Alert System. 

See all Diagnostic Products.

If you’ve read all of these articles and you crave more, visit the American Heart Association website.

Happy American Heart Month!  Please take care of yourself.  We heart you.

-v

For many, this is a financially difficult holiday so I am proposing that we all gift “mindfully”. Pick gifts that your loved ones can really put to use – something that fits their lifestyle, ability, or hobby.

When they open it, it will be obvious that you had them in mind when you chose their special present. And your gift will be especially appreciated if it improves their health, comfort, independence or mobility.

So grab your list and see if you can fit each person into a category below. You’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect gift.

Shop for everyone – fitness buffs, kids, skiers, snorers, active teens, diabetics, new mom’s, seniors, wheelchair users and more!

Aging Seniors

UpEasy Lifting Cushion

Card Player Card Holders

3-Wheel Drive Hawk Scooter

Car Caddie Helping Hand

Suction Cup Grab Bars

Folding Shopping Cart

Tek Pal Large Button TV Remote

Light Relief – Light Therapy

Teak Spa Shower Chair

Portable Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

See all Daily Living Aids

Diabetics

AccelWell Travel Pouch

Paraffin Heat System

Medi-Fridge Micro Fridge

Diabetic Crew Socks

Awesome Diabetic Shoes

See all Diabetic Supplies

Fitness Gurus & Athletes

X2 Vest Weighted Walking Vest – 12 lb 

Lex Loops Exercise Band

Heart Rate Monitor

Complete Yoga Kit with Travel Bag

3300P Body Gym Elite Pilates Trainer

ProStretch Lower Leg Stretching System

Power Wheel II Core Trainer

Perfect Pushup

Bodyblade Classic Kit Fitness Trainer

Doorway Pull Up Bar

Personal PowerBlock Dumbbell Set

iJoy Ride by Human Touch

Mini Stepper Exerciser

BOSU Sport Balance Trainer

See all Exercise/Fitness

Gardeners

Easi-Grip Gardening Set

Gardener’s Easy-Up Kneeler and Seat

Easi-Grip Long Reach Gardening Set

See all Yard Equipment

Golfers

Power Swing Trainer Golf Gym

Superfeet Black Insoles for Golf Shoes

Bionic Golf Glove

Wobble Board Balance Trainer

Hotties

Chillow Pillow Cooling Sensation Pillow

ChillowPlus

Cool Care Comfort System Chillow Pak

Kids

Indo Board Balance Board

TRIKKE T5 for Kids

Hop Balls

Pink Lady Pedal Car

Police Pedal Car

Radio Flyer Little Red Scooter

See all Gifts for Kids

New Parents and Moms-to-Be

Bounce-a-Bye Baby Ball

InStep Quick N’ Ez Bike Trailer

Safari Jogging Stroller

Comfort Body Pillow

Magentic Safety Magnet – Emergency Memo Board‘

See all Maternity Care

Pampered

Deep Kneading Rechargeable Hand Held Massager

Ultra Soft Plush Massaging Slippers for Women

Spacells Facial Sponge

HydraGel Infrared Massager

Alpaca Fur Fuzzy Slippers

Alpaca Fur Blanket

Alpaca Fur Pillow

Supracor St. Tropez Massage Sandals

iJoy 130 Robotic Massage Chair

Stimulite Bath Mitt

Stimulite Bath Pillow

Thermal Spa Bath Mat Massage Pad

Superfeet Berry Insoles for Women

Original Backnobber

Hand-Held Shower Massager

Soapy Soles Elite 3-in-1 Foot Care System

Spa Petite Personal Paraffin Wax Bath

Eye Pillow with ergoBeads

See all Pamper Products

Pets

Infrared Therapeutic Pet Bed

Canine Cooler Dog & Pet Bed

Singles

The Boyfriend Pillow

Skaters/Surfers/SnowBoarders

iJoy Board Electric Balance Trainer

Fitball Balance Disc

Indo Board Balance Board

Superfeet Performance Green Insoles

Skiiers

Trikke Skki

Superfeet Performance Green Insoles

Superfeet Wintergreen Insoles for Skiing, Snowboarding & Hiking

Wobble Board Balance Trainer

Hand Warmers

Peel-n-Stick Body Warmers

Snorers

The Snore Wizard

Better Sleep Pillow – Side Sleeper

Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock w/Bed Shaker

Snore-No-More Anti Snoring Pillow

See all Snoring Products

Sweetie Pies

Heart-Shaped Digital Picture Keychain

Sonic Boom Sweetheart Alarm Clock

Alpaca Fur Teddy Bear

Alpaca Fur Fuzzy Slippers

Alpaca Fur Blanke

Teens

Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock w/Bed Shaker

TRIKKE Convertible

Doorway Pull Up Bar

Vew-Do Balance Board

Indo Board Balance Board

Travelers

Personal Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer

Traveller Deluxe Neck Pillow

Aqua Bell Travel Weight ComboSet

Traveling Bed Rail

Portable Vibrating Travel Alarm Clock

Visually Challenged

Large Button TV Remote Control

Deluxe Framed Page Magnifier

Low Vision Watch

Jumbo Buttons Speakerphone

See all Low Vision Products

Wheelchair and Walker Users

Beverage Holders

Sheepskin Arm Rests

Sheepskin Seat Pad

Packs and Pouches

Wheelchair Desks

See all Wheelchair Accessories

See all Walker Accessories

I hope this helps you pick the perfect Christmas gift from AllegroMedical.com. See our entire Gift Ideas Category for more ideas and to shop by price range. Feel free to add a comment about the list and suggest other products and “types”. We love to hear from you.

A Verry Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone from your Allegro Family. We appreciate your business and your referrals.

-v

Travel Easy

• Inflatable Neck Cushion – A few puffs of air and you have an instant neck cushion. Fits in your pocket! No more sleeping on your neighbor’s shoulder on the plane.
• Traveller Neck Pillow – Lightweight, easy to pack and comes with a removable cover.
• Supracor Stimulite Deluxe Travel Pillow – The ultimate travel pillow. It cradles your head & neck while circulating air and evaporating moisture.
• Eye Pillow with ergoBeads – Cools, soothes & keeps the light out so you can arrive well rested.
• Personal Massagers – Stressed? Take these anywhere for instant relaxation.
• Revitaleg Portable Leg Massager – Looks like quite the gadget. I must get one.
• Moisturizing Gel Socks – Hit the ground running after a long flight.
• Gel Therapy Gloves – Give your fingers a facial while you’re riding along.
• Car Seat Belt Cushion – This will make that long drive so much more comfortable. A must for pregnant passengers.

Travel Fit

• Aqua Bell Travel Weights – We sell a ton of these. Very, very popular. You should have one too.
• Perfect Pushup Travel Edition – Stay ripped when you’re on the road.
• Easy Mixer 16oz Travel Blender – Blend up your protein smoothie anywhere.
• Hand Exerciser and Stress Ball – Might as well do something constructive with your hands.

Travel Smart

• Portable Vibrating Travel Alarm Clock – I love this product. Wake up to good vibes.
• Travel Size Bedside Sonic Boom Alarm Clock w/Bed Shaker – Use it at home and away and you’ll never be late.
• Universal Plug Adapter – A must for international travelers.
• TravelJohn Disposable Urinal – When you gotta go, you gotta go.

Travel Safe

• Traveling Bed Rail & Car Caddie Combo – Getting in and out of the bed and the car has never been safer or easier.
• Superpole Traveler – Helps you stand up and sit down. Two-piece pole can be packed & transported.
• Portable Suction Grab Bar – Pack your grab bar when staying in hotels or someone’s home.

Travel Well

• AccelWell Travel Pouch for Diabetic Supplies – Keeps medicines cool for up to 13 hours.
• Micro-Cooler for Diabetic Supplies – Super economical. Maintains diabetic medicines or pens at a safe temp for up to 20 hours.
• Dia-pak Deluxe Travel Organizer w/Cold Gel-Pack – This water resistant organizer holds a 2 week supply of insulin. Made to last.
• Stratos Compact Aerosol Compressor for Nebulizers – Durable and super compact for travel. For 7 – 9 minute treatment times.
• Handheld Ultrasonic Nebulizer – This little nebulizer fits in the palm of your hand.
• Medflash Emergency Portable Personal Health Record – USB storage device holds your complete medical history. Wear as a necklace or use as a keychain.

Travel Kids

• Dream Rid SE Infant Car Bed – For babies 5 – 20 lbs. 3-point harness and ergonomic carry handle.
• Graco Turbo Booster Car Seat – Removable seat pad and dual cup holders.
• Ultra CarGo Booster Car Seat – For children 20 to 100 lbs.
• RECARO Start Child Car Seat – The ultimate in safety. Includes integrated sound speakers & ergonomic seating positions.

The Allegro family wishes you safe and comfortable travel this holiday season. And, as always, we thank you for your business.

Want to save some money on your next family vacation? Check out these 15 Money-Saving Travel Tips.

Do you know someone with diabetes? Chances are, with an estimated 20.8 million diabetics (that’s 7% of the population) in the U.S., someone close to you is afflicted with the disease. With that many Americans affected and another 54 million people at risk, it is important that we are all aware of the causes and effects of diabetes, and what we can do to prevent the disease. American Diabetes Month was created to raise awareness of the disease itself, and of the importance of proper diabetes care. Here is some information on diabetes. For more, go to “http://www.diabetes.org”, home of the American Diabetes Association.

What is Diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association describes diabetes as: “a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.”

Types of Diabetes

There are several types of diabetes that have different effects on the body, and therefore require different care. In Type 1 diabetics, the pancreas does not produce insulin. In order for the body to convert sugars and starches into energy, the insulin needs it to be replaced with injections. Type 1 diabetes is generally diagnosed in children and young adults, and includes less than 10% of all diabetics.

In Type 2 diabetes, usually the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, and the cells do not take in enough glucose. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be controlled with diet and exercise. If this is not enough to bring the glucose level down to normal, there are several medications that may do the trick.

Diabetes Medications

Diabetes medications can be taken alone or in different combinations, in addition to exercise and proper diet to achieve the right glucose levels in Type 2 patients.

In all types of diabetes the blood glucose levels are too high. Therefore, blood glucose monitoring is the best way to keep diabetes in check. In addition to standard glucose monitoring and fasting tests which give current glucose levels, there is the hemoglobin A1C. The A1C test is said to have revolutionized diabetes care because it provides a “big picture” of glucose levels, giving a two to three month average. This average can help doctors to assess proper medication and diet for diabetics.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Untreated diabetes causes symptoms related to elevated blood sugar levels, such as increased urination, weight loss, fatigue and nausea, and can lead to infections of the bladder or skin. The disease is usually diagnosed with a glucose fasting test in a doctor’s office.

Complications of Diabetes

Diabetes can lead to chronic eye and kidney problems and nerve damage, all resulting from microvascular disease. In addition, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) caused by diabetes can lead to heart problems and strokes.

Prevention of Diabetes

It is possible to prevent or at least delay the onset of diabetes. Glucose levels that are higher than normal can be brought down with exercise and proper diet. According to the American Diabetes Association, in a recent Diabetes Reduction Program study, “just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10% reduction in body weight, produced a 58% reduction in diabetes.”

To find out if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes, take the ADA’s Diabetes Risk Test.

Diabetes Supplies From Allegro

Allegro has all you need for testing your blood glucose level, including meters, test strips and lancets. If you are on Medicare, it is possible for you to get free diabetes supplies from Allegro, delivered right to your door. Contact our helpful staff to find out if you qualify.

Supplies

Allegro has test strips in boxes of fifty or one hundred for all the most popular meters. Also, test your blood glucose monitoring system for accuracy with a control solution, which allows you to make sure the meter and test strips are working together, and that you are testing properly, without using actual blood.

Get lancets for less at Allegro, available in gauges of 21-30 for virtually pain free sampling- even for children. Allegro has many lancing devices that have varying penetration depths, and allow sampling from body sites other than the fingertips. Use a self-injection device to make injecting easier. Simultaneously inserts needle and administers insulin.

Syringes for insulin users are less expensive by the case. Get yours here! And dispose of your needles properly, in a sharps container.

Meters

Allegro features the latest in inexpensive, accurate glucose monitors that require less blood for testing. Or, get all your supplies in a kit – meter, lancets, lancing device, control solution and test strips, all included in one box, delivered to you. For the vision-impaired, a glucose meter with voice prompting makes testing easy, and helps to maintain independence.

Shoes, Skin Care and More

It is important that diabetics take good care of their feet. Loss of circulation and nerve damage can lead to infections, injuries and even amputation. Approximately half of diabetic amputations could be avoided with precautions taken to protect the feet. Allegro has many styles of Orthopedic-type shoes to help protect the feet from injuries. Increase blood flow and raise the temperature of your feet, while relieving foot pain with diabetic foot cream. And for a looser, more comfortable fit, try diabetic socks with wide tops and breathable fabric. For selection and low prices, take your foot care to Allegro.

Keep insulin cold in the office or when you’re on the go with a travel pack which includes places for all your supplies, and re-freezable ice packs to keep everything cold for hours. Or a portable fridge may be the way to go, to keep insulin, and whatever else you desire cold for as long as you need.

We have parts for insulin pumps, infusion sets and other insulin accessories. Check our stock. We may have what you need!

Alternative nutrition for diabetics is available here, for tube-feeding and supplementing.

The Mission of the American Diabetes Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Diabetes Information

Call 1-888-DIABETES (1-888-342-2383) or go online to www.diabetes.org.

American Diabetes Month Fact Sheet (courtesy of the ADA)

November is American Diabetes Month (ADM), which is designed to
communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of proper
diabetes control. ADM also focuses on type 2 diabetes risk factors and
prevention, treatment of those diagnosed with the disease, type 1 and type 2, and support for their families. The theme for this year’s ADM is “The Many Faces of Diabetes” and throughout the month the ADA leverages opportunities both nationally and locally to raise awareness about a variety of issues relating to diabetes care and treatment.

Key Messages

- If current trends continue one out of three Americans, and one in two minorities, born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime.

make a difference in reducing your risk for heart attack or stroke.

checks can prevent blindness, amputations, heart disease, kidney
disease, and strokes.

Diabetes and the observance of the first World Diabetes Day on November 14.