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    8 Ways to Enjoy Recovering from Surgery

    Posted on: June 26th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments
    Recover from surery with ease.

    Don’t dread recovering from surgery. These 8 ideas will keep you busy and productive.

    People undergo surgery for countless reasons. Whether someone wants a new nose or needs a knee replaced, 56 million Americans undergo surgery every year. Surgery in itself can be a difficult and trying time. People have anxieties of receiving anesthesia and being under for hours at a time. They wake up to new stitches and an opening that didn’t exist before. Their body has to learn to accept the internal change and heal itself with the help of medication. The healing process can be quick or lengthy depending on the severity of the procedure. Many people dread recovering from surgery because it can be painful, uncomfortable, and boring. Brevard Medical Equipment offers an abundance of supplies for your health and comfort needs. We invite you to visit our site and find products that can ease your mobility and increase your safety. Here we have provided 8 ideas for making your time after surgery enjoyable.

    #1 – While at the hospital or upon your return home, make a list of all the cards, flowers, or visits you received. Take time to write heart-felt letters of appreciation to those who supported you during a difficult time. By recording everything from the beginning, you will be less likely to forget anyone.

    #2 – Download a book on tape or new music to entertain yourself during the days and nights at home. They can be played through headphones or on a large system to be heard anywhere in the house.

    #3 – Tackle a task on your bucket list. Whether you’ve always wanted to knit, write a novel, or make a quilt, now is the perfect time to start.

    #4- Collect your favorite recipes from different cook books and compile a master list. Visit Pinterest for a variety of unique meal ideas and have ideas ready to make when you are feeling better.

    #5- Pamper yourself with a bubble bath, manicure, facial, or massage. Your body has been through a lot and deserves extra treatment.

    #6 – Clean out junk drawers filled with useless items. You will be shocked to discover the amount of things you own that no longer serve a purpose. Whether you decide to toss or sell them, simplifying can make you feel lighter and make your home look neater.

    #7- Take notes of the areas in your home that need an improvement. Shop online for room themes or furniture you would like to incorporate. When you are better you will be able to tackle the project or hire help to do so.

    #8 – Puzzles are a great way to kill time and exercise your brain. When engaged in a puzzle, the brain releases a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for learning and memory, decreasing the risk of memory loss and Alzheimer’s.

    We encourage you to use your down time to do things that are enjoyable and will ease your recovery. Visit Brevard Medical Equipment online and don’t hesitate to give us a call!

     

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    Introducing a Wheelchair into a Home in 4 Steps

    Posted on: June 26th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments
    Aids to assist a wheelchair patient in the home.

    Tips for a wheelchair assessable home.

     

    Introducing a wheelchair into a person’s life for the first time can be a big adjustment. They will have to make accommodations to their home, bathroom, vehicles, and daily routine.  Family and friends may also have to learn to adjust to the new addition. Whether a patient has been confined to a wheelchair because of an accident, injury, or surgery, learning to live with a mobility aid can be a stressful time. Brevard Medical Equipment has an abundance of wheelchairs to fit your specific needs. Whether you need a transport chair for temporary use or a reclining chair, we hope to provide you with one that will ease your mobility. Here we have offered 4 considerations to make in your home before introducing a wheelchair for the first time.

    1. Doorways must be at least 36 inches wide for a chair to fit comfortably through. Ensure your front door, hallways, bedroom and bathroom doors are all wide enough.
    2. Transfer chairs are recommended for increased bathroom safety. A wheelchair patient will be able to bathe or shower easier with a durable and easy to assemble bench. They come in different styles and colors for your needs.
    3. A reacher can be of great use to someone who has difficulty bending or limited mobility. When confined to a wheelchair it may be helpful for someone to have an arm extension. If a patient is home alone it is especially important for them to have access to items placed up high or on the ground.
    4. A bedside table can be helpful to someone who may be spending more time in bed or has limited mobility. They can eat or read easier with a table right beside them.

    We hope you are able to accommodate your home appropriately for yourself or a loved one who uses a wheelchair. Brevard Medical Equipment invites you to visit our site and find supplies to aid your life.  

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    Pain Relief and Management: Quick Solutions

    Posted on: June 4th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments
    pain relief

    Fast Freeze Cold Therapy Pain Relief Gel is one of the many products we offer that can reduce aches and pains.

    Pain management can be hard to keep up with when you are dealing with muscle aches and different pains in your back. With age, these pains seem to be increasing in frequency and discomfort, so you need a solution. At Brevard Medical, we understand that you need quick answers to make the pain tolerable so you can move on from the annoyance of these occurrences.

    When aches and pains get in the way of living your life that can become a problem. Brevard Medical has pain management products that were developed to quickly give you a solution to getting your pain under control.

    Muscle Pain Management

    Your muscles may be sore from being physically active or from every day activities. Your muscles need relief and Brevard Medical has an affordable option that is comparable to the product known as Biofreeze which is a gel based skin applicant that gives the effect of hot and cold pain relief. Fast Freeze Cold Therapy Pain Relief Gel is half the price of comparable products and provides the same pain management. This product is ideal for arthritis pain and literally freezes the pain away!

    Chronic Pain Management

    Chromic pressure pains can be unbearable because they never seem to go away. Brevard Medical understands that you need a solution that is easy, affordable, and quick for your convenience. The EqualGel Cushion is made for advanced pressure redistribution to relieve those spots that are constantly feeling the pain issues. The all gel cushion is ideal for just about anyone needing pain management because it is gently contoured to provide stability.

    Besides using cushions and gels for pain management, we offer other types of products for your relief. Pain relief may also be needed for other reasons so we provide a variety of offerings. From allergy relief to eye care, we have all of your pain management necessities.

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    Posted in Overall Health | No Comments »

    Celebrate Children’s Day with Pediatric Equipment

    Posted on: June 4th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments
    Pediatric care

    Children need special equipment for their medical needs. We offer children’s walkers and nebulizers.

    Children are a major part of our lives and they bring joy to us through their laughter, imagination, and playfulness. National Children’s Day is celebrated across the world on various days, but in the United States it is celebrated on the second Sunday of June.

    This year we have a couple of ways to celebrate Children’s Day for your family and we have products that are specifically made for children. If they are dealing with a medical condition, illness, or a temporary problem, Brevard Medical has anything your family will need.

    Our pediatric equipment is affordable and practical for all of your child’s needs. Whether they need a new walker because they are having a growth spurt or a cast cover is needed for the summer months at the beach, we have it all. Our prices are the best in the area and we can offer you the quality service you need and your child deserves.

    We have highlighted a few of our products for children for you to consider:

    • CURAD Child Cast Protectors are perfect for the kids to enjoy the Florida sun while dealing with a broken arm or leg. The opening stretches to fit over the cast then regains its original shape to protect from water and fits tightly.
    • We offer an assortment of cost efficient diapers and wipes for the little ones. Brevard Medical is the one stop shop for all of your baby’s diaper and wipes needs.
    • We have many children’s walker options and the right one is waiting for you to order. Some of the options include folding, wide, padded, and non-folding. Whatever your needs are, Brevard Medical can help you find what you are looking for.
    • We carry pediatric respiratory equipment that makes breathing treatments fun. We have child sized nebulizers, so you can have peace of mind knowing that they are using the right equipment.

    Brevard Medical knows you want the best for your children and we do too. We have many more products in our online store.

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    Stroke Risk- Are You in Danger?

    Posted on: May 6th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

    stroke risk

    May is National Blood Pressure Month. High blood pressure or hypertensions is a leading cause of stroke and Brevard Medical Equipment wants you to be aware of the risk factors for stroke and who is at greatest risk.

    While high blood pressure is a major stroke contributor, there are many other causes of stroke. Some are preventable, but some are not. What are some of those risks?

    Race and ethnicity play a big role. Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islanders have higher risk than Caucasians while African Americans have twice the risk of stroke when compared to Caucasians.

    People with a family history of stroke are at a higher risk. If a family member has had a stroke, everyone in the family has a higher risk of stroke. Talk to your family and ask about what ailments run in the family.

    What gender has higher stroke risk? Women suffer more strokes each year than men. One of the main reasons is because women live longer than men and stroke occurs more often at older ages. Annually, about 55,000 more women than men have strokes in the United States. Women are twice as likely to die of a stroke as breast cancer.

    Stroke risk increases with age. After the age of 55, stroke risk doubles for every decade a person is alive. As we mentioned before, that is why women have more strokes than men.

    If you have had a stroke already, you are more likely to have another one. About 5 to 14 percent of the people who have a stroke this year will have a second one and add to the damage. Preventing another stroke needs to be a top priority.

    Remember that the more factors you have to add together, the greater your stroke risk and the greater your efforts to prevent stroke need to be.

    If you have a loved one recovering from a stroke, Brevard Medical Equipment carries equipment and supplies including dressing aids, walkers and wheelchairs to help make life easier.

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    Top 4 Ways to Care for the Caregiver

    Posted on: May 6th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

    caregiver

    Since Mother’s Day is in May, Brevard Medical Equipment wants to talk about the role of the caregiver and caring for aging moms and dads, and spouses and children with disabilities or injuries.

    The needs of the caregiver are often overlooked by the person getting the care, the other family members and the caregiver themselves.  Here are some caregiving tips and advice to make the process easier.

    1. Educate yourself on any conditions that are impacting the person you are caring for. The internet is a great source for information, but don’t trust everything you read. Doctors, nurses and support groups have great information too. Remember to trust your instincts. Be open to new ideas, but if any part of the caring process or even what the professional says doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
    2. Don’t be afraid to seek help. Remember that you don’t have to be the only caregiver. Ask. For. Help. Reach out for help with other family, friends and local agencies. Rely on those friends and family and if friends and family ask how you’re doing, tell them and tell them honestly. They may not have any idea what’s going on in the situation and may be willing to help. Remember to talk to other caregivers about the unique trials of caregiving. You’ll learn more and learn that you’re not alone.
    3. Don’t hurt yourself or your back. There are many dressing aids, walkers and wheelchairs that can help. Talk to the experts at Brevard Medical Equipment and let us help. If the person is too large to handle, it violent or abusive, you may need to have more help to keep you (and them) safe.
    4. Remember that caring for the caregivers is the focus and if you are the caregiver, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Watch for signs of depression or exhaustion in yourself. You are no good to them if you are mentally and physically worn out or sick. Don’t hesitate to seek treatment and don’t feel guilty for doing it.

    If you need assistance in providing care for your aging parents, Brevard Medical Equipment is here to help, so don’t hesitate in contacting us.

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    Travel Smart with your CPAP

    Posted on: April 17th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

     

    CPAP

    Don’t let your CPAP machine hinder your travel plans, enjoy your vacation with these easy travel tips

    Traveling with a CPAP machine isn’t as hard as you think.  Don’t think because you have one, it limits you to only using it in your home.  It is very common to see people carry-on their CPAP machines and supplies just like another bag. At Brevard Medical Equipment in Melbourne, Florida, we’re experts in helping patients get their CPAP equipment and other home medical equipment on board the leading airlines, cruise liners and trains. Let us help you today; but first, read our tips in this blog!

    The three most general ways other than driving a car to get to your travel destinations are planes, cruise ships and trains. The most common way to travel is by air and here are a few tips to travel smart with you CPAP:

    • Before scheduling a flight, make sure your CPAP machine is approved by certain airlines.
    • Make sure to reserve a seat in either first or business class to gain access to a power outlet called EmPower. Make sure to bring the right adapter!
    • Try to arrive two hours before your flight. With TSA (Transportation Security Administration) restrictions and security check-in, having a CPAP machine will make your check-in a little bit longer.
    • CPAP machines can be checked in and classified as checked luggage or carry-on items. Security will more than likely inspect your machine and supplies, and remove the machine from the travel case while not un-hooking the face mask or tubes. It will also be checked for explosive traces.

    Keep in mind if you are traveling internationally and have a newer machine, it will be compatible with different voltages you might come across.  Make sure to pack those universal power supplies. If not, you’ll have to run off the available power system.

    Brevard Medical Equipment hopes these tips will help with your next vacation. To set up oxygen or other medical supplies for your next trip, please contact Freedom Link.

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    Where in the World is Your CPAP Machine

    Posted on: April 15th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

     

    CPAP travel tips

    These CPAP travel tips can make traveling though airports much easier.

    Your CPAP machine doesn’t move from where you sleep other than to get cleaned or repaired. What do you do in case you go on vacation or stay the night at a relative’s home halfway across the United States or world? If you need to travel by airplane, Brevard Medical Equipment can help provide you with some tips and tricks to get your CPAP machine and equipment through security.

    It is important to read your airline’s rules and regulations regarding how you can bring your CPAP machine on board and get through security.  If you tend to travel a lot, it may be smart to have a second CPAP machine that is more compact and easier to store.  Do not pack your equipment in your checked luggage.  In case of this luggage getting misplaced, you may not be able to continue your therapy for a few days.

    It may be that you get nervous walking up to security stations inside the airport.  There is no way of getting around security holding on to CPAP equipment.  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are used to seeing CPAP machines and know how to check over them accordingly.  The CPAP machine itself will need to be taken out of your carrying case for inspection. Have the mask and tubing ready in-case they’d like to see those too.

    X-ray machines and containers are not the cleanest things.  Make sure to bring a clear plastic bag with you to place that in as it goes through the x-ray machine.  TSA officials will check your CPAP machine as a part of their Explosive Trace Detection.  We all know that won’t be needed as evidence and once it clears, you’ll be good to go.

    Brevard Medical Equipment hopes these tips will help you get through the airport a little smoother.  If you’re traveling soon, make sure to contact us about traveling with your CPAP machine or other home medical equipment! Happy Travels!

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    210,000 Floridians of all Ages Living with a Brain Injury – Are You Next?

    Posted on: March 27th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

    Brevard Medical Equipment recognizes March as Brain Injury Awareness Month. What do you know about brain injury and how can it impact your life?

    First of all, what is a traumatic brain injury?  A TBI is defined as an injury to the brain that is caused by a rapid acceleration or deceleration of the head causing the brain to move inside the skull, a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. This can be anything from a concussion, to a severe injury, all the way to an injury that ends in death.

    The newest classification of brain injury is called the Acquired Brain Injury or ABI. An ABI refers to an injury to the brain that has occurred after birth and is not hereditary, congenital or degenerative and includes strokes, aneurysms, encephalitis and other brain related diseases.  ABI and TBI are similar and often used interchangeably. No matter what terms used or how the injury occurs, the results are very similar and very serious. The most common areas affected are in thinking and cognition, speech, short-term memory loss, physical issues like walking and swallowing, and emotional control.

    How prevalent are these types of “brain insults”? There are an estimated and 100,000 Floridians who experience brain injury each year and 1.7 million brain injuries every year in this country. Many of these injuries have life-long consequences and lead to permanent disability. In Florida alone, there are 210,000 people of all ages living with a brain injury.

    Brevard Medical Equipment carries many products in our online catalog to promote safety and to aid those that are living with brain injuries.  See us for walkers, wheelchairs and rehabilitation equipment.

    If you or someone you care about is living with a brain injury in Florida, contact the Brain Injury Association of Florida today at 800-992-3422.

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    Understanding and Living with Multiple Sclerosis

    Posted on: March 7th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

    March is Multiple Sclerosis Education & Awareness Month and Brevard Medical Equipment wants everyone to be more aware of this disease.

    How common is Multiple Sclerosis? According to recent numbers, over 200 people in the United States are diagnosed with MS every week.  Nationwide there are 350,000 to 500,000 people who have been diagnosed with MS. That is a lot of people, but when you are the person diagnosed or someone who loves them, it’s easy to feel alone.

    While there are many common symptoms that go with Multiple Sclerosis, they vary person-to-person and then to a great degree. It’s wise to note that the person who is diagnosed may react very differently to the news than another person, and will need time to really get their head around the situation. The National MS Society knows that no two people are alike and the responses you receive from them may vary greatly.

    What do you do if you are diagnosed and when do you tell people? The National MS Society offers these recommendations and only when you are ready:

    •          Start with family members – Telling them about your MS is the best way to rally the support you need to begin the coping process. Allow them their fears and feelings too.

    •          Tell your friends – Even in this social media and texting society, this is the kind of news that is best told in person or over the phone to allow for questions and feelings. Avoid posting it for the world to see and tell your friends and family not to post it either.

    •          Tell your employer- they will probably have noticed something is wrong, but telling them will clear up confusion. The people you work with may have seen you stumble, slur words or seem to be tired at work and may have drawn their own conclusions. Having MS may affect your job due to physical limitations. Hopefully, your company has a human relations associate who can help you. Learn what you can about your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how that can help you.

    You can also tell and trust the home medical professionals at Brevard Medical Equipment Supplies. Our staff is here to help you find the equipment you may need including lift chairs, walkers and wheelchairs.

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