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.

Your Springtime Medical Supplies List

As the warm weather approaches, it's a good time to stock up on those medical supplies that are typically needed in a hurry. Don't wait until you suddenly need them. You won't feel like going to the store to buy them at that point. So get ahead and get prepared. Stock your medicine cabinet up today and be ready!

Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac

For many people, warmer weather means more time outside.

Getting back to nature heals the body and the soul, but beware of those parts of nature that can give you an itchy rash.

Helpful Medical Supplies:

- Calamine lotion

- Cold compress

- Your doctor may recommend or prescribe antihistamines or prednisone

Scrapes and Cuts

More time outdoors for kids especially means more time running and playing on the playground. Good stuff, for sure, but the more they climb the more their chances for skinned knees do too.

Helpful Medical Supplies:

- Bandages and band aids of course

- Many people think hydrogen peroxide and/or alcohol are primary tools to clean a cut. Not so. In fact, it's simple water and mild soap. The hydrogen peroxide and alcohol can actually damage the skin and slow the progress of healing.

- Antibiotic ointment, covered by a band aid, will keep the wound moist and protected. This is the optimal environment for healing. 

- For more advanced wound care, check out first aid supplies or minor procedure kits. These will be administered by trained medical professionals.

Skin Protection from the Sun

The sun's harmful ultraviolet rays magnify in the hotter months. While many skin care experts recommend wearing sun screen with at least an SPF of 15 all year round, this becomes especially important in the Spring and Summer. SPF protection defends against not only sunburn in the short-term but also skin cancer in the long-term.

If you do get a sun burn, aloe and other natural remedies are a great natural and low-cost remedy for soothing the skin. 

Insect Bites

Bugs come out more in the warmer months too. Mosquitoes not only cause itchy bites that when scratched can become infected, but they also sometimes carry potentially fatal diseases. Stock up on insect repellent and cover up as much skin as you can bear to when you go outdoors, especially during and after dusk.

- Ticks are another bothersome bug that can be harmless, but sometimes may carry lyme disease. Find repellent that specifically has a claim to defend against ticks.

- Bee stings, as long as you are not allergic to them, will mainly just cause an itchy sensation after the initial pain from the sting. An oral antihistamine will help reduce the pain, itching, and swelling.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Over the counter medical supplies are not the answer to snake bites and some spider bites. I could tell you to avoid the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider for example, but if your bit by any type of spider you may not have had the chance to check to see what kind it is. Don't mess around. It's worth a trip to the emergency room to have a snake bite or spider bite checked out. Some bites don't hurt right away and can look harmless but that's because the poison sets in slowly.

For a range of medical supplies and equipment, check out Supply Doctor’s online medical store!

Medical Supplies for Back and Neck Therapy

Is your back and neck bothering you? You're not alone. Muskuloskeletal issues like back pain and neck pain are very common. A number of things can cause back pain, from practical day to day activities like sitting at the office, carrying the groceries home or even gardening.

Here are some ideas for medical supplies that can help you with your back and neck pain management.

Pillows

You spend one-third of your life sleeping. Hopefully, you're getting a good night's rest, with quality sleep, while you're lying down in bed. That can be difficult though, when chronic pain is present and keeping you awake.

Choosing the right shape and softness for your pillow may help put you in a no-pain position so you can relax and doze off. In addition to the traditional pillow shape, which can easily be found in varying degrees of softness and hardness, there are also special shapes you can try until you find the right one. For example, crescent-shaped pillows may allow the neck angle that feels "just right" for you, while a roll-shaped pillow may help someone else.

Back Support

Does your job require you to sit all day? Or perhaps you have a long commute in your car every day? Sometimes a back support rest can help. These portable supports are back-shaped pads with support in various key places to (hopefully) prevent pain. Back supports are designed to align your spine and correct your posture. 

Not all back supports are placed on the back of your chair, whether it be at your desk or in your car. Some back supports are contoured seat cushions. You sit on them, but they support your spine, coccyx, and pelvis to reduce sitting fatigues and pain.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Heating pads and cold packs now come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and fastening mechanisms. Doctors typically recommend cold therapy to reduce swelling, which causes pressure to build up and manifests as pain. Heat therapy helps with muscle spasm and inflammation caused by tension and stress.

Heating pads are available now as plug-ins, and some are cordless but require you to heat them up in a microwave. You can find heating pad type supplies in the form of body wraps, back pads, shoulder wraps, and other spot target anti-cramp pads.

Ice packs are the same in that they come in many shapes to help you target the pain and swelling. Simple square or rectangular packs are easy to find, but there are also shoulder and neck pads, and some that have straps to keep them in place so that you don't have to hold them. 

Supply Doctor is a dynamic and professional one-stop online store for all your medical supplies, consumables, medical equipment, disposables and more, based in Cape Town, South Africa.

Why laughter really is the best medicine

Cat videos. A tickle attack. Tina Fey doing basically anything.

Chances are at least one of these things has reduced you to a fit of giggles or you can think of something else that’s left your eyes watery and your abs aching. Think about how that felt — did all your muscles turn to jelly and your entire body relax? Did you momentarily forget your annoying day at the office?

However you’d describe the experience, it probably felt great. And there are plenty of reasons why: a good laugh can do everything from soothing tension by taming stress and stimulating circulation to boosting endorphins, the feel-good brain chemicals responsible for that post-hilarity high. A study even found that participants had a higher tolerance for pain after watching funny clips from South Park, The Simpsons, and Friends.

Cracking up is also a great way to bond — studies show it’s 30 times more likely to happen in a social context than when alone. Sharing a joke or a laugh helps us connect on a personal, human level, it builds and strengthens relationships. These strong bonds have been shown to be possibly the most important piece in long and healthy lives. There’s always time for a good joke.

But laughter isn’t just a temporary fix — research shows it has long-term benefits too. Some studies indicate that a sense of humour is associated with enhanced immune function and one study found that depressed patients who took part in a Laughter Yoga group (which is exactly what it sounds like) experienced a significant decrease in depression and a significant increase in life satisfaction, suggesting the laughing practice was at least as effective as group exercise for boosting mental health.

It may not come as a surprise then that laughter plays a pretty important role in health care too. In fact, it’s a sneaky way many doctors get nervous patients to relax and the tactic is often hugely successful.

Supply Doctor is a reliable, affordable online medical supply store, where you can order all your medical products without leaving the house!

How to cope with seasonal allergies

Your nose is runny, you have a scratchy throat and itching eyes, and yet it's not quite a cold or the flu. It could well be allergies.

According to the South African Allergy Society, scores of people across the globe suffer from Allergic Rhinitis, otherwise known as hay fever.

“Over 500 million people worldwide suffer from hay fever, with children and adults 30 to 40 years old, experiencing the worst symptoms, says Allison Veinings, Executive Director of the Self-Medication Manufacturers Association of South Africa (SMASA).

What are seasonal allergies?

“Allergies result when the immune system identifies a foreign substance, such as dust or pollen, incorrectly, then classifies it as harmful and treats it as such,” explains Veinings.

Hay fever in particular is the result of outdoor allergens such as pollen, and is periodic in nature. Grass is one of the main triggers of hay fever in summer, with allergic conjunctivitis (the allergic inflammation of the delicate membrane covering the inner and external part of the eyelid) being the most common seasonal allergy.

More prevalent among those with asthma, eczema and hay fever, its symptoms include redness and excessive watering of the eyes, swelling of the eyelids and whites of the eye, and itchiness.

Winter allergies cause similar symptoms to summer allergies i.e. an itchy nose and eyes, sneezing and watery eyes, and are generally triggered by the use of heaters or fireplaces – the mould spores and insect parts that are often trapped in these objects are released into the air and find their way into the nose, setting off a reaction. Other indoor triggers are animals and mites.

The problem with winter allergy symptoms is that they can easily be misdiagnosed as a common cold or flu. If symptoms persist for longer than 10 days, it is more likely an allergy than a cold or flu. If not treated and medicated correctly, allergies can linger for weeks or even months.

Diagnosis and treatment

“Following the timeline of how and when irritations start can highlight whether someone is a seasonal allergy sufferer,” says Veinings.

“The best remedy for allergies would obviously be to avoid allergens completely, however as this is not always possible, a sound knowledge of self-medication and responsible self-care is key for hay fever sufferers,” she concludes.

SMASA, which advocates responsible self-care throughout the year, suggests the following actions to maintain a solid self-care routine during allergy season:

•  Keep a pack of tissues on hand for days when allergies are at their worst.
•  Use eye drops to relieve itchy, watery eyes. 
•  Use an antihistamine to reduce nasal itching, sneezing and discharge.
•  Use a decongestant during winter to clear mucus.

As with any ailment or illness, prevention is better than cure. Consult your local chemist, nurse or health professional for the correct over-the-counter products to manage hay fever and other seasonal allergies and schedule an appointment with your doctor if symptoms persist. 

Looking for reliable online medical equipment that you can order quickly and in the comfort of your own home? Take a look at Supply Doctor's website today and place your orders!

The top five simple ways you can improve your health

Whether you're trying to get in shape or simply looking to lead a healthier lifestyle, it only takes a few simple changes to dramatically improve your wellbeing. 

1. Embrace the outdoors

If you want to improve your health, clear your mind and decrease the risk of heart disease, it's important to ensure you have enough vitamin D – and the best source is simply from sunlight. Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency can increase your risk of heart disease by 64 per cent and can also help to lower blood pressure – so spending just 20 minutes each day outside could help protect your heart. Try adding a brisk walk to your daily activities – you will also be improving your respiratory and joint health.

2. Pack your plate with colour

The more colourful your plate, the more nutritious the food you're eating. If you're watching your sugar levels, try blueberries and raspberries which are lower in fructose but are full of powerful phytonutrients. Search for foods packed with Lycopene such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash and red tomatoes – it's great for helping to protect you from heart disease, strokes and high blood pressure. Also found in peppers, papaya and even watermelons, Lycopene is in its most usable form when cooked and combined with healthy fats – it does need to be consumed in large supplies.

3. Up your Omega intake

Our body needs a range of healthy fats, especially omega 3 found in oily fish, nuts and seeds. Not only can a diet rich in essential fatty acids aid joint health, it can also benefit brain health, concentration, protect against heart disease, boost the immune system and speed up healing. The Mediterranean diet is packed with fresh fruit and vegetables, alongside fresh fish and plenty of healthy oils – they also eat far less junk food! A diet rich in healthy oils also enables us to absorb and utilise many vitamins and phytonutrients.

4. Stay hydrated

Our bodies are made up of approximately 60 per cent water, essential for flushing out toxins. Staying hydrated can help the blood pump more efficiently, and can also lead to suffering from less aches and pains after exercise. Because our kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure, keeping hydrated and monitoring your sodium intake could reduce high blood pressure significantly. Many people confuse thirst pangs for hunger pangs so often just drinking a glass of water whenever you are hungry can help to control cravings.

5. Reduce stress

Turn off your phone, hide the laptop and find some time for you. Stress is one of the biggest threats to our overall health as it can lower the immune system, as well as making it easier to rely on stimulants such as caffeine and refined carbohydrates such as sugar for an artificial 'feel good' boost.

For a wide range of medical products and supplies – take a look at Supply Doctor’s website and place your order today.

The 4 most important things to expect from your next physical

Here’s the truth: most of what you know about the annual physical is wrong. A physical matters in ways you may not expect and knowing what to ask and what’s important can make a big difference in your health.

So regardless of what you’ve been told, here is what really matters and what you should expect from your physical:

Most of the physical isn’t actually physical.

In fact, the non-physical parts matter just as much, if not more in some cases. The list of must-check physical issues is actually pretty short: blood pressure, weight, height, cholesterol, and maybe a blood sugar test depending on your specific risk factors or family history. That hammer reflex thing? Utterly useless if you aren’t having unusual or new symptoms.  And the eyes/ears/nose/throat/neck/belly check? They provide little value in determining your overall health status.

No, you don’t need all those blood tests.

It’s true that your provider may order some blood tests, but more testing is not always better. You may be asking, “what’s the harm?” Well, the harm can be pretty significant, actually. The truth is most of the tests available aren’t 100 percent accurate. That means the possibility of a false positive can be a major problem. It’s crucial to understand that you don’t need every blood test under the sun to prove your healthy status.

What matters most is what’s important for your health.

We do have certain guidelines that recommend what we should cover during the physical, but a good provider is one that tailors those parameters to you and your health goals. Building a trusting relationship with a primary care provider who knows you well is possibly the biggest benefit of the time spent in an annual physical. Ideally, you want this relationship to be a long-term one. Even if you don’t see this person often, you want to make sure he or she is someone you trust, who listens to you, and with whom you feel comfortable collaborating.

Cancer screening, cardiovascular risk assessment and immunizations are musts.

These parts of the physical are the high-value items, but many people are surprised to find they don’t necessarily have to be annual. For most women getting a mammogram every other year is fine and despite what many men believe, prostate screening may not even be something they need at all. Once you’ve built that trusting relationship with your provider, they will help guide your choices and keep you up to date on all the important stuff.

Whether you haven’t been to a doctor in years or you’re ready to establish a relationship with a provider, be sure the care you’re getting is customized to fit your needs. Your actual health is more important than checked boxes or outdated guidelines.

For a wide selection of medical equipment and supplies, ranging from stethoscopes and AED machines to first aid kits and ultrasound devices, contact Supply Doctor and place your order today!

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.

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 Different Types of Health Clinics

Before heading to the doctor, make sure you know the type of clinic you need. Clinics are commonly small public or privately held health facilities that are often located in a rural area. They mainly focus on community outpatient care. Payment provisions are frequently different for clinics, making some of them more costly than a regular doctor's visit. Health clinics are popular due to their range of outpatient services and their easily accessible rural locations.

There are many different types of health care clinics that may benefit you depending on your needs…

Free Clinic

If you're in need of free or low cost health care, a free clinic may be the best option for you. Free clinics are often volunteer-based and provide medical, dental and other health services to the public. They are organizations that offer services regardless of payment.

Most free clinics offer acute, primary and chronic care, but do not offer services for developing conditions. Selected clinics also offer dental care. On-site pharmacies are accessible at some.

General Outpatient Clinic

An outpatient health clinic is a general practice facility run by specialists focused in several different areas of practice. These are generally found in communities and cater to those located in the rural area. Outpatient health clinics specialize in general diagnosis and treatment.

Primary, acute and ongoing care is typically offered. Payment options for general outpatient clinics are different at each facility, but most take larger health insurance plans.

Convenient Care Clinic

Convenient care clinics, or retail based clinics, are often located in pharmacies, supermarkets and other merchandising outlets. They are frequently staffed with nurse practitioners that offer a narrow range of treatments. Common colds and infections are generally treated at convenient care clinics. Some also provide preventative care, vaccinations and physical exams. Convenient care clinics tend to cost less than a doctor's office, an emergency room or a general outpatient clinic.

Specialist Clinic

If you're looking for a specific type of treatment, visit a specialist clinic. Specialist clinics focus on a main part of the body and are more beneficial for specific care than a general outpatient clinic. Some specialist clinics focus on fertility and genitourinary medicine. They deal both in diagnosis and treatment. Payment options differ according to each individual clinic, but most take larger insurance plans.

Need a ojne-stop shop for all your medical equipment and supplies? Place your order at Supply Doctor today! We can provide you with anything from disposables and scales to BP meters and ECG's - we have it all.

6 Medical Devices Used by Surgeons

The following six devices are critical tools that today’s surgeons use in their efforts to save people’s lives. Looking for a reliable medical equipment supplier? Supply Doctor is an online medical supply store with a wide variety of products to choose from. 

While some of these devices use the latest, state of the art technology, some are still fairly basic. All of them, however, play a very important role in the operating room.

LCD Monitor – The LCD monitor has become one of the standard pieces of medical equipment in many of today’s best hospitals. LCD screens allow surgeons to view high resolution images of the surgical procedures as they happen. Images can also be moved around the screen for the doctor’s convenience. The versatility of LCD displays also makes it easier to review the surgery.

Surgical Shadow-less Lamp – Visibility is one of the most important things a surgeon needs to have in the operating room. He or she must be able to see exactly what is going on, because even small mistakes could result in serious problems. The shadow-less surgical lamp is one of the medical devices that help with this problem. It essentially provides a homogenous source of light that shines from above the operating table while at the same time producing no shadows that might mess with the surgeon’s vision.

Low Temperature Plasma Sterilizer – Although it might resemble a high-tech fridge the low temperature plasma sterilizer is much more advanced than that! It is used in the operating room to sterilizer the doctor’s equipment, which is an incredibly important job. The device uses gas plasma in order to rid the medical instruments from dangerous bacteria and germs. The gases released by the low temperature plasma sterilizer are safe for humans.

Electrical Sputum Suction Device – The electrical sputum suction device is one of the oldest medical devices used by surgeons, but even though it has a basic design, it still has a very important job. The suction device allows nurses and doctors to remove sputum and other bodily secretions that would obstruct a surgical procedure.

Vital Signs Monitor – The vital signs monitor, or patient monitor is a highly complex medical device that uses multiple systems and pieces of medical equipment. If you’ve seen any medical drama series, you’ve probably seen one of these. It is a multi-screen, multi-cabled contraption to which the patient is hooked up during surgery via a set of electrodes that monitor vital signs. The device lets doctors keep track of a patient’s state during and after surgery.

The Scalpel – We have all heard of this instrument, the scalpel. It is one of the oldest surgical devices; even the Ancient Egyptians used it. Today, it is used in the operating room, especially in those instances where steel blades are not an option. Despite the fact that is a very simple tool it has undergone some development, most of them are made of tempered steel and the laser scalpel is one of the latest developments. The scalpel allows for incredible precision and can cauterize blood cells immediately.

Medical technology has advanced so much in the past several decades. With the introduction of computerization, many of the tools that surgeons used in the operating room have now been given a whole new layer of efficiency, accuracy and safety.

How do fetal monitors work?

Using an electronic fetal monitor is the best method of monitoring your baby during labour. It is the one piece of equipment that is routinely used in all labours, both normal and abnormal.

The fetal monitor may look quite impressive, but it is just a more sophisticated version of the monitor that your doctor used to check your baby’s heart rate at each prenatal visit. It works on the same principle, using ultrasound waves to detect the movement of the fetal heart, and translating the changes in the waves to sound.

The monitor can create a visual record of the heart rate because it contains a computer that instantaneously calculates the heart rate and displays the number. A pen then continuously records the changing heart rate, producing a permanent graphic record. A second pen then records the contraction pattern below the heart rate on the monitor paper.

Monitoring contractions is very important because the heart rate pattern is almost impossible to interpret, unless you know when the contractions are occurring.

So, what do we learn from fetal monitoring? Monitoring the fetal heart rate can give valuable information about the baby’s well-being, and its health in the last trimester of pregnancy. Also, fetal monitoring can be used to assess how well the fetus is tolerating the stresses of labour.

Electronic fetal monitoring itself is not painful at all. That said, some mons-to-be find it quite uncomfortable to have the transducers strapped to their belly during labour. Being tethered to a monitor can limit your movement and make it harder to cope with contractions too.

Looking for an affordable, quality fetal monitor? Or maybe you need other medical equipment and supplies? Place your order on Supply Doctor today! 

Medical equipment supplies that all hospitals should have

All hospitals should keep key pieces of medical equipment on hand at all times, so that they are ready for any case that might pass through the doors.

Supply Doctor is a reliable, affordable online medical store that can provide you with all the medical equipment supplies in the list below. Take a look at the wide variety on their website today.

ECG Machines
Electrocardiogram (ECG) machines record the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. ECG machines allow health care providers to monitor the overall rhythm of the heart and identify any abnormalities. These ECG machines are an important part of a hospital’s arsenal, allowing providers to diagnose normal and abnormal rhythms of the heart while patients are under their care.

Electrosurgical Units
An electrosurgical unit is used in surgery to cut, coagulate, or otherwise alter tissue, often to limit the amount of blood flow to an area and increase visibility during a surgery. While a surgery is being performed, these units are vital to cauterizing and minimising blood lose.

Stress Systems
Stress systems test the body beyond normal levels to determine its response, which is ideal for cardiology practice. Stress testing is often imperative to expose a health condition not observable under normal conditions. Stress testing is often used to compare circulation and cardiac function during maximum physical exertion.

Diagnostic Ultrasounds
Diagnostic ultrasound systems provide a painless method of examining the internal body without the use of radiation. This equipment is a safe means by which to measure the size, density, and structure of internal masses in the body and is also an important tool for identifying internal abnormalities or to monitor the growth of a fetus during pregnancy.

Surgical Lights
Surgical lights are so important for proper illumination during surgical procedures. This equipment is a mandatory part of any surgery setting to help surgeons work under adequate lighting conditions.

Patient Beds and Surgical Tables
Surgical tables are a must in hospital settings. For patient preparations, surgical procedures and recovery, this piece of equipment is an absolute must-have for hospitals to keep on-hand as patients go through their care. Patient beds are also one of the most important pieces of hospital equipment to keep in stock. Patient care is often limited to the number of patient beds available for use.

Sterilizers
Hospital sterilizers cover a variety of needs in a hospital setting. The sterilizing process kills all forms of microbial life including fungi, bacteria, viruses, spores, and all other entities present on surgical tools and other medical items. One of the most common sterilizers, the autoclave, sterilizes equipment and supplies by placing them in high-pressure saturated steam for a short period of time.

Anesthesia Machines
Anesthesia machines are designed to provide an accurate and continuous supply of medical gases delivered to the patient at a safe pressure and flow to maintain a proper level of anesthesia. These modern machines include a ventilator, suction unit, and patient-monitoring devices for maintaining adequate anesthesia levels.

Defibrillators
These are commonly used to treat life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation, and tachycardia. By delivering a therapeutic dose of electrical energy, the defibrillator terminates the Arrhythmia and restores a normal rhythm to the heart.

Patient Monitors
The LCD monitor is a standard piece of medical equipment that allows surgeons to view images of surgical procedures in progress at high resolution so that the surgeon has a better view of the procedure. Vital sign monitors are complex devices that use multiple pieces of equipment to keep accurate track of a patient’s condition and state of health during and after surgery.

All these pieces of medical equipment are necessary pieces of a hospital’s health care! Keeping these medical supplies on hand at all times is crucial and a hospital cannot be complete without them.

The impact of technology on health care

Through today's increasingly digitally connected world, new technology has impacted the healthcare field in areas of communication, treatment, research, and information gathering. Over time, technology will continue to advance the overall quality of health care for patients and doctors around the world. 

A Snapshot of Digital Health Care

- 72% of Internet users and 52% of smartphone users look online for health information
- 85% of physicians and 88% of caregivers look online for medical information
- 60 million people use social media for health-related activities
- 9,000 health and medical apps available
- 40% of physicians’ digital time spent on tablet and smartphone usage
- 62% of physicians use tablet for professional purposes

Online Patient-Physician Communication

Patients
- Self-educate on medical issues and treatment options
- Find and communicate with healthcare professionals

Doctors
- Establish contact with patients
- Answer questions about practices
- Launch public awareness campaigns
- Perform community outreach
- Consult experts from all over the world
- Access information on drugs, studies, etc.

Revolution of Medical Technology

- Provides new machines, medicines and treatments
- Impacts patient diagnosis and streamlines surgical procedures
- Empowers patients to play a bigger role in their health care
- Creates research opportunities to examine diseases and develop medicines

Era of Information Technology: Big Data is a Big Deal in Health Care

- Enables statistical documentation of large populations
- Allows more efficient access to medical databases
- Consolidates information used for medical research
- Can accurately predict medical trends and respond to outbreaks
- 4 in 5 physicians’ practices have implemented electronic medical records (EMRs)

Order all you medical equipment and supplies from Supply Doctor today! We have a wide array of medical products from BP meters to disposables.

How to perform a proper medical aseptic hand washing

Health care providers practice aseptic hand washing techniques, because it is an effective way of preventing the spread of diseases, infections and viruses. Medical aseptic hand washing protects both patients and medical providers by creating a kind of shield against microorganisms.

What you will need:

- Hospital-approved antiseptic hand cleanser
- Disposable towels

Instructions:

- Wet your hands. Dispense a generous amount of soap into your palm.
- Rub your hands vigorously to create a lather.
- Wash one hand for 20 seconds. Make sure to clean under your fingernails and wash all the way up to your wrist.
- Wash your other hand for 20 seconds. Wash as you did your first hand.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Let the water flow from your forearm downwards. Keep your hands lower than your elbows.
- Dry your hands using a disposable towel for each hand. Turn off the tap with the towel after drying your hands.

Tips & Warnings:

- Make sure to purchase hospital-grade antiseptic hand soap at a medical supply store, like Supply Doctor.
- Always remember to remove all your rings and bracelets before you wash your hands.

Washing your hands the proper medical aseptic way is crucial in preventing the spread of harmful germs and diseases. Make sure you follow the instructions step by step, because washing your hands the right way really does matter.

First Aid Kit Must-Haves

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.

How to sterilize your medical equipment

All medical offices that perform procedures need to sterilise every single surgical instrument, and it needs to be done properly!  Surgical instruments are sterilised to avoid infecting patients by transferring germs and bacteria from one person to another.

Most sterilisations are usually done with an autoclave machine, which sterilizes using heat and pressure to destroy all microbes and bacteria. Supply Doctor has a wide range of autoclave machines and other medical supplies. Take a look at their online store.

What you will need:

- Detergent
- Autoclave
- Sterilisation sheets
- Gauze
- Sterilisation tape
- Sterilisation indicator strips

Instructions:

 - Use an approved medical detergent to pre-clean and soak all your used medical instruments beforehand to get rid of any bodily fluids etc. Scrub the instruments to remove any debris. Open any closed medical instruments and scrub the hinges and locks properly. After, inspect each instrument to make sure they are clean.

- Remove the instruments from the detergent and allow them to air dry on a towel. Ensure that all instruments are properly dry before handling them. Arrange the instruments on the appropriate surgical sets or kits and wrap them in either sterilisation sheets or bags for processing.

- Lay two sterilisation sheets on a flat surface. Place the gauze, instruments and a sterilisation indicator in the middle of the top sheet. Wrap all the instruments appropriately, secure the outside edges with sterilisation indicator tape to keep the edges closed.

- Open the sterilisation bag (if you are using one), place the instruments, gauze and sterilisation indicator strip inside the bag. Then make sure that you seal it properly with sterilisation tape.

- Place the wrapped instruments inside the autoclave machine. Process your instruments according to the sterilisation guidelines and recommendations for the specific autoclave machine. Inspect each package for wet spots or surfaces, once autoclaving is complete. Reprocess wet packs by first letting them dry and then process in the autoclave machine.

Surgical instruments always need to be cleaned and sterilised properly. If the appropriate sterilisation is not done, dangerous bacteria and germs can be spread!  

The importance of wearing 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.

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. 

Follow these simple steps:

- Grab the top of the right glove with your left hand
- Pull toward your fingertips – the glove will turn inside out
- Hold 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
- 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.

Your ultimate flu season survival guide

Winter is coming, and so is the dreaded flu! The good news is that there are things you can do to protect yourself before you catch it. And there are also some things for what to do if you do fall ill…

1. Get this year’s flu vaccine
The thing is that it won’t be 100% effective against protecting you from the flu, but the vaccine is associated with a lower rate of hospitalization from the flu in children and in adults. It’s better than nothing and it makes your immune system completely bad-ass! Please note: It will NOT make you sick; the flu vaccine will not give you the flu! There are also many different ways to get vaccinated – a shot, and a nasal spray.

2. Wash your hands throughout the day
The two most important things you can do for yourself to avoid the flu is to get a flu vaccine and the second is good hand hygiene. If washing your hands isn’t an option, just use hand sanitizer with a 60-95% alcohol concentration.
- Use soap and warm water, scrub and lather for 20 seconds
- Make sure to get between your fingers, under your nails and up your wrist
- Rinse off after 20 seconds and dry with an air dryer or paper towels

If you use hand sanitizer make sure to put enough on your hands and cover your hands for 15 to 20 seconds.

3. Stop touching your face
One way the flu spreads is when you touch an infected surface and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth. It’s a fact that people touch their face 15 to 50 times in an hour. If you want to minimize face-touching: keep a box of tissues and use them whenever you have an itch. If you have long hair, keep it pulled back.

4. Eat your fruits and veggies
The main foods that build up your immune system are green vegetables, berries, mushrooms and onions. Zinc and Vitamin D are also important in protecting your immune system – supplements can help. The key here is to make sure you’re eating a nutritious diet BEFORE you get sick, because it takes months to build up your immunity. So, hit up the produce aisle as soon as possible!

5. Limit your exposure to sick people
If your coworkers come to work sick – tell them to go home! A virus can spread around the office and be found on half of the work surfaces in as little as four hours. If you can’t avoid sick people, then make sure you clean your hands before and after interacting with them.

6. Stop smoking, and avoid secondhand smoke
Studies show that smokers are way more likely to contract the flu than nonsmokers, and that being around second hand smoke also increases your risk. If you need help quitting visit: smokefree.gov for advice and resources on how to kick the bad habit.

7.Get plenty of sleep
Not enough sleep can weaken your immune system, which makes it easier for you to get sick. Aim to get between 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Sweet dreams!

8. Exercise regularly
People who exercise more often have a stronger immune system than people who sit on their butt all day! Here are some examples of moderate exercise:
- Walking at a fast pace.
- Hiking
- Biking
- Yoga
- Use the stair climber at the gym
- Washing your car

9. If you’ve got the flu – stay away from work & people
The best thing to do is to stay at home and rest and avoid all close contact with people! You can be contagious before you even start showing systems, so do everyone a favour and stay at home. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze to keep from infecting people around you. Your germy coughs and sneezes can travel up to 5 metres around you! And if you do use your hand to cough, make sure you wash it afterwards.

10. Know what meds can help you
Antivirals – these can shorten the length of your flu by about a day, but you need to take it when the first systems start to show. Most people figure out they have the flu too late.
Antibiotics – the flu is a virus, which means that antibiotics will have no effect on it at all. NONE

11. Know when you need medical care
These are signs you should go to the doctor as soon as possible: If you are having trouble breathing, or if your fever is high and sustained. Anyone who is over the age of 65, pregnant or under the age of 5 is considered to be high risk, and they should be in touch with their doctors.

Wishing you a healthy flu season!

Take a look at Supple Doctor today, there are thousands of medical products to choose from. Whether you are looking for professional medical equipment and first aid supplies or disposable instruments and blood pressure metres, we have a full range to choose from.