How to choose a Wheelchair that is best suited to your needs

With much advancement in medical technology, equipment and products, getting around when you’re disabled or ill is so much easier than it used to be.

There are a range of different wheelchairs available, all with their own specific features based on your needs. Are you looking for an affordable wheelchair? Take a look at the various wheelchairs available on Supply Doctor (www.supplydoctor.co.za) as well as many other medical supplies, equipment, consumables, disposables, first aid products and so much more.

Here’s how to choose a wheelchair that is best suited to your needs…

Motorized Scooters

        -          This wheelchair is motorized so that means it does not need much physical strength to move it around, this means it is a lot better for the elderly.

        -          It is easier for the person on the scooter to negotiate curbs as well as road crossings.

        -          A motorized scooter is large so it is unable to fit in a regular vehicle, it is also best to keep a spare battery on hand at all times.

Power Wheelchairs

        -          Powered by a joystick, this wheelchair is perfect for anyone who has limited mobility.

        -          Easy navigation on road crossings and curbs.

        -          It is unable to fit in a regular car; however it is possible to fit a power wheelchair in a modified vehicle.

Self-Propelled Wheelchairs

        -          This chair is perfect for someone who needs easy access to shops with simple steering.

        -          A self-propelled wheelchair is able to fit inside your vehicle for total mobility.

        -          You can use this wheelchair without help from anyone else.

        -          Because it is self-propelled it can be hard work for your arms.

        -          Terrain can sometimes be a concern, so always take your environment into account.

Push-wheelchairs

        -          These wheelchairs are suited for people with limited movement or no movement at all.

        -          Majority of these fold and fit easily into a regular vehicle.

        -          It is not possible to use this wheelchair on your own; you will need someone to push you around at all times.

        -          Always remember that this type of wheelchair is not easily manoeuvrable.

When you choose a wheelchair you need to think clearly about your needs and what features are best suited to your needs. Choosing a wheelchair is never simple, so to make the right choice always go through all the features, disadvantages as well as the advantages.

Everything you need to know about taking your child to the doctor

Doctor’s visit can be really scary for children. Many adults avoid the doctor’s office because of the fear that many children experience...

Here are 7 helpful tips for making a visit to the doctor’s office as comfortable for your child as possible:

1. Warn you child about the visit. Telling your little one beforehand will give them time to mentally prepare. It will also teach them to trust you. You don’t have to tell them a week before, the night or the morning before should be fine.

2. Explain the purpose of the visit. Let your child know that the doctor is looking to see how they are growing, or if they are sick. Tell them the doctor is trying to help them to feel better.

3. Walk them through what will happen. Tell them the doctor will look in their eyes and ears and listen to their heart beat. If they need shots too, let them know that too.

4. Read some books about other children going to the doctor. Your child will benefit from books that put them at ease. Books help them to know that it’s a normal part of life, and every child goes through the same thing.

5. Make sure your child is well rested. Schedule the appointment for a time of day when your child is generally happy. Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep.

6. Arrive early. Your children will feel more comfortable if they aren’t rushed and get comfortable with the doctor’s office. Many offices have toys, fish tanks and interesting things for your kids to look at.

7. Concentrate on the good. Explain to them that your doctor’s office gives stickers or a sweeties for good behaviour. You could also promise and outing afterwards, like to the library or the park.

Shots, nurses and exam rooms aren’t exactly a fun field trip for your kids, but these tips can make a visit to the doctor a lot less painful for you and your child.

Need a reliable supplier of all your medical equipment and supplies? Place your order on Supply Doctor today, call 021 110 0422 or email info@supplydoctor.co.za and choose from our wide range of medical products!

Here’s what to do if you have a sore throat

Having a sore throat can mean it feels painful, scratchy and even dry – have you been experiencing this recently? 

There can be many causes for your sore throat from allergies, dry air and chemicals to strep throat or a bacterial infection.

Besides visiting your doctor, here’s what you can do to relieve your sore throat…

- Drink warm liquids like chicken soup, warm water with lemon or tea with honey
- Buy lozenges and suck on a few throughout the day
- Do not talk too much so you can rest your voice until you feel a bit better
- Gargle warm salt water in your mouth
- Eat something cool and soothing like ice cream or cold water

Please be aware that these home remedies will not cure your sore throat if you have a bacterial infection – you will need to see your doctor for treatment.

Are you looking for medical equipment and supplies that are affordable but still high quality? Supply doctor is an online medical store that has a range of products from blood pressure meters and first aid supplies to hospital equipment, scales, thermometers and stethoscopes.

Place your orders today from info@supplydoctor.co.za or call 021 110 0422

Here’s what a Doctor’s Bag should ALWAYS contain

A doctor’s bag is very important as well as the contents inside the bag, however the equipment may vary according to each individual doctor and what they specialise in.

Besides containing essential medical equipment, a doctor’s bag should also be sturdy, lockable but still portable enough to carry around. Always remember that a doctor’s bag should be stored in a cool, dry place and never in the boot of a car.

Here is a list of the necessary equipment that should always be included in a doctor’s bag…

- Stethoscope
- Pulse oximeter
- Aneroid sphygmomanometer
- A diagnostic set
- Tongue depressors (wrapped)
- Tourniquet
- Scissors
- Alcohol wipes
- Gloves
- Reflex hammer
- Specimen bottles
- A small torch
- Syringes and needles
- Thermometer
- Disposable scalpel
- Peak flow meter
- Glucometer
- Face mask
- Space (for asthma)

What else do you think should be stored in a doctor’s bag?

Supply Doctor can supply you with all you need to fill your doctor’s bag – all at prices that everyone can afford! Place your orders today from 021 110 0422 or email info@supplydoctor.co.za

11 Types of Doctors and What They Do

A doctor is someone who helps people, gives hope to the sick and ultimately saves lives. However, there are a range of types of doctors, each treating different medical conditions according to what they specialise in.

Do you know which doctor you need to see? Here are the 11 types of doctors and what each of them do…

1. Family Practitioner/General Physician – Your friendly neighbourhood doctor who provides treatment for general illnesses and non-emergency conditions.

2. Internist/Internal Medicine Doctor – This doctor specializes in adult medicine, prevention and treatment of diseases that affect adults.

3. Emergency Doctor – Offers medical services in the emergency room and are on call 24/7.

4. Hospitalist – A doctor you’ll see in the hospital that looks after the patients who are hospitalized.

5. Pain Management/Palliative Care Specialist – Helps in reducing the suffering and improving the quality of life of the patients who experience any sort of pain.

6. Infectious Disease Specialist – Studies and treats diseases that are caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.

7. General Paediatrician – Studies, treats and specializes in general medical problems in infants, children and adolescents.

8. Critical/Intensive-care Specialist – Studies, diagnosis, and treats life-threatening conditions requiring organ support and invasive monitoring.

9. Geriatrician – Provides treatment for the diseases and health problems related to geriatrics or seniors.

10. Anaesthesiologist – Studies and administers anaesthesia during surgical procedures.

11. Surgeons – This doctor performs surgeries related to different sub-specialties of medicine.

There are many specialties of medicine and each specialty has a different type of doctor or surgeon.

Looking for high quality, affordable medical supplies and equipment? Give us a call on 021 110 0422, email info@suppldoctor.co.za or place your order on Supply Doctor today!

4 Easy Ways to Take Control of your Health in 2019

Do you want to change your health for the better in the New Year, but you just don’t know where to begin?

Well, to help you out a bit, here are 4 easy healthy habits that you can adopt to help you take charge of your health and general wellbeing in 2019!

1. Come up with a meal plan

It is so much easier to eat healthy, well-balanced meals if you have the ingredients on hand with all your meals planned out. Make a meal plan for the week and then do one big shop for everything – this makes it easier to plan what you’re going to eat, plus the kids can help so everyone feels involved.

2. Always have a water bottle on hand

It is so important to stay hydrated, so be sure to always try and drink 4 – 6 glasses of water a day! When you carry around a water bottle with you you’ll be less likely to choose a fizzy, sugary drink when you need to quench your thirst.

3. Eat the colours of the rainbow

Always include produce of a range of different colours into your daily diet such as spinach, carrots, beetroot, tomatoes, strawberries,bananas, etc. These fruits and vegetables are packed full of nutrients and fibre and can help you stay health and protect you against illnesses.

4. Enjoy what you eat

This tip is an important one, but it is often lost amongst all the new diets and fads that come and go so often. Cooking together with your loved ones, sharing and finding joy in the food that you eat is vital when it comes to staying healthy and happy.

Use these 4 easy, helpful tips to take control of your health and wellbeing in 2019!

Supply Doctor is an online medical supply store that offers reliable medical equipment and products that everyone can afford - place your orders today from 021 110 0422 or email info@supplydoctor.co.za

7 must-haves for your First Aid Kit

Whether it’s a skinned knee or a sprained ankle, having the correct medical materials in your first aid kit is essential. Packaging your first aid kit doesn’t have to be expensive or take up a lot of room at home or in your car.

Take a look at Supply Doctor, an online medical supplies website, for a wide range of first aid equipment as well as bags and boxes.

Here are 7 important must-haves for your first aid kit:

First aid manual – You may not want to waste space in your kit, but having a manual is important as it can offer essential tips and guide you on how to treat certain wounds, etc. Learning how to treat injuries while waiting for professional help can really make a difference.

An assortment of bandages – Whether you need gauze for a large wound or a simple adhesive strip for a small scratch, having assorted bandages in your first aid kit is essential. Bandages come in a range of shapes and sizes, so be sure to pack a variety.

Antiseptic and ointments – Should someone injury themselves, it is vital that everything is sterile to avoid infections. Be sure to include antiseptic, hand sanitizer and sanitary cloths in your first aid kit. Toss in a pair of non-latex gloves to safely apply any antiseptic or ointments.

Instant Compress – Aches and pains also need to be treated, so make sure your first aid kit includes a heat pack as well as an ice pack. An instant compress is recommended to reduce any swelling.

Scissors – A good pair of scissors is a necessity in your first aid kit. In addition to cutting gauze you may need to cut other material like clothing during an emergency. A regular pair of scissors is fine along as they are sharp enough!

Medication – Pain is a big deal, especially to little children, so it’s a good idea to have children’s pain reliever as well as pain relieve for adults in your first aid kit to reduce fevers, headaches, sprains and other pains.

Tweezers – This device isn’t just for plucking stray hairs. Tweezers can come in handy in your first aid kit, especially if you need to remove splinters, glass and ticks.

Accidents of any kind are bound to happen, anytime or anywhere. So, it is crucial for you to have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand at all times!