Allen Medical Equipment
Compression Hosiery Care Instructions
Compression Hosiery Care Instructions
January 3, 2023
GRADIENT COMPRESSION HOSIERY
Hand wash in lukewarm or cold water with mild soap. Avoid prolonged exposure to heat. Do not bleach. Line or drip dry. Do not wring. Do not iron.
https://wholesale.therafirm.com
CORE-SPUN BY THERAFIRM AND THERASPORT BY THERAFIRM
Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. Do not bleach. Do not iron.
SMARTKNIT
Machine wash warm with mild detergent. Tumble dry medium heat. Do not bleach. Do not wring. Do not iron.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema
November 15, 2022
Lymphedema is a chronic disease related to a malfunction of the lymphatic system. This results from a blockage or a slowing down of the circulation of this liquid between the cells and tissues of the body. Lymph accumulated in the subcutaneous tissues causes swelling that produces discomfort, heaviness and loss of mobility in the affected part of the body.
There are 4 stages of lymphedema. These stages can be grouped in 3 levels of severity: Mild, moderate and severe
Mild Level- The first mild level is stage zero: In this stage swelling is hardly visible, symptoms include heaviness of the affected limb, slight tingling and fatigue. It takes several months or even years for the edema to appear. The second mild level also have a stage one- this stage has a possible positive pitting sign. The skin and tissue are not permanently damaged. It has a reversible lymphedema, and the volume excess is below 20%.
Moderate Level-This level has a stage two, which includes positive putting sign, skin folds, inflammations and cutaneous modifications, non-reversible edema, volume excess between 20 and 40% with increased risk of skin infection. Another stage in this level is the late stage three, it has a positive Stemmer Kaposi sign, tissue fibrosis, permanent edema, skin folds, inflammations and cutaneous modifications. Volume excess is between 20 and 40% with increased risk of skin infection.
Severe Level- This level has a moderate stage 3- Very voluminous limb, non-regular limb shape with skin folds, Permanent edema, negative pitting sign, dermatological complications and volume excess is above 40% with decreased mobility. Allen Medical Equipment has different compression socks that can help with circulation
Knee osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis
November 1, 2022
Knee osteoarthritis is a condition that causes progressive damage to the joint. The pain from knee osteoarthritis can range from mild to severe, and it worsens over time. Knee osteoarthritis can be caused by injury, repetitive strain on the knee, or inherited conditions. The pain from knee osteoarthritis is typically worse with activity and at night.
The following are risk factors for developing knee osteoarthritis:
-Inherited conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
-Repetitive strain on the knee such as kneeling or squatting
-Injury to the joint
Your doctor might recommend OA Knee Brace. OA Knee Brace is a device that is used to provide support to the knee.
The device is made up of a plastic shell which has two hinges on either side. The hinges are attached to the front of the shell and are connected with a metal rod that goes through the back of the shell. The hinge, which is also known as an axis, can be adjusted in order to fit different sizes of legs. At either end of this axis there are straps that attach around your thigh and calf muscles, so they provide stability for your knee when you walk or bend down.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine Fibroids
October 26, 2022
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop from muscle cells and fibrous tissue in the uterus. They grow in size during pregnancy or when estrogen levels increase. Fibroids can be as small as a pea or as large as a grapefruit and can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, constipation, urinary incontinence, and infertility. Fibroids can also cause other problems such as prolapse of organs like bladder or rectum into the vagina and difficulty getting pregnant because they may compress the fallopian tubes.
There are three main treatment options for uterine fibroids: surgery, medication, or no treatment at all. Surgery may be recommended if your symptoms become severe or if the tumor grows too large and starts to press against other organs. Medication can shrink these tumors or stop them from growing any larger. No treatment at all may be advised if there isn't any discomfort associated with the tumor and it doesn't grow larger than 4 centimeters in diameter.
Surgery for uterine fibroids is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you will not need to stay overnight in the hospital after surgery. The recovery time varies depending on how extensive your surgery was and how well you take care of yourself after surgery.
Coughing Exercises
Coughing Exercises
October 8, 2022
Coughing is an important part of the body's defense system. It helps to clear the lungs of unwanted substances and helps to keep them healthy.
There are many exercises that can help with coughing, and they can be done at any time, whether you're sitting in a chair or lying-in bed.
Coughing is usually caused by a tickle or irritation in the throat, bronchial tubes, or lungs. The cough reflex is triggered when these areas become irritated and produce mucus to expel the irritant.
The following coughing exercises will help you get rid of your cough:
- Place a hand on your chest and take deep breaths through your nose for 5 minutes - Stand up straight, bend forward from the hips with arms outstretched towards the floor, then raise your head up slowly while holding this position for 10 seconds - Stand up straight, bend forward from the hips with arms outstretched towards the floor, then raise your head up slowly
Appropriate glove use in the prevention of cross-infection
Appropriate glove use in the prevention of cross-infection
October 5, 2022
Gloves are a barrier to the hands, which can be worn to protect against contact with infectious materials.
Gloves have been used in clinical settings for many years as a protective measure against infectious diseases. They are also used in food handling environments and other industries where there is a risk of contact with blood or other bodily fluids.
Gloves may be made of latex, nitrile rubber, or vinyl. Gloves vary in thickness and durability depending on their use. Nitrile gloves are generally thinner than latex gloves and can provide similar protection from contamination when used properly. Vinyl gloves are thicker and not as durable as latex or nitrile rubber gloves but offer protection from some chemicals that might damage the other two types of glove material. In Allen Medical Equipment, we have different gloves with different sizes available
Foley catheter versus Intermittent catheter
Foley catheter versus Intermittent catheter
September 28, 2022
Some people prefer intermittent catheter because it is more comfortable and easier to use. Intermittent catheter is a tube that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine. The tube is then removed when it's time to urinate. This type of catheter can be used for both men and women, but it may not be as effective for men with larger bladders or those who have difficulty emptying their bladders completely.
Foley catheters are often used in hospitals because they can be left inside the bladder for up to two weeks without causing irritation or damage. These types of catheters are also used by people who have a problem with their urethra, such as an enlarged prostate gland, or those who have trouble urinating due to spinal cord injuries or brain damage. Allen Medical Equipment offers both foley and intermittent catheter in different French sizes.
What is the Difference Between Bronchial Asthma and Allergic Asthma?
What is the Difference Between Bronchial Asthma and Allergic Asthma?
September 26, 2022
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. There are different types of asthma, and they are classified based on the type of symptoms.
Bronchial asthma: This type is also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and it occurs when the airways become narrowed. This happens because the bronchi in your lungs become inflamed or swollen, and this leads to a reduction in airflow. Air pollution, tobacco smoke, some medications, infections and other factors can trigger this condition.
Allergic asthma: It is triggered by an allergic reaction to something in your environment that you come into contact with every day such as pollen or animal dander. The most common triggers for allergic asthma include dust mites, mold spores, etc.
Asthma can usually be managed with rescue inhalers (albuterol) to treat symptoms and controller inhalers that prevent symptoms (steroids). Allen Medical Equipment carries different respiratory products like nebulizer machines, oxygen concentrators, oxygen tanks and many accessories that can be prescribed by your doctor to help in treating severe cases of Asthma.
Fibromyalgia: What it is and how to manage it
Fibromyalgia: What it is and how to manage it
September 15, 2022
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in the muscles, joints, and other soft tissues. It is a chronic condition that can be difficult to diagnose. According to American College of Rheumatology, Fibromyalgia is most common in women, though it can occur in men. It most often starts in middle adulthood but can occur in the teen years and in old age. You are at higher risk for fibromyalgia if you have a rheumatic disease (health problem that affects the joints, muscles and bones). These include osteoarthritis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis. Fibromyalgia does not damage the joints or muscles.
Some patients also may have:
Depression or anxiety
Migraine or tension headaches
Digestive problems: irritable bowel syndrome (commonly called IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (often referred to as GERD)
Irritable or overactive bladder
Pelvic pain
Temporomandibular disorder - often called TMJ (a set of symptoms including face or jaw pain, jaw clicking, and ringing in the ears)
There are ways that you can manage Fibromyalgia like: physical therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy. Even with the many treatment options, patient self-care is vital to improving symptoms and daily function. In concert with medical treatment, healthy lifestyle behaviors can reduce pain, increase sleep quality, lessen fatigue and help you cope better with fibromyalgia. With proper treatment and self-care, you can get better and live a more normal life.
Allen medical equipment offers different mobility aids like canes, walkers, rollators, manual wheelchairs, scooters, motorized power chair and crutches that may help you with support and balance when symptoms of pain, fatigue, low energy, dizziness, and/or difficulty breathing occurs.
September 5, 2022
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction
September 1, 2022
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection or to reach orgasm. ED is a common problem that affects up to half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70.
The causes of ED can vary from one person to the next. Some common causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and depression or anxiety
Ongoing difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual activity are symptoms of erectile dysfunction. It may also be accompanied by low libido (low sex drive)
The treatment for erectile dysfunction can be done by taking oral medications, self-injection and urethral suppositories take effect relatively quickly and produce erections that last less than an hour. The doctor might also recommend using an external vacuum device or a penile implant
In some cases, if the cause of erectile dysfunction is psychological in nature, then psychotherapy, sex therapy, and counseling might be recommended as well.
Types of incontinence
Types of incontinence
August 29, 2022
Urinary incontinence can happen to people of all ages but is more common in older people,1 with more than 50% of people aged 65 years and older experiencing at least some level of urinary incontinence. To gain a better understanding of urinary incontinence, it is important to understand the different types of incontinence your patients could be experiencing. This will better prepare you on choosing the right products for you or your loved ones.
Stress Incontinence
If coughing, laughing, sneezing or other movements that put pressure on the bladder causes the patient to leak urine, she/he may have stress incontinence. Physical changes resulting from pregnancy, childbirth and menopause often cause stress incontinence. Common in women, this type of incontinence increases following menopause and, in many cases, can be treated. Incontinence pads and liners can be great solutions for these kinds of leaks.
Urge Incontinence
If the patient loses urine for no apparent reason after suddenly feeling the need or urge to urinate, she/he may have urge incontinence. A common cause of urge incontinence is inappropriate bladder contractions. Abnormal nerve signals might be the cause of these bladder spasms.
Urge incontinence can mean that the patient’s bladder empties during sleep, after drinking a small amount of water or when they touch water or hear it running (as when washing dishes or hearing someone else taking a shower). Certain fluids and medications, such as diuretics, or emotional states, such as anxiety, can worsen this condition. Some medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism and uncontrolled diabetes, can also lead to or worsen urge incontinence. Involuntary actions of bladder muscles can occur because of damage to the nerves of the bladder, to the nervous system (spinal cord and brain), or to the muscles themselves. Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and injury – including injury that occurs during surgery – all can harm bladder nerves or muscles.
If leaks occur at night, incontinence underpads, or commonly known as chuck (chux) pads, are helpful. Additionally, briefs and diapers and incontinence underwear are also solutions for urge incontinence leaks.
Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder occurs when abnormal nerves send signals to the bladder at the wrong time, causing its muscles to squeeze without warning. Voiding up to seven times a day is normal for many women, but women with overactive bladder may find that they must urinate even more frequently.
Specifically, the symptoms of overactive bladder include:
• Urinary frequency – bothersome urination eight or more times a day or two or more times at night
• Urinary urgency – the sudden, strong need to urinate immediately
• Urge incontinence – leakage or gushing of urine that follows a sudden, strong urge
• Nocturia – awaking at night to urinate
There are several incontinence products that can help protect against leaks, such as underpads (chuck pads) for nighttime or sitting, or briefs and diapers and disposable underwear for large surges of urine.
Functional Incontinence
People with medical problems that interfere with thinking, moving or communicating may have trouble reaching a toilet. Alzheimer’s disease, for example, can interfere with a patient’s mental capacity, making it difficult plan a timely trip to a restroom. A person in a wheelchair may have a hard time getting to a toilet in time. Functional incontinence is the result of these physical and medical conditions. Conditions such as arthritis often develop with age and account for some of the incontinence of elderly women in nursing homes.
There are several incontinence products that can help protect against functional leaks, such as underpads (chux pads) for nighttime or sitting, or briefs and diapers and disposable underwear for large surges of urine. Catheters can also be an option.
Overflow Incontinence
Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder doesn’t empty properly, causing it to spill over. Weak bladder muscles or a blocked urethra can cause this type of incontinence. Nerve damage from diabetes or other diseases can also lead to weak bladder muscles; tumors and urinary stones can block the urethra. Overflow incontinence is rare in women. Pads and liners, as well as underpads (chucks pads), can help protect against these kinds of leaks.
Mixed Incontinence
Stress and urge incontinence often occur together in women. Combinations of incontinence – and this combination in particular – are sometimes referred to as mixed incontinence. Most women don’t have pure stress or urge incontinence, and many studies show that mixed incontinence is the most common type of urine loss in women.
Depending on the mix, a variety of incontinence products may be required, possibly including briefs/diapers, incontinence underwear, underpads, pads and/or liners.
Transient Incontinence
Transient incontinence is a temporary version of incontinence. Medications, urinary tract infections, mental impairment, surgery and restricted mobility can all trigger transient incontinence. Severe constipation can cause transient incontinence when the impacted stool pushes against the urinary tract and obstructs outflow. A cold can also trigger incontinence, usually resolving once the coughing spells cease.
For temporary incontinence, a wide variety of products to choose from Allen Medical Equipment can help protect against leaks, depending on the duration of incontinence and amount of leaks. Pads and liners are typically used for temporary incontinence.
Sources:
1: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/urinary-incontinence-older-adults
2: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_03/sr03_036.pdf
3: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Bariatric medical equipment
Bariatric medical equipment
August 9, 2022
Bariatric equipment is specially designed for patients who are obese.
The main purpose of bariatric equipment is to provide support and stability for patients who are obese. The use of this type of medical equipment can help the patient in moving around more easily and can reduce the risk of injury due to falls. In Allen Medical Equipment, we sell and rent different bariatric medical equipment from wheelchairs, hospital beds, commode chairs, walkers, shower chairs, canes and more. Visit us at allenmedicalequipment.com for more information
The History of Monkeypox and How It Spreads
The History of Monkeypox and How It Spreads
August 5, 2022
Monkeypox is a rare disease that is spread by rodents. It is not related to the more common and better-known monkeypox virus.
The first known case of monkeypox in humans was in 1958, when it was found among laboratory workers who had been handling tissue from a monkey infected with the virus.
Monkeypox spreads from infected animals to humans through contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces, such as bedding or clothing, and can also be transmitted from human to human through aerosol droplets from coughing or sneezing.
Monkeypox symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes. The virus can cause long-term health problems including scarring on the skin and central nervous system damage.
The Ultimate Guide to Power Wheelchairs vs. Mobility Scooters: Which One is Right for You?
The Ultimate Guide to Power Wheelchairs vs. Mobility Scooters: Which One is Right for You?
August 2, 2022
A power wheelchair is a mobility device that uses electric motors to move the chair. The user pushes an arm control to move forward and back, turns by pushing one arm control in the direction they want to turn, and brakes by pushing both arm controls at the same time.
A mobility scooter is a mobility device that has three or four wheels and typically does not require any kind of turning or braking mechanism.
The choice between a power wheelchair vs. mobility scooter can be difficult for many people with disabilities because there are so many factors to consider, such as whether you need something that you can drive in your home or workplace, how much weight you can lift, how much money you want to spend on repairs and maintenance, etc.
Power wheelchairs and mobility scooters are both designed to provide independence for people who have difficulty walking. However, it's important to note that there are differences between the two based on the features they offer.
Differences Between Power Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters.
The difference between power wheelchairs and mobility scooters is that a power wheelchair is self-propelled, while a mobility scooter is pushed.
Power wheelchairs are more expensive and can be difficult to use as they have to be driven manually. Mobility scooters are less expensive and easier to use because they are pushed by the user.
How to Choose the Best Power Chair or Mobility Scooter for You.
When it comes to mobility equipment, the choices seem endless. The variety of power chairs and mobility scooters is so vast that it can be hard to know which one is the best for you. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your power chair or mobility scooter.
The first thing you should think about is what type of terrain do you need to navigate? You may need a power chair for indoor use, but if you live in a hilly area or have lots of stairs, then you will want a mobility scooter.
The next thing that needs consideration is your budget. Some people can afford an expensive power chair but others will need something more affordable. What size are you? If you are taller than most people, then a regular sized power chair
At the end of the day, it all comes down to your needs and goals. Both power chairs and mobility scooters come with both pros and cons that may not be suitable for your lifestyle. Here at Allen Medical Equipment, our trained staff is available to help you make informed decisions and provide you with the right equipment, training and service for your unique situation.

Why do I get ticklish?
Why do I get ticklish?
July 16, 2022
Have you been tickled before? To most individuals, it is a mixture of euphoria and uncomfortablity. Some people might find that specific areas of the body are more sensitive to touch that produces the action of a tickle. In some cases, people respond by laughing uncontrollably until they cry or flinching at the anticipation of being tickled or some don’t react at all. Oddly enough, the reaction of laughing when being tickled is thought be defense mechanism stimulated from the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is in charge of the fight or flight and pain responses in your brain. Laughing to a tickle doesn’t mean the individual is having fun but rather mimicing the actions of autonomic emotional response like an individual who is experiencing severe pain. Based on research studies, ticking can be split into two different types: Gargalesis and Knismesis. Gargalesis is the known as the tickling that causes laughter and repeatedly touching sensitive ticklish areas of the body. This type of tickling is not one that be performed by yourself but usally forced by others. A perfect example of this is a children tickling game. As for knismesis, this type of tickling includes a light touch or movement across your skin that does not cause a reaction like laughter but rather a flinch or a uncomforable sensation. Knismesis can make you feel itchy or tingly but not formally associated with tickling because it make an individual irritable or annoyed. A perfect example of this is a light stroke on one’s arms, legs, or feet. Also another example is the sensation of a bug crawling up your leg. Futhermore, a individual’s ticklish spots can vary but most commonly it is found in the feet.

Poliovirus in Wastewater
Poliovirus in Wastewater
July 13, 2022
Before we begin, why the sudden introduction of poliovirus in wastewater and where? Great question! Upon the recent studies at Harvard University, researchers at the United Kingdom Health Security Agency have discovered traces of poliovirus in London sewers. This became alarming news because of the apparent death of the virus back in 1984. However, there have not been any recent cases that have been shown in the United States since the early 1950’s. Back in the late 1940’s, the United states poliovirus or also known as polio had a tremendous outbreak disasterously impacting more than 35,000 people per year. Since there was no vaccine, approximately less than 20,000 people that were affected by polio which led to cases of paralysis each year. Quarantines were set in places where patients were diagnosed of the virus. By the mid 1950’s and so on, the IPV (inactivated poliovirus vaccine) and OPV (oral poliovirus vaccine) vaccines dramatically decreased the amount of polio cases. Fast foward to the 1970s, there were less than 100 cases overall and with the help of the vaccines there haven’t been anymore original cases of polio from the United States. If you are concerned about poliovirus, the best way to protect yourself is to take the vaccination. Children usually take 4 shots of the vaccine to help build immunity and prevent another outbreak. This is important to prevent a spike that would harm thousands.

Familarity with Your Medical Condition and Needs
Familarity with Your Medical Condition and Needs
July 11, 2022
How do I know what medical equipment I will need for my specific medical concerns? When dealing with unfamilar medical concerns, the first step of action is to consult your doctor. It is important to consult professional medical help when decidng how to move foward with medical treatment. Doctors often provide prescriptions based upon the patients’ medical concerns for either pharmacies and or medical suppliers to better aid the patients’ need. Here at Allen Medical Equipment, serving the patient and support their needs is our top priority. When diagnosed by a doctor, the prescriptions help us provide medical equipment that can be easily accessed through our database. Regardless if you have a prescription or not, our medical team is fully equipped on guiding you towads the best option made specifcally for you.

Introduction
Introduction
July 7, 2022
Welcome to our first blog post! This post serves the purpose of describing to you what a majority of blogs will look like in the future. From recent medical discoveries, medical breaking news, and important information regarding our medical products, please be sure to check out our blog routinely to stay updated! Also, feel free to drop comments below. We would love to hear what you have to say. See you next time!
Best,
Allen Medical Equipment