Geriatric Care Management

Guest blog by Pathfinder Care Management

Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment is committed to providing superior service and offering quality products for our Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area customers. We reached out to our friends at Pathfinder Care Management and asked them to share information about geriatric care management. We understand that caring for an aging loved one can be stressful and believe the assistance provided by a care manager can help to relieve the burden and offer peace of mind.

What is a Care Manager?

A Care Manager is a health and human services specialist who acts as a guide and advocate for families who are caring for older relatives or disabled adults. The Care Manager is educated and experienced in any of several fields related to care management including, but not limited to counseling, gerontology, mental health, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or social work; with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.

The Care Manager assists clients in attaining their maximum functional potential. The individual’s independence is encouraged, while safety and security concerns are also addressed. Care Managers are able to address a broad range of issues related to the well-being of their client. They also have extensive knowledge about the costs, quality, and availability of resources in their communities. Care Managers know the local resources in their communities like the back of their hand, including how to access services. That is why partnering with reputable organizations like Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment, which provides a comprehensive array of home medical equipment, supplies and oxygen, in addition to prompt and personalized care becomes vital in the success of the client.

Why work with a Care Manager?

Care Management is a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults or others facing ongoing health challenges. Working with families, the expertise of a Care Manager provides the answers at a time of uncertainty. Their guidance leads families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love, thus reducing worry, stress and time off of work for family caregivers through:

  • Assessment and monitoring
  • Planning and problem-solving
  • Education and advocacy
  • Referrals to local community resources
  • Family/caregiver support and guidance

What can a Pathfinder Care Manager do?

How We Help:

  • Assessment & care plan
  • Medical advocate
  • Accompany to medical appointments
  • Available 24/7 for emergencies
  • Caregiver consultation
  • Family liaison
  • Research & arrange for community resources
  • Mediate family meetings
  • Advocate during hospital stay
  • Relocation
  • Assist with insurance, Medicare & benefit forms
  • On-call Advocate Program

The Value to You:

  • Objective, expert view point
  • Clarity of healthcare and service options
  • Insider on your side
  • Peace of mind
  • Personalized support
  • Centralized communication
  • Highly trusted community referrals
  • Objective third party
  • Reduced stress
  • Coordination of services
  • Cost savings
  • Reassurance

Care Managers are highly knowledgeable of the issues specifically facing older adults and their caregivers, and are experienced in accessing resources efficiently. Working with a Geriatric Care Manager can be the key to remaining as independent as possible for as long as possible. For further information about Care Management, call Pathfinder Care Management at 612-729-9096, visit our website at www.pathfindergcm.com or the Aging Life Care National Association at www.caremanager.org.

Since 2002, Pathfinder Care Management has been recognized as a leader in providing individualized support and guidance for older adults in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. Our interdisciplinary team of RNs & LSWs assist with long-term planning, medical advocacy, health care coordination, research and arrangement of community resources, housing options, home safety and family/caregiver support and guidance. Our services are tailored to each client’s specific needs whether it is for a short-term project or a more on-going relationship. Pathfinder assures objectivity and we are available 24/7 for emergencies. Visit us at www.PathfinderGCM.com or call 612-729-9096 for more information.

Posted on: February 28th, 2020 by Francis Sheehy in Care Management | No Comments
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment is presenting a series on various conditions individuals may have. These articles will provide some background information for each condition and help you understand how our oxygen and medical equipment resources may be best suited for you or your senior loved one’s needs. Click to learn more about COPD, sleep apnea, Parkinson’s Disease, asthma, and seasonal affective disorder.

Blood pressure is the measured force of blood pushing against the walls of the heart’s arteries. A blood pressure reading is given in two numbers – the top number is called systolic and is the pressure caused by your heart contracting and pushing the blood through the heart. The bottom number, or diastolic, is the pressure when the heart is relaxed and fills with blood. A normal blood pressure reading for adults may be 120/72, for example.

Also referred to as hypertension, blood pressure is generally considered high if the top number is 130 or above and the bottom number is 80 or higher. The guideline for hypertension has recently changed and the updates are from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.

Although the exact cause of hypertension is not known, there are several possible contributing factors such as, but not limited to:

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Alcohol (more than 1-2 drinks/day)
  • Stress
  • Excess sodium in the diet
  • Genetics and family history
  • Sleep apnea

If any of the above listed contributing factors play a role in your daily living, see your healthcare professional for further testing. As with any disease or health condition, early detection is key. There are some risks you do not have control over, such as age, gender and family history, but there are lifestyle changes that any person can make to lower their risk. Treatment of high blood pressure would most likely be a multi-pronged approach that can include increased exercise, diet changes, lifestyle changes, and possibly medication, amongst other recommendations.

A physician may encourage the patient to take blood pressure readings several different times throughout the day using a home monitor. Routine checks of your blood pressure will help to detect changes, even if the patient feels fine otherwise. Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment offers a wide selection of home monitors. As listed above, sleep apnea is one contributing factor to high blood pressure. We understand the importance of good sleep and how it can affect so much in a person’s body. Liberty Oxygen hosts walk-in CPAP clinics two times each year where we offer free mask and CPAP equipment check-ups, answer questions, provide support to our customers and more. Watch for our next CPAP clinics in April and find a clinic near you.

Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment is the premier home medical equipment provider serving Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding Twin Cities suburbs with quality equipment and outstanding customer service. We enable you to stay safe and live independently in your home by offering a comprehensive array of home medical equipment and supplemental oxygen, including CPAP masks, inhalers, and oxygen supplies.

Your health and well-being is important and shouldn’t be trusted to just anyone. Let the caring professionals at Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment assist you with the home medical equipment and other healthcare and oxygen supplies you need. Stop in any of our seven Minneapolis and St. Paul metro locations or contact us today with questions, concerns or comments.

Posted on: January 31st, 2020 by Francis Sheehy in Hypertension, Medical Equipment, Medical Issues | No Comments
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The Top 5 Lift Chairs at Liberty Oxygen

With the holidays upon us, we are featuring power lift chairs and offering $150 off the purchase of any Golden Technologies lift chair throughout the month of December. Incorporating the use of a power lift chair into the daily routine of an aging loved one who has trouble getting into or out of the seated position or experiences other mobility issues, offers a more independent living lifestyle and would be a perfect gift. We thought it would be a good time to share the best-selling lift chairs at our Liberty Oxygen stores – here are the top sellers in 2019:

  1. MaxiComfort Cloud Series
  • Overstuffed, biscuit back design
  • Features Golden Tech’s exclusive bucket seat with “perfect posture” guidance
  • Unique Bucket Seat and chaise pad design cradles your lower body in comfort
  • Features a patented MaxiComfort Ultimate Recline Technology
  • Generously filled, wide armrests for enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining
  • Popular colors include Hazelnut and Coffee Bean Brisa
  1. Comforter Series
  • Timeless Style and Comfort
  • Wide range of sizes available
  • Hand Stuffed Seam Back
  • Exceptional Lumbar Support
  • Full Chaise Pad Support for Total Body Comfort
  • Simple Two Button Control
  • Easily Raise to a Standing Position
  • Gently Lower to a Seated Position
  • Recline for Extra Comfort
  • “Full Napper” Position
  • Superior Leg Extension
  • Popular colors are Pearl and Admiral
  1. Maxicomfort Cloud with Twilight Series
  • Limitless positioning allows for the ultimate in relaxation
  • The MaxiComfort technology offers independent positioning for both the back and legs
  • The Twilight technologies provide for chair tilt allowing for the “lounge” and “Rejuvenate” positions to be included
  • The MaxiComfort Cloud with Twilight positioning using our patent pending 3-motor cradle technology offers an array of rejuvenating options to ease the body and mind
  • Twilight positioning is like no other seating system in the world
  • The 30-degree angle takes the usual TV watching and zero gravity positions to a whole new level – only Twilight offers a TRUE zero gravity sensation
  • Most popular color is Coffee Bean Brisa
  1. MaxiComforter Series
  • Available in six sizes, including the all-new Tall and Extra Wide
  • Features a plush, seamed backrest with lumbar support – a soft, comfortable seat with the unique “grip rite” arm design
  • Standard patented MaxiComfort Ultimate Recline Technology for possible spinal alignment, back pressure relief, and improved circulation
  • The world’s only two motor power lift and recline chair with adjustable active seat option
  • MaxiComfort recline options include TV Watching, Zero Gravity, Sleep, and Trendelenburg
  • Popular colors include Palomino and Admiral
  1. Capri Series
  • The Capri’s classic Colonial button-back design is enhanced by a slightly firmer lumbar support area
  • The arms offer a wider, more rounded design for extra comfort and stability
  • A truly sensible lift/recliner, the Capri combines dependability with long-lasting comfort and style
  • Popular colors are Chestnut Vinyl and Autumn

Watch this short video where Kristin Porrez, Retail Sales Manager at Liberty Oxygen explains why you should purchase a power lift chair from a medical equipment store vs a furniture store. Kristin also demonstrates how to use the chair, including different features.

Liberty Oxygen offers free delivery in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. Each of our locations has a great selection of chairs and fabrics to select from. The chair will be delivered, set up in the home where the customer wants it, and plugged in with back-up batteries installed and tested to ensure the chair is ready to go.

At Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment, we take pride in ensuring that our customers are purchasing a lift chair that fits his or her needs. There are many options to choose from and different things to consider when purchasing a power lift chair. It can become overwhelming when researching your options, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. The knowledgeable employees at any of our seven Liberty Oxygen retail locations will be able to assist you, including questions on insurance coverage. Contact us today at Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment to learn more.

Posted on: December 13th, 2019 by Francis Sheehy in Lift Chairs | No Comments
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Asthma

Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment is presenting a series on various conditions individuals may have. These articles will provide some background information for each condition and help you understand how our oxygen and medical equipment resources may be best suited for you or your senior loved one’s needs. Click to learn more about COPD, sleep apnea, Parkinson’s Disease, and seasonal affective disorder.

With symptoms that vary from person to person, the Mayo Clinic describes asthma as a chronic condition that intermittently inflames an individual’s airways which causes them to narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus. Breathing can be difficult, which also brings on coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. For some, asthma is very minor but for others, it can be a condition that interferes with daily living and activities or even cause life threatening asthma attacks.

Symptoms

Although asthma cannot be cured, the symptoms can be managed. It’s important to work closely with your doctor to understand the signs and to identify the triggers, which will help prevent asthma attacks, as well as treatment adjustments when necessary. Symptoms may include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Coughing or wheezing that typically become worse with a cold or the flu

Causes

It’s not clear why some individuals get asthma and others don’t, but is typically due to a combination of inherited and environmental factors. Some common asthma triggers include, but are not limited to:

  • Pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold spores
  • Infections of the respiratory system, such as the common cold
  • Physical activity, which causes exercise-induced asthma
  • Stress

Prevention

While there is no way to completely prevent asthma, getting a flu shot, taking medications if prescribed and using an inhaler when needed will help avoid asthma attacks.

Liberty Oxygen carries a wide range of oxygen equipment, nebulizers and other respiratory devices for children and adults to help manage a person’s asthma. Our nebulizer and respiratory products, including Respironics children’s compressor nebulizers are available at our seven Twin Cities showroom locations.

Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment is the premier home medical equipment provider serving Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding Twin Cities suburbs with quality equipment and outstanding customer service. We enable you to stay safe and live independently in your home by offering a comprehensive array of home medical equipment and supplemental oxygen, including CPAP masks, inhalers, and oxygen supplies. The friendly staff at each of our locations is educated and experienced with the current insurance procedures and can work with the insurance company to ensure your medical equipment and oxygen supply needs are covered.

Your health and well-being is too important to trust to just anyone. Let the caring professionals at Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment assist you with the home medical equipment and other healthcare and oxygen supplies you need. Stop in any of our seven Minneapolis and St. Paul metro locations or contact us today with questions, concerns or comments.

Posted on: October 30th, 2019 by Francis Sheehy in General | No Comments
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The 2019 Show Us Your Crown Photo Contest Winners Are In!

Around here, we try to keep things exciting. We understand that medical supplies and oxygen equipment do not rank high on the fun radar, so we spice it up a bit when we can and one way is with our Show Us Your Crown photo contest. Each year, Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment hosts this photo contest and donates to the American Lung Association (ALA) Minnesota based on the number of contest entries received. With each entrant who submits a photo (or multiple photos) to the contest while wearing one of our Lady Liberty crowns, Liberty Oxygen will donate $10 to the Minnesota chapter of the ALA.

In our 12th year hosting the annual contest, we once again received many photo entries and love seeing the participants have so much fun with it! This year, our friend Lisa Gebhard, Manager, Lung Health, from the American Lung Association Minnesota coordinated an office-wide vote to choose the winners from all the entries. Thank you, Lisa – we appreciate your partnership with Liberty Oxygen over the years, it is invaluable to our customers and us. The fundraising component of this contest means even more to our clients and employees! Click here to see more of the 2019 entries.

We love hosting this contest each year, seeing the creativity in the photos submitted, and most of all knowing that together we are helping people with chronic respiratory disease get the CPAP equipment and oxygen supplies they need to maintain their maximum health.

Although we try to keep things light and fun, we do have serious business to conduct with our customers, but our experienced employees add a touch of humor to their day when helping customers understand what type of mobility equipment will be best for their needs, find the perfect fitting CPAP mask, or test out a new power lift chair. We actually make shopping for raised toilet seats and compression stockings an enjoyable experience!

If you are looking for a career doing something you know will make a difference in the lives of seniors in our local community and have a desire to work with a fun group of people, look no further than Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment. To learn more about Liberty Oxygen and the services or equipment we offer, visit our website or stop in any of our seven Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area locations.

Posted on: October 16th, 2019 by Francis Sheehy in General, Show Us Your Crown Contest | No Comments
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The FAQs of Being Compliant with CPAP Therapy

Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment is committed to providing superior customer service and offering quality products for our Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area customers. We also understand the importance of being compliant with CPAP therapy, so we chatted with Lisa Winge, CPAP Compliance Specialist and resident troubleshooting expert, where we discussed some commonly asked questions and she shares helpful information and tips.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is an involuntary interruption in breathing that happens while the patient is sleeping. There are 3 different types of sleep apnea:

  • Obstructive
  • Central
  • Mixed

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type, but what is experienced across all types is the interruption of breathing while sleeping, sometimes hundreds of times, and typically for a minute or longer.

So, you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, now what?

There are options, but the most common treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a treatment where the individual wears a mask over the nose and mouth while sleeping. The mask is connected to a small machine that is delivering continuous airflow to the nose, which in turn encourages regular breathing.

Why is it important to be compliant with CPAP therapy?

When sleeping, the airway closing “events” occur. This leads to the brain and body not getting enough oxygen. It affects the patient’s health and over time untreated sleep apnea will take a toll on the heart.

What does CPAP compliance entail? What are the standards?

The basic requirement is the patient using the machine at least 70% of the time in a month. This calculates out to using the CPAP machine 21 or more of the 30 days in any given month. A further breakdown would be using it at least 4 hours in a 24-hour period, 21 days or more in a 30-day time frame. Our patients find it helpful to use even while napping.

Initially, Liberty Oxygen will send a usage report, also referred to as a compliance download, which shows a graph with the sleep report and reflects all apneas occurring to the patient’s physician. This report is typically sent one time in the first 90 days, but the physician may request additional reports. Doctors and patients can also track the usage and apnea occurrences through an app. Some manufacturers have the technology available to track the usage by the serial number of the machine and can report this by sending the reports to an email address. Lisa will help the customer get set up with the app.

How do you serve the Liberty Oxygen customers each day?

Her job is to follow up with each patient to ensure they are meeting their compliance and the insurance company will still cover the machine. Lisa also manages the auto-ship process where customers can sign up to have their replacement masks and supplies automatically shipped on the approved timeline.

  • Tubing – every 3 months
  • Full mask – every 6 months
  • Water chamber – every 6 months
  • Nose cushion – monthly replacement
  • Pillows – monthly replacement

When doing a follow up call, Lisa will see on the report if the patient is having a lot of apneas and can adjust the machine settings. Doctors will also see these reports and will change the settings themselves or send request to Liberty Oxygen to make the necessary adjustments. These changes are made remotely and will automatically sync to the machine and be updated without the patient having to stop at their doctor’s office or a Liberty Oxygen store. Lisa really enjoys working with the customers and says “I take pride in my job and the percentage of compliance our patients have. This is important to their health and I take my work and their health very seriously.”

The manufacturers make it as easy and convenient as possible to use the machine – we all want the patient to be successful in their compliance. “Many customers will comment how great they feel and wish they started using a CPAP machine years ago! Currently, our patient success rate is pretty good with a compliance rate overall in the 90% range”, said Lisa.

If a patient is struggling with their CPAP use for whatever reason, Lisa will check in more often with this individual, and get them in touch with service representatives when necessary. She will also remind the patient how great they feel when they are consistent with CPAP therapy. Lisa offers a good suggestion to even wear the CPAP mask while the individual is awake (while reading or watching TV), so the patient can get used to how it feels.

Lisa says if she doesn’t know the answer to a particular question, she will do what it takes to find it. Liberty Oxygen has great resources within their team of employees as well as the CPAP representatives they partner with.

You are also known as the troubleshooting expert. What types of problems do you solve?

Often times with the temperature changes in Minnesota, some patients may experience some issues, such as dry mouth or mask problems. Lisa is able to walk the patient through the chamber humidity adjustments or other mask fitting concerns and encourage the individual to continue with the CPAP therapy routine.

What about insurance coverage?

Lisa says every individual’s situation and insurance company are different, but she encourages the patient to be consistent. For example, some patients need a Benefit of Therapy form from Liberty Oxygen showing the patient is compliant in CPAP use and that the apneas are down. This is a form required by some insurance companies, but not all. Lisa is experienced with the ins and outs of many companies and can assist the patient with such requirements.

Additionally, the insurance company offering coverage on the CPAP equipment require compliance. Some insurance companies allow rental of the machine but others may not. When renting, it is for certain amount of time until the purchase price is met, at which time the patient owns the machine. Liberty Oxygen will manage the set-up of rental and payments through their billing department. Lisa will follow up with a patient call a few days later and at 30 days and other times as needed. She will go over compliance again as well as making sure the transition and using the equipment is going well.

Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment is the premier home medical equipment provider serving Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding Twin Cities suburbs with quality equipment and outstanding customer service. We enable you to stay safe and live independently in your home by offering a comprehensive array of home medical equipment and oxygen supplies, including CPAP masks and accessories. The friendly staff at each of our locations is educated and experienced with the current insurance procedures and can work with your insurance company to ensure your CPAP needs are covered. Contact us today!

Lisa Winge. CPAP Compliance Specialist. Lisa began working with Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment as a CSR, assisting the patients with CPAP machine setup before moving to the compliance specialist role. She loves getting to know her patients and takes great pride in meeting with each individual, providing a little extra attention when necessary, and works hard to ensure consistently high compliance percentages. Lisa is a mother of two, has one grandson and enjoys camping, long walks and playing B-I-N-G-O!

Posted on: September 30th, 2019 by Francis Sheehy in CPAP | No Comments
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The Days Are Getting Shorter, But There’s Still Time for CPAP Clinics!

Although the days are getting shorter by the minute and colder weather will be upon us in no time, the staff at Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment are gearing up to host FREE CPAP clinics at each of our seven Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area retail locations. This popular tradition of hosting CPAP clinics in the spring and fall continues to grow and is something our CPAP and BiPAP customers look forward to each year. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your machine and supplies thoroughly examined, cleaned and updated. At these FREE walk-in clinics, our knowledgeable staff will:

  • Examine your mask and supplies and replace parts, if needed
  • Check the pressure and settings and make adjustments as needed
  • Perform fittings for a new, comfortable mask if necessary and desired
  • Demonstrate proper, routine cleaning procedures
  • Review all the latest accessories, including fun novelty mask attachments

Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment understands the importance of using clean CPAP supplies and recommends using the SoClean CPAP cleaning and sanitizing unit. Watch Kristin Porrez, Retail Manager, demonstrate how to properly use the SoClean home CPAP cleaning and sanitizing unit. It’s so easy to use this product!

The staff at each Liberty Oxygen location will answer any questions you have on the equipment cleaning schedule and help to ensure insurance coverage of these supplies as well as show you the latest in sleep therapy products:

  • Mask technology
  • Tubing covers
  • Mask wipes
  • CPAP pillows

Mark your calendar for the Fall 2019 CPAP Clinic Dates and Locations:
All clinics run from 2:00 – 6:00 pm on the dates listed below

Wednesday, October 2nd– Burnsville

14001A Grand Avenue S.

(952) 898-5008

Monday, October 7th– Maplewood

1715-D Beam Avenue

(651) 789-7500

Wednesday, October 9th– Coon Rapids

11650 Round Lake Blvd.

(763) 231-2077

Monday, October 14th– Shakopee

1667 17thAvenue E.

(952) 445-5454

Wednesday, October 16th– Woodbury

1815 Radio Drive

(651) 789-0050

Monday, October 21st– St. Louis Park

4820 Park Glen Road

(952) 920-0460

Wednesday, October 23rd– Maple Grove

9515 Black Oaks Lane

(763) 494-4966

No appointment is necessary, all clinics are on a walk-in basis. If you are unable to attend a clinic date above, please call your nearest Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment retail location to schedule a time that works for you. While you’re there, take a look at our most popular CPAP masks or maybe you’ll find ways to improve your CPAP therapy available for sale and enjoy 15% off all CPAP accessories and supplies that are not covered by insurance during the month of October. Hope to see you at the clinics!

Posted on: September 16th, 2019 by Francis Sheehy in CPAP, CPAP Clinics | No Comments
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Give Your Blood Circulation a Boost with Compression Stockings

Designed to apply gradient pressure, compression stockings are a specialized hosiery which helps to increase circulation and prevent blood clots. Compression stockings fit tightest at the ankles and the compression gradually reduces towards the knees and thighs. This design forces better circulation, especially in the more narrow veins.

Compression therapy is commonly used to provide relief to those who suffer from heart conditions, diabetes, and various circulation issues, including chronic venous disorders, such as thrombosis and edema.

Benefits of wearing compression garments may include:

  • Improve venous blood circulation
  • Decrease the risk of blood clots
  • Decrease swelling
  • Prevent venous blood from pooling in the legs

Compression Stocking Size ChartHaving a proper fit is crucial to ensure successful compression therapy. There are several levels of compression available providing gradient levels of compression throughout the sock, so it is best to be measured by a professional or your doctor. The compression types are as follows:

8 – 15 mmHg:  very mild level of compression
15 – 20 mmHg:  moderate level
20 – 30 mmHg:  popular for those who travel or on their feet much of the day
30 – 40 mmHg:  offers high level of compression and is commonly used after surgery

In addition to compression stockings, TEDs (anti-embolism stockings) are an option. TEDs are typically used with bed bound (non-ambulatory) patients. Where compression hosiery offers a gradient compression throughout the leg, TEDs garments administer pressure on the lower legs and feet with most of the compression at the calf. TEDs garments are designed to prevent blood clots from developing in those who are not up moving around on their own. To help keep the two types straight, remember ‘TEDs are for bed’.

Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment carry a variety of brands and styles to fit your needs and has certified fitters at each of our metro locations. Our fitters will assist you in selecting your stockings, donning, proper compression, style, fabric and color. Our certified fitters are knowledgeable in compression therapy, the equipment commonly used, and will provide tips and demonstration to help put the garments on.

Due to the actual compression and the thick material the stockings are made of, it can be difficult to put the garment on. This difficulty is one of the most common reasons for failed compression therapy. There are several ways to successfully put on compression stockings, including:

  • Turn the sock inside out and, starting at the toes, inch the sock up the leg
  • Use rubber gloves to obtain a better grip on the stocking and helps to avoid snags
  • Use a rigid sock aid
  • Use a stocking donner

It is helpful to put your stockings on first thing in the morning, before any leg swelling has occurred. It is important to ensure the stocking is pulled up evenly without bunching up which causes ineffective compression. The use of a stocking donner is also very helpful, especially if the individual is experiencing a loss of hand strength, an inability to bend over or other dexterity issues. Take a moment to watch this video showing step-by-step instructions on how to use a stocking donner.

The compression world has changed quite a bit over the years. Manufacturers have revolutionized the compression garments and offer a wide variety of stylish fabrics (including sheer), colors and styles.

At Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment, our trained fitters can show you the wide variety of options, assist with correct size and type, donning, as well as proper care and use. All seven Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment locations throughout the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area have trained fitters ready to measure your legs and offer a personal fitting specific to your health needs. Stop in today and let our trained fitters bring your compression wear to the next level.

Posted on: August 30th, 2019 by Francis Sheehy in Compression Therapy, Medical Equipment | No Comments
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How Do I Know I’m Buying Quality CBD Products?

When you’re considering purchasing Cannabidiol (CBD) products, it’s important to know the specifics about the product you’re purchasing. There is a large quantity of CBD being circulated and it’s important to know exactly what you should consider and what to look for when purchasing CBD products. First, you should consider where the hemp plant is grown. Hemp is a very absorbent plant that soaks in everything from the soil where it is being cultivated and farmed. Check for the source of where the hemp plant is grown that the CBD oil is extracted from. Next, you want to consider how much of the hemp plant is being used for the CBD oil.Look for labels on CBD products that say either “Whole-Plant” or “Full Spectrum” to ensure that the entire hemp plant was used for extracting the CBD oil, rather than parts of the plant. Lastly, check to see if there have been third-party lab tests conducted on the products. Most of the reputable and reliable CBD companies provide research results conducted by third-party lab researchers that guarantee the quality and practices of the lab are exceeding consumer expectations.

Once you’ve completed your own research, talked to family and friends, and received advice from your doctor it’s time to make a positive change in your life. CBD is proven to help people with various conditions and symptoms, while maintaining the integrity of your body’s immune system. Below are some common conditions and systems that CBD can help treat:

Common Conditions

  • Arthritis
  • Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease
  • Colitis and Crohn’s disease
  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy and seizures
  • Inflammation
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Osteoporosis/Bone Health
  • Obesity
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Sleep disorders
  • Depression

Common Symptoms

  • Reduces anxiety and depression
  • Benefits heart health
  • Sleep aid
  • Reduces chronic pain
  • Increase blood flow
  • Reduces headaches

CBD provides short and long-term relief to muscles, tendons, and joints by increasing blood flow. CBD stabilizes the immune system and has pain-killing properties that reduce spasms and improves motor function as well as helping to relax, calm and focus the mind and body.

At Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment, we are committed to offering the most comprehensive array of home medical equipment, supplies, and oxygen to our customers are are happy to announce we carry the Muscle MX line of CBD. According to Muscle MX, their full-spectrum CBD products act like a key that unlocks the receptors in your body’s innate endocannabinoid system. When the receptors are unlocked in your body, they prompt physiological processes to begin, affecting pain modulation, memory, and appetite plus anti-inflammatory effects and other immune system responses.

If you are concerned about the quality of product or interested in learning more about CBD, visit any of the Liberty Oxygen locations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area to talk with one of our staff members. Stop in today to learn more about how CBD can benefit you!

Posted on: July 31st, 2019 by Francis Sheehy in CBD | No Comments
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CBD is Increasingly More Popular, For Good Reason

At Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment, we are committed to offering the most comprehensive array of home medical equipment, supplies and oxygen to our customers and are excited to announce we have added Cannabidiol (CBD) products. CBD can improve your life and help in various ways and there is a lot of information out there, so we put together some commonly asked questions that will guide you to the best products for your needs. Visit any of the Liberty Oxygen locations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area to talk with one of our staff members and learn more about how these products can benefit you.

What is CBD?

There are so many different things we put in our bodies or apply topically, and they all have an impact on how the body functions and how we feel. CBD is a naturally-derived product that comes directly from hemp and works to clean out the immune system. After years of using pain relief medicine, CBD is able to clean out the harmful toxins and chemicals that other pain relief medicine leaves behind. CBD is a clean form of healing that will surprise you! Even though we are just beginning to hear about CBD on the market, CBD has been used for its positive effects for many generations. The government lifted its patent on hemp products after the Vietnam War so that Vietnam Veterans could benefit from CBD’s healing properties. It is a product that is able to offer pain relief, while also reducing anxiety and improving sleep patterns.

What forms is CBD available?

There are a variety of forms in which CBD can be used including drops, balm, soft gels, lotions, sprays, and concentrates. Depending on your needs, one of these forms may be helpful for you. It is derived from the hemp plant and doesn’t carry THC or any harmful properties. The product we are currently carrying Muscle Mx CBD Balm. This balm is meant to relax your muscles and alleviate pain from your muscles. We have to kinds of balm: Activate and Recovery. Activate CBD Balm has a warming feature that warms your muscles and prepares them for activity. Recovery CBD Balm has a cooling feature that cools your muscles after you’ve been active and provides pain relief to tight and sore muscles. You don’t need to live in pain any longer! Pain and inflammation often force you to miss out on the moments that are most important in life. Applying CBD Balm to an area of discomfort is an excellent way to treat unwanted pain and continue doing that activities that you want to be doing.

How can CBD help me?

CBD products are popping up in health and wellness stores, doctor offices, grocery stores, and many other locations across the US as it becomes more common. Many people are finding that it helps improve various conditions and discomforts they are experiencing, and doctors are seeing that it is improving their patient’s symptoms as well. CBD has been proven to naturally reduce discomfort, improve sleep and relaxation, and support a healthy immune system. As CBD improves people’s living conditions, they are sharing their experience with their loved ones in the hopes that it can help improve others’ situations as well. Regardless of your age, activity level, or overall health, there are health benefits to introducing CBD products into your life. If you are curious to learn more about CBD, visit Liberty Oxygen to ask questions about how these products are helping our customers. We would love to share our experience with you.

If you want to make sure you are using a quality product and are interested in learning more about CBD, stop by Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment to talk with our knowledgeable staff. We also have samples of the balms that you can try to see if this product will benefit you! Give CBD a try today!

Posted on: June 24th, 2019 by Francis Sheehy in CBD | No Comments
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