Pepperjam anyone?

Back in March of this year I decided that I needed to find a company to help me with my internet search marketing. I wanted to make it easier for consumers to find healthcare products online. I searched around for weeks and finally hired a company out of Wilkes Barre, PA. . The name of this company is Pepperjamsearch. Since Pepperjam started, we have had literally thousands of customers find us throught the internet. I am proud to say that these customers like our products, prices and services. I am also very happy to have Pepperjam as a strategic partner. The company is owned by Kris Jones and was recently named one of Inc. 500 fastest growing companies. I understand why. Krista Golanoski is my direct contact and she has done a wonderful job(if you don't believe me just aske her). David Handman is the director of media marketing and we have worked together on an ad campaign in the Yahoo Health Shopping network. We've got more irons in the fire that we'll be rolling out soon. I wanted to write a post today to say thanks to the fine folks at Pepperjam. If you want to learn more about them just go to www.pepperjamsearch.com.

DVT: What is it?

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis, commonly referred to as "DVT", occurs when a blood clot, or thrombosus develops in the large veins of the legs or pelvic area. Some DVT's may cause no pain, whereas others can be quite painful. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, the majority of DVT's are not life threatening. However, a blood clot that forms in the invisible "deep veins" can be an immediate threat to your life, as compared to a clot that forms in the visible "superficial" veins, the ones beneath your skin. A clot that forms in the large, deep veins is more likely to break free and travel through the skin. It is then called embolus. When an embolus travels from the legs or pelvic areas and lodges in a lung artery, the condition is known as a "pulmonary embolism", or PE, a potentially fatal condition if not immediately diagnoses and treated.

What are the causes of DVT?

Generally, a DVT is caused by a combination of two or three underlying conditions:

• slow or sluggish blood flow through a deep vein
• a tendency for a person's blood to clot quickly
• irritation or inflammation of the inner lining of the vein

There are a variety of settings in which this clotting process can occur. First, individuals on bed rest (such as during or after surgical procedure or medical illness, such as heart attack or stroke), or confined and unable to walk (such as during prolonged air or car travel) are common settings. It can occur in certain families in whom there is a history of parents or siblings who have suffered from prior blood clots. It can also occur in individuals whom active cancer or its treatment may predispose the blood to clotting.

Having a recent major surgical procedure, especially a hip and knee orthopedic surgeries or those requiring prolonged bed rest, predispose the blood to clotting. Irritation or inflammation occurs when a leg vein is injured by a major accident or medical procedure.

Also, there are specific medical conditions that may increase your risk of developing a DVT via these three mechanisms, such as congestive heart failure, severe obesity, chronic respitory failure, a history of smoking, varicose veins, pregnancy and estrogen treatment. If you are concerned that you may be at risk due to any of these conditions , please consult with your physician.

This information was provided to us by the Vascular Disease Foundation. Click here http://www.vdf.org/DVT/index.php to learn more about them and DVT.

Web-site update

I am excited about the progress we have made on our web-site development. I have posted a few times about upcoming changes. The fine folks at Kinetic communications having been working hard this week and our RDP (repeat delivery plan) is now available for sign up online. How convenient, just fill out the appropriate information, tell us how many days between deliveries and presto! 10% off ! and your orders will come automatically. Our e-newsletter is ready for launch this week too. So be on the look out for specials coming your way via email.
I've mentioned Kinetic several times in previous posts and I thought it would be a good idea to let our customers know more about them.....

Kinetic Communications is a Birmingham, Alabama based company. Founded in 1995 by Jay Brandrup. Jay is an honors graduate from the University of Auburn with a degree in Finance. Learn more about Jay http://www.kinetic.com/thecompany-jay.html. My day to day contact at Kinetic is Ed Noles. Ed is a graduate from Mississippi State with a degree in Communications and has an MBA from UAB in IT management. These two gentlemen have played an integral part in the growth and development of our online business. We have more development in the que that we will be rolling out in the upcoming weeks. This includes a more navigatable home page and additonal products in the online store. I'll keep you posted.

PS. Ed is the guy with the glasses....he left his slide rule at home.

Washcloths for the troops

I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to be in the hot deserts of Iraq for months and months. Our troops are really something else. Not only do they have to endure the conditions but they are at many times in harms way. About a year ago, I was contacted by the wife of a soldier serving in Iraq. She wanted to purchase our Wings personal cleansing washcloths for her husband. She mentioned to me that the troops sometimes go days without a shower and the wind, sand and heat really play havoc on her husband. We talked for a while and by the end of the conversation I donated a case to her with only one condition. She was to report back to me on how well the washcloths performed for her husband. Well about a month or so went by and indeed she called me back. She had a message from her husband to tell me how great our washcloths were and that he shared them with a few of his buddies. Low and behold, we started getting more calls from folks wanting the washcloths for their loved one serving in Iraq. Since then we have donated several cases of the washcloths to our troops in Iraq. The troops that received them have even been on a call in radio show to express their apreciation and to rave about the washcloths. I got to tell you, when I heard the radio show my heart filled with pride. The Wings personal cleansing washcloths are an awesome product. They are pre- moistened with Aloe Vera and have a nice odor. The primary use for the washcloths is for incontinence clean up. But as you see, they can be used for all types of personal clean up. You can order the washcloths by the case of by the tub. Ordering is easy, just click here http://www.dhphomedelivery.com/productcart/pc/viewCat_h.asp?idCategory=23. If you have any questions about the washcloths just give us a call toll free at 1-888-744-7347 or email us at customerservice@dhphomedelivery.com.

Where is DHP located?

We get this question quite often and it's totally understandable. People want to know where they are calling or sending web orders to. It's also a quick ice breaker for conversation. We are located in Albertville, Alabama. Albertville is in the northeast part of the state about 50 miles south of Huntsville and 60 miles north of Birmingham. Albertville rests on Sand Mountain which is one the largest plateau's in the country. It is considered to be the "fire hydrant" capital of the world. This is becuase the Mueller Co. resides here and manufacturers fire hydrants. Even when I was living in Denver, CO. I always felt close to home because the fire hydrant in my front yard said Albertville, Alabama on it. Albertville is in a beautiful part of the state and offers many outdoor activities. Lake Guntersville is only a few miles away which is part of the Tennessee River. It's probably the biggest bass fishing lake in the south but, the best part about Albertville is the people. Southern hospitality is alive and well! If you're ever in the neighborhood, look us up! We'll have the sweet tea ready.

DHP e-newsletter

In the next couple of weeks we will be rolling out the DHP internet newsletter. I am very excited about this as the newletter will have discount codes for our customers to shop with. Once again, the fine folks at Kinetic communications are working hard to complete this project and we should be live soon. Not only will the newsletter offer discounts but will include information about new products and company updates. You will have the opportunity to sign up for the newsletter in the website or you can email us at customerservice@dhphomedelivery.com.

Coming soon RDP online

Our repeat delivery plan (RDP) is gaining popularity every day. Because of this, I've asked the fine folks at Kinetic Communications to add a sign up form to the web-site. In the past, customers would have to call in to sign up for RDP.....no more! We should be live this week with a brand new way to register. Our RDP is a great way to stay on top of your personal inventory of healthcare products. Simply tell us how often you would like to receive your product and we will ship it automatically to your door and give you a 10% DISCOUNT !! I've searched other companies automatic shipping programs and most of them only offer 5%. Another cool feature of our RDP is that it is not a contract. You can change it or cancel it at any time. Our RDP can be used for any of the products we offer. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today and start receiving your packages more efficiently and with 10% off!

When will your package arrive?

We strive to process and ship all orders the day we receive them. Of course, we are closed on the weekends so these orders will usually ship the following Monday. The only delay you may experience is if the product you ordered is on back order. This means that the manufacturer is currently out of stock. This issue is typically resolved in a few days. Otherwise it takes between one and five business days to receive your package. We use UPS ground as our carrier. We have found that they provide an excellent level of service. We ship direct from our warehouse here in Albertville, Alabama. Click here and enter our zip 35951 http://www.ups.com/maps/results to see the UPS shipping map. Remember to calculate days from Alabama to your state. Ground shipping is free in the lower 48 states but we do provide overnight service at your cost. If you have any questions regarding shipping just give us a call toll free at 1 888 744 7347 or email at customerservice@dhphomedelivery.com.

Thermometry Coming Soon

Over the past several months I've been working with our web developer Kinetic Communications to make improvements to our web-site and online store. The folks at Kinetic have done a fine job for us and I am sure this relationship will last for many years to come. Just last week they gave me a training session on how to add products to our store. In the past I had to sub this work out. You may or may not have noticed but not all of our products listings are in the online store. This is soon to change! In the upcoming weeks ahead I will be adding Kendall Thermometry products to the store.

These products include Genius and and Firsttemp tympanic thermometers, Filac electronic thermometers, probe covers and accessories. All manufactured by Kendall Healthcare.

If you are in need of a thermometer right away, give us a call at 1-888-744-7347 or email us at customerservice@dhphomedelivery for a quote. As always, free shipping right to your door via UPS ground.

Free Samples of Incontinence Products

For many people, ordering incontinence products is a new thing. That's why we offer free samples. Having the proper fit is very important to the performance of the product. It's also important to select the right product for your individual needs. If this is the case for you, just call us for a free sample. All we need is your name, address and phone number and we will send your sample in the mail. If you've never tried Kendall incontinence products before, a free sample may be what you prefer. I am confident that you will like the products. If your sample does not fit properly or you would like to try something different just let us know. It's important to us that we provide you with what you need. Call us toll free at 1 888 744 7347 or email us at customerservice@dhphomedelivery.com. To view our incontinence products click here http://www.dhphomedelivery.com/productcart/pc/viewCat_h.asp?idCategory=3.

SCD Sequential Compression System

We have been offering the Kendall SCD pump for a few years now and more and more people are inquiring about it. We currently do not have the pump in our online store but you can call us toll free to order at 1-888-744-7347. The pump retails for $2300.00 and requires either knee or thigh high sleeves which are extra. The prices for the sleeves depend on the size and we will be happy to discuss this with you. These pumps are primarily found in hospitals for patients who have had or having surgery. The purpose of the pump is to reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis. They are a clinically proven non-invasive method of prophylaxis.

The SCD pump or Sequential Compression System has a pnuematic controller which provides intermittent pulses of compressed air which sequentially inflates the multiple chambers of the sleeves beginning at the ankle and moving up the leg. It can detect each patient's individual vascular refill rate to deliver the most reliable, efficient, customized compression therapy on the market. The results are a wave-like milking action which empties the veins and results in greatly increased peak blood flow velocity. It is equipped with features that assure maximum control, safety and patient comfort. The pump is non-refundable but comes with a one year warranty.

More and more people are purchasing the pump for home use. Your Doctor will need to write you a prescription and in turn you will need to provide us with a copy. If you have any questions regarding the pump please contact us at 1-888-744-7347 or email us at customerservice@dhphomedelivery.com.

Portable Kangaroo Enteral Feeding Pump

The Kangaroo ePump enteral feeding pump is an excellent option for delivering nutrition to ambulatory patients in the community. The Kangaroo ePump weighs less than 2.4 lbs and has a 15 hour battery life, making it suitable for transport. The ePump will fit easily into a Kangaroo backpack or shoulder sling. The Kangaroo ePump will also function properly when tilted to the side or upside down.

Kangaroo ePump is extremely easy to use and very minimal training is required. Using the Kangaroo ePump is like going to the ATM machine.

How to dispose of Sharps Containers

Did you know that improper disposal of discarded needles and other sharps can pose serious health risks to the public and waste workers? Discarded needles may expose waste workers to potential needle stick injuries and potential infection when containers break open inside garbage trucks or needles are mistakenly sent to recycling facilities. Janitors and housekeepers also risk injury if loose sharps poke through plastic garbage bags. Used needles can transmit serious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.

The Coalition for Safe Needle Disposal and the Environmental Protection Agency have identified several types of safe disposal programs for self injectors. Instead of placing sharps in the trash, self injectors and encouraged to use any of these alternative methods.

1. Drop Box of Supervised Collection Sites
Sharps users can take their own sharps continers filled with used needles to appropriate collection sites such as doctor's offices, hospitals, pharmicies, health departments, or fire stations. Services are free or have a nominal fee. Check with your pharmacist or other health care provider in your area.
2. Mail-back Programs
Sharps users place their used sharps in special containers and return the container by mail to a collection site for proper disposal. This service usually requires a fee. Fees vary, depending on the size of the container. We have the Kendall mail back program available and the fees are included in the price for the sharps. Call us toll free at 1 888 744 7347 for more information.
3. Syringe Exchange Programs
Sharps users can safely exchange used needles for new needles. Contact the North American Syringe Exchange Network at 253 272 4857 or online at www.nasen.org.
4. At-home Needle Destruction Devices
Several manufacturers offer products that allow you to destroy used needles at home. These devices sever, burn, or melt the needle, rendering it safe for disposal.

If you want more information I recommend that you call your local solid waste department or public health department in your area. Remember, it's important to protect yourself and protect others.