April is National Garden Month

Here in the Texas Panhandle it is spring. I hope you’ll are having a wonderful spring (or fall in the Southern Hemisphere). Here in Amarillo we are rocking between absolutely gorgeous days and days that have carried over from March with all the winds. We could do without the wind, but then it would not be the Texas Panhandle if the wind did not whip-up every once in a while to remind us how changeable our weather can be.
I would like to remind you that April is National Garden Month. Rod and I have our herb bed cleaned up and we are just waiting for the night time temperatures to stay Create an herb garden to enjoy being outsidewarm enough so we can set out all our herbs that do not winter over. Can you guess what I am going to encourage you to do?  You are correct.  First make sure you have your compression stockings or socks on and then get out and start preparing beds for your herbs, vegetables or flowers. There is nothing more invigorating than to get out in the sun and fresh air. (Did you know your body makes vitamin D when you skin is exposed to the ultraviolet B rays in sunlight? You probably need at least 5 minutes of sun on your face, arms, back or legs (without sunscreen) two times every week. Since exposure to sunlight is a risk for skin cancer, you should use sunscreen after a few minutes in the sun, even on hazy or cloudy days.)
For those of us who do no have beds to start working, a few flower pots on the patio could yield all the wonderful scents Rod and I experience in our herb bed. I would whole heartedly suggest a walk through the nearest Botanical Garden or a wonderful walk in the park or around the lake.Be sure to wear your support socks

Just get out and enjoy the wonderful weather. Walking is one of the best exercises.  Don’t be like the couple in the picture to the right, be sure to wear your support stockings while walking to increase your circulation and improve your leg health.

If you have a favorite garden or spring activity and would like to share it with us,
please scroll to the bottom and leave a comment as a guest.

Be sure to encourage your friends and family to enjoy a garden.

Happy Spring, Vanda

March is DVT Awareness Month

   Following our theme of New Year’s Resolution for a Healthier You, I would like to remind you that March is DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) Awareness Month. A DVT is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the legs. The DVT, although serious, can be treated by your physician. DVT’s are most common in sedentary situations such as being bed ridden for long periods of time. If the one way valves in the veins are damaged or the blood flow impeded, a DVT can form in the lower leg or thigh. When a blood clot is formed, it can cause permanent damage to the vein walls and the one way valves. The blood clot, left untreated, can be life threatening. A piece of the clot can break loose and cause a pulmonary embolism (obstruction of the pulmonary artery causing stoppage of blood flow to the lungs) sometimes resulting in death. Please remember, a DVT can be treated. If you are experiencing pain, redness, heat, or skin discoloration in your leg consult a physician for treatment immediately. Also, seek professional advice on preventable measures, including the amount of compression to wear in support stockings. 

   Age is not a limiting factor in DVT. DVT can strike men and women of all ages and walks of life with relative little warning. So keep a friend or loved one healthy tell them about DVT and how to prevent it by wearing compression stockings and compression hose and following our tips… 

  • Exercise your legs regularly when sitting or laying for a long period of time. This can be a simple as making figure 8′s with your feet, or walking for just a few minutes.
  • When sitting, stretch your legs and change position frequently.
  • Breathe deeply frequently.
  • Elevate your legs whenever possible.
  • Be careful about leg rest that compress the calf or behind the knee.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol intake (it dehydrates the body).
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Wear loose, non-binding clothes when traveling.
  • Wear compression stockings or support socks.

   In 2008 the acting Surgeon General, Dr. Steven Galston, issued a Call to Action to urge all Americans to learn about and prevent DVT. Deep vein thrombosis affects up to 600,000 people yearly and results in death of 100,000 American a year from pulmonary embolism.

    The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) is also concerned with DVT awareness. It has awarded a 5 year $1 million dollar grant to a non-profit program called “This is Serious”. This program is designed to raise awareness of DVT to women and their families. It targets women because they are at risk and because they are very involved in decisions for the entire family. The program makes it clear that DVT can be fatal and urges people who develop symptoms to seek help immediately.

   The 1st year focused on women and DVT and targeted wormen when they accessed hospital care. The 2nd (current year) targets the obstretric field, women have a greater risk for a blood clot when they are pregnant and the 6 weeks following delivery of the baby. The 3rd year will focus on trauma and surgery risks, 4th year will be on cancer and 5th year will expand the entire program to more sites.

   Be successful in keeping your New Year’s Resolution for a Healthier You by being more compliant in wearing your support stockings and support socks. The simple act of wearing your support stockings or suppport socks will help prevent a DVT. The effort is well worth the trouble when you find how much better your legs feel and how the compression stockings and socks can improve your quality of life! GOAL REACHED!

Be sure to tell your family and friends about DVT and how to prevent it,

Vanda

Pamper Your Feet and Legs

Pamper Your Feet and Legs

Pamper Your Feet and Legs

In our last Leg Health News we talked about making a New Year’s Resolution for a Healthier You. Here in the Northern Hemisphere it is winter and for me this is the time of the year my legs get flaky and my feet get dry, chapped, and cracked. So I have a few suggestions to keep them happy and healthy.

The feet are probably the most neglected part of the body. There are more bones in our feet than any other part of the body (26 bones, 33 joints, 46 ligaments and more than a hundred muscles). So lets give them some TLC. Soaking your feet can relax, energize and help heal your entire body. It is best done in the evening when there is more time to relax and “Pamper Your Feet and Legs”. At least once a month drag out a large bucket or bowl that your feet will fit into comfortably. Fill it with warm water and some bath salts if you happen to have them. Let your feet soak until the water begins to cool. Scrub your feet and legs to get rid of the dead skin. This will allow them to breath better. Towel dry you feet and legs by blotting them.

biodetic Foot Cream

biodetic Foot Cream

If you are lucky enough to have someone to massage your feet and legs with oil, this would be a great time. A good foot massage has therapeutic benifits that will eliminate stress and improve blood circulation. Next apply lotion to them. Of course, we recommend our biodetic Foot Care Cream. This is not just for diabetics and it is not just for the legs. I use it any and everywhere. It is quick absorbing, contains no perfumes or fragrances and made of a unique mixture of waxes, oils and specifically distilled water, and glycerin. There is no need to wear socks to bed and night because the biodetic Foot Care Cream is absorbed very quickly.

Happy Healthy Legs and Feet

Remember the next morning you need to put on your support socks or support stockings. This is an important part of “Pampering Your Feet and Legs”. The compression socks or hose increase the circulation in the lower extremities…they help move the blood back to the heart and remove by-products of cellular metabolism. They help your legs stay happy and healthy. You will find how much better your legs and feet feel feel with a little TLC and how the compression stockings and socks can help you achieve your goal of a Healthier You!

New Year’s Resolution for a Healthier You

The New Year has come and it is a great opportunity for us to make a fresh start with New Year’s Resolutions. It seems to me one of the best ways to be successful in keeping New Year’s Resolutions is to keep the resolutions to a minimum. A list of resolutions as long as your arm will not allow you to be focused. Make the goals realistic and attainable. If you have a goal to run a marathon, start by going for a jog two or three times a week. In order for your body to reach that goal, you will need to eat healthier. Start by substituting junk food with healthier snacks. Small steps enable you to reach a higher goal.

If you have tried to reach your goal previously and have not been  successful, stop and think what were your stumbling blocks and why were you not successful. See if you can figure out a way around these stumbling blocks so you can reach your goal.

Let Us Help You To Don Your Stockings

Let Us Help You To Don Your Stockings

For many of our clients, their goal is to be more compliant in wearing their support socks and stockings, sometimes the frustration of putting the stockings on is more than they can handle; they would just as soon stay home with their stockings in their bureau drawer. First one of the best things a first time wearer can do is watch our video ”How To Put On Compression Stockings“ They make it look soooo easy. Well, it may not be quite that easy, but with practice you can master the techniques. Be sure to watch the video completely through. We have many ways to get the stockings on. First check out basic donning instruction on “Wear and Care” Many of our customers receive free garment care kits with their orders. Use those gloves!! They give you the ability to grasp those stockings and pull them on.  If you don’t already have them you can order Sigvaris Donning Gloves. I call them my magic gloves, because I cannot get my stockings on without them!

Still can’t get them on? We have the metal stocking donners as demonstrated in the previously mentioned video.  If you feel you don’t have enough strength in your hands to put the stocking on the donner, use your donning gloves. They do work magic!

Another method to getting those pesky, difficult stockings on is the Slippie Gator Set. They also work great! You can see how the Slippie Gator Set works by going to our blog entry Slippie Gator Instructions.

Above all, if after reviewing all our above information, you are not able to use our donning aids to put your stockings on, call us!  Perhaps we can walk you through some steps you may be missing to be successful in keeping your New Year’s Resolution of being more compliant in wearing your support stockings and support socks. The effort is well worth the trouble when you find how much better your legs feel and how the compression stockings and socks can improve your quality of life! GOAL REACHED!

Vanda

Order on-line at www.SupportHoseStore.com or
Call customer service at 1-800-515-4271
Monday – Friday 8AM – 5PM CDT

Juzo Slippie Gator Instructions

Just click on this link to view our Juzo Slippie Gator Instructions

The Slippie Gator can be purchased at SupportHoseStore.com and is used to put on your support stockings, support socks, support hose, compression stockings, compression socks  

 JuzoSlippieGator

Wear the Right Socks or Stockings with the Right Shoes

Socks are high on the list of everyday items we take for granted. Socks can make a huge difference in the health and comfort of everyday life. Socks and stockings can make a difference to not only to those with venous insufficiency, but also to those with diabetes and arthritis. People who wear the wrong socks can develop blisters, infections, and a bundle of assorted other maladies of the foot. Compression socks and stockings have many properties to keep the foot healthy; including increasing the circulation and keeping the feet dry. All have moisture–wicking ability. They wick the moisture from the inside of the sock to the outside to keep the foot nice and dry. Many socks have extra padding and cushioning which decreases shear and friction to the foot.

There has been a great misconception that cotton socks were best for the feet, but several studies have shown that although the cotton absorbs the moisture well, they do not wick it away from the foot. Cotton when wet, looses its cushion, stretches out, and wrinkles causing blisters. More durable synthetic blended fibers wick moisture away from the foot and maintain the cushioning affect.

No other part of the body has more sweat glands per square inch than the feet. Wet feet can lead to maceration, sometimes skin that experiences long periods of maceration becomes vulnerable to fungal and bacterial infection. As opportunistic organisms affect the area, it may become itchy or develop a foul odor. What’s more, because the skin is so much softer, it’s also more susceptible to injury from rubbing or friction. The solution is to keep the feet dry.

Jobst Mens Casual

Juzo Silver

Wool is an excellent fiber to blend with synthetic fibers because of its insulation qualities, and its ability to absorb moisture. There are many other products which are used in the wicking and anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of socks. Among them are silver. Even in ancient times these silver was used as anti-fungal and antibacterial materials. Silver is woven into the garments and does not wash out.

Along with the myth of wearing cotton socks, we have the myth of wearing white socks. It was thought that the dyes used in the garment could leach and harm already compromised feet. While white socks do allow those who have diabetes or neuropathy to keep a closer eye on their feet, the dyes of today are greatly improved.

The fit of stockings and socks can and is most important. Loose fitting socks as well as socks that fit too tight can be equally detrimental. Loose fitting socks in shoes can cause wrinkles and sores. If you have shoes that were fit with thin socks, don’t try to switch to a thicker sock thinking you can give your feet a treat. This can make the shoe fit to tightly and decrease circulation.

Care of the legs is equally important as care of the feet. Good circulation in the legs is critical to healthy legs and feet. Compression stockings help in control of venous insufficiency. The stockings increase the blood flow by assisting the venous valves and help decrease edema.

So wear the right socks or stockings with the right shoes.

Remember, support socks and support stockings can make great stocking stuffers.

Hang the Stockings by the Chimney with Care and

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

Lymphedema – Causes and Control

Every one knows this is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but we have many clients who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer and are working diligently to make others aware. Another topic we need to be aware of is Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Therapy, but wait, Lymphedema can be caused by any change in the lymphatic system. During surgery for cancer, physicians may take out lymph nodes near the tumor to see if the cancer has spread. The lymph nodes are collectors of lymph (a clear fluid which contains proteins, salts, and water, as well as white blood cells, which help fight infections) and removing them makes it harder for lymph to move to areas where it enters the blood stream. If the remaining lymph vessels cannot remove enough of the lymph in an area, the excess fluid builds up in the fatty tissues just under the skin and causes swelling most often in the arms or legs. Radiation treatment can also affect the lymph flow by causing scarring of the vessels. The lymph fluid that collects in the skin and underlying tissues can be very uncomfortable. Lymphedema usually develops slowly and may be mild to severe. It can keep nutrients from reaching the cells, interfere with wound healing, and lead to infections.

An example of Lymphedema from SupportHoseStore.com
Lymphedema

Lymphedema can be related to treatment for:
Pelvic area cancers (such as bladder, testicular, uterine, vulvar, or cervical cancer)
Chronic venous insufficiency that is uncontrolled
Breast cancer
Lymphoma
Melanoma
Prostate cancer

Lymphedema can also be related to uncontrolled edema.

Lymphedema is seen more often in the arms or legs, but it can happen in other areas, too. If Lymphedema occurs after breast cancer treatment, it can affect the breast, chest, and underarm, as well as the arm closest to the surgery. Treatment of tumors in the head and neck area has been linked with Lymphedema in the face, mouth, eyes, and neck. It can start soon after treatment or years later. Physicians don’t understand why some patients are more likely to have Lymphedema then others.

Once Lymphedema has been triggered, it cannot be cured. Early recognition and treatment can keep it from getting worse.

There are things you can do to help prevent Lymphedema.

Avoid infection.
When any part of the body is infected, the body makes extra fluid to fight the infection. If the lymph system is damaged in the area of the body where the infection is, it is harder to move this extra fluid and can trigger Lymphedema. Good hygiene and skin care can help you avoid infection.

Avoid extreme cold.
It can cause rebound swelling as you warm up and chapping of your skin, which may lead to infection.

Try to avoid burns.
Like infections, burns can cause the body to make extra fluid that may build up and cause swelling when lymph nodes have been removed or damaged. Protect yourself from sunburn by using sunscreen labeled SPF 15 or higher and try to stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day.

Avoid high heat.
High heat such as from hot tubs and saunas can increase fluid build-up. Do not use a heating pad on the affected areas.

Try to avoid constriction.
Constriction or squeezing of the arm may increase the pressure in nearby blood vessels. This may lead to increased fluid and swelling (much like water building up behind a dam). Wear loose clothing.

Trips by car, bus or train can be more detrimental to Lymphedema of the lower extremities. A properly fitted compression garment is a must; as is frequent breaks to walk. The muscles of the leg work with the garment to help move the lymphatic fluid.

Long or frequent airplane flights can trigger and affect Lymphedema of the arm. A well-fitted compression sleeve may help prevent swelling. Careful fitting is required by a compression garment specialist. A garment that is too tight near the top can actually reduce the lymph flow. A band with a silicone border is okay to keep the sleeve up.

Signs of Lymphedema

Even if you try your best, sometimes Lymphedema does develop.

  • Swelling in the limb nearest the surgical sight.
  • Area feels full or heavy
  • Skin may look red, feel tight or hard show definite changes in texture.
  • Joints near affected extremity may be less flexible.
  • Trouble fitting your arm into jacket or leg into pants
Lymphedema garments are necessary after reduction of swelling

Lymphedema Garments are Necessary After Reduction of Swelling

Early on, the swelling may be relieved by raising the affected limb and the skin usually stays soft. But over time, the swollen area may become hot and red and the skin hard and stiff.

If you think you are developing Lymphedema, get to a MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) Therapist as soon a possible!! Your extremity may need to be wrapped in bandages to reduce the swelling and the therapist will do special massages to open up the lymphatic vessels remaining so the lymph will drain. Once the therapist has achieved results, the therapist will recommend compression garments (armsleeve, glove, or gauntlet for the arms and stockings – usually 20-30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg for the legs). 

 
Caresia Bandage Liners from SupportHoseStore.com
Caresia Bandage Liners from SupportHoseStore.com

 Sometimes you will find you need to go back into bandages at night for a “tune-up” to maintain the control you have achieved over Lymphedema. We have a simplified solution to the bandages 
Caresia by Solaris (used to replace multi-layered bandaging during the active phase of therapy and transition to a night time garment).

I would like to leave with this thought; if you are at risk for Lymphedema, wear your compression garments!! If Lymphedema does develop, get to a MLD therapist immediately. Lymphedema will never go away, but with a good MLD Therapist and following a good program of skin care, massage, and compression garments, it can be controllable. - Thanks, Vanda

September is Healthy Ageing Month

September, “Healthy Aging” month, was started to give seniors and those “almost seniors” a way to make little changes in their lives which can greatly affect their quality of life down the road. Now you and I know growing older is one of the hardest things we have done. (Perhaps it is just something we thought would never happen to us.) We need to look at the positive aspects and not the negative aspects. We need to realize that it is not too late to take control, because it is never too late to start something new.

I read something the other day… “Dance like there’s no tomorrow”, it really caught my eye. Just as getting better oxygen flow to the lower extremities by wearing support stockings or support socks improves your leg health; exercise increases the oxygen to the brain. Older adults involved in regular physical activity are less likely to get dementia.

No matter our age, we should all be eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. We still have a great abundance available in the markets and we should be taking advantage of the difference they can make in our health. For example a woman my age should be eating at least 1.5 cups fresh fruit and 2 cups of vegetables a day. If you are not eating at least this, you are neglecting your health. Fresh fruits and vegetable contain fiber as well as vitamins and minerals your body needs to fight chronic diseases such as stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and some cancers.

As you all know regular check ups with your physician are also an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Although there are many tests that should be done, blood sugar for diabetes, colonoscopies for colon cancer, mammogram for breast cancer, and bone density for osteoporosis are a must as well as keep an eye on your blood pressure.

iHealth BP3 Dock

iHealth BP3 Dock can be used with any iPhone, iPad, iPod or iPod touch

Have you seen our iHealth Blood Pressure Monitor (BP3) Dock? The iHealth Dock works with any iphone, iTouch, or iPad. It makes taking your blood pressure really simple and painless. It takes your blood pressure on the way up instead of pumping very high and coming down slowly. (Ouch! That really hurts!) It keeps a record which you can email to a loved one, your physician, or yourself (you take control). Did you know that taking slow, deep breaths several times a day can lower your blood pressure slightly?

There are so many small steps you can take so you can enjoy “Healthy Aging” “Dance like there is no tomorrow”, eat healthy, and breath deep and slow.

Support Hose Store, Amarillo Chamber of Comerce 2011 Top Small Business

Here’s to our “Healthy Aging”,
Vanda

Support Stocking Donning Issues

Many times you have heard us say, “Use lotion the night before, do not use lotion on your legs right before putting on your stockings.” Our opinion and our manufacturers opinion has changed on this issue. We asked you not to use lotion right before donning your stockings because many of our great customers wear garments with silicone bands. If the lotion gets on the silicone band, the band is likely not to keep the garment up and will allow it to slip down. There is a simple solution to this problem…dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and rub the band to remove the lotion. This should also be done about once a week to remove body oils from the silicone band which normal laundering will not remove.

Rod and I recently had the opportunity to spend a few days on one of the beautiful Florida beaches (before Hurricane Irene). Our time there made me much more aware of what some of my customers have been telling us. I don’t know if you are familiar with the weather in Amarillo, Texas. We are “high and dry”…the altitude is about 3,600 feet and our normal yearly rainfall is about 19.5 inches (not so this year). So when our clients complain that their stockings are so difficult to put on because it is so hot or hot and sticky, well, I felt most people have air conditioning so their house is dry. Ha! Ha! While we were on the beach the temperature was 100 degrees and the humidity felt as though is must be at least 90%! Nothing seemed to ever dry out (even in our room)! After I took abiodetic™ foot cream shower and attempted to put my 20-30 mmHg pantyhose on, it was almost impossible! I did find it was much easier if I made sure I used my biodetic™ cream on my heels and feet first. It was a definite must to use my Sigvaris donning gloves (can’t live without them). The biodetic™ allowed the stocking to glide more easily (if there is a more easily when it is that hot and humid) over the foot. Please remember the lotion or cream you use on your feet or legs should not contain any petroleum products. They can break down the elastin in your garment. If any of you have had similar experiences, please let us know by scrolling to the bottom of the blog entry to leave a comment. You can leave it as a guest and not have to log in.

Thanks,

Vanda

SupportHoseStore.com 2011 Top Small Business

Amarillo Chamber of Commerce 2011 Top Small Business Award Winner

Amarillo Chamber of Commerce 2011 Top Small Business Award Winner

We are extremely happy to announce that on July 26, 2011 SupportHoseStore.com and Support Hose Plus (our brick and mortar) were notified by the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Awards Committee that we are one of six Amarillo businesses chosen to receive the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce 2011 Top Small Business Award.

This award recognizes local businesses, which have a history of excellent employee relations, outstanding business practices, and supports their community through charitable service and support. The scoring was broken down by business steadiness, business growth, employee relations, and innovation in community service.

Many of you already know our story of how SupportHoseStore.com started, but I will briefly remind you. Ten years ago in September of 2001 Rod and I started the company in our home with the idea of keeping it a home based business. We soon outgrew that and in May of 2003 we moved into a small store front, with the assistance from a grant awarded by the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, that we could use for retail as well as internet sales and could expand. We doubled and then doubled again and we needed help, so our son, Brent came on board. For the next two years we re-organized and brought on board new product lines. A year ago our son, Aaron, joined us and we continue to grow.

We currently have 16 employees, 13 of which have gone through a rigorous 3 month training period and are fully knowledgeable in donning, wearing and sizing of our more than 17,000 items. Once we train our employees, we don’t let them go. They receive an excellent benefits package while enjoying working in a comfortable, friendly, Christian family oriented company.

www.supporthosestore is family owned located in Amarillo, TX

The Lancour’s strive to be considerate and conscientious when dealing with our employees as well as our customers. We bring high quality products to our customers at a reasonable price and we try to treat them as we would like to be treated. We offer a no hassle 30 day return/exchange policy and most often extend this policy beyond because the only thing that is truly important to us is that the customer is in a garment that fits them well and that is comfortable enough that they are going to wear them. For most of our customers, our products are medically necessary and must be fit correctly in order to be beneficial by being worn everyday.

In the community, SupportHoseStore.com and Support Hose Plus are involved with many worthwhile organizations. These include: The Susan Coleman Foundation, American Cancer Society, Catholic Family Services, Faith City Mission in Amarillo, MD Anderson Research Foundation, St Thomas Catholic Church, St Andrews Episcopal Church and School, Amarillo Area Breast Health Coalition, The Don and Sybil Harrington Cancer Center, The Lance Armstrong Foundation along with many others too numerous to count.

We are in good company receiving this award and we are greatly honored.

Vanda

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