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!

7 Vital Steps to Take when Treating a Minor Burn

Minor burns are common injury, however they can still be extremely painful. While you can treat a minor burn yourself at home with the help of a fully stocked first aid kit, it is best to get professional help should you have a severe burn. 

Here are 7 vital steps you need to take when treating a minor burn...

1. Run cool water over the burn. This will prevent further damage to your skin. Avoid using extremely cold water, since this can damage the skin around the burn.

2. Remove tight clothing or jewelry. Anything that might constrict your skin as the wound swells needs to be removed. This lets blood flow to the wound and starts healing it.

3. Apply a cold compress. If cool water isn’t an option, use a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Place it over your burn.

4. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, if the pain and swelling does not lessen after several hours; take another does of the medication.

5. Clean the burn. After washing your hands, use soap and water to clean the burn. To prevent infection, apple an anti-biotic to keep the burn clean and Aloe Vera to soothe your skin.

6. Lightly cover the burn with gauze. You may not need to apply a bandage to first degree burns, but small second degree burns will need a wrap to keep out any infection.

7. Watch the burn for infection. Keep an eye on the wound for changes in colour. Seek medical attention if a burn does not heal over several weeks. Let your doctor know if you experience any warmth, tenderness and hardening of the wound area

Need some high-quality medical supplies to clean and treat your burn? Supply Doctor has a wide range of medical equipment that can suit your needs - contact us today on 021 110 0422 or email info@supplydoctor.co.za

How to use a finger pulse oximeter in 5 easy steps

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.

Why it’s so important to have a Pregnancy Ultrasound

An ultrasound or sonogram is a test that is offered to pregnant woman. It uses sound waves to create an image of the baby that is developing inside its mother’s womb. This is how doctors or health care providers can see the development as well as the health of the baby inside.

But, why is it so important to get an ultrasound when you are pregnant?

There are a range of reasons why, including checking for any problems, to produce images of the baby for the parents to see and to determine whether the child is male or female.

Here are some of the most important reasons why your doctor will need to do an ultrasound…

1. To confirm 100% that you are indeed pregnant

2. To check the baby’s age and growth – this will help you figure out the exact due date

3. To make sure everything is alright with the baby’s heartbeat, muscle tone, movement and overall development

4. To see if you are pregnant with twins, triplets or more

5. To screen for any birth defects, such as spina bifida or heart defects

6. To help with other prenatal tests

7. To examine your reproductive organs such as your ovaries and uterus

8. To check if there are any pregnancy complications that may include an ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy and miscarriage

What different kinds of ultrasound machines are used?

There are wide array of ultrasound machines that can be used, it all depends on what your doctor is checking for and how far along in your pregnancy you are.

The most common kinds of ultrasound machine are:

> Transabdominal Ultrasound
> Transvaginal Ultrasound
> Doppler Ultrasound
> 3-D Ultrasound
> 4-D Ultrasound

Supply Doctor is your one-stop online store for all your medical supplies, including a range of Ultrasound machines and accessories – order yours today from info@supplydoctor.co.za or call 021 110 0422

Avoiding Slips, Trips and Falls during the Wet Weather Season

When the weather takes a turn for the worst, there are usually a lot more people checking into the emergency room for slips, trips and falls.

However, the accidents that come with the wet weather are preventable is you just take the correct steps to protect yourself…

* Always take your time. If it is possible, avoid travelling in heavy rain, sleet or snow. However if you must go out, always take your time and be careful! If you are walking, choose to use sidewalks and pathways that are free of ice, overflowing water, etc. if you have to drive – use these 12 wet weather safety tips from PatrolMan.

* Dress according to the weather. Choose boots and shoes that are waterproof with non-slip soles or treads – L&A Safety offers a range of affordable, waterproof footwear for home and the workplace. Remember to also always wear gloves, a warm jacket and a scarf so you stay warm and avoid getting sick.

* Be careful in parking lots. If you live in an area that has ice or sleet, make sure to regularly clean the parking area or drive way. Hold on to your car door when you exit and take short steps – this tip also applies if you are walking in heavy rain.

* If you are injured, act quickly. Call for help immediately if you have been injured, some injuries may not seem serious, but may get worse later on. It is also a good idea to keep a fully stocked first aid kit close at hand for emergency situations – Supply Doctor offers high quality, affordable medical equipment and supplies, including first aid kits!

The number of slips, trips and falls increase in the winter months; luckily these incidents can be prevented using a few simple steps.

8 Ways to Stay Healthy in Cold and Flu Season

Winter is a great season for enjoying cuddles and warm meals with the family, however there is a negative side – fighting colds and flu!

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to defend yourself, however here are 8 helpful tips to prevent and treat colds and flu…

>> Wash your hands regularly, especially after you have blown your nose, coughed, sneezed, etc.

>> Talk to your doctor if you would like some professional advice

>> Eat an immune-boosting diet that is rich in vitamin C and E

>> Stay hydrated at all times by drinking pure, clean water

>> Get enough sleep – not resting enough can put your body and your immune system under a lot of stress

>> Make sure to exercise on a regular basis as it stimulates your immune system and also promotes healthy sleep

>> Always listen to your body! If you come down with a cold or the flu – take it easy

>> If your systems get significantly bad, seek medical attention right away

Remember, just because it is cold and flu season doesn’t mean you’re bound to get sick. Use these tips or get yourself a flu shot and before you know it fighting the flu will be a thing of the past.

Supply Doctor is an online medical supply store that provides a large range of affordable, reliable medical supplies, equipment and products. Order from the comfort of your own home - call 021 011 0422 or email info@supplydoctor.co.za

Why you should ALWAYS wear medical gloves

Medical gloves are one of the most important pieces of medical equipment in the medical and health industry! They are an essential PPE that the Food and Drug Administration regulates, and they must ALWAYS be leak and tear resistant and packaged in sterile packaging.

The key fact is to find a reliable medical supply and equipment store and you’re sorted! Visit Supply Doctor, where there are thousands of medical supply products to choose from, including medical glove. Place your order from info@supplydoctor.co.za or call 021 110 0422

Medical gloves are disposable, so they are specifically designed to be worn only once. The main purpose of gloves is to protect patients and health care workers from germs, infection and from coming into contact with certain dangerous substances.

Gloves should be worn every time you touch blood, bodily fluids, bodily tissues, mucous membranes, hazardous drugs or broken skin. Doctors take note here: you should wear gloves for this sort of contact, even if the patient you are dealing with seems healthy and has no sign of any germs.

It is so important that the gloves actually fit your properly and cover the hand and part of the wrist. The gloves should be made of latex or a strong synthetic material like PVC or nitrile. Caregivers should always wash their hands properly before putting on the gloves and take special care when handling sharp objects.

Gloves can accidentally become ripped or torn, this means that they should be changed immediately and the old gloves should be thrown away. In fact, the golden rule is to NEVER ever reuse gloves!
But how you properly remove gloves?

When you take the gloves off make sure the outside of the gloves do not touch your bare hands.

Always follow these 6 simple steps:

1. Grab the top of the right glove with your left hand
2. Pull toward your fingertips – the glove will turn inside out
3. Hold onto the empty glove with your left hand
4. Put two right hand fingers in the top of your left glove
5. Pull towards your fingertips until you have pulled the glove inside out and off your hand. The right glove should be inside the left glove now
6. Throw the gloves away in a proper bin

It is essential to maintain excellent hygiene when dealing with patients, especially during surgeries and operations. Doctors always need to wear medical gloves to protect the patient from infections during surgeries and maintain hygiene.

Do you know what your Doctor specialises in?

Medicine is a career that has a lot of respect and high esteem from people of all walks of life. A doctor saves lives, helps new life to come into the world and gives hope to the ill.

There are many different types of doctors who treat different various medical conditions according to what they specialise in.

Here are some of the general medical experts…

     ·         Family Practitioner/General Physician – Your friendly neighbourhood doctor who provides treatment for non-emergency conditions.

     ·         Internist/Internal Medicine Doctor – Specializes in adult medicine, prevention and treatment of adult diseases.

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

     ·         Hospitalist – Looks after the patients who are hospitalized.

     ·         Pain Management/Palliative Care Specialist – Helps in reducing the suffering and bettering the quality of life of the patients who experience pain.

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

      ·         General Pediatrician – Studies and treats general medical problems in infants, children and adolescents.

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

      ·         Geriatrician – Provides treatment for the diseases and health problems related to geriatrics or old people.

      ·         Anesthesiologist – Studies and administers anesthesia during surgical procedures.

      ·         Surgeons – Perform 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.

Are you looking for high quality medical supplies at an affordable price? Visit the Supply Doctor website and place your order today!

How to Make your Child’s visit to the Doctor as Comfortable as possible

When it comes to visiting the doctor’s office, it can be really scary for small children, this is why a lot of parents avoid going to the doctor because of the fear their kids have.

Here’s how to make a doctor’s visit as easy as possible for your child…

Warn your child beforehand – Telling your child beforehand that you are visiting the doctor will give them time to prepare mentally. Surprising them with a doctor’s visit will only cause them not to trust you! So, tell them the night before or even the morning of the visit should be fine.

Explain why you are going – Always let your children know why they are going to the doctor, such as to check up on how fast they are growing or tell them if they are sick. Let them know that the doctor is there to make them feel better.

Let them know what will happen during the visit – Tell them that the doctor will check their eyes, ears, mouth and listen to their heart beat.

Read some children’s books about the doctor – Reading a fun children’s book will help to put them at ease. Books let them know that it is a normal part of life and every child goes through the same thing.

Make sure your child gets a good night’s rest – Schedule the doctor’s visit for a time of the day when your child is happy and fully rested.

Arrive at the doctor’s office early – This will ensure your child feels comfortable and give them some time to play and look at the interesting things in the office.

Focus on the good – Explain to them that if they behave well they’ll get a treat from the doctor, like a sweetie or a sticker. You could also give them a reward for their good behaviour afterwards by vising the local park or library.

Going to the doctor isn’t exactly a fun experience for a child, but these helpful tips will make it a lot less uncomfortable!

Need a reliable supplier of all your medical equipment and supplies? Place your order on Supply Doctor today and choose from our wide range of medical products.

Why so many of us avoid going to the Doctor

A lot of us really avoid going to the doctor like the plague. But why? Well, it can bring up feelings of anxiety, fear and stress!

Let’s stop and take a look at the reasons why majority of us avoid visiting the doctor’s office…

24% avoid the doctor because they don’t have insurance
24% avoid the doctor because they are embarrassed about the issue
19% avoid the doctor because it is expensive
18% avoid the doctor because their issue is not covered by health insurance
13% avoid the doctor because they are worries about discovering a condition
7% avoid the doctor because of other reasons

People often lie to their doctors, but what do they lie about?

       -          Eating habits

       -          Exercise

       -          Sex-related issues

       -          Smoking

       -          Alcohol

       -          Drugs

Often it is not the fear or stress that stops people from going to the doctor, but the certain pet peeves that people annoyed…

1. Waiting too long
2. Exposure to germs
3. Paperwork
4. Missing a day or work or other appointments

Because we are living in a digital world, people prefer to go online and google certain topics and symptoms, what are the most popular?

41% Sex-related issues
29% STDS
16% Drugs and alcohol
15% Weight
11% Digestive health
4% Other

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. Call 087 001 0511/2 or email sales@supplydoctor.co.za

7 Things you NEED in your First Aid Kit

Whether you have to care for skinned knees or scraped elbows in the backyard or wrap up a sprained ankle, having medical and first aid materials is essential both at home and on the go. Packaging a first aid kit doesn’t have to be expensive or take up a lot of room in your car or home.

A great online medical equipment and supplies website is Supply Doctor, there is a wide range of first aid equipment to choose from and add to your kit.

Here are some of the must-haves for your first aid kit:

First Aid Manual
Although you may not want to waste space in your first aid kit, a manual is very important. It can offer you helpful tips and guide you on how to treat wounds, clean and bandage scrapes and even stop nosebleeds. Learning how to treat injuries while waiting for professional help can really make a difference.

Assorted Bandages
Whether you need adhesive strips for small scratches or gauze for larger wounds, assorted bandages in your first aid kit is essential. Bandages come in all shape and sizes, so pack a variety in your kit. Also make sure to include gauze rolls, elastic bandages and sterile burn sheets.

Antiseptic and Ointments
When an injury happens, making sure everything is sterile is crucial. Ensure that you have tools to clean cuts and wounds like antiseptic, hand sanitizer and sanitary cloths. Toss in a pair of non-latex gloves to safely apply any antiseptic or ointments during a minor emergency.

Instant Compress
To treat any aches and pains, make sure your kit includes instant heat or ice pack. Instant compresses are recommended to reduce swelling – once the package is broken the compress will retain its temperature for about 20 minutes.

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 a children’s pain reliever around to reduce fevers, headaches, sprains and other pains.

Tweezers
This supply isn’t just for plucking stray hairs. Tweezers can come in handy 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.

Why it is so important to wear Medical Gloves?

In the medical and health industry, whether you are a busy doctor or a nurse doing check-ups, wearing medical gloves is so important.

Medical gloves ALWAYS need to be leak and tear resistant, so you'll need to find a reliable medical supply and equipment store to buy your PPE. Visit the Supply Doctor website and order your medical gloves from the comfort of your own home.

Medical gloves are disposable, so they are specifically designed to be worn only once. The main purpose of gloves is to protect patients and health care workers from germs, infection and from coming into contact with certain dangerous substances.

Every time you touch any kind of bodily fluid such as blood, bodily tissues, mucous membranes, broken skin or hazardous drugs - medical gloves need to be worn. Even if your patient seems fine and healthy - ALWAYS wear gloves! 

Wearing gloves is important, but it is even more important that they fit your hand properly. The correct medical gloves should cover the entire hand as well as part of the wrist and be made of either:

Latex
PVC
Nitrile

Caregivers should always wash their hands properly before putting on the gloves and take special care when handling sharp objects.

Gloves can accidentally become ripped or torn, this means that they should be changed immediately and the old gloves should be thrown away. In fact, the golden rule is to NEVER ever reuse gloves!

But how you properly remove gloves?

When you take the gloves off make sure the outside of the gloves do not touch your bare hands. 

Follow these simple steps:

- Hold the top of the right glove with your left hand
- Pull toward your fingertips – the glove should inside out
- Grab onto the empty glove with your left hand
- Put two right hand fingers in the top of your left glove
- Pull towards your fingertips until you have pulled the glove inside out and off your hand. The right glove should be inside the left glove now
- Make sure to throw the gloves away in a proper bin!

It is essential to maintain excellent hygiene when dealing with patients, especially during surgeries and operations. Doctors always need to wear medical gloves to protect the patient from infections during surgeries and maintain hygiene.

Why every home needs a First Aid Kit

In light of the recent devastation caused by the fires in Knysna, we have decided to put together a list of the benefits of having a first aid kit as well as some of the contents that should be inside.

Having a first aid kit in your home is not an option, it is a necessity!

  n  A Central Location

Your first aid kit should contain all the essential medical supplies and products, meaning a person can immediately run to the location of the first aid kit and everything will be in one central location. As a rule, make sure that everyone in your family, all your friends and others such as your domestic workers, babysitters, etc. all know where the first aid kit is located. NOTE: Never place a first aid kit somewhere a toddler/young child can reach it.

  n  Travel

If you do not have a first aid kit in your car already you can bring your home first aid kit along on the road. Accidents can happen, like a burnt finger from the camp fire or even a minor fender bender, so make sure your first aid kit is on hand at all times. NOTE: It is best to have two first aid kits, one for the car and one for your home.

Here are some of the things you should have in your first aid kit:

       -          Crepe bandages

       -          Adhesive bandages

       -          Gauze pads

       -          Eye pad

       -          Scissors

       -          Disposable gloves

       -          Tweezers

       -          A space blanket

       -          Safety pins

       -          Burn dressing

       -          Plasters

       -          Thermometer

Supply Doctor has a range of first aid kits, including an affordable a home first aid kit. Should you want to simply buy supplies for your kit, all of the above are available from the Supply Doctor online medical supply store.

What do Doctors Listen for through the Stethoscope?

The stethoscope is one of the most popular pieces of medical equipment used by doctors all over the world. You will often see it hanging around their neck, but what do doctors listen for when they use stethoscopes?

Lub-dubs and Whooshes

Listening to the lungs is different to listening to the heart. A normal heart sound is often described as lub-dub, while whooshes are the sound that heart murmurs make. Doctors have to listen very carefully though because these sounds are often so soft that they can barely be heard. A stethoscope can also be used to listen to your pulse in your arm during a BP measurement.

Wheezes and Crackles

When a doctor listens to the lungs, they will keep their ears perked for any signs of wheezes and crackles. Wheezes are often heard from patients whose airways are constricted and crackles occur when there is fluid in their lungs. These sounds are bad signs and should not be present in any normal set of lungs.

Gurgles

Sometimes when a client has bowel problems, the doctor will place the stethoscope on their abdomen and listen for any gurgling sounds. These sounds are normal as it is just food and gas moving through your body.

Doctors use a stethoscope to find out important information about a patient’s body functions; it is painless and valuable piece of medical equipment.

Looking for medical supplies and products that are cheap, but still of high quality? Visit the Supply Doctor online medical supply store and place your order from the comfort of your own home.