The gut is home to innumerable different bacteria — a complex ecosystem that has an active role in a variety of bodily functions. In a study published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences1, a team of researchers finds that in mice, just one of those bacterial species plays a major part in controlling obesity and metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes.
The Bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house with the highest injury rate in senior adults age 65 and older. The majority of bathroom injuries are the result of falls. Exiting the tub or shower is the most dangerous activity for all age groups since bathroom floors and fixtures are more slippery after showering. Toileting is especially hazardous for aging adults when getting on and off the toilet. Moving from a sit to stand position after sitting for an extended period of time can cause dizziness that results in falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all adults should be aware of bathroom activities that result in the majority of injuries, especially stepping into and out of showers/tubs and standing up from or sitting on toilets.1
Bathroom assist products are encouraged for ensuring safety and preventing falls. Injuries from falls in the elderly reduce quality of life and independence.2 Bathroom safety awareness and the incorporation of bathroom assist products available from AllegroMedical.com will reduce the risk of bathroom injuries.
Reduce bathroom injuries by making three simple modifications to your bathroom: Install a non-slip bath mat, add grab bars for leverage and stability, and use a tub transfer seat.
Don’t take our word for it; see what our customers have to say:
1. Install Non-Slip Mats:
Non-slip Mats provide a safe barrier between your feet and the wet slippery surface. Individuals of all ages are at risk of slipping while stepping in and out of a wet tub without the added traction of a non-slip mat. If your tub or shower doesn’t have a built-in textured non-slip surface consider adding the Extra Long Bath Mat.
“I found it very hard to find a sturdy bath tub mat. The large size is great. It has a bit of heft without being heavy to handle. It stays in place and does not bunch up. I am very happy with my purchase.”
-Review by AllegroMedical.com customer sola from madison, wi
2. Install Grab Bars:
Grab bars offer security to people needing help rising from a sit to stand position after using the toilet and provide additional balance stability when stepping into or out of a shower or bath tub. Generally, grab bars mitigate falls by offering users an easy to grab secure surface during high risk activities in the bathroom. There are numerous grab bars to choose from and the Suction Cup Grab Bars and Kurled Grab Bars and two popular options available from AllegroMedical.com. Install grab bars anywhere you or a patient need additional support.
“I needed this because I am having difficulty moving around and need a total hip replacement. I was afraid I would fall in the shower because I couldn’t steady myself but I didn’t want to drill holes for grab bars. At first I couldn’t get this product to stick. I called the manufacturer and was told to clean the suction pad with alcohol. That was all it needed! The Product is wonderful and I am comfortably secure. What I really like about this product was the ability to move it around to find the most comfortable spot for me to place the grab bar. It’s so important not to overreach when I am trying to steady myself. After reading several reviews from many places, I chose this product due to it’s sturdiness and reliability. Allegro sent the product to me immediately and for the right price. I would recommend them highly. ”
-Review by AllegroMedical.com customer Jane from Marlboro, NJ
“We received the shipment the next day. WOW was that great. We needed to replace the grab rails in the shower for my handicapped husband. THey are great, strong and reliable. Will recommend this product to anyone. Also, your company is great, keep up the good work ”
-Review by AllegroMedical.com customer kbaublitz from York, PA
3. Use a Tub Transfer Bench:
Transfer benches are perfect for people concerned about stepping over the tub wall. Instead of having to balance yourself while lifting your leg to step up and over, users simply scoot themselves across the bench into the tub. If scooting is not an option, a sliding transfer bench is an alternative item where the seat of the bench glides back and forth with the release of a lever.
“This shower chair is a life saver for my 85 year old mother. She is unable to stand very long and shaky on her feet. Now she can enjoy a shower again” -Review by AllegroMedical.com Customer Recybug from Suffolk,Va.
Injuries in bathrooms are preventable through awareness of high risk activities and minor environmental modifications. Don’t let a preventable injury reduce your quality of life. AllegroMedical.com has bathroom assists to help keep you, your patient or loved one safe and independent.
By Kristine Kevorkian, Ph.D, Next Avenue Contributor
From time to time, when I worked as a social worker in a skilled nursing facility, visiting family members complained to me about certain staff members. Residents too often were worried that if they themselves griped to senior managers, there might be some form of retaliation.
I use Allegro Medical regularly. I appreciate your great prices, wonderful inventory, and good customer service. I would be happy to give you a personal story.
I became aware of your site when looking for medical supplies about 4 years ago, after my then 53 year old husband Hal was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Since then, as Hal’s needs have progressed, we’ve come to depend on Allegro Medical more and more. Allegro carries so many different types of supplies – all at really good prices. In addition, we live in Santa Barbara, CA, a relatively small city, and choices here are limited. Plus, it is very difficult now for me to leave Hal, so shopping online is a great resource.
We are lucky to be able to have Hal living at home, and intend to keep him here as long as possible. He is very involved now, and is almost entirely paralyzed. I have had to stop working, and am his full time caregiver, with the help of our adult son. Hal gets his nutrition and water through a feeding tube, and we bath him in a combination commode/shower chair. He had a tracheostomy in 2011, and uses a ventilator. He sleeps in a hospital bed and spends his days in a wheelchair. But he is still a happy guy. Unlike his body, Hal’s mind is intact, and very active. He communicates and surfs the internet via a computer with an infra-red camera to track his eye movement.
I get pretty much all of our non-Medicare covered supplies through Allegro.. Gauze, barrier creme and other things to preserve skin integrity, special needs bowel and toileting supplies, oral hygiene supplies, liquid acetaminophen, support pillows, the list goes on and on. I really like the no-rinse shampoo – light scent, works great. Also the Dynarex non-woven sponges,various sizes – they are soft, absorbent, and very gentle on the skin.
At home with my mother (who was visiting), our son Jason, and our dog.
Hal and Fran
At the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens
Hal in bed. Our daughter, Erin, on the right, was visiting.
Thanks Fran & Hal for sharing your story with the Allegro Community! Your story about life and the struggles with ALS hits home with many Allegro customers. It’s great that you are able to care for Hal at home and we are glad we are here to help in our small way. I added links to the products that you have found helpful in treating Hal’s ALS condition so others might also benefit from your knowledge.
If you would like to share your story email me at craigsdesk@allegromedical.com
Dietary factors that create chemicals can trigger insomnia. Therefore, it is essential to know what foods can contribute to a cornucopia of sleepless nights.
This list of the top ten foods to avoid before bed will help maintain a healthy diet and most importantly give the human body the much needed rest it deserves.
The gut is home to innumerable different bacteria — a complex ecosystem that has an active role in a variety of bodily functions. In a study published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences1, a team of researchers finds that in mice, just one of those bacterial species plays a major part in controlling obesity and metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes.
By Kristine Kevorkian, Ph.D, 
