So we’ve changed our website and hope that you’ll find it easier to buy the products you want online. We’ll do everything we can to keep everything competitively priced and easy to find. Let us know if you have any suggestions on improving the site!
Thanks,
The Staff at Alert Medical
Filed under Company News
October 17, 2011
ORLANDO, FL – New research presented at the Obesity Society earlier this month meeting adds to the growing evidence that sleep patterns are affected by weight. In this case, researchers at Northwestern University Comprehensive Center on Obesity and BodyMedia Inc, makers of body monitoring arm bands, sought to explore the relationship between BMI, sleep, and gender.
Results from the study show differences between men and women’s sleep times, and how weight can impact the amount of sleep. Previous studies have shown that getting enough sleep is critical in suppressing appetite and maintaining energy. Despite this, less than half of all Americans are aware of the link between weight and sleep, and only a fourth consider consider sleep a factor in losing weight.
Key findings:
• Although there is wide variation, there are significant differences in mean sleep time between BMI categories.
• Gender is an important factor in explaining the relationship between sleep and BMI.
• Overall, people with higher BMIs had less sleep, but the increase in weight and sleep is more closely related in women than men.
• Among adults in the BMI range of 18.5 to 40, women get 20 minutes more sleep than men on average.
• The largest difference in sleep time was seen between Class I and Class II obese groups of males, with a decline of 11 minutes for men in Class II. (Class I = BMI of 30-34.9; Class II = BMI of 35-39.9)
“This study represents an important advancement in the study of sleep and how it is impacted by a person’s weight and the different effect it has on males and females,” stated Robert F. Kushner, MD, co-investigator and clinical director of The Northwestern University’s Comprehensive Center on Obesity. “People looking to lose weight often take into account calorie consumption and physical activity levels, two very important factors; however, new research like this can play an important role in the obesity dialogue to help educate people interested in losing weight about the role of sleep.”
Filed under Sleep Apnea
The only thing I knew about Reggie White is that he was one of the most talented and most feared defensive lineman in the history of football and he was also a devout Christian minister. In fact, too many, his nickname was “The Minister of Defense”. NFL Network is running a series of documentaries where they examine the lives of some of the most storied men in the game of football such as Bill Belichick and Kurt Warner. I’ve been tuning in pretty regularly as I’m interested in learning more about how these men live off the field.
I was shocked when I learned that the great Reggie White who seemed invincible at times died ridiculously young at 43 of health complications including Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Seeing that we treat patients with OSA on a daily basis, this issue really struck home with me. I don’t know if Reggie was receiving treatment or not at the time of his death, but his wife has become a champion of the cause. She is raising awareness through The Reggie White Sleep Disorders Research and Education Foundation. It just goes to show you that sleep disorders can affect any of us… even world class athletes… I’m just inspired to keep doing the work I do and help educate people on the symptoms so they know to get checked out.
In the meantime, you should check out the documentary on NFL Network.
Filed under Sleep Apnea
The leaves are changing colors across Southeast Michigan and we just wanted to remind you that if you or a loved one is having trouble getting out and enjoying this season, we might be able to help!
Our newest team member David Glancy, ATP is has experience and knowledge of all our mobility solutions and will help you choose the right one. If back or knee pain keeps you in a chair all day, but you’d like to get out more, a brace might be just the solution you need.
If you’re not sure if you qualify or want some more information, please give us a call. We want to help you! 800-660-0654
Happy Autumn!
Filed under Company News, Product Specials
Of the millions of oxygen users in the world, most have what we consider “traditional” set-ups that consist of a stationary oxygen concentrator with some gaseous tanks for when the person wants to leave her home. The major drawback with using traditional tanks is not that they run out, but that they need to be replaced when they do. Frequent visits from your oxygen provider mean you need to be home at specific times and only when they are in your area. Many people don’t realize that there are several other alternatives that can help them come and go as they please with UNLIMITED portable oxygen.
Alternative #1: Liquid Oxygen
Liquid oxygen is not a new technology, but one that not many people think is an option for them. Liquid oxygen is held in a stationary vessel in or around the home that is usually refilled only once a month. The user is given a small portable unit that can be refilled off of the stationary unit whenever they want! Going to the grocery store? Fill ‘er up! Going to the mall? Fill ‘er up! How about the park? You guessed it, just a few seconds and you have a full supply of portable oxygen for your trip and, best of all, the unit is much smaller than a tank and there are no carts to pull!
Alternative #2: Home Transfilling
Why do we use freezers now instead of ice boxes? It’s because we’d rather make our own ice than wait around for an ice truck to deliver it. The same concept can now be applied to oxygen. The technology exists where an oxygen patient can easily fill his own gaseous tanks right at home, over and over. Modern day electronics use rechargeable batteries because they are more convenient for people on the go. As an oxygen user on the go, why not have “rechargeable” tanks?
Alternative #3: Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Most oxygen users receive their therapy from a stationary oxygen concentrator, an electric appliance that converts room air which is 20% oxygen into pure oxygen (98% or more). It’s not feasible for them to take a stationary concentrator with them because it is big, heavy, and requires a power outlet so they use tanks when they need to leave the home. But what if you could shrink a concentrator and put high-tech rechargeable battery inside that could last for hours? Well you can! The industry has several options available that allows an oxygen patient to take a small electronic device with them wherever they go (even on an airplane!). Just charge it when you’re near a power source and go wireless when you’re not… just like a cell phone!
If you or someone you know is an oxygen patient who likes to see the world but “traditional” tanks are making it tough… ask your provider if they offer one of the alternatives above!
Filed under Oxygen
At Alert Medical we are serious about the quality of products and services we provide to our clients. Every three years we go through the process of accreditation which involves a thorough top-to-bottom evaluation of our company by a third-party organization.
Since last accreditation took place in 2006, 2009 was the year for us to re-apply. We decided to go with the industry-leader and applied with the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP) again. Sure, they are more demanding of their members than others, but why take short-cuts?
Our two Site Visitors surprised us this morning by dropping in to conduct our on-site audit. We are excited to learn about the areas of business where we are doing well and also where we can improve. It’s a lot of work to become accredited, but it gives you and your clients a sense of pride and is completely worth it.
To learn more about CHAP, visit their website at www.chapinc.org.
Filed under Company News
Treating your Sleep Apnea may help with other challenges you face!
I was spending some time in our patient service room and I noticed we had some great brochures from one of our suppliers, ResMed. These brochures told the stories of people who were affected by Sleep Apnea and how the right therapy helped change their life! Perhaps you know someone who has a story similar to the one’s below. Download and read the PDF file, then share it with the person you care about. You could give them a new chance at living a better, healthier life!
Bonnie’s Story – High Blood Pressure and Sleep Apnea
Harold’s Story – Diabetes and Sleep Apnea
Sarah’s Story – Weight Loss and Sleep Apnea
Mary’s Story – Depression and Sleep Apnea
ResMed Brochures (Left-click to open in browser; Right-click and “Save As” to open on your computer)
Filed under Sleep Apnea
I’m a big fan of NBC’s hit reality show “The Biggest Loser”. I’ve been watching for 4 seasons and noticed recently some scenes where they show the contestants sleeping. It comes as no surprise that many of the contestants use a CPAP machine to obtain healthy sleep. After doing a little searching, I found that one of our suppliers, Philips Respironics, does the screening for the show. Here is an interesting article that tells the story: The Biggest Snoozer
If you or someone you know might be at risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)… don’t delay, get screened!
Filed under Sleep Apnea
Alert Medical has just received a shipment of high-quality finger pulse oximeters! These are a great product for anyone who wants to know their blood oxygen level and heart rate without waiting to go to the doctor or counting heartbeats and doing math.
We are offering these at our lowest price ever – $99.99 + tax, FREE SHIPPING! This is a must have for anyone who uses oxygen, experiences shortness of breath, or may have COPD or other respiratory illness.
Key features:
To get this special price, call us today at 800-660-0654! While supplies last!
Filed under Product Specials
