Do you know what an Ultrasound is, and what it is used for?

Well, an ultrasound is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from inside your body. The ultrasound scan will allow doctors to see if there are any problems with your organs, vessels and tissues – without having to operate or make an incision.

An ultrasound isn’t just for pregnant women; it has a range of different medical uses. Your doctor may suggest an ultrasound if you are experiencing pain, swelling and other symptoms that need an internal view of your organs.

An ultrasound scan can provide a view of your:

- Bladder
- Brain
- Eyes
- Gallbladder
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Ovaries
- Uterus
- Blood vessels

An ultrasound is also a useful way to guide surgeon’s movements during certain medical procedures, such as a biopsy.

There will be some steps to take in order to prepare for an ultrasound, but it all depends on the area or organ that is being examined.

Your doctor may tell you not to eat for eight to 12 hours before your ultrasound. For an examination of the gallbladder, liver, pancreas or spleen, you may be told to eat a fat-free meal the night before your test.

Always be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements that you have taken before the ultrasound.

Luckily, an ultrasound carries no risks at all. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, they use no radiation, that’s why they are the best method for examining a fetus during pregnancy.

Need an online medical supplier to provide you with medical products quickly and conveniently? Place your order on Supply Doctor today!

Here’s how easy it is to take your own Blood Pressure at Home!

It may seem like a complicated task, however taking your own blood pressure in the comfort of your own home is simpler than you think.

First of all, you’ll need a reliable blood pressure meter – If you don’t have one, Supply Doctor offers a range of affordable, high quality blood pressure meters you can use from home.

Once you have your blood pressure meter, all you need to do is follow these easy steps…

BEFORE you take your reading:

- Make sure you are not stressed out or that you haven’t just finished a big meal
- Do not take your reading if you have just smoked a cigarette or had a cup of coffee
- Wear loose clothing or a short sleeved shirt
- Make sure to always use the same arm every time you take your reading
- When you take your reading you should be in a quiet area with your arm on a flat surface and both your feet flat on the ground
- The blood pressure cuff around your arm should be at the same level as your heart

How to take your reading:

1. Put the cuff on and make sure to read and follow the instructions that came with your monitor
2. If you are tense or stressed this will affect your reading, so stay calm and relaxed
3. When you are busy with your reading, be silent and keep still
4. Take two or three readings, take a two minute break between each one, and then work out your average reading
5. Be sure to keep a record of your blood pressure reading – write it down in a journal or on your computer

Don’t waste your time going all the way to the doctor’s office to find out what your blood pressure is – get yourself a reliable blood pressure meter from Supply Doctor and use these easy steps to take your reading from the comfort of your own home!

Using a Nebulizer for Asthma Treatment

A nebulizer is an electric atomizer used to deliver medicine to help control severe asthma. It contains the same medicine that is found in your inhaler, except it delivers it in a different, more effective way. A nebulizer is often only used on people who are too sick or too young to use an inhaler.

So how does a nebulizer work? A nebulizer is a device that compresses the medicine and turns it into an air mist that you can breathe in easily using the mouth piece or mask. There are a range of different nebulizers available including convenient, portable nebulizers (click here for an affordable one from Supply Doctor) that you can move around with you when need be.

Here’s how to use a nebulizer…

1. Always check with your doctor first for any specific instructions and read through the package details.

2. Get familiar with every part of the nebulizer before you use it.

3. Find somewhere comfortable, sit down and relax.

4. Hold the mask in place and breathe in and out evenly until the medicine is completely vaporized out of the cup.

5. If you are using a face mask, put it in place over your nose and mouth.

6. Be aware that the process of using a nebulizer can take up to 10 minutes.

7. When you are done, clean the mouthpiece or face mask as well as the medicine cup – not cleaning your nebulizer can result in bacterial infections!

Nebulizers can provide instant relief when your inhaler fails to work. Always ask your doctor first and keep in mind that when it comes to asthma it’s always good to be one step ahead!

Supply Doctor is an online medical store that provides affordable, high quality medical equipment and products, including nebulizers - take a look here...

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.