Kids and adults alike – especially those with dietary restrictions, illness, disease, high stress or activity levels or just plain busy lives - often need to supplement or completely rely on nutritional drinks to fulfill their daily requirements of vitamins, minerals, protein and calories.

Allegro has long been a source of the most popular dietary supplements for adult and child nutrition.  Can we help you or your loved ones and patients maintain healthy nutrition?

Most Popular Dietary Supplements

Boost Plus Nutritional Energy Drink

Shop all Boost 

Shop all Nestle Clinical Nutrition

Shop all Adult Nutrition

MET-Rx ProteinPlus Protein Bars – Chocolate Fudge

Shop all MET-Rx

Shop all Protein and Power Bars

Carnation Instant Breakfast – Lactose Free Plus

Shop all Carnation Instant Breakfast

Shop all Child Nutrition

Nutren 2.0

Shop all Nutren Dietary Supplements

Shop all Enteral Feeding

Pregestimil Lipil Powdered Infant Formula

Shop all Mead Johnson

Shop all Infant Formula

TwoCal HN

Shop all Abbott Nutrition

Shop all Metabolic Products

UtraMet Original – Low Carb Meal Replacement

Shop all Champion Nutrition

Shop all Meal Replacements

Designer Whey Protein Supplement

Shop all Next Proteins

Shop all Protein Supplements

Mass Cycle – Extreme Bulking Agent

Shop all Fizogen

Shop all Sports Performance

Only One – Probiotic Multivitamin Tabs

Shop all New Chapter Organics

Shop all Vitamins

Designer Whey – The Biggest Loser Protein Powder

Jillian Michaels Maximum Strength Fat Burner

Shop all Jillian Michaels 

Shop all Weight Loss

Scandishake 600 Calorie Weight Gainer

Shop all Weight Gainers

Simply Thick Honey Beverage Thickener

Shop all SimplyThick

Shop all Food Thickeners

More Dietary Supplements

• Amino Acids
• Anabolic Precursors
• Blenders
• Creatine
• Dietary Fats / Oils
• Energy
• Herbal Supplements
• Low Carb Products
• Snacks / Foods
• Sports Drinks
• Sports Vitamins / Minerals

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.

Shop All Gift Ideas

Gift Ideas Under $50

Give fun gifts like a pedal exerciser, folding shopping cart, body scrubber, body sox, large button t.v. remote, digital picture frame, sonic alarm clock and more.

Shop all Exercise / Fitness

Shop all Daily Living Aids

Shop all Digital Picture Frames

Gift Ideas $50 to $100

How about choosing a unique gift like an electronic grocery list, alpaca fur slippers, a Beginner’s Loom, or a heated personal footrest?  They’re all here.  Or maybe something more practical like an overbed table or a portable lifting cushion?

Shop all Alpaca Fur

Shop all Cozy Heaters

Shop all Overbed Tables

Gift Ideas $100 and Up

If you’re looking for luxury gifts, mobility gifts, travel gifts or high-end electronics, look in this category.  How about a Personal Aquatic Treadmill, an inflatable Whirlpool spa, a wine cooler or a pink rollator? There are those, and everything in between.

Shop all Treadmills and Water Exercise Equipment

Shop all Wine products

Shop all Rollators

Electronic Gift Ideas

Get your gift gadgets here! From practical gifts to downright funky, we have big button t.v. remotes, retro telephones, Sonic Alert alarm clocks, an Internet viewer, a Digital DJ Station, digital picture frames, USB turntables, digital cordless handsets and more.  We even have a Kodak ESP 3250 All-in-One Printer and the super affordable Kodak EasyShare Digital Camera!

Shop for gifts for mommies, grandmas, wives, daughters, aunts and girlfriends here.  Also, check out our professional curling irons, pilates equipment, yoga gear and relaxation products.

 

Shop all Hair Care

Shop all Exercise / Fitness

Shop all Stress Relief Products

Gifts for Him

You are sure to find something for each of the men in your life in Allegro’s Gifts for Him category.  There are walkie talkies, a hunter’s cushion, Sno Wovel, Stadium Seat, a Wireless Weather Station, ScanGauge II Auto Computer - you know… guy things.

Shop all Balance – Core Products

Shop all Outdoor Gear

Shop all Skwoosh Outdoor Cushions

Shop all Oregon Scientific

Gifts for Kids

What kid wouldn’t want a Fish in Space? Or a MegaView TV Microscope , LiftPack Backpack or (my favorite) a Little Red Scooter!  See all these great gifts and more in Gifts for Kids.

Shop all Uncle Milton

Shop all Radio Flyer

Gifts for Teens

Where else will you find a Skull Alarm Clock along side a Pink Fur Rhinestone Phone?  And if your teen is into snowboarding, surfing or skiing, you can’t go wrong with a Vew-Do Balance Board or a TRIKKE Snow Skii.  They are all here in Gifts for Teens.

Shop all Balance Boards

Shop all TRIKKE Scooters

Don’t forget the

STOCKING STUFFERS!

Stocking Stuffer Alert! Get this Talking Pedometer for about 5 bucks!

Stocking Stuffer Alert! Spread the warmth to everyone in the family with a box of 40 Hand Warmers for only $45 bucks!  See all Grabber Warmers

Stocking Stuffer Alert! De-Stress with these Massaging Eyeshades for under $6 bucks!  Shop all Massagers.

Get your gifts ordered TODAY!  And have a ball shopping at AllegroMedical.com.  Thank you for your business.  We appreciate it.

Allegro offers fitness equipment and accessories for all ages and abilities.  No excuses! 

Best Workout Equipment for your Home Gym

Magneciser Pedal Exerciser- There are other pedal exercisers available, but the Magneciser is the ultimate in adjustability, automation and function.  Use for both upper and lower body exercises.

Shop all Cycles/Pedlars

Jacobs Ladder Total Body Exerciser - As one Allegro customer says, “Jacob’s Ladder is not for people who don’t want to get in tip top shape.”  It’s a patented commercial cardio machine specifically designed for fitness enthusiasts, athletes and professionals.  Made to order, please allow 6 to 8 weeks delivery. See also the Jacobs Ladder Biggest Loser version.

Shop all Steppers/Climbers

ProStretch – Unilateral- Still one of Allegro’s most popular products, the ProStretch stretching system stretches and conditions the lower leg muscles, tendons and ligaments to help you recover from workouts faster, recover from injuries, improve athletic performance, remove tightness and reduce injuries.  See the ProStretch Double – Bilateral Stretching System to stretch both legs at the same time.

Shop all ProStretch

Shop all Stretching

FitBALL Sport Exercise Balls – FIRM EDITION- This FitBall is the next generation of the #1 burst-resistant exercise ball.  Firmer than the original FitBALL, it is designed especially for trainers, therapists, fitness professionals and consumers that like a firm, yet high-quality exercise ball. Don’t forget the FitBALL Air Pump!

Shop all FitBall

Shop all Exercise Balls/Rolls

ProFitter 3D Cross Trainer - Perfect for snowboarders, skiers, surfers and anyone who wants to maximize their active lifestyle, this balance trainer is great for individuals of all ages and abilities.  More like a sport than an exercise!

Shop all Balance – Core Products

Cando Yoga Mat - Thick enough for comfort but thin enough to roll up and take anywhere.  68″ x 24″ x 1/4″.  No phthlates, dioxin, furons, phenol or heavy metals.  Non-skid.  The perfect yoga mat.

Shop all Yoga Equipment

Shop all Aerobics/Mats

Shop all Pilates Equipment

Cando Low-Powder Latex Exercise Bands - Highly effective and cost effective too.  Exercise band therapy is the most commonly prescribed exercise for rehab, conditioning and training.  Simply cut your exercise band to an appropriate length and start exercising!  Many resistance levels to choose from.  Contains latex.

Shop all Exercise Bands/Tubes

Shop all Cando

Shop all Thera-Band

Resistance Chair – Freedom Flex Shoulder Stretcher - If you have a Resistance Chair – the Freedom Flex Shoulder Stretcher is the most popular add-on for people with arthritis, frozen shoulder syndrome or other shoulder ailments.  If you don’t have a Resistance Chair Exercise System you should get one.

Shop all Exercise Equipment

Shop all Home Gyms

Uni-Vest Professional Weighted Vest (Long) – 20 lbs Included - Lose weight faster and tone quickly while wearing extra weight during your workouts, walks or runs.  Uni-Vest from Ironwear is the only weight vest line to be endorsed by Reebok.  This vest comes with 20 lbs of weight.  Additional Flex-Metal add-on weights sold separately.

Shop all Ironwear

Shop all Fitness Accessories

See much more including Exercise Books/Videos, Ellipticals, Hand Exercisers, Health Monitors, Hot & Cold Therapy, Pully Exercisers, Rowers, Athletic Supports, Tanning and Competition Products, Water Exercise Equipment and Hand/Ankle Weights in our Exercise Fitness Category

Here’s to healthy, happy workouts!

Allegro’s Most Popular Stress Relievers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of  Home Blood Pressure Monitors

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

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

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

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

See all Blood Pressure Monitors

See all Diagnostic Products

See all Home Test Kits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

• Stop and Breathe.  In through the nose . . . out through the mouth.   Make your inhalations the same length as your exhalations.  Close your eyes and take long, slow breaths as your mind focuses on the expansion of your chest, back and belly.  Listen to the slow steady beat of your heart.  10 deep breaths will help turn your tension into relaxation.

• Give your body relaxation ques.  Sometimes your body needs permission to relax.  Do this by releasing your facial muscles and making your eyes wide and hollow.  Drop your shoulders.  Roll your neck.  Un-cross your legs and sit back with your arms at your sides.  Smile.  Self-massage is another option.   Keep a Stress Ball and a Backnobber or Jacknobber in your purse or car for on-the-spot stress relief.

• See the Humor.  Whatever the situation, try to lighten the moment with a new perspective – preferably one that involves humor.  Even if the humor is only realized internally (think funny thoughts) you’ll feel some relief.   And if appropriate, please share the humor.  A good laugh does wonders to relieve stress.  And your peers, family and friends will thank you for your ability to diffuse difficult or uncomfortable situations.

• Do the opposite.  We condition ourselves to react to people and situations the same way over and over.  What if you reacted completely differently (i.e. positively) to a problem or moment that would normally evoke a negative comment or reaction?  It’s akin to ‘picking your battles’.  Next time something comes up that would normally make you snap, try going the opposite direction.  Try shrugging it off, making it a non-issue.   This “do the opposite” technique works on people too.  If you are forced to spend time with someone you aren’t fond of, try acting as if you are happy to see them.  Who knows, maybe something positive will come of it!

• Eat some sugar.  Not a lot of sugar, or your mood may go up and then sink lower than before.  Suck on a hard candy, for instance.  Sugar might just the ticket if low blood sugar is making you cranky.  Sometimes a little serotonin reaction (feel-good hormone) is all you need to get through.  Diabetics, don’t listen to me if you are not supposed to have the sugar.

• Give a hug,  get a hug.  Physical contact will decrease stress hormones and make you feel loved and connected.  Even if you have to hug your cat, do it.  When hugging a human, attempt to deepened the connection with a sincere grasp . . . squeeze. . . and then a reluctant release.  No back pats.  Be firm.  Sincere.  Practice.

• Punch something and/or scream.  That’s punch something, not someone and make sure you hit something soft so you don’t hurt yourself.   Of course, never hit a pet or a person.  Go for a pillow if possible.   A (silent) rebel yell can also make you feel better in seconds.  Make sure you’re alone if you want to yell for real.  You might scare someone.   

For long-term stress relief, keep your cool with unbeatable stress busters in Allegro’s Stress Relief category.  Shop for hundreds of stress products  such as portable whirlpool spas, pain relievers and more. 

Another important component to on-going stress management is exercise.  Get ideas and value-packed exercise and fitness equipment in our Exercise/Fitness category.

Have a stress-free day!

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

Its effects may be gradual, but yoga, when practiced regularly, will rock your mind, body and spirit.

Why Yoga?

The longer you go without stretching, repeating the same basic muscle movements every day, the more likely you will lose your range of motion and be unable to move freely.  Yoga can help balance your body and keep it free of aches of pains.  Even women in nursing homes who regularly participate in yoga classes have fewer complaints of aches & pains than women who are sedentary.  It has also been proven to reduce medication requirments in those with asthma and has long been know to be more effective than splinting patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.  If you have arthritis in your hands, you can reduce tenderness, pain during activity, and improve range of motion.

One of the major benefits of yoga is its effect on anxiety.  Because yoga practice involves breathing and meditation, yoga practitioners are more likely to be calmer and less likely to react negatively to outside circumstances.

Getting Started in Yoga

First you need to do a little research and decide which type of yoga will best suit your personality, lifestyle and current level of fitness.  I have taken yoga classes at yoga studios and at the gym, and I also have several yoga tapes for home practice.  I enjoy both and choose whatever works best for my schedule and mood.  I use my tapes every morning before breakfast.   AllegroMedical.com’s most popular yoga DVD is Everyday Yoga – Hips and Knees DVD.   It includes 5 different daily yoga practices that can be performed Monday through Friday, to keep it fresh.

Note to those who think they can’t do it:  Even after practicing yoga for years I am by no means a pro at this, and if I can do it, anyone can.  It’s how it makes me feel that keeps me going.  I’ll never be able to bend like a pretzel, but hey, I do what I can and that’s enough.  Remember, it’s called yoga ‘practice’.

To find a class in your area, check out the Yoga Journal Directory or your local paper.  If you’re just starting out, a hatha or vinyasa class would probably be best.   You can try other ones down the line.  I have friends that swear by the “hot yoga” classes. 

Yoga Equipment, Videos and Clothing

Yoga Mats - Also called sticky mats.  You can sometimes rent or use a mat at a yoga studio or gym, but really you will want your own mat for hygiene reasons.

Yoga Starter Kit - This has everything a beginning yoga student needs, including yoga blocks, a tote bag to take to class, a sticky mat, straps and a postures poster for reference.  You can also buy these essential yoga props, yoga foam blocks, yoga straps, a yoga mat and a small pillow or blanket separately.

Yoga Balls - Besides the essentials, there are some fun exercise balls and a FitBall Yoga DVD you might want to try at home. 

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Pants – A pair of shorts or sweatpants will do, but you might look for special yoga pants that are fitted but give full range of motion.  Some are fitted at the top but slit at the bottom so you can check your alignment.

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The effects on your body from yoga are quite different that those you’ll find from traditional exercise.  Yoga is slow, dynamic, static.  Effort is minimized and awareness is internal.  The parasympathetic nervous system and the sucortical regions of the brain dominates.  Traditional  exercise is the opposite.  It involves maximum effort, muscle tension, cortical brain domination, forceful movements and external awareness.  Yoga carries a low risk of injuring muscles and ligaments.  Less so with exercise.

If you can, do both.  If you want to get started on something that will unite your mind, body and spirit.  Something that helps you find harmony, then I suggest yoga.

Namaste (I bow to you).