You’ve known for a while now that you need to knock off a few pounds, but you always figured that could wait until after the holidays… until after that big project at work was done… until after you didn’t have to run after little kids.
But now, your doctor delivers the news: you have pre-diabetes. You’ve joined approximately a third of the adult American population. There is no more time for excuses. You have to get this under control. Today we’re going to walk you through the steps you need to take to kick pre-diabetes to the curb!

Exercise to combat prediabetes

Your doctor probably already talked to you about this, but it’s easier said than done, right? Sometimes, the biggest hurdle is just carving out the time in your day to fit. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week. A few places you can carve out exercise time include:

• Lunch breaks. If there is an area around your workplace where you can walk, exercise or otherwise move, take advantage of that. You may even find that spending part of your workday moving around can help you return to your job feeling refreshed for the rest of the day.
• Morning routine. We know, it can be hard sometimes to sneak in those 8 hours of rest every day. But, if you have the kind of chaotic schedule during the day that makes predicting when you can get in a workout impossible, sometimes getting up a half hour early can really help.
• In between tasks. If you have a few moments in between certain tasks throughout the day, try sneaking in a bit of a workout. Have exercise equipment—such as a stationary bike—close by so you can jump on it

Healthy eating for prediabetes

The best way to go about this is to stick to a low-fat, reduced calories plan. But, just like exercise this can be easier said than done, especially when you start to get hungry. A few things you can do to combat that empty feeling are:

• Try to eat as much lean protein as possible. This will give you energy and help you eat less throughout the day. For example, eggs, fish, chicken and turkey all tend to be high in protein and low in fat and calories. Make sure you read the nutrition information and compare how much it has of each.
• Portion control. Understand what it takes to help you feel satisfied and stick with that. With some food, it takes more calories than others to help you feel full. For example—a cup of broccoli will last you longer and contains far fewer calories than a cup of ice cream!

Remember, losing 5 to 7 percent of your weight is a big step towards reducing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It will take some life changes, but you can do it! If you or a loved one are currently battling type 2 diabetes, we carry diabetic supplies to help you manage it.

Maybe you’ve seen those bright pink earplugs in the medicine aisle at your local grocery store. They’re specifically marketed towards women whose bed partners snore.

It’s not a bad idea—in fact, statistically speaking, men are twice as likely to snore as women. However, by plugging up your ears and enabling his snoring, you might actually be endangering his life!

What is sleep apnea?

See, snoring is often caused by a condition known as sleep apnea. Taken from the Greek word “apnoia” which means “breathless,” sleep apnea occurs when someone stops breathing in the middle of the night. Their body, starved for air, will force the person to wake up so they can take a breath. This cycle of waking up and going back asleep occurs continuously throughout the night.

Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your partner’s throat relax, which causes the soft tissue they support to fall down and block or restrict the airway. It’s this obstructed airway that causes the loud snoring to emit from your partner’s mouth.

What does sleep apnea affect?

The result? Your partner may wake up in the morning feeling as if he got no sleep at all (because often he has not). Not only that, sleep apnea puts wear and tear on their heart, because there’s not enough oxygen intake.  Depression, Type 2 diabetes and liver problems can also result from sleep apnea.

How can I treat sleep apnea?

Luckily, there is help! Your partner can use a device known as a CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure machine. This machine forces air into nose, pushing past that collapsed soft tissue and delivering much-needed oxygen into your partner’s lungs. They’re not glamorous-looking, but CPAP machines can save your partner’s life and let you sleep better at night!

To find out for sure if your partner has sleep apnea, your doctor will order a sleep study performed on him. If the results come out positive, your doctor can then write a prescription for a CPAP machine.

If it turns out your partner does have sleep apnea, we can help! We carry a wide variety of CPAP machines and other CPAP supplies in our online catalog.

In January, we celebrate new beginnings, new goals and bathroom safety! That’s right – it’s National Bathroom Safety Month, and we cannot emphasize enough just how important it is to stay safe in this part of the house! Each year, one in three Americans over the age of 65 experience a fall, and of those, 80 percent are in the bathroom. Below are a few tips and hints on how you can stay safe in the bathroom:

• Leave the door unlocked

If you do experience a fall and the door is left unlocked, it will be easier for your loved ones to come help you. If you are worried about privacy, hang an “occupied” sign outside when you are using it. Another thing to consider is getting a locked elevated toilet seat. It makes standing and sitting easier, and reduces the risk of having a fall in the first place.

• Be cautious around steam

When taking a hot bath or shower, steam can quickly build up, making the floors and surfaces slick and dangerous. The best way to combat steam is to have a bath safety mat inside the tub, and a secure bathroom rug on the floor outside of it. You also want to have the vent running (if you have one) and keep the door open a crack to let the steam out.

• Hand towel racks are not grab bars

The same bar that holds your light towels is not going to be able to support your weight. Many people are tempted to grab ahold of them as they get in and out of the shower, but we recommend you invest in a safety grab bar instead. It’s a rather nasty shock when a towel rack breaks in your hand and you fall to the floor!

• Dry off before exiting the tub

This means less water on the floor, thus less chance of you slipping. This is when a bath or shower chair can come in handy. Not only does it mean you can sit down while showering (which is great when you have limited mobility) it also makes it easier to dry off prior to stepping out of the shower.

We’re passionate about helping seniors remain independent for as long as they can. That’s why we carry as many bathroom safety products as we do in our online catalog.

In January, we celebrate new beginnings, new goals and bathroom safety! That’s right – it’s National Bathroom Safety Month, and we cannot emphasize enough just how important it is to stay safe in this part of the house! Each year, one in three Americans over the age of 65 experience a fall, and of those, 80 percent are in the bathroom. Below are a few tips and hints on how you can stay safe in the bathroom:

• Leave the door unlocked

If you do experience a fall and the door is left unlocked, it will be easier for your loved ones to come help you. If you are worried about privacy, hang an “occupied” sign outside when you are using it. Another thing to consider is getting a locked elevated toilet seat. It makes standing and sitting easier, and reduces the risk of having a fall in the first place.

• Be cautious around steam

When taking a hot bath or shower, steam can quickly build up, making the floors and surfaces slick and dangerous. The best way to combat steam is to have a bath safety mat inside the tub, and a secure bathroom rug on the floor outside of it. You also want to have the vent running (if you have one) and keep the door open a crack to let the steam out.

• Hand towel racks are not grab bars

The same bar that holds your light towels is not going to be able to support your weight. Many people are tempted to grab ahold of them as they get in and out of the shower, but we recommend you invest in a safety grab bar instead. It’s a rather nasty shock when a towel rack breaks in your hand and you fall to the floor!

• Dry off before exiting the tub

This means less water on the floor, thus less chance of you slipping. This is when a bath or shower chair can come in handy. Not only does it mean you can sit down while showering (which is great when you have limited mobility) it also makes it easier to dry off prior to stepping out of the shower.

We’re passionate about helping seniors remain independent for as long as they can. That’s why we carry as many bathroom safety products as we do in our online catalog.

One of the most dangerous rooms in the home is often the smallest: the bathroom. More falls occur there than in any other part of the house, and the CDC states that one out of every five falls among senior citizens results in serious injury. Since January is Bathroom Safety Month, Brevard Medical Equipment would like to provide you five ways to improve the safety of one area of your home:

• Get rid of your throw rugs.

While a throw rug provides a warm barrier between your feet and the cold tile floor, they’re one of the top causes of falls in the home. Replace them with nonslip strips or mats.

• Keep the bathroom floor dry.

We know this is often easier said than done, but there are a few things you can do to mitigate extra water on the floor. Try putting a shower chair or bench in the tub, so you can have a place to dry off on before exiting your bath. We also recommend using a weighted shower curtain to prevent leaks while you bathe.

• Install safety grab bars.

If you find yourself starting to slip, the last thing you want to do is grab onto a towel rack. They’re not meant to hold more than a few pounds, so chances are it will come off the wall and fall down with you. Safety grab bars, however, are meant to stay in place and stop a fall as it happens.

• Make sure there’s adequate lighting.

During the day, it’s easy to see the light switch and turn it on, but at night you may find yourself fumbling. Add nightlights in the hallway to light your path to the bathroom, and place another one in the bathroom itself. This way, you or a loved one don’t stumble into walls or obstacles in the dark.

• Consider installing a raised toilet seat.

Low toilet seats mean that you have to exert extra effort to get on and off the toilet. If you have limited mobility, this may potentially lead to a fall. A raised toilet seat can avert this, and some even come with handles that let you gently lower yourself or push yourself off the seat.

Did you know falls among senior citizens cost an average of $31 billion annually? By following the tips above, you can help prevent you or your loved one from being another statistic. We carry a number of bathroom safety products in our online catalog, and can make sure you have everything you need to keep you or your loved one safe.

Your CPAP machine represents a big investment, both in associated out-of-pocket expenses you may have and in your health itself. That’s why it’s crucial that your CPAP supplies are replaced on a regular basis. Below is a general timeline to help you know when it may be time to replace your CPAP supplies:

Schedule

A certain part of your CPAP machine will need to be replaced on a regular basis, so it’s good to start marking your calendar now. Your car needs regular oil changes, transmission flushes and other upkeep, so whatever you do now to keep yourself on track for your vehicle can also work for your CPAP machine.

1 Month – CPAP Cushions, Pillows and Filters

Once a month, examine your CPAP mask nasal cushions and CPAP pillows to see if they have any discoloration or cracks. If they do, you run the risk of irritating your skin and should consider replacing these aging CPAP supplies. This is also the time when you want to replace the filter in your CPAP machine, as it helps fight allergens.

3 Months – CPAP Mask

You need to examine your CPAP mask at the three-month mark to see if it needs to be replaced. If you are regularly cleaning it and replacing any worn-out CPAP mask pillows and CPAP mask cushions, then there’s a good chance that it’s still usable. However, if the CPAP mask is discolored, bent or torn, it’s time to replace it.

6 Months – CPAP Water Chamber and Mask Straps

At the six month mark, examine the water chamber to your CPAP machine’s water chamber. If it is cloudy or discolored, it may need to be replaced. Likewise, your CPAP tubing can harbor bacteria, so you also want to replace it at 6 months. Finally, this is also around the time that the elastic or Velcro on your headgear or chin strap can become worn.

We know how important sleep apnea therapy is, and part of that is keeping your CPAP machine and supplies maintained. Check out our online catalog for all the CPAP supplies that we carry.

For many of us, the holiday season is a time when we cheat on our diets and budgets, or at least give both a little bit of wiggle room. But, just because you’re cheating in one area doesn’t mean you can cheat in another, especially when it comes to CPAP compliance.

Many people stop being compliant around the holidays because they don’t want to take their CPAP with them when they travel. However, that’s exactly the time of year when you need to be using your machine the most—after all, you want to be awake and alert, both while during your travels and when you’re interacting with your family.

If you’re traveling via airplane, your CPAP machine might make the TSA examine you a little bit closer. Here are three things to keep in mind when going through airport security:

• Remove the CPAP machine from its case

You can keep the CPAP tubes, CPAP masks and other CPAP supplies in your bag, but the CPAP machine itself will need to be X-rayed by itself in its own separate bin. It’s a lot like taking a laptop on-board. If you’re worried about germs, you can also place the CPAP machine in a clear plastic bag so it doesn’t touch the bin’s surface.

• Pack the CPAP in your carry-on

We know that CPAP machines can be bulky sometimes (especially if you haven’t purchased a travel CPAP yet), but there’s always the chance that your luggage can be lost, and then you really won’t be able to remain compliant! You also don’t want the CPAP machine accidentally damaged.

• Prepare for an ETD test on your CPAP

There is always the chance that your CPAP device will need to go through the ETD, or explosive Trace Detection test before they let you through. This test is typically done when the TSA isn’t able to get a clear X-ray image. A TSA official will run a white swab over the surface of your CPAP device to check for trace amounts of explosives. Again, if you are worried about germs, you can request that fresh gloves and swabs be used.

Remember, airport security officials have seen CPAP machines before, so you probably won’t have to explain what your CPAP device is. If you are still traveling with a full-sized CPAP machine, contact us today about buying a travel CPAP machine. It will make life a lot easier!

Nothing could be cheerier than when the holidays roll around! For many Americans, the prospect of being able travel and see their loved ones is what makes this the most magical time of the year. But, if you’re living with limited mobility, travel can sometimes be tricky. For today’s blog post, we’re going to cover how you can prepare to navigate an airport if you have limited mobility:

• Arrive early

It’s always stressful when you have to feel rushed during a trip, but there are always additional things you have to account for when you’re traveling with limited mobility. Things such as getting an airport wheelchair, communicating with airport personnel about what you need and using the handicap bathroom before the flight can all take up additional time.

• Ask a wheelchair ahead of time

You can reserve a wheelchair when you book your flight, and this will ensure one will be ready for you when you check-in. Opt to have an airport employee push you instead of wheeling yourself—this will save you energy for the rest of the trip. Make sure you tip the employee as well ($5 is the standard).

• Use the bathroom before you board

Airplane bathrooms are hard to maneuver even with fully mobile individuals.  Use the handicap-accessible bathroom before the flight starts.

• Prepare for a pat-down

If you’re unable to use the metal detectors because of hip or joint replacements, the TSA will pat you down and check your wheelchair for explosives. They will also ask you to remove your shoes, which can add time to your travel.

• Choose a spot near the front of the plane when you make your reservation

Many airplane employees will reserve seats near the front for the physically handicapped, so you may not need to have first-class tickets to get one of these. Politely ask the employees if there is anything they can do for you. They may not be able to, but it doesn’t hurt to communicate!

• Time your boarding

You want to be with either the first or last wave. Most places will let the physically challenged board first, but if you miss that, board with the last wave. It saves you from having people pile in around you as you get out of your wheelchair and into your seat.

The holidays truly are a wonderful time of the year, and we hope you’re able spend it with the people you care about. Before you book your flight, check out the mobility products we have in our online catalog.

Achoo! Flu season is fast approaching us. While many of us experience it every year, there are still aspects of the illness that remain a mystery. Here are the top 5 questions people have about the flu:

• How is it different from a cold?

While both are respiratory illnesses, they’re caused by different viruses and they infect different parts of the body; while a cold impacts just the nose and throat, a flu impacts the bronchial tubes, the throat, the nose and the lungs.

• Should I get a flu shot?

The short answer is yes; while flu shots won’t guarantee you won’t contract the virus (it reduces your chances by 70 to 90 percent) it is still your best bet in avoiding this sickness. Some strains of the flu are bad enough that they cause death; the more you can do to avoid contracting the flu, the better.

• How do I know when I have the flu?

Some of the symptoms include body aches, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, fever and fatigue. The coughs that the flu causes irritate your bronchial tube, but they shouldn’t cause you to cough up any gunk.

• How can I prevent it?

The flu shot is your best method to prevent the flu; those who are infected often have no symptoms for the first 24 to 72 hours, yet they are still contagious during that time, so you can catch it even if you avoid sick people! Otherwise, wash your hands frequently, stay away from crowds when there is a flu outbreak in your area and don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

• When should I visit the doctor?

As we mentioned earlier, the flu virus can be deadly. Don’t hesitate to see the doctor if your symptoms are severe, aren’t improving after a week or you have a fever for more than 3 days. If you have difficulty breathing, have trouble keeping foods/liquids down or have trouble swallowing, you should also see the doctor.

We encourage everyone to stay healthy during the flu season. For more ways to stay healthy, visit our online catalog.

In this day and age, everyone is well-aware of the ill effects of smoking. However, it can be a hard habit to kick, especially when those cravings kick in! Here are a few ways you can kick back and fight those cigarette cravings when they happen:

• Keep your hands busy

This could mean keeping a pen handy, a stress ball nearby or a rubber band around your wrist that you can twist around your fingers… this will help you kick the urge to hold a cigarette in your hand.

• Just keep chewing

Get something such as peppermint gum or healthy snacks like celery, carrots or nuts. Keeping your mouth busy will keep you from wanting to put a cigarette in it.

• Drink a tall glass of water

Instead of walking to the normal destination you visit for a cigarette, walk to the sink and pour a big glass of water. Then drink it slowly. This will keep your mouth, throat and body engaged in doing something other than reaching for a cigarette.

• Plan for triggers

What was it that normally caused you to smoke? Was it during 15-minute breaks at work? Use those times to go for a short walk around the premises instead. Was it during parties, while driving to work, or relaxing at the end of the day? Make a plan to ensure that these do not lead to a relapse.

• Don’t have “just one.”

It’s really tempting to have a single cigarette just to kill the craving, but this often leads to people picking the habit up all over again.

The American Cancer Association has designated the third Thursday of November as the Great American Smokeout—when smokers finally stop for good. Why not use this entire month to work on kicking the habit? We’re all about helping you stay healthy—so, go to the resource center on our website and find more helpful health tips.