Bacterium helps to regulate metabolism in mice.

• Brian Owens

The gut is home to innumerable different bacteria — a complex ecosystem that has an active role in a variety of bodily functions. In a study published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences¹, a team of researchers finds that in mice, just one of those bacterial species plays a major part in controlling obesity and metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes.

Bathroom assist products are encouraged for ensuring safety and preventing falls.  Injuries from falls in the elderly reduce quality of life and independence.² Bathroom safety awareness and the incorporation of bathroom assist products available from AllegroMedical.com will reduce the risk of bathroom injuries.

Reduce bathroom injuries by making three simple modifications to your bathroom: Install a non-slip bath mat, add grab bars for leverage and stability, and use a tub transfer seat.

Don’t take our word for it; see what our customers have to say:

1.  Install Non-Slip Mats: 

Non-slip Mats provide a safe barrier between your feet and the wet slippery surface.  Individuals of all ages are at risk of slipping while stepping in and out of a wet tub without the added traction of a non-slip mat.  If your tub or shower doesn’t have a built-in textured non-slip surface consider adding the Extra Long Bath Mat.

2. Install Grab Bars:

Grab bars offer security to people needing help rising from a sit to stand position after using the toilet and provide additional balance stability when stepping into or out of a shower or bath tub.  Generally, grab bars mitigate falls by offering users an easy to grab secure surface during high risk activities in the bathroom.  There are numerous grab bars to choose from and the Suction Cup Grab Bars and Kurled Grab Bars and two popular options available from AllegroMedical.com.  Install grab bars anywhere you or a patient need additional support.

“I needed this because I am having difficulty moving around and need a total hip replacement. I was afraid I would fall in the shower because I couldn’t steady myself but I didn’t want to drill holes for grab bars. At first I couldn’t get this product to stick. I called the manufacturer and was told to clean the suction pad with alcohol. That was all it needed! The Product is wonderful and I am comfortably secure. What I really like about this product was the ability to move it around to find the most comfortable spot for me to place the grab bar. It’s so important not to overreach when I am trying to steady myself. After reading several reviews from many places, I chose this product due to it’s sturdiness and reliability. Allegro sent the product to me immediately and for the right price. I would recommend them highly. “  

-Review by AllegroMedical.com customer Jane from Marlboro, NJ

-Review by AllegroMedical.com customer  kbaublitz from York, PA

3.  Use a Tub Transfer Bench:

Transfer benches are perfect for people concerned about stepping over the tub wall.  Instead of having to balance yourself while lifting your leg to step up and over, users simply scoot themselves across the bench into the tub.  If scooting is not an option, a sliding transfer bench is an alternative item where the seat of the bench glides back and forth with the release of a lever.

 ”This shower chair is a life saver for my 85 year old mother. She is unable to stand very long and shaky on her feet. Now she can enjoy a shower again”     -Review by AllegroMedical.com Customer Recybug from Suffolk,Va.

Injuries in bathrooms are preventable through awareness of high risk activities and minor environmental modifications.  Don’t let a preventable injury reduce your quality of life.  AllegroMedical.com has bathroom assists to help keep  you, your patient or loved one safe and independent.

1 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6022a1.htm?s_cid=mm6022a1_w

2 http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html

By Kristine Kevorkian, Ph.D, Next Avenue Contributor

From time to time, when I worked as a social worker in a skilled nursing facility, visiting family members complained to me about certain staff members. Residents too often were worried that if they themselves griped to senior managers, there might be some form of retaliation.

Read full story at forbes.com

Hi, Craig.

I use Allegro Medical regularly. I appreciate your great prices, wonderful inventory, and good customer service.   I would be happy to give you a personal story.

I became aware of your site when looking for medical supplies about 4 years ago, after my then 53 year old husband Hal was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Since then, as Hal’s needs have progressed, we’ve come to depend on Allegro Medical more and more. Allegro carries so many different types of supplies – all at really good prices. In addition, we live in Santa Barbara, CA, a relatively small city, and choices here are limited. Plus, it is very difficult now for me to leave Hal, so shopping online is a great resource.

We are lucky to be able to have Hal living at home, and intend to keep him here as long as possible. He is very involved now, and is almost entirely paralyzed. I  have had to stop working, and am his full time caregiver, with the help of our adult son. Hal gets his nutrition and water through a feeding tube, and we bath him in a combination commode/shower chair. He had a tracheostomy in 2011, and uses a ventilator. He sleeps in a hospital bed and spends his days in a wheelchair. But he is still a happy guy. Unlike his body, Hal’s mind is intact, and very active.  He communicates and surfs the internet via a computer with an infra-red camera to track his eye movement.

I get pretty much all of our non-Medicare covered supplies through Allegro.. Gauze, barrier creme and other things to preserve skin integrity, special needs bowel and toileting supplies, oral hygiene supplies, liquid acetaminophen, support pillows, the list goes on and on. I really like the no-rinse shampoo – light scent, works great. Also the Dynarex non-woven sponges,various sizes – they are soft, absorbent, and very gentle on the skin.

At home with my mother (who was visiting), our son Jason, and our dog.

Hal and Fran

At the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens

Hal in bed. Our daughter, Erin, on the right, was visiting.

Thanks Fran & Hal for sharing your story with the Allegro Community! Your story about life and the struggles with ALS hits home with many Allegro customers. It’s great that you are able to care for Hal at home and we are glad we are here to help in our small way. I added links to the products that you have found helpful in treating Hal’s ALS condition so others might also benefit from your knowledge.

If you would like to share your story email me at craigsdesk@allegromedical.com

By Lizette Borreli | May 02, 2013 06:35 PM EDT

Sleep deprivation in America has become common among 41 million Americans, says the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Dietary factors that create chemicals can trigger insomnia. Therefore, it is essential to know what foods can contribute to a cornucopia of sleepless nights.

This list of the top ten foods to avoid before bed will help maintain a healthy diet and most importantly give the human body the much needed rest it deserves.

Read entire article at medicaldaily.com

The menacing threat of “bed sores” and their danger to a bedridden patients’ health is belied by its innocuous name. Medical professionals commonly refer to these dangerous, acquired wounds as pressure ulcers, decubitus ulcers or ischemic ulcers.  Most at risk, are those in long-term care (nursing homes or hospitals), age 70+, who spend a significant of time in bed, lying down, hence the term – bedsore.¹

The condition often results after capillary blood flow to certain areas of the body is restricted for long durations. This type of tissue damage only occurs when a patient is unable to change their body position due to a mobility, medical or neurological issue; capillary blood flow is interrupted and tissue damage eventually results.² Under normal conditions, our bodies provide feedback to our brains that tell us we need to move or shift our position. We do, and normal blood flow returns to the small capillary vessels within our body tissue and skin.

The parts of the body most often impacted from bedsores include the heels, elbows and buttocks. The bony prominences of these skeletal protrusions direct considerably more body weight in these areas when lying down or in a seated position. When a person is unable to change their position or shift their weight, the result can be a dramatic and difficult-to-treat wound.

Armed with the right knowledge and products, potentially life-threatening pressure sores may be avoided all together.

How to Prevent Pressure Sores

First, always consult with a physician when a pressure sore is first noticed. Proper medical attention will ensure the best treatment alternatives. However, preventative measures can reduce the risk of dangerous pressure sores from occurring.

The concept is relatively simple. We want to reduce the direct pressure on any area of the body that could be in prolonged contact with another surface. To understand this concept, take your thumb and press it into your knee. The relatively small area of the tip of your thumb exerts a relatively large amount of pressure in a fairly small area. That pressure, which is focused around the area of the thumb, is high. If left for too long, the area of pressure will reduce blood circulation, eventually damaging the skin and turning into an open wound. Now, instead of using your thumb, place the palm of your hand over your knee and apply a little pressure. This time, the larger surface area of your hand distributes the force over a larger surface area. That larger surface area does not create the same pressure or damage in the way your thumb did. Key to preventing pressure sores is the distribution of force from high pressure areas on the body and ensuring uninterrupted blood flow through these areas.

Preventing Pressure Sores for the Bed-Bound

As the name suggests, bed sores afflict those unable to move in bed. A patient’s heels and elbows and buttocks are at risk. Fortunately, a number of products are available to help prevent pressure sores for the bed-bound.

Alternating Pressure Mattress

The best product for bed sore prevention is an alternating pressure pad or low air loss mattress. These devices use a pump and inflatable mattress overlay which systematically increases and decreases pressure though out the pad. These changes in pressure help relieve areas of high pressure contact between the body and the bed. While these systems can cost thousands of dollars, versions are available for as little as $49.

Med Aire Variable Pressure Pump and Bed Pad

Good – $49

• Inexpensive
• Supports up to 250 pounds
• Easy to setup
• 1 ½” support thickness

Alternating Pressure Relief Mattress Replacement System 

Better – $682

• Supports up to 350 pounds
• 8” of pressure support
• Wide range of pressure variation

Med Aire Plus Alternating Pressure Mattress Replacement System

Best – $1,083

• Supports up to 450 pounds
• 8” of pressure support
• Performance pump produces constant airflow

Heel & Elbow – Simple Alternatives

Other, less sophisticated products are available to help protect the skin from breakdown due to pressure. These products include heel and elbow protective pads that are worn around the patient’s heel or elbow, held in place with some kind of strapping or elastic. Made from sheepskin, synthetic material or even “ROHO dry flotation” (the same pressure relieving air bubble product used in ROHO wheelchair cushions),

ROHO Heel Protective Pad

• Made from ROHO dry flotation
• Lightweight and easy-to-clean
• Cell pressure is adjustable

Comfort Plus Heal Pad

• Corefill polyester fiber
• Protects and warms the foot
• Machine washable

Medical Sheepskin Heel Protector – Each – Fits Any Size

• Natural leather and wool
• Absorbs more moisture
• Machine washable

The danger of bed sores is avoidable. Under most conditions, a low air loss or alternating pressure mattress is the ideal approach in preventing the development of bed sores. At minimum, simple and inexpensive products like heel and elbow protective cushions are a great first step.

AllegroMedical.com has a variety of solutions to help you prevent pressure sores and to keep your patient or loved one comfortable.

For more than 15 years, AllegroMedical.com has been the leading online source of home health and wellness products.  Rely on Allegro Medical for all of your health supplies.

1)    Fogerty M, Guy J, Barbul A, et al. African Americans show increased risk for pressure ulcers: A retrospective analysis of acute care hospitals in America. Wound Repair Regen. Aug 11 2009;[Medline].

2)    Schweinberger MH, Roukis TS. Effectiveness of Instituting a Specific Bed Protocol in Reducing Complications Associated with Bed Rest. J Foot Ankle Surg. Apr 1 2010;[Medline].

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By Lauran Neergaard and Jennifer Agiesta, Associated Press | Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — We’re in denial: Americans underestimate their chances of needing long-term care as they get older — and are taking few steps to get ready.

A new poll examined how people 40 and over are preparing for this difficult and often pricey reality of aging, and found two-thirds say they’ve done little to no planning.

In fact, 3 in 10 would rather not think about getting older at all. Only a quarter predict it’s very likely that they’ll need help getting around or caring for themselves during their senior years, according to the poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

That’s a surprise considering… Read entire article

My sister, Lisa, has been living with Relapse-Remitting MS for over 20 years and during exacerbations when her MS flares-up, causing her fatigue and mobility problems, she turns to her Go-Go Elite Traveller 3 Wheel Mobility Scooter.  Lisa chose a Pride Mobility Go-Go Travel Mobility Scooter because of the easy assembly and disassembly.  The pieces are super lightweight making it convenient to transport and store.

Lisa with Sparky at ASU Football Game in her Go-Go Elite Mobility Scooter

“I am able to go almost anywhere, with ease and comfort; The State Fair, Oktoberfest, Football Games, Theme Parks, Grocery Stores and Department Stores.  The portable design allows for easy assembly.  I’m not lifting, anything to heavy(28 lbs-heaviest part) and can put it together while standing, a major plus.  It fits nicely in the trunk of my car…”

If you would like to read more of what Lisa has to say about her electric mobility scooter checkout her review of the Go-Go Elite.  She has helpful hints to make your scooting experience better.

Electric Mobility Scooters aren’t just for people with disabilities.  They are great for aging adults who are no longer comfortable driving or individuals that have difficulty walking longer distances and want to maintain freedom outside of the home.   The Drive Phoenix 3 Wheel Travel Mobility Scooter is AllegroMedical.com’s most popular electric mobility device.  Users of the Phoenix 3 Wheel Mobility Scooter describe it as easy to transport with only 4 light weight parts for quick assembly and disassembly.

“Although, I haven’t owned this item long, I can already tell that it’s a great product. I recently had back surgery that failed. The Drive mobility scooter is perfect for my shopping and traveling, because I can not walk without a cane or walker or go any great distance on my own. Since it breaks down into several light weight parts, it’s easy to transport. I feel like it’s the answer to getting some part of my life back. I am very pleased with this product.”  AllegroMedical.com Review by Susie Homemaker from Arkansas

 AllegroMedical.com has a variety of mobility assistive devices for help inside and outside of the home.  Whether you need a scooter to get around everyday or just for trips to the grocery store don’t let your disability keep you from living an active independent lifestyle.

For more than 15 years, AllegroMedical.com has been the leading online source of home health and wellness products.  Rely on Allegro Medical for all of your mobility and other health supplies.

^{1 http://www.statisticbrain.com/multiple-sclerosis-statistics/}

^{2 http://www.msfocus.org/what-is-multiple-sclerosis.aspx}

^{3 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20665347}

^{4 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19774301}

Tampa Bay Times – Annette Funicello, who died last week at age 70 of complications from multiple sclerosis, was diagnosed just as scientific knowledge about the disease was on the brink of expanding.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the first drug for multiple sclerosis in 1993, a year after the beloved original Mouseketeer announced she had the condition. Around the same time, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) came into widespread use, which revolutionized…

Read entire article at turnto23.com

A simple search for crutches on AllegroMedical.com will bring up the universal aluminum crutches, quad canes and forearm crutches.  All of these can aid in gait training and balance but in different amounts.

Universal aluminum crutches have a weight capacity ranging from 175-300lbs and are height adjustable in 1” increments. The hand grips can be moved up or down with the help of a bush button or a wing/nut adjustment. They include underarm pads for comfort and tips for traction. When fitting these crutches, first set the height. To do this, the user should be standing straight up, and the arm pad should rest against the rib cage or roughly one to two inches below the armpit. It is important that the pad never presses into the armpit. This could cause pain and pressure on nerves leading to numbness. After the height is set, move to the hand grips. Elbows should be in a slightly bent position when using the crutches. ¹

For a cane or quad cane the handle or top of the cane should be even with your wrist when your arm is relaxed. While stabilizing yourself on a chair, relax the arm you will use the cane with. The crease/bend in the wrist should hit the top of the cane and this will allow your elbow to maintain a bend. Remember to use the cane on the opposite side of the body that needs support. This way, when walking, you will be able to stabilize yourself while bringing the injured leg forward. ²