Home medical supplies are all about living safely and comfortably in your own space. But when you throw in the added discomfort and potential danger of summer weather in Tampa, medical supplies that can do their job while also remaining comfortable become that much harder to find.
At Helios, we’ve been providing medical equipment and single-use medical supplies to the greater Tampa community for more than 10 years. We know how your needs can shift this time of year.
Here are some things to take into consideration when you stock up on medical supplies for navigating Tampa summer.
Compression Garments
Fit is always a crucial part of choosing compression garments. Too loose and they won’t provide the venal support you need; too tight and you risk dangerously impairing your circulation.
Tampa patients face an added challenge when wearing compression garments in warm weather. That’s because, depending on the garment and wear it’s worn, they can make you feel even warmer on a warm summer day.
And then there’s sweat. Moisture can cause added discomfort, shifting/sliding, and even more dangerous issues like sores from chafing.
Take these issues into consideration when shopping for your compression garments for Tampa in the summertime. And remember that it’s good to have multiple garments so that you can wash them regularly and eliminate the dangerous buildup of bacteria.
Wound Care in Warm Weather
As we’ve said in the past, wound care requires diligence. Not only do wounds need time and care to heal, but open sores are at high risk for allowing bacteria into the body. And that means risk of infection and life-threatening deterioration.
This heat doesn’t help. Sweat can carry bacteria from one part of your skin into a wound. And sweat also makes it more difficult for adhesive bandages to stay in place.
Always make sure to have plenty of wound care supplies, especially gauze and bandages, on hand so that you can change the dressing as needed. And ask your health care provider if there are alternative ways of dressing your wound that rely less on adhesive; there may be options for wrapping wounds that will keep dressings in place on sweaty days.
A Vital Time for Mobility Aids
Believe it or not, mobility needs can change from season to season. People who have no problem going for a walk in January will find it challenging when the heat index hits triple digits.
It’s important to take into consideration just how much the heat can sap your energy. And at the same time, remember how Florida thunderstorms can sneak up on you, creating slippery conditions.
If you or a loved one is planning on spending time outside, be sure that you have adequate mobility options. It’s much better to have a backup rollator or scooter on hand than to risk a fall.
Consult Your Local Tampa Medial Supplier
Shopping for your home medical equipment can be daunting. Doing it online, unassisted, is even harder—especially when you’re trying to find supplies that will suit you during a Tampa Bay summer.
At Helios, we’re here to help you find exactly what our Tampa neighbors need to have a safe, healthy season.