cold pack

Summertime is here, and with it comes fun in the sun, vacations, and long, lazy days when the kids are out of school. Despite all the fun summertime holds, there’s also a danger of injuries, from sunburns to insect bites and even being hit with a stray beach volleyball!

Cold therapy is a proven effective method of treating many common minor ailments that could occur during the summer months. Cold Packs are a flexible option for your customers or clients to help assist with their first aid efforts and soothe many of the discomforts of summer. However, we always suggest that people seek medical attention for insect bites, sunburns, and heat stress.

Bug Bites

Mosquito bites and bee stings are among the most common types of insect bites, but spider bites are also common. It is estimated that over 2 million people are allergic to bee stings in the US. Symptoms can range from localized discomfort to anaphylactic shock, which requires treatments with a shot of epinephrine. While some individuals may experience serious reactions to bee stings or spider bites and may need medical intervention right away, others may just have redness and a painful, swollen bump. Hives are also common and a notable allergic reaction. If an individual breaks out into hives after an insect bite, they may need to be checked for a bite allergy. Everybody reacts to the insect’s saliva differently, and some may have a sensitivity to it.

Applying a cold pack to the affected area can help reduce the swelling and pain and even soothe itchiness. First, the affected area should be washed and patted dry, then the cold pack should be placed on the area for 20 minutes and then removed for at least 20 minutes. Repeat as needed.

Sunburns

Even with the best care of applying sunscreen, many people get sunburn. Protective cool gel sleeves may be of special benefit for people who have sunburns on their arms, while an instantly activated cold pack can deliver instant relief after a burn. Sometimes, sunburns blister, so applying cooling gel can help reduce the size and severity of the blisters. As a reminder, never apply a cold pack to broken skin. We always encourage people to seek medical attention if they are concerned for their safety and wellbeing.

Heat Stress and Heat Exhaustion

When people are overexposed to the sun, especially midday, or when they get dehydrated while outside, they may develop heat exhaustion or heat stress. Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or faint while outdoors may indicate heat exhaustion, and your body may simply be unable to cool itself alone. Cold packs, placed on the head, groin, and underarms, help cool the body down and combat the symptoms of heat exhaustion. An instant cold pack can quickly help someone who needs immediate assistance or does not have access to a freezer.

Even if someone isn’t experiencing the symptoms of heat exhaustion, having a cold pack on hand while at the pool, beach, or hiking can help avoid overheating in the first place. Carrying the instant pack in a backpack or pool bag is a great idea for your customers.

Beach Injuries

It is estimated that Americans make over 400 million trips to the beach each year, so while fun in the sun, whether it’s frisbee or beach volleyball, or kids enjoying the beach playground, is a blast, these activities are also the source of a lot of bumps and bruises. Treating a lump or bump with a cold pack is a traditional first aid remedy and will help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Carrying a range of instant cool packs and soothing gel products will help your customers stay safe this summer.

Contact Rapid Aid For More Information

Rapid Aid is a leader in cold therapy products. With over 45 years of manufacturing excellence, our wide range of products can provide relief for everything from sunburns to bug bites and heat exhaustion. We offer our in-house branded solution, Rapid Relief, or can develop a private label for your business. You’ll benefit from our advanced technology and quality workmanship. We create products that will help contribute to the quality and integrity of your brand. Alternative means of pain control may be the future of medicine. Contact us today

Cancer drugs used to fight chemotherapy can cause nerve damage, among other side effects. Studies suggest that cold wraps on the hands and feet may help prevent these debilitating symptoms. Fortunately, science continues to advance, and there are already technologies that can help reduce the impact of chemo on your nervous system and sensitive tissues.

In this article, you will learn about the side effects of chemo, what cold therapy is and how it can alleviate some impacts of chemotherapy treatment. Additionally, you will find out how cold gel slippers and similar cold compress products have become part of the recovery process.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

There are several possible side effects of chemotherapy some, such as peripheral neuropathy which is caused by nerve damage in the extremities, leading to tingling, pain, numbness, and difficulty using fingers and hands. Although there are treatments available for peripheral neuropathy, medical professionals are still looking for ways to prevent it.

Chemo drugs kill fast-growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, these drugs travel to healthy tissue throughout the body. As a result, chemotherapy also damages healthy tissues. Cells damaged by chemo include:

• Bone marrow cells that form blood
• Hair follicles
• Digestive tract, mouth, and reproductive cells

Certain drugs also affect the bladder, heart, lungs, kidneys, and the nervous system.

Is There A Way To Lessen The Side Effects of Chemo?

Fortunately, there is a way to lessen the side effects. Cold therapy has been proven to block the full impact of chemotherapy by constricting blood vessels. This minimizes blood flow to prevent chemotherapy from progressing to the area. However, it’s important not to stop blood flow altogether. This can help reduce the exposure of healthy tissues to chemo drugs.

What Types of Cold Therapy Products Are Available?

Cooling therapy uses caps, slippers, and gloves to expose the feet, hands, and scalp to cold temperatures. You wear them during chemotherapy to potentially reduce damage to the hair, nails, skin, and nerves. 

For example, a cooling cap can help prevent hair loss, and wearing frozen socks or cold gel slippers can reduce the likelihood of loose nails as sometimes, nails become infected and fall off due to chemotherapy. Frozen gloves also help with the numbness, tingling, and pain you may otherwise feel in your hands. 

Cold Gel Slippers Can Provide Relief During Chemotherapy

Cold gel slippers can soothe tired feet, but they can also provide comfort to tissues and nerves during chemotherapy. When you put on cold slippers, they shed heat, cooling your feet down and helping regulate the temperature in your tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. Anyone who’s ever put a cold compress on their foot after a long day of work may wonder how this process works.

In the same way that gel caps and gloves work, cold gel slippers offer comfort and may help prevent permanent damage caused by chemotherapy. They also reduce bruising and swelling and even help prevent or reduce pain. Cold gel slippers are multi-layered, meaning they are soft on the outside and firm on the inside, providing exceptional comfort during cancer treatments.

Can Cold Gel Therapy Products Provide Benefits After Chemotherapy?

According to a study published by breastcancer.org, 33% of those who wore frozen socks lost some ability to sense warmth. However, 58% of those who didn’t wear frozen socks lost their sensitivity to temperature. This study proved that the statistical differences were significant and were directly related to the frozen sock treatment, not due to chance.

If you would like to know more about cold therapy for the head, hands, or feet, we are happy to answer your questions. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of hot and cold gel slippers during chemotherapy.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. If any of the suggested remedies don’t alleviate your pain, you should talk to your medical provider about your symptoms. It’s important to discover the underlying causes of chronic pain and receive the appropriate medical treatment.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act was created in 1938 to protect the public from dangerous and ineffective drugs. In 1976, the act was revised in order to include medical devices. Under the revision, medical devices were placed into one of three classes based on the level of control required to ensure that they were safe and effective.

The following article describes these device classes, the registration requirements, and the risks involved with buying non-registered devices.

What are FDA Medical Device Classes?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies medical devices into three classes, I, II, and III, depending on the regulatory controls needed to ensure that the products are effective and safe for consumer use.

Class I devices are not intended to support or sustain life or be used for substantial health-related purposes. They also may not pose an unreasonable risk of illness or injury. Class I devices must be registered by the manufacturer with the FDA.

Common kinds of Class I devices include:

• Gel ice packs
• Stethoscopes
• Band-aids
• Hydrogen peroxide

47% of FDA-approved medical devices are Class I, and among those, 95% are exempt from the PMA pathway to regulatory approval.

Class II devices include most surgical invasive devices, like heart valves and contact lenses, with low-to-medium risk. Gloves, magnetic resonating equipment, and needles are also classified as Class II.

What is the Canadian Equivalent of FDA Classes?

Health Canada Certified Products are the first Class of health products. Like the U.S. Class I medical devices, Canadian Class I devices include non-surgically invasive devices and wound care and are low-risk. Class II medical devices in Canada, including most surgical invasive instruments and contact lenses, are considered a low-to-medium risk.

What are the Registration Requirements For Companies?

All medical device manufacturers and companies annually register with the FDA and Health Canada. This process is called establishment registration and applies to all owners or operators of facilities involved in producing and distributing medical devices. The facility’s information is reviewed during the registration process, including all device listings.

A registration fees is collected each year.. Furthermore, medical device companies are required to detail all the devices they make (at each facility if the company owns or operates more than one) and the activities that are performed with each device. The FDA has an extensive, detailed list of where devices are manufactured to increase the country’s ability to respond and prepare for public health emergencies. Health Canada regulations state the manufacturer must be registered under an MDEL license to manufacture, distribute and-or import medical devices.

What are the Registration Requirements for Medical Devices?

Any medical device manufacturer of Class I, II, or III products is required to register the company and products with the FDA to sell or distribute the products in the U.S. legally. These products are listed on the FDA’s Registration & Listing database, and the FDA keeps a catalog of all products it regulates.

Manufacturers of devices that are exempt from regulatory processes, or those that make generic devices, must still register the company and products with the FDA in the appropriate generic category for the devices.

Registration of a device with the FDA means that the FDA is aware of the manufacturer and its devices. However, the device is not necessarily effective for the specific treatment applications that the manufacturer claims. This also means that the manufacturer is prohibited from claiming the device is “FDA approved” or cleared, and they may not use the FDA logo when labeling the device or marketing it.

The FDA administers a program called MedWatch, which monitors the safety of registered devices and products. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and patients can use the MedWatch program to report any medical product or device problems.

The Risks Involved with Buying Devices from Companies Who Are Not FDA Registered

Using a device that hasn’t been registered or cleared with the FDA can be risky. Not all medical devices bought and sold are registered with the FDA. Manufacturers in other countries may not register or list their devices with the FDA, nor do they go through pre-marketing processes. Therefore, the marketing and sale of these products is not considered legal.

Besides the fact that the products are illegal, using an unregistered device could be dangerous for a patient or could harm them. If you’re unsure if a medical device is listed with the FDA, you can search for the manufacturer in the Registration & Listing Database.

Choose Rapid Aid FDA Class I Registered Products For All Your Medical Supply Needs.

Rapid Aid products are FDA-registered and noted to be safe and effective for medical use. Do you have questions about our products or about FDA registration? Contact us today!

Pregnancy and childbirth can be a difficult time for mothers. It is a mixture of pain, annoyances, sheer joy, and beauty for most women. While childbirth is a miracle, it is also filled with pains and aches that include sore feet, the actual pain of childbirth, and an aching back.

Unfortunately, it is also a period of time when women can’t use most of the standard pain treatments they would ordinarily grab without a second thought. NSAIDs are off the table, hot baths are frowned on, and since your skin can absorb chemicals, almost all gels and creams are off the table.

Thankfully, many hot and cold therapy products are safe to use both during the prenatal and postnatal period so that women can find some type of pain relief. Remember, the rules don’t change after childbirth since most women breastfeed, so you need to find a safe and effective pain reliever that is safe for the baby as well.

Headaches, Swollen Breasts, & Nausea Oh My: Welcome to the First Trimester

While nausea and morning sickness are the major issues for most women during the first trimester some also complain of headaches and swollen breasts. Warm and cold compresses are excellent for treating headaches and swollen breasts as your body prepares for your little one. A cold compress, in particular, can be a great option to help relieve nausea while lying down.

The Growing Pains of the Second Trimester

Out of the three trimesters, the second is usually considered the easiest since the morning sickness will pass for most women, and they are not feeling the baby’s full weight on their body. However, women do gain some weight during this period, leading to aching hips, back, hips, and even the groin area. Heat therapy can help relieve casual aching at the end of the day or can be used on sore feet for natural relief.

Nearing the Finish Line in the Third Trimester

The third trimester is usually the most uncomfortable for women. The minor aches from weight gain have become everyday occurrences and can sometimes be tear-producing. Many women complain that their bodies feel out of control and that everything is swollen and uncomfortable. Cold therapy is an excellent way to treat swelling feet or hands, while a warm compress can help with the growing aches. If your back is bearing the brunt of the pain, try using a hot pack on your lower back for immediate, soothing relief. Some of the unluckiest women develop hemorrhoids during their third trimester, but a perineal cold pack is a great way to get relief.

Post-Natal Hot & Cold Therapy

Unfortunately, childbirth does not end the pain of pregnancy; in fact, it is the final number and brings with it an overwhelming amount of discomfort and pain. However, growing studies show that applying heat therapy directly to the perineal area will help reduce tearing and help manage some pain. In addition, using cold and hot packs alternatively during active labor can also help reduce pain for those attempting a natural birth. After birth, hot and cold ice packs are great for soothing pain in the perineal area and aiding with letdown when breastfeeding.

Warming Therapeutic Products for Baby

Mom is not the only one that benefits from cold and hot therapy; baby can as well. An Infant Transport Mattress is an excellent tool to help the baby regulate their temperature when the baby needs to be transported to a NICU or another hospital. When blood work is required, an infant heel warmer can help increase blood flow to ensure that only one prick is needed to obtain a blood sample. Both products are designed to help minimize the risks of medical intervention while the baby is a newborn.

Happy Mom, Happy Baby. Rapid Aid Is Here To Help

It’s clear to see the efficiency of hot and cold therapy as pain management during the pre and post-natal stages. Rapid Aid hot and cold ice packs are one of the only products you can always rely on. Both natural and chemical-free, there is no wrong time to grab an instant ice pack or a heating pack. Rapid Aid proudly offers product solutions that will help a woman from pregnancy through to the end of breastfeeding. For more information on hot and cold therapy products ideally suited for pre and post-partum, please browse our maternity products section or contact one of our sales agents.

 Caution: Do not use hot or cold therapy for more than 20 minutes at a time. Consult your doctor before beginning any treatment options.

Most people get headaches occasionally. In fact, according to the Cleaveland Clinic, over 75% of adults across the globe experienced a headache last year. However, chronic headaches and migraines can significantly impact your life. People generally use prescription medications to alleviate their symptoms and over-the-counter drugs to take the edge off the pain. Yet, some medicine can upset your stomach, causing people to be put off taking medication every time they feel a headache or migraine approaching. Fortunately, non-medication remedies can alleviate the pain associated with headaches and migraines.

Before We Discuss Treatment, Let’s Talk About The Causes

You will likely be shocked to learn that over 150 different types of headaches have been discovered. However, most of them fall into two categories: primary and secondary headaches. Primary Headaches are not related to another medical condition (such as a tumor, infection, etc.), while secondary headaches are. Here is a breakdown below:

As we mentioned before, three-fourths of the adult population suffered from a headache in the last year. This undoubtedly results in absenteeism from work and school, so it’s important to understand how headaches arise and how to treat them quickly and effectively. 

Any of the following can cause headaches:

• Medical condition
• Weather
• Stress
• Menstruation
• Bright Lights
• Alcohol
• Genetic depisposition
• Age
• Physical Activity
• …and more

Prevention is Key

Source: https://emedprimarycare.com/headaches/

A few ways individuals can prevent headaches/migraines or lessen their severity without any pharmaceutical or medical intervention are:

• Eating a healthy diet made up of lots of nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins
• Drinking lots of water throughout the day
• Getting daily fresh air
• Getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night

We know it’s often easier said than done, but these are things that everybody is capable of doing each day.

The graphic below shows different foods, drinks, and medications that individuals should avoid to prevent headaches or migraines. Knowing which item(s) is causing problems can be overwhelming, but it’s likely worth the sacrifice for frequent sufferers.

Cold Therapy: A Nearly 200 Year Old Proven Pain Management Method

You may be surprised to learn that cold therapy has been used to remedy headaches and migraines for nearly 200 years. In 1849, James Arnott, a pioneer in cryotherapy, found that applying a mixture of salt and ice to the affected area significantly reduced the pain caused by a headache. Although medicine and technology have changed at an unbelievable rate, the effectiveness of cold therapy on pain still holds as true as ever. Prestigious organizations such as the National Headache Foundation and the Mayo Clinic recommend ice packs and cold compresses to alleviate migraine and headache pain. In 2013, a study indicated that applying a cold pack to the neck when someone first feels a migraine coming on can significantly reduce pain. Researchers have unanimously concluded that cooling packs help reduce inflammation by cooling the blood flow to the carotid artery in the neck. This process numbs the pain so that the individual can rest or move forward with their day.

Cold Therapy Is Effective, But Sometimes A Little Heat Goes A Long Way

For chronic migraine sufferers, a cold pack serves to constrict blood vessels quickly and reduces the neurotransmission of pain. Contrarily, a heat pack is the best defense for tension-type headache sufferers as the heat increases blood flow to the affected area, which relaxes tense muscles that cause muscle contraction headaches.

What’s the Most Effective Way to Use Ice Packs for Migraines and Headaches?

There are numerous ways that individuals can use hot or cold therapy as a home remedy to alleviate the discomfort of migraines and headaches. For example, apply the cold pack to the affected area for up to 20 minutes to get the most benefit, and where a cold pack is applied makes a difference. For example, if someone experiences all-over pain or aching in their head, using a cold wrap around their neck may provide them with much-needed relief.

Individuals can also try applying an ice pack to the base of their skull, leaving it on for 20 minutes, and then removing it for an hour. Alternating between leaving the pack on for 20 minutes and then off for an hour can significantly reduce the pain caused by the headache or migraine.

It’s important to note that individuals may experience the following symptoms while applying cold therapy, but it is completely normal (and temporary) to experience them: Cold, Aching, Numbness or Burning.

Let comfort be your guide. If the ice pack presents more problems than solutions, don’t hesitate to remove it, mainly to prevent skin irritation.

When Medication Doesn’t Cut It, Rapid Aid Offers 100% Drug-Free and Natural Pain Remedy

With over 45 years of experience in the hot and cold therapy industry, we are experts at producing innovative yet effective products. Our products are used by migraine and headache sufferers all over the world.

For instance, our gel bead eye mask is a reusable product that can help relieve headaches that peak near the front of the forehead or around the eyes. People who suffer from ocular migraines will also benefit from this direct administration of cold pressure. On the other hand, those that get headaches from anxiety and tension in their shoulders will benefit more from the gel neck and shoulder wrap ice pack.

Of course, sometimes people can’t identify the root of their headache, which is where our classic 11-inch ice bag is the perfect tool and easily marketed to consumers due to its versatility. We also have a reusable Hot & Cold Therapeutic Oat Bag that is an excellent option to target consumers who want both heat and cold options in one product.

Start Providing Drug-Free Relief To Your Customers Today

Medical and retail businesses interested in selling natural products that alleviate pain to their customer base should investigate the full range of cold and heat pack products available from Rapid Aid. We are proud to offer private label solutions so that you can create your own branded range of natural pain relievers to feature at your shop or website. Alternatively, if you do not have the volume to run a private label, let us take care of your needs with our in-house, nationally, and globally recognized brand, Rapid Relief, that you can sell on your shelves or through your supply chain.

Contact Rapid Aid For More Information

Using an ice pack is a safe, affordable way to obtain relief from debilitating head pain. Alternative forms of pain control are the future of medical management. If you are ready to embrace the movement, contact Rapid Aid.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. If any of the suggested remedies don’t alleviate your pain, you should talk to your medical provider about your symptoms. It’s important to discover the underlying causes of chronic pain and receive the appropriate medical treatment.