How 3D printing can revolutionise the medical field

The healthcare industry is rapidly evolving its efforts into 3D printing. From advanced prosthetic limbs and using cells to print organs, experimental headway is being made within the industry.

Technology has always been a present feature in the medical field, and even more so now that bio printing has stormed ahead at the forefront of technological advances. To put it simply, bio printing works when cells are fused together with hydrogel to create tissue.

At the moment bio printing is just that, experimental, and many of the experiments underway still have progress to be made. The majority of projects developed over the past year still need to figure out how to apply their findings to humans. As a fairly new market it can be difficult to gauge exactly where it is going to go. Nonetheless there are two advancements this year which have captivated the medical community.

A company called Organov has already successfully printed sheets of cardiac tissue and blood vessels that beat along, just like any normal heart would. This could be game-changing for humans in the future.

Scientists at MIT have long been experimenting with bio printing, and Sangeeta Bhatia’s team have created miniature human livers. The human livers were created in a lab, and contain approximately a million cells. It seems that synthetic organs could not be far off.

Schools eligible to receive life-saving equipment!

Northern Irish schools will soon benefit from a new initiative, announced the Education Minister this month. Schools all over Northern Ireland will be eligible to receive vital life-saving equipment, including defibrillators, on top of the current first aid system in place, as a result of the new scheme.

The plan will affect both Primary School and Secondary schools up and down the country, although the new scheme won’t be completely free for those involved. It’s speculated that contracts will be available to receive training at reduced costs to ensure the proper steps are taking when using the machines. Schools will also receive a hefty discount on the machines themselves. Any school which decides to opt-in to the additional level of first aid will be strongly supported by health professionals.

The proposed plan won’t just affect schools though; the aim of the scheme is to provide defibrillators in 43,000 public places at a cost of over 100 million Euros.

Launching the new guidelines, John O’Dowd said: “Thankfully, the incidence of cardiac arrest in under-18s is very low” and added “however we know that in such circumstances the most effective treatment is CPR combined with the use of a defibrillator. This significantly improves survival rates.”

The scheme is also spreading out to areas where the risk of cardiac arrest is highest, such as leisure facilities and training grounds. The devices will be available at such locations and other heavily populated areas.

It’s great to see another city which has a strong focus on the health of the public.

The Shard becomes the new home of a defibrillator

The Shard welcomed almost one million visitors through its door during the first year of the opening to the public, and popularity has continued to steadily grow for the tourist attraction. Not content with being a beloved feature in London, they also want to become one of the safest, so much so they have recently become the new home of a defibrillator - which is the highest device in the whole of Western Europe.

The operations director of The Shard, Sandy Clarke has urged for "every business in London to get a defibrillator installed. If we can install one at one of the highest points in Europe, then anyone can do it!"

The director added "we know that having this equipment and properly trained staff to use it could help us save a life in the future."

The newly installed device is part of the London Ambulance Service's Shockingly Easy campaign, which has been taking the city by storm. The primary aim of the scheme is to fit over 1000 defibrillators across London. The scheme will be focusing on public areas such as businesses, retail areas, sports facilities and high footfall areas.







The campaign also provides support to organisations, and will help businesses through the process of purchasing and installing a defibrillator, staff training and becoming accredited with the London Ambulance Service.


Seeing such an attraction like The Shard investing in a defibrillator is a big step, and hopefully we could soon see other major players follow their lead.

Defibrillators Open Job Opportunities!

A Belfast company has created more than 40 jobs in the name of "making defibrillators as common as fire extinguishers” as said by the chief executive of HeartSine Technology. Declan O’Mahoney is focusing on portable defibrillators and says he wants to double the sales of the existing product over the next 3 years.

The 40 new jobs will contribute around 1.3 million a year to the economy. Mr O’Mahoney is dedicated to the cause, stating “Around 100,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest in the UK and Ireland each year, a couple of hundred die in fires," he said.

The positions opening are in a wide array of sectors, from senior management, product development, quality control, customer service, sales and manufacturing. The company has stated they wish to employ those who live in the local area to help the area with jobs.

"Yet there is a fire extinguisher or a smoke alarm in every public building. Our products are already in schools, restaurants, churches, sports clubs and even oil rigs and I want to make sure they are in every public building in the same way that fire extinguishers are.”
He also added “Our objective is to strength our workforce in Belfast so that we can double sales of our existing product portfolio, in our target markets over the next 3 years”

It’s great to see a company put so much work into making defibrillators a common item for citizens.

Internal Defibrillators Can Reduce Heart Failure By 40%

New guidelines have emerged from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (more commonly known as NICE) meaning that more patients who suffer from potentially fatal heart conditions will now be eligible to have internal defibrillators fitted. The association of British Healthcare Industries has estimated that the change could cut death from heart failure by up to 40 per cent nationwide.

Up until this point, patients have been receiving preventive treatment measures such as beta-blockers - however it has been well noted that these will not help a patient if any abnormal heart activity occurs, they only regulate heart activity to begin with.

Before the new guideline was put in place, those eligible for the devices were patients who have suffered from ventricular tachycardia, a leading cause of cardiac death. The treasurer for the British Society of Heart Failure stated

‘There have been many clinical trials over the past five or six years that have demonstrated this will save lives,’

The devices are miniature versions of regular defibrillators, and will be placed under the skin with wires connected to the heart. When an irregular heartbeat occurs the device will deliver an electric shock to return the heartbeat to normal.

Gately's Family Back Defibrillator Scheme

The family of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately has come out and publicly backed the healthcare campaign currently being run by the Evening News. The campaign is focused on bringing a defibrillator to every Lothians sports club and leisure centre.

When pop star Stephen tragically died in 2009, his friends, family and fans from all over the world were devastated, and his death touched the hearts of many of us here in the UK. The sudden cause of death was revealed on autopsy, and was revealed to be caused by a genetic heart condition - which had gone unnoticed his whole life. After his death, the family found ways to cope and one of the many ways was to back the Shockingly Easy campaign, in doing so, they joined Jamie Skinners family in the race to find ways to prevent these tragedies affecting others.

Stephens’ family said in a heart wrenching statement “I want no other family to go through what ours has” and added “I can’t put into words how I feel about the loss of Stephen. It’s something that is with me every day”.

Stephens’ particular heart condition was difficult to detect during his life, however since the tragedy his siblings are undergoing genetic tests to see if they also carry the illness.

She finally added “[These conditions] are silent killers” We can only offer our good thoughts to those affected by Stephens’ death, and give our support to the campaign. The campaign will hopefully give the family and those close to Stephen some peace of mind.

Charitable Couple Help Village

Weddings are normally lavish occasions, rich with food, gifts and family. However, one couple have decided to do things a little differently for their special day, instead of receiving tokens of love from friends and family for the happy couple – they have decided to ask their guests to help out the village. The village is in desperate need of a defibrillator, and the couple will be fund raising to cover the cost.

Martin Douglas and Viv Bailey are both lifeboat volunteers and have estimated that around £2,000 in donations would be enough for them to purchase the machine. They have planned to place it in a public place in the village, so it can be accessed by anyone who needs it.

The groom, Martin, said: “It is very important for the village as there is no accessible defibrillator, so if someone is waiting for an ambulance it has to come from Inverness or Invermoriston.”

Martin also added “Defibrillators save lives. There is no doubt or debate about it and myself and Viv know this as first responders.

“It is important for a fairly remote area like ours but we also need them in city centres. Our ambulance service is superb but easy-to-use defibrillators placed in city centres are vital too, because a few seconds difference in response times can save lives.”

The pair will be getting hitched at Urguhart Castle by Loch Ness on the 4th of August, and are expected to reach their target.

Medical Supplies Courtesy Of Panasonic

Panasonic is an instantly recognisable household brand, from TVs to tablets, they really do it all. However what many people don't know about the brand is that they aren’t content with bringing media devices to the world, but they also provide medical supplies!

They have developed compact, easy to use medical equipment which is used daily up and down the country. Panasonic are a highly recommended medical equipment supplier, and always delivery high quality effective products.

We stock a number of Panasonic goods, the most popular being the latest BP monitoring wrist watch! For those who suffer an irregular pulse or other blood pressure problems, this wrist unit is ideal to closely monitoring at all times. It will also warn you of any incorrect movement during measuring, so you don't have to worry about skewed results. 

The screen is formatted in landscape display with extra large writing to ensure even those with eye sight problems can still use the device with ease.

 Another one of our popular Panasonic products is the EW3006, which comes up with a memory that can store up to 90 readings. This means that you can compare your readings from the past 3 months and closely monitor your BP. This model also has a unique flash warning which will signal if readings are higher than normal.

These Panasonic models both come with a 3 year guarantee, so you can rest assured that if your product becomes faulty over time, it will be under warranty.

Wrist blood pressure monitors are an easy and efficient way of monitoring your BP at home, and are essential for those with current health problems.

If you are interested in any of our Panasonic models, visit our website.

Linda Warren Google+

Balance Your Chi With Cardiacare

The majority of Buddhists (and many others around the world) believe that chi is the life force that your body holds. In spiritual teachings, chi is often thought to be the universal energy that unites body and spirit. When trying to explain chi many use the same analogy - have you ever walked past someone in the street who was simply glowing, smiling and giving off a good vibe. That's chi! We can't touch or hear chi, but we can see it and feel it, especially in everyday life. Chi brings us together and keeps our bodies and brains in a harmonious balance. Now you know what chi is, we bet you are asking "well how can I increase my chi" well that answer isn't so simple! Many recommend that practices such as yoga and meditation help chi flow properly.

Cardiacares surge of chi machine is a innovative chi exercise machine, gives a simulating exercise which is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

The main feature which sets this machine apart from the other models on the market at present is its fully programmed variable speed control. The gentle starting speeds means that those with high sensitivity can work their way up to a comfortable speed.

The body’s natural response to the swinging motion of the Chi exerciser is to simulate the nervous system, which boosts the body’s own energy and healing systems.

If you are interested in learning more about Chi, or how our Chi exercisers works, visit our product page here.



Linda Warren Google+

Why Should I Buy A Massage Chair?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a massage chair at home, and if you have, you might be asking, why should I invest in a massage chair? Massage chairs in the past have had a reputation as a ‘gimmick’ product with no real benefit, however, studies have shown that is simply not the case. 

Since the inception of massage chairs in the late 1980’s, massage chairs have become a huge favourite with consumers looking to unwind after a long day. As technology has advanced so has the massage chair industry, with some models almost replicating the sensory feel of a true massage. Of course, a mechanical action can never replace a real pair of trained hands, some of them get pretty close.

There are many health benefits to having a massage chair at home, as well as convenience and a chance to destress in the comfort of your own home. Many studies show that massages increase endorphin levels, which is instant feel good factor. The American Pain Society also recommends massage for instant pain relief on sore or torn muscles. If you are suffering from a pulled muscle or a torn ligament, then massage may just be the pain relief method you were hoping for.
Personally, we can’t think of anything better than coming home after a long hard day at the office, and unwinding instantly with comfort. They are a great drug free way to relieve pain, and should be a staple piece in any home.

Linda Warren Google+

The Cardioline brand

We are pleased to inform British Medical practitioners, Cardiologists and Paediatric Doctors that CARDIOLINE Products and ECG-Solutions are now available in the UK through CARDIACARE our local distributor and partner.

The CARDIOLINE brand grew thanks to the long-established experience of ET Medical Devices, Remco Italia and CARDIETTE until in 2011 it was taken up by Cardioline, SpA. Now the company’s new management is daily building up a new era of international success based on the typical values of being “made in Italy”: technology, design, quality.

Tradition, experience and innovation are the common denominator of all Cardioline products, whose outstanding features are clearly perceived by customers.

By tradition, Cardioline devices are advanced, easy to use and extremely robust so as to meet the needs of physicians as well as healthcare facilities, with no uncertainties or downtime.

The unrivaled experience our engineers can boast, the keen attention we pay to our customers’ feedback and our collaboration with expert designers are the DNA of our products: economically accessible, user-friendly and pleasing to the eye.

We design advanced medical devices as a result of our unrivaled expertise in the industry, together with the deployment of state-of-the art technology and a vocation to finding solutions dedicated to healthcare professionals and patients.

Please visit our web-sites (www.cardioline.it and www.cardiacare.co.uk) and send us your request for demonstration and free trial now!

Acorn Stairlifts

Cardiacare is proud to announce our partnership with none other than Acorn Stairlifts! Acorn Stairlifts are a company who are dedicated to helping people with mobility issues maintain their independence, and continue to live alone late into life. They have provided hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, with the peace of mind of having accessibility in their own homes. Boasting next day installation, free quotes, and in some cases, installed in less than an hour, they are offering first class service to all.

Acorn was the pioneer in DC technology in the industry, and is one of the largest manufacturers of stair lifts in the world. With locations in the UK, USA, Australia and Germany, they are truly helping people all over the world. They believe that having difficulty getting up the stairs should not stop an independent lifestyle.

They have integrated safety sensors, swivel seats, smooth starting and stopping, remoter control and a safety belt into their product. This ensures that the experience is as pleasant as possible, and safety is a main priority with all their products. They also have a wide range of stair lifts to suit all needs, such as curved models, straight models and outdoor options.

For the reasons above (and many others) we are proud to partner up with them, and hope that working together we can aid many more people round the world, stay in the home they have built over their lives.

For more information on Acorn Stairlifts, or if you would to request a free information pack, then visit the Acorn Stairlift section on our website.

Linda Warren Google+

Managing Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious condition, which affects almost 4.6% of the population (or 3 million, with another  estimated 800,000 people who have the condition, but aren’t aware yet) - according to statistics taken in 2013. However, with a little help from modern technology and qualified health care professionals, it is a manageable condition. The time after diagnosis can feel like a lonely one, many people experience stages of shock, anger and grief. However, you must remember that you are not alone! It is more than likely that as times goes on you will feel more confident in your ability to handle your illness.

There are many little steps you can take to keep your condition maintained - such as maintaining a good diet, regular exercise and normal weight management. Diet plans full of vegetables of legumes are highly recommended to keep up energy. Another tip to remember is to limit carbs and decreasing your portion sizes. Having a good fitness regime is imperative, considering that 70% of leg amputations occur in people who suffer from diabetes, it is so important to keep your body in shape

Diabetic socks have become a firm favourite within the diabetic market, as they aid with reducing pressure, and promoting health blood circulation, at an inexpensive cost. They can help with reducing the risk of diabetic foot, and at such a low cost, you can't afford not to give them a go.

Many people with diabetes live a normal life, by taking proactive steps often, you can get your condition under control.

Linda Warren Google+

Cardiacare - Our mission

Cardiacare was established in 1974 (40 years old this year!) and ever since then we have been totally dedicated in delivering the best possible service. Since our inception we have supplied the National Health Service, medical professionals, private practitioners as well as the general public - with high quality and reasonably priced medical supplies. We pride ourselves on delivering an impeccable product, and we are truly passionate about the medical field.    

We specialize in cardiovascular and general medical supplies, as well as offering many other products for general health, such as dental equipment. Cardiacare believes in total well being of both the mind and body, which is why we have such a wide variety of products available. With an ISO-9001 quality standard, which has been rewarded throughout the company, we ensure we are always delivering our best.  

During the past 40 years of business, we have established ourselves as a trusted and reliable voice within the medical market, by consistent quality products and service. There is always a friendly voice at Cardiacare to answer your questions and queries. If you have any questions about Cardiacare, or any of the medical products we stock, then feel free to get in touch with us and one of our team will be more than happy to answer your query. 

Cardiacare can be contacted via our website, or if you are more socially inclined, visit our social media pages and join in the conversation with our other many happy customers.

Our Favourite Super Foods

Food is what keeps us going in our everyday lives; it keeps us motivated, satisfies us, and keeps our bodies alive. However, in the modern world food has become a bad habit for most of us. Late night snacks and a quick bite to eat has changed the way we look at food and our food consumption.  Fast food has rapidly increased in the 21st century, and now some countries are ridden with obesity. Keeping our bodies functioning and healthy should be a main priority for all.

We've listed our top 3 super foods to keep you in tiptop shape, whilst keeping your taste buds happy too. As the saying goes "you are what you eat" so eat something super! 

1. Red Bell Peppers

Red bell peppers are perfect for adding a great taste in an otherwise bland dish. As the water content in these are quite high, it means they stay low in calories whilst still being extra tasty. Not just that, a red bell pepper contains almost as twice as much vitamin c as an orange does. So get tucked in!

2. Kiwis

Not content with being delicious, kiwis are one of the most nutritionally dense foods around. They are a great source of both potassium and fiber, and also contain vitamin a and e. Kiwis are one of the only fruits which contain those vitamins. A large kiwi fruit will contain your daily requirement for vitamin C. Perfect!

3. Broccoli

Broccoli is such a great super food, not only is it rich in vitamin a, vitamin k and fiber. It's also ridiculously versatile. Add to rich broth or steam for a quick and easy snack. We love broccoli because it's tasty, simple and really good for you.

It's easy to eat well when you put a little bit of effort it. Eating well is the foundation for the rest of your body to feel good as well.

Linda Warren Google+

The Benefits Of Checking Blood Pressure At Home

How often do you check your blood pressure? Monthly? Just once a year? Or only every time you visit the doctors’ surgery? If you have problems with your blood pressure, healthcare professionals advise that monitoring your BP at home will be beneficial for maintaining a healthy blood pressure, with minimal doctors’ visits to boot!

It’s proven that in a blood pressure study using sufferers of hypertension - participants of the study, who monitored their blood pressure at home, controlled their blood pressure much better than those who only had their blood pressure checked at the doctors as this avoids ‘white coat syndrome’ whereby patients were less relaxed in the surgery environment.

The monitors automatically relayed the readings back to a secure server, and participants were told to take a reading 6 days a week. That information was then passed along to their volunteers’ doctor, who would make recommendations, or adjust medications if needed. The researchers also conducted another study, monitoring a sample group who had appointments at a doctor’s clinic, as they usually would be.

The home monitoring patients exceeded expectations. 72% of the home study group had their blood pressure under control whilst only 57% of the usual care group experienced the same results.

The best thing about monitoring your blood pressure at home? The equipment is easily accessible, it’s quick, and will give you a realistic idea and understanding of your BP.

For more information on high quality blood pressure monitors, visit Cardiacare. We have wrist watch monitors as well as traditional upper-arm models, so come and take a look!



Linda Warren Google+

The Benefits Of Oral Irrigation

Oral irrigators may not be as widespread as the other forms of regular dental hygiene. However, it is surprising that they aren’t, as the dental benefits they offer are extraordinary. An oral irrigator uses pulsating water to remove plague and food debris from below the gums and also between teeth. The oral irrigator was first developer almost 50 years ago, by a dentist and engineer duo. They have been the subject fir almost 50 scientific studies since that time, and have been thoroughly proven to be effective on people in periodontal maintenance. They are strongly effective at combating bleeding and gingivitis, if you suffer with any of these problems, we highly recommend investing in one.

Oral irrigation was originally suggested for users who didn't floss, however now many dental professionals see it as a imperative part of good oral hygiene.

Before substantiated research, many thought that irrigation was forced bacteria into the tissues (this was never proven) however the safety of irrigation has been proven numerously in scientific studies. 

You may have already experienced oral irrigation without your knowledge, as home oral irrigators are basically a smaller less powerful tool than the jets used by your dentist. 

if you’re interested in learning more about oral irrigation, or possibly purchasing one for yourself, then head over to cardiacare.co.uk and check out our most popular irrigators!

Linda Warren Google+

The Rise Of The Defibrillators

The campaign for defibrillators to be placed in public places has gripped the public up and down the nation recently. The Mail launched the campaign after a 64 year old suffered a cardiac arrest whilst leaving the gym. For one of the campaigners June Thomas, this campaign is close to the heart. Her son Jack, died suddenly at the age of 15, and she has described defibrillators as ‘life saving equipment’

During an interview with BBC Radio Wales, Ms Thomas stated: "You've got laws in Wales that you have to have a fire extinguisher but you haven't got a law to have a defib.”

"You've got more chance of somebody having a heart attack than the building catching on fire."

It isn’t only Wales where the campaign is captivating the public and businesses alike. Wendover Parish Council currently has a planning application underway to turn an old phone box into one of the life saving machines, and a Hampshire business has donated a defibrillator to one of the local schools, many are hoping that these small steps will help in the long run and to boost the campaign even further.

The campaign has been publicly been backed by the former footballer Fabrice Muamba, MPS in the Burton and South Derbyshire area have voiced their agreements, as well as a host of schools and gyms.

Hopefully with all this public support, more and more people will realise how vital it is to get this system in place for the safety of everyone. If the campaign continues the way it is going, then we hope that defibrillators could become as common place as fire extinguishers are.

Linda Warren Google+

Choosing an Acorn Stairlift

It is often assumed that the main consumer of stair lifts, is the elderly, however, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Stair lifts are used by a wide range of society, for a variety of different reasons. Sufferers of arthritis often have them installed in their homes, as do people recovering from a stroke, and cancer patients who are finding mobility an issue. 

Once you have decided to install a stair lift into your home, there may be a few questions you have on your mind. Let us put you at ease and ensure you there will be minimal disruption to your home.

As Acorn stair lifts are attached to your staircase and not your wall, this means less mess afterwards, and no unsightly repairs. Our regular stair lifts can lift up to 25 stone, although, we do have larger options for those who require it. If you are worried about installation time, then no need! As Acorn Stairlifts are specifically built to fit your home, they can be installed and ready to go within an hour, meaning we can fit the installation around your life.

A 12-month warranty comes with all purchases, so you can rest assured that if aren't fully happy with your product, then it will be rectified. Rechargeable batteries power our stair lifts, so you don’t have to worry about a surprise electric bill once your stair lift has been fitted.

If you have any more questions head over to our Acorn Stairlift section on the Cardiacare website.

Linda Warren Google+

The Evolution Of Hair Removal

It is often believed that hair removal methods have been around since 4000 B.C, however, with no easy way to remove hair in those times, far more dangerous methods were used - such as arsenic and quicklime (ouch!) Luckily for us, we have now invented many more safer and convenient methods to become silky smooth.

Bodyhair removal is heavily ingrained into our society, and is now a regular part of the majority of fashion conscious women beauty routines. With shaving, waxing, hair removal cream and even hair lightening services, it can be difficult to know what is right for your body. However, one of the most popular hair removal methods of the 21st century is epilating.

If you've ever found yourself with little time to get ready, and then suddenly remembered you need to shave your legs then epilating is your. It's quick, no water is needed, and it's easy to carry around.

Epilating has become a firm favourite with consumers up and down the country due to its many benefits. It has been dubbed a semi permanent hair removal treatment, as unlike shaving, studies have shown that because epliating pulls out the hair at the root, over an extended period of use, the root stops producing hairs, and the hairs that do reproduce often regrow back much thinner than before. On average, an epilator lasts around 6 years, this means great value for money, as well as an easy and effective hair removal method.

So, if you're looking to find a new way to maximise your beauty routine then look no further!

Linda Warren Google+