Save 20% On Your First Autoship Order

Day
:
:
Online since 2002 |   866-316-0162

Articles and News

Aritcle by

Laura Castricone, CRT

LinkedIn Profile My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory care including sleep medicine, critical care, rehab, and home care. I earned my respiratory certification at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Prior to becoming an RT, I attended the University of Connecticut pursuing a degree in English but left Uconn in my junior year to work with my father in the restaurant business. I stayed with him for over a dozen years. An education, by the way, that can never be bought! Once I married and had children, the restaurant business no longer fit my lifestyle. When my children were one and two years old, I decided to go back to school and that is where my career in respiratory care began. This career has been very rewarding and I have been blessed to meet some extraordinary people along the way. I grew up in Waterbury, CT, and now live in Litchfield County, CT with my husband and our crazy Jack Russell terrier, Hendrix. My hobbies include antiquing, gardening, writing plays, and painting miniature paintings.

 

Oxygen Concentrators

THE MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT OXYGEN THERAPY

Laura Castricone, CRT Dec 14, 2021

No fear is greater than the fear of the unknown! It is up to all those involved in the healthcare continuum to educate patients so that they get the proper information about their therapies, understand their needs, and learn to embrace rather than fear them. Here most commonly myth-buster about oxygen therapy.

Suction Therapy

Chest Physiotherapy: What is CPT Treatment?

Laura Castricone, CRT Dec 29, 2021

Chest Physiotherapy, aka chest PT is a procedure which uses gravity and physical manipulation to help release mucus from the smaller airways of the lungs into the larger airways to facilitate mobilization out of the lungs.

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis: What is it and Who is likely to get bronchiectasis?

Laura Castricone, CRT Jan 17, 2022

Bronchiectasis occurs secondary to lung damage. The lungs & airways get damaged & thus widen & eventually become ineffective. Read more at HPFY.

Allergy Relief

Allergy Season Is Around The Corner!

Laura Castricone, CRT Feb 11, 2022

Most of us look forward to spring. Trees are blooming, temperatures are warming, and flowers are beginning to poke out of the soil. It’s a wonderful time of the year. Unless you suffer from spring allergies!

Nebulizer

Pari Nebulizer Kit vs A Standard Nebulizer Kit

Laura Castricone, CRT Mar 11, 2022

When my children were younger and had to use a nebulizer, I had always asked for a Pari system and kit for them. I was able to administer the full treatment before they became too antsy. They seemed to overcome symptoms much faster as they were getting a full dose of medication and it was able to reach the furthest air sacs to help open them up and rid them of mucus. I would have no reservations about recommending this system to anyone, especially pediatric patients and those patients who are very active but still want to take their breathing treatments via a nebulizer.

Oxygen Cannulas Tubings and Connectors

Pneumonia and The Need for Supplemental Oxygen

Laura Castricone, CRT Mar 21, 2022

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs which causes the air sacs to be filled with pus or fluid. Pneumonia is caused by either a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. When the lungs get full of debris, it becomes difficult to breathe. As the patient struggles for air, the oxygen level in their blood decreases. As oxygen levels decrease and are sustained at lower levels, the body responds in many negative ways.

Hip Kits Hip Replacement and Injury

Products Needed After A Full Hip Replacement - A Personal Story

Laura Castricone, CRT Mar 31, 2022

Aside from the mental and physical preparation for surgery, you also need to prepare your environment so that once you are discharged you can perform your activities of daily living without injury or incident. Health Products For You offers a wide variety of products to help you during your healing journey.

Hyperbaric Chambers

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Laura Castricone, CRT Apr 04, 2022

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy exposes wounds and/or damaged tissues or nerves to 100% oxygen at a higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure. The increase in pressure above sea level allows more oxygen to enter the lungs and therefore into the bloodstream.

Allergy Relief

Controlling Indoor Allergens and Pollution

Laura Castricone, CRT Apr 06, 2022

When we talk about “indoor” allergens/pollutants we are referring to what we are exposed to when at home or in a workplace environment. Indoor allergens may include mold, fumes, off-gassing of objects, pollens, dust, exposure to mice, rat or cockroach droppings, food smells, and perfumes. These are just several of the major offenders.

Allergy Relief

What is Sinus Infection?

Laura Castricone, CRT Apr 06, 2022

To understand what a sinus infection is, you need to know the role of your sinuses, and where they are located. The human nasal sinus system is an area of air-filled space in the bones that are connected to the nasal cavity. Depending on which bones consist of the sinus spaces will dictate the name of the sinus.

Making A Difference

Dealing With Life Changes : Life in Transition

Laura Castricone, CRT Apr 25, 2022

Our lives are always in flux. Job changes or loss, the passing of a loved one, changes in our living situations, financial issues, divorce, babies being born, kids leaving the nest. The list of things that can change our lives significantly is endless. Some transitions are planned and many are unplanned. When faced with a cataclysmic change in life or lifestyle, what should we do?