Home care of humidifiers:
Regularly empty the tank wipe the surfaces with a cloth and refill with water. Make sure you unplug the device from the power supply before you attempt the cleaning
Try and use water with lower mineral content to prevent build up of residue
Follow the instructions recommended by the manufacture regarding cleaning and use of filters
Remember the steam humidifiers do get hot and emit a warm steam which can easily cause a burn- so keep children away from the device
Try not to humidify the home to more than 50 percent. There are a variety of thermostats available which can give you a reading of humidity
If you see water condensing on your windows every time you use a humidifier, you need to decrease the levels of use
Check for dampness around the machine, if excess humidity occurs, it will wet the carpets and ruin your furniture
When the humidifier is not in use, store it away dry
If you develop worsening of your respiratory problems, stop using the humidifier and see a health care professional.
Humidifiers have been around for many years and generally are very safe. For the most effective use of your humidifier, follow the recommendations made by the manufacturer.
For more on humidifiers for medical use, please visit www.medexsupply.com
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Humidifiers 101 part 2
There are four basic types of humidifiers:
Ultrasonic machines which create a cool aerosolized mist by means of ultrasonic vibrations
Impeller devices can generate a soothing cool mist by a fast spinning disk
Evaporative devices, which blows moisture into the surrounding air with the use of fan. The fan blows on a moist wick or filter and fine water droplets are created which disperse in the room
Steam vaporizer devices create water vapor by heating the water with electrodes. The water mist in this case is warm. Some of these devices also cool the mist before it leaves the device.
How to use the humidifiers
Devices like the evaporative and steam vaporizer allow water to stand for long periods and this allows growth of mold and other organism. There is evidence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that certain ultrasonic and impeller (or “cool mist”) humidifiers can transmit materials like mold, dust mites, microorganism from the tank into the indoor environment. However, the consumer should rest assured that so far no one has shown that dispersal of these materials is harmful to health. In any case, precaution is advised.
Therefore, all consumers who use humidifiers should get in the habit of regularly taking care of these machines. Besides regularly adding clean water, the tanks should be cleaned at least once a week and the old water thrown away. There is absolutely no need to use any special sprays, soaps, or detergents to wash these portable devices. Just throw the old water, dry the device and it is ready to be used again. Another advice is to use water with low mineral content. The type of water may be of concern to individuals who have allergies, smokers or those with other lung ailments
There are a lot of myths about tap water. No one has yet proven that tap water used in humidifiers causes any illness. As long as you do not use contaminated or dirty water, there is no reason why tap water cannot be used.
Tap water sometimes does contain materials that precipitates on the surfaces and appears like white dust. Some experts claim that this will be a breeding ground for organisms- just a speculation so far.
For those who are overly concerned bout the water they use, bottle water labeled distilled is recommended by the EPA. The distilled water contains less minerals and retards growth of organism. For those who prefer to use tap water, consider the use of demineralized cartridges or filters as recommended by the manufacturer of the humidifier.
All consumers should note that it is important to use the humidifier only when required. There is always a possibility that humidifiers can disperse microorganism so care should be exercised.
Individuals who use Nebulizers often need humidification and there are a variety of micro humidifiers and accessories available for such use.
Ultrasonic machines which create a cool aerosolized mist by means of ultrasonic vibrations
Impeller devices can generate a soothing cool mist by a fast spinning disk
Evaporative devices, which blows moisture into the surrounding air with the use of fan. The fan blows on a moist wick or filter and fine water droplets are created which disperse in the room
Steam vaporizer devices create water vapor by heating the water with electrodes. The water mist in this case is warm. Some of these devices also cool the mist before it leaves the device.
How to use the humidifiers
Devices like the evaporative and steam vaporizer allow water to stand for long periods and this allows growth of mold and other organism. There is evidence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that certain ultrasonic and impeller (or “cool mist”) humidifiers can transmit materials like mold, dust mites, microorganism from the tank into the indoor environment. However, the consumer should rest assured that so far no one has shown that dispersal of these materials is harmful to health. In any case, precaution is advised.
Therefore, all consumers who use humidifiers should get in the habit of regularly taking care of these machines. Besides regularly adding clean water, the tanks should be cleaned at least once a week and the old water thrown away. There is absolutely no need to use any special sprays, soaps, or detergents to wash these portable devices. Just throw the old water, dry the device and it is ready to be used again. Another advice is to use water with low mineral content. The type of water may be of concern to individuals who have allergies, smokers or those with other lung ailments
There are a lot of myths about tap water. No one has yet proven that tap water used in humidifiers causes any illness. As long as you do not use contaminated or dirty water, there is no reason why tap water cannot be used.
Tap water sometimes does contain materials that precipitates on the surfaces and appears like white dust. Some experts claim that this will be a breeding ground for organisms- just a speculation so far.
For those who are overly concerned bout the water they use, bottle water labeled distilled is recommended by the EPA. The distilled water contains less minerals and retards growth of organism. For those who prefer to use tap water, consider the use of demineralized cartridges or filters as recommended by the manufacturer of the humidifier.
All consumers should note that it is important to use the humidifier only when required. There is always a possibility that humidifiers can disperse microorganism so care should be exercised.
Individuals who use Nebulizers often need humidification and there are a variety of micro humidifiers and accessories available for such use.
Humidifiers 101
Humidity is defined as the amount of moisture (water vapor) in the environmental air. Most individuals feel comfortable when the relative humidity averages between 35-60 percent. When the humidity gets low like in the winter, many individuals will develop a dry mouth, dry itchy skin, lips, and throat. Low humidity also causes damage to the home by increasing static electricity, cracks in the walls, floors, and peeling of wallpaper. On the other hand, high humidity can cause difficulty breathing nasal congestion, extreme stickiness of the body. Persistent high humidity also causes mold and dust mites to thrive. These mild and dust mites later cause problems with allergies and generalized illness. To make the home environment more comfortable, one either adds or decreases humidity
Today, there are a variety of thermometers which can immediately indicate the humidity in the home.
The most convenient way of adding moisture to the home air is with the use of a home humidifier. Individuals who use bronchodilator medications or have lung disorders like COPD, Emphysema or cystic fibrosis may benefit significantly from the use of humidifiers. For those individuals who do not have an already installed humidifier with the AC, there are a variety of portable devices available
Today, there are a variety of thermometers which can immediately indicate the humidity in the home.
The most convenient way of adding moisture to the home air is with the use of a home humidifier. Individuals who use bronchodilator medications or have lung disorders like COPD, Emphysema or cystic fibrosis may benefit significantly from the use of humidifiers. For those individuals who do not have an already installed humidifier with the AC, there are a variety of portable devices available
Hypollaergenic Pillows
Pillows are rarely discussed in public, but when it comes to a comfortable night of sleep, a good pillow is vital. Most people do not realize how important a pillow is until they go and sleep elsewhere for the night. The other point of note about pillows is that they do get old and need changing every few years. Pillows are a magnet for dust mites and even mold. For the individual with allergy, it is vital that one buy a hypoallergenic pillow.
There are many factors involved when it comes to buying a pillow. Some individuals like the pillow to be soft, others want it firm, and some want it in the middle.
Over the years, it has become known that individuals with allergy can fare much better when they buy a hypoallergenic pillow. These specially designed pillows are made of fabric that is dust and mite proof. The fabric is tightly weaved decreasing the space for mites to crawl into. Individuals who use hypoallergenic pillows notice an immediate decrease in sneezing, runny eyes, and dry cough first thing in the morning.
Hypoallergenic pillows are made from 100% polyester. To further protect you from allergies, there are also pillow covers that provide a barrier to dust mites and many other allergens. The hypoallergenic pillows are machine washable and easily last 2-3 years.
One of the best allergy free pillows is the Duro-Med Stress-Ease. It also provides excellent neck support and is ideal for individuals who have suffered whiplash injury or have neck sprains. The average cost of hypoallergenic pillows starts around $15-$30.
For more on hypoallergenic pillows, visit www.medexsupply.com
There are many factors involved when it comes to buying a pillow. Some individuals like the pillow to be soft, others want it firm, and some want it in the middle.
Over the years, it has become known that individuals with allergy can fare much better when they buy a hypoallergenic pillow. These specially designed pillows are made of fabric that is dust and mite proof. The fabric is tightly weaved decreasing the space for mites to crawl into. Individuals who use hypoallergenic pillows notice an immediate decrease in sneezing, runny eyes, and dry cough first thing in the morning.
Hypoallergenic pillows are made from 100% polyester. To further protect you from allergies, there are also pillow covers that provide a barrier to dust mites and many other allergens. The hypoallergenic pillows are machine washable and easily last 2-3 years.
One of the best allergy free pillows is the Duro-Med Stress-Ease. It also provides excellent neck support and is ideal for individuals who have suffered whiplash injury or have neck sprains. The average cost of hypoallergenic pillows starts around $15-$30.
For more on hypoallergenic pillows, visit www.medexsupply.com
Friday, March 20, 2009
Pulse Oximeters part 3
In general, the pulse oxygen saturation in normal people should be above 95%. In patients with lung disease and heart disease, the oxygen saturation may be lower. When the pulse oximeter reads less than 88%, the individual has signs of respiratory distress.
Pulse oximeters available today are very sensitive and reliable. The degree of accuracy has led to their widespread use not only in the hospital setting, but also for use in ambulatory medicine, outpatient or walk in clinics and even at home.
Advances in Oximetry have now led to the development of devices which can also measure the levels of carbon dioxide at the skin level. The pulse oximeter had been of a tremendous advance in medicine and serves as a vital tool for monitoring the oxygen status of an individual. The cost of pulse Oximetry is variable depending on the type one wants. The price ranges from $170-$950
For more on pulse oximeters, please visit www.medexsupply.com
Pulse oximeters available today are very sensitive and reliable. The degree of accuracy has led to their widespread use not only in the hospital setting, but also for use in ambulatory medicine, outpatient or walk in clinics and even at home.
Advances in Oximetry have now led to the development of devices which can also measure the levels of carbon dioxide at the skin level. The pulse oximeter had been of a tremendous advance in medicine and serves as a vital tool for monitoring the oxygen status of an individual. The cost of pulse Oximetry is variable depending on the type one wants. The price ranges from $170-$950
For more on pulse oximeters, please visit www.medexsupply.com
Pulse Oximeters
Pulse Oximetry is sometimes not accurate in the following situations:
1. During shock when the blood vessels are constricted and
there is no pulse. Other conditions where the pulse may
be absent included dehydration, heart failure, low blood
volume, excessive blood loss, peripheral vascular disease
and some heart problems
2. Bright lights in the room can sometimes interfere with
the accuracy of the oximeter.
3. The oximeter may also be influenced in the operating room
when the surgeon uses a diathermy or other electronic
equipment.
4. Those individual who are shivering or have a tremor may
give unreliable readings
5. Nail varnish/polish can also cause erroneously low
readings.
1. During shock when the blood vessels are constricted and
there is no pulse. Other conditions where the pulse may
be absent included dehydration, heart failure, low blood
volume, excessive blood loss, peripheral vascular disease
and some heart problems
2. Bright lights in the room can sometimes interfere with
the accuracy of the oximeter.
3. The oximeter may also be influenced in the operating room
when the surgeon uses a diathermy or other electronic
equipment.
4. Those individual who are shivering or have a tremor may
give unreliable readings
5. Nail varnish/polish can also cause erroneously low
readings.
Pulse Oximeters
Oximetry is a simple non invasive medical procedure used to measure the concentration of oxygen in the blood. Oximetry is widely used in the hospital care setting to assess individuals who have a variety of medical disorders. The measurement of oxygen is done by an oximeter which is a photoelectric device. The majority of oximeters are small, portable and reusable.
The oximeter can be placed on the finger tip, ear lobe or the toes on the feet. Pulse oximters are so called because they react only to pulsations of the blood vessels.
Pulse oximeters are an absolute must in all ICU, neonatal units, Emergency rooms. CCU units and the operating room. Many times, these devices are used on the general medical floor to assess the breathing status of a patient. The majority of patients with moderate to severe heart and lung problems need pulse Oximetry.
The pulse oximeters work by passing a beam of red and infrared light though a pulsating blood vessel. The ratio of red to infra red blood light transmitted provides a measure of the oxygen saturation of the blood. The oximeter notices the pulse and then deducts the intensity of color perceived when the pulse is absent. The residual intensity of color corresponds to only the oxygenated red blood. This is shown on the electronic screen as a percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood.
The oximeter can be placed on the finger tip, ear lobe or the toes on the feet. Pulse oximters are so called because they react only to pulsations of the blood vessels.
Pulse oximeters are an absolute must in all ICU, neonatal units, Emergency rooms. CCU units and the operating room. Many times, these devices are used on the general medical floor to assess the breathing status of a patient. The majority of patients with moderate to severe heart and lung problems need pulse Oximetry.
The pulse oximeters work by passing a beam of red and infrared light though a pulsating blood vessel. The ratio of red to infra red blood light transmitted provides a measure of the oxygen saturation of the blood. The oximeter notices the pulse and then deducts the intensity of color perceived when the pulse is absent. The residual intensity of color corresponds to only the oxygenated red blood. This is shown on the electronic screen as a percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Treating lymphedema with compression stockings
Lymphedema is a chronic debilitating disorder with no cure. The basic problem with lymphedema is that the small vessels (lymphatics) that collect all the fluid from tissues and transport it to the large vessels get blocked or obstructed. In some cases, the cause of blockage is a cancer, surgical trauma or in other cases, the vessels have been blocked since birth.
In any case, one of the most effective treatments for this disorder is use of compressive garment and sequential compression pumps.
Compressive garments can help when they are worn on a regular basis. Wearing a compression bandage is a poor person’s version of a compression garment. The bandages often fall off, become loose, and one cannot control the amount of compression. Moreover, compression bandages always lose their elasticity after multiple uses.
For the individual who can afford compression garments, the stockings are ideal. There are many types of compression stockings available today. These stockings come in all styles, designs, sizes, and grades of pressure. It is very important for a consumer to get the proper size of stocking. The chief reason why many consumers fail to get benefit from these stockings is that they buy stockings which are either too small (and hence too tight) or too large. One needs to get size of the extremity measured and get the right fit.
Once the stockings are bought, they must be worn religiously, everyday. The stocking can be removed at night. When stocking are worn as prescribed, they will feel comfortable and work immediately. The stockings are made in such a way that they are tighter at the toe and then have less pressure along the length. This helps squeeze the muscles and push the fluid out of the tissues.
When stockings are worn regularly, most people see relief of their lymphedema in a few weeks. As the size of the extremity decreases, one should get another pair of stockings. Stockings for lymph edema are life long.
These same stockings also prevent varicose veins, blood clots, and formation of ulcers on the extremities.
To get the best use out of your stockings, hands wash them and air-dry them.
A decent pair of garment compression stockings usually costs anywhere from $7-$10. These stockings are generally available at a lower price from medical suppliers rather than going to a fashion store or a pharmacy
For more on compression stockings, please visit, www.medexsupply.com
In any case, one of the most effective treatments for this disorder is use of compressive garment and sequential compression pumps.
Compressive garments can help when they are worn on a regular basis. Wearing a compression bandage is a poor person’s version of a compression garment. The bandages often fall off, become loose, and one cannot control the amount of compression. Moreover, compression bandages always lose their elasticity after multiple uses.
For the individual who can afford compression garments, the stockings are ideal. There are many types of compression stockings available today. These stockings come in all styles, designs, sizes, and grades of pressure. It is very important for a consumer to get the proper size of stocking. The chief reason why many consumers fail to get benefit from these stockings is that they buy stockings which are either too small (and hence too tight) or too large. One needs to get size of the extremity measured and get the right fit.
Once the stockings are bought, they must be worn religiously, everyday. The stocking can be removed at night. When stocking are worn as prescribed, they will feel comfortable and work immediately. The stockings are made in such a way that they are tighter at the toe and then have less pressure along the length. This helps squeeze the muscles and push the fluid out of the tissues.
When stockings are worn regularly, most people see relief of their lymphedema in a few weeks. As the size of the extremity decreases, one should get another pair of stockings. Stockings for lymph edema are life long.
These same stockings also prevent varicose veins, blood clots, and formation of ulcers on the extremities.
To get the best use out of your stockings, hands wash them and air-dry them.
A decent pair of garment compression stockings usually costs anywhere from $7-$10. These stockings are generally available at a lower price from medical suppliers rather than going to a fashion store or a pharmacy
For more on compression stockings, please visit, www.medexsupply.com
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