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The 10 Best Athletic Shoes for Bunions Reviews & Buying Guide 2019

If you are living with foot issues like bunions, you understand why investing in the best quality shoes is essential. Bunions are bony protrusions at the base of the big toe. While this is not actually caused by wearing tight-fitting shoes as most people believe, doing so can cause terrible pain and make your condition worse.

In this article, we picked and listed down the 10 best athletic shoes for bunions (5 for men and 5 for women) as well as their features and the factors to consider in choosing the perfect pair. Hopefully, this can help you stay active, pain-free, and comfortable all day despite having bunions!

Top Athletic Shoes for Bunions Revealed

ASICS Men’s GEL Venture 5 Running Shoe

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The GEL-Venture 5 Running shoes from ASICS offer excellent fit and comfort both for everyday use and for running. These shoes also come with Asics High Abrasion Resistant Rubber (AHAR) outsoles that provide incredible traction on any kind of terrain or surface.

For a quarter of a price of other competing shoes, the GEL-Venture 5 also offers support for overpronation and has a rearfoot GEL cushioning for shock absorption.

They are great for those who have bunions or have large and wide feet because they provide the toes with plenty of room to move around. The removable sock liner is another plus since this allows you to use your own orthotic inserts without cramping up the space inside.

As for the appearance, these shoes have outdoor-ready mesh runners and underlays with brushstroke patterns that give it a rugged yet stylish look. These shoes are also available in a wide variety of color schemes to fit your personal style.

Brooks Men’s Beast 14

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Brooks Men’s Beast 14 shoes are specifically made for wide, flat feet and also benefits those with bunions. They are best for moderate to severe overpronators who need a balance between proper cushioning and stability.

The breathable mesh upper is made with lightweight materials that hug the feet comfortably. These shoes also come with a moisture management element and sock liner technology to keep your feet fresh, cool, and dry.

For extra comfort, the collar and tongue are padded, and the soft fabric lining provides a nice feel. Moreover, the Biomogo midsole is an environment-friendly, non-toxic additive that adds a luxurious plush feel to the interior.

The outsole is made with Abrasion-resistant HPR Plus rubber for protection and durability.

Other features include the full-length patented Brooks DNA midsole that adapts to each stride, the segmented Crash Pad for a fluid heel-to-toe transition, Omega Flex Grooves to encourage natural foot movement, and the Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar for control.

ASICS Men’s Gel Nimbus 18 Running Shoe

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Made with 100% textile and synthetic materials, ASICS Men’s Gel Nimbus 18 helps reduce the aggravation and irritation of bunions. The upper features the ASICS FluidFit technology that uses a combination of multi-directional stretchable mesh and stretch reinforcements to create a glove-like fit and adapt the shape of the shoes to the user’s feet.

Constructed to provide incredible comfort, this model has GEL cushioning systems on both the forefoot and rearfoot. This reduces shock and allows a wider range of movement throughout the gait cycle.

Thanks to the FluidRide midsole, you get ultimate cushioning and bounce back without the added weight. This type of midsole is also proven to be exceptionally durable, so your shoes last for years.

The Heel Clutching System Technology incorporates an exoskeletal heel counter for improved heel fit and support. Because of the seamless construction, your feet are also safe from friction, pain, or irritation that can be caused by the shoes’ seams or stitching.

Brooks Men’s Adrenaline Gts 17

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Another pair from Brooks is the Men’s Adrenaline GTS 17. Like the Beast 14, it offers a combination of comfort, durability, and control to help you stay active without aggravating your bunions.

These running shoes provide support for overpronation. The upper is made with the same flexible and breathable mesh of the Beast 14, which follows the contours of the feet to give comfortable support. You can also adjust the asymmetrical midfoot saddle for an even more customized and secure fit.

The plush padded tongue and collar, soft fabric lining, the BioMoGo DNA environment-friendly cushion on the midsole which adapts to your stride, and the removable molded foam insole cushion all provide comfort for your feet.

Another notable feature is the Diagonal Rollbar which helps control pronation and maintain a smooth transition of your feet all through the gait cycle along with the segmented Crash Pad.

This model also has the same HPR Plus outsole with V grooves for enhanced durability, traction, and flexibility.

New Balance Men’s M1540V2 Running Shoe

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The New Balance M1540V2 is packed with features designed to help you focus on running, walking, or working out instead of worrying about your feet or causing pain to your bunions. It also stabilizes the foot to prevent overpronation.

The upper is made with 75% synthetic materials and 25% mesh for breathability and comfort. The ACTEVA

LITE foam offers lightweight foot compression without causing discomfort.

Featuring ENCAP®, the EVA midsole has a soft core with a sturdy polyurethane rim for added durability and support. The Rollbar Technology also gives you the ultimate control by minimizing rear foot movement.

This model also has a mesh collar and tongue made with breathable mesh for your comfort. We also like the subtle, neutral color combinations to choose from.

Salomon Women’s XR Mission Running Shoe

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The Salomon XR Mission Women’s is a recently launched off-road running shoe from Salomon. This trail running shoe includes Salomon’s Quicklace system that gives every individual a one of a kind comfortable fit that is not too tight which can worsen your bunions.

The outsole incorporates the Contagrip innovation which combines proficiency and strength for excellent traction when you require it most. This technology allows you to move with confidence even on mud or other slippery trails.

For a comfortable running experience, the Salomon XR Mission offers lightweight support through the Sensifit and Sensiflex technologies. These technologies provide flexibility and allow your foot to transition quickly and smoothly from one terrain or surface to the next and along the gait cycle.

The breathable mesh upper wicks moisture while the foam footbed reduces friction between your skin and the interior, which can inflame the skin on your bunions. The molded EVA midsole also adds cushioning and support without the extra weight.

Mizuno Wave Rider 19 Running Shoe for Women

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If you are looking for a consistent fit, fantastic performance, and unbeatable comfort, try the Mizuno Wave Rider 19 running shoes for Women! It offers smooth and delicate landings and takeoffs without aggravating your foot issues.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 19 also flaunts the new U4icX Strobel lasting board which offers extra cushioning and comfort for an improved underfoot feel. The Parallel Wave and U4ic midsole take care of the responsiveness and resilience of every step.

Aside from a stylish appearance, the Evolved Hado designed upper also has a classic 3D fit that conforms to your feet to provide support where you need it most while the stretched laces help you customize the fit.

The blown rubber used in the forefoot and the protective layer on the toe cap not only offer durability but also keeps your feet safe.

New Balance Women’s w940v3 Running Shoe

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With new and improved transition and cushioning properties, the New Balance W940v3 running shoes vow to provide the ultimate stability for your feet.

The ABZORB rubber material improves compression resistance, adds cushioning, and helps absorb shock. It also makes sure that you have incredible control over your stride while also reducing stiffness and overall weight of the shoes.

Another amazing feature is the T-Beam which is a flexible and lightweight TPU shank that protects your feet from twisting when walking or running on rocky terrains or uneven surfaces. It also supports the arch via a one-of-a-kind center beam design.

These shoes are specifically designed for overpronators but also offers comfort for those with bunions by absorbing impact and having a comfortable-fitting synthetic mesh upper. The polyurethane inserts, no-sew material application, blown rubber traction outsole, and the dual density midsole also add both comfort and support.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 Athletic Shoes for Women

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The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 18 is a fashionable choice for a flexible, supportive, and comfortable pair of shoes. The upper is made with a breathable and elastic synthetic mesh material that not only provides structural support but also leaves the feet with space to move around and has a sleek design.

The shoes have a lace-up closure system and an asymmetrical midfoot saddle that can be adjusted for a better custom fit.

Like the GTS 17 for men mentioned before, this model features removable molded foam insoles, BioMoGo DNA cushioning, the tri-density Diagonal Rollbar midsole, a segmented Crash Pad, HPR Plus rubber outsoles, and V grooves for improved transitions, pronation control, and durability.

Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 16 Running Shoe

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Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 16 shoes offer multiple features intended to give your feet a natural feel and save them from pain. With heat-bonded internal forefoot overlays, this pair provides amazing hold.

Thanks to the mesh upper, your feet can work in unity with the shoes and achieve a natural fit that’s not too tight nor too loose. This will give space to allow your toes to move and protect your bunions from pain while also maintaining the security of each step.

The improved heel counter even enhances the fit but still keeps everything lightweight at just 8.2 ounces. You can also choose from four different color schemes!

What makes these the 10 best athletic shoes for bunions?

While prevention is always better than cure, there are many ways to choose your shoes if you already have bunions. The right pair will not irritate the skin or inflame the bump, which can cause pain, but give enough space, support, and comfort to your feet. Here are some of the features to look for:

1. A wide toe box

Narrow shoes or those with pointed toes will inevitably pinch and put pressure on your bunions. So, look for those with wide, spacious toe boxes that are either square or rounded.

2. No Heels

Elevated heels will cause your feet to slide forward and squeeze your toes to the front part of your shoes. This can aggravate your bunions and cause inflammation. To avoid this altogether, opt for shoes that have no heels or are no higher than 2 inches in heel height.

3. Sufficient padding

The most popular equivalent of comfort in athletic shoes is padding or cushion. This helps prevent pain by shielding your feet from hard components of your shoes or outside forces. Look for shoes with padded insoles, an extra cushion on the forefoot, and a molded insole. This will let your toes move freely with enough space in between and reduce compression on your bunions.

4. No straps

Shoes with straps that fall directly on top or near your bunion will hurt. If you really have to have straps, choose those that are wider and made with soft, stretchable materials.

5. Stretchable and Accommodating upper material

Taking care of your bunions means the bumps are not restricted or pinched in any way. So, look for shoes with stretchy uppers. Usually, a stretchable mesh is the best since it also allows sufficient airflow to keep your feet cool and dry and to ward off a bad odor. Fabric and soft leather are great too because they can stretch and conform to the shape of your feet.

6. Adjustable

The best shoes for bunions should be adjustable in some way. Laces or straps that allow you to tighten or loosen the fit as you deem necessary is always great. However, make sure that the shoes still give you a secure fit. Otherwise, they might come off or rub at your skin.

7. The right fit

Supportive shoes are a must-have if you are suffering from bunions. Look for shoes that are not too tight and have extra cushioning that will keep the fit snug. However, do not wear shoes that are too spacious, either. This can cause your feet or toes to slide or move around too much, risking some irritation and friction that can hurt you.

8. Arch support

Any type of shoes, in my opinion, should have proper arch support. This will allow your feet to relax in a more natural position that prevents them from falling flat forward.

However, it’s worth noting that everybody has different needs when it comes to arch support. Some people have high arches while some have flat arches. Those with flat feed need more cushion in the arch to distribute shock properly since this impact can make bunions worse.

People with high arches, on the other hand, put most of their weight and the force of their stride on the balls and heels of their feet, which also adds extra stress if you have bunions. This also increases the risk of getting injured or developing other foot issues. If you want to make sure you get the best arch support, you might want to consult a specialist and ask for an orthotic inserts recommendation.

Conclusion

Overall, out the 10 best athletic shoes for bunions, our clear winner is the ASICS GEL Venture 5 for men and the Salomon XR Mission for women.

The ASICS GEL Venture 5 provides all of the required features to take care of bunions at a relatively affordable price. The Salomon XR Mission delivers comfort and support and fits true to size as well.

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-athletic-shoes-for-bunions/

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The 13 Best Nursing Clipboards Reviews & Buying Guide 2018

Wondering how to find the best nursing clipboard for yourself? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back. We will take you through the selection of the best models on the market and underline the features you should be looking for while making this important decision. Today, thirteen is your lucky number because it will help you find the best nursing clipboard for yourself.

Let’s start.

Top 13 Nursing Clipboards on the Market

WhiteCoat MedInfo Clipboard – Medical Edition

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WhiteCoat manufactures a broad variety of clipboards, so there’s no doubt you will find one that suits your needs. This particular full-size clipboard folds in half, so you can fit it into your white coat or scrub pockets.

It is made of lightweight aluminum and comes in many different colors. Also, the hinge is quite sturdy so you can set it to sit in a 90-degree angle if you want. This nursing clipboard can carry up to 15 pieces of paper without any crease. HIPAA compliant design makes sure that all of your sensitive patient documents are safe inside. At the same time, it will serve you as a quick nursing reference with detailed day-to-day information such as acid-base determination, fundamental laboratory values, pain scale, injection sites, etc.

At last, you can use WhiteCoat’s clipboard whether you are a nurse, physician, intern, resident, or any other healthcare professional.

WhiteCoat Clipboard – Nursing Edition

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Here’s another clipboard from WhiteCoat. Its features are similar to the previous model, except for the fact that this one is designed specifically for nurses. It is foldable, so it fits in your nursing coat pocket without any problem, and it has lightweight aluminum construction, so it won’t be too heavy for carrying around, no matter how many documents you place in it. Also, this clipboard is horizontal, not vertical, so If you need to place some papers in it vertically, you have to keep in mind that they’ll end up being folded in half. You can use the disinfectant to clean this clipboard without worrying about any damage. At last, the cheat sheet will definitely come in handy, with all of the useful information it’s offering.

Tribe RN Nursing Clipboard with Storage With Quick Access Medical References – Nurse / Student Edition

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Tribe’s nursing clipboard is a high-quality product that will keep your reports HIPAA compliant and provide you with enough storage room for your calculator, cell phone, highlighters, notebooks, report sheets, scissors (find the best nursing scissors with our guide) – whatever you need! It comes with handy color-coded reference sheet that will give you information on ABG, blood product transfusions, lab values, shock, vital signs, and much more.

This nursing clipboard features a heavy-duty clip, and slick, lightweight design. It comes in four different colors that will suit your style – pink, purple, mint, and black. Another essential feature of Tribe’s nursing clipboard is that it’s water resistant. Even if you get some liquid on it, which happens in hospitals, more often than you expect, you can simply wipe it down with sanitary wipes.

Nursing Clipboard with Storage and Quick Medical References Created by NRSNG

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NRSNG proudly states that their nursing clipboard is created by nurses for nurses. This means they’ve been where you are right to now, and they know what you are going to need. That’s why they are offering a HIPAA compliant storage, which is at the same time durable, quiet and roomy. This clipboard will provide you with enough space to store your cell phone, hemostat, patient notes, penlight, trauma shears and writing material.

All of the necessary nursing facts will be at your disposal with clipboard’s nursing cheat sheet – CHEM-7, CBC, common ICU drips, dosage calculations, EKG Basics, Glasgow coma scale, IM injection sites, insulin onset times, LFTs, medication antidotes, normal/abnormal ABG values, normal vital signs, 5 lead ECG placement, and even some necessary medical Spanish.

Most importantly, the cheat sheet sticker won’t come off, fade or peel, which makes this clipboard ideal for both registered nurses and nursing students.

Prestige Medical 3309 Nurse Assist Clipboard

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If you are looking for some additional features besides storage and quick nursing information guide, Prestige Medical Nurse Assist clipboard might be ideal for you. It features a clock, counts up/down timer, alarm, and calculator which can be extremely useful for your daily tasks. In comparison to other models, this clipboard is made of heavy-duty ASB plastic (so it might not be as sturdy) and it comes with one L1131 battery.

The dimensions of the clipboard are 13.5″ x 9″. It is two-sided, and it features an array of diagnostic referencing information which can be useful for both nurses, other medical professionals, and nursing students. The only color it comes in is pink with black text, which might be a bit tricky, but if that works for you, this clipboard will serve you right.

Healing Hands Nursing Clipboard with Storage

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Are you just starting your nursing school, preparing for your NCLEX or changing a job? If you need some daily motivation, Healing Hands nursing clipboard with storage has your back. Just like all of the others clipboards on our list, this model will provide you with HIPPA compliant storage space and concise information that will be helpful for both clinical rotation and NCLEX. However, this model comes with positive, empowering and inspirational stickers that will let you personalize your new clipboard as you want, and help you get through difficult days.

The clipping hardware has a firm grip, so you don’t have to worry about your documents falling out or getting lost. What’s particularly useful about Healing Hands clipboard is that their reference sheet comes with information on both adults and newborns, which is ideal for nurses who go through clinical rotations.

Medical Basics – Nursing Clipboard with Quick Medical Reference Sheet

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Medical Basics will provide you with a nursing clipboard that is simple, yet efficient and ideal for a busy nurse who is always on the go. This model is both durable and easy to use. It is made of hard, sturdy plastic, which makes for excellent writing surface and storing box. Its dimensions are 12.5” x 9”, which is standard and can comfortably accommodate all of your necessary documents.

You will also get a quick medical reference sheet that is optimized for quick and easy access. The information is organized in easy to follow tables and diagrams, so you won’t have any problem finding what you need. Common medical equations, conversions, common ICU drips, EKG interpretations, lab values, medical Spanish, and various other useful info will be just one look away.

WhiteCoat Engravable Clipboard – Nursing Edition

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If you want to buy WhiteCoats nursing clipboard, but you want to engrave your name in it, look no further, this is the one you should get. You will have to pay a few bucks more, but you will definitely reduce the chance of your clipboard getting lost or accidentally stolen by some of your colleagues.

Just like previous models, this one features aluminum construction and HIPAA compliant design, it is full size, and when folded, it can fit into your scrubs pocket. The powder coating ensures long-lasting durability. It will also serve you as a quick nursing reference.

Most importantly, you can choose among three different fonts for engraving your name into your new clipboard, and you can go as high as 27 characters.

Nursing Clipboard + Toolbox Combo by NRSNG

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If you need more than just a clipboard, you should consider purchasing this nursing clipboard plus toolbox combo. It includes following nursing equipment – cheat sheets cardstock (ABGs, cardiac, clinical, mnemonics, pharm, and more), clinical assistant templates (brain sheet, drug card, report sheet), lab value ID badge and the nursing clipboard, which makes it perfect for both nursing students and nurses in general.

NRSNG’s clipboard was designed by experienced critical care nurses, and it features a storage space for your assignments, clinical paperwork, notes and separate storage space for pens. Just like all of the other models, it comes with quick nursing references (such as assessment, EKG, GCS, lab values, math for meds, medications antidotes, medical Spanish, nursing pharm, etc.) that will come in handy whenever you need help interpreting medical documentation.

Nurse ReportBoard – Slim & Lightweight Professional Nursing Clipboard with Adult Reference Information

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As you’ve seen by now, nursing clipboards can come in many different colors. From vibrant pink to elegant black, it is up to you which one you like the best. However, some nurses prefer to have a simple, white nursing clipboard that will compliment their scrubs and hospital environment in general. If you agree with this, you should consider purchasing Nurse ReportBoard’s clipboard.

This model is slim and lightweight, made of sturdy, high-quality material. It comes with a side paper storage pocket where you can keep your report sheets. It will suit both registered, licensed, and student nurses. HIPAA Compliant Privacy Cover is here to make sure patients’ sensitive information is secure at all times.

At last, you will get an adult murse reference information and guide that will provide you with quick access to different measurements, lab values, common Spanish phrases, the rule of 9’s, and everything else a nurse could need!

Medics Nursing Clipboard for Clinical Rotations

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Medics wanted to design a clipboard that will be ideal for nurses and medical professionals going through clinical rotations. This means high durability combined with a broad spectrum of useful information given on the usual nursing references, on the inside and backside of the clipboard. So, they made a clipboard that is perfect for this exact purpose.

Of course, this model is HIPAA compliant, slim and lightweight and it will provide you with enough storage to keep your reports, scissors, cell phone, pens, anything you might need during your rotations. At the same time, it comes with color-coded cheat sheet that will make sure you know everything there is about ABGs (with interpretation), common ICU drips, EKG interpretation and lead placement, insulin and IM injection sites, lab values (CHEM 7, CBC, LFTs), needle gauge selection, normal vital signs, pain scale sepsis steps, and volume and weight conversion. Lastly, this product is waterproof and easy to clean.

WhiteCoat Vertical Clipboard – Nursing Edition

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If you prefer vertical folding over horizontal, but you still want to go with a reliable brand such as WhiteCoat, this is the model you should consider. Just like any other, this full-size clipboard folds in half to fit into your scrub pocket and has a lightweight yet sturdy aluminum construction. You can count on this clipboard to be heavy duty, and the hinges won’t loosen. You can carry 15 pieces of paper with yourself and not one of the needs to be folded. WhiteCoat knows that keeping all the information in your head can be complicated, so they made sure that you have a quick guide on your hands. The exterior sides of this clipboard will give you information on injection sites, EKG interpretation, lab values, acid/base determination and much more.

Whether you are still in the nursing school, or you already have a job, this product will serve you right.

ScrubNotes Nursing Gift Box – Brain Sheet, Clipboard, Medical Reference Sheet Cards

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Here’s another full nursing toolkit you can buy. Except for the nursing clipboard, this kit includes a brain sheet notebook (pocket or multipatient), one set of medical reference cards (nursing notes or scrubnotes), medical abbreviation booklet, and badge reel. The nursing clipboard is quite deep, so you can store anything you want in it, from pens, notes, scissors, and similar nursing equipment, to your tablet or Ipad if you need it. It is sturdy enough, and it will keep the medical documentation of your patients secure. At the same time, it will provide you with plenty of useful information so you can get through your shift smoothly, even when your concentration is not at 100%.

Conclusion

Many people think that buying a nursing clipboard is a no-brainer. You just go into the first stationery store and get the most beautiful yet reasonably priced one. Well, as you can see, things are not that simple. Nursing clipboard is supposed to be HIPAA compliant, to provide you with enough storage space and to make your work days easier by allowing you to take a quick look at some necessary medical information.

At the same time, it should be sturdy enough, water-resistant and lightweight, so you can carry it around. If it fits in your scrubs pocket (if you still haven’t found the perfect scrubs for yourself, these guides on best scrubs for men and women might be helpful), even better.

We gave you the best nursing clipboards you can find on the market, at the moment. Each one of them meets these standards. Now, it’s up to you to make a final decision. If you have any questions, or advice you’d like to share with us, feel free to leave us a comment.

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-nursing-clipboards/

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The 10 Best First Aid Kits Reviews & Guide for 2018

Accidents happen all the time, whether it’s at your house or outdoors. That’s why you should always think about having a first aid kit on hand.

See also: 

The 5 Best Dissection Kit Reviews & Buying Guide for 2018

The 5 Best Diabetes Test Kit Reviews & Guide for 2018

The 10 Best Blood Pressure Monitors Reviews & Guide for 2018

As a nurse, I want to help people who are not working in the medical field to find the right first aid kit.

That’s why I’ve reviewed some of the best products available on the market. If you want to find out more, please read on.

Top 10 Best First Aid Kits on the Market

Surviveware Small First Aid Kit – Light & Portable

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Thanks to its smaller dimensions and weight of just one pound, this first aid kit can fit almost everywhere, even into your car’s glove box.

It also has straps on the back so you can wear it on other bags or your belt.

The kit includes 100 essential basic life-saving items, all organized in labeled sleeves according to its functions, providing fast and easy usage in stressful situations.

Unfortunately, there are no medications included but there is a separate zip pouch where you can store the ones you’ve bought.

All items are packed in a 600D polyester case which is strong and waterproof. Moreover, all inner items are also protected from water by laminate pouches.

MFASCO First Aid Kit – Big, Ample Supply

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The MFASCO’s first aid kit that has more than basic essential medical supplies.

It includes both typical supplies like gauzes, bandages, and tapes as well as a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff, instant glucose for low blood sugar and the emergency blanket.

With over 400 supplies, this is the most complete first aid kit on this list.

Unfortunately, the trauma bag is not waterproof so be careful where you store it.

The bag that has enough space to add additional supplies and medications. However, it is not so portable because of its size and weight.

Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit – Dense, Quality Kit Crammed Up In A Bag Not Big Enough

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Swiss Safe is one of the leaders in providing high-quality medical-grade first aid supplies for both business and home use.

This FDA approved first aid kit features 120 medical items that are packed in a compact box made of durable material which is waterproof.

If you don’t want to carry around this kit and need a smaller one for hiking around your campsite, Swiss Safe got you covered. In addition to standard first aid kit, it also includes a smaller kit with 32 essential supplies to help you with minor injuries.

There is also a comprehensive 18-page first aid guide to help you correctly administer first aid in a wide range of emergency situations.

Trip Worthy Compact First Aid Kit – A Decent Kit, With Interesting (Not As Useful) Details

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The aim of this compact first aid kit by Trip Worthy is to meet all requirements and standards in a smaller, portable package. This first aid kit measures 5.1×7.5×2 inches and weighs just one pound so it won’t hog up your space when traveling.

All of the medical supplies included in this kit are FDA and there are some additional items like rain poncho, emergency blanket, and other survival items.

Unfortunately, there are no medications so you need to buy them yourself.

There is a manufacturer warranty which lasts 4 years so you can return the product if something’s not right.

The kit also meets the OSHA and ANSI requirements, making it suitable for workplace emergencies.

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series First Aid Kit – Big, Ample Package For Serious Use, With Minor Flaws

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This first aid kit made by Adventure Medical Kits is more adequate for longer backpacking trips with a larger group of people.

The manufacturer claims that it can manage injuries for up to six people on short trips of up to a week.

The kit features almost anything you need for minor emergencies, including antiseptic, iodine and antibiotic ointments, as well as supplies for more serious injuries. Common medications are also included, which has become a rarity among first aid kits.

All of the supplies are organized in 3 injury specific compartments- Fracture/Sprains, Bleeding/CPR and Wound Care/Burn/Blister.

There is also an extra space to add any additional items you’d like.

There is also a comprehensive guide to help you deal with emergencies in the wilderness.

Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight & Watertight – A Small Kit With Essentials

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If you’re a weight conscious adventurer who needs a small first aid kit, maybe you should consider getting Ultralight Watertight by Adventure Medical Kits.

Ultralight Watertight first aid kit comes in 4 different sizes but even the largest weighs only 8 oz. This is great for those who don’t want to carry too much weight during their adventures.

Bigger sizes have more medications, dressings, and bandages that are enough for up to 4 people and up to 4 days trip.

All supplies are protected in an outer bag with taped seams and waterproof zippers that can hold up against even the most extreme elements.

If you think that’s not enough, all of the items are stored in the DryFlex inner bag, providing a second, final layer of protection that makes the Ultralight/Watertight series completely waterproof.

DeftGet First Aid Kit – Quite Small, Somewhat Unreliable

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This first aid kit by DefGet is small and lightweight so you can carry it with you anywhere you go or you can leave it at home or in your car. Whatever you choose, you will have all the essential medical supplies for minor emergencies packed in a durable nylon case.

Thanks to the customer’s feedback, this newly upgraded first aid kit come with scissors and tweezers that are bigger and stronger.

The scissors and tweezers are made of stainless steel instead of cheap plastic ones that most first aid kits have in this price segment.

The only downside is that bandaids don’t have enough adhesive and won’t stick. I also think that there should be an ice pack and medicines included.

Swiss Safe First Aid Kit Pouch – Reliable & Good-Looking Package

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I’m finishing this list with pocket-sized first aid kit that will be enough for most basic emergency needs.

The kit measures 7×5 inches so it will perfectly fit in your hand, pocket or a travel bag. The nylon bag has two compartments with zippers for better organization and is stuffed with 64 items for most basic emergencies.

There are even gloves, tweezers and scissors which is unusual for kit this small. The scissors are made of plastic but this kit is not intended for major emergencies and injuries.

If you’re not sure how to administer first aid in a variety of common situations, the manufacturer has also included a basic first aid guide to help you.

The Thrive Brand 181 Piece First Aid Kit – Compact and reliable

[su_amz asin=”B00W4WDPM2″]

Made by Thrive, this first aid kit is a good emergency kit for daily use as well as adventures.

The lightweight and compact bag made of nylon and vinyl features 181 useful medical supplies for most emergency needs. There are also inner pockets for keeping the supplies safe and organized between uses.

This first aid kit measures 9×6.5×3.5 inches and weighs only 0.7 lbs, making it a compact first aid companion for every occasion.

Manufactured in a modern and sterile FDA registered facility and sold by FDA registered company, the Thrive first aid kit is a safe, sterile and regulated product complied with American ANSI and OSHA standards.

Protect Life First Aid Kit 150 Piece – First aid kit made by medical workers

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Protect Life is a team of doctors that share the same vision of having a first aid kit that will provide the essential protection that you might need in a potentially life-threatening situation.

Their first life kit has 150 items that are carefully selected to help you in an emergency. The included medical supplies are manufactured in a modern FDA approved facility so you can be sure that they’re high quality and won’t let you down.

All of the medical supplies are organized in a durable, compact bag made of high-quality 600D canvas. Thanks to its size and weight, this first aid kit is easy to carry and can fit almost anywhere.

There’s also a plenty of space to add other items and supplies you need.

Conclusion

I know that many people don’t pay a lot of attention when buying a first aid kit. Most people start thinking about them when they end up with a low-quality kit that doesn’t even include essential items.

In this post, there are various types of first aid kits that I’ve tried. Some of them are bigger, more versatile while others are smaller and cheaper. Not everybody has the same needs so I’ve tried to cover first aid kits that have different prices and purposes.

I hope that with this text you’ve learned more about first aid kits, what to consider when buying them so you won’t make a bad choice.

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-first-aid-kits/

[dangerouslylazydinosaur]

The 16 Best Nursing Scissors Reviews & Buying Guide for 2018

If you’re a nurse or working in a medical field, you know how important it is to have a pair of high-quality scissors. They are usually used to cut bandages, tapes and other medical items but they should also be able to cut through thicker and tougher materials like fabrics, plastic etc.

Not all of the medical scissors offer the same quality and performance. That’s why I’ve made a list with some of the best nursing scissors on the market.

See also: 

The 5 Best Dissection Kit Reviews & Buying Guide for 2018

The 15 Best Penlights for Nurses Reviews & Guide 2018

The 5 Best Stethoscopes for Nurses Reviews & Guide 2018

Top Nursing Scissors on the Market

PhysiciansCare by First Aid Only

[su_amz asin=”B007BEJ07W”]

These 7-inch shears with blades bonded with titanium (which is stronger than steel) are the perfect choice for cutting everything from gauzes, bandages, tapes to clothes and other materials.

Blunt tip and bent handle provide not only comfort and safety but also an effective and reliable cut.

In addition to basic trauma shears features, PhysiciansCare also has adjustable blade tension for cutting through different materials.

Clauss Titanium Bonded Bent Snips, 7″

[su_amz asin=”B000XB4U0C”]

These are another pair of 7-inch scissors similar to the previous product.

The blades are titanium-bonded meaning that they’re three times harder than stainless steel, while corrosion and adhesive resistant layers allow you to cut through various materials without a problem.

Add a comfortable grip for extended use and you have some of the best nursing scissors on the market.

Prestige Medical Fluoride Scissor

[su_amz asin=”B002WJHDZC”]

These medical scissors made by Prestige Medical feature fluoride coating that provides a non-stick surface for cutting tape and bandages with ease.

The blades are made of high-quality steel for prolonged lifespan, even after numerous autoclave sterilizations.

They are available in 2 sizes (5.5 and 7 inches) and 7 different colors.

Medical and Nursing Lister Bandage Scissors 5.5’’

[su_amz asin=”B00AVQ0J2C”]

These 100% ice tempered stainless steel scissors are a little bit different than typical medical scissors. The upper blade is shorter than lower in order to eliminate the risk of hurting yourself or others while cutting.

There is also a rounded tip so they can slide under the bandage easily.

Osung SCT115C Tissue Scissor, Curved, 4 3/4″

[su_amz asin=”B002ZXR3TG”]

Osung makes some of the best scissors but you’ll have to pay a much higher price for them. They produce their products with precision in order to provide maximum hardness, cutting-edge sharpness, and minimal wear and tear.

These 4 ¾ inch scissors have cutting edges that are grinded with precision in order to provide a long-lasting sharpness and the best cutting experience.

Made of German medical grade stainless steel, they can withstand numerous sterilizations without losing their sharpness which is important for nurses and other medical personnel.

EMT Trauma Shears with Carabiner

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These stainless steel 7.5 inches long scissors have a patented, steel-reinforced carabiner that allows you to clip them directly on your waistband. This way you won’t lose them and you’ll have them by your side at all times.

Since they are made from surgical grade stainless steel, these shears can cut through both thinner and thicker things like bandages, tapes, leather, and even seatbelts.

XSHEAR 7.5” Black Titanium Coated Extreme Duty Trauma Shears

[su_amz asin=”B01LZQBO4S”]

Unlike usual nursing shears, XSHEAR 7.5’’ Extreme Duty Trauma Shears have hardened stainless steel blades that are two times thicker for better durability and more precise cutting. They are also coated with titanium for superior durability.

The heavy-duty center bolt won’t allow them to flex or loosen, even when cutting through thicker and harder materials, while the patented blunt tip and curved design provide additional safety.

These trauma shears also excel in comfort thanks to its soft touch inner handles.

Black Stainless Steel Medical Shears by Nurse Nico

[su_amz asin=”B01HN568E6″]

Nurse Nico provides products that are tested in the emergency departments of many world’s leading hospitals in southern California so rest assure that they will meet all demands of a nursing job.

Made of Teflon coated stainless steel, these shears can cut through various materials with ease.

They only come in one size (7 inches) but the manufacturer claims that this is the most common choice for many nurses and they can fit perfectly in most hands.

Madison Supply, Premium Quality Fluoride Coated Medical Scissors, EMT and Trauma Shears 1-Pack

[su_amz asin=”B00YFG1U86″]

The all-black trauma shears have a fluoride-coated non-stick surface for cutting through adhesive bandages without sticking.

Thanks to its sharp edges and milled serrations, they can cut through both thinner and thicker, tougher materials.

Even though the handles are plastic, they are specially created to withstand higher temperatures during sterilization in the autoclave.

The manufacturer claims that these scissors can be autoclavable up to 290 F or 143 C.

Fluoride Coated EMT Trauma Shears with Carabiner

[su_amz asin=”B01N1GY8CR”]

These trauma shears are almost the same as EMT Trauma Shears with Carabiner. The biggest difference is that these pair of scissors are coated with fluoride so they won’t stick when cutting.

The scissors are 7.5 inches big which is a standard size in most hospitals, ORs and ERs.

Thanks to its high-quality medical grade stainless steel blades, they can cut through thicker materials like leather or a seatbelt.

You probably won’t lose these shears since they have a carabiner for clipping them onto your waist. This way they’ll always be by your side.

LEATHERMAN Raptor Shears

[su_amz asin=”B00BHZJB2K”]

Leatherman’s Raptor Shears are not just trauma shears.

There are actually six tools in this product – folding medical shears, a strap cutter, a ring cutter, a 5 cm ruler, an oxygen tank wrench, and a carbide glass breaker. Thanks to these multiple tools and features, you’ll carry less medical tools in your pocket and free up some space.

The shears are crafted from stainless steel blades that have serrations for easier cutting through thicker and tougher materials.

There are.numerous ways to carry these shears so rest assure that they’ll never leave your side.

Rainbow of EMT Paramedic Scissors 11 per Set

[su_amz asin=”B075WZTJR4″]

Medical workers often lose their medical tools, including scissors, during their shift and emergencies. That’s why it is always good to have a spare pair of scissors.

This product includes 11 basic medical shears for really cheap price. Each pair has a different colored plastic handle while the titanium-coated stainless steel blades provide precise cutting without sticking.

The blades are serrated with clothing-lift lip and rounded tip for improved safety.

Prestige Medical Curved Blade Dressing Scissor, 5.5 Inch, 1.45 Ounce

[su_amz asin=”B000B9JWQS”]

If you’re looking for medical scissors that are specially designed for wound care dressing , these Curved Blade Dressing Scissors by Prestige Medical are a great choice.

The 5.5-inch scissors have curved blades made of stainless steel that are designed for easy cutting through different types of medical dressings like gauzes, bandages etc.

Unlike other medical scissors that have plastic handles, these dressing scissors are made entirely out of steel, providing improved sturdiness and longevity.

Nursing Tools Nurse Scissors with Hemostat

[su_amz asin=”B07DX8XTZ6″]

These pair of scissors are some of the most feature-packed scissors on the market.

In addition to cutting, these scissors also have a hemostat, pupil and wound measurements and a clamp. There’s also an interchangeable rechargeable light for all those night shifts so you won’t wake up your patient with overhead lights.

The blades are made of Japanese surgical grade stainless steel while the handles have a built-in clip to keep your shears from sliding down the pocket.

A2ZSCILAB Lister Bandage Scissors 3.5″ Multi Color Rainbow Stainless Steel

[su_amz asin=”B01E0NWXZW”]

While most trauma shears are 5.5 or 7.5 inches long, these medical scissors by A2ZSCILAB are just 3.5 inches so they won’t take too much space in your pocket.

Other than size, these scissors are just another pair of trauma shears with stainless steel blades. The handles are also made of steel so you don’t have to worry about their durability or sterilization.

Listermate Autoclavable Bandage Scissor, 1.25 Ounce, 5.5”

[su_amz asin=”B01NCSGXUR”]

Listermate scissors are bandage scissors with traditional Lister bandage scissors design that is perfect for wound care dressing.

Their stainless steel blades can cut through any type of medical dressing with ease while the plastic handle has a nice grip for better handling.

The materials used for these scissors can withstand high temperatures so you can safely autoclave them on 143 degrees Celsius (290 degrees Fahrenheit).

Conclusion

These are some of the best trauma shears that are currently available on the market in my opinion. Some of them are cheap and more basic while others are pricier or have some additional features.

With this list, I’ve tried to cover nursing scissors that will suffice more than just basic needs. I mean, you don’t buy a good pair of nursing scissors every day.

Each of these nursing scissors are great in their own way. The choice depends on your needs and preferences. I just hope that I’ve made it easier.

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-nursing-scissors/

[dangerouslylazydinosaur]

The 15 Best Penlights for Nurses Reviews & Guide 2018

Almost every medical worker has a penlight by its side. It is a very useful and portable medical tool that will help you make a diagnosis easier. However, not all of the penlights available on the market offer the same level of quality.

That’s why today I’m going to talk about penlights and what to consider when buying one. I’ve also made a list with some of the best penlights that you can find on the market.

RAYOVAC Value Bright LED Pen Light with Battery

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Value Bright is one of the cheaper options available on the market. However, that doesn’t mean that this penlight doesn’t have some tricks up to its sleeve to compete with others.

While most penlights use multiple batteries, Rayovac’s penlight uses only one AAA battery which provides a great run time of up to six hours. Add an LED that can last for over 100.000 hours and you have a cheap but good penlight with great longevity.

The penlight is made very well for the price. The body is made of aluminum alloy and there is also a handy pocket clip for improved portability.

MABIS Reusable Penlights for Medical or Personal Use

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If you’re working in the medical field, you know how easy it is to lose your tools during emergencies and rush-hour. That is why this brand sells their pen lights in a pack of six at a pretty reasonable price.

Its high-intensity light makes it easier to observe pupils, ears, and throat and diagnose your patients. The light is bright enough to use it as a flashlight to complete many tasks in the dark like looking for keys or keyholes.

Each penlight comes with 2 AAA batteries and once they’re empty, simply replace them and use this pen light again. There’s also a clip for portability.

Prestige Medical Standard Disposable Penlight, Teal

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This basic pen light is made by Prestige Medical, known for various medical tools and supplies. In order to keep the price down, it is made of plastic. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not as durable as other pen lights made of metal.

The manufacturer made this penlight more attractive by offering it in 6 different colors.

The penlight is powered by one AAA battery that is sealed so unfortunately, you can’t replace it and reuse the penlights.

Escolite Pen Light

[su_amz asin=”B00PGR8AXG”]

This penlight has a sealed concentric beam, similar to other penlights on the market, making it perfect for eye, throat and ear exams.

There is an imprinted pupil gauge for proper assessment of pupil size. The other side has a 5 cm-ruler that can be used for various medical and non-medical tasks.

The aluminum construction provides durability and sturdiness while a metal pocket clip allows you to carry this penlight with you wherever you go.

The package comes with 2 penlights in 2 different colors – gold and purple. Every penlight works on 2 AAA batteries which are also included. This is a reusable penlight so you can replace batteries when you need and reuse it.

On’h Nurse Penlight

[su_amz asin=”B011BG686G”]

Many penlights require you to hold the button to keep the light on, making it less practical. However, this penlight from On’h Nurse requires just one click to get the extra bright sealed concentric beam of light for your exams.

Similar to the previous product, it has a pupil gauge for correct pupil examination on one side and a ruler on the other. The package comes with two penlights in two different colors- red and silver.

Powered by two AAA batteries which are replaceable, this reusable LED penlight has sufficient light to easily get you through multiple exams.

MDF® LUMINIX ILLUMINATOR Medical Professional Diagnostic Penlight

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Luminix Illuminator is a medical professional diagnostic penlight that uses a warm LED light for safe eye examination on patients. Because it is specially designed for medical use, there is a pupil gauge and a ruler on either side of the pen.

The double A batteries are not included, which is a little bit unexpected for its price.

This penlight by MDF might be pricier than other similar products but that’s probably because of its great build quality. The penlight has a sturdy construction that won’t break easily, even after multiple drops.

Opoway Nurse LED Penlight with Pupil Gauge, Warm White with Batteries, Pack of 2

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This is another good penlight that comes in a pack of two for the price of one, which makes it a great value for money. Its lightweight body is made of high-quality aluminum alloy with a metal pocket clip, making it both durable and easy to carry.

Similar to the other products from the list, there are a pupil gauge and a ruler on either side of this penlight.

However, the glossy ceramic-white finish can be scratched easily and the brightness could be better. Moreover, as with other penlights that use warm light, the color of tissues can be inaccurate, making it harder to check anything other than a pupil reaction.

Primacare DL-9224 Disposable Diagnostic Penlight

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The package contains 6 Primacare penlights for an extremely low price. Each penlight comes in a different color with imprinted pupil’s gauge for determining pupil size. There’s also a pen clip which also acts as an activation switch.

The Primacare penlights are made of plastic instead of metal so don’t expect them to be durable. Also, they’re disposable so you can’t replace batteries or reuse them after they run out of battery.

Primacare DL-9325 Reusable LED Penlight with Pupil Gauge

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This is another penlight made by Primacare but this one’s reusable. You can replace batteries and reuse it until the LED light bulb lasts.

The manufacturer claims that their LED technology is energy efficient, providing longer battery life and LED lifespan.

The package contains just one penlight that is made of plastic, similar to Primacare DL-9224, with imprinted pupil gauge on one side and pocket clip which also acts as a switch.

Welch Allyn 76600 Halogen Professional PenLite

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If you’re tired of cheap penlights that break easily and stop working after a short period of time, this product may be the one for you.

Unlike other penlights, the Welch Allyn’s Professional Penlite uses a bright halogen light that will provide a true color rendition of any tissue. The switch is designed in a way that it won’t turn on easily and prevent accidental battery drainage.

This penlight, made by renowned manufacturer Welch Allyn, is on the pricier side but it is one of the best medical penlights that you can find on the market. If you buy this pen, I’m sure you’re going to use it for many months to come without problems.

Streamlight 65018

[su_amz asin=”B00008BFS5″]

With Streamlight 65018 penlight, you don’t need to worry about liquids anymore.

The aluminum-made case is waterproof and houses a high-density LED which can last for up to 100.000 hours. It also provides an optimal brightness for an eye exam.

The penlight has a clip and a grippy texture so it won’t slip out of your hands during any type of emergency.

The downside is that it uses AAAA batteries which are much harder to find at a store than a regular AAA or AA batteries. Thankfully, it can last to up to 60 hours before you need to replace the batteries.

YOUNG4US 4-PACK Pen Light with Pupil Gauge

[su_amz asin=”B07DPLCBJD”]

The package contains 4 aluminum-made penlights with imprinted pupil gauge and a ruler for just 10 USD. The manufacturer claims that this is one of the lightest high-quality aluminum alloys that is durable, anti-rust and anti-corrosive, making it perfect for medical workers.

The lightweight body along with a metal pen clip make these penlights convenient to carry in your pocket, backpack, bag or a medical kit. I should note that the batteries are not included in the package but this is somewhat expected given its price.

Premium Pen Lights for Nurses

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The package includes 2 penlights with different color temperatures – one penlight produces white light while the other produces yellow light. This way you get the best of both worlds since yellow light is better for pupil exams while white light is better for throat, ears, skin etc.

The body is made of high-quality durable stainless steel which is a rarity among penlights. In comparison to the other products from the list, this penlight has a rechargeable built-in lithium battery that charges through USB. The penlight can be fully charged in 2 hours and lasts up to 3 hours.

CAVN (2 PCS) Reusable LED Medical Penlight with Pupil Gauge for Nurses Doctors with Pocket Clip

[su_amz asin=”B01HAXUE9G”]

The package contains two penlights in rose and purple colors, perfect for nurses who’re bored of bland and colorless medical tools. The aluminum-made body also has a pocket clip so you can hold the penlight on your uniform. Thanks to its push-button switch, the penlight is perfect for one-handed use.

Although the set is pretty affordable, it offers a great set of features and good performance. All in all, this is another cheap but great penlight available on the market.

RISEMART Nurse Led Medical Penlight with Pupil Gauge

[su_amz asin=”B0753YDLLH”]

With the weight of just 17.1 grams and a length of 5 inches, Risemart’s Nurse LED Medical Penlight is one of the lightest and most portable penlights on the market. The switch has an elastic rubber in order to prevent accidental lighting up in bags or pockets.

The manufacturer also made the head of the penlight concave so the light bulb is protected from accidental drops.

Conclusion

The penlight is one of the most commonly used medical tools. They’re an important part of every medical worker’s gear, used on a regular basis. That’s why it is important to find the right penlight for your nursing job.

The good penlight is the one that is durable so it can withstand multiple accidental drops. It should also be lightweight and have a clip so you can carry it easily. Also, the light it produces should be not too bright and give a true color rendition of the examined tissues.

I hope that with this text you’ve learned more about medical penlights and that I’ve made your choice easier.

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-penlights-for-nurses-reviews/

[dangerouslylazydinosaur]

The 5 Best GPS Tracker Watch for Kids Reviews & Guide 2018

When you’re working a job as intensive as nursing, you don’t have all that much time to take care of your kids. Long night shifts or double emergency shifts are always around the corner, and you can’t always have a babysitter ready. It all becomes even worse if you’re a single parent.

Luckily, there is an easy way to keep track of your kids even when you can be with them – equipping them with a smart-watch that also acts as a GPS tracker. These devices will allow you to always know where your child is and they also have a multitude of other uses. They have even been used in elderly care.

Today I’ll tell you all about how to find the best GPS tracker watch for kids and review some of the best ones I found.

How to Find the Best GPS Tracker Watch for Kids

Even if you’ve bought watches or smartwatches before you might not know what to look for when shopping for a GPS tracker watch for your kid. Well, here I’ll tell you what you need to watch out for when purchasing one.

Is it Easy to Use?

Not everyone is equally tech-savvy, and that’s okay – that’s why these devices have to be as easy to use as possible. When some emergency happens, you want to be able to get to the bottom of it as quickly as possible. That’s why most of these devices have Smartphone integration and can easily be controlled through an app.

Another thing to consider when it comes to the ease of use is how easy it is for your kid to use it, especially if they are still young. Can they easily understand what they need to press to call you or alert you if a stranger tries to snatch them? Can they even understand what the device is? These are all things you need to account for.

Besides that, the watch should also be comfortable for your child to wear. The material should be flexible, and it shouldn’t irritate their delicate skin. The fit should be snug, but it shouldn’t dig into their arm. It also shouldn’t be too easy to take off, and some anti-tamper features might be a necessity, to avoid your kid taking off the watch at inopportune times.

The watch should also have good battery life, since if it requires daily charging it is more likely to end up forgotten on some table or nightstand, which defeats the purpose of it. You also don’t want the battery to run out when you or your kid might need it the most.

Will it be Sturdy Enough?

Kids go everywhere, and I mean everywhere. How often have you found strange stains that come from god knows where? Sometimes it might seem like you can’t let them out of your sight for two minutes or they’ll do something weird and dangerous.

A watch like this is meant to help you track your kids when they go on such unforeseen ‘adventures’ outdoors. To that end, it should be able to withstand a lot of punishment. At the least it should be waterproof and temperature-proof – however, being resistant to some physical damage is also good. Resistance to hacking attempts is also something you should look out for.

It should also be able to last for a long while too since these devices can be expensive. You don’t want to have to buy a new one in a month or two.

Lastly, they should be as childproof as possible. Of course, it’s impossible to make a truly tamper-free device, but it should at least stop your kid from unscrewing the back and fiddling with the insides.

How Accurate Is It?

Not all of these watches are equally accurate, especially over longer distances. Some can only pinpoint the approximate location of your child, and the error can be between only a few inches and up to dozens of yards in some cases.

Some watches can only update your child’s location periodically. The time span can range from once every few seconds to once every few minutes. In an emergency, every second counts so you might want to go with a watch that updates as frequently as possible, to ensure that your kid is safe at all times.

Indoor tracking can also be a problem, as some of these devices are inhibited by walls and might malfunction. Make sure the device can work even while your child is inside a school building, for example. You can check this out by looking at some user experiences for reference.

What Features Does it Have?

When examining all the features that a smartwatch like this has, you have to keep two things in mind. First is whether the features will be useful to you in tracking your kid and keeping him or her safe. The second is whether the features will appeal to your kid and make him or her want to use the watch and keep it on their arm at all times.

As far as the first consideration goes, there are plenty of immensely useful features that a watch like this could have. One of the most useful ones is called geo-fencing – this allows you to set up zones where you want your child to be and have the program alert you when the child leaves the safe zones.

Another useful feature is a panic button that a kid can instantly push to alert you that something bad is happening. Some watches even have an automated alert they can send you when they detect that the watch has been removed from the child’s arm – whether by the child itself or someone else.

As far as entertaining features go, games or limited access to the internet can ensure that your kid will keep their watch on, simply because they will find it useful and fun. For the younger kids, a nice, colorful design featuring characters they like will also get them to keep the watch on their arm.

The 5 Best GPS Tracker Watches for Kids

ABARDEEN Smart Kid Safe 2G GSM GPS Locator

This is a relatively inexpensive smartwatch that has most of the functions you will need to keep track of your kid and make sure they are safe. It has a host of useful functions that you can utilize, and they’re all easy to use.

One of the most important features is the geo-fence – you can set up a zone that the kids can be in and, once they leave it, you will be instantly notified. No more sneaking out of the school or house!

There’s also a handy SOS button that your kid can press if there’s any trouble and it’ll automatically call three pre-recorded phone numbers. However, it does need to be pressed for 8 seconds to activate, which might be a bit too long in some situations.

Another useful feature is that the watch can be set to automatically call you, without the kids knowing, so you can hear what’s going on around them. It’s purely a one-way call, and your kid will not be able to detect it.

However, the watch is a bit fiddly and difficult to set up. You might have a hard time getting it to do what you want. Once it is set up, it works great, it’s comfortable, and the batteries last a super-long time.

Pros:

Geo-fencing feature

Automatic one-way calls and number blocking

Comfortable to wear

Long battery life and it’s durable

Cons:

The SOS button needs to be held for too long

Difficult to set up

The waterproofing is not great

TickTalk 2.0

As far as accuracy goes, this is one of the best watches out there. It can pinpoint the location of your kid both indoors and outdoors to a yard, which is more than most of these watches can do. However, it has more features besides those.

It also has a good SOS button that activates after 3 seconds of holding it, but there is also an instant SOS icon and the screen. Besides that, it also has a one-way texting feature, two-way calls, and a listening feature as well as call blocking and the ability to memorize 13 contacts. You can easily set up all of this since it has a clear interface and good instructions.

Besides that, it’s also durable so your kids can go out with it or play sports with it without you needing to worry. Sadly, it’s not waterproof, so you should make sure that your kids stay out of the water while it’s on.

The watch is fairly expensive up-front, but it does come with a great pay-as-you-go plan that will relieve some of that cost over time.

The battery does need to be charged daily, and you should make sure it’s charged often enough, or it will stop working when you might need it the most.

Pros:

Highly accurate both indoors and outdoors

Easy to use for both kids and adults

Incredibly durable

Comes with a good pay-as-you-go plan

Cons:

Fairly expensive

It’s not waterproof

The battery has to be charged daily

LG GizmoPal 2 VC110

The best part about this watch is the accuracy and the fact that it works indoors as well as it does outside. It is also compatible with most phones, and it’s easy to use – everything can be set up without much fuss.

It’s a bit too easy to use though. Accidental phone calls or settings changes are not uncommon with this device, and you’ll have to check it from time to time. If you’re not careful, the accidental calls might incur huge phone bills.

There’s no SOS function either, or a texting function – calls need to be made manually. It can only call 4 numbers in total as well, so it’s doubtful that all the emergency phone numbers can be fit into it.

One of the most bizarre downsides is that it doesn’t show the time – only reads it out loud. Not a huge issue, but it is supposed to be a watch after all.

Overall, it works well for the GPS tracking feature, and it’s sturdy, but it doesn’t offer much more than that.

Pros:

The accuracy is good, and it works indoors

Fairly durable

Long battery life

Cons:

It can only hold up to 4 phone numbers and has no SOS

Not waterproof

Easily makes accidental calls

Tycho Anti-Lost GPS Smart Watch

This is a great, multi-functional smartwatch that can do almost anything you want. It’s also exceptionally easy to use, with a lot of tutorials existing online, provided by the manufacturer. They also provide great support for anyone who wants to use the product, even outside the United States.

The features included here are numerous – there’s an SOS button that will call all family numbers, a camera feature, geo-fence feature, real-time tracking alongside a footprint record and more. It has almost everything you might want in a watch like this, and it doesn’t even cost too much.

Of course, the watch is not without its flaws. For starters, it is not completely waterproof – it will survive a rainy day, but not an accidental splash in the water. Another problem is the low battery life – if used sparingly, it will last for a day or two, but it might not even last 12 hours, especially if the camera is used.

Still, it’s an incredibly good GPS watch for your kids and easily one of the best out there.

Pros:

Exceptionally easy to use with great customer support

Comes with a ton of useful features

Incredibly accurate tracking

Durable and resistant to impact

Cons:

Only partially waterproof

Low battery life, needs to be charged daily

POMO Waffle Smart Watch

This smartwatch contains a lot of useful features, but it is not without some flaws. I’ll start with the good, first.

Some of the features it has include – a safe-zone feature to alert you when your kids go out of pre-determined zones, scheduling, two-way and one-way calls, a take-me-home feature to guide your kids home if they get lost, text or voice messages, trip history, an SOS button and more. It’s absolutely loaded with quality.

The bad part is that this watch has massive problems with the most important feature – location tracking. Requests for manual updates rarely work, automatic updates are also not consistent, and the location is not accurate. The phone app is also quite bad.

It’s also too easy to take off, and you won’t know if your kids do that. So, overall, it fails at the main function despite everything else it provides and it’s overpriced too. It might still be worth a look if the tracking has gotten better with the still-ongoing updates.

Pros:

It has loads of great and useful features

Battery life up to 72 hours

Waterproof and scratch-proof

Comfortable to wear

Cons:

The price is incredibly high

Problems with location tracking

Too easy to take off

Conclusion

Now you see how a device like this can be immensely useful to a parent with a nursing job and how it can be utilized to help keep your kid safe. With the instructions here you should be able to find the best product for you and your kid. Or just pick one of the ones I reviewed if you don’t want to waste time – they’re all great.

Any additional questions you might have can safely be placed in the comment section below – I’ll get to them as soon as I can and try to give you the best answer possible. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you need additional help.

Anyway, I hope you liked the article and that you’ll come here again in the future, for some more great advice. Until then I hope both you and your kid stay safe

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-gps-tracker-watch/

[dangerouslylazydinosaur]

The 5 Best Nurse Lunch Bag Reviews & Guide for 2018

When you’re a nurse, every inch of space counts and you can’t carry just anything. However, having some extra space for bringing your own lunch is almost a necessity, since it will help you avoid unhealthy take-out food and save you from constantly looking at your watch during the lunch break. Still, you can’t bundle it in with your medical equipment – it’s simply unsafe.

The best solution for this is getting a dedicated lunch bag. It doesn’t have to be too large – just enough to fit everything you need for a meal. It won’t add much to your load, but it will help you carry all the nutrients you need for the day.

Today, I’ll talk about the best nurse lunch bags that can be found on the market today and how to find the right one for you.

How to Find the Best Nurse Lunch Bag

When you’re out shopping for a lunch bag, you might not know what to look for, and the things you need to consider are not the same as when you’re buying a regular or a medical bag. Here are the most important things you should keep an eye on.

Check Out the Capacity

As a nurse, you need to bring a lot of stuff without overburdening yourself. It’s tough to manage, and you’ll probably find yourself ‘playing Tetris’ every morning. To that end, you need a lunchbox that can carry enough stuff but is also compact and not too cumbersome to carry.

Raw capacity is not the only important thing, though. The way that capacity is distributed is also important. A bag with one large compartment is drastically different from a slightly smaller bag with many different compartments. You’ll probably need to pack different foods separate from each other, so the second option is preferable.

The shape and size of the individual compartments are also important, as well as how leak-proof they are. If you don’t want food to mix, that last part is especially pertinent – or you can eat porridge-covered cake if you want.

Of course, it all depends on what you’re looking for, but the key thing is to get a bag that can adequately fill your needs without being too much of a burden.

Make Sure It’s Durable Enough

You should always get your money’s worth and a bag that falls apart in a matter of months is not a product you should get. Always check how well it’s constructed before buying it since it can also be a safety hazard. You don’t want to spill food, especially hot food, in the middle of a hospital or even the street. At the least, you don’t want to stain your scrubs.

There are no surefire ways to check how durable a bag is, though you can always check the stitches and seams and see if there are already some signs of them coming apart. If there is, don’t buy that bag. You can also consider the material it’s made from – bags made out of thicker fabric are more durable, and bags made out of steel are better than plastic ones for sure.

Another way to check this is to see what other people who bought the bag say about it. A throng of negative reviews mentioning the poor durability is something I would take as a sign to avoid buying the bag.

How do You Carry It?

Different lunch bags will have different carrying methods built into them, and that should play a key part in your selection process.

There are three main ways that lunch bags like these can be carried. Those that have backpack-like straps can be carried on your back, those with a handle can be carried in your hand, and those with a shoulder strap can be slung over your shoulder. Some bags might have two or even three of these carrying methods built into them.

Of course, besides the ways in which you can carry it, you should also look at the quality of the straps or handles. Can they withstand the pressure? Can you fill the entire bag and expect them to stay in one piece? The best way to see if this is true is to look at customer reviews and decide based upon real user experiences.

Some smaller lunch bags or boxes don’t have any straps or handles – these are meant to be carried in another bag and not by themselves. This has some benefits too since it can keep your load much lighter if you don’t need that much capacity, so having no strap or handle doesn’t immediately place a lunch bag out of consideration.

Insulation is a Huge Plus

One of the best additional features you can have in a lunch bag, and one of the most commons ones is insulation. It means that the bag is good at keeping heat in and keeping it out, so hot food will stay hot and cold food will stay cold.

Besides just checking if a bag has insulation or not, you should also check how good the isolation is. Some bags will be able to keep food hot or cold for up to 12 hours, which is great for those long night shifts. However, such bags will have thick insulation, making them heavier. If you don’t need to store food for that long, go for a bag with lighter insulation.

Also, another thing to take into account is how far does the isolation extend – you might want to keep some foods out of it and some foods in it. In that case, having pockets that aren’t insulated in addition to a large insulated compartment is good for you.

In the end, it all depends on what your exact needs are.

Are There Any Good Extras?

Lastly, another thing to look at is the extras that come with the lunch bag you’re buying. Some of those extras might be especially important, like additional plastic holders that can fit neatly into the bag, or a set of good eating utensils. Water bottles or thermoses also come as extras with some lunch bags and they can immensely useful.

Of course, some extras can just be useless junk. To check the usefulness of the extras that come with the bag you should check out some user experiences on the matter. Also, definitely don’t buy a bag just because it comes with a lot of extra goodies – it might mean the bag is of poor quality and it’s sold on the back of these things, and what you need is the lunch bag itself.

The 5 Best Nurse Lunch Bags You Can Buy

To help you make your choice, here are my thoughts and opinions on the best nurse lunch bags I could find right now.

Everest Cooler Lunch Bag

This is an exceptionally cheap lunch bag, but it is functional and even exceptional in some areas. It also looks good, coming in a wide variety of beautiful color schemes. But, enough about the looks – what’s inside?

Well, inside is some good isolation that can keep food hot for up to 6 hours and cold for even 8 or 10 hours, depending on the outside temperature. It also has around 300 cubic inches of capacity, so you can store quite a lot inside. It even has a few additional, non-insulated pockets and compartments that you can use.

The only way to carry it is by using a shoulder strap, so if that’s not your style, it might not be right for you. It’s not difficult to carry due to being so compact, but it might not fit some people.

There are some problems though – especially issues with durability. The zippers on the two main compartments are quite flimsy and will start malfunctioning quickly, even if you take care of them. The side pockets are also small and mesh on them is flimsy, so they’re not of much use.

Overall, it’s good and cheap but you shouldn’t expect it to last for too long.

Pros:

It’s got plenty of capacity

It’s easy to carry

The insulation is great

The price is quite low

Cons:

It’s not exceptionally durable

The mesh pockets are too small

Kaptron Lunch Bag

This is a trendy looking lunch bag that’s completely eco-friendly and machine-washable, making it easier to clean than most lunch bags. That’s good because it gets dirty quite easily and the smells are difficult to get out even with repeated washings.

Otherwise, the bag is completely waterproof, and it’s not prone to leaks either – quite durable in all regards. The handle can withstand the full weight, and it also comes with a good shoulder strap. Another great extra is the matching bottle cover.

The capacity is decent, and it can carry boxes up to 10x6x10 inches. The interior is insulated, but don’t expect your food to stay hot or cold for more than 2 to 4 hours, or even less than that.

The shape of the bag is a bit odd, so it might be difficult to carry certain foods or containers in it. There’s also a distinct lack of any extra pockets – you only have one compartment, and that’s it.

Overall, it’s not too bad, especially for a price like this, but it certainly does have some flaws that keep it down.

Pros:

Easy to clean since it’s machine washable

Completely waterproof

Has a handle and comes with a shoulder strap

Comes with a great bottle cover

Cons:

The insulation is not too great

It gets dirty fast and keeps smells

The shape is odd, and there are no extra pockets

FUNJIA Double-decked Insulation Lunch Bag

The price of this bag is great, but that’s just the start of it. Overall, it has decent capacity while also being compact and incredibly easy to carry. Both the handle and the shoulder strap work good, and you can rely on them even when the bag is full. There’s also an additional pocket on the side if the inside is not enough for you, perfect for a water bottle.

The insulation here is decent, but not exceptional. It will keep foods cold or hot for around 4 to 6 hours at most, but no more than that. Using ice to supplement the isolation is not an option here since this is not a waterproof bag at all.

One of the main downsides here is the fabric it’s made out of. It gives it a good look, but it tears easily, snags on everything and it starts looking shaggy in a matter of weeks.

The stains are the worst – they won’t come out no matter what you try. It stains easily, and you’ll have a hard time keeping it clean.

Overall, it’s a good smaller bag at a low cost, but don’t expect it to last.

Pros:

It comes at a great price

Great capacity with a good additional pocket

Compact and easy to carry

Cons:

The felted fabric gets shaggy and tears easily

It stains easily

Comes with no extras

Everyday Supply Co Insulated Lunch Bag

The insulation here is quite good, and it even comes with two ice packs that fit neatly into it if you need to keep your food or drinks extra cold. With the packs in, it should keep stuff cold for up to 12 hours or even more. Even without them, you can expect your food to stay cold or hot for up to 8 hours.

Another great thing about it is the shoulder strap – it has nice padding, and it’s wide enough, so it doesn’t dig into your shoulder. It’s a bag that’s easy to carry, and you can also use the handle. The capacity is decent as well, with a size of 10×7.5×9 inches.

Of course, it’s not perfect, and there are some flaws. The zippers are the most important thing since they break easily and you’ll need to be extra careful with them if you want to keep using it.

The bottom of the bag is also not hard enough, which can pose problems when you fill it to capacity.

Another key part is that the insulation might come off, especially if you wash it too rough, so be careful with that as well.

It’s a great bag, but you should watch out for those problems when you buy it.

Pros:

The shoulder strap is great and makes it easy to carry

It has a lot of useful extra pockets

Comes with two ice packs

Resistant to stains

Comes at a great price

Cons:

The zippers are flimsy and break easily

The bottom has no support

Modetro Lunchbox

If you’re looking for an ultra-compact lunch bag/box, this is the one you should get. It is made for carrying one meal, but it excels at it. It comes with a great handle and an attractive exterior that hides a bento-style lunchbox with three separate food compartments that are completely safe and leak-free. Overall, it’s 9×9 inches, while being only 2 inches wide.

The food container itself is incredibly easy to clean, and it doesn’t hold any smells. It can be put in the dishwasher, and it’s completely safe to do so. The smaller compartments hold 7 fluid ounces, while the larger one takes 14 fluid ounces.

There is no insulation to speak of here though, so don’t expect your food to stay at the right temperature. There is an extra insulation bag that you can buy, but that’s extra money spent on top of the high price of this lunchbox.

Overall, it’s good if this is the style of lunch bag that you’re looking for and are willing to pay the high price. However, if you want something for the entire day, this is not for you.

Pros:

Extremely compact and easy to carry

Three separate, leak-proof compartments

Incredibly easy to clean, dishwasher safe

Incredibly durable

Cons:

The price is too high

It is not insulated at all

You can only bring one meal in it

Conclusion

So, there you have it; those are some of the best nurse lunch bags you can get, and you should now be able to find the best one for you. It might not even be on this list, but you should now know what to look for.

If you have any advice to offer or you just have further questions, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact me through the comments below the article. I might be able to help you.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the article and good luck nursing until the next one!

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-nurse-lunch-bag/

[dangerouslylazydinosaur]

The 5 Best Home Juicer Reviews & Buying Guide for 2018

In today’s fast-paced world, people are always searching for ways to do things quicker, including essential activities like eating. Since fast food performs poorly regarding a person’s long-term health, we’ve decided to write about a healthy version of fast food – freshly squeezed juice.

Someone as busy as a nurse could definitely benefit from buying a juicer as their job isn’t easy by any stretch of the term and they could use a glass of nutritious beverage in the morning.

Making your own juice is fast, good for your body, and will only take you a couple of minutes. What’s not to like?

The only thing that will make this happen is a juicer. And today, we’re discussing which is the best home juicer available for purchase today.

Why buy a home juicer?

To help you understand just how incredible juicing is, we are going to talk about some of its main benefits. This section is a must-read for anyone who is trying to preserve/improve their health.

Better nutrient absorption

It’s no secret that freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices are packed with vitamins and minerals. However, many are not aware that it is much easier for your body to absorb nutrients from juice than from whole foods.

The reason for this is that the juicing process removes fiber and other solids, and liquids take much shorter to digest. This means that all that good stuff will be in your bloodstream in no time.

Boost your immune system

Nurses spend a lot of time around ill people and are constantly exposed to bacteria and viruses, so having a few shots of nutrition-dense drinks per day will help strengthen their immune systems.

In case you happen to contact the flu, a cold or any other airborne disease, the nutrients from the juice will assist in flushing out the toxins from your body.

Improved weight loss

Those who are struggling with a bit of extra weight should try juicing. You see, a juice is filled with nutrients which are essential to keep the body functioning properly, but at the same time, it is low in calories. This is a perfect combination of features for anyone who is trying to lose those persistent pounds.

Improved cognitive functions

An increase in mental sharpness is often reported by those who drink fresh juice. This happens due to the improved blood circulation which transports oxygen throughout the body, including the brain. The chances are that your mood will improve, you will feel calmer, and more focused during the day.

People who wear compression clothing because of poor circulation should give juicing a shot.

Trying new fruits and vegetables.

It’s not a sin to dislike a particular vegetable or fruit in their raw or cooked form, but we advise you to give these foods a second chance by juicing them. Many have found that their least favorite produce tastes much better in liquid form, and some have even decided to try foods which they’ve never had before.

We say that this can only be a good thing as different fruits and veggies contain different vitamins, enzymes, and minerals so eating as many kinds as possible will probably benefit you.

Save time

Most of us are racing to do all that we need to do in the short period of time that we have before going off to work, so saving a couple of minutes can be a precious thing. Juicing allows you to spare some time on food preparation as it is swift and will give you a far more nutritious breakfast than any other food you could make in the same amount of time.

Types of juicers

Centrifugal juicers

This is the kind of juicers that can be most commonly found. They have a fast-spinning metal blade which separates the solids from the liquids with the help of a mesh filter. These devices are suitable for juicing fruits while they’re not optimal for leafy greens such as spinach.

They are relatively affordable and fast, but the high-speed blade might kill some enzymes and nutrients from the produce, and they generally give lower yields than the masticating type.

Masticating juicers

Also known as cold-press juicers, these devices have a slower operating mechanism which doesn’t create heat. They are more expensive than centrifugal juicers but are less noisy and give juice of better quality.

What to know before buying a juicer?

Easy to use

Ease of use is a factor which is often overlooked by folks when buying a juicer. It is, nevertheless, an important one so, please pay attention to it.

You certainly do not want a machine which takes a long time to assemble/disassemble, especially in the morning, when you’re still not fully awake. So, fewer parts equal easier to use.

Also, make sure to look for a juicer which doesn’t have too many functions as this will only make it more complicated to operate.

Some other characteristics which will give you more convenience are a large feeding tube and a large disposal spout. The first feature will allow you to throw in larger chunks of fruits/vegetables into the juicer, while a big spout will enable you to juice higher volumes without having to empty the waste or clogging the machine.

Noise

Noise-level of the juicer might not seem like a big deal, but at the second thought, you will realize that there are some strong reasons for buying a quiet device. For example, if juicing early in the morning, a noisy device might wake up your family or even your neighbors, and this is something that everyone would want to avoid.

Generally, high-speed centrifugal juicers tend to be the loudest while slow, masticating ones are much quieter. Our advice would be to go for the latter.

Wattage

The power of the juicer plays a significant role in extracting juice from fibrous vegetables such as sprouts, spinach, and kale. If you plan on juicing these vegetables, you should look for a device that packs at least 400 watts; anything less will probably not give you the desired result.

Of course, more power means a higher electricity bill but it will give you better quality juice, and you’ll save money on buying less produce.

Dimensions

Before buying a juicer, check how much space you have available in your kitchen. Remember, many of these devices are pretty bulky so make sure that you can fit it in your living space. However, keep in mind that smaller is not better as you might have problems juicing larger volumes or feeding the device with bigger chunks of food.

Cleaning

Relating to our first point of this section, try to find a juicer that doesn’t have many parts. The more parts it has, the more difficult it will be to clean. On average, a device with 5 to 7 pieces can be considered a simple juicer so let that be your guide.

Price

When speaking about juicers, the price usually determines quality so do not try to save a few pennies by buying a cheaper model. For example, high-speed centrifugal juicers tend to be cheaper but give lower quality juice and use more produce so, in the long run, you will actually be wasting money.

Slow, masticating juicers are pricier but more efficient as they create less waste and give you more juice than a centrifugal model would for the same amount of produce.

Top 5 Best Home juicers

After we’ve learned what are the things a good home juicer should have, now is the time to put this newfound knowledge into use. We’ve browsed the market and found top-performing products, and now we’ll review them based on previously mentioned standards. Let’s see how they fare and which one you should get!

1.Breville 800JEXL Juice Fountain

The 800JEXL is a 1000-watt powerhouse of a centrifugal juicer which is currently one of the most popular products of its kind on Amazon. Its manufacturer, Breville, is a reputable company, so there is no reason not to look into this device a bit further.

Firstly and most importantly, this juicer is very user-friendly and does not feature any complicated functions and controls. It has a wide feeding tube, with the diameter of 3 inches which can easily fit half pieces of fruits. There are two speeds, a high and low one so you can pick whichever suits the moment.

Secondly, the 800JEXL is relatively loud, which is common for centrifugal juicers. This might not suit some people who do not want to disturb others by juicing early in the morning.

When it comes to size, this juicer is big and heavy which is understandable as it is made from titanium and steel. However, there are many bigger models, so its size isn’t so bad.

Speaking of cleaning, the device has only two parts so taking it apart to wash it should not be a problem.

Last but not least, Breville 800JEXL comes at a relatively high price so you might want to look into more products before deciding which one to buy.

Pros

Gives quality juice

Efficient

Offers two speeds

Cons

Expensive

Bulky and heavy

Noisy

2. Omega J8006 Nutrition Center Juicer

The J8006 is a masticating juicer that hails to us from Omega, a company that needs no introduction. It is one of the top-sellers on Amazon and has more than 3.500 reviews that tell you why.

This device is versatile, so besides juicing, it can be used for making nut butters as well as other, general food processor purposes. With this multi-functionality comes a broader set of controls than you would typically find in this kind of machine, so it might be a bit complicated to use for some.

One of the top benefits of this device is that it operates really quietly, which is a characteristic that everyone would love. It is highly efficient in juicing anything from fruits to vegetables and creates minimum waste while providing excellent juice.

Its dimensions amount to 14.5 x 6.5 x 15.5 inches which makes it an average size masticating juicer. Cleaning the device turns out to be slightly less convenient than one would expect, due to it having several parts that need to be disassembled.

Omega J8006 is one of the pricier products of its kind, but it’s still cheaper than the previous model we reviewed.

Pros

Minimizes waste

Gives quality juice

Versatile

Cons

Not so easy to clean

Complicated to use

3. Breville BJE200XL

Breville’s products are so good that we decided to throw in one more of their juicers into this review list.

Same as the previous model from this company, the BJE200XL is a straightforward, centrifugal juicer. It’s very user-friendly as its controls are simple and it has some great properties such as a large feeding tube.

As with most other centrifugal devices, this one too makes a fair amount of noise that cannot be silenced in any way. The reason for this is the 700-watt motor which spins the blade at 14000 rpm. It can chop anything you throw in it, but it will do it loudly.

BJE200XL’s dimensions are 9.5 x 8.75 x 16 inches so it can be considered an averagely sized juicer. The body is made from heavy grade polymer while the cutting blade is constructed of stainless steel. The construction of the device is not complex, and it has only five removable parts which can be disassembled for cleaning in no time.

When it comes to price, this juicer will probably be affordable to most. It is more than two times cheaper than some other products in this article and offers excellent value for the money.

Pros

Simple to use

High-powered

Easy to wash

Cons

Noisy

Not for juicing greens

4. Hamilton Beach 67650A

If you’ve ever shopped for kitchen appliances, then you’ve probably heard about Hamilton Beach, a leading company in this field. Today, we’re taking a closer look at their 67560A juicer.

This one is a centrifugal juicer and is a good option for people looking for a plain and effective device. Its controls are easy to figure out, and it has a large feeding chute (3 inches) so that you don’t have to chop the produce a lot before feeding it into the machine.

Speaking of noise, this device is as loud as an average high-speed blender, and if this doesn’t suit you, look for another product. The motor packs 800 watts of power (1.1 horsepower) which is a pretty high score in this aspect.

Regarding size, the juicer is 9.13 x 13.19 x 16.34 inches big so that it might be slightly larger than some other centrifugal devices. Cleaning the juicer is not very difficult, but there are some parts which might be troublesome, such as its filter basket.

All in all, this is a good quality product that offers immense value for a competitive price.

Pros

Easy to use

Affordable

Powerful

Cons

Noisy

Relatively bulky

5. Cuisinart CJE-1000

Last but not least, we have a product from Cuisinart, another world-class appliance manufacturer.

CJE-1000 is a centrifugal juicer with a 3-inch diameter feeding tube and a 1000mL pitcher to catch the juice. Unlike many other devices of its kind, this juicer is operating relatively quietly, which is a huge advantage.

Just because it is a low-noise machine, it doesn’t mean that it lacks power. Quite the contrary, its motor has 1000 watts, and the blade spins at a speed of 14000 rpm. It chops fruit and hard vegetables efficiently, but it isn’t the best option for leafy greens.

The device should be cleaned right after juicing if you want to prevent cleaning difficulties in the future. It is quite simple to take apart, and the entire washing process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.

At 15 x 11.8 x 19 inches, CJE-1000 is a pretty big juicer so those who lack countertop space in the kitchen should probably look for some other model. Regarding price, we can place this product in the mid-range category, but it is well worth it.

Pros

Quiet for a centrifugal juicer

SImple to use

Affordable

Cons

Large

Not good for leafy greens

Conclusion

As you can see, the world of juicers is versatile and abundant so finding a product that suits your needs should not be a hard task. The benefits of this appliance are more than evident, and the best part is that you do not have to break the bank in order to purchase one.

Based on our personal preference and the type of juicer, the Omega J8006 Nutrition Center Juicer seems like a clear winner here, and the best choice overall.

Investment in your health is the most important thing you can do in your life and by getting one of these devices you are doing just that. Also, remember always to check other people’s experiences and reviews before you spend your money on a product.

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-home-juicer/

[dangerouslylazydinosaur]

Finding the Best Dissection Kit on the Market – 2018 Reviews and Buying Guide

Nurses and nursing students often tend to avoid dissection as they find it nauseating.

However, it is an essential part of learning about human or animal anatomy, and whether you like it or not, you will have to go through it at least once during your education.

On the other hand, you might not be a student anymore, and still need a dissection set. Some people prefer to have it as a part of their first aid kit, and some like to perform smaller interventions, like removing splinters or ingrown toenails (even though this is not recommended), on their own. At last, some people purchase dissection kits as tools for their hobbies.

Whatever your reasons for buying the best dissection kit are, we are here to help.

We will tell you what to look for and present you the best models on the market.

Let’s dive in!

What Are the Main Instruments Used in Dissection?

As a nurse or a med student, you will go through anatomy and physiology class, sooner or later. This means you will have to dissect or at least “poke around” some animal and their organs (such as fetal pig, sheep brain and eyes). Sometimes you will even get a chance to work on a human cadaver.

For all of these scenarios, you will need a proper dissection kit.

Before we jump into talking about the best dissection kits on the market, let’s take a look at the basic instruments that you’ll use. This will also give you a general idea of what every kit should have.

Scalpel

Most commonly, you will get one or two scalpel handles and many disposable blades. Each blade should be made of stainless steel.

It is crucial that your scalpel is sharp because its primary role is precision cutting.

Scissors

You will use scissors even more often than you use a scalpel. They are the primary tool of the dissection kit, which means their quality should be impeccable.

You will use them to cut skin and tissue.

The trick is to keep the blades at a shallow angle while cutting into an organism. Holding your scissors in such manner will prevent any potential damage to internal structures of the specimen.

Probe

Probes are used to manipulate probe openings and specimens.

Pins

Pins that come in different sizes and shapes will help you position and identify different parts of a dissected organism.

Forceps

You will come across straight and curved forceps in your dissection kit. These are an essential tool because they are used for manipulating and grasping separate parts of an organism during the dissection.

Teasing Needle

Teasing needles are multi-purpose tools used for manipulation, probing, or cleaning the parts of specimens. If you find a dissection kit that comes with many teasing needles, you will feel like you won the lottery.

How to Choose the Best Dissection Kit?

What are the main characteristics a good dissection kit should have?

Here are the three key aspects you should consider:

Stainless Steel

You want the pieces of your kit to be made of stainless steel.

When we say this, we mean the whole instrument, not just the upper part of their body which comes in contact with the organism you are dissecting.

Tools that have stainless steel bodies instead of plastic handles will be more durable, and you will be able to sterilize them properly, without affecting their quality.

Country of Origin

When it comes to purchasing dissection kits, you will come across four most common country of origins – Germany, China, England, and Pakistan.

Germans produce great high-grade, professional medical instruments, which offer fantastic quality but often cost hundreds of dollars for only a few pieces.

When you see the sentence “Made in China” stamped on the label of a dissection kit, stay away from it. The low price might be tempting, but the quality of the product will be poor as well. Their instruments are usually not made of real stainless steel, they are dull and tend to rust.

If you purchase a new dissection kit that is made in England, you might get the best kit ever, but you also might end up with something completely useless. Buying a set from this country is a game of hit or miss, and you can never be sure what you’ll get. Most commonly, you will overpay for whatever you chose. So, it is best to stay away from it.

At last, Pakistani dissection kits are amazing! They combine the quality that is close to German with prices that are almost as low as Chinese ones. You can’t make a mistake if you go with Pakistani made instruments.

Number of pieces

The first thing you should remember is that the stated number of pieces doesn’t mean you will get as many different pieces as it is noted on the product declaration. It means you will probably get half of that number in different dissection tools, and half will be disposable scalpel blades. Make sure to check the product description, to see what each set includes. This way you will know what you can expect.

If you only plan to use your dissection kit just a few times in classes, you can go with sets that include fewer pieces. However, if you plan to use it for a long time, and different purposes, get a more comprehensive kit that will allow you to perform various operations with it.

Top 5 Dissection Kits on the Market – 2018 Reviews

26 Pcs Advanced Dissection Kit – Premium Quality Stainless Steel Tools – Best for Biology / Anatomy / Botany and Veterinary Students or Teachers

As a nurse, you probably know that if you want high-quality blades, you should look for the instruments made in Germany. This German twenty-six-piece set is made of stainless steel, and it will serve you right for years! It includes fourteen permanent tools and twelve disposable scalpels that will help you learn more about anatomy, biology, veterinary and zoology. Most importantly, the set comes with a lifetime warranty.

This amazing kit has an elegant, matte brushed look. The case it comes in, is durable and has a sturdy zipper, so you don’t have to worry about your precious instruments getting damaged. The tools are both lightweight and feel comfortable in your hand.

However, you will find there is no blunt probe in this kit, so you might have to purchase it separately. Also, the bands in the case don’t hold all of the instruments as they should, so be careful as you open the case.

Pros

The case is durable, with a sturdy zipper.

The kit has a matte brushed look.

The tools are lightweight and comfortable to use.

It offers enough tools for both students and medical professionals.

The instruments are robust and extremely sharp.

Cons

There is no blunt probe in this kit.

The case doesn’t hold all of the instruments correctly.

The knife handles won’t fit standard blade sizes.

The magnifying glass is cheaply made.

22 Pcs Advanced Dissection Kit For Anatomy and Biology Medical Students With Scalpel Knife Handle – 11 Blades

All medical instruments that you get in this kit are entirely made of the highest-grade German stainless steel. This means they are rust-free and you can sterilize them without damaging the material. The set includes eleven permanent tools (dissecting needles, operating and iris scissors, scalpel handle, different types of examining forceps, mall probe and groove director) as well as eleven single-use scalpel blades.

If you are looking for addition for your advanced first aid kit, or a set that will help you perform minor surgeries, this will suit your needs. Stainless steel body makes this set easy to sterilize. All of the blades are sharp and precise. If you dot like the set, you can count on a 100% money-back guarantee.

However, not all pieces are well made, some of them seem pretty flimsy. For example, the scissors are a bit dull. Unfortunately, the set doesn’t come with any instructions which would be handy.

Pros

It offers eleven extra blades for the scalpel knife.

Ideal for minor surgery, and useful addition to a first aid kit.

Stainless steel handles make the set easy to sterilize.

The scalpel blades are sharp.

The instruments are precise in the application.

Cons

The forceps are a bit small for more substantial dissection needs.

It doesn’t come with any instructions.

The scissors are a bit dull.

Some pieces seem flimsy.

20 Pcs Advanced Biology Lab Anatomy Medical Student Dissecting Dissection Kit Set with Scalpel Knife Handle Blades #10 + #11 (Hti Brand)

Here’s the list of things you will get in this fantastic twenty-piece-set: curved mosquito hemostat forceps, straight iris and operating scissors, disposable scalpel blades and handle, straight and curved dissecting needle, mall probe and three different dissecting forceps. This is more than enough high-quality instruments for a med student or a nurse, to learn more about the human body.

If you are tired of sterilizing instruments, you will be glad to know that the scalpel blades in this kit are disposable. You won’t find a more affordable, yet sharper and more durable set on the market. The portable case is compact, and you can easily place it in your backpack.

Unfortunately, once you place a blade in the scalpel handle, it might be a bit difficult to remove. The zipper on the case is loose, so make sure to watch your fingers. You might find some of these tools too small for large cuts.

Pros

The blades are disposable.

It is affordable and offers more pieces than you need for medical school.

The portable case won’t take up too much room in your backpack.

The instruments are high-quality and razor sharp.

All of the pieces seem durable.

Cons

Blades might be a bit difficult to remove.

The zipper on the case is slightly loose.

Your instruments might end up sliding all over the case.

Some tools are misaligned and too small.

Dissecting Set – Advanced Biology Instruments (BSS)

This eleven-piece-set is specifically designed for higher education. It comes in elegant, zippered leatherette case and includes straight and curved dissecting needles, operating and iris microscissors, Halsted mosquito, Adson, and both curved and straight micro Graefe forceps. You will also get two scalpel handles and blades.

It is great how this set has plastic covers on tweezers and forceps. Remember how many times did you poke your hand with a pointy ends on your previous kit. This is a feature you should appreciate. Feather blades will make the set up easier, and the instruments will feel nice and weighty in your hand. At the same time, every piece seems to be durable.

On the other hand, the forceps from this kit might not be the best one for intensive dissection. The bands of the protective case might fail to hold your instruments in place, and the blades will probably fit just one out of two scalpel handles, which is annoying.

Pros

Tweezers and forceps come with plastic covers.

The scalpels are made with feather blades.

The instruments feel weighty and comfortable in your hand.

The set is extremely durable.

The value for money ratio of this product is impressive.

Cons

If you perform the intensive dissection, buy better forceps.

The bands that hold the instruments aren’t tight enough.

The blades might fit only one of your scalpels.

It doesn’t come with toothed tweezers.

29 Pcs Advanced Dissection Dissecting Kit-6 T-Pins-Biology & Anatomy Tools- Medical Student Instruments – Stainless Steel- Scalpel Knife Handle Blades

If you want a versatile, comprehensive dissection kit, this twenty-nine set might be the one you are looking for. All of the instruments are made of stainless steel, sterilizable and autoclavable. It includes iris and operating scissors, mosquito, splinter tweezer (curved and straight) and teeth dissecting tissue forceps, teasing needles (bunt and with both straight and curved tip), T-pins, groove director, twelve blades, and a scalpel knife handle.

This set will offer you a range of different instruments adept at dissecting all kinds of tissues and structures. The cushioning in the case will hold your tools in place. The fact that it comes with a lot of T pins should be appreciated.

However, the scalpel handle might be a bit rough. If you hold these instruments in your hands for a long time, they might become uncomfortable. To be honest, this set is adequate for med students, but it won’t suit the needs of a medical professional.

Pros

The instruments are adept at dissecting different tissues/structures.

Everything is made of stainless steel.

The cushioning in the case holds all of the pieces in place.

It comes with a lot of T pins.

The instruments are sharp, durable and feel comfortable in hand.

Cons

The handle of the scalpel is a bit rough.

After long dissecting sessions, instruments become uncomfortable.

The zipper on the case doesn’t close all the way.

Great for beginners and students, but not professionals.

Conclusion

Today, you’ve learned how to pick the best dissection kit for yourself, and you’ve seen five of the best models on the market.

Still, we have to pick one that superior to all of the others.

Based on our criteria, the winner is Scientific Precision’s 26 Pcs Advanced Dissection Kit – Premium Quality Stainless Steel Tools – Best for Biology / Anatomy / Botany and Veterinary Students or Teachers.

This dissection kit is made of high-quality German stainless steel, it has durable enough, sharp pieces to keep anyone satisfied and it comes in a well-made protective case. To top all of that, it is quite affordable.

What do you think about our choice? Do you think some other set would be better? Do you have any questions that we didn’t cover in this buying guide?

Feel free to leave us a comment, we will respond as soon as possible.

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-dissection-kit/

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Kick-Start Your Morning With The Best Home Espresso Machine

Raise your hand if you can’t start your day without a hot cup of coffee in the morning!

If you’re anything like me, you can’t imagine going about your busy day without having your morning dose of caffeine. And if your lifestyle is genuinely hectic, standing in line in the coffee shop is a less-than-ideal solution, too. So why not bring that coffee shop flavor into your home, instead?

Keep on reading, and I’ll help you pick the best home espresso machine!

Choosing The Best Home Espresso Machine – A Detailed Buyer’s Guide

Buying the best espresso machine can turn out to be an overwhelming experience if you’re not entirely sure what you’re doing. With so many different types, features, and prices to choose from, you’re more likely to end up getting a headache, rather than a new espresso maker.

Luckily, you have me in your corner. Here’s all you need to know to make an informed purchase!

Pick The Right Type First

The first thing you need to choose is the type of espresso machine you’re interested in buying:

Manual – Manual home espresso makers require a completely hands-on approach. You can’t push a few buttons and leave the unit to do the job for you, because you’re the one in control of the extraction process. It’s hard to master the skill of operating one of these, but the end product is well worth the hassle.

Semi-Automatic And Automatic – If you want to take the guesswork out of the equation, you should focus on semi-automatic and automatic models, the slight difference between them being that the semi-automatic ones still give you some control over the pump.

Super Automatic – If you want to be able to press a button and be done with it, super automatic is the way to go. It will grind, brew, pull, and froth – without ever asking you to do anything. Well, expect cleaning it from time to time, that is.

Recognize Your Particular Needs

Now that you know the different kinds of espresso makers available on the market, it’s time to ask yourself one crucial question:

Why do I need a home espresso machine, in the first place?

Sure, the most obvious answer would be to make espresso, but I’ll let you in on a little secret – most modern espresso makers are capable of making lattes and cappuccinos, too. Is that something you’d be interested in trying?

Moreover, are you the only one in your household that will use the espresso maker? If the answer is no, you should check the unit’s capacity, too.

There’s no right or wrong here, though – it’s all about recognizing your particular needs.

How Much Space Do You Have?

It might not have a lot to do with the overall quality of the coffee – or the machine itself – but don’t overlook the fact that this espresso machine has to fit somewhere in your kitchen. If you’re going to use it daily, it has to sit on the counter, along with some other essential kitchen appliances, right? And no, getting rid of other devices to make some space for an espresso machine isn’t an ideal solution, either.

All I’m saying is make sure you have enough room for that particular model you have in mind.

Set A Budget – And Stick With It

Okay, let’s talk money. One thing you need to know before you even start browsing the market is how much you’re willing to spend. Here’s the thing:

Home espresso machines can be super cheap, but the price tag can go well above the $2000 mark, too. And with so many options available, it’s easy to get carried away and forget to consult your wallet on the matter.

The good news is that most manufacturers offer models within different price ranges, so instead of going with the most expensive one, set a price you’re comfortable with, and pick a machine that has all the features you’re after – in that price range, of course.

FAQ About Home Espresso Machines

In case you have some additional questions, this round-up of frequently asked questions about espresso machines should help clear things up a bit!

What’s the difference between regular coffee and espresso, anyway? Sure, espresso is essentially coffee, but you’re buying a home espresso machine, not a regular drip coffee maker, so you already know there is a difference – even if you can’t put your finger on it. The difference lies in the preparation process – instead of slowly filtering hot water through coffee grounds, espresso relies on near-boiling water and pressure.

When it comes to espresso machines, does “more expensive” equal better? I won’t tell you that you should spend a small fortune on what is essentially a coffee maker. However, there’s a reason why all espresso machines don’t cost the same. That said, the unit’s price doesn’t play a huge role in the flavor – the brewing process and the coffee itself do. So, instead of getting caught up in the price tags, pay attention to features like temperature control that will ensure your coffee tastes perfect cup after cup.

How am I supposed to clean my espresso machine? Exact cleaning guidelines may vary greatly depending on what model you own, but most do allow you to take them apart to some extent and wash the pieces separately. A general rule you should always follow, though, is that you should never put the parts in the dishwasher if the instructions don’t explicitly say it’s safe to do that. Other than that, a quick wipe with a damp cloth should be more than enough.

Best Home Espresso Machines In 20018: My Top 5 Favorites

Now it’s time to check out the actual espresso machine reviews – here are some of my favorites that I’m sure you’ll like, too!

1. Nespresso Inissia Original Espresso Machine – A Good Place To Start

The first thing I noticed about the Nespresso Inissia is how compact and lightweight it is – if you’re struggling with finding enough space for your appliances as it is, this model is probably a perfect choice for you. I’m pretty sure you could bring it along on your trips if you’d like, too.

On top of that, it’s incredibly fast. All it takes for the water to reach the ideal brewing temperature is around 25 seconds, which means you’ll have your espresso ready almost instantly.

All in all, for an average espresso drinker, this model is an excellent place to start.

However, you should know that it’s noisy – not enough to wake up the entire house, but enough to annoy you when you’re fresh out of bed. You’ll get used to it, though.

Another thing I’ve noticed once I did the math was that the capsules it uses could turn out to be quite an impact on your monthly budget. They’re not exactly affordable, to begin with, and if you find yourself reaching for another cup every few hours, the costs will add up quickly.

Pros:

It heats up in less than 25 seconds

Has a small footprint

Makes up to nine coffees without refilling

Brews two cup sizes – espresso and lungo

Includes an automatic milk frother

Suitable for making lattes and cappuccinos

Turns off automatically

Cons:

It’s noisy

The capsules are a bit pricey

2. Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine – Feel Like A Barista

If the previous model was suitable for the inexperienced, then the Breville espresso machine is the complete opposite – a semi-automatic unit that lets you adjust the grind size and amount, among others controls and settings. You’ll instantly feel like a real barista!

Moreover, the unit comes with all the essentials you might need for the best possible espresso making experience – a trimming tool for perfect dosage, a stainless steel milk jug, water filter, single and dual filter baskets, and a cleaning kit to keep your espresso machine in top shape!

However, since water is bound to end up in the drip tray after every brewing, you’ll have to empty it quite frequently – every few days, to be on the safe side. If you wait too long, you’re in for a mess.

But, these types of home espresso makers do come with a catch – when you’re able to control so many factors that go into making a cup of coffee, it usually means it comes with a learning curve.

That said, once you try the rich-tasting espresso you made, you’ll see that learning how to use one of these Breville espresso machines was well worth the effort.

Pros:

Has a built-in adjustable burr grinder

Has a huge 67-ounce tank

Brews single and double shots

Uses a Thermo coil heating system

The automatic Purge Function adjusts water temperature

Comes with essential accessories

Cons:

It has a learning curve to it

You have to empty the drip tray frequently

3. Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker – Make Espresso With A Touch Of A Button

If you’re not a fan of messing around with a bunch of different adjustments and prefer the hands-off approach to making espresso, then this Mr. Coffee model is perfect for you – push a couple of buttons, and you’ll get consistent results every time. Even the milk frothing feature is automatic!

The unit gives you the option to choose between single or double shots, as well as making espresso, latte, or cappuccino, so it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone. Furthermore, the reservoir is large, so there’s no need to refill it that often.

One thing you need to keep in mind is that it’s loud. And I don’t mean like a steady murmur in the background – this thing goes into a full beast mode, especially when you’re making drinks that require milk frothing, too. That said, I’ve never seen – or used – a quiet espresso machine, anyway.

Oh, and one more thing – it doesn’t fit taller mugs, such as travel ones, so pouring coffee from your regular cups to the tall one might be your only option if you want coffee on the go.

Pros:

Makes espresso, latte, and cappuccino

Brews single or double shots

The one-touch panel makes everything easy

The milk frother is automatic

The water and milk tanks are removable

Cons:

It gets loud, especially when making lattes

Doesn’t fit large mugs

4. Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine Bundle – Fast, Compact, And Affordable

If you don’t want to bother learning what it takes to make a perfect shot of espresso, but you don’t mind drinking one yourself, you’ll love the Nespresso Vertuo’s automatic approach to everything from setting the temperature to shutting down when it’s done.

What sets it apart from other models on this round-up is the automatic blend recognition – the unit recognizes the blend and sets brewing parameters according to it, so you get excellent results each time. All you need to do is choose one of five different cup sizes, and in about 15 seconds, your espresso will be ready to be served. How amazing is that?

Now, if you like your coffee piping hot, this might not be the perfect choice for you. Sure, it’s warm but hot? Not so much.

Another thing I need warn you about is that the costs of the coffee pods tend to add up over the course of a month. That said, if you compare these expenses to the vast sums of money you were spending in your local coffee shop, you’re still saving up a lot – and that’s always a plus.

Pros:

Features automatic blend recognition

Heats up in 15 seconds

Brews five different coffee cup sizes

Shuts down automatically

Removable water tank with a 40-ounce capacity

Comes with a milk frother

Cons:

The coffee isn’t hot

The pods are expensive

5. Bialetti 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker – Back To Basics

Lastly, I wanted to show you guys something entirely different – a Bialetti stovetop espresso maker. It’s time to get back to basics!

All these new models are great, because they don’t leave a lot of room for guesswork, but I wanted to include something for those of you that prefer the old-school approach for making espresso at home.

The unit features a recognizable eight-sided design, an aluminum body paired with a plastic handle, and it comes in a variety of colors. It’s super affordable, relatively easy to clean, and it makes excellent espresso – what’s not to love there?

It isn’t the best choice for a morning rusher, though – it takes at least five minutes to finish up, so you can’t just press a button, grab your cup, and be on your way. This one’s all about being patient and enjoying the process of brewing your cup of espresso.

Also, it will take at least a couple of brews for you to figure out everything – from the right temperature and grind, to how long it takes to make espresso that doesn’t taste burnt or bitter. But when you do get it right, it will be worth it!

Pros:

It makes six two-ounce cups at a time

It’s easy to clean

Has a patented safety valve

Very affordable

Comes in a variety of colors

Cons:

It takes time and practice to get it right

It’s slow compared to its electric counterparts

Final Word

So, there you have it – five fantastic espresso machines you can use at home. Now, which one of these is indeed the best? In my opinion, the title of the best home espresso machine should go to the Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker.

Let me know which one of these is your personal favorite, and if you already own one of these, I want to hear your opinions on how easy it is to make top-notch espresso at home!

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-home-espresso-machine/

[dangerouslylazydinosaur]

Best Vein Finder Device: 2018 Portable & Infrared Vein Finder Reviews

Medical professionals who draw blood know that it can be very difficult to locate a vein in some patients. The elderly, children, and persons with dark skin are a challenge for nurses and paramedics doing venipuncture and cannulation. Without using a vein finder, at least a quarter of all patients require additional sticks, and that’s stressful for them and their caregivers.

Vein finder devices drastically reduce the amount of time it takes to find a vein. They eliminate wasting needles, syringes, PICC and midline trays on stick after stick. They are non-invasive because all they do is make use of light so you can see veins in subcutaneous tissue.

Active devices use red and infrared light to fluoresce hemoglobin in the blood. Passive devices alter the qualities of visible light to make veins easier to see. Let’s take a look at the top vein finder devices on the market to see which one is the best for you.

How does a vein finder work?

Have you ever shined a flashlight through the skin of your hand? It makes it easier to see your blood vessels. Of course, this method doesn’t work on areas with thicker tissue and muscles like arms and legs.

A vein finder shines infrared light that penetrates a few millimeters into the skin. Since infrared is part of the spectrum that our eyes can’t see, they usually add in red light so the user can see if the device is functioning.

The infrared is absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood. This in turn “highlights” the superficial vasculature. This works even on dark-skinned patients. Normally the user needs to perform the procedure in a darkened place.

Passive vein finding devices are simply light filters usually in the format of sunglasses. They alter the color of visible light so that the wearer can see veins more clearly. These glasses need to be used with powerful illumination for best results.

Now that you know how they work, let’s review the best vein finder devices. We’ll begin with passive devices. These are very helpful for EMTs as they do more than just assist in finding veins.

Passive Vein Finders

We call these next two devices passive vein finders because they don’t need any batteries or electrical power to work. The only thing you will need is strong enough light.

O2Amp Paramedic Vein Glasses

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They look like a nice pair of sunglasses, and they are. The EMT Vein Glasses protect the wearer from the sun’s UV rays. They also help the user see superficial vasculature, detect blood oxygen levels, view rashes, and determine if the patient has cyanosis. The manufacturer says that their lenses make “veins appear to fluoresce.” That way the first stick is the only stick.

The Paramedic Vein Glasses can be worn every day. They aren’t harmful to the wearer’s eyes even worn all day long. They are impact-resistant, with anti-static, anti-fog, and anti-scratch coatings.

There is one very important thing to remember: these glasses work best under bright sunlight or a strong indoor light. It’s best if you have a strong flashlight or portable lamp available if you’re working at night. Put them on a few minutes before you need them so your eyes can adjust.

The only con with the vein finder glasses is if you already have prescription eyewear. In that case, contact O2Amp to see if they can ground your prescription for you. If all else fails, O2Amp says that some users have been able to fit these glasses over their own.

If you happen to be colorblind, O2Amp also makes a version for you. See their description below.

O2Amp Oxy-Iso Colorblindness Correction Glasses

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O2Amp also makes vein finder glasses that work for colorblind wearers. This is a very helpful option. They feature a quote from a user who identifies himself as a surgeon. He said that when he wears the Oxy-Iso glasses, he can instantly distinguish between blood and bile, plus he can see if the patient is especially pale or flushed.

Besides their special coloration to correct colorblindness, the lenses are made to resist scratches and breaking. They protect against UV rays and have an anti-fog coating, too.

Why choose passive vein finder devices?

After researching the vein finder devices above, we were convinced that they are very handy to have. Even if you already have an active vein finder device, paramedic glasses are an excellent addition to your everyday equipment.

They are small and light and easy to carry around, or they can be worn just like regular sunglasses. They help detect more than just veins because they promote accurate viewing of a patient’s overall well-being. We recommend adding a pair to your medical kit.

Now let’s move on to powered vein finders to see which of them would be the best helper for your work.

Active vein finders or powered vein finders

The following devices all need power of some kind to operate. Many of them are more effective if you use them in darkened settings or dim light.

Veinlite’s Vein Finder Adult and Pediatric EMS Pro

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Veinlite is one of the top companies that manufacture vein finders, and their EMS Pro is one of their top of the line portable models for finding superficial vasculature. We were excited to discover that it’s for sale to the public as well as medical professionals.

The EMS Pro is affordable, portable, and a flexible tool that works on both children and adults. It takes no time at all to use or calibrate as it has just an on/off switch.  You’ll never need to worry about running out of power unexpectedly as it runs on two AA batteries. Simply bring extra batteries with you.

Portable and easy to power

Each set of AA batteries you insert should last from 3 to 5 hours of continuous use. There is a small LED embedded below the power switch. When the batteries are getting low on charge, the LED light will shift from green for good to orange for low power. If it begins blinking red, it’s time to change the batteries as there is only about an hour of operating time left.

Easy to use

The EMS Pro looks like a fat, rounded letter Y. The arms are designed to encircle the area where you’re seeking a vein. They have twenty-four LED bulbs embedded in them that give off a bright white light.

Just so you can see how simple this tool is to use, here are the directions.

When using the Veinlite EMS Pro vein finder, follow these steps:

If you’re working on a pediatric patient, use the included adapter to limit the size of the opening

Place the EMS Pro with light pressure against the skin perpendicular to the direction of the vein

Slide it forwards and backwards slowly until you see the vein you want

Rotate the device a quarter turn until it’s parallel to the vein

Press down to secure the location and push back gently to stretch the skin

Insert the needle into the vein between the rounded arms of the device

Safety recommendations

There are a couple of recommendations for using the EMS Pro safely. One, use disposable plastic covers and germicidal wipes because the vein finder touches the patient’s skin.

Two, don’t use alcohol to clean the EMS Pro device because this will damage the clear plastic window protecting the lights. Over time, wiping it with alcohol will make it look fogged-over and the light will be weakened.

If you like the EMS Pro, but are concerned whether it’s the most effective for dark-skinned individuals, take a look at the LEDX described below. Its mix of colored LEDs penetrate deeper to better locate veins on both obese persons and those with dark pigmentation.

Veinlite LEDX Adult Transilluminator Vein Finder

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Veinlite’s LEDX Transilluminator Vein Finder is probably the very best one on the market for using on patients who are obese or dark-skinned. It’s made for adults, not children. Veinlite says it is excellent for users who practice sclerotherapy treatments and vascular surgery. It’s been cleared by the FDA and has a CE certification for safety.

The powerful LEDx has thirty-two bright LEDs embedded around its large opening. There are 24 orange lights and 8 red. This color combination is very effective for seeing deeper veins even if the skin is thick or dark-colored.

The one downside to the LEDX, in our opinion, it its rechargeable Lithium-ion (LiPo) battery. Although the battery is user-replaceable, it’s only good for about 500 cycles (or full recharges). The LEDX will run between 130 and 160 minutes of continuous use before it needs a recharge.

It lasts about three years before you’ll have to buy a new vein finder. Of course, this could mean you’ll upgrade to an even more advanced model in the future.

It’s nice to have a powerful and reliable vein finder for adults, but what about for children? Check out the Veinlite models below as well as the EMS Pro above.

Veinlite EMS Adult Baby Transilluminator Vein Finder

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Like the LEDX, the Veinlite EMS Transilluminator helps you see veins with light from red and orange LEDs. It has half the number of lights that the LEDX has (16 compared to 32), but that makes it less expensive to buy.

This model is better at revealing vasculature in thin-skinned zones like the scalp, forearms, and legs. It comes with an adapter that reduces the size of its opening to make it better for use on pediatric patients. In fact, you can shine it through a hand or foot of an infant just like you can a WeeSight.

Current users recommend operating this vein finder in a darkened room so veins are easier to see. It’s simple to use with only an on/off switch to control. Just use the steps we described above for the EMS Pro.

The EMS Transilluminator runs off two AA batteries for up to of 6 hours of continuous use. As much as we love rechargeable batteries, we prefer the ability to quickly swap batteries in the field without having to find a way to refill the dead ones.

So far, we’ve covered the best portable models offered by the company Veinlite. But they aren’t the only choice available. Here is a popular vein finder device from a competitor.

Venoscope II Transilluminator Adult and Baby Vein Finder

[su_amz asin=”B001SH5BBW”]

The Venoscope II Transilluminator is an affordable vein finder that uses the power of the red spectrum of light to reveal vasculature. It works on both adults and children without the use of an adapter. Plus, it functions well if your patient is obese or dark-skinned.

The three position switch offers you both high and low power settings. Other than that, it works the same as the other active vein finder devices we’ve covered above. Press it gently on your patient’s skin to locate the vein you want. Then insert the needle in the opening between the arms and into the skin.

The Venoscope II runs off three AA alkaline batteries and has a low battery light indicator so you know when it’s time to change them. The device doesn’t get too hot even after continual use. In case you have any problems, Venoscope covers this device with a 1-year warranty.

Plan on dimming room lights when you use the Venoscope II so you can see better. It doesn’t work well if you have too much illumination. Also, it’s easier to locate veins in tissue with at least some fat, not so much in bony areas.

If you feel like these portable vein finders are a bit more expensive than you want to pay, there is another option we’ll review below. It’s less than half the price of most of the ones above, but does it really work?

Illumivein Portable Red LED Light Vein Finder Transilluminator

[su_amz asin=”B014X9IJGU”]

We would understand if you mistook the Illumivein Portable Vein Finder for a Maglite flashlight. The price isn’t even all that different. But instead of bright white light, the Illumivein glows with the power of nine red LEDs.

The red LEDs cause veins and blood vessels to appear as shadows on the skin of the patient. Of course, you need to use the Illumivein in a darkened room and hold it very close to the skin. Move it slowly side to side until you see the vein you want. You may need to raise or lower the light until you see clearly enough.

It runs off 3 AAA batteries and does not come with a warranty. But at this price, you can probably just buy another one if you need it.

Users give mixed feedback over its effectiveness on individuals that are obese or that have dark skin. Some complain that having to lift the light in order to do cannulation makes it easy to lose your place. They recommend marking the inject point on the skin before you remove the light.

Wee Sight Transilluminator by Philips

[su_amz asin=”B00T57K2ZW”]

If you work in pediatric care, you may have heard of or seen the Wee Sight. It’s a tiny device that uses powerful red LEDs that emit 629nm light to illuminate veins in neo-nates and infants. Head on over to the newborn ward and count how many of these you see accompanying the nurses there.

The strong LEDs don’t get hot so they don’t hurt a baby’s tender skin. To use the Wee Sight, lay the flat side down on a table or the bed, or hold it in your hand. Drape the infant’s limb, hand, or foot over the device. Just like shining a flashlight through your hand, you’ll see the baby’s veins as dark lines.

The Wee Sight runs off two alkaline AA batteries. Its LEDs are long-lasting and should work for years without failing.

Ultrasonic vein finders

You may know about ultrasonic vein finders. One well-know manufacturer is BARD Access Systems. They make tip confirmation and location systems and needle guidance systems, too. Their Site-Rite models are used in a lot of hospitals.

The ultrasound reveals not only vasculature but also surrounding tissues and organs. It helps surgeons determine the correct catheter size to use as well as the trajectory of the needle. This is especially helpful when placing a PICC (intravenous catheter for long-term use like in chemotherapy).

Ultrasound imaging technology is much more powerful, and usually much less portable, than a handheld vein finder, and it goes beyond what we wanted to cover in this review today.

Accessories for your vein finder

If you’re using a vein finder as part of your profession on a variety of patients, please do plan on purchasing the disposable slip covers that manufacturers sell. They are made to protect against cross contamination, among other things.

If you are using a vein finder only on yourself or one patient, get advice on whether disposable covers are necessary for you to use. Please also follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean your vein finder so as to not damage it. Most of the time that means you can’t clean the lighted area with alcohol but must use a gentle germicidal wipe instead.

Here are some of the most common accessories you’ll need when using a vein finder and performing venipuncture and cannulation.

Illumivein Disposable Covers 50 Pack

[su_amz asin=”B01F7WCGEI”]

These non-sterile slip covers are made for the Illumivein, the vein finder that resembles a flashlight.

Veinlite Plastic Covers for EMS Box of 50

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Veinlite makes non-sterile covers for the EMS series of illuminated vein finders.

Adult Venoscope Disposable Covers

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The Venoscope disposable covers are non-sterile and latex-free. They come in a box of 50.

Metrex CaviWipes XL MCK44816700

[su_amz asin=”B00BPFDWJ0″]

The Metrex CaviWipes use Alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride and a low amount of alcohol to kill Tuberculosis, HIV-1, HBV, HCV, H1N1, MRSA, Salmonella enterica, and E.coli. They are good for wiping up body fluids but should be utilized while you wear gloves. Since they have a 22.5% concentration of alcohol, they may not be ideal for cleaning your vein finder device.

Clorox Bleach Germicidal Wipes Tub – 6″ x 5″, 150 Count

[su_amz asin=”B00MV5JHMY”]

Of course, bleach is the ultimate germicidal solution. Again, don’t plan on using these wipes without wearing gloves. They can irritate your skin.

Medline Sharps Container Biohazard Disposal Needle, 32 Ounce

[su_amz asin=”B001B9W78W”]

Safely get rid of any used needle with this sharps container. It holds up to a quart. The clear top helps you see when it’s getting full.

Disposable Tourniquet 1″ x 18″ Latex-free, Pack of 10 from Cardinal Health

[su_amz asin=”B006U3XRQ0″]

These are just the typical temporary tourniquets every medical facility has on hand.

Dynarex 1113C Latex Free Sterile Alcohol Preparation Pad (Pack of 2000)

[su_amz asin=”B00VS4F91W”]

Swipe the skin with an alcohol prep pad before you inject.

Nitrile Exam Gloves – Medical Grade, Powder Free, Latex Rubber Free, Disposable, Non Sterile, Food Safe, Indigo (purple) color, Convenient Dispenser Pack of 100, Size Medium

[su_amz asin=”B00KE233NU”]

Protect yourself with these disposable gloves.

Johnson & Johnson Band-Aids, Flexible Fabric, 100-Count Boxes

[su_amz asin=”B00006IDL6″]

Here is a box of 100 flexible fabric bandages perfect for covering up a puncture site when you’re done drawing blood.

Sponge Curity 2’s Gauze Sterile Cotton 2×2″ 8ply, 100 Per Pack Part No. 1806 by Kendall Company

[su_amz asin=”B004YNP10I”]

These cotton pads come two to a pack.

PROVON 5182-03 Green Certified Foam Hand Cleaner, 1250 mL FMX-12 Refill (Case of 3)

[su_amz asin=”B007IBKTAU”]

Here is a hand cleaner that will kill bacteria without ruining your skin.

Venepuncture and Cannulation 1st Edition Book by Sarah Phillips, Mary Collins, and Lisa Dougherty (editors)

[su_amz asin=”1405148608″]

Get an excellent overview of how medical professionals perform these essential procedures.

IV Starts for the RN and EMT: RAPID and EASY Guide to Mastering Intravenous Catheterization, Cannulation and Venipuncture Sticks for Nurses and Paramedics from the Fundamentals to Advanced Care Skills

[su_amz asin=”1530479053″]

Like it says, this is a rapid and easy guide to doing sticks. If the scholarly tome above is a little too much information right now, try this quick read.

Phlebotomy Training Course & Venipuncture Practice Kit

[su_amz asin=”B00RFSTNA8″]

Practice makes perfect!

Recommendation for how to select the right device for you

As we reviewed all these different vein finding devices, we came to the following conclusions.

Veinlite sells some of the best vein finders on the market. Although they have a higher price, they are worth the cost because they are easy to use and effective. The only difficulty is choosing the best one for your particular set of patients. We’ll discuss that in a moment.

The Venoscope II was a close runner up because it works for many patients regardless.

The Wee Sight is best suited for infants.

The Illumivein is an inexpensive device, but it’s harder to use. There is no opening for the user to be able to make the stick without first removing the device, raising the risk that the found vein will be lost in the process.

Vein finding glasses are a useful accessory for any medical professional because of their versatility. We’d happily purchase a pair of these as well as a powered vein finder device.

How to choose between Veinlite models if that’s the brand that you like best:

The Veinlite LEDX Transilluminator is the most powerful portable model in this review. It works well enough for sclerotherapy treatments and vascular surgery as well as phlebotomy. It’s great for patients with dark pigmentation or who are obese.

The EMS Pro is appropriate for both adult and child patients. It uses white light to help you see veins.

The EMS Adult and Baby Transilluminator works on a wide range of patients including obese people and dark-skinned persons. It’s half as powerful as the LEDX, but plenty good enough for phlebotomy.

Safety for you and your patient

We noticed that other articles reviewing these types of devices include safety tips for drawing blood and cannulation, or placing IV tubes. While we realize many of our readers are medical professionals who will skip over this section because they are already familiar with these steps, we’re going to include some helpful information here for anyone who wants to review it. This is not medical advice, but counsel derived from medical sources.

Always always always find out a few things about your patient before you treat them. (Please don’t try treating an unconscious person if you aren’t a medical professional and/or you don’t know the patient.) Ask your patient:

Do they have a blood borne illness like HIV or hepatitis?

Are they a MRSA carrier? (It lives on their skin.)

Do they have blood that’s slow to clot, perhaps because they take blood thinners or have hemophilia?

Were they ever told about a spot where they shouldn’t have blood drawn, like because of an earlier surgery or wound?

Seat your patient or have them lie down in case they faint.

Wash your hands and wear protective clothing like gloves and disinfect the injection site on their skin. Use disposable slip covers on your vein finder.

Release any tourniquet BEFORE you withdraw the needle from their skin.

Discard needles in a sharps container and dispose of your gloves. Wash your hands again.

Here are two videos to help you get better acquainted with the process. One is about cannulation or inserting an IV. The other is about general venipuncture, or drawing blood.

OMG, what if you stick yourself by accident with a used needle??

Don’t panic. Take a deep breath. Go wash the injected area immediately with soap and water. Make yourself bleed more to expel anything that might have entered your skin. Make sure you know the person’s name and contact information in case you need it later. Go see your doctor.

What if blood spills? Or the person is bleeding a lot?

Let’s hope you can handle the sight of extra blood. Take a deep breath and stay calm. Help the patient stay calm by speaking to them in a soothing tone. Things like this happen if you forget to release the tourniquet before you take out the needle.

Make sure the person who is bleeding stops bleeding. Put pressure on the wound or puncture site with sterile gauze. Once their bleeding is under control, then you can clean up the mess.

If you’ve just knocked over a specimen tube, check two things. First, is your patient going to have a bad reaction from the sight of their blood spilled? Take care of them first.

Second, will you need to do another draw? Depending on your patient and the state of the spill, it might be wise to clean it up first before you take blood again.

How to safely clean up spilled blood—Don your gloves and wipe up all the blood that you can with a disposable paper towel or the like. Dispose of the wet towels in a safe place, like a biohazard bag.

Use a fresh solution of one part bleach to ten parts water. Make sure you’re still wearing gloves because bleach is hard on skin. (Use 5.25% real chlorine bleach, not something that says bleach but is color-safe and whatnot. You can also use a bleach wipe like the Clorox ones in the Accessories section above.) Leave the solution sit on the blood stained area for 10 minutes before wiping and drying the area. If you used a wipe, swipe it but don’t dry it. Let it air dry.

Please note that bleach loses its power to disinfect over time and with exposure to sunlight, so making fresh mixtures each day is safer. Bleach is one of the best tools in the fight against the Ebola virus, so you know it’s a powerful thing to protect you, too.

Other useful tools for medical professionals

We discovered other helpful accessories for medical professionals as well as home users.

Opoway Nurse Penlight LED White Medical Pen Light with Pupil Gauge Measurements

[su_amz asin=”B01GJKZZYU”]

Sometimes you need to assess someone’s health in a hurry. Here is a very useful penlight that’s marked with a pupil gauge on the side.

3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope

[su_amz asin=”B00QESFJ94″]

Here’s one of the best stethoscopes you can buy. It’s durable, it works on both adults and children, and it’s easy to clean.

MDF Calibra Aneroid Sphygmomanometer – Professional Blood Pressure Monitor

[su_amz asin=”B00LV74908″]

Hand-crafted, stress-tested, and calibrated five times before reaching your hands is this accurate and dependable blood pressure monitor made for adults.

Braun Ear Thermometer

[su_amz asin=”B00MUK6M82″]

Braun thoughtfully pre-warms the ear tip so your reading is accurate every time.

Acc U Rate Pro Series CMS 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

[su_amz asin=”B00SCPB9KU”]

Measure blood oxygen saturation levels and pulse rate in just ten seconds with this oximeter.

Dagacci Scrubs Medical Uniform Women and Man Scrubs

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Available in a wide variety of colors and sizes, these poly-cotton scrubs from Dagacci are loaded, top and bottom, with pockets.

Dansko Women’s Professional Clogs

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You’ve seen them on the feet of nurses, doctors, techs, and even restaurant chefs. Now you can have your own super-comfy pair of Danskos.

Conclusion

If venipuncture is a regular part of your job, or if you have frequent treatments to perform for someone like a hemophiliac, a vein finder is definitely worthwhile investment. We hope our review today helped you decide which vein-finding device is the best one for your needs. Besides, we have written about some other devices to track the crucial elements of the health condition such as oxygen level and blood pressure. Let’s have a look to know why you really need them in your house.

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-vein-finder-device/

[dangerouslylazydinosaur]

Best Digital Baby Scale In 2018 ( How Much Does Your Bundle Of Joy Weigh?)

When you’re a new parent, everyone seems to have a lot to say about your child’s weight – either the baby is too skinny, or they’re looking a bit chubby. Either way, the observation is usually followed with a comment:

Have you checked their weight recently?

Are you tired of questioning whether your child is right where they should be growth-wise? Then I say it’s time for you to get a baby scale.

I’m here to help you pick the best digital baby scale for you and your little one!

How Often Should You Check Your Baby’s Weight?

Except for preemies, according to recorded birth weights, most newborns will weigh between 5.5 and 10 pounds at birth. Don’t worry; you’ll have it written down on paper along with the exact time of delivery.

However – and it’s crucial that you remember this – newborns do tend to lose around 5 to 10 percent of their weight shortly after birth. That shouldn’t worry you – it’s perfectly normal, and should sort itself out during the first few weeks of your baby’s life.

And while your baby will be weighed every time you bring her in for a doctor’s appointment, maybe you’d like to keep an eye on her progress, or have concerns about their growth – and a digital baby scale gives you the opportunity to do that in the comfort of your home.

I know comparing weights on a day to day basis might be tempting, but the truth is you’ll only become obsessed with it, and put yourself in an unnecessarily stressful situation. Here are some rough estimates you should take into account before you drive yourself crazy worrying about your baby’s weight:

Two Weeks To Six Months Of Age – Weighing your baby once a month is an excellent place to start.

Six Months To A Year – When your baby reaches six months of age, you can switch to weighing them once every two months.

Over 12 Months Of Age – After the first birthday, you can take a more casual approach, and weigh your baby every three months.

How To Pick The Best Digital Baby Scale – A Buying Guide For Parents

Here’s everything you need to consider before buying the best baby scale:

1. Maximum Weight Capacity

Before you buy a baby scale, one of the first things you should check is the maximum weight capacity. Keep in mind that most scales found on the market these days will have a maximum capacity of around 45 to 60 pounds. Base your decision on how long you plan on using the scale – do you plan on weighing your little one during infancy alone, or will you continue to monitor their weight well into their toddlerhood, as well?

2. Accuracy Level

If you plan on recording continuous data and regularly checking your baby’s growth, it’s vital that the results you’re getting are consistent and accurate. That said, the scale’s accuracy level is another essential thing to factor in before making your decision. Some will show results in 1-ounce increases, while others use 0.10-ounce increments. It’s all in how detailed you want the readings to be.

3. Weighing Tray

Trays may come in different shapes and sizes, and since your baby can’t choose for themselves, you’ll have to be the one to pick the most comfortable weighing tray for them. Of course, your little one might prefer those that resemble a cradle, but flat ones are a good option, too. Just make sure it’s large enough for your baby to lie down comfortably.

4. Hold Button

You can’t expect your newborn to lie still while you weight them – and you can’t sit around waiting for them to fall asleep, either. With a little help from the hold button, though, you can get an accurate weight reading even if your little one keeps wiggling around on the tray.

5. Zero Function

The diapers, clothes, and blankets – and yes, even the tray – can all add a bit to your baby’s weight, skewing the picture of their actual progress. If you want to keep the results as accurate as possible, you might want to look into the zero function. This handy feature will subtract all those extra ounces (and sometimes even pounds), leaving you with a precise reading of your little one’s weight.

6. Measurements And Units

Another thing you’ll have to check is if the scale measures in grams, ounces, or pounds, and if it gives you the option of changing these measuring units easily. Here’s the thing: You may be comfortable with a particular unit, but your doctor might not be. And if you weigh your newborn due to medical reasons, it’s best to keep conversion and rough estimates out of the equation and pick a scale that supports several measuring units, instead.

7. Additional Features You Might Find Useful

Now, let’s take a look at some of the extras.

Removable Tray

As I said previously, you might want to monitor your baby’s weight once they grow into a toddler, too. That’s where the removable tray comes to play – and luckily for you, most scales do have this handy feature.

Smartphone Compatibility

The option of syncing the digital baby scale with an app on your smartphone through Wi-Fi might come in handy if you’re serious about keeping track of your baby’s development. It sure beats writing everything down on paper!

Soothing Music Yes, some of the best digital baby scales do have the option of playing soothing music – or even „singing“ lullabies – to your little one to help them calm down, too.

Best Digital Baby Scale In 2018: Top 5 Recommendations And Reviews

1. Health O Meter Grow with Me 2-in-1 Baby to Toddler Scale – Grows With Your Child

Let’s start the round-up with a model that has all the essential features I’ve talked about – both the Hold and the Zero Out functions are there, as well as the option to switch between the units (lbs and kgs). The scale measures your baby’s weight in 0.5-ounce increments, which isn’t precise enough for medical environments, but it’s perfect for home use.

You can remove the weighing tray, revealing a teddy bear base so that toddlers will love it, too. The maximum capacity of the scale is 60 pounds, so you can expect it serve you for years to come.

Plus, it comes with a Healthy Growth Baby Book – a handy way to keep track of your baby’s progress.

However, it’s a bit hard to get an accurate reading if your baby is moving. The numbers keep jumping around with one to two ounces of fluctuations between them – and when you’re weighing a baby, that’s a lot!

Also, the LCD will die out or start showing complete nonsense instead of actual numbers long before the scale itself breaks, rendering it useless. I mean, what good is a scale if you can’t see the results?

Pros:

Has a Hold button

Measures in 0.5-ounce increments

Shows weight in lbs or kg

Has a Zero Out feature

The tray is removable

Has a capacity of 60 pounds

Comes with a growth chartbook

Cons:

The LCD isn’t durable

Hard to get an accurate reading

2. Taylor Salter 914-WHLKR Baby Toddler Scale – Perfect For The First Few Years Of Your Child’s Life

This Taylor Salter scale is another model you can use throughout the first few years of your child’s life, thanks to two handy features:

First, the scale’s capacity is 44 pounds, and on average, kids don’t reach that weight until they’re four to five years old. Moreover, the tray is removable, and has a cute base your child will surely love!

The scale measures in 0.5-ounce increments and gives you the option of choosing between lbs and kgs.

And yes, the Hold feature is there for wiggly babies – even if your baby keeps moving around, the display will still show you the weight reading.

The Zero function, on the other hand, will ensure you get an accurate reading every time by subtracting the weight of blankets and diapers.

There’s only one thing I didn’t like – the buttons. They have a cheap feel to them, which was a shock given the fact that the scale doesn’t feel flimsy in general. More importantly, though, they tend to get stuck when you push them, so you have to dig them out yourself. It’s not a big deal, but it’s worth mentioning, nonetheless.

Pros:

Measures in 0.5-ounce increments

Weight capacity is 44 pounds

Two available measuring units – lbs and kg

Features the Zero function

Has a Hold function for restless babies

The tray is removable for weighing toddlers

Cons:

The buttons feel cheap and tend to get stuck

3. Ozeri All-in-One Baby and Toddler Scale – Keep Track Of Everything

Here’s something a bit different – an all-in-one model for tracking your child’s overall growth and progress.

Not only does it serve as a scale, but it measures your child’s height, as well, which allows you to keep a close eye on their development. Furthermore, it will detect and display net changes between the weigh-ins, so you can see exactly how much your little one grew in a specific period. Amazing, right?

It’s insanely precise, too – measuring everything in 0.1-ounce increments, with the option of choosing between pounds and kilograms (as well as inches or centimeters), is pretty impressive for a digital baby scale.

The scale’s built-in memory allows you to save separate data for up to eight kids – and I know parents of quintuplets, for example, will find that useful.

And while it has a Hold button, if your baby is restless, you might be in for some trouble. The numbers will keep changing as long as your baby is moving, which will make it hard for you to figure out which reading you should take as the “real” one.

Pros:

Measures both weight and height

Shows net changes between the weigh-ins

Measures in 0.1-ounce increments

Adjustable units

55-pound capacity

Features both Hold and Tare (Zero) buttons

Separate memory for up to eight babies

Includes measuring tape for head circumference

Cons:

Doesn’t seem accurate with the baby moving

4. Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale – A Scale With A Premium Feel

Now, if you prefer a clean, modern look, and you like to surround yourself with lots of tech stuff, this Hatch Baby scale might be the perfect choice for you.

But here’s where things go from good to even better – it’s a two-in-one model, where the changing pad doubles as a scale. You can now change your baby’s clothes and weigh them at the same time. Bonus points for convenience!

The scale syncs with the Hatch Baby app you have installed on your smartphone and gives you some fantastic insight into your baby’s progress – from their weight, to how much milk they’re consuming during every breastfeeding session.

However, it costs up to two to three times more than any other model on this list! If you want the premium feel this scale will bring to every nursery, you should be ready to pay the premium price, though.

Oh, and one more thing – the only way for you to see your baby’s weight is to check it on your phone. Am I the only that feels like they took it a step too far with the whole „clean and modern design“ thing?

Pros:

A changing pad and a scale

Shows results in 0.25-ounce increments

It syncs with the Hatch Baby app

The foam upper is soft and comfortable

Tracks how much your baby is consuming at every feeding

Clean, modern design

Cons:

It’s expensive

The scale itself doesn’t show weight readings

5. iSnow-Med Multi-Function Digital Baby Scale – From Infancy To Adulthood

Lastly, here’s a scale that will make weight tracking a family ordeal – instead of just weighing your baby, you can now keep track of your post-pregnancy weight loss, too!

Thanks to the removable tray and an outstanding weight capacity of 220 pounds, this „baby scale” is suitable for adults, as well, so you know it will be able to keep up when your child enters toddlerhood – and beyond!

The backlit display will show you the results with a 0.35-ounce accuracy in one of the following three units – lbs, kg, or oz, depending on which one you find convenient. The scale has the Tare function, too, so it doesn’t take the diapers and clothes into account – your baby’s weight is the only thing that matters.

One thing you should know is that, even though the scale does have a Hold function, it doesn’t seem to work that well – or at all. Instead of giving you an average value, the display freezes, instead, leaving you to guess if that’s your baby’s actual weight or not. And with babies, it’s best to leave the guesswork out of the equation, don’t you think?

Pros:

Has an accuracy of 0.35 ounces

Shows results in lb, kg, and oz

Features both Tare and Hold buttons

The display is backlit

Removable tray

Has a weight capacity of 220 pounds

Suitable for babies, toddlers, and adults

Cons:

The Hold function doesn’t work

Final Verdict

At the beginning of this article, I promised you I would help you pick the best digital baby scale for your little one, and I intend to deliver on that promise. Given everything I’ve talked about today, the best baby scales for new parents seems to be the Ozeri All-in-One Baby and Toddler Scale.

Would you agree with me on that one? Leave a comment below, and help other parents reading this find their personal favorite, too!

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-digital-baby-scale/

[dangerouslylazydinosaur]

Finding the Best Electric Breast Pump on the Market – 2018 Buying Guide

Whether you are still nursing or not, having an electric breast pump is a good idea, especially if you are planning to get back to work soon, or you are often away from home.

Still, choosing the right electric breast pump for yourself can be time-consuming and exhausting. There are many great models out there, and each one offers something a little bit different.

What are you supposed to look for? Which models are top notch?

Keep reading, and we will answer these questions together!

How to Choose the Best Electric Breast Pump for Yourself?

Here’s the list of things you should pay attention to when shopping for the best electric breast pump on the market: Do You Need A Single or Double Breast Pump?

How often are you expressing?

Once you answer this question, you will know which type of the electric breast pump is right for you.

If you are expressing from time to time, a single electric breast pump is a better option. On the other hand, if you are regularly expressing, a double breast pump would work the best for you.

Many women express a few times a day, some for the medical reasons and some because they’ve returned to work. In this case, a double breast pump can reduce the amount of time you spend expressing and help you deliver more milk on average.

What’s the Right-Size of Flanges?

If you choose the wrong size of flanges, the whole pumping experience can become uncomfortable, even painful.

Make sure to monitor your nipples while you are pumping. If your nipple is:

Turning white or red;

Rubbing against the sides of the tube, causing pain or,

Getting sucked in, all the way to its areola – you’ll know something is wrong.

Another way to tell that you are using a wrong size of shields is if your breasts feel like they are still full, once you’ve finished pumping.

Mothers often need to change the size of the flange because the one that’s provided with the pump doesn’t fit properly. A too small shield can cause soreness and damaged nipples.

A new set of flanges costs between $8-16, if you feel any discomfort while pumping, don’t hesitate and buy one. Do You Want Your New Electric Breast Pump to Be Portable?

If you are planning to get back to work a few weeks after the delivery, or you are just traveling a lot, you should consider purchasing a portable electric breast pump. It will give you a chance to express during a lunch break, or whenever you find a few minutes to do it.

So, make sure your new breast pump is lightweight and compact. If it can run on batteries or a car adapter, and it comes with an ice pack, that is another advantage!

Is It Easy to Clean?

Electric breast pumps have a lot of tiny parts and piecing it all together can be a nightmare. Things can get even more complicated when it comes to cleaning.

Talk to other mothers and check the reviews before buying your new breast pump. It should be relatively easy to take apart, clean and put back together. Also, the condensation in the tubing should be avoided.

Is the Suction Adjustable?

Unfortunately for the breast pump manufacturers, all women are different. The same amount of suction doesn’t work for every woman. What feels comfortable for one can be terribly painful for another.

Luckily for women, manufacturers found a way to make both vacuum strength and the speed of suction adjustable. So, make sure to choose a pump that offers this feature.

How Does It Get Power?

Okay, if we are talking about electric breast pumps, it means that you need to plug them in a wall socket and the magic starts. However, what happens if you are traveling or a blackout is happening, and there is no electricity?

You don’t have to depend solely on an outlet. Many electric breast pumps can also use batteries to run, or they can be connected to a car adapter. Make sure to choose one that can be useful in all conditions, blackout or not, traveling or not.

If you decide to buy a pump that doesn’t have alternative sources of energy, make sure to get a manual breast pump as well for different emergencies.

Is Buying a Used Electric Breast Pump a Good Idea?

No, it is not.

Would you use somebody else’s toothbrush? You wouldn’t. Using a previously owned pump is just as unhygienic.

You should avoid doing this even if you get brand new tubes, flanges and all of the other parts because chances are milk will get into the unsealed motor.

This option might be tempting because of the high costs of new electric breast pumps, but you should still avoid it.

The average lifetime of an electric breast pump is about the same as the length of its warranty. Most pumps work longer than that, but in case something happens, and your previously owned breast pump stops working, the manufacturer won’t fix it after the warranty is expired.

A pump that is worn out may not work well. It might fail to stimulate your breasts adequately, which might cause your milk production to drop, and you may not be able to keep up with your baby’s needs. That is not something any mother would like to happen.

Remember, stay away from renting an electric breast pump or buying any kind of used breast pumps.

Top 5 Electric Breast Pumps on the Market – 2018 Reviews

Spectra Baby USA – S2 Plus Premier Electric Breast Pump, Double/Single, Hospital Grade

Incredible Spectra S2 hospital-grade electric breast pump works on a 12-volt AC power adapter. It comes with two wide neck bottles, backflow protector, flange, tubing, duckbill valve and detachable power cord prong. Spectra electric breast pump offers you a chance to customize its suction and cycling settings to your own body response and flow.

The backflow preventer is terrific, as it stops both spilling and condensation in the tubing. This means less cleaning for exhausted mothers. Nightlight is a fantastic feature because it looks nice and it is useful when you want to pump in a dark room. This electric breast pump is comfortable and safe as it doesn’t hurt your nipples and it shuts off automatically after 30 minutes.

However, a pump’s hose is a bit short which can be inconvenient. Also, it doesn’t run on batteries so you can forget about pumping away from an electric plug. It comes with only two bottles, and it doesn’t work with other brand’s attachments or parts, which makes it a bit more expensive.

Pros

It shuts off automatically after 30 minutes.

It has a backflow preventer.

Nightlight is a nice feature.

You can adjust the suction, speed and set a massage mode.

It is comfortable for your nipples.

Cons

Pump hose is a bit short.

It comes with only two bottles to pump in.

It doesn’t work with other brand’s attachments or parts.

The backflow pieces pop off quickly.

Medela Pump in Style Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump, 2-Phase Expression Technology with Adjustable Speed and Vacuum

Using an electric breast pump from Medela will help you pump twice as fast. This double pump is specially designed for moms who pump several times a day. It comes with a battery pack which allows you to pump anywhere you want and a removable cooler bag that can hold four milk bottles. You will also get one microfiber bag, four milk bottles with lids, double pumping kit with breast shields, and a 9-Volt AC adapter.

If you are a mom who is always on the go, Medela’s pump will be perfect for you. You can use with a battery pack or a car adapter. Also, your milk will stay cool and fresh for twelve hours, with this incredible twelve-hour ice pack.

The battery pack requires eight AA batteries, which can be a lot, and you will notice that as the batteries lose power, the pump does too. You might have some problems holding the flanges with one hand as well.

Pros

It comes with a car adapter and a battery pack.

There is no condensation in the tubes.

It comes with four bottles and a 12-hour ice pack.

It is a dual pump and works in two speeds.

It is easy to clean and sanitize.

Cons

It takes 8 AA batteries which is a lot.

There is no way to hold the flanges with one hand.

The pump gradually loses the power.

There is no separate speed or suction control.

Spectra Baby USA – S1 Plus Premier Rechargeable Electric Breast Pump, Double/Single, Hospital Grade

If you liked Spectra S2 electric breast pump, but you disliked the fact that you can’t use it remotely, away from an electrical plug, Spectra S1 is the solution! It includes all the same features as S2, except for the fact that it comes with an inbuilt rechargeable battery. It is completely adjustable, and you can choose between let-down and expression mode.

If your baby is sleeping next to you while you are pumping, you want the device to be quiet, right? Well, that is precisely what you’ll get with Spectra S1. At the same time, this model is compatible with Ameda parts and attachments. Its massage mode will help you produce a better flow.

However, this electric breast pump is costly. Also, when you are using it with a battery pack, the suction intensity decreases as the battery power goes away. The tubing is a bit weak, and you might have some trouble with it falling off all the time.

Pros

The breast pump is quiet.

It is compatible with Ameda parts.

It comes with a rechargeable battery, in comparison to S2.

Massage suction helps you produce more milk.

The collector bottle holder is like having an extra hand.

Cons

It is too expensive.

The suction intensity decreases as the battery life goes.

It is not hospital grade as advertised.

The tubing is weak, and it falls off all the time.

Signature Pro by Lansinoh Double Electric Breast Pump with LCD Screen, Portable Breast Pump with Adjustable Suction & Pumping Levels

If you are looking for the maximum level of customization, Lansinoh electric breast pump might be the best option for you. It offers three different pumping styles and eight suction levels, to maximize comfort and milk production. It comes with two bottles, diaphragms with caps, breast flange bodies, storage lids, two special ComfortFit flanges, tubing, white valves, AC adapter and a NaturalWave slow-flow nipple.

This double electric breast pump allows you to decide whether you want to use one or two flanges. Adjustable speed and vacuum strength are incredible. In comparison to other models, Lansinoh pump is reasonably priced. It has an LCD screen which works as a timer.

This machine is loud, and a bit slow, so make sure that you are not in a hurry and your sleeping baby is in the next room. Twist top tends to untwist itself while pumping which is inconvenient.

Pros

You can decide whether you are going to use one flange or two.

It offers different speed settings and vacuum strength.

It is reasonably priced.

It has an LCD screen where you can see how long have you been pumping.

You can pump directly into any standard size, wide neck bottle.

Cons

It doesn’t come with any sort of travel bag.

It is loud and a bit slow.

Twist top untwists itself during pumping.

Accessories such as flanges or tubes are not easy to find at major retail stores.

Medela Swing Single Electric Breast Pump

Here’s another model from Medela. If you pump only occasionally, then a single-electric breast pump can be just as efficient. Medela’s model is compact and lightweight, and you can fit it into your purse or tote bag. This device features two-phase expression technology, which consists of the first phase that provides stimulation through fast and light pumping; and the second phase that gently expresses milk through slow pumping.

The automatic two-phase setting works like a charm! This electric breast pump is small, lightweight and easy to take apart. However, its size doesn’t affect its strength, as the suction is powerful and comfortable. If you like, you can use this pump on a battery supply as well.

Unfortunately, the accessories, attachments, and parts are expensive to replace, and you might have trouble finding them in your local store. The cords and tubing detach from the pump too easily, and there are some problems with condensation. Be careful not to press the on/off button by accident as it is a bit sensitive.

Pros

The breast pump is small and lightweight.

You can set it to automatic two-phase pumping.

It is easy to take apart and clean.

The suction is powerful and comfortable.

You can use it on battery supply.

Cons

Accessories are expensive to replace.

The cords and tubing don’t fit securely to the pump.

Condensation forms in the tubing.

The on/off switch is sensitive.

Conclusion

Did you make a decision? Which electric breast pump is the best one in your opinion?

Our heartfelt recommendation is Spectra Baby USA – S1 Plus Premier Rechargeable Electric Breast Pump. As we said, no pump will work the same for all the moms out there, but this one has excellent features. It is quiet, adjustable, works well and it can be switched from electric adapter to a rechargeable battery.

Do you agree with our choice?

Do you have any experience with electric breast pumps that you’d like to share?

See more: Best Nursing Pillow ( Buying Guide For New Mothers )

Feel free to leave us a comment!

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-electric-breast-pump/

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How to Help Elderly Take a Shower? (Pick One of the Best Shower Chairs for Elderly on the Market)

If you ever had a chance to work with the elderly, people with mobility issues or patients recovering from different surgeries, you know how useful a shower chair can be.

Unfortunately, bath chairs are still not considered a Durable Medical Equipment which means they are not covered under Medicare Part B.

This is the reason why people often decide to go with simple regular chairs rather than buying a medical grade one, as they are significantly more expensive. This decision might be good for your patient’s pocket, but it is not a safe one, as the regular chair have a different design, and they can be slippery and cause injury.

This guide will help you learn how to choose the right shower chair for elderly, what are their advantages and disadvantages and which models are the best.

Hopefully, by the end of the article, you will have enough information to advise your elderly patients in which shower chair to invest their money.

What Is a Shower Chair?

A shower chair is a highly-specialized four-legged type of seating, which typically has rubberized feet, aluminum frame and a durable, plastic seat with optional back and armrests.

Its primary purpose is to provide support and greater independence in the bath or shower for the elderly or people who are struggling with mobility issues. They are also used to help transfer a person from a wheelchair, into the shower chair itself.

The critical goal is to reduce the risk of accidental slips and falls while showering or bathing.

How to Select the Best Shower Chair for Elderly?

With hundreds of different models on the market, choosing the best shower chair for the elderly is not an easy task. Whether you are working in a nursing home, rehabilitation center, as an in home-nurse or you just suffered an injury, and you are purchasing a shower chair for yourself, these are the factors you should consider:

Weight capacity

As a nurse, you will be dealing with different elderly who have different body shapes. Fortunately, shower chairs come in a variety of sizes so that they could accommodate the needs of different people.

This is the first and probably the most important factor to consider.

Most commonly you will come across shower chairs that can bear up to 250 pounds. However, there are also bath chairs that go all the way up to 400 pounds.

If the user of the chair has less body mass, a standard weight capacity will provide adequate stability. You have to recognize if you are dealing with a heavier individual and if it is time to pick a bariatric model.

Construction materials

There are two options you will find – shower chairs that are made entirely of plastic materials and the ones that have an aluminum frame.

There is no right or wrong answer when deciding which one to choose; it depends on your personal preference.

Aluminum tends to be more expensive, while plastic or PVC models are usually more affordable. Both types of chairs can support the weight of their users without any problem; the question is which one do you find more aesthetically pleasing.

Size

Not all showers are the same size. Before deciding to purchase a shower chair you need to measure your shower or a bathtub, and you need to be precise.

Most shower chairs are designed to fit in a standard shower, but if your bathroom has different dimensions, you need to take that into account.

For smaller, more narrow showers, a compact shower chair is a right choice. On the other hand, in the case of standard size bathrooms or bathtubs, both basic and bariatric size shower chairs will be compatible.

Learn the measurements of your bathroom, before purchasing a chair. Keep in mind that the bathroom needs to fit you, the person you are helping and a shower chair, all at the same time.

Mobility

The weight of the chair itself should have a significant impact on your decision. It should be lightweight enough so you can lift it, and move it in and out of the bath. Also, if it can be folded for storage purposes, that is a huge advantage.

If you are working with the elderly who can take care of their hygiene on their own, but the shower chair is necessary for different reasons, you should think about the wheeled options. These models often rely on safe-grip leg coverings, which prevent the chair from moving around in a tub.

Design

If the chair you are purchasing is going to be used by someone who needs assistance from caregiver while showering, choosing a shower chair that has the option to lean back can be helpful and sometimes even necessary.

In this case, you are deciding whether you need upright back support or not.

Many shower chairs offer recumbent features such as reclining backrests or rising leg rests.

For users who do not need that type of support, the regular fixed back will be good enough. If the shower chair user is stable, has good balance and needs no assistance, you can even go for a chair that has no backrest at all.

Top 5 Shower Chairs for Elderly on the Market – 2018 Reviews

Dr. Kay’s Adjustable Height Bath and Shower Chair

If you’ve already tried different brands of a shower chair, and you didn’t like their height, Dr. Kay’s model might suit you. The maximum height of their chair is 2 inches higher than the others; you can adjust it from 12.5″ to 18.5″. This shower bench weighs only 4 lbs, but it can hold 250 pounds with no problem. It fits in the small tubs and showers, and it has useful handles that can make your life easier.

If you are helping a senior, or you need a chair for yourself, you know how vital its weight is. Dr. Kay’s chair is indeed lightweight, yet firm at the same time. Rubber knobs on the bottom will prevent it from sliding, so you don’t have to worry about any accidents. Also, your bottom won’t slip off the chair either because its seat has curved ends.

However, you might have some problem cleaning it and storing, because it has holes and it doesn’t fold. Also, the seat might be too small for you.

Pros

The chair is strong and adjustable.

It is lightweight and easy to handle.

Rubber knobs on the bottom prevent it from sliding.

It is comfortable, and the ends are curved.

It’s easy to assemble.

Cons

Thorough cleaning is difficult due to holes.

It doesn’t fold for storage.

The seat is a bit small.

If the surface underneath it is not flat, you’ll have problems with balance.

Drive Medical Premium Series Shower Chair with Back and Arms

Drive Medical’s chair offers you a chance to adjust its height easily, without using any tools. It features a visible height indicator which makes the adjustments quicker. The chair is comfortable and has both back and armrests. The seat dimensions are 16.5″ x 21.75″ x 16-20.5″, while its weight capacity is 350 lbs.

If you have a small or narrow bathtub, you should consider purchasing this model. It can fit almost anywhere. Additionally, you can assemble and disassemble it quickly, and the height adjustments are more than simple. This chair won’t wobble, and it will give your back and arms all the support they need.

Unfortunately, the height adjustment relies on screw twist mechanism, and if you use this chair for more than one person, readjusting it all the time can be time-consuming. Also, its legs tend to unscrew and loosen up from the seat which can potentially cause injuries. The backrest is not secure enough, and once the mold gets caught in the cracks, it is hard to clean.

Pros

It’s compact, fits smaller, narrow bathrooms with no problem.

It can be assembled and disassembled easily.

The height adjustments are simple.

It doesn’t wobble.

The back and arms provide added support.

Cons

The height adjustment relies on screw twist mechanism.

Legs tend to loosen up and unscrew from the seat.

The back of the chair is not secure enough.

Mold in the cracks is hard to clean.

Ez2care Adjustable Lightweight White Shower Bench

Whether you are helping an elderly or injured patient who is unable to stand in the shower, or you just need stable seating for personal grooming or assisted bathing, this shower chair will serve you right. Its anti-slip seat surface is comfortable and safe. It features slip resistant rubber legs as well, adjustable height from 12.5” to 18.5” and supports weight up to 250 pounds.

If you are looking for sturdiness, you will be glad to know that this chair has a thick, durable plastic seat and aluminum frame and legs, which are corrosion resistant. At the same time, its adjustable height will be useful to you, as well as the drain holes on the seat. You will get a comfortable shower experience with no risk of slipping.

However, this chair has some drawbacks too. It fits only standard tubs, and if you try to lean far back, it might tip over. Also, if you are a tall person yourself, or a nurse taking care of a tall elderly, you should be aware that this chair might not fit them. At last, you shouldn’t use it for people who need constant supervision during the bath time, because it is not stable enough and it doesn’t offer any back support.

Pros

Metal legs and thick plastic seat make it extremely sturdy.

The seat has plenty of drain holes.

It is not slippery.

The aluminum frame is corrosion resistant.

Adjustable height is a nice feature.

Cons

It fits only the standard tubs.

If you lean too far back, the seat might tip over.

If you are tall, this might not fit you.

Made for people who don’t need supervision.

Medical Tool-Free Assembly Spa Bathtub Adjustable Shower Chair Seat Bench with Removable Back

This Medical Deluxe Spa Shower Chair offers a safe and comfortable solution to injured people, elderly and other individuals who have problems standing while showering. It features a heavy-duty anodized aluminum frame, the weight capacity of 300lbs and a wide (19.5″x 12″) anti-bacterial, high-density, contoured, polyethylene seat. Angled legs with non-slip rubber tips are here to distribute users’ weight optimally.

The best thing about this chair is the fact you can assemble it within minutes, using only your hands and amazing, clear instructions that are provided. At the same time, once it is constructed, the chair is sturdy and weighs only four or six pounds depending on the fact whether you are using a backrest or not. Also, you don’t have to worry, because rubber feet will keep you safe from any injuries while showering.

Unfortunately, this shower chair is a bit expensive, and it has a shallow seat. If the surface underneath it is not flat, you can expect it to wobble. Don’t try to stand up using chair’s handles as support, because they are not strong enough.

Pros

You don’t need any tools to assemble it.

It is lightweight, nice looking and sturdy.

The rubber feet keep it in place.

It can hold 300 lbs.

The directions for assembly are clear.

Cons

The seat is a bit shallow.

It is not very stable.

It’s a little pricey.

The handles are not strong enough to support you as you try to stand up.

Medmobile® Bathtub Transfer Bench / Bath Chair

Medmobile’s shower chair will offer you five different levels of seat height adjustment, with each increment measuring one inch. Its wide seat (24″ x 15″) will offer you easy transfer from wheelchair to a bath chair. This highly versatile shower chair can be assembled for the left or right-hand application. The overall dimensions are approximately 29” x 16” x 25” without the backrest.

This chair lets you chose among five different seat heights, to suit your needs as much as possible. Also, it has a comfortable backrest, and it is easy to clean. It will serve you for many years, as it is made of sturdy, thick plastic. At the same time, it is lightweight so you can easily handle it, and on top of all that, it is slide-proof.

However, once you unpack this shower chair, you will realize the assembly is quite complicated. It doesn’t come with any proper instructions, and you might have to buy additional hardware or drill a few holes to make it work. Also, it might be higher than your tub’s edge, which is a problem because water will pour everywhere.

Pros

It offers five different levels of seat height adjustment.

It has a comfortable backrest.

It is easy to clean.

It is incredibly sturdy and made of thick, durable plastic.

The chair is lightweight and slide-proof.

Cons

The assembly is a bit complicated.

It doesn’t come with adequate instructions.

You might need to drill some new holes or get more hardware to set it correctly.

It might be higher than your tub’s edge.

Conclusion

Today, you’ve learned which factors to consider before purchasing or recommending a shower chair for the elderly, and you’ve seen the best models on the market.

Now’s the time to declare a winner.

According to our analysis, the best shower chair for elderly in this group is the Medical Tool-Free Assembly Spa Bathtub Adjustable Shower Chair Seat Bench with Removable Back. It is lightweight, versatile, easy to assemble and it has a weight capacity of 300 pounds which is admirable.

Let us know if you have any other questions or an opinion you’d like to share. Do you agree with our choice? Do you have experience using some other shower chairs for elderly that we didn’t list here?

Don’t be shy and leave us a comment.

Run now, we know you are a busy nurse, and we don’t want you to be late for work!

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-shower-chairs-for-elderly/

[dangerouslylazydinosaur]

How to Find the Best Diabetes Test Kit in 2018 – The Buyer’s Guide

In today’s sugar-filled world, many people struggle with their blood sugar levels and diabetes, in all its forms. It’s a serious health problem that most people don’t pay enough attention to and it can have serious repercussions.

However, keeping your blood sugar at safe and healthy levels is not all that difficult – as long as you know exactly what your sugar levels are. Here’s where blood glucose meters and other similar testing kits come in handy, and for someone with diabetes, they are a must-have.

Today, you’ll learn all about how to use these tools to test your sugar blood levels and see what the best diabetes test kits on the market are.

What’s in a Diabetes Test Kit?

If you’ve never bought a diabetes test kit before you might not know what they’re supposed to contain.

Well, the main part of each diabetes test kit is a blood glucose meter. This is what you’ll be using to test your blood sugar, and it works by using strips that convert the blood placed into them into electronic impulses that the meter can read. Some meters use a different method though and read the blood contents through color.

Besides that, most kits also include the strips that need to be inserted into the meter, since they are disposable.

Another disposable thing that is included in most kits are the lancets; the small needles used to prick your finger to draw blood from it for the test. Lancets are used with a lancet holder, a small device that is pressed to your finger at which point you press the button on the other side of it.

There are other things that may be included, but those are the basics which you should expect in almost every diabetes test kit that you buy.

What to Consider When Buying a Diabetes Test Kit

When you’re buying a diabetes test kit, you need to watch out for a few different things to get the best deal possible. Here are the most important aspects that you need to consider.

Type

There are three different types of glucose blood meters that could be in a diabetes test kit, and each of them has its own benefits and downsides.

Analog – These meters have mostly been phased out these days, and they’re inferior to other types. If you see a test kit with one, pass it over even if it’s cheap.

Digital – Today, most meters are digital in nature, allowing them to interface with different devices like PCs, laptops or smartphones.

USB – These digital glucose meters can plug directly into a device’s USB port to interface with it, allowing for easy information transfer. They usually come with a piece of software designed specifically to interact with them.

Accuracy

Since you’re getting a diabetes test kit to test your blood sugar levels and know exactly what they are at all times, you want the glucose meter included in the pack to be as accurate as possible.

The best meters go up to three decimal points but even those that measure the glucose level up to one decimal point are still good, and that’s what you should look for.

They also need to accurately measure your blood sugar levels on repeated readings. If you take 3 or 4 readings back-to-back and they’re vastly different, the accuracy of the meter is definitely off-point.

Since there’s no way to test most of these meters before you buy them, try to look for user experiences and gauge the accuracy based on that.

Reliability

The contents of the kit also need to be reliable in the long run, or you’re wasting your money. The strips, for example, need to work every time or almost every time. If one in three strips is wasted, for example, that’s too unreliable.

The test results also need to be consistent, and the meter itself also needs to work without a hitch – malfunctions should be kept to a minimum since they also waste your time, strips and blood. It should also work fast, so you don’t have to spend more time on the test than necessary.

You should also consider the long-term durability of the meter and lancet holder. If they don’t hold up for a long time and start breaking down quickly, you should take a pass on the purchase.

Again, search out user experiences and reviews to get an idea of how reliable the contents of the kit are.

Ease of Use

Not all glucose meters in diabetes test kits are equally easy to use, and people with diabetes might have trouble using them for different reasons.

For example, the size and brightness of the display as well as the size of the numbers are important, especially for older people who might have eye problems along with diabetes. Large displays with the most important reading in large numbers, right in the center, are the best.

Some people with diabetes have shaky hands and meters that are easy to hold and have large buttons that can’t be easily missed are good for such people.

The amount of blood needed is also important, and it should be as little as possible. Since most diabetic people need to test their blood sugar often, they don’t want to need to spend a lot of blood on it.

The other parts of the test kit also need to be equally easy to use. The lancets need to be sharp enough to pierce your skin each time; the lancet holder needs to work even when you press it lightly, the test strips need to be large enough so you can easily drip blood onto them and they should fit easily within the device.

Here, user experiences are also your best friend, and it will help you gauge how easy or difficult the contents of the kit are to use.

Extras

While the blood glucose meter is the main part of a diabetes test kit, other essential equipment is also included most of the time, and you need to see what you get in the kit before you buy it.

You should get the basics – a blood glucose meter, lancets, a lancet holder, test strips, and control solution. Sadly, not all kits contain these necessary elements and you might need to buy some of them separately.

Some kits will also contain things like manuals, carry cases, extra batteries for the meter and more. All of those things increase the value of the kit immensely.

The blood glucose meter itself might also have some extra features that you might not expect, but which could be useful. They might be able to test other things in your blood or perform more complicated tests, and that could be useful if you need it.

The 5 Best Diabetes Test Kits on the Market

Easy Touch Diabetes Testing Kit

With this testing kit, you get almost all of the essentials for a good price. The kit contains a blood glucose meter, lancing device, 100 lances and 100 test strips. Besides that, you also get a carry case and a log book to keep track of your results.

Notably, you do not get any control solution in the package, and you’ll have to buy it separately though that’s not a huge deal.

The meter itself is incredibly fast, and it can give you results within around 5 seconds. The lancets are also great since they can be reused, despite what the packaging says, and it won’t affect the accuracy of the results.

Sadly, the accuracy can be off by 20 points, and it’s noted on the packaging as well. In practice, though, it’s usually not more than 10 units off, though that also makes it a bit too inaccurate.

Overall, this is a good kit that comes at a great price though it does have a few faults.

Pros:

The lancets can be reused

It comes at a great price

Easy to use with large buttons and display

Extremely fast testing

Cons:

The accuracy can be off by a full 20 points

Doesn’t come with control solution

Contour NEXT Diabetes Testing Kit

In this package you get everything you need and more – it has a glucose meter, 100 lancets and 100 test strips, lancing device, and even some control solution. You also get a manual for the kit, a log book, and a carry case. Everything here is of high quality.

The meter itself offers 5-second results, and they tend to be highly accurate, being 8 units off at most, though that’s rare. It also has a lot of functions including meal alarms, saved results and long-term statistics.

Another good thing is that this whole set comes with an 18-month warranty, so you’re covered if something goes wrong even if you’re insurance is bad. Also, you don’t need to worry about meter malfunctions.

There are some problems with this kit, though. The lancets are a bit too dull, and they seem to have some trouble drawing blood, and that might hurt you. Also, if you want to interface your meter with your PC or Mac, you might have issues since the included software is not too good.

Still, it’s quite a good kit for the price.

Pros:

It comes with control solution

Comes with an 18-month warranty

Saves results and shows you relevant statistics

Highly accurate

Cons:

The lancets have trouble drawing blood

The included software doesn’t seem to work right

Care Touch Diabetes Testing Kit

For the most part, this is quite a standard kit, containing a blood glucose meter, 100 lancets, lancing device and 100 test strips. It doesn’t contain any control solution though, but it does have instructions, a carrying bag, and a log book. You also get an extra battery for the meter.

The meter has some nice extra features, like 14-day averaging and automatic turn off when not being used. It is decently fast and reads results in a matter of 5 seconds.

The meter does lack some features which should be standard, like a display that lights up. However, the meter is extremely accurate, and you don’t have to worry about that part of the deal.

Besides that, the lancets do hurt a lot when you use them since it seems that they are a bit duller than other lancets.

Still, this is quite a good deal for the price and replacement strips are also quite inexpensive.

Pros:

Fast results

The price is extremely affordable

Comes with an extra battery

The meter is extremely accurate

Cons:

The lancets hurt a lot

The display doesn’t light up

Doesn’t come with control solution

KETO-MOJO Blood Ketone and Glucose Testing Meter Kit

This is a kit made for testing more than just blood sugar since it’s intended to also test blood ketone for people who are on a ketogenic diet, either for health reasons or because of a condition they have.

Since ketogenic diets are popular for dealing with diabetes, this feature will be extremely useful for a lot of people. Besides that, it also has hematocrit and hemoglobin measurements.

The meter also has some other useful features, like being able to store the information of up to 1000 tests and having a large display with just one, large button.

The meter is quite useful, reliable and accurate – but what about the rest of the package?

Well, you don’t get as many lancets or testing strips as you would in other kits – only 10 of each. The lancet device is also not good since it is inconsistent and it might hit your finger too lightly or too strongly at times. You do get replacement batteries, but that’s one of the few upsides. Even the carrying bag you get is poor.

So, overall, it’s a good device bundled with some extras that are sub-par.

Pros:

It also measures blood ketone levels

Extremely easy to use

It comes with a lifetime warranty

Accurate and fast readings

Cons:

The lancet device is poorly made

You only get a few lancets and testing strips

A1cnow Selfcheck

In this kit, you get a blood glucose meter along with some extras, which includes a few guidebooks, 2 test strips, 2 lancets, 2 shaker pouches and a lancing device. For the price, that’s not too good, and the testing strips and lancet costs will rack up quickly.

For the most part, the device included in the kit works well as does the lancet holder and you won’t have too much trouble with them. The readings are fairly accurate, and you won’t be wasting any test strips since the meter works reliably well. It’s also easy to use, and the instructions included in the package are clear and detailed.

Overall, the device is good though the kit as a whole is a bit lacking.

Pros:

Easy to use

Mostly accurate

The lancing device works well

Cons:

You don’t get a lot of extras

The testing device can waste strips

Conclusion

So, that’s about it! Now you know all you need to know about picking the best diabetes test kit you can find. But, the question remains – which one of these five products is the best?

Well, this time it seems to be the Contour NEXT Diabetes Testing Kit for sure. Despite some problems, it works well, it delivers extremely accurate results, and it comes with everything you might need. It easily beats out all other kits presented here, though they’re also good.

If you want to ask a question or have some thoughts on the topic, sound off in the comments! Until next time, remain healthy!

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-diabetes-test-kit/

[dangerouslylazydinosaur]

How To Get The Best Air Purifier for Allergies – Buying Guide

Your eyes are itchy all the time. Your nose is either runny or congested. You often feel like you cannot breathe. All of these are the symptoms of different allergies, which can significantly affect your well-being.

However, there is a solution, and you don’t even have to take any medicine!

Air purifiers for allergies can ease your symptoms by eliminating allergens from the air in your home or workplace.

Keep reading, and we will teach you how to choose the perfect one for yourself and present you the best models on the market.

Different Types of Air Purifiers for Allergies

Before you learn how to choose the best air purifier for allergies, you need to learn more about the different types of these devices. You have to decide, whether you are choosing an air purifier for your home, office or clinic.

Take a look at these four types, and you will be one step closer to finding a perfect one for yourself, no matter where you want to place it:

HEPA Air Purifiers

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters work by trapping microscopic contaminants, which leads to the elimination of 99.97% of all particles that are larger than 0.3 microns. If you find a HyperHEPA filter, you can count on it to remove particles as small as 0.003 microns.

The HEPA filters are great for people who are dealing with severe allergies. The air, carrying various contaminants, passes through the filter. All particles that are larger than one micron get caught in the HEPA fibers, as the air flows through. On the other hand, smaller particles keep circulating a little longer, before getting stuck on fiber.

The HEPA’s accordion-style pleats are fantastic, as they create many obstacles, ensuring that even the smallest particles stick to the fibers.

Asthma and Allergy Air Purifiers

If your allergies are not average but unbearable and they are related to something that can hardly be controlled, such as dust, this type of air purifiers is the way to go. They often combine HEPA filters with activated charcoal filtration, catching various allergens like dust and airborne pollen.

The activated charcoal filter works a bit differently than HEPA. It creates chemical adsorption. When carbon comes in contact with oxygen, it becomes activated. This reaction opens up millions of tiny pores in the carbon atoms. This creates a sort of sponge for absorbing microscopic contaminants.

Unfortunately, even this type of air purifiers can’t cure your allergies or asthma. Still, they do filter airborne allergens making your life much more relaxed and offering significant relief.

Smoke and Odor Air Purifiers

If you want your air purifier for allergies to also work for different odors and cigarette smoke, that can be really harmful to both active and passive smokers; charcoal filters are the ones you should look for.

They can eliminate the toughest smoke and odors within minutes. If you are living with the smoker or working with one, that doesn’t have to mean that you have to breathe in the smoke too.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, secondhand or passive smoking causes approximately 33,950 deaths from heart disease and 7,330 deaths from lung cancer each year.

Chemical and Medical Gas Air Purifiers

If you are working in a hospital or a nursing home, air purifier for allergies is often not enough. That is why there are medical-grade purifiers which eliminate gas and chemical pollution.

Patients with compromised immune systems, elderly and chronically ill people are especially vulnerable to airborne pollutants. Medical-grade purifiers eliminate chemicals and emissions, but they are not something you would typically purchase for your home.

How to Choose the Best Air Purifier for Allergies?

Now that you know which types of different air purifiers you can find on the market, it is time to discuss what you should pay attention to, before making a purchase.

These are the three most important factors for finding the best air purifier for allergies for yourself:

Overall Costs

When you buy an air purifier for allergies, your costs regarding that device don’t end the moment you pay. Usually, portable models create annual operating costs of $150-200.

Filter replacements and electricity are the two things you’ll have to keep buying for your new air purifier to continue operating smoothly and stay efficient. You can find filters for $10, but there are models which go up to $100.

So, look for an energy-efficient air purifier that relies on a pre-filter to capture larger airborne particles before they reach HEPA fibers. This will extend the life of your HEPA filters, therefore cutting on your annual costs.

You’ll typically have to replace the carbon filters every three months. The primary filter can last for a year. If the main filter is washable, you will spend less money.

Cleaning

Air purifiers get clogged and dusty, which causes their efficiency to drop. If the filter is full, your device might stop working entirely. So, make sure to look for the models that offer you easy removing of the filter and easy cleaning.

Quietness Matters

The noise level different air purifiers for allergies make can vary. Whether they are working 24h a day or not, noise can bother you, while you work and sleep.

Larger units are often quieter as they don’t vibrate and rattle around. At the same time, they are as efficient on low speed as smaller units are on a high setting.

So, look for as silent as possible air purifiers.

Top 5 Air Purifiers for Allergies on the Market – 2018 Reviews

Honeywell 50255B True Hepa Allergen Remover Air Purifier

If you are looking for an air purifier that will help you with your allergies and cover large rooms, this model from Honeywell is definitely the one you should consider. It offers maximum efficiency and 360⁰ degree air intake. It comes with true HEPA carbon pre-filters, and you can choose between three different air cleaning levels.

Honeywell 50255B is an air purifier for allergies you can rely on. It works quickly, covers a large surface area and it is easy to maintain. You can simply vacuum the prefilter or purchase a new one, and your machine will be as good as new. Filter replacements are inexpensive, and this unit doesn’t use too much electricity, so you don’t have to worry about the electric bill. It captures particles as small as 0.3 microns, and you will notice your nose feels less congested.

However, if you use the “high” setting, this air purifier can be pretty loud. Also, the blue LED light is quite bright which might bother you in the nighttime. It will be a bit complicated finding the perfect spot to place this unit, considering how large it is.

Pros

It purifies the air in large rooms quickly.

It’s easy to maintain.

The prefilter is inexpensive, and you can just vacuum it.

The air is noticeably cleaner.

Low power usage.

Cons

It is loud when you set it on “high.”

The blue “LED” light might be too bright.

It might be bigger than you expect.

It HEPA infiltrates but doesn’t ionize.

Hamilton Beach 04386A Air Purifier, Allergen-Reducing Air Cleaner with Permanent HEPA Filter

Hamilton Beach 04386A air purifier can cover large-size rooms up to 160 square feet. At the same time, its tower design makes it less cumbersome than the previous model. It features permanent HEPA-grade filter, three ultra-quiet speed settings and a simple control knob that lets you adjust the air cleaning according to your needs.

If you don’t tolerate loud appliances, this model will serve you right. On the highest setting, this unit won’t be louder than a fan, and when you set it on low, it will be completely silent. Additionally, it doesn’t vibrate or rattle. Its design allows you to place it anywhere. You can count on it to reduce particles and odors by half.

However, this air purifier doesn’t create that pleasant breeze we all love, and can’t adjust the direction of the air flow. Also, there is no power-off button, and if you keep buying carbon filter, which needs to be replaced every three months, you will spend a lot of money.

Pros

It is quiet, no louder than a fan.

It doesn’t vibrate when you put it on higher settings.

It is small so that you can place it anywhere.

It reduces particles and odors by half.

Filters can be replaced with cheaper options.

Cons

You can’t adjust the direction of the air flow.

There is no breeze.

If you stick with carbon filters, you will spend a lot of money.

There is no power-off button.

LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Purifier with True Hepa Filter, Odor Allergies Eliminator

Are you looking for an air purifier that offers tons of different features? With LV-H132, you’ve found the one. Levoit’s model has a three-stage filtration system (pre-filter, true HEPA, and activated carbon filter), three speed and two brightness settings. It removes 99.079% of dust, odor, mold spores, pet dander, pollen, and smoke. Additionally, this unit is 100% ozone free, does not use harmful UV or ions.

If you are looking for an air purifier that will fit your office or smaller room and that you can move around, Levoit has your back. Their model is quiet, sleek and affordable. All you have to do is replace the filters every six months, and that’s it. They provide you with a 2-year warranty as well.

However, it will cover only one room, so if you have a large apartment, you’ll need to purchase multiple units. Also, pressing a button makes annoying, high pitched noise that you can’t mute. At last, you have to keep this air purifier clear on all sides.

Pros

You’ll have to replace the filters only once or twice a year.

It is easy to set up.

It is very sleek, small and quiet.

It has sensitive buttons, three settings, and two additional night light settings.

It is affordable.

Cons

Pressing a button makes a high-pitched noise that you can’t mute.

It filters only one room.

Sometimes the buttons tend to freeze and stay unresponsive.

You have to keep it clear on all sides.

Holmes Small Room 3-Speed HEPA-Type Air Purifier with Optional Ionizer

Holmes’ small room HEPA-type air purifier is recommended for rooms up to 109 square feet, and you can place it anywhere, vertically or horizontally. It filters particles as small as 2 microns and uses Holmes Aer1 Series Filters, including Allergen Remover, Odor Eliminator, Smoke Grabber and Total Air. This unit features an optional ionizer as well and comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

The great thing about this unit is the fact that it is so small and lightweight, you can quickly move it wherever you want and place it on your table. Also, it is super affordable, and you can set it to cool the air a little too. Additionally, it comes with a useful indicator that will notify you once the filter needs to be changed.

Unfortunately, this is not a true HEPA device, only HEPA-type. It doesn’t help eliminate the cigarette smoke odor completely. Also, it might be a bit loud for you, especially on higher settings. The fan switch is a bit difficult to slide back and forth, and the instruction manual is a little unclear.

Pros

You can easily move it from one room to another.

It is super affordable.

There’s a useful filter change indicator.

You’ll stop feeling congested.

It cools the air a little bit, too!

Cons

It might be too loud for you.

It doesn’t help with cigarette smoke odor.

The instructions are unclear.

The fan switch is a little difficult to slide back and forth.

Honeywell HFD-120-Q QuietClean Tower Air Purifier with Permanent Washable Filters

Honeywell rotating air purifier circulates air and captures airborne particles up to 5 times an hour. The filter is washable, and the unit is energy efficient, so you could say this is a truly affordable option. It comes with an indicator that tells you when’s the time to wash the permanent filters. You can also add an odor reducing pre-filter.

A great thing about this model is that it blows out fresh air and you can feel it. Its oscillation tower can be enabled or disabled, if you don’t like it, by the top panel switch. Also, the filters are washable, and you can remove them for cleaning easily. At last, the unit is surprisingly quiet in all three settings.

In this case, too, you’ll be dealing with a HEPA-type filter which is not as effective as the true HEPA one. Also, this model can be a bit pricey, and it will take up a lot of space in your home because you have to keep it four feet away from any walls on all sides.

Pros

The filters are washable.

It collects large amounts of dust and blows clean fresh air out.

The oscillating tower can be enabled or disabled by the top panel switch.

It is surprisingly quiet.

All filters are easy to remove for cleaning.

Cons

The filter is not as effective as HEPA one.

The power cord is short.

You have to keep it four feet away from all walls.

It’s a bit pricey.

Conclusion

At this point, you can differentiate the four main types of air purifiers, and you know that they should be energy efficient, have washable pre-filter, be quiet and easy to clean.

When we take all of these factors into account, it is clear that our recommendation for the best air purifier for allergies is Honeywell 50255B True Hepa Allergen Remover Air Purifier.

Let us know if you agree with our choice and if you have any other questions or opinions you’d like to share!

      Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-air-purifier-for-allergies/

[dangerouslylazydinosaur]

Using a Coloring Book to Study? How to Use an Anatomy and Physiology Coloring Book!

Nursing school can be tough, and some of the toughest subjects are anatomy and physiology. Remembering everything you need to pass them can be extremely difficult, especially for those who weren’t good in biology class.

One of the best ways to get over this hurdle and pass your anatomy and physiology classes is to get a coloring book. Yes, that might sound strange, but it works! Here’s how to get a good one and how to use it to excel at your studies!

What is an Anatomy and Physiology Coloring Book?

When you hear the phrase “coloring book” the first thing you probably think about is a book full of popular cartoon characters or things like cars and fairies, made to entertain or teach preschoolers.

Well, these coloring books are not the same as those ones, but they do rely on a similar principle. Humans are visual beings, after all, something you probably already know as a nursing or pre-med student. We take in most information visually, and pictures are extremely helpful for reinforcing your memory.

That’s the principle that these coloring books are based upon, just like the ones used in preschools, though these ones have a different structure and format.

Like most coloring books they are filled with black-and-white outlines and diagrams that you need to color in. However, these are anatomical diagrams arranged and organized in a scientific order so as to help you learn them all.

Unlike other coloring books, they aren’t made up solely out of pictures that you need to color in. They also contain a lot of text that contextualizes the images and provides additional info to help you learn.

Most of these books will also contain some helpful tips on how to color the illustrations to make the most of them while learning. This includes tips on which parts to color in first and which colors to use.

You still have the freedom to color the book exactly as you want, but following some of these guidelines can help you avoid obscuring important detail in the illustration or help you highlight key parts, so they stand out whenever you open the book.

Most pages also have the names of certain body parts that you can color in – this allows you to match the color of the name and the body part, allowing you to instantly connect them in your mind.

So, overall, it’s no child’s play – these coloring books are made with serious studying in mind.

Why You Need an Anatomy and Physiology Coloring Book

You might think that’s all great, but the question in your mind could be – why would I use this instead of a textbook? Well, because it offers a lot of benefits that traditional textbooks just don’t provide.

The first thing they offer is a more visual way to learn. Sure, textbooks have some pictures as well, but they’re not made to help you memorize – that’s what written lists are for.

However, if you’ve ever tried to memorize a list of foot bones, you might realize the problem with that – the longer the list is, the tougher it is to memorize it. This is especially true if you can’t visualize how the bones connect and where each one is located.

With a coloring book, you won’t have that problem – you’ll know exactly where each part is. You won’t be just remembering a disconnected list but an image with parts that are connected to each other yet visually distinct due to being colored differently.

Colors naturally attract the attention of your eye, and it’s easier to remember objects that are more colorful. It’s a process that developed in our brain as a survival strategy but remains present even today.

The process of coloring itself also helps, since it creates visual relationships in your mind, reinforcing the mental pathways between your memories. It’s the same reason why highlighting certain words and sentences in a textbook helps you remember them.

However, a coloring book is better than simple highlighting because it presents the name of a body part and its image on the same page, thus helping your mind to instantly connect the two when you color them.

A visual representation of the material is the key here. Our brains think primarily in images, which makes the visual way of learning one of the best ones out there. This is also why anatomical atlases are also useful and often recommended to nursing students.

The issue with them is that they use inconsistent coloring that might confuse your mind instead of helping it learn, or they simply don’t use enough colors. With a coloring book, you can create a system that fits you the best and use as many different shades as you need to.

The hand gestures of coloring are also vital in improving your memory since they arouse your brain and provide another connection to the material.

The brain learns better when it gets information from multiple sources at the same time. If you’re reading, seeing and coloring at the same time, you’re learning in three different modes at once which is much better than just reading or seeing the material.

But, one of the most important things is that coloring is simply fun and relaxing, even if you’re an adult. You’re learning, but you’re not as tense as you usually are when you enter your studying mode. This also helps you retain information easier and avoid the fatigue that stops you from learning effectively.

By studying with a coloring book you’ll retain the information for a long time and you will hardly need to study anatomy even for your NCLEX exam.

How to Study From a Coloring Book

So, you’ve decided to learn anatomy from a coloring book – however, you might not know where or how to start. After all, you probably only studied by using a textbook. Well, here are a few tips on how to effectively learn from a coloring book.

Before you even start learning from the coloring book, you need to buy something you’re going to color with and think up a system. Try to get as many different colors as possible so you can have variety.

Also, if you want to be able to color in more than once, get a type of pencil that you can erase after you finish coloring – it makes this type of studying even more effective than usual.

Once you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to sit down and start studying!

The first thing you need to do is to choose the section you want to study today. For example, foot bones – that’s a particularly ‘popular’ subject.

Before you start coloring in, read the instructions carefully – they will tell you the order which you should use while coloring. Following that specific order is essential since it’s designed to help you learn easier.

Most anatomy and physiology coloring books have a pyramid-like approach to learning. They will instruct you to start coloring the core or the larger parts first and move towards the periphery.

For example, the foot bones – you would start with the cuboid bone, navicular bone, and cuneiform bone and move through the metatarsal bones all the way to the phalanges. You’ll learn all you need to know about the important bones and things like high and low arches.

When you start coloring in, start with one of the major subjects first and move to the smaller and more detailed pages on specific body parts.

During coloring, always color in the name of the body part and the immediately color in that body part. Don’t get lazy and color in all the names first and then the pictures – that won’t help you learn properly.

Once you’ve colored everything in, you have two choices. The first one is to use the coloring book like an anatomical atlas from this point on. The second one is to erase all the coloring and start over – the second method is more time-consuming, but it will help you memorize everything much better.

How to Find a Good Anatomy and Physiology Coloring Book

There are many different anatomy and physiology coloring books out there, and not all of them are equally good. Some are certainly more helpful than others, and you need to choose the right one in order to study properly. Here are a few things to consider.

The Subject

Some of the coloring books that you can find don’t cover anatomy and physiology – some cover only one of the two subjects, but go into more detail. There are even coloring books focused solely on the brain or the nervous system.

If you want to laser-focus on a particular part of the human anatomy, get a coloring book focused on that as a supplement to a more general coloring book. Make sure to know what the subject and contents are before you buy, though.

The Level of Detail

While some coloring books contain excruciatingly detailed illustrations, others have larger illustrations that are more general.

Now, more detail and info is nice, but it also makes the illustrations much more difficult and time-consuming to color in.

If you want some general reminders but don’t want to spend a lot of time coloring, go for larger illustrations. However, if you want precise info above all else, buy a coloring book that has more detailed illustrations.

Additional Content

Most of these coloring books don’t contain just illustrations that you have to color in – they can also contain plenty of other stuff as well.

A lot of them contain info that you would find in a regular textbook alongside the illustrations. Some contain self-quizzes that you can use to test your knowledge or even a set of flash cards that are also colorable.

All of this can be exceptionally useful, and you should consider it all before buying the coloring book.

Student Experiences

While coloring books like this can be useful, not all of them are. The best way to gauge the usefulness of one of these books before buying it is to look up what the students who used it say about.

Search for the name of the book or look at user reviews on sites that sell it, like Amazon for example, and you’ll get a good idea of how useful the coloring book will be.

5 Anatomy Coloring Books You Should Consider:

Anatomy Coloring Workbook, 4th Edition: An Easier and Better Way to Learn Anatomy

What this coloring book offers above all others is the best of both worlds – large pictures with a lot of details on them. You’ll be able to get a clear view of everything you need while also getting detailed info.

The information and descriptions included besides the images are also great and work well in instructing you on the different body parts that you’re coloring.

However, it’s still not as complex as some other coloring books out there, so if you need intricate details, you won’t find them here. The binding is also poor, so it probably won’t last too long.

Overall, it’s a great study tool for A&P classes and contains a lot of info on physiology as well, not just anatomy.

Pros:

Contains a lot of good info

The pictures are both large and detailed

It covers physiology as well

Cons:

It doesn’t go into the fine details

The binding is poor

Anatomy and Physiology Coloring Workbook: A Complete Study Guide

Here we have a great, comprehensive coloring book that covers both anatomy and physiology and is made by proven authors – Elaine N. Marieb and Simone Brito – who have written other successful books on the subject.

So far, this is their best effort – the workbook is full of large illustrations coupled with great explanations.

However, the illustrations are not as detailed or as accurate as you might want them to be. It’s easy to learn the basics from them, but for anything more detailed you’ll have to go to a textbook.

For most, this will be a great supplement to a textbook, though, especially since it contains a lot of good self-quizzing and review material. If you’re looking to reinforce your knowledge, it’s a great choice.

Pros:

Detailed info accompanies the illustrations

Great for beginners

Contains plenty self-quizzes and other additions

Has both anatomy and physiology info

Cons:

The illustrations are not detailed enough

The coloring instructions are a bit confusing

The Anatomy Coloring Book

Even if you haven’t looked into anatomy coloring books before, you might have heard of this one. This is one of the oldest and most popular anatomy coloring books out there and for a good reason – it’s incredibly good.

Currently, on its fourth edition, it contains tons of detailed illustrations relating to both anatomy and physiology, despite what the title may imply. Still, its primary focus is anatomy.

The book is beautifully made and contains great double spreads which are easy to color, the illustrations are hand-drawn, and the binding and paper are of high quality. All of that is accompanied by concise and clear descriptions that will help you learn.

Some people have found it a bit difficult or tiresome to color, due to all the small details. If you’re short on time, this is not the coloring book for you.

Sadly the book doesn’t contain much in the way of self-quizzing or review material, but the core of it is good enough that this is not so important.

Pros:

While focused on anatomy, it has some physiology illustrations as well

Hand-drawn, detailed illustrations and double-page spreads

Well-made with quality materials

Helpful and concise info

Cons:

Might be difficult to color due to all the small details

Not enough review and self-quizzing material

Netter’s Anatomy Coloring Book

This is an incredibly detailed coloring book with a total of 400 pages and tons of illustrations. It focuses on the human anatomy and features over 160 coloring exercises as well as review exercises.

The illustrations inside the book are incredibly detailed and made to be as medically accurate as possible. Lots of detailed info tables for quick reviews of what you learned are also included.

However, this is not a coloring book made for beginners – if you don’t have any pre-existing knowledge, you’ll just feel lost. With that said, if you’re already versed in the subject of anatomy, this will be a great learning tool for you.

If you’re looking for anything on physiology, though, you won’t find it here – this is strictly an anatomy coloring book.

Pros:

Contains large, detailed illustrations

Plenty of review exercises available

Contains a useful supplementary e-book

Made out of quality paper

Cons:

Bad for beginners

Only focuses on anatomy

Kaplan Medical Anatomy Coloring Book

Developed by a pair of well-established authors, Eric Wise and Stephanie McCann, this is a coloring book designed with everyone in mind. It has large images with plenty of details on them, a good coloring guide and content organization that promotes effective learning.

The explanations that come with the illustrations are good and concise, but they do lack a bit of info that you would expect – you’ll probably need some additional study material along with this.

It is just an anatomy coloring book, though, and some information is omitted – skeletal muscles and reproductive organs, for example.

There’s plenty of self-review content included, though, like flashcards that you can color in and tear out of the book. This is all designed to help you study as best as you can.

Pros:

Large and detailed illustrations

Comes with flashcards you can color and use

Great coloring guide

Well-organized for studying

Cons:

Some information is omitted

The explanations are not detailed enough

Conclusion

As you can see, coloring books aren’t just child’s play – they’re an incredibly effective way to study. They are especially useful for subjects that contain a lot of visual information, like human anatomy and physiology.

Once you get a hand on one of these coloring books, you’ll be able to see that for yourself. They’re not a replacement for a textbook, but they’re a great supplement that will help you remember the toughest parts more easily. So strap on your backpack and go to your A&P classes with no fear!

If you have any thoughts on the matter or would like to ask a question, just comment below. If you liked the article share it around and hopefully you’ll come back soon for more great info!

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/anatomy-and-physiology-coloring-book/