Tips for Joint Health

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Is Your Blood Pressure in Check?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects millions of people every year—including young children and teenagers. Hypertension is also the most common type of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of strokes and a major risk factor for heart attacks. In the US alone, approximately 75 million people have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

What is it?

Simply put, blood pressure refers to the physical force/pressure placed on artery walls as blood is pumped throughout the body. Similar to that of an inflated tire, blood fills arteries to a specific capacity and if this threshold is exceeded damage to the arteries may occur.

How is it measured?

A blood pressure reading consists of two distinct numbers. The first and higher of the two being systolic pressure. Systolic pressure refers to the pressure in the arterial walls when the heart beats and fills them with blood. The second number in a blood pressure reading is the diastolic pressure. Diastolic pressure refers to the pressure within the arterial walls when the heart rests between beats. In general, an individual’s blood pressure will rise steadily as they age from about 90/60 at birth to 120/80 as a healthy adult. However, it's natural for blood pressure to rise and fall when engaging in vigorous activity.

What is considered high?

If your blood pressure readings are frequently 140/90 or higher then you’re considered to have high blood pressure. If your blood pressure remains at this level or continues to rise your physician will most likely put you on a blood pressure treatment. On the other hand, if your blood pressure readings are 200/120 or higher than you may need immediate medical care and you should consult with your primary care physician as soon as possible.

How do I know if I have high blood pressure?

Unfortunately, many people who suffer from high blood pressure don’t actually know they have the condition. Hypertension is commonly referred to as the "silent killer," because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms even in extreme cases. Your best option for keeping an eye on your blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked regularly. You can have your blood pressure checked at a medical clinic, your neighborhood pharmacy or you can opt to purchase your own personal blood pressure monitor. Home blood pressure monitors come in a number of different sizes and include various features such as easy squeeze inflation bulbs, voice prompting and onboard memory. Digital blood pressure monitors are also fairly inexpensive and may end up saving your life. For more information relating to your specific situation or high blood pressure in general, please speak with your personal physician.

This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition. If you experience high blood pressure, seek out the care of a medical professional immediately.

About MMAR Medical: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale distributor of medical devices and comfort footwear, including shoes for diabetics. Whether you are looking for hinged knee braces, back braces or elbow / wrist supports, MMAR Medical has the highest quality products and professional expertise to find you what you need.

Eat this... Not that! Diabetic Safe Food Options

Contrary to popular belief, diabetes does not mean the end of enjoying food. There are plenty of delicious foods that are diabetes friendly. The key is to monitor your diet and replace foods high in sugar and carbohydrates with healthy alternatives. Below is an example of good options and bad options for diabetics.

Breakfast:

Eat this: Reduced fat yogurt with low-fat granola and non-fat or low fat milk.

Not this: doughnuts with apple Juice

It is important to start the day off right to make sure your blood sugar is right on track. Avoid sugary cereals, white bread, bacon and processed juices.

Lunch:

Eat this: Ham sandwich with lettuce, tomato and low fat mayo on whole wheat bread with water or unsweetened ice tea with lemon to drink

Not this: Hamburger with fries and a soda to drink


If you are going to have red meat, ham is one of the best meats that a diabetic can have. It is rich in protein and contains little fat. Additionally, whole wheat bread is a excellent source of fiber. Soda is one of the most sugar-filled items on the market with cans having dozens of grams of sugar per glass so it is an item to try to avoid.

Afternoon Snack:

Eat This: granola bar or beef jerky (both should be sugar free - they sneak it in, so be sure to check!)

Not this: bag of chips


Chips have a high glycemic score and are not ideal for controlling blood sugar. Instead granola bars are a great source of fiber. Be sure to read the label though to make sure granola bars have at least 5 grams of fiber and less than 150 calories per bar. Likewise, sugar-free beef jerky is high in protein and low in calories.

Dinner:

Eat This: Skinless chicken breast seasoned to taste, green bean casserole (made with non or low fat mushroom soup) and water or unsweetened ice tea with lemon.

Not This: Pork chops, butter rolls and alcohol


Chicken breast is an excellent source of protein. Avoid butter because it is high in fat which leads to cardiovascular diseases for diabetics.

Regulating your food intake is very important in your diabetic diet. Be sure to couple a healthy diet with regular exercise, as exercising can help improve your body’s use of insulin and decrease your body fat (which results in improved insulin sensitivity). Even walking a few times a week in diabetic shoes can help put you on the right track.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of orthopedic medical braces including a wide selection of hinged knee and ACL braces. MMMAR Medical is also proud to feature a wide selection of diabetic footwear as well as socks for diabetics.

A Quick Guide to Diabetic Foot Care

One fifth of adult diabetics are hospitalized at some point in time for major foot complications. Type 2 diabetes contributes to foot issues in several ways. Diabetics often struggle with poor circulation, which impairs one’s ability to heal wounds and fight infection. Diabetics also frequently experience neuropathy, acute nerve damage, which can diminish their ability to recognize and treat an injury. Small cuts and brittle calluses can become dangerous infections if they go unnoticed. This, in turn, can lead to hospitalization or even, in the most extreme instances, amputation. For these reasons, diabetic must be vigilant when it comes to caring for their feet. The following are the best practices for keeping diabetic feet happy and healthy.

• If you have Type 2 Diabetes, take time everyday to care for your feet.


• Check your feet regularly for sores, blisters, cuts, calluses, or other issues. Never ignore any sort of irritation. If you have trouble seeing your feet, consider purchasing magnifying glasses and place a mirror on the floor or ask a family member check for you.


• Wash your feet thoroughly with lukewarm water, but refrain from soaking them for long periods of time. After washing, file down calluses and corns gently with an emery board. Coat your feet with a thin application of lotion. Avoid putting excess lotion between toes as these sorts of nooks can harbor bacteria.


• Trim your toenails once a week and file away any jagged edges.


• Visit the doctor at least once a month to have a formal foot check-up.


• Always wear comfortable diabetic shoes. This is critical as most foot ailments are rooted in poorly fitting shoes. Make sure they fit correctly and have bacteria-resistant breathable fabric. Always don seamless socks to prevent blisters.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition, or be taken as medical advice. ALWAYS report any foot issues to your doctor immediately, especially if you notice swelling, pain, cracks, bleeding calluses, open sores, changes in color of the skin or nail, or distinct changes in skin temperature. For more information related to your unique situation, please speak with your personal physician.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale distributor of medical devices and comfort footwear, including shoes for diabetics. Whether you are looking for hinged knee braces, back braces or elbow or wrist supports, MMAR Medical has the highest quality products and professional expertise to find you what you need.

Common Shoulder Injuries

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What to Look for in a Back Brace

A back brace is simply a device that immobilizes, restricts or influences the movement of the spine. Back braces may be worn for a variety of reasons, but they’re commonly used to treat spinal injuries, muscular injuries or degenerative conditions like scoliosis. There are two primary types of back braces used to treat conditions like those previously mentioned.

The first type of back brace is the rigid/hard brace. A rigid back brace is typically constructed from a plastic mold and is form fitted to the contours of the spine. These back braces are designed to greatly restrict spine movement especially in the lumbar (lower) region, if not restrict the movement of the spine entirely. Limiting the motion of the lower spine not only helps in the healing process, but also aids in the reduction of lower back pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, rigid braces also tend to be heavy and cumbersome leading to a general feeling of discomfort for the wearer.

The second and most common type of back brace is the soft back brace which is also commonly referred to as a corset brace. The soft/corset brace typically features a flexible elastic band that limits forward movement of the spine. These types of braces are frequently worn by individuals who are required to lift heavy loads such as construction workers or movers. These braces not only limit the motion of the spine, but they also encourage proper lifting techniques utilizing the muscles of the legs rather than the back.

You may now be asking yourself, which back brace is best for me. This question is best answered by a physician or back specialist, because they will know the details of your specific condition and how to best alleviate the problem. Although rigid and soft back braces are fairly common, many health care providers are likely to recommend back strengthening exercises and stretching as alternatives to a back brace. According to numerous physicians, back bracing can potentially lead to significant muscle loss which is another reason why it’s vital to speak to a health care professional when deciding if a lower back brace is the best option for you.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a premier supplier of high quality medical products including a wide selection of orthopedic braces and supports, as well as diabetic and comfort shoes. To find a quality specialty orthopedic braces, such as a hinged knee brace or lumbar brace, please visit MMAR Medical online.

Common Elbow Injuries

Many people at some point in their life will experience an elbow injury. There are countless forms of elbow injuries with varying degrees of severity, but it’s important to know the most common types of elbow injuries and their associated symptoms. The two most common forms of injuries affecting the elbow are elbow bursitis (elbow bruise) and tennis elbow.

Elbow Bursitis (Elbow Bruise)

The most common type of elbow injury is Elbow bursitis. Elbow bursitis is basically the inflammation of the bursa sac. Bursa sacs are fluid filled sacs which provide additional cushioning so as to prevent the ends of our joints from excessive wear. These fluid filled sacs are generally located around every joint in the human body. These particular bursa sacs are referred to as the Olecranon Bursas and they're located on the back of the elbow. Elbow bursitis typically occurs when the elbow is subjected to some form of blunt force trauma, such as a fall where the tip of the elbow comes into direct contact with a hard surface. Generally, if you’re suffering from elbow bursitis your elbow will be swollen and tender. However, if your elbow appears red and is warm to the touch, your elbow bursitis may be due to an infection. If your doctor suspects that your elbow may be infected, he or she may opt to remove the fluid from the swollen area and prescribe an antibiotic. If the bursitis is not from an infection it may be treated in a variety of ways. The most common treatments for elbow bursitis typically include cold therapy, rest and anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a common overuse injury that’s typically caused by a repeated twisting motion of the wrist and forearm. This condition is generally associated with playing tennis, hence the name tennis elbow, but it can be caused by any activity that involves the twisting of the arm such as when you use a screwdriver.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of tennis elbow include:

• Elbow pain that gradually worsens


• Pain that radiates from the outside of the elbow towards the wrist


• An increase in elbow pain while gripping an object


• A decrease in overall grip strength


• Difficultly when attempting to fully extend your arm

If you’re experiencing any number of the symptoms listed above then you may have tennis elbow, but don’t worry, because there are a variety of ways to treat this condition. Tennis elbow treatments typically include heat therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and/or the use of an elbow brace or other immobilizing device. In order to prevent the injury from occurring again, an elbow strap may be worn during certain activities that aggravate the condition.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of medical products including a wide selection of diabetic shoes, as well as orthopedic braces and supports. For top-of-the-line medical knee braces, a wide elbow brace selection and other quality braces, please visit MMAR Medical online.

Off the Shelf Knee Ligament Bracing

When it comes to torn knee ligaments, there are a lot of things that are inconvenient, but proper ligament bracing doesn’t have to be one of them. There are a number of off-the-shelf options that provide state-of-the-art engineering at great prices, and you can even order them from the comfort of your home. The following is a quick checklist of important features and benefits to consider when selecting a a medical knee brace.

• What type of ligament bracing do you require? Many quality braces can support several different ligament instabilities, such as ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL, rotary and even combination instabilities. If you have multiple instabilities consider a brace with a cage frame that will provide multiple points of leverage and support.


• What activity level do you require? There are braces for low, medium, high and extreme impact. Select a brace level to meet your athletic needs. If you are strategically delaying surgery or plan to playing “at risk” sports, you should look for a brace specifically constructed for sports.


• Is the brace comfortable? You will be wearing the brace for extended periods of time so it needs to be comfortable. This means a product constructed with padding, adjustment features and a design that does not rub, chafe or slip. A cheap brace is more likely to slip, cause heat rash and blisters and just be a general pain. Also, if you are recovering from reconstructive surgery, select a brace that will not make contact with any of the points of incision.


• Is it a respected brand? When it comes to stabilizing ligaments, quality counts. Look for quality products comprised of non-corrosive materials. Respected medical knee brace brands recognized for quality craftsmanship and innovative design include BREG, OSSUR and Bledsoe.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a premier supplier of orthopedic medical products including a wide selection of braces and supports. To find a quality specialty orthopedic braces and support, such as a hinged knee brace or high quality lumbar brace, please visit MMAR Medical online.

Understanding & Treating Patellar Dislocations

A patellar dislocation is a commonplace injury that involves the patella (aka the "knee cap".) The patella is situated in the patellofemoral cavity between the distal femur and the tibia, held in place by a number of ligaments and tendons. These ligaments can be damaged by a direct blow to the knee or an awkward motion, which in turn can lead to the knee cap sliding out of place. Most of these dislocations involve the patella moving laterally to the left or right side. The result is severe swelling, reduced mobility and an intense pain felt inside of the knee cap. There several sports particularly associated with these sorts of injuries, including hockey, gymnastics, rugby, football and soccer. Some other factors that put an individual at risk include:

• Age – People between the ages of 16 to 20 years tend to have the highest occurrences of patellar dislocation due to a higher rate of aggressive sports participation.


• Gender – Women are more susceptible to these injuries because of how their hips distribute the body's weight.


• Genetics – These sorts of injuries tend to run in families due to physiological similarities. Some birth defects can also increase the likelihood of injury.

In most patellar dislocation cases, people are able to slide the patella back into place with a simple leg extension resulting in a distinctive knee pop, but in some instances the injury is just too great. In these cases, many doctors will recommend a patellar stabilizer knee brace which should be worn for (at least) two to three weeks. These braces are often used in conjunction with professional physical rehabilitation. Many doctors also recommend taking a glucosamine supplement which is believed to keep ligaments strong. If instability continues beyond 8 to 12 weeks, speak with your doctor about more aggressive options, as in some rare instances, surgery may be the best option for patella ligament repair.

Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of orthopedic medical products, cold therapy devices, shoes for diabetics, and a wide knee braces including patella stabilizers, please visit MMAR Medical online.

What is Electrotherapy and Can it Help with Arthritis?

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