Knowing your HDL from your LDL: Cholesterol Education Month Part 2

Posted on: September 10th, 2015 by Forbin Admin

Mother and daughter outdoors

Medi-Rents & Sales, Inc. wants to bring attention to the epidemic of high cholesterol and the damage it can do to people here in Maryland and all over America. Medi-Rents & Sales, Inc. has your medical home oxygen  and wheelchair needs covered.  So for now, help us spread awareness for Cholesterol Education Month by reading and sharing this blog post.

How many Americans have high cholesterol?  Experts say that an adult’s total cholesterol should be less than 170 mg/dL (or just “170” in common terms.).  But more than 102 million American adults 20 years or older have cholesterol levels at or above 200 mg/dL and more than 35 million of these people have levels of 240 mg/dL or higher!

The LDL “bad cholesterol” numbers should be under 110 mg/dL. Your “good” cholesterol numbers should be 35 mg/dL or higher.

Your triglycerides are another number to consider in the big cholesterol picture. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood that your body uses for energy and are negatively affected by consuming too much sugar and fat and taking medications/drugs including Tamoxifen, steroids, beta-blockers, diuretics, estrogen and birth control pills. You need some triglycerides, just not too high a number. A healthy number is Less than 150 mg/dL, very high is 500mg/dL or higher.

How do you know if you have high cholesterol? That can be tricky because high cholesterol usually doesn’t have any symptoms. But ignorance is not bliss and can be very dangerous in this case. The only way to know your cholesterol levels is with a blood test. Your doctor can draw blood during a physical and some community centers and work places even offer this service a part of their wellness programs. The results are usually returned to you in a week or two with full, easy to understand results. Because high cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, it’s vital to know and control your cholesterol numbers.

Happy Cholesterol Education Month from Medi-Rents & Sales, Inc.!

Knowing your HDL from your LDL: Cholesterol Education Month Part 1

Posted on: September 10th, 2015 by Forbin Admin

Senior Couple Together Horizontal

Look to the person on your left and to your right. Two out of three adults have high cholesterol. One of those two out of three people may be you. It’s  Cholesterol Education Month!

High cholesterol or high LDL is the “bad” cholesterol and it’s a big problem here in Missouri and across the country. So what is it, how do you get it and what’s the worst that can happen if you have it? Those are all good questions that Medi-Rents & Sales, Inc. will try to answer this month.

What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is not always bad and you will never have a zero cholesterol reading.  Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body actually needs. Your body needs some cholesterol and fat. Fat provides a great source of energy as well as a great storage unit for that energy. Fat is an important part of cell membranes as it helps govern what gets into your body’s cells and what comes out. Your body uses cholesterol to make estrogen, testosterone, vitamin D, and other vital compounds. So no, it’s not all bad, but…

Having too much cholesterol in your blood is bad as it can build up on the walls of your arteries like a clogged drain. These clogged arteries can lead to heart disease and strokes which as we all know can lead to many more serious health problems and even death.

Not all cholesterol is bad. As we said, your body needs a certain amount. There are two different kinds of cholesterol; high density lipoprotein (HDL) commonly called “good” cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. When people talk about high cholesterol, you can be sure they are talking about “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Medi-Rents & Sales, Inc. has a lot more to share with you. As one of the area’s premier home medical providers, Medi-Rents & Sales, Inc. is always looking out for your good health.

5 Summer Health Issues

Posted on: June 29th, 2015 by Medi-RentsBlogger

Week 3 Post 2

Summer is in progress and you are ready to get out there are enjoy all this season has to offer. Before you push your worries away, take the time to think about what you need to do to prepare yourself for common summer health issues. MediRents wants you to get the most out of the beautiful summer weather, but also urges caution and preparedness for common summer health issues that can occur to anyone.

  1. Bug bites. No matter what you get bit by whether it is mosquitoes, a fly or ant pay attention to the area where you were bit. Also, we urge you not to scratch too much because that can cause infection. If your bites do not go away within a reasonable amount of time, contact your doctor.
  2. Food poisoning. We all love grilling out during the summer, but that doesn’t mean we should forget about food safety. Food poisoning in the summer is higher than most seasons because leaving food in the heat and sun does not mix well.
  3. In the summer, it is especially important to stay hydrated all the time and while outside. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, confusion, fainting, and fatigue.
  4. Sun burns. This one may be obvious to look for, but even so, always wear sunscreen and use techniques to make the side effects of burns less painful. Skin cancer affects one in five people in the United States, so it is a very common problem if you do not take the right precautions of wearing sunscreen.
  5. Eye damage. We wear sunscreen to protect our skin, but don’t forget about the affects the sun can have on your eyes. It is best to wear sunglasses because sun damage can cause cataract, blindness, and sunburn of the eyes. It is better to be safe than sorry in this situation because your eyes are important!

MediRents wishes you a fun filled summer, but we also hope you don’t have to deal with any of these summer health issues. Contact us today to learn about our therapies and services.

Accessible Attractions in Baltimore

Posted on: June 29th, 2015 by Medi-RentsBlogger

Week 2 Post 2

During the summer, Baltimore is filled with exciting adventures and activities for all to enjoy. Don’t let your limited mobility hold you back because Baltimore is filled with accessible attractions for you to explore. Baltimore is an inclusive community, so accessibility is always a priority. Read more of the MediRents blog to learn about the different places in the city to explore this July.

Accessible attractions in Baltimore:

The Lexington Market– What’s better than a historic marketplace filled with fresh sea food, produce and delectable treats? The Lexington Market is like a large outdoor grocery story and restaurant combined. You can easily access the vendor stalls at the market to pick up all of your needs. Many people fill the market each weekend, so be sure to head to the market early for the best items. The fresh sea food comes highly recommended from the Lexington Market.

The Maryland Science Museum– Get your inner scientist on at the Science Museum in the heart of Maryland. This kid friendly attraction is accessible for explorers of all ages. From the IMAX to hands on exhibits, this is a great place to take the kids for an afternoon of fun. The hands on exhibits at the museum are great for children of all mobility levels.

Fort McHenry– Indulge in the civil war history at Fort McHenry, where accessibility is not a problem. Explore freely even with limited mobility by going on a tour or watching a short film about the history of Fort McHenry. Fort McHenry is mostly accessible for visitors of all mobility levels.

MediRents hopes you get a chance to visit all three of these accessible attractions in the area. For all of your home medical and patient therapy needs including wheelchairs, home respiratory supplies and nutritional supplement needs, contact MediRents.

Men’s Health Week Motivation

Posted on: June 9th, 2015 by Medi-RentsBlogger

Young golfer at an angle hitting a driver

June 15-21 is Men’s Health Week and today Medi-Rents is bringing you relevant information about men’s health and what you can do to improve your health during this week. Get moving this week to work towards a healthier lifestyle and today’s blog will show you how to do so.

Men’s Health Week Motivation-

Sleep– What’s better than a good night’s sleep? Getting enough sleep is important to your overall health because it provides energy for the next day. Sleep is one of the most important aspects to living a healthy life and if you don’t get enough, it’s a detriment to your health. Insufficient amount of sleep is directly correlated with a number of chronic diseases, including some cancers. Aim for at least 7 hours or more each night to have enough energy the next day.

Exercise– Performing exercises on a daily basis doesn’t need to happen at the gym, you can exercise anywhere. Any physical activity is good to getting your blood pumping and metabolism moving, which can aid in weight loss. Jog around the neighborhood, play fetch with your dog or do some yard work for physical activity. Aim to get in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. If you can get to the gym for exercise, great. If not, plan physical activity into your daily routines to keep your health moving forward.

Tame Stress– Stress can heighten your risk for many health issues, so if you can find a way to tame the stress, your health will be better off. Find ways to cope with your stress, whether it’s through exercise or meditation, taming your stress can keep you healthy.

Visit the Doctor– As age increases, so does your risk for different chronic diseases. A yearly checkup is important to lowering your risk for health problems.

Medi-Rents wishes you a happy Men’s Health Week this June and we encourage you to get motivated! Contact us today to learn about our products and therapies.

 

The Freshest Fruits for June

Posted on: June 9th, 2015 by Medi-RentsBlogger

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It’s officially summer which means it is the peak season for many fruits. There are many health benefits to eating fruits during the summer and all year round. You can lessen your likelihood for chronic diseases and common illnesses by eating more fruits. Medi-Rents is bringing you information about this season’s freshest fruits in today’s blog.

The freshest fruits for the month of June-

Apricots– Looking for an excellent source of vitamin A? Now is the time to soak up the benefits of orange apricots. Apricots are filled with beta-carotene and are considered to be one of the first signs of summer. Although apricots are not considered a popular fruit, we challenge you to try something new this June by eating an apricot!

Berries– June brings the peak season for all types of berries across the United States. From blueberries to strawberries and raspberries, you can sink your teeth into some of the sweetest fruits in June. Berries can aid in weight loss, prevent diseases and help you feel fuller for longer.

Kiwi– An ice cold strawberry kiwi smoothie is a sure sign of cooling off on a hot summer day. Kiwi fruit is a medium sized, fuzzy fruit that opens up to a bright green center. High in fiber and low in calories, the kiwi is an ideal midday snack to enjoy during its peak season of June.

Grapes– These sweet and sour ovals bring a sense of tartness and a unique texture to any meal. Try grapes frozen or tossed into a salad for sweet flavor. Grapes provide many health benefits including a high level of vitamin K and vitamin B2.

Medi-Rents hopes you can enjoy all of the fruits that June has to offer. Medi-Rents is here for your health needs including aids to daily living, power scooters and other home medical equipment.

 

Do you live with high blood pressure?

Posted on: May 14th, 2015 by Medi-RentsBlogger

Week 3 Post 1

Do you live with high blood pressure? You are a part of the 67 million Americans who live with high blood pressure according to the Center for Disease Control. High blood pressure can bring about other serious health conditions and could lead to death if not treated properly. Today’s Medi-Rents blog will bring you important information about how high blood pressure can affect your life.

Eat healthy to lower your blood pressure. What you eat directly correlates with your blood pressure levels. The first thing you can do to change your diet is to reduce your sodium intake. Most Americans consume too much sodium, which causes higher blood pressure. Less sodium = lower blood pressure. Be aware of what kind of food you’re eating so you can cut back on the bad and eat healthier, fresh foods.

Ask your doctor what your goal blood pressure should be. Setting a goal to lower your blood pressure can positively impact your overall health. Along with making a goal to lower your blood pressure with your healthcare provider, be sure to take your blood pressure medication regularly. If you ever have trouble with your medication schedule, dosage or cost, contact your doctor to make your medication easier for you.

Other healthy habits to pick up for lower blood pressure. Exercise is the next best thing you can do besides eating better and lowering your sodium intake. Be sure to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity in each day. Physical activity includes: cardio exercise, walking your dog, gardening and anything else that gets you moving. If you don’t have time for physical activity every day, make a goal to at least be physical three times per week.

Your blood pressure level matters to your overall health so make a goal to lower your blood pressure this month. Medi-Rents is here for all of your medical supply needs. Contact us today to learn more.

 

 

Getting through Allergy Awareness Month

Posted on: May 14th, 2015 by Medi-RentsBlogger

Week 2 Post 2

As full-service respiratory and medical equipment specialists, Medi-Rents cares about bringing you important health information for your life. Not only is spring the perfect time to talk about allergies from pollen and other sources, we want to inform you about food allergies as well. Today’s blog will bring you helpful information during Allergy Awareness Month.

Food allergies:

Food allergies affect millions of Americans each year because there are so many different types of this common allergy. From peanut allergies to fish allergies, it is important to know about food allergies because you could save a life. Many people with food allergies are deathly allergic, so you can take precautionary measures when it comes to these allergies. If you have young children, it is especially important to understand their food allergies and when you send them to school, understand their peers’ allergies. Tell your children to never share food with a friend who has allergies and let them know to ask an adult if they feel ill from food.

Spring allergies:

May brings beautiful flowers, gardens and plenty of sneezing. Although the spring is beautiful in full bloom, that doesn’t mean that some of us don’t suffer from the higher allergy count. Juro’s Pharmacy Health and Wellness understands how common allergies are, so we have over the counter options for allergy sufferers. The best thing you can do for allergies is to pay attention to the daily pollen count provided by local news organizations and through a simple search on the internet. When the count is high, it is best to avoid the outdoors or areas with plenty of flowers.

May is Allergy Awareness Month and Medi-Rents hopes you are able to survive the spring allergy season. We also hope you are aware of the potential dangers of food allergies. Contact us today to learn about our therapies and services.

 

What is Enteral Nutrition? The basics

Posted on: April 15th, 2015 by Medi-RentsBlogger

Cute little girl with a glass of milk, isolated over white

All people need food to live. Sometimes a person cannot eat any or enough food because of an illness. Medi-Rents and Sales specializes in enteral nutrition, so we are bringing you information about this form of feeding. Others may have a decreased appetite, difficulties in swallowing, or some type of surgery that interferes with eating. When this occurs, and one is unable to eat, nutrition must be supplied in a different way. One method is “enteral nutrition” or “tube feeding.”

Normal digestion occurs when food is broken down in the stomach and bowel, then absorbed in the bowel. These absorbed products are carried by the blood to all parts of the body.

Tube feeding is when a special liquid food mixture containing protein, carbohydrates (sugar), fats, vitamins and minerals, is given through a tube into the stomach or small bowel.

Who Receives Tube Feeding?

People of all ages receive tube feeding. It may be given to infants and children, as well as to adults. People can live very well on tube feeding for as long as it is needed. Many times, tube feeding is used for a short time–the tube is removed when the person can begin to eat normally again.

How is Tube Feeding Supplied?

Tube feeding can be given through different types of tubes. One type of tube can be placed through the nose into the stomach or bowel. This tube is called a nasogastric or nasoenteral feeding tube. Sometimes the tube is placed directly through the skin into the stomach or bowel. This is called a gastrostomy or jejunostomy. Your health care team (doctors, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists) will talk with you about the different types of feeding tubes.

Medi-Rents and Sales is a provider of enteral nutrition products for pediatrics and adults. Contact us today to learn more about what we have in stock.

 

 

Could your favorite food give you a migraine?

Posted on: April 15th, 2015 by Medi-RentsBlogger

A man with a headache

Medi-Rents and Sales strives to bring you helpful health information for your life. If you suffer from migraine headaches, the root cause may be the food you are eating.

Some of the most common food, beverages, and additives associated with headaches include:

  • Aged cheese and other tyramine-containing foods: Tyramine is a substance found naturally in some foods. It is formed from the breakdown of protein as foods age. Generally, the longer a high-protein food ages, the greater the tyramine content. The amount of tyramine in cheeses differs greatly due to the variations in processing, fermenting, aging, degradation, or even bacterial contamination. Tyramine is also found in red wine, alcoholic beverages, and some processed meats.
  • Alcohol: Blood flow to your brain increases when you drink alcohol. Some scientists blame the headache on impurities in alcohol or by-products produced as your body metabolizes alcohol. Red wine, beer, whiskey, and champagne are the most commonly identified headache triggers.
  • Food additives: Food preservatives (or additives) contained in certain foods can trigger headaches. The additives, nitrates and nitrites, dilate blood vessels, causing headaches in some people.
  • Cold foods: Cold food, like ice cream, can cause headaches in some people. It’s more likely to occur if you are overheated from exercise or hot temperatures. Pain, which is felt in the forehead, peaks 25 to 60 seconds and lasts from several seconds to one or two minutes. More than 90% of migraine sufferers report sensitivity to ice cream and cold substances.

Is Caffeine a Headache Treatment or a Headache Trigger?

Caffeine can be both beneficial and harmful for a headache sufferer. Caffeine is a common ingredient in many prescription and over-the-counter headache drugs. Caffeine additives make pain-relievers 40% more effective in treating headaches. Caffeine also helps the body absorb headache medications more quickly, bringing faster relief.

While caffeine-containing medications can be beneficial, these medications, combined with consuming too much caffeine (coffee, tea, soft drinks or chocolate) from other sources, may make you more vulnerable to getting rebound headaches.

Now that you know a few foods that trigger migraine headaches, we encourage you to avoid those foods. If you live with migraines, contact Juro’s Pharmacy to learn about our remedies for migraine headaches.