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October 14, 2020
Steven Cumper
How to Find Your Nearest AED in Australia
An automated external defibrillator, or AED, is an essential piece of life-saving equipment. Used to restore normal rhythm to the heart when a person is in cardiac arrest, an AED can have a big impact on a patient’s chances of survival. In order to help more people survive a cardiac arrest, and give members of the public access to this life-saving tool, AEDs have been installed in a number of locations across Australia. From hospitals and schools to gyms and shopping centres, these publicly available AEDs can help provide fast, effective treatment to a person suffering a cardiac arrest. October 16th is Restart-a-Heart Day in Australia and New Zealand. To mark this important occasion, and to help raise awareness of the importance of AEDs, we’re taking a closer look at these important life-saving tools. What is an AED? AED is used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm when a person is suffering a cardiac arrest. Unlike heart attacks, which are caused by a blockage in an artery to the heart, a cardiac arrest happens when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions. This malfunction results in abnormal heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, that make it very difficult for the heart to pump blood. The probability of survival decreases by 7% to 10% for every minute that a patient stays in a life-threatening arrhythmia. Quick, effective treatment is the best way to ensure a patient survives a cardiac arrest and isn’t left with long-term injuries. AEDs allow members of the public, or nearby medical staff, to administer life saving treatment before an ambulance arrives. These computerised defibrillators automatically analyse heart rhythms and administer a shock if an abnormal rhythm is detected. As the process is automated, the person using the defibrillator doesn’t need any medical training in order to provide assistance. This can save vital minutes in a medical emergency and help more people to survive a cardiac arrest. Where to find an AED in public places? In order to help members of the public, or medical personal, provide quick treatment to people suffering a cardiac arrest, AEDs are located in public and private buildings across the country. While many AEDs are registered, a lot aren’t. So knowing how to find AED equipment is essential. You’ll commonly find AEDs in large buildings and public locations such as: Hospitals – commonly found on hospital wards and in outpatient areas Community centres – often located in the foyer or reception area Schools – in the staff room or school office Office blocks – in the reception area or foyer Sports clubs – in the reception area or office Gyms – commonly kept close to exercise equipment like treadmills Shopping centres – in central locations like information desks Public libraries – in the reception area If you see someone having a cardiac arrest and are near one of these locations, they should be your first port of call when looking for an AED. When looking for an AED, keep your eyes peeled for an AED wall sign identifying its location. These signs should be installed next to every device to make them easier to find. How to find my nearest AED? There are a number of ways to find your nearest AED in Australia. One option is to head off on foot to one of the locations listed above. This can often be the quickest way of finding an AED. However, as not all offices, schools, sports clubs and gyms will have an AED, there are no guarantees your search will be successful. What’s more, as access to many of these locations will only be possible during opening hours, you’ll have to double check your watch when looking for an AED. The easiest way to find your nearest AED in Australia is to use the AED Locator app. Using the app to find AED machines close to you could save crucial minutes in an emergency. The AED Locator app has been specifically designed to help members of the public locate an AED fast. It uses the GPS on your phone to find your location and match you with the nearest AED. The app features an interactive map that will help you find the AED as quickly as possible. As well as helping you locate your nearest AED, the app allows you to report missing AEDs. This is incredibly important as a missing AED could put someone’s life at risk. You can download the AED Locator app here. Alternatively, you can find your nearest AED by checking the St John’s Ambulance website. This lets you view locations of nearby AEDs and also register an AED if you have one on your property. Click here to visit the St John’s ambulance site. Restart-a-Heart Day On October 16th, Australia and New Zealand will celebrate Restart a Heart Day. Taking place at the same time as Shocktober, an AED awareness campaign by Ambulance Victoria, the day will be used to promote information about cardiac arrests and teach people what to do if they see someone in distress. Every year, around 34,000 Australians and New Zealanders suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. After 10 minutes without intervention, the damage caused by cardiac arrest is nearly irreversible. If you know how to find an AED and what to do when someone has a cardiac arrest, you could significantly boost their chances of survival. To mark Restart-a-Heart Day, we’ll be offering 5% off of AEDs for the remainder of October. Use code: RESTARTHEART5 at the checkout. Find out more, and learn about the AEDs and other life saving products we offer, by exploring the Medshop site today. Author: Steven John Cumper, B.App.SC. (Osteo.), M.Ost., is a businessman with a strong foundation in biomedical science and osteopathic medicine, who founded and led Medshop to international success, culminating in its acquisition by the Bunzl Group in September 2021, where he continues to serve as Managing Director (Medshop Group).
June 17, 2020
Medshop Editor
7 Reasons Oxypas Shoes are the Best
For healthcare professionals everywhere, a comfortable pair of shoes is what gets you through the day. When they work, you should barely notice them at all, however, when they don't, they can cause serious discomfort and real pain. Today, there are many types of nursing clogs on the market, from the more traditional styles worn by nurses since World War Two, to injection moulded safety shoes made for the demands of the modern operating room as well as the ward. The latter is the sort we sell most of at Medshop Australia, and injection moulded shoes by Oxypas are some of our favourites. Unlike traditional shoes, Oxypas produces most parts of their shoes in a one-shot by injecting foam into a mould. This means they With injection moulded shoes, there are fewer soles to pull apart from the shoe, fewer seams to split, and additional components, meaning less extra weight. We’ll get into all the benefits of these shoes in a second, but if you think you’re new to injection moulded shoes, you’re probably not. They’ve become something of a sensation in the world outside the medical profession. Many shoe companies employ elements of injection moulding, such that it's become an industry standard. One brand, in particular — I won't mention their name — has enjoyed a long successful campaign via mall kiosks and department store sales. Rest assured, the shoes we carry aren’t the mall variety. Those brands haven’t been around as long as Oxypas, which started making awesome shoes for medical professionals in 1991. If that doesn’t sound that long ago, consider that Bob Hawke was still the Prime Minister, compact discs were the best way to hear music, and the internet was but a wee babe in Australia. Needless to say, Oxypas has been around for a little while. That’s why they make what we consider the best shoes for nurses and other medical professionals, hands(feet) down. But what makes Oxypas shoes so special? Here we take a look at seven reasons Oxypas shoes are among the most convenient and comfortable nursing shoes around. Read on for everything you need to know about this top professional footwear brand. 7) Oxypas Shoes Won’t Stink Let’s face it, shoes can build up a life of their own. They can stink, especially after a double shift of rounds. What's worse, cleaning medical shoes is a hassle. Over time, shoes spun in a dryer start to fall apart. Also, the smell never fully goes away. Fully washable nursing shoes are a necessity. Oxypas shoes not only come with ventilation holes big enough to stick your finger through, but the material of the shoes is also fully washable, with their Oxyclog range is also autoclavable for the ultimate in sterile shoes. In a matter of minutes, you can clean and dry them, without a care in the world. They’re also lined with an antibacterial liner so they’ll resist holding any rogue odours that try to cling to your shoes. Look no further than the Ultralite Classic Olivia White for antibacterial linings in a classic, unisex nursing shoe. 6) Oxypas Shoes Give Grip Nurses and other medical professionals need the ability to move like athletes when necessary. A working nurse will put down an average of ten kilometres by the end of a workday. Slips and falls are the most common form of injury at work. Nurses need the ability to move swiftly, turning 180 degrees without worry that they will slip as they turn. Anti-slip sole then, are highly important! The non-slip outsole of Oxypas shoes manages this probability within a hair’s distance of zero. In fact, the European standard for slip resistance tested and passed Oxypas for the toughest rating, on ceramic tile wetted with dilute soap solution, and on smooth steel with glycerol. An ideal take on a classic look is the Betty White model, designed with exceptional grip in almost any situation. Additionally, much of the Oxypas shoe range comes with their patented Oxygrip technology for the slipperiest of situations. 5) Oxypas Shoes are Not Shocking Everyone knows the dreaded shock of a carpet and a poor pair of shoes. Static can shock you, and worse, you can shock your patients. Anti-static shoes are also very important for nurses. The shoes from Oxypas have an anti-static feature, which keeps you from building up a current as you earn your living. The Conformité Européenne (CE) rated Oxypas shoes as compliant with the CE 20345 S2 standard, which means they’re breathable, built with a quality lining, free of toxic substances, and that they have a safety toe cap (resistance 200 Joules). In short, you'll not have to think about static electricity. 4) Oxypas Shoes are in it for the Long Shift Speaking of shocking, Oxypas shoes remove more than one sort of shock. In fact, their shock-absorbing design means that there's almost no shock when walking around, even after a double shift. The Bodylight shoes from Oxypas — available in more than white — are the ultimate in cloud walking shoes. ultra-light and supremely comfortable, Oxypas designed them to help tone your leg muscles as you walk. Who knew walking on clouds could help get you in shape while you make a living? That’s what they call a win-win-win. Even the thinnest souled Oxypas shoes have excellent shock absorption. No more “I can’t wait to get home and take off these shoes.” 3) Oxypas Shoes Won’t Get You into Trouble The last thing you want to worry about at work is whether or not your shoes are creating stress for someone else. Sound crazy? It’s not if you consider that some shoes leave marks on the floor. It may not be an important factor when saving lives, but someone at your workplace gets paid to keep the floors neat and clean. In fact, medical facilities carry the reputation of being the cleanest floors anywhere. That means someone else gets paid to make sure those floors aren’t that much harder to keep clean, namely, your supervisor. That person won’t promote you for wearing shoes that won’t mark up the floor, but they also won’t have to ask you to purchase new shoes. Shoes from Oxypas fit into your fly-below-the-radar plan 2) Oxypas Shoes are Shaped Like a Human Foot It sounds counterintuitive, but most shoes on the market are not shaped like a human foot. We’re not talking about the fingered variety that looks too much like a human foot. We’re talking about the normal bed of the human foot when it strikes the ground. Your phalanges, the little foot bones, need room to spread out. Many shoes not only lack the width to allow your foot to properly flex, but they also look like someone with a background in torture designed them. The largest part of the toe box (front of the shoe) often doesn’t line up with normal toes, as if the big toe should be in the middle of the foot, not to one side. Oxypas shoes have a more anatomically shaped footbed and insole to make wearing them easier. 1) Oxypas Shoes are So Comfortable You'll Forget Your Wearing Them Speaking of moving like an athlete, don’t feel funny if you consider wearing your work shoes for running laps around the neighbourhood or for your next marathon. Because Oxypas shoes are made by injection moulding, there’ not a bunch of glue and stitching weighing them down. Most pairs weigh less than 200 grams, putting them in league with most high performance running sneakers. A pair of shoes from Oxypas might look funny crossing the finish line, but what do you care if your feet feel like a million bucks? Seriously, these things are light. The Eva model, a simple non-toxic clog, complete with a heel strap, is the best no-nonsense example of Oxypas’ build standard. There are more reasons to love Oxypas, but if you’ve read this far, we’re not talking to you. If you don’t already own a pair of Oxypas shoes, you’re in the market for a pair now. What’s it going to be? The Eva model? The Betty White? The Olivia White? Maybe you get one of each style so you can vary your shoes as you prefer? Rest assured that once you wear a pair of these shoes you won’t want to wear anything else. You will officially have been spoiled, and you totally deserve it.
June 15, 2020
Medshop Editor
Why Nurses Tell Time Upside Down – History of The Nurses Fob Watch
Everything about being a nurse centres on organisation. Quality patient care revolves around a carefully planned and executed schedule, thus keeping track of the time is the pulse of the nursing profession. It’s not only a matter of knowing the hour, but nurses also need to time certain and ensure that In modern times, smart devices, have in some ways eliminated the need for the traditional timepieces, however, the history of the nurses fob watch means that there's always a place for one as part of any nurses uniform. But where did the nurses fob watch begin its journey to healthcare necessity, and who's still using them today? Here, we take a look at the history of the nurse fob watch and why they're still as popular today as they were when they first became part of the uniform. It all started in 15th century Europe... History of the Fob Watch – The First Watches Credit goes, by most accounts, to Peter Henlein, a German craftsman, but (as is often the case) there were others working on the same idea at that time. Humanity had enjoyed some form of time management since the Greek sundial, earlier if one counts the casual sun observer as a "time manager." Transitioning the awareness of time from watching the sun’s position in the sky to a body-worn timepiece was a matter of thousands of years of evolution, and the overnight invention by Henlein. What he did was invent the mainspring—a serial torsion spring of steel ribbon, which stored energy, released by turning the cogs of a timepiece until the stored energy demanded the user rewind the timepiece. The first portable versions were not wrist worn, but pendants, not much different from a conventional nurse watch. Watches would retain this basic engineering until the 20th century, and many antique pocket watches such as these are in high demand today. Transition to Nursing It is not known exactly when nurses began to don the fob watch as part of their uniform. The first portable watches were a toy for the wealthy, as high-quality, hand built watch movements were very expensive. The difference in the watch worn by nurses, and those worn by fashionable dandies back in the day, was that the nurse's fob needed to be accessible without hands. This is where the history of the nurses fob watch comes to life. As a matter of practicality, not so much sterilisation, nurses couldn't fumble a watch. Not only would reaching into a pocket for a watch soil the watch face, it would take time and a free hand. Nurses' hands would likely have fluids on them, and the open-face pocket watches and white dials simply weren't up to the task. They needed a simple solution. Some clever nurse discovered that the common pocket watch, when pinned upside down to the lapel of a tunic, made for a perfect hands-free reading device whenever needed. Watchmakers soon caught on, and the evolution of the nurses fob watch continued apace. Rites of Passage Again, it's difficult to say when, but at some point, fob watches turned into the perfect gift for nurses, and a stainless steel brooch watch became a rite of passage for many aspiring nurses. Like the prestige of gifted writing instrument to the graduating law school student, the fob watch moved from functional accessory to a symbol of accomplishment. Quality counts too—or at least it used to. The same way a quality pen can lend an upwardly mobile office professional more confidence, a classic Swiss timepiece serves the same purpose. Reliable fobs have fuelled not only the careers but the confidences of ambitious nursing school grads for centuries. The New History of the Nurses Fob Watch Advancements have moved the nurse's fob watch far from Henlein’s first pocket watch. The manufacturing of consistent reliable parts is no longer an art but a matter of production. Inexpensive fob watches are easily replaced, even on a tight budget. That said, like the pen before it, there is a vein of tradition running through the fob watch that stitches together the years like a tapestry. Nurses and other medical professionals who appreciate history wear traditionally fashioned fobs as a nod to those who paved the pathway before them. However, advancements in digital technologies are slowly taking the place of the historical nurses fob watch. Today, you are just as likely to see a nurse wear and smartwatch on their wrist, and smartfobs are also beginning to make their way to market—giving nurses a huge range of tools at their fingertips. The history of the nurses fob watch then, is about to enter a new chapter. Now, nurses can monitor their own health as they work as well as their patients. They can take messages and calls directly from their watch, while also ensuring they stay on schedule with push-notifications and other calendar features. Additionally, nurses fob watches can provide important information and resources at the tap of a button or touchscreen. The future of the nurses fob watch, looks very bright indeed. Regional Variances While, Australian and British nurses tend to keep the tradition of the fob, nurses in other parts of the world do not. They may not even know what constitutes a fob watch. In the United States, for example, the tradition of the fob watch is hardly observed. However, it wasn’t always that way. The U.S. Navy Nurse Corps General Uniform Instructions from 1917 read: "No ornaments or jewellery other than a plain watch fob to be worn while on duty. Plain wrist watches are permitted to be worn except when centre-indicated by professional duties." Nurses in the States may own a fob, mostly likely gifted at graduation, but they won’t likely wear it as part of their uniform. There are, of course, exceptions to this. The good news for new nurses and their families is that in this modern world, even quality doesn’t have to cost a fortune. One can purchase a lovely, classically-styled nurses fob, without draining your bank account. Alternatively, there are plenty of no-nonsense silicone fob watches which do the job well with a little colourful fun to boot. Whereas a nurse from the sixteenth century might be fortunate to own one carefully guarded timepiece, today’s nurses may have one to go with every pair of scrubs. One thing hasn’t changed. The job still rides on the shoulders of a meticulously organised person.
June 08, 2020
Medshop Editor
The Best Stethoscope? 3M Littmann vs Welch Allyn
When it comes to making an investment like purchasing a stethoscope making the right choice is mission-critical. Read on to discover how to choose between two top brands — Welch Allyn vs Littmann
May 31, 2020
Medshop Editor
The History of the Hypodermic Needle — Evolution with a Point!
The history of the hypodermic needle involves goose quills, animal bladders and little friendly rivalry. Read on to discover the surprising journey of a healthcare staple.
April 20, 2020
Medshop Editor
Hand Hygiene Australia — The Medshop Guide to Washing Hands Correctly
Australia’s experience of the novel coronavirus has been, to date, less severe than the in US and many European countries. However, as states continue with lockdown measures and the government discusses the possibility of a mandatory app to trace citizens’ contact with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 carriers, it is clear that the threat is far from over. The calls to remain at home or self-isolate, to wear masks and follow stricter hygiene protocols, and to minimise contact with others wherever possible, are now recognised as entirely necessary. The efficacy of these measures abroad is reflected in the flattening of the curve, and as long as everyone recognises these responsibilities, it is hoped that catastrophe can be avoided. So, in order to reaffirm sanitary protocols and remind everyone part of mitigating the spread of the virus is simple as maintaining hand hygiene, here we detail the correct hand washing procedure to keep it fresh in your mind. When to Wash Your Hands Washing your hands should now be routine, and whenever you have returned home after being outside, or after you blow your nose, cough, or sneeze you should wash your hands thoroughly. However, there are plenty of other occasions when you should go through the process, and maintaining good habits now will protect you when lockdown measures are eased. Washing your hands often is important during the crisis, and during these key moments you should take extra care, both before and after: Preparing food Eating and drinking Using the toilet Touching garbage Handling pets Changing nappies or cleaning children Caring for the sick Treating a wound Additionally, with the rise of home deliveries of essential items and food, it is important to wash your hands after receiving packages, bags of food, or other items. Finally, any trip to the pharmacy or handling of pharmaceutical goods should always be preceded and followed by a thorough hand washing. Hand Washing Steps The correct hand washing procedure is simple and only takes a few minutes at most, however, there are a few crucial points that should be adhered to: Remove All Jewellery and Other Items Jewellery such as rings or bracelets make it more difficult to wash your hands thoroughly. Additionally, plasters or bandages should be removed wherever possible as these can be home to pathogens. Once you have completed washing your hands, fresh ones can be applied. Wet Hands and Apply Soap Using warm to hot water, wet your hands thoroughly and apply standard soap or liquid soap. Warm water is generally better as this helps to kill pathogens and allows the soap to work more effectively, however, when used with soap, cold water is also effective. Lather and ScrubLather the soap and scrub your hands for AT LEAST 20 SECONDS. Rub them together, lather the backs of your hands and also between your fingers. Ensure you spread the soap around and under your nails.Rinse Your HandsRinse your hands under warm water where possible and remove all of the soap. Continue rubbing your hands together as you do this. Dry Your HandsWhere possible, dry your hands with an air dryer. Alternatively, a clean towel or paper towel should be used. Dirty towels can help to spread pathogens. Other Points to Think About Following these simple handwashing procedures will help to minimise the threat of transmission of the virus between you, your family, and anyone else you may come into contact with. However, while out of the house, it is important to maintain hygiene standards even when handwashing facilities are difficult to access. In these instances, hand sanitiser or another alcohol-based hand cleaning product should be used to help mitigate infections. While not as effective as handwashing procedures, they can be extremely useful when out and about.
February 02, 2020
Medshop Editor
Post-Op Shoes – Giving the Right Information to Patients
Post-op shoes are one of those small inventions that provide big benefits to patients. Used to protect feet and toes after a medical procedure or an injury, they help to relieve pain and also provide the right kind of support to encourage the healing process
October 01, 2019
Medshop Editor
Student Nursing Kits — A Budget-Friendly Way to Get Everything You Need
Studying medicine is time consuming enough without having to spend hours worrying about which is the best student nursing kit for you. Enrolling on the path to becoming a nurse is a big step, and fees for undergrad courses can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Not only will you be expected to put in the hours on your theoretical studies, but a large portion of your course will be focused on gaining practical experience, and that requires the right equipment at the right price. In Australia, we have some of the best university nursing courses in the world, and here at Medshop believe students on these courses deserve the best nursing kits to support them on this journey. Each year, these institutions produce thousands of graduates who go on to play an integral part in the healthcare system. A system in which over half of all health professionals are nurses! In order to meet this demand and support our future nurses, Medshop stocks a broad range of top student nursing kits that accommodate all budgets and styles. As nurses’ specialties range from aged care, through surgical, paediatrics, mental health, education, chronic disease, palliative care, research, to health promotion and everything in between, it’s important our nursing kits contain a wide selection of the highest quality equipment. Stethoscopes for Students Whether you’re just after the basics or in need of something a little more comprehensive, there are a few things you should look out for when choosing student nursing equipment. Perhaps the most obvious of these being the stethoscope. The trusty stethoscope is almost as old as modern nursing itself. In their current form, stethoscopes were developed in the mid-19th century and their importance to medicine has grown steadily ever since. A 2012 research paper claimed that the stethoscope, when compared to other medical equipment, had the highest positive impact on the perceived trustworthiness of the healthcare professional seen with it. Now, with its value beyond doubt, the most pressing choice facing our nursing students is which brand of stethoscope to go for. The best student nursing kits at Medshop come with either a 3M Littman or Spirit stethoscope. Both have their own merits but there are a few things to consider when choosing. The Classic 3M Littman stethoscope is widely regarded as the best in the business. Made from high quality materials, they provide improved acoustic performance with excellent audibility of high frequency sounds. However, this does mean they come at a price. For those equally discerning but budget-conscious student nurses, our best student medical kits are also available with the ever reliable Classic Spirit stethoscope. Although less well known, the Spirit stethoscope does not sacrifice any performance thanks to its rugged durability at more affordable price. So, once you’ve decided on your brand, you’ll be faced with the equally tough decision of which colour to go for, as both the 3M Littman and Spirit stethoscopes are available at Medshop in a variety of colours to suit every personality and style on the ward. Now we’ve considered the all-important stethoscope it’s time to take a closer look at some of the best student nursing kits that are available at Medshop. Student Nursing Pack - Littmann Classic III / Spirit Our premium nursing kit is designed to meet the requirements of university nursing courses across Australia. It comes with a top of the range Littman Classic III stethoscope as well as a traditional sphygmomanometer and 10 other vital pieces of equipment. The pack is also available with a Classic Spirit Stethoscope and comes in a rainbow of colours. Either way, with this nursing kit by your side you’ll be the envy of all your colleagues. ACU Student Pack Originally designed for Australia’s best nursing school, ACU, this excellent student nursing kit is now widely used by students at many other universities across the country. Available with the Classic Spirit stethoscope this affordable kit is ideal for those budget conscious students. For an added personal touch, you can even have your stethoscope laser engraved, ensuring it always comes back to you wherever you put it down! As you would expect, Medshop had also packed in all the other essentials you might need, including a sphygmomanometer, LED penlight, nurses’ pouch and safety glasses. Basic Nursing Utility Kit For those who only require the basic essentials when it comes to nursing packs, our Basic Nursing Utility Kit has you covered. This small kit packs a big punch, filled with high quality equipment designed for performance and reliability all at a very affordable price. You’ll find scissors, forceps, a penlight and a practical nurses fob watch in the kit. Like most of our other nursing kits it comes in an extraordinary variety of colours to suit even anyone with an eye for style.
March 13, 2019
Medshop Editor
Every Nurse Wants to Get in Sanita Shoes; Here's Why
It’s more than only nurses clamouring for Sanita shoes. Doctors and paramedics also want them. At a glance, they’re nursing shoes, not much more than other popular medical shoe brands. What is it that makes Sanita so special? Is it just new kid on the block popularity or is there something else? The single answer to both of those questions: It depends on who you ask. Let’s be honest. It was only last year we were singing the praises of Oxypas as if there were no other footwear for nurses. Nothing has changed about Oxypas. They’re still great shoes for those who have to be on their feet for three shifts in a row. And what about Dansko, the third brand we carry? Well, we’re gonna get into some comparisons in this blog. We’ll talk about why you might prefer one over the other, and answer common questions then come up. This is your Medshop Sanita shoe shakedown, and it’s not a dance, but if it were it would be a clogging routine. Sanita versus Oxypas In case you missed it, we covered Oxypas in this piece: 7 Reasons Oxypas is the Most Comfortable Nursing Shoe You’ll Ever Wear To cut to the chase, there is an almost century-long gulf between these two brands. Sanita started making clogs in 1907. Oxypas didn’t start making them until 1991. They’re also split by many seas. Sanita is originally a Dutch company, Oxypas an Australian brand. What Oxypas does is close to the more popular brand, Crocs, but more professionally styled. Oxypas isn’t only injection-moulded footwear. They also work in some leather in some models. One thing is for sure, Oxypas makes comfortable shoes. They’re also quite a bit more affordable so for nursing students and those fresh out of school, Oxypas will likely be your first pair of work shoes until you get a paycheck or two under your bum bag. Their no-slip, non-skid, anti-static, antibiotic design is no-nonsense too, but you might want for something more modern. When you get up to speed, a pair of Sanitas will feel like an unnecessary upgrade. A sturdy pair of Oxypas will get you through many shifts without a complaint, but when you feel like flexing your style in something a little less conservative, Sanita will be there for you. Case in point, Sanita’s Wave professional knit shoe is both comfortable and stylish. The knit upper breathes like no other medical shoe, and they walk about like a cloud. Speaking of walkabouts, you might think they’re comfortable enough for getting out on the trail in your free time because they’re so darn easy. That’s probably pushing it, but it’s understandable how someone would reach that conclusion. Sanita versus Dansko If you’re wondering, “Aren’t Sanitas made by Dansko?” you’re right to feel confused, but made by? Not quite. They used to be connected. You could say that they share a heritage. Once upon a time, Sanita produced Dansko’s footwear, but that contract ended in 2007. That’s when the Dansko arm of Sanita, owned by a pair of Americans, moved their manufacturing elsewhere. When push comes to shove, the Sanita shoes are less expensive and more comfortable by many accounts. Your mileage may vary, but that's their reputation. At the top of the comparisons, both companies produce a professional shoe, appropriate for most medical workplaces. Unless you’re talking about the traditional stapled clogs made by both brands, which are nearly identical (see image above), Sanita’s styles can be less traditional than Dansko’s. For this reason, Sanita tends to sway a younger but more affluent crowd, but there is no age restriction on comfort or style. Wear what you prefer. If you’re accustomed to Dansko and see no issues with your current footwear, you might first ask yourself why you’ve read this far into this blog. But, if you’re only curious, there’s no cause for alarm. If you’re not 100 per cent sure or curious to the extent that you want to sow your wild oats, take a pair Sanitas for a spin next time you need a fresh pair of shoes. You might come to understand why they let the Dansko line split off. A good place to start would be Sanita’s San Flex clog with the closed heel. It’s nearly the same clog as the one Dansko made popular in the ‘90s. Where are Sanita shoes made? The history of clogging in Denmark might go back to the 15th century (the first instance in written history was in 1481), but Sanita didn’t start making them until 1907. For context, at that time roadways were clogged with horses, not cars, and the telephone was a hot new technology enjoyed only by the wealthy. When Christian Meldgaard Andersen started making his wood-bottomed clogs in Denmark, he couldn’t have imagined they’d eventually have worldwide appeal. They might be a Danish company at heart, but Sanita shoes are now made worldwide. Thankfully, they broke the traditional wood-bottomed mould in the 1980s because ouch. Today’s Sanita fanatics can still wear a clog that nods to tradition without suffering the clopping sound of a horse when walking down the hall. Where are Sanita shoes sold? If you plan to visit Denmark any time soon, you can definitely find a pair of Sanita shoes. For the rest of us, they have distributors in over 50 countries, Australia included. They produce far more than clog, with more non-clog lines these days. Many workers the work round know the brand as their most comfortable shoes. Country by country, different distributors carry Sanita. At home in Australia, you’ll find what you need as a medical professional in our catalogue under footwear. Are Sanita shoes good for your feet? For the record, we’re not podiatrists. Nobody at Medshop could say beyond a shred of a doubt that any one brand is good for your feet. Every professional is going to have to find out firsthand what works best for her feet. That said, most of the shoes we carry will work for most people who have feet. That’s not to say they’ll be good for your feet, which is a complicated matter that could occupy an entire blog of its own. Some believe vehemently that shoes themselves are not good for the feet, but good luck showing up to work without a pair. There are certainly shoes out there which would be bad for your feet, none of which we carry. So, by process of elimination, one could argue Sanitas are good for your feet. They’re not only breathable, anti-slip, antistatic, and super comfy, they look stylish with a faux-denim finished upper. They’ll also receive cramping, which may relieve back pain, and other discomforts so yeah they’re good for your feet. They’re good for your whole body. Of course, if you have questions about footwear, contact us at Medshop. We would be more than happy to help you land on the right pair of shoes for work.
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