Author: Stephanie Nugent

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Betco Products

Betco Products

Long before Covid-19, keeping areas germ-free and disinfected were at the forefront of business’ priority lists. Now that we’re two years into the pandemic and there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel, disinfecting remains to be a top priority and will continue to be whether it’s Covid or the flu or other contagion.

hotel hall cleaning

Betco BioActive Solutions™ are effective and safe offering continuous cleaning. They are made of a blend of microbial species that naturally stimulate enzymes for long lasting clean. These chemicals are formulated with non-pathogenic microbes to create enzymes that digest fats, oils and greases (also known as FOGs). In addition to keeping surfaces germ-free, the simple to use, no-rinse formulated cleaner, deodorizes and disinfects in one easy operation. Therefore, increasing your operational efficiency and reducing labor costs. Sectors that rely on Betco products are:

RESTAURANT

FOOD SERVICE – Of course, surfaces that customers directly contact are important to keep sanitized and cleaned, but floors in the kitchen are also important. Kitchen floors often become slick with cooking oils and grease. Properly cleaned floors improve traction resulting in a cleaner safer work environment. Other important food service areas that Betco products can be used are prep and staging, cooking, walk-in coolers and freezers, and bathrooms.

NURSING HOME

HEALTHCARE – In addition to sanitizing surfaces touched by employees and patients, reducing slips and falls is just as important. Facilities such as nursing homes must protect residents and staff from falls by keeping floors clean.

WAITING ROOM CHAIRS

OFFICE – Infections are one of the major causes of serious illness, even mortality in some cases, so proper disinfection is necessary. Chair arms and door handles can harbor these harmful germs making proper cleaning and products imperative.

betco lotion skin cleanser rs

Any sector requires continuous hand washing to keep germs at bay, which can lead to dry skin. Betco Antibacterial Lotion Skin Cleanser hand soap uses the germ-killing power of Chloroxylenol (PCMX) to kill germs while leaving hands feeling moisturized.

Other sectors that can benefit from Betco products are:

  • Hospitality/lodging
  • Manufacturing
  • Property management
  • Retail – Grocery stores, convenience stores, boutiques
  • Fitness
  • Education

Fort Smith Medical & Janitorial Supply can provide all your Betco product needs. Contact FSMJS, 800.632.7876, today to reduce cleaning labor costs, increase efficiency, and to help protect your customers or patients from harmful bacteria.

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The Proper Way To Bandage A Wound

The Proper Way To Bandage A Wound

Covering a wound is critical in controlling bleeding and protecting against infection. With the proper supplies and following a few simple steps the task will be much easier and more effective.

HAND WASHING

  1. Wash your hands to avoid infection and, if possible, put on gloves to avoid contact with the victim’s blood.
  1. Stop the bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean bandage or cloth until bleeding stops.
  1. Clean the wound with mild soap and water or an all-in-one wound cleaner.

OINTMENT

  1. Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly, if available, to keep the surface moist. This will help reduce scarring.

gauze

  1. Apply a clean dressing over the entire wound. A gauze dressing lets in air for faster healing. If the bleeding is severe and bleeds through, place another dressing over the first one.
  1. Extend the bandage at least an inch beyond both sides of the dressing.
  2. If using roller gauze wrap around the wound several times being careful not to wrap too tightly that it interferes with blood flow.
  3. Tie or tape the bandage in place.
  4. Check circulation in the area below the bandage after several minutes and again after a few hours. Signs of poor circulation are pale or blue skin that feels cold to the touch. Numbness and tingling are also signs of poor circulation. If you find that circulation is interrupted, loosen the bandage immediately.
  1. Change the dressing at least once a day or whenever the bandage becomes wet or dirty.
  1. Watch for signs of infection such as redness, increasing pain, drainage, warmth, or swelling on the skin or near the wound.

tetanus shot

  1. If you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past five years, it is recommended to get a tetanus shot if the wound is deep or dirty.

The best way to prepare is to have the proper supplies on hand. Fort Smith Medical & Janitorial Supply can keep your first aid kit fully stocked with gauze, gloves, and many other needed items. Order online or call 1.800.632.7876.

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Creating A Relaxing Environment For Your Esthetician Clients

Creating A Relaxing Environment For Your Esthetician Clients

A spa experience doesn’t just consist of the services offered. The ambiance is also just as important. From the moment a client steps into your spa, they should instantly feel relaxed and whisked away from outside worries. Creating the perfect spa environment is easy and cost-effective. Here are a few ideas on how to let your clients know they will be pampered and keep them coming back:

When creating ambiance think about the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste.

  1. Upon entering your spa, the first sense to be impacted is sight. The client’s experience begins with what they see. Use neutral colors like white, tan, light blue, and lavender to create a calming environment. Avoid colors such as red that do not evoke a relaxing environment. Keep your space tidy with simple furniture, minimal patterns, and free of clutter. The type of lighting used in your spa can either create tranquility or rigidness. Dim lights will help set the tone for luxurious pampering. Never use bright fluorescent bulbs as this will create a harsh, institutional feel.

  1. After clients are inside, they should be greeted with soothing sounds to awaken their sense of hearing. This can be achieved by meditation sounds or nature sounds like babbling brooks and ocean waves. If you have the space, a fountain creating a natural waterfall sound is an excellent way to soothe clients.

  1. Filling your spa with relaxing scents such as lavender, eucalyptus and lemongrass will engage their sense of smell being careful to not overpower the scents by keeping them subtle.

  1. Before clients begin their massage or facial, the sense of touch begins with a warm massage table equipped with comfortable, clean and luxurious linens. Warm towels are a nice added touch.

  1. Treat your esthetician clients with a glass of fresh water infused with lemon and mint to satisfy their sense of taste.

Now that your ambiance is just right, order all your spa supplies from Fort Smith Medical & Janitorial Supply. Everything from lobby dust pans to facial sheets are available to order online or call, 800.632.7876.

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Choosing the Right Stethoscope for You

Choosing the Right Stethoscope for You

A medical student’s first stethoscope is not something they will soon forget. It’s not only a practical tool of the trade it is a symbol of their hard work and dedication. As students progress through their medical careers, they soon realize that a good stethoscope is also an investment in their practice. Not all stethoscopes are created equal, and the type depends on features needed for the job. Especially, if you are a student and new to buying a stethoscope, the choices can get overwhelming.

ScrubPro Uniforms suggests assessing your needs.

stethoscope  

  • Students should not limit themselves to the cheapest stethoscope. As ScrubPro Uniforms stated, this is one of the most critical times in your career when you are learning what to listen for, and what certain conditions sound like. You will want to make sure you have a good quality stethoscope to make you the best medical professional possible.

student steth

  • Specialty fields such as cardiology will most likely need to invest in a specialty stethoscope. For example, cardiology stethoscopes have a diaphragm that adjusts based on how hard you press it against the patient’s skin.

WEARABILITY

  • Consider the wearability factor as you will most likely be wearing your stethoscope for several hours. Are you already accustomed to wearing it a certain way? Around your neck? In a holder? Cargo pant pocket? ScrubPro Uniforms suggests thinking about the preferred length of the tubing and the heaviness of the piece.

Whether you are a student purchasing your first stethoscope or a seasoned medical profession, Fort Smith Medical and Janitorial Supply has the right stethoscope you need. Order online or call 800.632.7876.

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Must-Have Products for Home Service Contractors

Must-Have Products for Home Service Contractors

If you are a contractor that requires entering customers’ homes, one of your priorities is avoiding any mishaps like scratching floors due to debris in your shoe and now the COVID-19 pandemic has caused more awareness for contractors to protect customers’ and their health. This reminds me of a time a phone tech came to my home. Unbeknownst to him he had a rock in his shoe and proceeded up my beautiful newly finished wood stairs. Needless to say, they were deeply scratched every step of the way. Of course, he didn’t do it intentionally, but oh how I wish he would have had shoe covers.

staircase

As a contractor another consideration is insurance coverage. Many liability insurance policies will not cover any incidences if protective footwear is not worn making shoe covers a necessity to not only protect floors but to stay within insurance coverage requirements.

INSURANCE

A few inexpensive products can keep your customers happy while taking precautions for everyone’s health. Fort Smith Medical & Janitorial Supply has all the contractor products you need. In addition to your tools, stock your toolbox with these items.

SHOE COVER

Shoe covers to protect floors.

disposable face mask

Face masks to help protect your health as well as your customer.

Trash bags for clean-up.

survival first aid kit

Every contractor needs a survival first aid kit equipped with everything you need for fast medical care. This kit comes with 168 pieces with everything from bandages to cleansing products to over-the-counter pain relievers.

For any of these products order online or call Fort Smith Medical & Janitorial Supply, 479.632.7876.  Shipping is available for anywhere in the continental United States.

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Sharps and Biohazard Disposal

Sharps and Biohazard Disposal

Millions of Americans require a weekly of injection of medication to control things such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The needles used are considered to be biohazard waste, also known as biomedical waste, and need to be disposed of properly by both hospitals, medical facilities, blood banks, and individuals. According to the Hazard Awareness and Management Manual (HAMM) of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), other types of biohazard waste are:

  • Human blood and its components in liquid and semi-liquid form, dried or not
  • Human body floods in liquid or semi-liquid form, dried or not
  • Human pathological waste
  • Animal waste
  • Microbiological waste
  • Sharps waste encompassing all sharp medical utensils
  • Any other medical supply or equipment including gloves, towels, used bandages and dressings that have come into contact with any of the previous materials mentioned.

SYRINGE WITH MEDICINE

It is important that you use the appropriate containers to store and dispose of the biohazard waste. Fort Smith Medical & Janitorial Supply has a wide variety of Sharps containers in sizes to fit every need.

14 q sharp container

1.4 quart sharp container

Medprodisposal.com has outlined some helpful information regarding the biohazard waste disposal management:

  • Sharps must be placed in a puncture-resistant, tamper-proof container. Once it is three-quarters full it should be disposed of.

RED BIOHAZARD BAG

  • Infectious waste should be placed in leak-proof plastic bags/containers suitable for the type of material.
  • Low-level items such as swabs can be included with other waste to be incinerated.

All biohazard waste containers should be stored in an area separate from non-hazardous materials for no more than 72 hours in the winter and 48 hours in the summer.

specimen bag

For all your biohazard waste container needs, contact Fort Smith Medical & Janitorial Supply.

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The TENS Unit – Another Option for Managing Chronic Pain

The TENS Unit - Another Option for Managing Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is the result of health issues like arthritis, old sporting injuries, and many, many more causes of pain. The typical treatment for chronic pain involves medications. However, some people prefer to keep medications to a minimum and have had success by using a TENS unit. This is a transcutaneous electric new stimulation (TENS) unit.

It is a non-invasive treatment that works by delivering small electrical impulses through electrodes. These electrical impulses flood the nervous system resulting in a reduced ability to transmit pain signals to the spinal cord and brain. Medical News Today describes it as those electrical impulses stimulating the body to produce natural pain relievers and endorphins.

BACK PAIN

What types of pain can be treated with a TENS unit? Pain related to joint pain, neck and back pain, postoperative pain, menstrual cycle pain, and labor pain. Medical News Today also reported that people suffering from endometriosis, arthritis, sports injuries, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, and spinal cord injuries have had success with TENS treatment.

KNEE

Where can you get a TENS unit? A 2-channel analog TENS unit with timer can be purchased from Fort Smith Medical & Janitorial Supply. The unit comes with everything you need to begin your chronic pain treatment. In addition to the unit, you get four TENS electrodes, two lead wires, a 9V battery, carrying case and instruction manual. Fort Smith Medical & Janitorial Supply also sells the electrodes when needed. Order today for an additional method to help you manage your chronic pain.

TENS UNIT

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Basic Esthetician Supplies For a Relaxing Experience

Basic Esthetician Supplies For a Relaxing Experience

SKINIMALISM

Skinimalism is said to be one of the biggest beauty trends of this year. POPSUGAR describes it as marrying makeup and skin care for the best of both worlds. This approach uses natural, minimal, or no make-up allowing your real skin to shine through. Estheticians are one of the best ways to get glowing skin that naturally radiates. This profession is in high demand and keeping your salon stocked full of the right basic products will make your business run much smoother allowing more time for your clients.

FACIAL

Fort Smith Medical & Janitorial Supply has everything you need. Beginning with keeping the area sanitary between clients. The white poly disposable pillowcases are the perfect way to keep your clients comfortable allowing them to relax while maintaining a sanitary pillow. Drape sheets add another layer of protection for your clients as there are multiple treatment room applications for these drapes. Of course, multiple hand sanitizing stations located in common areas is another barrier to protect both yourself, your staff, and your clients.

Beautician

Service-related supplies to have on hand to allow you to focus on your specialty are essential for a stress-free experience for your clients. Headbands such as the Spa Essentials Elite are perfect for keeping clients’ hair off their faces to allow you to work easily. The reusable gel bead eye mask compress is another great way to offer your clients full relaxation.

Fort Smith Medical & Janitorial Supply has many more products for aestheticians from cotton balls to Durawick towels. Contact them today for all your supplies at 800.632.7876. Shipping is available within the continental US.

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How Clean is the Tattoo Shop You’ve Selected?

How Clean is the Tattoo Shop You've Selected?

A quick internet search can reveal just about any tattoo idea you can think of. Tattoos are a great way to reflect your personality and meaningful events that have occurred in your life. Once you’ve decided on the perfect tattoo and the most reputable tattoo artist, you must consider the safety and cleanliness of the shop. How do you know if the tattoo shop you’ve decided on is safe and clean? Regulations and guidelines vary from state to state, but overall they should be clean and adhere to general sterilization practices such as:

cleaner

  • Regular sanitizing of equipment and work areas with an EPA-approved disinfectant will help reduce the chance of cross-contamination. This should be done between every customer.

TATTOO ARTIST WEARING GLOVES

  • Your tattoo artist should thoroughly wash his or her hands before and after each client as well as wear a fresh pair of gloves. Hand washing has long been considered a measure of germ and bacteria protection.
  • Again, sterilization and guidance vary by state, but most require specific sterilization equipment. Arkansas law requires that an approved steam pressure type autoclave and approved autoclave packaging be used in a decontamination area. However, if the establishment uses pre-packaged, pre-sterilized, and disposable equipment, then the autoclave is not required. Bottom line, you should observe your tattooist opening the necessary equipment from a sealed package. If not, run!

SHARPS CONTAINER

  • The CDC recommends proper disposal of needle sticks and sharps are a part of a comprehensive program to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Using the proper disposal containers helps keep others safe from needlestick-related injuries; a key element in bloodborne infections.

To keep your tattoo shop clean and sanitized, check out Fort Smith Medical and Janitorial Supply for all your needed supplies. Products can be shipped to any address in the continental United States.

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Sterilization Equipment for All Industries

Sterilization Equipment for All Industries

hand sanitizing station

Sterilization has been a top priority for most businesses long before COVID-19 became a part of our everyday vocabulary. Since the pandemic, it seems that consumers are more interested than ever in a business’s sterilization protocols. Infections can occur in just about any setting from surgery centers to hospitals to chiropractic clinics. Of course, the odds are vastly different. For example, your chance of infection from a visit to your chiropractor is significantly lower than your chance of a Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI) from a surgery center.1 Experts attribute one of the main causes of infections as due to the lack of proper hygiene in healthcare settings. In addition to healthcare settings, one could argue the lack of proper hygiene and sterilization will cause infections in other settings such as tattoo shops and spas.

DISINFECTANT IN PETREE DISH

The CDC also states that sterilization of instruments and medical devices is compromised if the process is not preceded by meticulous cleaning.2  Therefore, the appropriate cleaning supplies are imperative to the safety and health of clients. In addition to proper bacteria disinfectants, the cleaner must be compatible with the materials used on the equipment to avoid breaks in integrity impairing either cleaning or disinfection/sterilization.

BIOSPY PUNCH

When available, single-use items are also recommended to further avoid cross-contamination. Some of those items include handle and equipment covers for equipment necessary for use on multiple patients such as that of an optometrists’ office. Headrest covers for dental chairs. Sterile, ready-to-use seamless stainless steel blades also provide a sterile blade and eliminate the need for re-sharpening and possible contamination from the sharpener.

happy couple

Every industry has specific protocols necessary to protect consumers. To assure you are taking every sterilization protocol necessary for your patients and clients, Fort Smith Medical and Janitorial Supply has the product you need. Place your order online or call 800.632.7876 today to speak to a representative.

1,2 Source