Allegro’s Best Travel Products

Traveler Neck Pillow -  No more sore neck with this super soft, lightweight, easy-to-pack travel pillow.  Small enought to take wherever you go.  Removable cover for easy cleaning.  Another option is the Inflatable Neck Cushion.  And if you’re prone to headaches during travel, you’ll want to get the Headache Ice Pillo.

Silk Travel Pillow Cases – Perfect for covering the airline pillows (for all the reasons that you think you should), plus it feels nice and won’t muss your hairdo.

Eye Pillow with Ergo Beads- Made of breathable cotton lycra and filled with smooth ergoBeads, this eye pillow will spread a gentle soothing weight with a massaging affect around your eyes.  Can be chilled in the freezer first to provide cool relief.  

Folding Travel Cane - Strong and lightweight these folding canes adjust in height from 33″ to 37″. Beautiful maple handle.  Take it anywhere!  Choose from 5 sylish patterns to suit your personality.

Lightweight Portable Transport Wheelchair – Ultra lightweight – less than 14.5 lbs total – this chair collapses to fit in its own carry bag.  So small it fits into most airplane overhead containers.  Tool-free breakdown and assembly.  Super comfortabe.  Easily fits in your trunk.   Weight capacity = 250lbs.

Bed Rail Advantage Traveler – The most portable bed rail on the market, this handy travel aid pops right out of the box ready to use.  Sturdy.  Fits on either side of the bed.  Lets you independently pull yourself up  and safely get out of bed without aid.

SKWOOSH Traveler Travel Cushion- Long car ride or flight ahead? Get serious about rear end comfort with this patented pressure relief gel cushion.  Relieves the tingling, numbness and soreness in the lower back, legs and rear caused by long hours of traveling.  Weighs only 1/2 lb and folds to fit in your briefcase or carry-on.  Even better, check out the SKWOOSH Pro Traveler.  It has an upgraded internal structure and integrated handles to make it more convenient to cary or hang.  How about one for the office?

See all SKWOOSH Cushions.  They make great gifts!

Travel Size Sonic Boom Alarm with Bed Shaker – Need I say more?

Airline Comfort Set - As seen on the Today Show, in the Wall Street Journal and USA Today this is the perfect travel set for long air routes, trains, buses or cars.  Includes a silk blanket, pillowcase and eye shade that all roll into a 12″ bag.  Weighs less than a pound. 

DreamSack- Protect yourself from germs on hotel bedding and the harsh detergents and chemicals used in hotel laundries.  This “original opening” Dreamsack opens on the side and has a full sized silk pouch for your pillow.  Super lightweight and machine/hand washable.  Air dries quickly.  The perfect gift for the travelers in your life.  Sleeping double?  Get the Double DreamSack.

See all Dream Sack Products

iZap Portable Toothbrush Sanitizer - Sanitize your toothbrush wherever you go with the iZap.  Eliminates 99.9% of the germs and bacteria on your toothbrush.  Great for travel, dorm rooms, gym bags, the office, hotels or home.   Uses 2 AAA batteries.  Lifetime bulb.

See all VioLight Sanitizers

 Cartdesk – A virtual office anywhere you can find a chair.  Featured on NBC Today and endorsed by American Airlines as one of the top travel products, this instant office not only transports your business travel bag, but quickly transforms into a fully functioning desk in seconds. 

Revitaleg Portable Leg Massager – Enjoy the benefits of a pneumatic compression massage anywhere.  Especially great for long distance travel to help avoid leg cramps.  Free shipping!

Deluxe Swivel Seat Cushion – Great for elderly, the injured, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users to help prevent back and hip strain when getting in and out of the car.  Just sit and swivel.  15″ in diameter.  360 degree turns.  Weight capacity 300lbs.

Car Caddie Helping Hand – Offers a helping hand for getting out of cars, trucks or vans.  Great for young and old.  Easy to install, non-permanent.

Handybar 3-in-1 Car Aid -  This is one of our most popular products.  It offers support for getting in and out of the car, plus it is a seat belt cutter and a side window breaker in the unfortunate event that you need to immediately escape the car.  Every car should have one.  Makes a great stocking stuffer or holiday gift.

Folding Shower Chair with Back – For travel or easy storage, this shower chair quickly and easily folds up when not in use.  Weighs 6 1/2 lbs.  Holds up to 250 lbs.  Will not rust.  Use in the tub or shower.

Zephyr Travel Hearing Aid Dryer - The new standard in moisture absorption for maximum hearing aid drying effectiveness.  Small size for taking on the road.  Automatically shuts off after 8 hours.  Includes a disposable Dry-Brik desiccant which also absorbs odors.  Accomodates all kinds of hearing instruments.

Portable Roll-A-Ramp Wheelchair Ramp – The perfect travel ramp.  Super lightweight.  Rolls up and fits inside the trunk of compact cars.  Disassembles in seconds for easy transport.

See all Ramps

And that’s not all, folks.  See All Travel Aids including the Grayson Reusable Bedpads, Coccyx Cushion and Harmonie Disposable Underpads.

Worried about contracting the H1N1 Swine Flu?  See our H1N1  Swine Flu Protection Products.  You might want to carry a mask if you travel a lot, and be sure to stock up on hand sanitizer.

That aside, we wish you a fantastic holiday season and safe travels!  Thanks for your business.  We appreciate it.

Seriously though, thousands of people every year are injured or killed by preventable falls in the home.   What a way to go, right?  Especially when you could have done something about it. 

June is Home Safety Month – the perfect time to take stock and get what you need to make your home safe for seniors, kids, everyone. 

Bathroom Safety

 Shower Chairs and Bath Seats – Make personal hygiene a whole lot easier.  Allegro has more than 70 to choose from in everything from bamboo to teak.  Our most popular is the Height Adjustable Shower Chair.  It’s super sturdy and lasts forever.  Bath benches can also be sat next to the tub when you are bathing the kids or the dog.  Saves the ‘ol knees.

Toilet Safety Frames and Toilet Risers- Help get your tooshie on and off the toity a little easier. 

Grab Bars – Stick ‘em pretty much anywhere you need to grab on to!  These removable ’suction cup’ grab bars are the most popular because you can move them around and travel with them.  If you need permanent ones, we have those too.

Tub & Shower Treads - Install these self-adhering non-slip strips in seconds, and be safe for years to come.  Or, how about an Extra Long Bath Mat?

See all Bathroom Assists

Around the House

Night lights - Get Dim ‘N Brights for your hallways, bedrooms, stairwells and bathrooms.  And throw in some Soothing Stars Nightlights for the kids bedrooms and bathrooms.

Pathlighter Safety Cane - Comes with a built-in light that switches on at the top of the handle.  Great for getting around places with poor lighting like hallways, stairs, the theatre, the car on a dark night. 

See all Canes, Rollators and Walkers

Bed Canes and Bed Rails - These handy bed rails help you get up  and stabilized before trotting off down the lane. 

Fall Prevention for Children

Safety Gates - Gate off the top of the stairs to prevent tumbles, or close off access to dangerous areas in the house with these nifty security gates.  There are tall gates, walk-thru’s, metal, wood – all kinds.

Balcony Guard/Rail Nets - Use these 10 foot nets both indoors and outside on all your fences, balconies and decks to keep kids and pets from getting caught in the rails. 

Crib Tents - Prevent toddlers from climbing up and over the rail.  Also keep little legs and arms from getting stuck between the slats.  Crib tents also discourage pets and bugs from bothering sleeping babies.  Nice!

If you’re counting, that was the 10th Way to Prevent Falls at Home.  But as usual I can’t leave you without a bonus product . . . so here it is:

Bedrails for Kids - Especially helpful when transitioning wee ones from the crib to the ‘big bed’.  Adds a feeling of security while keeping them from falling over the edge.  For more protection, check out the Double Bedrail.

As always, thanks for being an AllegroMedical.com customer.  We appreciate you business and your referrals.  Please remember us for all your medical supply needs.

Caregivers, we know that you’re exhausted most of the time and your job is difficult no matter what the situation.  Here are some products that will relieve some of the stress, improve the independence of your patient, resident or loved one and make everyone’s environment safer.

Gait & Transfer Belts - A gait belt is a safety device that goes around someone’s waist and aids the caregiver in moving the person from one place to another, like from a chair to the bed.  It can also be used to help hold a weak person up while they walk.  The belt, when used right, reduces strain on the caregivers back and keeps the patient from falling over.  How do you use a gait belt?  The belt goes outside the person’s clothing with the buckle in front.  Thread the belt through the buckle and lock it in place.  Make sure it fits snuggly, but with room for your fingers under it.  Always bend your knees and keep your back straight when helping to lift or move someone.  Don’t twist.  Lift with your arms and legs, not your back. 

Transfer Devices – These safety boards and discs come in all shapes, forms and price ranges.  Essentially, a transfer device helps someone slide from one place to another or, pivot to one position or another.  They are great for transfering someone from a chair to the tub or commode, or in and out of bed, or in and out of the car, etc.  There are also Patient Turners and Boosters to painlessly and easily move them in bed.

Post-Surgery – Recover safely and comfortably with products designed to accomodate your special needs.  We also have safety products for bedridden and post- knee replacement and hip replacement surgeries.

Bathroom Assists – I can’t guess how many injuries and fatalities could be avoided if the bathrooms had been equipped with a few simple products!   Choose from a variety of shower chairs & bath benches, toilet safety frames, bath mats and grab bars to get your bathroom up to snuff in one fell swoop.  Oh, and if you’ve ever wondered where to find those non-slip strips to stick on the bottom of your bathtub, they are called bath safety treads.

Mobility Items – If they can walk, but they’re weak or unstable you may consider a cane, rollator, standard walker or wheeled walker.  For knee surgeries and other special situations, check out our selection of specialty walkers and pediatric walkers.

Transport Wheelchairs – an easy and safe way to get from here to there, especially during travel and outings.

Syringe Disposal – Get all of your Sharps containers at Allegro for safe containment, transport and disposal of needles, lancets & syringes.

Bed Rails – No more worry about falling out of bed!  Great for kids or the elderly.

  Child Safety – Let us help you keep your kids safe in the home, car and when you’re out and about.  We have unique safety gizmos  that even you parents-of-the-year probably haven’t imagined.

Personal Protection – For everyone’s sake, keep the germs and other critters at bay. 

See more safety and general care products in our Patient Care, Personal Care, Daily Living Aids, Children/Pediatric and Maternity Care categories.

Take care!  -v

If you do get stranded remember to stay calm, use your head and you’ll be fine. Rule of thumb – stay in your car and call for help.

Here are some tips on what to do in different circumstances:

If You’re Standed on an Interstate or Highway:

• Try to pull off to the shoulder or completely off the road.

• Use your cell phone to call the police or your vehicle’s roadside assistance and tell them you’re stranded.

• If it is nice out and traffic is light enough that you can safely exit the vehicle, get out and raise your hood and tie your emergency flag to a radio antenna or door handle (or hang it out the window). Put on your flashers and wait until help arrives. Some say you should wait outside and away from the car in case another vehicle strikes your car. I’m not so sure about that rule but I guess it depends on the situation.

• If you can’t get cell coverage, or you have no phone, assess whether to walk for help. There might be an emergency phone down the road or a gas station within walking distance but use extreme caution if walking near a busy roadway. Don’t attempt to cross a busy, multi-lane highway. If help is far away or the road is too busy, you should stay near your car.

• Don’t risk your life to change your tire on a busy road. You’re better off ruining your tire and rim driving to a nearby gas station.

If You’re Stranded in a Blizzard

• Stay inside your car so you don’t get lost or frostbitten.

• Put on your emergency hazard lights, call for help and wait until it arrives. If you can’t get cell service, you’ll most likely get help from a police officer patrolling the area.

• Put your emergency flag out on the antenna or window, or a bright colored piece of cloth.

• Run your heater for about 10 minutes per hour or every half hour if it is really, really cold.

• Remove the snow from your tailpipe occasionaly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and crack a window if you have an old rusty car with a leaky exhaust system. It’s a good idea to keep one window cracked open anyway, so the freezing wind and wet snow don’t seal the vehicle.

• Clear heater vents – the grill under the windshield.

• Try not to sleep if the engine is running and you are alone.

• Move around every once in a while to keep the circulation going.

• To avoid frostbite, keep your skin covered when you get out of the car to clear the tailpipe and vents.

• Use emergency supplies and cell phone batteries conservatively.

• When the storm passes, write “HELP” in large letters in the snow outside your car.

Hedge your bet against mechanical failures by Winterizing Your Car.

See all Emergency Preparation Products.

If You’re Stranded in a Flood:

• Stay in your car (unless it is sinking) and wait for help.

• Open your car windows in case you need to climb out.

• Use your cell phone to call for help, turn on your hazard lights and hang a cloth or emergency flag out the window.

• If you have to get out of your car because it is sinking and the area is flooded, swim to a tree or something sturdy that you can hold onto.

-v

Once you’ve taken the Steps to Winterize your Car, it is unlikely that you’ll experience a breakdown due to mechanical failure, but you never know what else might leave you stuck in your car. Millions of motorists are stranded each year because of bad weather, accidents, flat tires, getting stuck in the mud or snow, losing their keys and other unfortunate situations.

With a few basic items, though, you can not only survive, but be safe and comfortable while you wait to be rescued.

Basic Emergency Items

• Cell phone

• Triple A (AAA) or other roadside assistance subscription & card

• Snowbrush and Ice Scraper

• Handybar 3-in-1 Car Aid – includes seatbelt cutter and side window breaker

• Bag of Sand or kitty litter to help with traction on snow and ice

• Shovel for scraping snow away from the tires

• Windshield Washer Fluid

• Emergency Blankets

• Winter clothes including a complete change of clothes, a scarf, hat, extra gloves and boots

• Emergency First Aid Auto Kit

• Duct Tape to fix a broken windshield, hold things together, pick up glass shards, mend hoses, serve as a gas cap, and a million other things

• Emergency Sign or brightly colored cloth to signal for help

• Multi-Purpose Tool Set

• Booster Cables

• Extra Fuses

• Battery-Free Emergency Flashlight

• Battery-Free AM/FM Radio & Flashlight/Nighlight

• Bottled water to drink (or to use in cars that overheat or need battery water)

• Protein bars and Energy bars

• Baby diapers and Baby Formula if you have a small child

• And last but not least, a good book

Don’t go out in bad weather unless absolutely necessary and please know the weather report before you go out! A Winter Storm Watch means that winter storms are in your area. A Winter Storm Warnings means that storms are heading your way. A Blizzard Warning means all hell is about to break loose… er, i mean, strong winds and dangerous wind chills are expected.

Get your Emergency Car Kit together now. Be safe!

Here’s What to Do if You’re Stranded in your Car.

I went over this checklist with my mom and thank goodness she was already set.  Are you?

There’s still time to save yourself from a break-down or worse.  Do it today.

Get your car checked out and tuned up.  Make sure they check your battery, antifreeze (50-50 mix of coolant to water), rear defroster, wipers, washer fluid, leaks, tire pressure… everything.

• Check your tire pressure.  Tire pressure drops by one pound per ten degrees so if you’re driving around in sub-zero weather your tires may be dangerously low.

• Keep a jug of  high quality windshield washer solution in your trunk for refills. 

• Invest in heavy winter wipers that keep ice from forming on the blade.  Remove them in the spring so they don’t stress your wiper motor unecessarily and remember to turn them off before shutting off the engine so they don’t freeze to the windshield.

• Keep your gas tank full.  If you get stuck or stranded you’ll need the heater to keep you warm.  You can run it at idle for as long as it takes.  It won’t hurt anything. 

• If you have to weather the storm inside an old rusty car, crack the window so you don’t fill the car with carbon monoxide.  And if you’re in a blizzard, new car or old, get out every once in a while to clear the snow out of the tailpipe.

• Sandbag.  Put a bag or two of sand or kitty litter behind your rear axle if you have rear-wheel-drive.  It will increase the traction of the rear wheels.  Start with 20lbs and see how it drives. You can add more from there if it still squirly.  Too much weight will lift the front end.  Put it in the middle front of the trunk, not in the passenger compartment. It could become a projectile in a wreck.   Don’t bother if you have front-wheel-drive because the heavy engine is already sitting over the powered wheels.

• To make sure your freezing cold car always starts in the morning (and you have instant heat),  hook your engine to a block heater.  This is an electric heater that keeps your engine warm while it’s parked.  It plugs into a regular AC outlet overnight.  Just remember to unplug it before taking off!  I vividly remember my dad forgetting that…

• Understand your car.  If you have teenagers or other family members driving your car, make sure they know what kind of steering system and tires they are driving on.  Cars handle differently if they have front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, part-time or full-time 4-wheel drive; antilock brakes, traction control or stability control.  Practice driving on snow in an empty parking lot to see how it handles different situations.

• Buy good snow tires if you must drive in the snow.  Even if you can only afford 2 of them, they are better than nothing to get around before the streets are plowed or even for increased traction when braking or turning on packed snow.  If you are only getting two, mount them on the wheels that are driven by the engine.  For all-wheel drive you really need four snow tires. 

• Consider chains for your tires.  If you’re someplace that permits or requires chains, make sure you’ve practiced putting them on.  Keep them in the trunk.  Instead, there are ladder-like devices (one is called Tiger Paws)  that unfold and allow your tire to grip it if you’re stuck in the snow or ice. 

• Clean your car completely of snow and grime before setting out.  Don’t be like me, as a teenager, just wiping a small peephole in the drivers side windshield and heading off to school.  Yikes.  Visibility is key in nasty weather, especially so you don’t hit another car or pedestrian.  Clean off the whole car including every window, mirror, and headlight.  Besides it is the law in most states.  If I sound like your mother, it is only because I care.

Print this out and check off everything.  Then, at least your car is ready on the outside.  Next, make sure you have your winter emergency car kit put together.   Hopefully you don’t run into any trouble. But just in case, do you know what to do if you are standed in your car?

Now I remember why I moved to Arizona.

Do you have a tip or two?  Please share them in the comments area! 

-v

Do yourself a favor this season and make your house ready for the pint-sized guests.  There are so many great products to make your life easier when hosting (or raising) kids in your home.  

Take a look at these lifesavers…

Outlet Plugs - Fit in any standard outlet and stops all barrettes and little fingers.  Shocking…, but true.  Along the same lines, you may consider a Power Strip Cover for your home office.

Adjustable “Keep Out of my Stuff” Straps - 24 of these might not be enough.  Keeps little fingers from opening appliances, doors, diaries, boxes, everything! 

Easy-Fit Plastic Gate - Keep ‘em in, Keep ‘em out.  No hardware required.  Super easy to install.  Here’s one with a few more gizmos: Lift & Lock Security Gate.

Furniture Wall Straps – Use these super sturdy, easy to install canvas straps to secure your bureaus, book cases, shelf units, china cabinets and armoires to the wall.  Please use these on ALL of your tall furniture!  Kids have been severely injured, or worse, by pulling furniture over on top of themselves.

Medical Emergency Magnetic Memo Board for Children – Would you know what to do if a child in your home needed emergency medical attention?  This could save a life.  First aid and step-by-step instructions for CPR & choking.  Makes a great gift for new moms.

 Dim N’ Bright Auto Sensor Night Light - Set the level of brightness.  Light the bedroom,  hallway AND bathroom.  That way, all of your guests - dim and bright alike – can navigate to the toitee safely.  We also carry the Soothing Stars Nighlights.

3-in-1 Potty ‘N Step Stool – It’s the potty that turns into a step (and then late at night it transforms into an evil robot bent on world domination – but don’t tell the kids)… Anyway, they say it’s real comfortable.  Pack of 2. 

Railnet – This is mesh netting that keeps little people and animals from poking through railings.  We sell it in a pack of 6, which means you get 60 feet of it, but you can use it on all of your railings, balconies and banisters – indoors and out. 

Furniture Corner Cushions – Edge guards for sharp cornered tables, chairs and low shelves.  Totally and completely required in a house with kids.  We’ve all seen the ‘coffee table corner in the eye trick’ and it ain’t pretty.  24 in each order.

Tub Spout Cover – Avoid bonks to the bean with this soft inflatable tub spout cover.  And get the water temperature just right with a Bath Pal Thermometer.  For the wee ones spring for a Safety Infant Bathtub with built-in water temperature strip. 

****Bonus Tip.  Mom’s, Dads, Grandma’s, Grandpa’s, listen up.  Our Easy Up Kneeler and Seat does double duty as a gardening stool AND a “save your knees while giving the kids a bath” stool!  I’ve seen it in action and it’s totally awesome.  Makes a great gift.

See all Safety 1st Products!

Thanks for buying all of your medical supplies and safety products from AllegroMedical.com.  We appreciate your business a whole bunch.

Have a happy and safe holiday.

-v

For example, activities that we may take for granted – going up and down stairs, using the toilet, showering, getting in and out of bed, opening doors, etc. - can be difficult for older guests.  The addition of a few simple, temporary items placed strategically throughout your home will ensure a safe and comfortable Christmas for everyone. 

Bathroom

• Non-skid bath mat in the shower or tub, or Bath Safety Treads.

• Shower Chair or Bath Bench - I recommend one that you can fold and store.  If you get a shower chair you should also consider a Handheld Shower Spray.  And for an added touch, put some inexpensive Long-Handled Scrub Sponges in the shower.

• Removable Suction Cup Grab Bars on the wall by the tub and toilet.  If you get anything at all for the bathroom, I highly recommend that you get a couple of these.  Instant ‘peace-of-mind’. 

• Toilet Safety Frame - Makes getting up and down on the toilet a whole lot easier and safer.

• Check the towel bar and soap dish in the shower to make sure they are secure.

Bedroom

• Removable Bedrail - Put this portable bedrail onto any bed, on either side, and getting in and out of bed is a snap.  If you like that, check out the Bedrail & Car Caddie combo offer.

• Lamp or flashlight within reach of the bed. How about a stylish all-in-one with a Radio, Flashlight and Nightlight!

• Pathlighter Safety Cane – A special cane that lights the way on stairways and walkways. Perfect for outings on cold winter nights.

• Non-Skid Slipper Socks – Terry socks with treads for walking on non-carpeted floors.

• Smoke Alarms – Make sure you have them, and make sure they work.  Sometimes you just need new batteries.

• A sturdy chair in the bedroom for dressing.

• Sonic Boom Alarm Clock with Extra Large Display – A gem for those with hearing or vision problems.

• A telephone in the bedroom that can be reached from the floor in case of a fall.  How about an Amplified Telephone?

Indoors/Outdoors

• Door Knob Extenders – Quickly and inexpensively convert regular door knobs into lever action handles.  Arthritis sufferers will thank you.

• Auto-Sensing Nightlights – A case of 24 ought to do it…

• Non-skid backing on rugs – We don’t carry it, but it’s a good idea to get some.

• Anti-Slip Adhesive Strips -  Put this tape on on outdoor stairs to prevent slipping. 

• Water heater thromostat – Set it at 120 degrees F or lower to prevent accidental scalding.

• EZ Access Threshold Ramps – These are the most popular.  Great for wheelchairs and walker users.  Also for high indoor/outdoor entry-way thresholds.

• Light your outside steps and walkways.

• Check your handrails to ensure they are securely fastened.

• Travel Wheelchair – For events that require extra walking, this super lightweight wheelchair folds up and stores in the trunk or closet.

You see, it really doesn’t take much to make your home safe and secure for your elderly or special needs guests.  Order today!

Here’s wishing you and all of your guests a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy holiday.

-v

With all of the hurricanes and storms coming, not to mention winter weather, it is more important than ever that you’re prepared for an emergency. Even if you’re not in weather danger, you should be ready to manage sudden emergencies including fires, earthquakes and national threats.

Get a Kit – Today.

If you don’t have an emergency kit put together, don’t wait! You never know when you’ll need it and you don’t want to be caught in an emergency without food, water, tools or the proper medical supplies. Allegro can help you put a kit together. This list is compiled directly from the National Preparedness Month website.

Start collecting the following items and put them in a safe place, high off the ground. Consider this Rescue Response Bag to hold things in. Think about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

Additional Items to Consider Adding to Your Emergency Supply Kit:

May we also suggest: a Medical Alert 911 System, a 25-Person First Aid Kit, a PathLighter Safety Cane or a HeartStart Home AED Defbrillator. See our Emergency Preparation Category for more.

For offices, schools or other facilities, cover all your needs with a 50-Person Trauma First Aid Kit or First Responder Kit.

Visit the National Preparedness Month Home Page for more information and read how to Make a Plan, Be Informed and Get Involved.

Be safe! We care about you.

Holiday Travel

Traveling during the holidays may not be easy, and may not even be fun. It is sometimes though, one of those necessary evils we all have to endure. Make things easier on yourself with our travel products! Like our Bed Rail Advantage Traveler & Car Caddy Bundle which includes a convenient Car Caddie hand strap to ease getting in and out of the car, plus a bonus portable bedrail to make it easier to get in and out of bed. Both products are available in a single package for only $49.99 – way cheaper than throwing out your back or falling.

Having trouble getting Great-Grandma in and out of that low to the ground sports car or gigantic SUV? Help her out – it’s your great grandma for crying out loud. Check out the Handybar 3-in1 Car Aid to help get in and out of the car safely. This little handle hooks to the door jam of the car to safely create a handle to help steady the user while climbing in or out of a car. Once safely in the vehicle you simply lift the handle off in seconds. Simply reattach when you need to use it again. It is also a safely tool that can be used in case a fast exit from the vehicle is needed. These make great gifts and should be in every car.

Believe it or not some people still don’t wear seatbelts, even when most states have “Click it or Ticket Laws”. Come on folks; don’t make me nag you. Let’s buckle up for safety so we all have a great holiday travel season to remember for years. If you or somebody you know is in this group because they are uncomfortable you need the Car Seat Belt Cushion. This cover will go over the lap or shoulder portion of the belt to create a comfy cushion for an offending area. For seat belts to work properly and provide the correct protection they should be adjusted correctly and snug. This little cover could really help you protect yourself and avoid a potential ticket. This is also a great gift for anybody that needs to travel that might find a seat belt uncomfortable including pregnant women and anybody recovering from injury or surgery.

Does anybody need a little help around the house, airport, or shopping mall? Allegro Medical also has many wheelchair options available for those that need a little extra help. The Fold ‘N Away Transport Chair has a funny sounding name, but this chair is easy to fold, store, and carry and will come in handy whether used in the home or while traveling by car or airplane.

All of these products help make it a little easier to get from point A to Point B, but don’t forget the little things around the house that will make a visit much more convenient and safe. Allegro has many daily living aids available to make your life and travel easier.

Here’s one more product to consider in order to keep from losing your sanity on a long trip. Ever get tired of those noises from the backseat like “are we there yet” or “Mom, Jimmy’s touching me”. After about a thousand times of hearing this even the most rock steady parent will resort to the proverbial “if I hear one more peep out of the backseat we’re turning around and going home!”. Don’t let that happen. Hook the young ones up with a 7” Widescreen Portable DVD Player for just $99. It even has a headphone jack to allow them to watch their favorite DVD movie cartoons for the millionth time without driving you nuts. It’s a win-win in the car!

Guest-Proof Your Home

Let’s face it, people carry germs. Cousin Larry who invited himself to stay with you this year may just bring his cold with him, and what are you to do? Keep some hand sanitizer handy, in every room in the house. Also, stock up on the multi-vitamins so that you have immunity to whatever walks through your door. And to make Larry feel better, a heating pad or some light therapy may ease his symptoms.

Unfortunately, cousin Larry also has a bladder control problem. Your bed will be safe though, with a waterproof mattress cover. Being the true host that you are also means stocking up on adult pads for Larry, something he always appreciates.

A first aid kit is a necessity at holiday time – you never know when Santa’s going to wreck his sleigh and need medical attention. Seriously, be prepared for burns, cuts, reindeer bites, and anything else that could possibly happen. If you have a first aid kit, you may want to check the contents. Always make sure you keep first aid supplies well-stocked.

Since your cousin’s arthritis often flares up in the winter, a shower chair will make showering much easier during his stay. So will grab bars installed by the toilet and in the shower. Some are temporary and don’t even require tools for installation!

And finally, between the holiday cooking, all the scented candles and Larry’s cigar smoking, sometimes the odors just take over. Eliminate odors with room deodorizer.

Holiday Cooking

Did you know we have over 500 houseware products? That’s right. Get a new toaster oven for oven overflow when cooking big meals, or just a ton of toast on those holiday season mornings. We have great pricing on stylish, brand name blenders, coffeemakers,and cappuccino machines.

And cutlery, did you say? Save on hundreds of chef’s tools and knives for holiday carving, slicing, flipping and spooning. Keep eating right this season, and avoid all the tempting cookies and cakes. Get a juicer!

Has your food processor lost its chop? Get yourself a new one. And, when you’re out shopping all day, working, or doing the typical holiday runaround the last thing you want to do is go home and cook, am I right? Make life easy, and throw a bunch of stuff in a new slow cooker before you leave for the day. Make chili, stew or chicken and vegetables. When you get home, all you have to do is dish up your simple masterpiece.
If you’re like me and your ovenware has disappeared over the years (taken to work for pot luck and left in the fridge for a month), dropped and broken (again…cousin Larry), or was permanently borrowed by one of your neighbors (who knows which one?), maybe it’s time to replace it all with a nice, new set. And by the way, all of these products make great gifts for the cook in your life!

Fitness

It’s not only the cookies and pies or gravy and stuffing that contribute to weight gain over the holidays. Stress, plus fewer workouts overall, and a lack of time to cook well balanced meals make it harder to keep the pounds at bay. Stay fit through the holidays. Take the time to work out at least as often as you usually do, and even more if you plan on indulging in holiday treats.

Yoga is proven to increase agility, longevity and overall health. We have mats, blocks, dvds and everything you need to start a yoga routine, or continue the one you have. If you’re traveling over the holidays, don’t let your body suffer! Aquabells and exercise balls are brilliant for travel because they fold up nicely. When you arrive at your destination, simply fill the Aquabells with water, and you have instant hand weights. Fill the exercise ball with air and you have another fabulous workout tool. Of course, they both work at home too, and they make great stocking stuffers! Medicine balls are once again all the rage for their versatility and training possibilities.

Thinking of adding a new cardio machine to your repertoire? We have pedlars and bikes, in all price ranges and types. Or, if the elliptical or treadmill is more your speed, see our selection. And for instructions on a large range of exercise and fitness techniques, check out our list of books and DVDs. We have information on everything from tai chi to power eating to exercising during pregnancy. Whatever works for you, stay on top of the exercise and fitness this holiday season, with help from Allegro.

Speaking of Gifts

Come to Allegro’s Gift Ideas section, for all the things you haven’t thought of, but love to give! And we make it easy to find what you want, and stay within your budget. Our gift guide is divided by $ amount, as well as gender, and even age! Find something for your teen, baby, mom or dad, with ease!

Gifts under $50

The Handybar is a convenient handle to assist in getting out of the car that triples as an emergency seat belt cutter and window breaker.

Grandma having trouble with those tiny buttons on all her remote controls? Combine them into one remote that will never get lost! Our big button universal remote is great for those with vision trouble or anyone tired of the remote control juggle.

Everyone loves a good massage. Choose from a variety of massagers

Kids love Body Sox. Body Sox are fun suits that encourage abstract movement and creativity in a colorful way.

Lex Loops exercise rings are all the rage this season. They offer great muscle resistance for leg exercises that tone and strengthen. A perfect gift for the fitness fanatic on your list.

Your favorite golfer will dig this – the “bionic” glove that improves grip and torque through science, taking the game to a new level.

Gifts $50-$100

Give the gift of good sleep! The chillow pillow system, better sleep pillow, or anti-snore pillow can improve alignment, comfort and more to make sleep more restful.

Make your loved ones feel more independent with a new rollator. Choose our pink breast cancer awareness rollator, and $10 will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Or, make getting up easier, with a lifting cushion. Turns any seat into a lift chair!

Someone you know can start their own poker night with a new poker set. Sets contain 500 pro style chips, cards, and a deluxe case.

Try a fitness kit for the person in your life who’s looking for a new kind of workout. A pilates kit or bodyblade kit can give them just the boost their workout needs – and for less than $100!

Gifts over $100

Know a new or soon-to-be-mom? Get her the ultimate mobicam baby monitoring system for less at Allegro. Wireless, handheld color monitor has clear picture and sound. Buy now and receive free shipping!

Give the swimmer in your life the gift of music! The underwater mp3 player gives crystal clear sound. 35mb capacity, Windows and Mac compatible. And it’s safe for the user!

Been wanting one of those digital photo frames? Get one for the photo lover on your list, and pick one up for yourself too! There are tons tons of styles for $150 or less.

What’s the ultimate gift for a parent who’s not getting around so well? An electric scooter! Indulge in a 3 or 4 wheel model. It will change the life of its owner.

Various Fabulous Gifts

What, didn’t think Allegro Medical would have the chainsaw you were looking for? Well guess what! Choose from gas or electric, and wrap that up with a new blower or outdoor trimmer. Visit our yard equipment sub-category.

Get the kid in your life a pedal car! Choose from fire trucks, Cadillacs, roadsters and hot rods. And don’t forget the little red wagon!

Enjoy your shopping. Allegro wishes you peace, love and joy this holiday season!