Men's Carhartt Scrubs!

Hard to rip, but easy to wear!

Constructed in 55% cotton and 45% nylon Ripstop fabric that stops rips before they get started!

From top left: 14108 Color Block Top, 54108 Cargo Pant, 15208 V-Neck top, 15108 V-Neck top
$23.99 - $30.99

To shop our Men's Scrubs, click HERE

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Thank you!

From All of Us at

Mountain View Medical Supply

and

Laurel Uniforms & Apparel 

We would like to express our deepest

gratitude for your continued business!

THANK YOU!

Tips from a Nurse: How NOT to Get Sick

It’s that time of the year again: The “sick” season. Winter and the colder months are referred to as the “sick” season because it’s that time of year when most people who “don’t get sick” get sick.
We spend more time indoors. We spend more time shoulder to shoulder with our fellow humans. We create the perfect environment for those wonderful microscopic mortal enemies responsible for initiating the sickness.

1. Wash Your Hands!
This one always amazes me. For nurses, this means washing your hands obsessively outside of work, also. Don’t reserve the clean hands just for clocking in.
2. Dress Appropriately
Just because your car is parked in a covered garage does NOT mean you don’t wear the appropriate outdoor clothing. I don’t know how many times I see coworkers walking “quickly” from their car with little to no outdoor gear. Oh, and ladies, put something on your head!
3. Get Some Sleep
That wonderful immune system you’ve built up isn’t gonna do you any favors if you’re not properly rested. A sleep-deprived immune system is worth nothing to you.
4. Help Your Immune System
This is that sly reminder to make wise health decisions. I don’t think I need to explain to you what tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption can do to that immune system?
5. It’s OK to Be Around Those Who Are Sick
In fact, it’s a requirement! How else is your immune system going to recognize, fight and develop an immunity to those nasty bugs out there if it’s not being exposed to them? Stop avoiding everyone who looks, sounds or claims to be ill.
6. Don’t Go to Work Sick!
This is a tough one for my fellow nurses. There is absolutely no benefit to showing up for work sick. If anything, it will make you feel worse and GET worse. Stay home. Get that sleep I was talking about.
7. Call the Doctor When It’s Time
Antibiotic resistance is not a myth. Don’t call your PCP just because you have a runny nose. This holds true for the other end of the spectrum, too! Don’t wait 10 days into your cold when you don’t have enough energy to make the phone call, let alone talk.
8. Stop Taking Shortcuts – OTC Meds
The list is endless here. Vitamin C, B12, D, E (pick a letter from the alphabet), echinacea, ginkgo biloba, elderberry, zinc, etc. Stop looking for lightning in a bottle…it doesn’t exist.
9. Eat Healthy 
Give your body a fighting chance and avoid eating foods void of nutrients.  Your immune system needs nourishing!

Source:  http://scrubsmag.com/10-tips-from-a-nurse-on-how-not-to-get-sick-this-winter/

ATTN: Holiday Shoppers!

These are interesting tidbits about shopping during the holidays:

On average, a holiday shopper makes 5 trips to the mall before obtaining all gifts for the holiday season.

Many people are last minute holiday shoppers.  Between Dec. 15 and Dec. 24, 40% of the entire holiday season sales are made.

The average holiday shopper spends over one hundred dollars on items for him or her self while out shopping.

There are roughly 1,175 malls in the United States, which generate $308 billion in annual sales.  $10.7 billion of that is generated on Black Friday.

The second most popular present after clothing will be gift cards, with an average of $40 on each card.

Many “door buster deals” on Black Friday are typically very limited supplies, maybe just 4-6 per store, and act merely as lures to attract customers.

The National Retail Federation considers the “holiday shopping” season to be the full months of November and December, which is usually 55 days.

The busiest shopping day of the year is not Black Friday, but the Saturday before Christmas.

Researchers have proven that a “50% off” sign leads in increased sales, even if shoppers don’t know the original price or what a reasonable price for the product would be.

Researchers have noted that a traditional Thanksgiving dinner full of tryptophan and carbohydrates creates serotonin, which is known to reduce impulsive behavior.

Retailers take advantage of traditional Christmas smells and tastes to attract customers.  Hungry customers are more likely to buy anything, not just food. 

In 2008, a Wal-Mart employee was trampled to death when he attempted to open the doors to the store at 5am on a Black Friday.

All 364 items in the popular song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” would cost $96,824 in 2010.

Single people are 3 times as likely to wait until the day of an occasion to purchase a gift. 

The time spent watching video on tablets increased by 73% on Christmas Day 2012 over the Q4 average. 

14% of consumers who purchased toys during the 2012 holiday season, purchased video game consoles.

Source:  http://voices.yahoo.com/10-fun-facts-holiday-shopping-12362954.html; http://facts.randomhistory.com/holiday-shopping-facts.html; http://www.factbrowser.com/tags/holiday/

Need Some Holiday Gift Giving Ideas?

To shop our Mountain View Medical Supply website, click HERE

Save 25% at Laurel Uniforms during our DOT SALE!

My Favorite Christmas Memory, My Grandmother’s Gift

Adapted from Lyn Brooks, Dec 20, 2011, Yahoo Contributor Network

Some of my fondest Christmas memories occurred at the home of my paternal grandparents. Every year the families of my father and his siblings would arrive at their house on Christmas day. I am the fifth of my grandparents 18 grandchildren, so it was always quite a houseful. My grandfather would always get us something like a Hot Wheels Track and Cars, or Tinker Toys, as a Christmas gift. As we grew older it was bicycles, and then dirt bikes, and finally cash. Every year my grandmother gave everyone the same gift, a brand new pair of socks. They were not the cool socks that you see in the mall, woven of multi-colored yarns; these socks were the thick, bulky, ugly, gray woolen ones that itch and make your feet sweat. 

One year when I was a teenager I asked my grandmother, "Why do you bother giving these heavy, ugly socks to everyone, every year, when you have to know they don't want them?”

My grandmother looked at me somewhat sadly and nodded her head and motioned for me to sit down. As we sat under the tree that day my grandmother told me that when she was a young child life was difficult for her and her siblings during The Great Depression. She told me that they were very poor and that they had to walk part of the way to school, even in the snow. "That is one of the reasons why I do not understand why you and your cousins complain about having to ride a bus that comes and takes you to school and back each day." I remember her admonishing me. She then told me that by winter she had often worn holes in the bottom of her shoes. She wore a piece of cardboard in the bottom of her shoes and the snow or rain would work its way through the bottom as she walked. Once she reached the school, she would take it out and lay it flat under her coat to hide it so that she would not be teased while it dried. She told me that she gave her socks to her two younger sisters to wear, so that their feet would not be as cold and wet when they walked. "When I was a little girl", she said to me wistfully, "I would have given anything for a pair of sturdy, warm socks. I don't give socks at Christmas to give each of you a gift, but I give socks to give the little girl that I once was a gift." I remember crying a long time that afternoon after she told me her story. 

After I got married, I brought my husband home for his first Christmas with my family. When he unwrapped her gift and took out the heavy, thermal wool socks he jumped up almost in joy and vigorously hugged my grandmother. "Thank you!" He exclaimed, "I really need these. I like to wear socks like these when I go hunting; they are the only thing that keeps my feet warm, even if my boots get wet." My grandmother smiled and actually allowed a tear or two to escape and roll down her cheeks. She whispered to me "Today, your husband gave me the best gift."

Laurel Uniform Gift Certificates Available in ANY Amount!

Gift Certificates make a wonderful holiday gift!  

With gift certificates, you don't have to guess scrub size, color or quantity for your favorite person that works in the Health Care Industry.  

The best part is that our gift certificates can be bought in ANY amount from a small "secret Santa" gift, to a larger amount for a new wardrobe!   

To shop our current inventory, check out our WEBSITE!

Budget Friendly One-of-a-kind Holiday Gifts!

Its Holiday Shopping Season!  (insert groan here...)

Do you struggle with that hard-to-buy-for person?  Or, are you a gift giver that despises assembly line products that you see everyone sporting?  We have a solution for you!  We do Custom-In-House Embroidery!  And the best part is that it is less expensive than you'd think!

Have a grandson that is obsessed with Legos?  How about a T-shirt in his favorite color that says "Michael, Master Lego Builder"!

Have a granddaughter that loves to bake cookies?  How about a pink apron that says "Sarah, Cookie Chef"! 

Have a grandmother who is proud of her Grandchildren?  How about a sweatshirt that proudly displays the names of each of her Grandchildren!

Have a man who serves/d in the military?  How about a baseball hat with an American flag that says "Proud to be an American" and his military company!

Need a gift for your employees?  How about a fleece jacket with your company logo and name on them!

Have a college student who has every technological gadget possible?  How about a set of towels with their name or initials embroidered on them!

We have a solution for you!  We can embroidery most any garment or item you bring in, or you can order something from our catalog. 

Come see us before the holiday rush and we will make your gift-giving easy!

For more information on our embroidery services, click to see our website HERE!

Nurses: Mama said there would be days like this...

Mama said there would be days like this.
Actually, Mama may not have known about nursing days quite like this. Here are the early signs that you’re in for a “holy moly” nursing shift.

You know you’re in for a crazy shift when…

10. In the first five minutes some fool says, “Boy, it’s quiet tonight.”

9. You walk on the floor and nobody even has time to say hello.

8. Report is from the slow-talking nurse who includes every minute detail about every patient…slowly.

7. The charge nurse asks who has the most experience in psych.

6. A patient greets you at the elevator and says he is wearing new socks.

5. A doctor greets you at the elevator and asks if anyone on the unit knows anything.

4. A fellow nurse runs past you into the elevator screaming and swearing.

3. You get off the elevator and step in vomit.

2. You smell BM while the elevator is opening onto your floor.

1. A new nurse asks, “What’s C-diff?”

Source:  ScrubsMag.com

Prepare Yourself for Flu Season

Flu season is upon us!  Are you prepared to defend yourself from these invasive bugs?  Here are a few products for your arsenal! 

N95 Particulate & Surgical Mask - MM1860 - $29.57/box of 20
95% Filtration efficiency

Sani Cloth Plus Germicidal Wipes - DY77272 - $10.44/tub of 160 wipes
Bactericidal, virucidal, tuberculocidal

Ear-Loop Surgical Mask - MM1820 - $16.02/box of 50
General care applications

Cavicide Disinfectant Spray - MI13-1008 - $8.76/8oz bottle
Kills flu, hepatitis A&B, HIV-1 and more!

Click HERE to shop our full line of Personal Protection products!

Growing Old in America: Expectation vs. Reality

Adapted from PewResearch, June 29, 2009

There is a sizable gap between the expectations that younger adults have about old age and the actual experiences reported by older Americans themselves.  

In every instance (such as illness, memory loss, end to sexual activity, depression/loneliness struggles, financial difficulty), older adults report experiencing them at lower levels than younger adults expect to encounter when they grow old.   At the same time, older adults report fewer of the benefits of aging that younger adults expect to enjoy when they grow old (spending more time with family, travel for pleasure, time for hobbies and volunteering).

The most basic question about old age is:  When does it begin?  Those 18-29 believe a person is old at age 60.  Middle aged respondents say closer to 70, and respondents age 65 and above say 74.  Nearly two-thirds of adults aged 18-29 believe when someone “frequently forgets familiar names,” that person is old.  Less than half of all adults aged 30 and older agree.

The older people get, the younger they feel - relatively speaking.  The gap in years between actual age and “felt age” widens as people grow older.  Nearly half of those 50 and older say they feel at least 10 years younger than their actual age.  A third of those 65 to 74 say they feel 10 to 19 years younger than their age, and one in six say they feel at least 20 years younger.

On average, adults believe old age begins at 68.  But do 68 year-olds feel old?  Certainly not!  Among respondents 65-74, just 21% say they feel old.  Even among those who are 75 and older, just 35% say they feel old.  

What age would you like to live to?  The average response is 89.  One in five would like to live into their 90s and 8% say they’d like to surpass the century mark.  An AARP survey found in 2002 the average desired life span was 92.  

What do older people do every day?  Of those 65 and older, nine in ten talk with friends or family every day.  About eight in ten read, and the same share takes a prescription drug daily.  Three quarters watch an hour or more of TV and about the same share prays daily.  Nearly two thirds drive a car.  Just 4% get into an argument with someone.  Daily prayer and daily medication both increase with age.  

Are older adults happy?  They are about as happy as everyone else.  The same factors that predict happiness among younger adults - good healthy, good friends and financial security - predict happiness among older adults.  However, there are a few age-related differences in life’s happiness sweepstakes.  Most notably, being married is a predictor of happiness among younger adults, but not among older adults.  

Retirement is a place without clear borders.  Fully 83% of adults 65 and older describe themselves as retired, but the word means different things to different people.  Just three quarters of adults over 65 have completely left the working world behind.  An additional 8% say they are retired but working part time, and 3% are retired but looking for work.  The remaining 11% say they are still in the labor force, though not all of them have jobs.

 Interestingly, ten years ago the older labor force began to trend back upward.  The average retiree is 75 years old and retired at age 62. 

Health Insurance: How Ya Doin'?

I recently had a conversation with my favorite Aunt who is in her mid-sixties, and she updated me on the "health insurance hell" she has recently been enduring. 

Her existing insurance provider, which she purchased on her own, out of pocket, decided to drop her.

She doesn't qualify for Medicaid.

She isn't ready to accept Social Security retirement yet, so she doesn't qualify for Medicare. 

So, her only option appears to be utilizing the state health insurance exchange.  Or, go without health insurance and face a penalty, which would be a risky move.

In the process she is required to get herself NOT qualified, so she has had to divulge all of her intimate financial information and prove she is in fact a citizen of the United States (with more copies of intimate information).  She has spent hours on the telephone, had several face to face meetings, not to mention making a mess of her important files (which adds more stress).  This has literally become a part time job for her because, of course, there are deadlines.

And she isn't even done yet. 

Her frustration oozes through to me and I don't know what to say, except to email her a link for a little bit of comic relief: 
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/10/27/you-will-probably-want-to-see-this-saturday-night-live-skit-mocking-the-obamacare-website/

Withered Corpse Game

This game has been around a while but it is great fun for about 8 years-old and up.  You need 2 or more people to play.

HOW TO PLAY:  Prepare the "body parts" and place in individual bowls or cups.  Create a list with answer spaces for each player, of the "body parts" and hand out to each player. 
In a darkened room, recite the spooky poem as you pass around the cups/bowls for each player to feel.  When you turn on the lights, have each player write down what they think was really in each cup or bowl. 

Once upon a Halloween night

Living in this spooky town

Was a man who dies of freight

Bearing the name of Brown.

Many and many a year has passed

Since they buried Brown away,

But his withering corpse we've here amassed

Dug up from his tomb today!

Here is his brain, which feels no pain.

(pass around a wet squishy tomato)

Here are his eyes, frozen in surprise.

(pass around the enxt cup which holds two frozen peeled grapes)

Here is his heart, nevermore to start! 

(pass around a lump of bread dough)

Here is his hair, once so fair!

(pass around a clump of unstrung yarn or string)

A few drops of blood, the rest turned to mud!

(pass a cup with a little catsup)

One hand all alone, rotting flesh and bone.

(plastic glove filled with mud and a few sticks)

Now touch his ear, which does not hear!

(pass around a dried apricot)

And here is his nose, cold in his repose.

(pass a cup with a dried carrot)

All that's left of his skin are these worms within!

(pass wet, cooked spaghetti noodles)

Poor Brown is dead and withered away,

Can you guess what we really felt today?

Better Living Corner: "I want to 'jazz up' my walker"

A customer recently came into Mountain View Medical Supply wanting to "jazz up" her walker.  We have the perfect product to "jazz up" 4-wheeled walkers!
Nova now offers seat and back cover sets to add glam, style and a luxurious feel to your Nova 4-wheeled walker.  Stand out from the crowd and make a statement with 7 different prints or colors to choose from.  Make it all about YOU!
Fits all Nova 4-wheeled walker models (except 4214, 4215, 4216, 4202, 4207 and 4010).
Set includes one seat cover and one back cover.
NO4007xx - $18.18/set

Safari Cheetah

Grey Dusk

Black Puma

Blue Midnight

Blue Hues

Incontinence Price Reduction!

It seems these days that prices only go UP, but this is not the case with a select bunch of our incontinence products because some prices have actually gone DOWN!  Check it out:

To shop our full line of incontinence products, click HERE!

Tena Ultra Diaper, SC67x00, was $30.13-$39.45, NOW $29.20-$39.64!

Attends Waistband Diapers, PGBRW10xxx was $21.25-$23.20, NOW $16.04!

Attends Breathable Diapers, PGBRBxxx, was $15.22-$20.09, NOW $12.84-$17.11

Prevail Guards for Men, FQPV-811 was $5.18, NOW $4.92!

Prevail Pull-Up Super-Plus Diapers, FQPVS-51X was $17.28, NOW $14.47!

 

Prevail PM Extra Diapers, FQNTB-012 was $15.00, NOW $14.22!

New Cast & Bandage Covers

Need to waterproof a site on your body?  No problem, we now carry the AquaGuard cast and bandage covers!

AG50015RBX - 9"x9" Sheet, box of 5ea - $19.52
Great for protecting Hickman catheters, ports, stomas and PICC lines

AG50016RBX - 34" Long Glove, box of 3ea - $10.38
Great for protecting PICC/IV sites, casts, wounds & dressings and incisions

Ostomates: The Flu And What To Do

Adapted from The Flu And What To Do, Ostomy Association of Metro Denver, Sept-Oct 2013

The flu brings with it headaches, upset stomach, diarrhea, muscle aches and pains!  The advice most given:  plenty of fluids and rest in bed.  This remains sound medical advice for the general attack of the virus.  But if your case of the flu includes that "bug-a-boo" diarrhea, and you are an ostomate, you may find the following hints helpful.

For those with a colostomy, remember your intestine is really washing itself out and it is not wise to irrigate during this time.  After diarrhea has stopped, you will have a sluggish colon for a few days, so again, "leave it alone".  Start irrigation again after a few days when your colon has had a chance to return to normal. 

For the ileostomate, diarrhea is a greater hazard.  Along with the excess water discharge, there is a loss of electrolytes and vitamins that are necessary in maintaining good health.  This loss is usually referred to as a loss of fluid which in turn, brings a state of dehydration.  Ileostomates must restore electrolyte balance.  First, eliminate all solid food.  Second, obtain potassium safely and effectively from tea, bullion, and ginger ale.  Third, obtain sodium from saltine crackers or salted pretzels.  Fourth, drink a lot of water.  Cranberry juice and orange juice also contain potassium, while bullion and tomato juice are good sources of sodium. 

Vomiting also brings the threat of dehydration.  If it is severe and continuing, your doctor should be notified, or go to the ER.  You should also know that diarrhea may be symptomatic of partial obstruction or an acute attack of gastroenteritis.  Since the treatment of these two entities is entirely different, a proper diagnosis should be made as rapidly as possible if obstruction is suspected (because of localized cramping).  A physician should be sought immediatly. 

So you can see why it is so important to determine whether the diarrhea is caused by obstruction or gastroenteritis.  If you do not know and are not 100% certain of what you are doing, or what is going on, check immediately with your doctor. 

Habits of Supremely Happy People

Adapted from The Huffington Post, by Kate Bratskeir, 09/16/2013

Martin Seligman theorizes that while 60 percent of happiness is determined by our genetics and environment, the remaining 40 percent is up to us. 

He describes three different kinds of happy lives: 

The Pleasant Life, in which you fill your life with as many pleasures as you can.

The Life of Engagement, where you find a life in your work, parenting, love and leisure.

The Meaningful Life, which consists of knowing your highest strengths and using them to belong to and in the service of something larger than you are.

While pleasure, engagement and meaning sound like big feats to tackle, there are habits you can add to your life that have helped people be more happy!

Surround Yourself with Happy People

Joy is contagious so dump the Debbie Downers (or limit your time with them), and spend more time with uplifting people.

Cultivate Resilience

Resilience, not happiness, is the opposite of depression:  Happy people know how to bounce back from failure.  As the Japanese proverb goes, “Fall seven times and stand up eight.”

TRY to be Happy

It’s as simple as it sounds.  Just trying to be happy can boost your emotional well-being.  Replace doom and gloom thoughts with happy thoughts.

Be Mindful of the Good

Take the time to notice the things that go right or make you happy & you will feel more rewarded throughout the day. 

Laugh Out Loud

Laughter is the best medicine.  It releases happy brain chemicals that make us better equipped to tolerate both pain and stress.  Who doesn’t love to LOL?

Devote Some Time to Giving

Volunteer work is good for both mental and physical health, and those who do volunteer have less depression and can experience “the helper’s high”.

Make Exercise a Priority

Exercise gives you endorphins.  Endorphins make you happy.  Exercise has been shown to ease depression, anxiety and stress, plus it improves health.

Small Talk vs. Deep Conversation

Balance “shootin’ the breeze” with a more substantive, current conversation for increased satisfaction.  Remember, “I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings” is one of the top five regrets of the dying.

Make a Point to Listen

When you really listen, you open up your ability to take in more knowledge, versus blocking the world out with your own words or distracting thoughts.  Good listening strengthens relationships and leads to more satisfying experiences and increased well-being.

Look on the Bright Side

Optimism touts health benefits such as less stress, better pain tolerance and longevity.  When confronted by a bad situation, optimists perceive it as a challenge and try harder. 

Value a Good Mixed Tape

Music is powerful.  Researchers found that people who listened to music regularly had the same decreased anxiety symptoms as those who got 10 hour-long massages.  Of course choosing the right music and songs is important.

Go Outside

Just 20 minutes of fresh air promotes a sense of vitality.  Remember that nature is fuel for the soul.

Fall Prevention Socks for Everyone!

With fall upon us and with cooler temperatures, these socks keep you warm AND safe!

Posey One Size Fits All PO6239x - $3.93/pair

McKesson XXLarge in Gray MCK40-3800 - $2.51/pair

McKesson XL in Royal MCK40-3816 - $2.36/pair

McKesson Bariatric in Royal MCK40-1099 - $2.56/pair

Humor on a Monday (Because we all need humor on Monday's)

A mechanic was removing a cylinder head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when spotted a well-known heart surgeon in his shop.  The surgeon was there, waiting for the service manager to come and take a look at his bike.

The mechanic shouted across the garage, "Hey, Doc can I ask you a question?" The surgeon a bit surprised, walked over to the mechanic working on the motorcycle.  The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, "So Doc, look at this engine.  I open its heart, takes valves out, fix 'em, put 'em back in, and when I finish, it works just like new.  So how come I get such a small salary and you get the really big bucks, when you and I are basically doing the same work?"  The surgeon paused, smiled and leaned over, and whispered to the mechanic..."Try doing it with the engine running."

Better Living Corner - Pain When Sleeping

“I have severe back pain if I sleep

in my bed for too long because I

cannot move easily.  Help?”

Our Deluxe Pump & Pad Alternating Pressure Mattress Pad by Nova will certainly help you sleep better and more comfortably!

This mattress automatically adjusts inflation of coils to adjust pressure points on the mattress.  The extra-quiet, lightweight pump has a high capacity output and adjustable pressure control to accommodate body weight. 

Includes pad, pump, quick replace air filter and hook for pump.

Features 5 min (60hz) or 6 min (50hz) cycle time, 50mmhg-105mmhg pressure range, 11 foot heavy duty cord (115v), 8 liter air output and 300lb weight capacity. 

Inflated pad size measures 78”L x 34”W x 2.5”H and is made of heavy duty 11-guage textured PVC. 

NOAPP-2000 - $120.00