What is a Nebulizer?

Long ago, Ancient Egyptians inhaled fumes of herbs heated on bricks. In the 19^th century cigarettes were used. And finally after about a hundred years of experimenting, the first mass produced nebulizer was invented in 1969. Since then, the nebulizer has really been a lifesaver for many asthmatics.

The concept of the nebulizer is quite simple – inhaled asthma medicines go directly to the lungs and may instantly relieve asthma symptoms.

Ancient techniques did this, but they were slow and inefficient. The modern nebulizer solved all these problems. The device is simply a cup with a mouthpiece on the top (or mask) and oxygen tubing on the bottom. The tubing is connected to an air compressor. When turned on, the air compressor provides a flow of air through a tiny hole in the cup so that liquid inside the cup is drawn into the flow, causing a fine, white mist.

In this way, the nebulizer turns liquid into aerosols that are the perfect size for deposition into the lungs once inhaled. This process is called atomization, and this is why nebulizers used to be called atomizers.

Other names for nebulizers are nebs, updraft therapy, nebulizer treatment or breathing treatment. Most air compressors are compact and connect to a power source, while newer ones are quite convenient and even portable as they can be plugged into an outlet in your car.

For most asthmatics a simple inhaler is all they need. Most asthma experts recommend every asthmatic carry an inhaler for quick relief of asthma symptoms.

For a wide range of medical products, including nebulizers - Visit Supply Doctor and place your order!

How to use a finger pulse oximeter

A pulse oximeter is a medical device that measures heart rate and the oxygen level in the blood, expressed as the percent of oxygen saturation. Pulse oximeters operate by shining light through the skin to the blood vessels below. These devices are commonly used in many health care settings and are available over the counter. If you have high oxygen saturation (close to 100%) it indicates that the red blood cells are fully loaded with oxygen from the lungs.

Follow the steps to learn how to use a finger pulse oximeter:

Step 1
Turn on the pulse oximeter by firmly pressing the power button. The screen should light up almost instantly.

Step 2
Place the sensor, the part that opens and closes like a clothespin, on any finger, with the sensor screen above your fingernail. If the sensor doesn’t have a screen, run the cable along the back of your finger or hand. Don’t use the thumb because these readings are less reliable than finger readings.

Step 3
Wait until the pulse oximeter acquires a signal. This may take 10 seconds or more, depending on the device and the conditions. Excessive movement can decrease the accuracy of the result, so make sure to keep still.

Step 4
Look at the display to see the heart rate, usually indicated with a heart or pulsing light. The percent of oxygen saturation is typically indicated by the symbol “Sp02.” Many devices also have a pulse tone that beeps in time with the heart rate.

Step 5
Leave the sensor on for continuous monitoring. The sensor can become uncomfortable or cause pressure sores if you leave it on your finger for too long. Check and move the sensor at least every two to four hours. If only a single measurement is required, remove the sensor and press the power button to turn off the device.

Take a look at Supply Doctor’s wide range of medical equipment and supplies. There are many options to choose from, including pulse oximeters.

Look great and stay safe in a disposable lab gown

If you work in a hospital or healthcare facility, it is always a good idea to keep a supply of disposable lab gowns on hand, whether you’re working in the patient care areas or the lab. These traditional looking lab gowns will outlast other types of cotton or poly cotton blend coats, plus they offer a wide range of additional safety features.

One of the biggest issues with any type of lab coat, that’s worn in the lab or while working with patients, is that the gown can become contaminated. When body fluids, medications, chemicals or liquid is spilled on the gown, the fabric will absorb it. These absorbed liquids will then travel around with you when you are interacting with patients and others, possibly providing opportunity for contamination. Since it really isn’t practical to be changing your coat all the time, using a disposable lab gown is really the best possible option.

Disposable lab gowns are just as practically designed as the more traditional cotton and poly cotton coats. They feature button closure down the front, as well as a walking slit in the back, which allows for easy movement even if you want to leave the coat closed while you’re walking / moving around. 

In addition most disposable lab gowns also offer Velcro cuffs and a fold up collar shield to more effectively restrict the chance of any contamination touching your skin or clothing while the gown is closed.

Supply doctor has a wide range of disposables to choose from, including lightweight, breathable disposable lab gowns. This is an important aspect in a busy hospital or healthcare setting where you may be walking through a variety of temperatures as you travel from area to area.

How to improve doctors’ waiting rooms

Waiting in a doctor’s office is one of life’s small annoyances, and the problem isn’t going away anytime soon. However, design can make the endless waiting a lot more tolerable.

There are six ways of dramatically improving waiting rooms…

Comfortable seating: Waiting when you’re sick is bad enough, and waiting in an uncomfortable chair is even worse. Movable armrests and seating pads with various amounts of cushion let people create their own comfortable little space. Planters can keep the air feeling fresh and displays at the end of each bench can tell patients how long they’ll be waiting.

Manageable queues: Queue management displays in waiting rooms make people feel physically tied to one spot. A better idea would be to feature wait-time displays prominently in multiple places and not just over the central counter.

Clear medical records: Digital records are going more and more digital as the years go by. Another low-tech alternative can be for patients to store their medications and appointment dates in paper wallets that can be thrown in a purse or back pocket and carted easily to the doctor’s office.

Healthy food: It’s always shocking and a bit depressing to see vending machines full of chips, chocolates and fizzy drinks in a medical clinic. Encourage healthy living by finding a vending machine that is stocked with nutritious snacks, or get a water dispenser.

Welcoming signage: Doctors’ waiting rooms can sometimes feel terribly impersonal. It is recommended that welcome boards be introduced so the doctors on duty can post information about healthy activities, etc.

Communal space: Communal tables can help reduce anxiety in a waiting room. Some people like their privacy when they’re sick, but then again if you are with your family a large table would make sense.

Use these tips to better design your waiting room and reduce patients anxiety while thy wait.

For a full range of medical supplies, equipment and disposables, visit Supply Doctors online medical supply store! 

5 ways patient safety can be promoted at healthcare organizations

There are many different things healthcare organisations can do to ensure the well-being of all the different patients that come through their doors. Here are 5 great ways to promote patient safety in your organisation and the entire healthcare industry.

1. Calculate your organisation’s safety culture

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality offers free surverys to identify patient safety strengths and needed improvements. Find them at AHRQ.gov.

- Take only 15-20 minutes to complete
- Take once every 6-16 months

2. Work with a patient safety organisation

The Health Systems Trust in South Africa is a leading patient safety organisation.

- It is a safe, confidential place for healthcare organisations to report information
- It is used to identify problems and solutions, which contributes to the greater good

3. Encourage patients to get involved

Get patients to play an active role in their healthcare and join a patient safety program

- Look out for any helpful brochures, posters and videos
- Make sure materials are available in multiple languages for different patients

4. Support your staff

- Build teamwork to improve communication and efficiency
- Decrease hospital shifts to fewer than 16 hours to avoid serious medical errors
-  Reduce distractions, especially during critical times such as shift changes
- Create a zone of silence near medication preparation carts and other areas where concentration is vital

5. Prioritize equipment calibration, testing and maintenance

- Vital to the longevity, accuracy and efficiency of your equipment
- Should be done at least once a year
- Requires specialized equipment and a certified engineer

Take a look through Supply Doctor’s website, where they have a wide range of high-quality medical equipment. Choose what you need and order it quickly and conveniently!

What you need to start a vet practice

Veterinarians are responsible for treating, diagnosing, and researching the diseases and injuries sustained by our favourite non-human friends. Take a look at what it takes to start a successful vet practice below.

Vet Prerequisites

Education

- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree
- 4 year program

License and Certification

- License required
- Graduation from accredited veterinary program
- Certification in 40 different specialties, including: Internal medicine, Surgery, Microbiology

Necessary Qualities

- Compassion
- Dexterity
- Management
- Decision-making and problem-solving abilities
- Interpersonal skills

Tools of the Trade

Routine

- Stethoscopes
- Microscopes
- Syringes
- Autoclaves

Diagnosis

- Endoscopes
- Ultrasound
- Doppler machines
- Pathology testing machines
- Fluid pumps
- Radiographs (x-rays)

Surgery

- Scalpels
- Forceps
- Needles

Here are some helpful TIPS to keep in mind…

1. Embrace technology. Software can simplify processes and keep paperwork clutter to a minimum. Tablets and iPads can improve communication and efficiency.

2. Have your equipment professionally tested and calibrated at least once a year.

3. Manage your inventory using barcodes to eliminate inventory mistakes and ensure proper pricing.

Building a Team

Your veterinary staff should include:

Veterinary Technicians – Vet techs work under supervision of the veterinarian and perform a wide range of duties, including: Handling anesthesia procedures, Exposing and developing x-rays, preparing animals and equipment for surgery.

Veterinary Assistants – Assistants are responsible for helping veterinarians or technicians in a variety of advanced technical procedures.

Kennel Assistants – Kennel Assistants ensure that kennels are clean and well-stocked, learn basic animal handling and restraining, and observe patients.

Receptionists – The face of the practice, receptionists are the first person your clients interact with.

Office Managers – Office managers ensure smooth day to day operations in the clinic, taking charge of scheduling, hiring and training.

Find all the right veterinary equipment for your veterinary practice at Supply Doctor’s online medical store!

Taking a look at your larynx - What is a Laryngoscopy?

If you don’t know what your larynx is, it is your voice box! It is located at the very top of your windpipe or trachea and it contains your vocal chords. Air passing through the larynx and over the vocal folds causes them to vibrate and produce sound – this is how we speak.

A laryngoscopy is an exam that gives doctors a close up view of the larynx and throat. Doctors place a small mirror into the throat, or insert a rigid or flexible viewing tube called a laryngoscope in your mouth. Sometimes, if necessary, they will do both.

Supply Doctor is a reliable online medical store with a broad range of laryngoscopes to choose from, take a look now and place your order!

Why would I need a laryngoscopy? Well, a laryngoscopy is used to learn more about various conditions or problems in the throat, including:

- Persistent cough, bloody cough, hoarseness, throat pain, or bad breath

- Difficulty swallowing

- Persistent earache

- Mass or growth in the throat

A laryngoscope can also be used to remove a foreign object

How does a laryngoscopy work? Preparation for the test can include:

- Physical exam

- Chest X-Ray or CT scan

- Barium swallow

Laryngoscopy’s usually last between five and 45 minutes. There are two types or laryngoscopy tests: direct and indirect.

An indirect laryngoscopy is when the patient will sit up straight in a high-back chair and numbing medicine is sprayed into the throat. The doctor will cover the tongue with gauze and hold it from blocking the view, and then the doctor will stick a mirror into the throat and explore the area. A patient might be asked to make a certain sound to make the larynx move. If you have a foreign object or obstruction in your throat, the doctor will remove it at this point.

The direct method can happen in the hospital or the doctor’s office, and usually the patient is completely sedated under expert supervision. A special tube goes into the nose or mouth and then down the throat. The doctor will be able to look through the tube to get a close view of the larynx. The doctor can collect samples and remove growths or objects.

Have you had a laryngoscopy before? Tell us more about your experience!

Seven different uses for a pill box

What is a pill box? Well, it is a little container that you keep and organise your daily pills in. however, there are many possible uses for these boxes besides the obvious medications and vitamins.

Visit Supply Doctor today and take a look through the wide array of medicine dropper and pill boxes…

1. When travelling, you can use a seven day pill box to pack your jewelry for each day. Most earrings, necklaces and rings can easily fit into the compartments. This also helps to prevent tangling of necklaces and searching for matching earrings.

2. If you enjoy sewing, you can re-purpose your pill box to contain bobbins, needles and pins for your sewing machine. This will work best when you have a pill box with larger compartments.

3. For kids, create a pill box with different types of beads in each section. Pack string in one of the compartments so you have all the supplies to create a pretty necklace or bracelet. So, now you have an easy arts and crafts project for a rainy day!

4. Rather than sorting your medication day by day, rather fill each section with a different over the counter medication to heal common sickness. This way whenever you get sick you have a mini drug store on the go.

5. Do you travel a lot for work? Create a tiny mobile office supply kit using a pill box. Fill each compartment with different office essentials, such as paper clips, rubber bands, mini post its, binder clips and an eraser.

6. Going camping for the weekend? Why not sort out your herbs and spices a head of time? Fill each section in your pill box with the different herbs you plan to cook with on your trip.

7. Store your little bits and bobs in each compartment, like earring butterfly fastenings, drawing pins, beads, small scraps etc.

Regardless of which idea you decide to try, it is a good idea to label your pill  box with whatever is inside. Get inspired, and use your pill box for something beyond the obvious!

How a walking stick can ease chronic pain

There is a solution for the pain – a walking stick! If you are someone who uses one, try not to call it a cane, rather call it a walking stick which evokes a more positive image of youth and vigor.

This handy object can assist you in easing many types of pain, from the lower back down to the feet. It can even reduce stress and strain that comes with everyday activities or a walk in the park.

Researchers recently discovered that by using a walking stick, you can reduce the load on the knee by about 10%. By reducing knee joint stress, the pain, swelling and stiffness is less likely to become something worse.

Ever seen someone use two walking sticks? Probably not in public, but most avid hikers use two walking sticks to help support their bodies over uneven terrain. Not only does this reduce the load on all parts of your body, but it also helps conserve energy.

 Improved balance is also one of the reasons walking sticks help to relieve back pain. When you walk, your back muscles are involved in maintaining your balance, so that is why most people who suffer from back pain feel discomfort when they climb hills, step off curbs or walk over bumpy ground. Just by having that simple stick in hand can make most tasks easier and safer. Sometimes a simple assistance device like a walking stick is all we need to keep moving.

Many types of assistance devices exist and they really do assist in making life easier. Supply Doctor is a reliable online medical store where you can find a wide variety of walkers, shoppers, crutches and walking sticks, and many other assisted living products.

Always remember; by regaining control, pain is less likely to cause suffering. Just pick up your stick and keep moving.

All you need to know about face masks

Face masks are one tool utilized by medical professionals and regular people to prevent the spread of disease and germs. You may have heard them being called surgical, medical or procedure masks, whatever the name they are loose-fitting masks that cover the nose and mouth, with ear loops or ties at the back of the head.

Supply Doctor is your one stop online medical supply store. If you're looking for face masks, visit the website and take a look.

So, what is a face mask used for? Face masks help limit the spread of germs. When someone talks, coughs or sneezes they release tiny droplets into the air that can infect others. If someone is sick, they can wear a face mask to reduce the risk of infecting others, plus people around them can wear one to protect themselves from becoming sick. When doctors or nurses wear face masks, it protects them from any diseases or bodily fluids.

If a face mask is disposable is should be used once and then thrown away. Here are some easy steps to follow to help you to put on your face mask properly.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before you touch the mask.

2. Check the mask for no obvious tears and holes.

3. The side of the mask that has a stiff bendable end is the top and is meant to mold to the shape of your nose.

4. The coloured side of the mask is usually the front and should face away from you, while the white side touches your face.

5. Face mask with ear loops: Hold the mask by the ear loops and place a loop around each ear.

Face mask with ties: Bring the mask to nose level and place the ties over the crown of your head and secure with a bow.

Face mask with bands: Hold the mask in your hand with the top of the mask at your fingertips, bring it to your nose level and pull the top strap over your head. Pull the bottom strap over your head so it rests at the nape of your neck.

6. Mold or pinch the stiff edge to the shape of your nose.

7. Lastly, pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin.

Always consider wearing a face mask when you are sick and coughing, it will protect you and others around you.

How to Create a Home First Aid Kit – Part Two

In order to always be prepared for emergencies, you need a reliable first aid kit, but remember it also needs to be stocked sufficiently! Supply Doctor has a wide range of medical supplies that you can use to fill your home first aid kit. Here’s exactly what to stock in your kit…

1. A range of bandages
When dealing with cuts and scrapes, it is ideal to have an array of sizes and types of different bandages. Place all your bandages in a clear Ziploc bag with a label. Include the following bandages:

- 25 adhesive bandages of different sizes
- Five gauze pads
- A roll of cloth adhesive tape
- Two sterile dressings
- Roller bandage
- Triangular bandages

2. Basic medical tools
You need to be ready to pluck splinters, cut bandages and other first aid tasks without searching for different tools around the house. Place these in a labelled Ziploc bag as well and include:

- Small, sharp scissors
- Tweezers
- Non-latex gloves
- Oral thermometer
- Cotton balls and swabs
- CPR breathing barrier mask
- Instant cold press
- First aid instruction booklet
- Hand sanitizer
- Cleansing wipes

3. Additional tools
If you have a big first aid kit, you might want to add non-essential medical tools in a separate pouch or bag. These might include:

- Eye protection
- Space blanket
- Aluminium finger splint
- Duct tape
- Petroleum jelly
- Sewing needle
- Safety pins

4. Medications
Keep these separate from bandages and tools, and clearly marked. Make sure to check the expiry dates regularly too. Include the following:

- Aloe Vera gel
- Calamine lotion
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Laxatives
- Antacids
- Antihistamines
- Pain relievers
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Cold/cough medicine

5. Family medications
If any members of the family need prescription medications, consider including them in your first aid kit, especially if you are travelling. Ensure that you keep them in clearly marked containers.

- Keep close track of the expiry dates of the medications
- If anyone has severe allergies, keep an epi-pen in the home kit with instructions

Always be aware of what you use and don’t let the supplies run too low. In order to have a fully effective home first aid kit, it keeps to be stocked properly!

How to Create a Home First Aid Kit – Part One

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, so it is vital to always be prepared. Having a properly stocked first aid kit in your home is easy and essential, especially if an emergency happens and it involves your family.

1. Pick a good bag or container
You can buy a pre-filled first aid kit, and you can buy empty first aid bags or containers. But, its also possible to find a suitable one at home.

- One good option is a see-through, water-resistant plastic container with a zipper or lid. This is great, as you can see the contents inside.

- For a larger first aid kit, a duffel bag or backpack will work.

- If you want to purchase an empty first aid bag or box, try Supply Doctor as they have a wide variety to choose from.

- Regardless of what you choose, make sure it is clearly identifiable by writing “First Aid” on it, or sticking on a label.

2. Make your kit safely and easily accessible
When your child is crying about a cut or scrape on their knee, you don’t want to have to search through your entire home just to find your first aid kit.

- Decide on a consistent spot for your first aid kit to stay. An accessible, visible shelf would be perfect, and make sure to inform everyone where it is located.

- Let small children know where the kit is, but make sure it is in a place they cannot access. You don’t want them getting into the first aid kit and fiddling with potentially dangerous contents.

3. Teach your family about the kit
Make sure everyone who is old enough understands the function of the first aid kit and knows its exact location.

- For smaller children who are too young to be using the items in the kit, teach them where it is located so they can inform a visitor, relative or babysitter if there is an accident.

- For older children and adults, they should be taught how to use the specific items. A first aid kit instruction booklet will help.

4. Keep your first aid kit up-to-date
No one wants to go fetch the first aid kit and find that there are no plasters or bandages left.

- Keep track of the supply amounts and expiration dates on a regular basis.

5. Create a checklist to include with your kit
Stock your first aid kit and make sure to record every item on a sheet of paper you can include in the kit.

- Record the certain amounts and expiration dates and write them down next to the listed items on your checklist.

- The checklist will help whoever uses the first aid kit to see what is inside and what items are ready to use.

First aid kits are easy enough to make on your own, Part Two will explain what to stock in your home first aid kit.

8 Reasons why you should own an Alcohol Tester

It doesn’t matter if you are a light or heavy drinker; there are vital reasons why you should have your own breathalyzer.

Take a look at the wide range of alcohol testers on Supply Doctor. Buy one for yourself and you can prevent your life from taking a turn for the worst.

#8 Do you really know how much is too much?

Many factors can contribute to how inebriated you get, age, weight and how often you drink. Each person is different and reacts differently to alcohol; this is why it’s important not to take chances.

#7 Drinking less than the limit still has side effects

You can still be impaired, even if your blood alcohol level is below the percentage. This is why it’s so important to check your blood alcohol level before getting behind the wheel.

#6 Goes on your record

Do you really want a record? I don’t think so. If you are caught for drunk driving it can stay on your record for up to 10 years, this will turn off any potential employers.

#5 Jail time

Have you ever imagined spending the night in jail? Or have you already experienced it? It’s not fun. Most people who are pulled over have a high chance of going to jail to sober up, then getting a friend or family member to bail them out.

#4 An alcohol tester gives peace of mind

The last thing you should have to worry about when you go out for dinner or a party is whether you or not you’re sober enough to drive home safely. Even if you have only had a few drinks, it is always better to know for sure if you are putting yourself at risk for driving under the influence.

#3 A wise investment

A DUI fine is actually really expensive. So, think to yourself, is it really worth it? Or even better, can you afford it? This is another important reason why you should invest in an alcohol tester,  it’ll cost you so much less.

#2 Endangering your own life

Your life is important, this is even more reason for you to buy your own alcohol tester. Always remember that driving while you are slightly buzzed is still considered drunk driving and can result in a fatal accident.

#1 Endangering the lives of others

Did you know that every few minutes a drunk driver kills a person? Is it really worth endangering the lives of innocent people, when the consequences can last a lifetime?

Instead of changing aspects of your life that you enjoy doing, you should simply get yourself a valuable, yet affordable alcohol tester.

How to take your own Blood Pressure

Taking your own blood pressure may seem complicated, but it is actually a really simple thing to do. However, it is extremely important to know how to do it properly and take an accurate reading.

In order to take your blood pressure, you’ll need a reliable blood pressure meter. If you don’t have your own already, take a look at the Supply Doctor website and order one today.

Once you have a blood pressure meter, there are a few simple steps that you can follow to make sure you get a correct reading of your blood pressure.

Before you take your blood pressure reading:

  Ø  Many things can make your blood pressure rise for a short time. Make sure you are not stressed out, and that you have not just eaten a big meal. Do not measure your blood pressure if you have just smoked a cigarette or drank caffeine.

  Ø  Wear loose clothing like a short sleeved shirt so you can push your sleeve up comfortably.

  Ø  Always use the same arm each time you take a blood pressure reading. If possible, use the arm your doctor uses.

  Ø  Before you take your reading, rest for about five minutes. You should be in a quiet place, with your arm resting on a surface and your feet flat on the floor.

  Ø  Make sure your arm is supported and that the cuff around your arm is at the same level as your heart. Your arm should be relaxed, not tensed.

How to take your blood pressure:

  Ø  Put the cuff on, following the instructions that came with your monitor.

  Ø  Ensure you are completely relaxed. If you are tense or anxious, this will affect your readings.

  Ø  When you are busy taking your reading, keep still and silent.

  Ø  Take about two or three readings, each about two minutes apart, and then work out the average.

  Ø  Record your reading, either in the memory of your monitor or on a computer or journal.

You don’t have to trek all the way to the doctor’s office to have your blood pressure checked, you can easily monitor it at home using these simple steps.

An honest look at doctors’ visits

Majority of us don’t enjoy going to the doctor. Even if you really need to make that dreaded visit, it can bring up a lot of feelings of fear, anxiety, stress and so much more.

Let’s take an honest look at doctor’s visits and why we choose to avoid them…

Did you know that 65% of us avoid going to the doctor, but why do we do it?

      ·         24% do it because they have no health insurance

      ·         24% do it because they are embarrassed about the issue

      ·         19% do it because it’s too expensive

      ·         18% do it because they are not covered by health insurance

      ·         13% do it because they are worried about discovering a pre-existing condition

      ·         7% do it because of other reasons

A majority of us confess that we have even lied to our doctors… 54% of us are liars and 46% of us tell the truth when we visit the doctor.

But, what do we lie about the most?

      ·         Bad eating habits

      ·         Lack of exercise

      ·         Sex-related issues

      ·         Smoking

      ·         Alcohol

      ·         Drugs

Sometimes, it’s not fear or anxiety that stops us from visiting the doctor, it’s the pet peeves that seem to get on our nerves. Here’s what people say they are most annoyed by:

      1.       Long waits

      2.       Exposure to germs

      3.       Paperwork

      4.       Missing work or other obligations

Since we are living in a very technology based time, many of us prefer to communicate over the computer or using a mobile device. That is why people say they’d be more likely to ask about some topics online. So, what are the most popular topics?

      ·         4% Other

      ·         11% Digestive health

      ·         15% Weight

      ·         16% Drugs and alcohol

      ·         29% STDS

      ·         41% Sex-related issues

Supply Doctor is your one-stop online store for all your medical supplies and equipment. Choose anything from BP meters and disposables to ECGs and ultrasound devices.

The Hospital Room of Tomorrow

Okay, so maybe not all of these cool gadgets will be in one hospital room, but advances in medical science and technology promise to provide you with better medicine and a more enjoyable experience.

So, step into the hospital room of the future!

     ·         SMART PILL
Intelligent pill technology is actually being used at the moment to diagnose conditions such as Crohn’s disease and colon cancer.

     ·         SMARTPHONE ULTRASOUND
Researchers are working on a handheld machine that connects vis USB to a smartphone. This device could prove to be life-changing in developing areas!

     ·         TAKING CONTROL
Patients will have the ability to raise and lower the blinds in their room, order food, turn off the lights and surf the web using one controller.

     ·         MEDICAL TRICORDER
This device would use technology to collect and analyze data on a patient’s health and then compare that data to electronic medical records. It would also be able to determine the best treatment.

     ·         ARTIFICIAL WOMB
Tanks are filled with amniotic fluid and umbilical cords are attached to pumps that regulate nutrient intake and waste production. These methods are actually being used on animals, but not on human babies.

     ·         HEALTH DISPLAY
With the swipe of a card patient information will be displayed on a computer monitor in the room. Doctors and nurses will be able to see data they need to know.

     ·         CENTRALIZED IV SYSTEM
Nurses will no longer need to program your IV manually. A centralized system will program them all automatically.

     ·         SMARTBED
You won’t have to be hooked up to about 25 monitors, your bed will track all your key health information; temperature, blood pressure, heart rate etc.

     ·         ORGAN PRINTER
A 3D printer process will be able to create tissue that can be used for transplantation, getting rid of the lengthy process of waiting for a donor.

     ·         ROBOTIC SURGEONS
These have been around since the 1980s, but they are seeing increasing usage in heart, intestinal, brain and orthopedic surgery.

     ·         MEMORY RESTORATION
This military project is aimed at restoring memory by bypassing brain injuries. The theory is that injured soldiers will be able to return to the battlefield with improved performance.

     ·         MEDICATION SECURITY
A medication dispensing system will use bar codes and scanning technology to reduce medication mistakes.

It’s true that we probably won’t be seeing these medical gadgets in the hospital room tomorrow, but in the near future, your hospital room will be nothing like it was 10 years ago.

Supply Doctor's online medical supply store can provide you with a wide range of medical products, from BP meters and disposables to ECGs and ultrasound monitors.

What is a syringe driver, and why is it used?

A syringe driver will help to reduce symptoms by delivering a steady flow of injected medicine. You might have used one before to help control pain, sickness, agitation or fits. Sometimes, it is called a continuous subcutaneous infusion.

Using a syringe driver can be used instead of having regular injections repeatedly, which can be restricting when you have places to go and things to do throughout the day.

So, what exactly is a syringe driver? Well, it is a small pump that is powered by batteries that delivers medicine through a soft plastic tube into a syringe with a needle that is placed under the skin. Most often, it is the skin on your arm, abdomen or leg. A syringe driver is used to treat things like…

- Pain
- Seizures
- Agitation
- Vomiting

If you are using a syringe driver it will have a built-in computer with a small screen to show the rate at which the medication is being prescribed. The syringe driver will alert you if there are any blocks or leaks, be careful as blocks can happen is you lie on the tubes.

A syringe driver should make a slight whirring sound when it is turned on, this is normal and signals that it is working properly. If you are using a syringe driver, it shouldn’t make you less mobile. They are built to be portable, so just clip it onto your clothing or put it in your bag, allowing you to move around normal.

Why should I use a syringe driver? Your doctor or nurse will obviously explain to you why a syringe driver is being used. Syringe drivers are used in these situations:

- Severe pain. A regular flow of medicine will help to the relive the pain.

- Difficulty swallowing tablets or liquid because of a sore or dry mouth.

- You feel very weak

- Vomiting or nausea

- Agitation or feeling distressed

- Respiratory secretions

A syringe driver is helpful to use as it is portable and allows the continuous delivery of medication to aid your comfort.

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How to choose a wheelchair

It is so much easier for the disabled or ill to get around independently than it used to be, and there are various types of wheelchairs to choose from. Here are a few of the features, to help choose which one is best.

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1. Motorized Scooters

- This wheelchair does not need much physical strength, which means it is better for the elderly

- It is easy to negotiate curbs and road crossings

- Unfortunately they won’t fit in your car, and a spare battery should be carried around just in case it dies

2. Power Wheelchairs

- Perfect for people who have very limited mobility, as it is powered by a joystick

- Easy to negotiate curbs and road crossings

- It won’t be able to fit in most cars; however you can fit them on modified vehicles

3. Self-propelling Wheelchairs

- Buy this chair if you want easy access to shops and very easy steering

- Notice that you can fit one inside your care, which means total mobility

- You can use this wheelchair alone, without any help

- Realise that it is very hard work for your arms

- Terrain is a major concern, so take your environment into account

4. Push-wheelchairs

- These are for people with extremely limited movement or no movement at all

- Most of these fold down to fit into a normal car

- You cannot use these on your own, so you will need someone to push you around at all times

- Remember that these are not very maneuverable

Choosing a wheelchair is never simple; it is much more than looks. So take a look at the features, disadvantages and advantages and make the right choice.