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Poison Prevention 101

Posted on: March 12th, 2015 by vgmforbin

Learn how to protect yourself and your family from potential poisoning risks during Poison Prevention Week.

This week is National Poison Prevention Week. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that poisoning is now the leading cause of death from injuries in the United States. A poison is classified as any substance that can harm someone if used in the wrong way, by the wrong person or in the wrong amount. Since more people die from poisoning each year than motor vehicle accidents and other causes, LA Medical thought it was important to address poison prevention so we can help reduce the death and injuries in the United States. Many of our customers take a number of medications for various reasons. While medicines are made to help us, they can also bring us harm if precautions are not taken.

The following tips can protect you and your family from poisoning:

Read medication labels before each use and follow the directions exactly.
Install safety latches on cabinets that contain medicines and household products.
Keep the toll-free Poison Help number, 1-800-222-1222, near your phone.
Buy products with child-resistant packaging when possible
Always turn on lights when giving or taking medications. Be sure to check the proper dosage each time.
Put on glasses to read labels when you are taking medicines
Clean out the medicine cabinet periodically
Only use the cup, syringe or dropper that is given with your medicine
Keep medicines in their original containers whenever possible. If you use a pill organizer, store it in a place that is too high for a child to reach or see.
Always talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement or herb, as these can interfere with medications

Use Poison Prevention Week as a time to educate yourself and your loved ones on how to prevent poisoning with medications. Be mindful when dealing with prescriptions to be sure that you are taking the right dosage of the correct medicine at the proper time. Contact LA Medical with any health-related questions or concerns.

The All-Purpose Pill

Posted on: March 10th, 2015 by vgmforbin

Aspirin has a number of household uses. Find out more in our blog.

Most of us have probably popped an aspirin to relieve pain at some point in our life. But it turns out that this anti-inflammatory is good for a lot of things. In addition to its health-boosting potential, aspirin offers household and personal-hygiene uses too. Check out some of these amazing uses for aspirin:

Get rid of stains – Aspirin is great for removing stains, especially those yellow underarm ones. Mix crushed, uncoated aspirin with warm water and soak clothing for a few hours to help release the stains before washing them.

Eliminate dandruff – The salicylic acid found in aspirin is what is used in medicated shampoos that are created to control dandruff. Crush up two uncoated aspirins and mix them with a tablespoon of shampoo. Adding aspirin to your shampoo will help exfoliate the scalp and remove dead skin layers that are responsible for dandruff.

Charge your car battery – If you are stranded with a dead battery, you can drop two aspirin pills into the battery cells. The sulfuric acid in the battery mixes with the aspirin to create one charge that can jump-start your battery.

Clean the bathroom – Aspirin can work the same exfoliating properties on bathroom surfaces as cleaning supplies to remove soap scum. Dissolve two uncoated aspirin pills into a paste with warm water.

Soothe bug bites – Itchy bug bits can seem unbearable. To get rid of this irritation, wet one plain aspirin pill and rub it directly on the bite.

Protect your heart – If you have major risk factors for heart disease, popping an aspirin regularly can help keep your heart in good health. These risk factors include increasing age, heart disease in the family or a personal history of heart problems. Aspirin helps to thin the blood so it is not a pill to be taken lightly. Be sure to consult your doctor.

As you can see, this popular pain reliever has all kind of uses! Keeping a bottle stashed in a safe, yet accessible place could get you out of a number of binds. LA Medical works to find solutions to all of your problems. Contact us with any health questions or concerns you have!

Secrets from People Who Never Get Sick

Posted on: February 24th, 2015 by LAMedicalBlogger

Find out what those people who never get sick are doing to keep themselves healthy.

Though we may tally it up to luck, there are some people who just don’t get sick. They may get the occasional cold but never suffer from the flus and fevers that send the rest of us to bed for days. Even with all the medical advances, doctors still can’t give us a definite answer as to what we can do to stay well. It is time to look for solutions from those who seem to be doing something right. LA Medical has a few habits of those who never get sick and how you can incorporate them into your life.

Stress less – Stress has been found to damage the immune system and the heart. Learning to manage stress is important to relieve physical and mental tension that could hinder your wellness.

Eat less – Recent research has found that calorie restriction is linked to lower incidences of age-related health concerns like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Load up on dark leafy greens and vegetables while limiting simple sugars and flours.

Embrace bacteria – Our society has shifted towards a preference for complete sterility. But that may not be as healthy as you would think. Bacteria help our systems stay balanced and these “good germs” can improve your metabolism, enhance immunity and reduce inflammation.

Prioritize relationships – Social support and strong friendships not only make us feel good emotionally, but they also help our health! If you want to give your immune system a boost, strike up two conversations each day with someone you haven’t spoken to before. Try to listen more than you speak and only say positive things.

Nap it out – Sleep deprivation has the same effect on our bodies as stress. An overtired body limits its ability to repair itself and has negative effects on your health. Try to lie down for 20 minutes when you can to keep your immune system strong and well rested.

All of these habits are proactive ways to strengthen your immune system and prevent getting sick in the first place. Some of us just seem to have bad luck when it comes to getting sick, but it never hurts to pick up some healthy habits to try and combat germs. LA Medical wants you to stay healthy and strong year round. Contact us with any health questions or concerns you have.

Jumpstart Your Morning with These Healthy Habits

Posted on: January 18th, 2015 by LAMedicalBlogger

How well you start your morning could reflect on your entire day.

Mornings can be tough. It doesn’t seem that there is enough time to get up and ready, let alone have some time to eat breakfast or read the newspaper. But the energy you have throughout the day is determined by your morning routine. Even if you have a hard time getting up in the morning, these tips can help you be more productive and energized all day long.

Eat Breakfast: They say you are what you eat and this is especially true in the morning. The first meal you eat each day determines your energy levels throughout the day. Even if you don’t have a huge appetite, fill your body with protein to help wake it up.

Don’t Drink Coffee Right Away: Coffee is the solution to a rough morning for many people. But studies have shown that caffeine has a better effect on you after you have been awake a couple hours. Instead, start your day with a glass of water to wake you up and kick start your metabolism.

Exercise: Starting your day with activity will increase your energy and speed up your metabolism all day. If you can’t muster the energy to complete a full work out, simple stretching or yoga poses can improve your day. Stretching wakes up your mind and body, improving your energy levels.

Don’t Hit Snooze: When your alarm goes off, adrenaline kicks in and your body is ready to get up. Hitting the snooze button throws off your internal clock and can mess up your entire day. Those extra few minutes are not work confusing your mind and body.

Establishing a morning routine can help your mornings run more smoothly and start your day on the right foot. When your body gets used to waking up and completing certain tasks, you will stay energized throughout the rest of the day. LA Medical wants you to live a lifestyle that is as active and healthy as possible. Browse through our online catalog to see if any of our products can help you do that!

6 Ways to Take Action during National Skin Care Awareness Month

Posted on: October 3rd, 2014 by LAMedicalBlogger

Care for your skin to ensure it looks its best for as long as possible.

“Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” Aging is a part of life that should be embraced, as it shows the many years of life that have been lived. Through the memories made and chances taken, every wrinkle has earned its place. While there are some changes that are out of our control, there are steps that can be taken to stay as healthy as possible during the aging process. September is National Skin Care Awareness Month, which is why LA Medical would like to offer up six helpful tips for healthier skin as people age. LA Medical wants to remind you it is never too late to adopt new habits and break old ones.

One of the primary reasons for premature wrinkles is sun exposure. Over time, sun rays damage fibers in the skin and make it harder to recover after being stretched. Wearing sun screen every day, even when it is cold and cloudy outside, is the best way to stay protected.
Smokers experience more wrinkles at an earlier age. Smoking damages the skin’s elasticity, as well as other major organs. There are different ways people go about quitting smoking. Find what works for you and take action today!
With countless products on the market that claim to revitalize skin and reduce wrinkles, it is hard to know what works and what doesn’t. There are currently three products that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat sun damaged or aging skin: tretinoin cream and carbon dioxide and erbium lasers.
Age spots are dark flat areas that are caused by years of sun exposure. They are common on exposed places such as the face, neck, arms, and feet. Using sun screen can help prevent future spots and tretinoin cream can help in reducing the appearance of the dark spots.
As people age they lose oil and sweat from their skin, which increases dryness and itching. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease, can also increase itching, which can disrupt sleep and cause irritability. Ointments, creams, and lotions can all assist in reducing itching. Use a humidifier that can increase moisture in the air.
As people age they may notice their skin bruises easier. The skin thins and loses fat and connective tissue, which supports blood vessels and makes them more susceptible to injury. However, sometimes bruising occurs due to an injury or illness and medical attention is needed.

Aging a natural part of life and LA Medical encourages you to embrace it. As time goes on, it is important to take steps to keep your mind, body, and spirit as healthy as possible. Protect your skin with tips found here and visit LA Medical online for skin care and health products.

What Yoga Can Do for You: How and Why to Practice Today

Posted on: September 29th, 2014 by LAMedicalBlogger

Yoga is designed for people of any age at any level of ability.

Before written history was made, people were practicing yoga. It is a physical and mental exercise that connects the mind and body. Yoga emphasizes the connection between exercise, breathing, and meditation. With countless books, videos, and instructors teaching yoga, it is easy to find a type that works for you. LA Medical encourages you to incorporate exercise into your everyday life. Whether you like biking, running, or weight lifting, physical activity is important to maintain a strong and healthy body. LA Medical has medical and safety supplies to help you or a loved one perform daily activities.

Common types of yoga:

Hatha Yoga – The word “hatha” means willful or forceful. It combines movement, posture, and breathing and aims to align the muscles, bones, and skin. It is a combination of postures that are designed to open the body and allow energy to freely flow. It is a very common type of yoga and can be found for people with different levels of experience.

Raja Yoga – It emphasizes the importance of meditation and self-realization. Raja yoga is sometimes referred to as “Yoga of the Mind” because it focuses on the awareness of the mind. It incorporates exercise and meditation and aims for creating a well-rounded person.

Jnana Yoga –It focuses on a path of intellect through the scripture and text of the yoga tradition and is appealing to those who are dedicated to studying and have a deeper intellect. It is known as the most difficult type of yoga.

There are many other types of yoga that offer different emphasis and challenge a person in unique ways. Whether a body is 20 or 60 years old, it can reap the many health benefits yoga has to offer.

Stress & Sleep – Many sleep issues are directly related to anxiety. Many people have trouble falling asleep because their mind can’t slow down and they have trouble relaxing. Yoga helps to slow the mind and body and focus on the here and now.

Mindfulness – Being mindful will help a person understand why they do what they do. Many people eat based on positive or negative emotions. By being aware of the connection between mind and body, you will be more mindful when eating and not let emotions control your behavior. When cravings strike, you will have increased awareness and be able to fight impulses. This can lead to healthier eating decisions and increase the overall health of a person.

Immunity – A study done in Norwegian found that yoga boosts immunity at a cellular level. Because yoga increases health and circulation, the immunity of an individual increases and helps to fight illnesses.

These are just a few benefits that are gained through yoga. Every person experiences it in a different way and will find which type works best for them. LA Medical values your health and we hope you take steps to improve it. Through diet and exercise you are sure to look and feel your best. Don’t hesitate to contact LA Medical any questions or concerns!

Celiac Disease- Why and How to Go Gluten Free

Posted on: September 12th, 2014 by LAMedicalBlogger

Before beginning a gluten free diet, ensure you are aware of where it is located and how to stay healthy without it.

People begin a gluten free diet for different reasons, the most common reason being treatment of celiac disease. Gluten causes damage to the small intestine for someone with celiac disease and is best to be avoided to prevent nutrient deficiency and other medical issues. Within two weeks of starting a gluten free diet, people with celiac disease often find their symptoms have improved. Whether someone adapts a gluten free diet for medical reasons or as a trendy diet, it is important to be aware of its purpose, where gluten it is found, and how to maintain a balanced diet without it. LA Medical believes a large part of living a healthy lifestyle is eating a diet full or nutrients and vitamins. Contact LA Medical for safety and health supplies today! We hope you make positive health choices and changes as needed!

What is gluten?

It is a protein that is found in wheat, barley, and rye. It helps food keep its shape and acts like a glue to hold substances together.

Where is gluten found?

Gluten is commonly found in pasta, cereal, bread, pastries, candies, crackers, cookies, salad dressings, sauces, and more foods. There are gluten free products in specialty stores and online. However, be careful of cross contamination that may occur in restaurants and factories. Just because something says gluten free, doesn’t mean it is completely free of any traces of it. Ensure the food is gluten free certified and safe for consumption.

Alternatives to gluten:

Because many foods are cut out of a gluten free diet, it is important to ensure you are still getting enough nutrients and vitamins. Foods that are allowed and encouraged are: beans, seeds, nuts, eggs, fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, and most dairy products. Foods from corn, flax, soy, potato, rice, and other gluten free flours can be used and often substituted for other flours.

It is important to be aware of the benefits and risks of any lifestyle or diet change. If you or someone you know is newly diagnosed with celiac disease, share this blog and help them make a smooth adjustment. LA Medical encourages you to live a healthy and positive life. With exercise, a healthy diet, and sleep, you are sure to function and feel your best. Please don’t hesitate to give LA Medical a call today!

7 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power

Posted on: September 8th, 2014 by LAMedicalBlogger

Keep your mind and body healthy and working their best day in and day out!

Keep your mind healthy and working its best day in and day out!

It weighs approximately 3 pounds, is 85% water, and never shuts off. The brain is a fascinating organ that has been studied for years and never fully understood. Smarter than any computer or phone, our brains are capable of more than we can grasp. Brain cells require 2 times more energy than any other cell in the human body, and they get this energy most effectively through water. While there will always be mysteries about the human body, scientists have uncovered an abundance of ways to boost your brain power that can be done daily. LA Medical would like to provide you with 7 activities that can be done every day to keep your mind sharp and functioning at its best.

The brain and its countless functions depend on having an abundance of water available to work there best. Stay hydrated and your brain will be sure to stay sharp and thank you!
Exercise benefits both the body and the brain. Physical activity increases oxygen and helps prevent memory loss. Find an activity you enjoy either outdoors or at the gym and do it regularly.
Sleep is crucial for the brain to slow down, process information, and maintain its creativity and critical thinking. When the body is sleep deprived, many functions compromise and are unable to perform their best. Sleep assists in memory consolidation and allows the brain to enhance its memory during the deepest stages of sleep.
Laughter is good for the brain because it engages many different regions. Spend time with happy and positive people and your brain will thank you.
Avoid high stress, because it can kill brain cells and destroy the hippocampus over time, which is responsible for making new memories and remembering old ones. Find a stress management activity you enjoy to keep it under control and your brain working well.
Eat for your brain and body to function and look their best. Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to be beneficial for brain health. They are found in fish, walnuts, spinach, broccoli, soybeans, kidney beans, and others. Green tea, fruits and vegetable are all high in antioxidants that protect free radicals from damaging the brain.
Keep your memory in check with new and frequent activities. Crossword puzzles, musical instruments, juggling, ping pong, or anything requiring the body and brain to work together, are great brain activities.

LA Medical values your health and we encourage you to take these steps to boost your brain power. LA medical has an abundance of health and safety products including: bathroom safety supplies, mobility aids, person care items and more! Contact LA Medical and place your order today.

National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatment

Posted on: September 2nd, 2014 by LAMedicalBlogger

We have important information for all women to pay attention to.

National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to draw attention to the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options of ovarian cancer. Opposite of prostate cancer, ovarian cancer is only present in women. It begins in the ovaries, which produce eggs, estrogen and progesterone. They are located in the pelvis and are vital organs for reproduction. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread to other organs and becomes more difficult to treat. LA Medical believes it is important for every woman to be educated of ovarian cancer how it can be prevented or controlled.

Symptoms: There are few warning signs of ovarian cancer in the early stages. It often goes undetected until it spreads and becomes more severe. If you sense any of these or other abnormal symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.

Abdominal pain or swelling
Change in bowel movements or constipation
Pelvis pain
Weight loss
Frequent urinating

Risk Factors: Being aware of risk factors can allow women to take extra precaution as needed. When they are educated of how their family history and lifestyle choices affect their health, they can make appropriate adjustments.

Family history of breast or ovarian cancer can heighten the risks
Most common in women age 50 and 60
The use of estrogen replacement therapy
Never being pregnant
Fertility treatment
Smoking, and more

Treatment Options: Depending on how far the cancer has spread often determines which treatment option is best.

Surgical removal of ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, and nearby lymph nodes and abdominal tissue where the cancer may spread, is usually necessary unless the cancer is detected very early on.
Chemotherapy is typically performed after surgery to kill of any more cancer cells.

Whether ovarian cancer runs in your family or not, LA Medical believes it is valuable to be aware of signs and symptoms to detect it as early as possible. We hope you avoid risk factors that are in your control and be knowledgeable about your family history. Contact LA Medical for safety and health supplies today!

Sleep Better Tonight! 8 At-Home Natural Remedies for Insomnia

Posted on: July 29th, 2014 by LAMedicalBlogger

Give these ideas a try and say goodbye to restless nights.

August is one of the warmest months and sleeping in the heat can feel nearly impossible. You flip your pillow, turn on a fan, buy cotton sheets, and do a multitude of other tricks to stay cool. While it may be difficult to sleep in the heat, some people struggle sleeping every night, in every condition. Insomnia is caused for a multitude of reasons, the most common being depression, anxiety, obesity, change in schedule, stress, caffeine, and nicotine. While insomnia begins for different reasons in every individual, it can be eased with the use of these eight at-home natural remedies. LA Medical hopes you give these a try and discover a better night’s rest.

Meditation is a practice that can be performed before bed to slow breathing and reduce stress hormones. Mindfulness meditation focuses all your energy and thoughts on the present. Focus on breathing or an object in front of you and stay present in the moment. Visualization involves all your senses as you picture yourself in a specific setting, acknowledging the sounds and sights around you. Either practice can help calm your body and mind to prepare for sleep.
Aromatherapy involves essential oils that are used to relax the mind and body. English lavender is traditionally used to help a person sleep. With a drop of lavender oil on a pillow or in a warm bath, it can provide a soothing smell and trigger the body to relax.
Limit the intake of caffeine and nicotine. Both stimulate the body and brain and make falling asleep more difficult. Stop consuming caffeine six to eight hours before bed.
Foods rich in magnesium have a natural sedative that can be found in almonds, cashews, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains.
Use your bedroom strictly for sleep. Avoid watching television, eating, or working in your bedroom.
Establish a bedtime routine to trigger your body when it’s time to wind down. A hot bath taken two hours before bedtime is a great way to relax your body and mind and prepare it for rest.
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the biological clock. Research shows taking a supplement 2 hours before bedtime will aid in falling, and staying asleep.
Exercise done before bed can release adrenaline that make sleeping more difficult. However, regular exercise can improve mood and sleep, if done at appropriate times.

With a good night’s rest, you will have improved focus, mood, and energy. We value you and your health and hope you take the steps necessary to ensure your best physical state. LA Medical has bathroom safety equipment, walking aids, and other health and safety equipment available for your needs. We invite you to visit us online and give us a call today!

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