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CategoriesAnesthesia,  Health

Have you ever wondered why we acknowledge World Anesthesia Day on October 16?

In the early 1800s, pre-anesthesia, undergoing surgery was one of the most excruciating experiences imaginable. Without painkillers and often while wide awake, surgery patients were commonly restrained by six hospital aids. The pain from the experience often caused permanent psychological trauma, almost all went to great lengths to avoid it.

This changed on October 16, 1846. Spurred by dentist William Morton’s experimental—and reportedly painless—tooth extraction utilizing an inhalable gas called “ether,” Dr. John Warren put it to the test in surgery at the operating theatre of Massachusetts Hospital. Instead of the usual writhing and screams of pain, attendees witnessed a wholly silent and still operation. Many thought it miraculous.

The success of ether ushered in a new era of patient care. But how did it work? We’re still uncovering what happens to the brain during anesthesia.

“You’d think that something that’s been around since 1846 would be hammered out solid. But it’s still almost a philosophical kind of mystery,” said science writer and columnist Carl Zimmer on a Radiolab podcast episode called “Decoding the Void.”

Around 2010, biomedical engineer Patrick Purdon and his Harvard colleague Emery Brown conducted an experiment to find out what happens to the brain when the consciousness “switch” flips after anesthesia. They measured subjects’ brainwaves and had them click a button each time they heard a sound, issuing propofol every 15 minutes. Right before subjects lost consciousness, a wave of electricity swept across the brain. Then, just slow, low frequency oscillations coupled with one high frequency wave at the front of the head.

Conscious brains, even when dreaming, show incessantly firing connectivity and chaos, Purdon said. With anesthesia, the connectivity went away. Due to the rhythms of the waves, thoughts were being fired by neurons in the patient’s brain, but they were not being received, or understood, by the other neurons.

What this says about the nature of consciousness is still food for thought. But we can conclusively say that the introduction of anesthesia has allowed patients peace and comfort during operations that would have been unthinkable nearly 180 years ago.

Increased knowledge has further refined anesthesia administration to reduce the risk of “anesthesia awareness” during procedures. Product innovations include Anestand, a customizable anesthesia workstation that keeps supplies handy and helps prevent infections. For pediatric patients, PeDIA is a balloon that a child breathes in to induce sleep rather than being forced to submit to an unfamiliar mask, “turning panic into play.”

Of course, making it all possible are the stars-behind-the-scenes: the anesthesia providers dedicated to improving patients’ physical and emotional wellbeing.

For the Radiolab podcast on anesthesia: https://lnkd.in/g_Fdnz56

CategoriesCPAP,  Health,  On the Road,  Sleep

New strides in travel

Summer is here! Here are some new products designed to help patients travel easier and faster at the airport, on the road, or off the path.

H2Doze CPAP Water

H2Doze CPAP Water is a great new way to maintain health when traveling with sleep apnea.

Even though most patients know distilled water is essential for CPAP treatment, it’s often hard to find small enough portions when traveling.

Each bottle of H2Doze is labeled so that patients can check it right through airport security. It is cleared by TSA and FAA as medically necessary when accompanied by a CPAP machine.

Patients who travel often may also want to incorporate H2Doze into their regular at-home treatment routine. That way there’s no wasted water to pour out from those gallon jugs!

One 16.9 ounce bottle of H2Doze covers two nights of use.

Portable CPAP Battery

The new Portable CPAP Battery fits in a handbag or small luggage pocket and has even more capabilities and features to benefit patients.

The battery has 110 volts, which means patients can run a CPAP machine for up to 14 hours. Patients can now also use the battery to run their other devices, such as laptops or curling irons.

The two USB outlets next to the AC outlet can charge cell phones even while running a CPAP machine.

This would be a great item for patients traveling in groups or with family!

Transcend 3 miniCPAP

 

The Transcend miniCPAP line helps free patients from the constraints of daily CPAP treatment whether traveling or at home.

They’re the smallest, lightest CPAP devices!

The new Transcend 3 is an upgrade on the classic model. It has a sturdier base and a new swivel nozzle to improve comfort. It’s still compact enough to fit in one hand, and it still weighs less than a pound.

Transcend 3 is also FAA approved, so patients can use it in flight. It’s a go-anywhere device.

Mini Mesh Nebulizer

Sunset’s portable Mini Mesh Nebulizer is our newest great value option for asthma patients.

We think this mini nebulizer is a fun entry into the portable market! It’s handheld, quiet and fast.

Our Mini Mesh Nebulizer is also very attainable — it’s a great option for cost-conscious patients. The NEB400 makes it possible for patients to leave compressor nebulizers at home.

It runs on just two AA batteries or any USB port.

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Sunset will be on the road again this September for the HME News Business Summit in Cleveland, and at Medtrade Atlanta this fall. We hope to see you there!

CategoriesCompany Culture,  Health,  Uncategorized

Sunset’s Tips for Workday Fitness

Staying healthy is an important part of the culture at Sunset, and the team regularly joins in on runs, triathlons, golfing trips and hikes. In addition to outside activities, almost everyone takes the opportunity to incorporate a short fitness routine during the workday.

Here are some of Sunset’s tips for a full and active day at the office, and beyond!

Enjoy your commute

Thinking of creative ways to start your day can set the tone for your entire morning.

Sunset’s Graphic Designer Patrick bikes eight miles to and from work nearly every day (in all seasons), and Vice President of Sales PJ and Maggie, Sunset’s Business Analyst, also cycle into work on occasion.

Patrick cycling to work

“I get a cardio workout while commuting, so it saves time,” explains Patrick. “There’s also something about almost always actively moving instead of getting stuck in your car, the subway, or bus that makes it anti-stressful.”

“Some people are intimidated to ride in the city,” he adds, “but I say just try it and in five minutes you’ll see why it’s not scary.”

Take a stand

Once you’re at work, try to find a way to keep the momentum going!

Lead Sales Representative Phil occasionally takes the stairs to Sunset’s 20th floor office instead of the elevators. “It generally only takes around seven to eight minutes, and it gets the heart rate going,” he says.

Standing desks are another great way to stretch out. A recent study showed that they increase concentration and job performance—among other health and wellness benefits.

“I have one and I love it,” says Mike, National Accounts Manager. “I try to stand from 10 a.m. to lunch, and from lunch to 3 or 4 p.m. I feel more energized and less lethargic than just sitting around all day, especially after lunch.”

Get out to lunch

“There are so many studies that depict how workday exercise contributes to attentiveness from employees in the afternoon,” says Christine, Lead Sales Representative at Sunset.

“It’s a good way to get moving and it splits up my day,” adds Emily, Lead Sales Representative. “Since we have a full hour, I can get a solid workout in.”

If you don’t have access to a gym, try packing a brown bag lunch and trekking to an out-of-the-way destination spot for a picnic. Bring a jumprope or small weights for a quick workout.

Make a midday break

Taking a moment to introduce a midday break is a great way to stay grounded. Sunset team members often hold a 3 p.m. mini workout in the building.

“It can be anything from pushups, sit-ups, stretching, to even just closing your eyes and meditating,” says Maggie.

“It’s just a nice little break during the day to stretch out and get a small exercise in,” adds Emily.

The sales team has also been known to participate in group jumping jacks to celebrate office milestones, lunch hour squash tournaments, and spontaneous push-up contests.

Getting up for a drink of water or a face-to-face hello at a nearby office is another way to stay limber and engage with your coworkers during the day.

Take it outside

Outdoors and afterwork fitness activities are a hallmark of Sunset’s culture—and a great way to collaborate outside the office.

Sunset’s 2018 Field Day

“It’s a huge part of building a culture that promotes health, teamwork and friendship,” says PJ. “Not only is it a great way for coworkers to bond, but it also communicates that the company understands a part of being successful is being happy. We want to promote that in whatever way we can while staying productive.”

Nikki takes a swing

Consider inviting customers or clients to join in to make meetings even more productive!

National Accounts Manager Nikki, who has organized numerous afterwork activities, participated in hikes in California’s Runyon Canyon Park and a walk in Muir Woods.

PJ and Brenton, Sunset’s Director of Business Development, recall climbing a 14,000-foot mountain in Colorado with a customer.

Exercise balance

Maintaining fitness may seem like a full-time commitment, but in many cases, it’s okay to allow for flexibility. Sunset team members have been known to engage in the occasional eating competition and dessert cook-off, as well as Friday happy hours.

Think of it as a way to get even more out of your day!

Spotlight On:

Tonya, Lead Software Developer

Sunset is happy to feature fitness inspiration and Lead Software Developer Tonya, who will compete in her fifth powerlifting competition on April 27, 2019.

Tonya took an interest in fitness routines in 2011, when her mom encountered health issues.

“She said things that got me thinking about taking better care of myself,” says Tonya. “In the summer of 2017, a friend invited me to come watch a powerlifting meet they were competing in. I was hooked. I kept watching the event and thinking ‘I can do this.’ It’s the first sport that ever really resonated with me.” She competed in her first powerlifting event later that year.

Tonya is a part of Sunset’s Bloomingdale team, and she exercises once a week on lunch break. She continues her workout routine at the gym three or four days a week.

“My meet prep consists of working with heavier and heavier weights on the three lift types in powerlifting (squat, bench press, and deadlift),” says Tonya. “My off season training is more about conditioning and building endurance and strength for moving forward.”

Most recently, Tonya took first place at a powerlifting meet in January.

On April 27, Tonya will compete in a 2XL powerlifting event at 20 Yorktown Convenience Center in Lombard. The event will run from 5:00—8:00 p.m. and Tonya’s powerlift goal is 160 pounds.

Please feel free to support Tonya in her efforts by donating to Pressing the Pieces Together: Bench Press Benefit for Autism.

CategoriesBusiness,  Company Culture,  Health,  Reading Lists,  Science and Culture,  Sleep,  Uncategorized

Sunset’s Winter Reading

Brrr . . . winter weather is here!

Here are just a few of the intriguing books Sunset Healthcare Solutions staff members have lined up to read during the coldest time of the year. Please let us know if you decide to read along!

 

Why We Sleep, Matthew Walker


“A thoughtful tour through the still dimly understood state of being asleep … Why We Sleep is a book on a mission. Walker is in love with sleep and wants us to fall in love with sleep, too. And it is urgent. He makes the argument, persuasively, that we are in the midst of a ‘silent sleep loss epidemic’ that poses ‘the greatest public health challenge we face in the 21st century’ … Why We Sleep mounts a persuasive, exuberant case for addressing our societal sleep deficit and for the virtues of sleep itself. It is recommended for night-table reading in the most pragmatic sense.”
New York Times Book Review

Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance, Alex Hutchinson


“Want to achieve more? Often that means you have to do more — and Alex will show you how.”
—Inc. (”6 Great Business Books to Read in 2018”)

Silence, Erling Kagge

“The book expands the concepts of silence and noise beyond their aural definitions and engages with modern culture’s information overload, need for constant connection, and cult of busyness….Great pleasure lies in Kagge’s creative investigations. The reader leaves more mindful of the swirl of distraction present in everyday life.”
—Publishers Weekly

When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, Daniel H. Pink

“Daniel H. Pink’s deeply researched but never boring study could be a turning point. College students and business managers alike may find new ways to organize their schedules and ease difficult decisions by using the ‘hidden pattern’ of time to their advantage.”
—Wall Street Journal

Can’t Hurt Me, David Goggins

“Guaranteed to galvanize more than a few couch potatoes into action.”
— Kirkus Reviews

Sleep: The Myth of 8 Hours, the Power of Naps, and the New Plan to Recharge Your Body and Mind, Nick Littlehales

“Nick Littlehales has reconfigured the bedrooms of a legion of international sporting stars . . . He has a unique and encyclopedic knowledge.”
Guardian

The Bright Hour: A Memoir of Living and Dying, Nina Riggs

“Moving and insightful…Riggs writes with humor; the memoir is rife with witty one-liners and musings on the joys and challenges of mothering and observations on the importance of loving relationships…In this tender memoir Riggs displays a keen awareness of and reverence for all the moments of life—both the light, and the dark, ‘the cruel, and the beautiful.’”
Publishers Weekly (starred review)

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