Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Prescription vs Over-The Counter (OTC): The REAL Cost of Compression Socks and Stockings!

I've struggled for weeks on how to approach this subject without sounding like a sale's person.

Today, I came across an article that is worded the way I believe is best for everyone to understand....


Here is the article:


At Compressionsocks.pro, we believe we have the best products at a competitive price. Jobst and Mediven have proven themselves to us to have the highest quality socks available. We wear what we sell on a daily basis and like them personally.

There are less expensive brands available and it’s tempting to search for the lowest priced stockings, thinking you’re saving money.  

There are a number of other brands as well, some good, some not so good. When it comes to compression stockings, there are a few considerations before beginning a bargain hunt.

The Real Cost of Compression Stockings - Off-brand stockings may not work as well -Those looking for discount compression stockings may come across drugstore brands or knockoff varieties, and sometimes these brands can perform adequately. But typically, there are hidden problems - the compression level may not be as advertised, or the stockings may be low quality and wear out more quickly. 

Importantly, a quality sock is also SIGNIFCANTLY MORE COMFORTABLE and is therefore worn more often allowing the person the greatest benefit. 



Ultimately, you usually get what you pay for!

Buying Cheap Is Often a Poor Choice 


Compression stockings come in a variety of "gradients" or compression levels.....  



Typically, lighter compression stockings are less expensive than higher compression stockings. 

In fact, there is generally a considerable price difference in price between stockings with compression of less than 20 mm/Hg (8-15 mm/Hg and 15-20 mm/Hg) and stockings with compression of greater than 20 mm/Hg (20-30 mm/Hg and 30-40 mm/Hg).  

This has to do with the increased amount of thread and the manufacturing process necessary to make the higher compression. But stockings in the 8-15 or 15-20 mm/Hg  range, (the less expensive option), help only those people with minor vein problems, such as aching legs from pregnancy or people in careers that have them on their feet a lot.  


People with significant vein problems or suffer with edema (swelling) in the legs, will generally need at least 20-30 mm/Hg of compression to enjoy the true benefit of the stocking. 

If your doctor recommends firmer compression, you may be putting your health at risk if you try to skimp on cost by using a lighter compression than you need. 


If you need compression stockings in the 20-30 mm/Hg or higher range, expect to pay $60 - $75 or more per pair.

CONCLUSION

It's your choice to make the correct decision for the health of your body. 
You've gone to the doctor for a medical issue and the clinician provided you with a prescription, now it's time for you to do your homework and find the best place to get the correct therapeutic compression garment and if you are like most people, you want your specialty medical garment to match your clothing...if you are a bit of an adventurist there are a multitude of splashy therapeutic compression garments on the market.


Let Salon Rx educate you.  As a Certified Therapeutic Compression Garment fitter, we understand that everyone wants fashion FIRST and then medical socks.  We've paired the 2 together to bring to you in your home or at your office the best fittings possible.  Let us teach you how to wear your compression garment and show you options for assisting in putting them on easier.

When Appearance Matters....

and everyone want's to look their best without anyone knowing knowing their medical condition!

BECAUSE, NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW!

Written by Cynthia McCrea
*Certified Medical Hair-Loss Fitter
*Mastectomy & Asymmetrical Breast Form/Lingerie Fitter
*Certified Therapeutic/Lymphatic Compression Garment Fitter


The Fashionable Male

Salon Rx partnered with the St. Louis Suit Company and the best suit fitter in all of St. Louis, Gregory Scott Holliday aka "Superman"!

I approached Scott after seeing his posts on Facebook and the suits along with his accessories stood out.  He informed me that men are now wearing blue and grey suits and not necessarily the black suit so, he paired our therapeutic compression socks with both suits and a variety of accessories.

The grey and a blue suit from the St. Louis Suit Company paired with a gorgeous tan shoe and 3 styles of compression socks
Therapeutic compression socks now come in a variety of styles, thickness and compression.

For the man who has swagger and is really intent on having better leg health, he can't go wrong with pairing up his outfits with these handsome and fashionable therapeutic compression socks.

The fashionable suit tie, sophisticated hat, chocolate shoes paired with RejuvaHealth compression socks is a landslide deal!
The compression sock materials used today all have wick away properties to alleviate foot perspiration and provide antimicrobial properties.
Therapeutic compression socks that pair well with a multitude of shoes and outfits!
Juzo, RejuvaHealth and Sigvaris have the best selection of fashionable and hip compression socks.  Juzo tends to have the best therapeutic compression, RejuvaHealth has a nice selection with a very limited line of compression (15 mmHg - 20mmHG) and Sigvaris has both a great selection and has thereapeutic compression.

The walking suit at St. Louis Suit Company paired with a chocolate compression sleeve and compression socks.
Scott Holliday educated me on the Summer "Walking" suit that I've seen alot of men wear with hats in the summer time.  A summer suit is usually paired with linen pants and a short sleeve top which match.  I paired the therapeutic compression arm sleeve and therapeutic compression socks with this outfit and a summer hat.

Salon Rx, and St. Louis' Suit Co. is ready to accessorize, fit and help men with any veinous, lymphatic issue look his best and help his leg health.  We provide the BEST fitting team!  Certified Compression Garment Fitter and St. Louis' BEST male suit fitter is ready to take you to the next level in healthy medical fashion!

Salon Rx's Cynthia McCrea - The Post-Surgical Fashionista and Gregory Scott "Superman" Holliday (St. Louis Suit Co.) ready to help CELEBRATE survivors.

When Appearance Matters....

and everyone want's to look their best without anyone knowing knowing their medical condition!

BECAUSE, NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW!

Written by Cynthia McCrea
*Certified Medical Hair-Loss Fitter
*Mastectomy & Assymetrical Breast Form/Lingerie Fitter
*Certified Therapeutic/Lymphatic Compression Garment Fitter

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Review of "The Chest Buddy"

I was so excited when I received not one but 2 cute cotton candy colored Chest Buddy's in the mail.


On the Left, is a gift wrapped version which comes in an organza bag and finished off with a Ribbon charm.  Both have a pink cancer ribbon sewn on.


I really appreciate that the creators of The Chest Buddy created The Chest Buddy to be washable.  The pad can be pulled out and the fabric can be gently washed.  The Velcro closure is made to wrap around the seat belt and for easy slide/glide.


I chose the pink because it matched this dress.  The Chest Buddy is super soft and I"m sure women wearing a very delicate fabric will also appreciate The Chest Buddy!


A new item is The Chest Buddy for the Heart and they created it for the heart surgery patient.  It can also be worn on the lower half near the tummy for a post- C-Section.


It's super cute, washable and perfect for anyone that's had any type of breast surgery!  Mix and Match with your outfit!

The Chest Buddy comes in Candy Pink, Soft Gray, Pink Polka Dot and with either a heart logo or breast cancer ribbon logo.

How fab!

Salon Rx, "When Appearance Matters"!


Thursday, June 9, 2016

Mosquito Season = Mosquito Soap Time!!!



As I swat away a couple of mosquitoes as I'm sitting here at my desk.  It's a bit chilly in the office environment (temperature wise) and I'm wondering why the mosquito want's my sweet blood?

Anywho, I automatically thought of this soap company I visited last year in Kirkwood, Missouri called Sammy Soap. I'm a camping and kayaking woman.



Tent camping because it's economical and it's fun to have that bonfire at night, get some early morning jogging and a kayaking in on the weekends.  Lovely get away for me and I love to sing...so, it's perfect.

So, let me tell you what I found out about Sammy Soap!

Sammy Soap sells artisinal 100% all natural soap bars which are fragrance,dye and synthetic free. Everything is made in small batches that are cruelty free and vegan - no beeswax, Sammy soaps are handmade in St. Louis, Missouri without petroleum, mineral oil, lanolin, parabens, or other synthetic fillers.

Besides all that, each bar of Sammy soap is packed with purpose.  Sammy soap is a job creation machine for adults with intellectual disabilities disguised as the world's best soap company.

There are other's on the market, but this is such a cool company for what they do overall in a holistic manner that goes along with my philosophy of being wholesome, creating a nice healthy atmosphere for others and it's a celebration of all things healthy!

Written by Cynthia McCrea, Founder of Salon Rx
*Certified Medical Hair-Loss Fitter
*Mastectomy & Assymetrical Breast Prosthetic Fitter
*Therapeutic Compression Garment Fitter

Sparkle all night long...

I love music...singing, karaoke, dancing to music, toe tapping music of many varieties (EDM, Disco, Salsa, R&B, Classic Rock, Pop, Funk, Hip Hop, you name it), if I can dance or sing to it with feeling, it's good for me!

So, this morning... I got into a Juice Newton mode...okay you don't know who Juice Newton is, singer of pop/folk music.

I let good ole YouTube become my DJ this morning at work and it started playing Bonnie Tyler's "It's a heartache" and I looked up at the video and I saw her wearing this cute lil sequin jumpsuit and that was it!

Now, I need a sequin jumpsuit!

Perfect for a great night out, just remember to use your home bathroom before you go out and don't drink too much!  LOL...you know what I'm saying?!

Here are some awesome sequin jumpsuits (below) for you to check out!






I'm just in love with this sequin look.  I hope I can wear this fashion in the summer?  Maybe on a cool night?  I know I'm gonna try my best!!  (wink wink).

Salon Rx, When Appearance Matters!

Written by Cynthia McCrea, 
*Certified Cranial Prosthsis/Medical Hair-Loss Fitter (Alopecia, etc.)
*Mastectomy Fitter
*Certified Therapeutic/Lymphodema Compression Garment Fitter

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Summer in St. Louis

The sun is out and the flowers are in bloom and I am excited because it means pool party season with Dj's and lots of fun.


This also means for folks who have to wear prescribed compression hosiery (ahem, men I mean socks...) an image of misery.  Days of sweat.



There are alternatives for those that need to wear therapeutic compression's.  Sheer compression during the day and at home, wear your doctor prescribed garment.



Ask your doctor if this is a possible alternative.

For ladies, there are extra sheer stockings, the most adorable thigh highs and fashionably fun socks.
Ask your doctor if you can wear open toe compression hosiery.

I'm wearing Black Compression Leggings by Juzo - moisture wick-away

Juzo has some wonderful leggings that come in funky tie dye styles and Sigvaris has some of the thinnest compression stockings, thigh highs and socks that I like for fashion and leg wellness. For basic compression 15 - 20mmHG, I can say RejuvaHealth has been geared toward the younger crowd but I do have to say ALL of these lines are now very fashionable for all age groups.



Compression leggings are a wonderful choice for the summer with a pair of sexy mules, a chunky heel or flats.

Keep cool
Live it up
and keep your legs healthy!

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