Four Strategies for Dating with a Chronic Illness

Dating is hard enough on its own without complicating things by dealing with a chronic illness.  If you suffer from chronic illness, you know that in many ways, your life is designed around it, and anyone you bring into your life will have to respect and deal with that, too.  Here are some strategies for meeting the unique challenges of dating while managing a chronic illness.

Dating while managing a chronic illness has its own unique set of complications, but these strategies can help.

#1: Come to Terms With Your Chronic Illness

If you’re not OK with your own condition, you’re more likely to be defensive or to play the martyr.  Accepting your condition as part of your life and learning to love your life with that condition is the first step toward creating a healthy relationship with someone else.

#2: Be Upfront About Your Chronic Illness

While you don’t necessarily have to lead with the fact that you have a chronic illness, it shouldn’t be something you hide either.  When you choose to reveal your challenge is ultimately up to you, but generally it’s better to know sooner rather than later if the person you’re interested in can’t deal with it.

#3: Don’t Make Your Relationship All About Your Illness

While your chronic illness is obviously a large part of your day-to-day experience, it doesn’t have to be the main focus of your life — or your relationship.  Be honest about what you deal with, but don’t use your potential partner only as a place to unload every single dirty detail that you’re dealing with.  A romantic partner is not a substitute for a therapist.

#4: Take Care of Yourself

It’s easy to let your relationships take precedence in your life, but you’ll be happier in the long run — and a better partner — if you keep your health at the top of your priority list.  This is another place where you need to be honest about what you need to do to take care of yourself.

Feel Better with IV Therapy at Infusion Express

IV therapy can promise better health and improved quality of life for those with chronic illnesses, but at Infusion Express we take it a step further.  We want you to enjoy the time you spend receiving your IV infusion.

At Infusion Express, you’ll experience zero wait time and a private room for your treatment, which you can schedule at your convenience, including evenings and weekends.  While you receive your infusion, you can watch HDTV, play games on our iPads, read a book on our eReaders, or simply relax (or even nap) in one of our comfortable reclining seats.

If you’re ready to start feeling better ASAP, give us a call at our Lee’s Summit location at 816-272-0174 or our Overland Park office at 913-948-2020, and be sure to check us out on facebook or twitter!

How to Keep Your Family Healthy This Winter

It may be cold and flu season, but you don’t have to give in without a fight.  Here are a few tips to keep you and your family healthy this winter.

These tips can help keep you and your family healthy this winter.

#1: Make Hand Washing a Habit

Your No. 1 defense against illness any time of the year is washing your hands.  For maximum effectiveness, you need to work up a lather and wash for at least 30 seconds with hot (but not scalding) water.  Teach your kiddos to wash underneath their fingernails and in between their fingers, too.  Make it a family habit to wash hands before eating meals, and emphasize the importance of washing hands after using the restroom, too.

#2: Bundle Up and Get Outside

Even if you don’t suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, you and your kids can still benefit from getting off the couch and getting outside.  If it’s cold, just bundle up in coats, scarves, hats and gloves.  The Vitamin D is great for your health, and the sunlight is a perfect boost for your mood.

#3: Stay Hydrated

Your body needs water, plain and simple.  Your cells need H20 to carry out basic functions and rid themselves of toxins.  Dehydration weakens your immune system, so make it a priority to drink plenty of water throughout the day.  A good rule of thumb is half your weight in ounces; though the old adage of 8 cups of water a day is a good place to start.

#4: Get Your Vitamins

Giving your body the tools it needs to fight off the viruses and bacteria swarming schools and offices is key to avoiding illness. We’ve talked about the benefits of Vitamin C, the B Vitamins and Calcium, but other vitamins like Zinc and Vitamin D can play a huge role in keeping you healthy during the winter.  The best way to get your daily vitamins is through a healthy diet of leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins, but you might also consider taking a high-quality, all-natural multi-vitamin.

Vitamin Infusion at Infusion Express

If you’re immune system has taken a hit, it may be time to consider a Myer’s Cocktail.  This intravenous cocktail of hydration and vitamins can get your body back on track, and the best place to get it is at Infusion Express.

We offer IV infusion therapy services for both health conditions and wellness in a setting that makes receiving IV therapy pleasant.  Relax in a private room and enjoy our HDTVs, eReaders and iPads.  And because we offer scheduled appointments — including evenings and weekends — you won’t spend your valuable time waiting for treatment.  If you’re ready to experience a different kind of IV therapy, give us a call at 816-272-0174, or visit us on facebook or twitter!

How to Cope with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Learning to live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be a huge challenge, especially when symptoms are erratic.  You may feel great one day and be barely able to move the next day.  But these tips can help you learn to manage your symptoms and take advantage of the energy you do have.

Using these strategies can help you cope with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Strategy #1: Keep a Diary

Keep a diary of your daily activities and your fatigue.  Take note of any correlations between drops in energy and activities that may be triggering them.  If possible, avoid those activities or try to schedule them at less inconvenient times.

Strategy #2: Prioritize

We all have a tendency to take on way too much, but if you’re suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, it’s even more important for you to define your priorities.  Think about the activities and tasks that take up most of your energy and whether or not you enjoy or benefit from them.  Work toward eliminating the ones you don’t love from your life.

Strategy #3: Listen to Your Body

When your symptoms are beginning to flare up, don’t continue pushing your body.  Adjusting your schedule and activities to allow your body to rest actually helps you recover energy more quickly and become less symptomatic.  This can be difficult when your body starts telling you to rest when your mind is set on getting things done, but employing Strategies #1 & #2 can help.

Strategy #4: Consider Alternative Treatments

Talk to your doctor about adding alternative treatments to your regimen.  Many CFS sufferers have found some relief by adding yoga, acupuncture and IV nutrient therapy to their CFS management plan.

Strategy #5: Join a Support Group

It may seem counterintuitive to add an activity to your schedule when you’re dealing with chronic fatigue.  But meeting with others who share the same problems you do can help you feel like you’re not alone — and you may be able to share coping techniques that will ultimately help you feel better.

IV Therapy for Chronic Conditions at Infusion Express

At Infusion Express, we understand that, if you’re suffering from a chronic condition, you probably don’t feel great anyway.  We don’t want to add to stress with long wait times and hours spent in a stuffy, crowded room — not to mention the hassle of using your vacation and sick time just to go get your infusion.

That’s why we do things differently.  We offer our IV infusion therapy services in a pleasant setting so you can actually enjoy the time spent during your treatment.  Relax in a private room and enjoy our HDTVs, eReaders and iPads.  And because we offer scheduled appointments — including evenings and weekends — you won’t spend your valuable time waiting for treatment.  If you’re ready to experience a different kind of IV therapy, give us a call at our Lee’s Summit location at 816-272-0174 or our Overland Park office at 913-948-2020, or visit us on facebook or twitter!

Our Favorite Fall Beers at Infusion Express

Fall is one of our favorite seasons here at Infusion Express, and one of our favorite things about the season is Oktoberfest celebrations!  Here are some of the seasonal beers we’ve been enjoying this year.

Here are our favorite fall beers at Infusion Express

Bob’s ’47 Oktoberfest – Boulevard Brewing Company

As a fellow Kansas City business, we have to start off with a local fave — Bob’s ’47 Oktoberfest.  It’s Boulevard’s fall seasonal beer, and it’s a Munich-style lager.  Perfect for relaxing on a crisp October evening.

Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest – Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company

We’re big fans of Leinenkugel’s Berry Weiss all year round, but this is a nice switch for the fall season.  Its’ easy to drink and has a sweet finish, which makes it a good choice for folks who don’t typically take to beer.

Blue Moon Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale – Coors Brewing Company

Nothing gets us in the mood for fall festivities quite like a pumpkin ale, so we’re always happy to see Harvest Moon hit the shelves.  We love this beer for Halloween- and Oktoberfest-themed parties — though we’ve been known to sneak one on weeknights, too!

The Myers’ Cocktail — Good All Year Round

While it’s not a beer, our Myers’ Cocktail is sure to help you feel your best at any time of the year.  Whether you’ve been to too many Oktoberfest celebrations in a row or just need an immune system boost, a Myers’ Cocktail from Infusion Express is just what you need to get you on the road to recovery.

Infusion Express on Both Sides of the State Line

Now with two convenient locations in both Overland Park and Lee’s Summit, Infusion Express is here to meet your IV therapy needs.

We offer our IV infusion therapy services in a pleasant setting so you can actually enjoy the time spent during your treatment.  Relax in a private room and enjoy our HDTVs, eReaders and iPads.  And because we offer scheduled appointments — including evenings and weekends — you won’t spend your valuable time waiting for treatment.  If you’re ready to experience a different kind of IV therapy, give us a call at our Lee’s Summit location at 816-272-0174 or our Overland Park office at 913-948-2020, or visit us on facebook or twitter!

How to Prepare for Flu Season

With the onset of fall comes a lot of lovely things — colorful leaves, crackling fireplaces and hot cider.  But with fall also comes flu season, which will last all the way ’til spring.  Read on to find out how to protect yourself this season.

IV therapy at Infusion Express can help you boost your immune system to fight off the flu.

Consider a Flu Shot

The Centers for Disease Control recommend the flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.  The flu vaccine, which is available in both a weakened live virus nasal mist and standard inactivated virus shot, protects against the three main flu strains of the season.  Getting the flu shot early will protect you through the entirety of the season.  Talk with your health care provider about whether the flu shot is right for you.

Keep Your Environment Healthy

Simply staying away from sick people and engaging in standard hygienic behaviors can go a long way to preventing the flu.  Wash your hands with hot, soapy water throughout the day, and avoid being near others who are suffering from the flu or a cold.  On the flip side, if you do get sick, do your friends and coworkers a favor and stay home and rest — you’ll recover faster and keep others from getting sick.

Boost Your Immune System

One of the most effective ways to boost your immune system is to eat a balanced diet full of vitamins and nutrients.  Giving your body the tools it needs to defend itself is key to preventing the flu.

If you feel like your immune system could use a bigger boost, you could even consider a Myers’ Cocktail or hydration therapy at Infusion Express.  These treatments offer the building blocks your body needs to build a healthy immune system in the quickest way possible — directly to the bloodstream where your body can put them to work.

IV Therapy at Infusion Express

IV therapy can promise better health and improved quality of life, but at Infusion Express we take it a step further.  We want you to enjoy the time you spend receiving your IV infusion.

At Infusion Express, you’ll experience zero wait time and a private room for your treatment.  While you receive it, you can watch HDTV, play games on our iPads, read a book on our eReaders, or simply relax (or even nap) in one of our comfortable reclining seats.

If you’re ready to start feeling better ASAP, give us a call at our Lee’s Summit location at 816-272-0174 or our Overland Park office at 913-948-2020, and be sure to check us out on facebook or twitter!

Infusion Express Makes Taking Control of Your Health Easy

At Infusion Express, we believe that taking control of your health should be top priority.

But that doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice time and comfort to feel your best — at least not at Infusion Express.

Take Control of Your Health at Infusion Express

IV Therapy at Infusion Express Can Improve Your Quality of Life

Intravenous therapy is often prescribed to help treat many chronic conditions as well as boost wellness, and it can often do so more effectively than conventional therapy.  In the past, incorporating IV therapy into your health regimen meant dealing with scarce appointment times, long waits, and crowded rooms.

But not anymore.

Get IV Therapy on Your Own Schedule

At Infusion Express, we believe you should be able to make IV therapy a pleasant part of your life and even something to look forward to in the midst of your busy life.  We offer appointments during the day, evening and on weekends to accommodate any schedule so you don’t have to miss out on things that are important to you.  You get your own private room with an HDTV, eReader or iPad and a comfortable recliner to relax in while you receive your treatment.  Even more importantly, you get focused attention from our infusion specialists so you know you’re getting the safest, most effective treatment available.

Infusion Express Makes IV Therapy Something to Look Forward To

It’s our goal to make receiving IV therapy a part of your schedule you like rather than another chore you have to endure to feel better.  You don’t have to miss work or waste time waiting around for your appointment.  You walk in, get settled into one of our serene rooms with a movie, TV show, bestselling book or fun new game, and let our nurses get you on your way to feeling your best.  You can even bring along a friend or family member to keep you company while you receive your treatment.

Infusion Express Now Offers IV Therapy in Kansas and Missouri

And now, Infusion Express has two convenient locations to serve you on either side of the Kansas City metro area.  Visit us at our new Overland Park IVX location at 13340 Metcalf or stop by our Lee’s Summit location at 3483 NE Ralph Powell Road. You’ll receive the same great service in a spa-like atmosphere at both locations, and you’ll leave feeling better than ever after your IV treatment.

Learn More About Infusion Express

You can learn more about IV therapy and how we do it differently at Infusion Express by visiting our website or checking us out on facebook or twitter.  If you’d like to come in and experience the difference for yourself, give one of our locations a call and set up an appointment. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic illness, searching for more energy, or looking to boost your immune system, we would love to show you how you can make IV therapy a convenient and enjoyable part of your life.  You can reach our Lee’s Summit office at 816-272-0174 or our Overland Park office at 913-948-2020.  We look forward to helping you live a healthier, more satisfying life!

Infusion Express Announces New Overland Park Location

We’re excited to announce the addition of a new ambulatory infusion center at 13340 Metcalf, Overland Park, Kan. The new Johnson County establishment provides physician-prescribed intravenous therapies in state-of-the-art IV suites.

Infusion Express: Bringing you safe, relaxing IV therapy — now on both sides of the state line.

Two Locations to Serve Kansas City’s Fastest Growing Suburbs

Don Peterson, founder and CEO of IVX is excited about the expansion. “We are thrilled to open a second location in Overland Park. Together with our Lee’s Summit facility, we now have offices in two of Kansas City’s fastest growing suburbs in Kansas and Missouri. We are growing, adding highly-qualified and talented staff to better serve our clients.”

Oct. 3rd Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Promises Drinks, Appetizers and Entertainment

Join the celebration on October 3, 2013 at 3 p.m. The ribbon cutting is at 3:30 p.m. and will be followed by an open house at 13340 Metcalf, Overland Park, Kan. Appetizers, drinks, and entertainment will be provided.

About Infusion Express

Don Peterson and three colleagues launched Infusion Express in Lee’s Summit, November 2012. Infusion Express offers a safe, effective, and convenient way to treat everything from chronic diseases to wellness goals. IVX’s two convenient locations and flexible hours save patients time and trips to the hospital.

To learn more about Infusion Express, contact Samantha Paris at (816) 272-0174 or samp@infusionexpress.com. You can also check out Infusion Express on the web, facebook and twitter.

Don’t Be a Scurvy Dog — Get Your Vitamin C!

Arrrr! If only t’ booty had been full o’ oranges, we might’ve escaped Davy Jones’ Locker!

Ahoy, ye scurvy dogs!  It may be International Talk Like a Pirate Day, but scurvy is no laughing matter.  Luckily, it’s not a common diagnosis these days thanks to the abundance of sources of Vitamin C.  Read on to find out more about what Vitamin C does for your body and why you need it.

Vitamin C: The Body’s Building Block

Vitamin C plays a vital role in creating the structural material for just about every important part of your body — bone, skin, blood vessels and other tissues.

Without it, you’re susceptible to the breakdown of those parts — gum inflammation, dry or scaly skin, joint pain and even nosebleeds — symptoms that together are commonly known as scurvy.

More Benefits of Vitamin C

In addition to our body’s basic needs for Vitamin C, we benefit in other ways, too.

Reduced Risk of Cancer

Studies have shown that eating foods rich in Vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant, reduce the risk of cancers, especially of the mouth and digestive tract.

Antibacterial Function

Vitamin C is naturally antibacterial.  Because of this, people with high blood levels of Vitamin C are less likely to have ulcers caused by H. Pylori.

Improved Circulatory System Function

A 2003 study by the Children’s Hospital in Boston reported that women with the highest intake of Vitamin C had the lowest risk of heart disease over a 16-year period.  Similarly, a 2004 University of Oslo study reported that volunteers on a high Vitamin-C diet had lower levels of triglycerides and a higher level of healthy platelets that were less likely to clump and form blood clots.

Get Your Vitamin C Fix at Infusion Express

Vitamin C is part of our Myers’ Cocktail here at Infusion Express.  Whether you’re recovering from or preparing for a sporting event, looking for an energy boost, or looking to strengthen your immune system, a Myers’ Cocktail at Infusion Express can be a game-changing part of your wellness regimen.

We offer our IV infusion therapy services in a pleasant setting so you can actually enjoy the time spent during your treatment.  Relax in a private room and enjoy our HDTVs, eReaders and iPads.  And because we offer scheduled appointments — including evenings and weekends — you won’t spend your valuable time waiting for treatment.  If you’re ready to experience a different kind of IV therapy, give us a call at 816-272-0174 in Lee’s Summit or 913-948-2020 in Overland Park, or visit us on facebook or twitter!

The Advantages of IV Therapy

Learn about the advantages of IV therapy at Infusion Express over conventional therapy.

If you’re looking to increase your health quickly and effectively, intravenous therapy offers certain advantages over conventional therapies.  Read on to find out why.

IV Therapy Works Fast

Whether you’re looking for a quick immune system boost or for relief from chronic diseases, there’s no waiting for medications, fluids and nutrients to filter through your digestive system.  IV treatments go directly where they’re needed — into the blood — where your body can deliver them quickly where they need to go.

IV Therapy is Easy to Monitor

In individuals suffering from both chronic conditions and depressed immune systems, the functionality of your gastrointestinal system is often impaired.  This creates an unfortunate cycle where your body needs nutrients to repair itself but has trouble absorbing them via oral medications.  IV therapy is the solution — it bypasses the GI system entirely, so you know exactly what your body is getting because there’s no loss due to malabsorption.

IV Therapy Avoids Negative Side Effects

The medications needed to treat chronic conditions and nutrient deficiencies can wreak havoc on an already compromised gastrointestinal system.  IV therapy allows a higher concentration of nutrients or medication into the body — and that means your body gets what it needs faster and more effectively without further damage to your GI system.

IV Therapy at Infusion Express

We offer IV infusion therapy services for both health conditions and wellness in a setting that makes receiving IV therapy pleasant.  Relax in a private room and enjoy our HDTVs, eReaders and iPads.  And because we offer scheduled appointments — including evenings and weekends — you won’t spend your valuable time waiting for treatment.  If you’re ready to experience a different kind of IV therapy, give us a call at 816-272-0174, or visit us on facebook or twitter!

Why You Need Calcium & How to Get It

At Infusion Express, we can help make your bones strong with a Myers’ Cocktail.

Last month we profiled B-vitamins, one of the ingredients in our Myers’ Cocktail.  This month, we’re going to tell you all about calcium.

Calcium — The Glue of Good Health

You probably know that calcium promotes health bones, but you may have wondered what exactly that means.  Calcium acts as glue for bone cells, essentially working to hold them together and make them sturdy.  The more calcium you got during childhood, the stronger your bones are now.

Why You Need Calcium Now

Calcium isn’t just important when you’re a kid, though.  You can continue building bone strength and — just as important — prevent osteoporosis in later years.  There are other times in your life when you might need even more calcium than usual, like during pregnancy and while breastfeeding or while recovering from injuries.

What a Myers’ Cocktail Can Do For You

Making efforts to improve your bone strength in your 20s and 30s is your best bet to preventing problems in your 50s.  But what if you’re already there?  What can you do?  How about a Myers’ Cocktail?

One of the reasons bone strength decreases in your 50s is that the intestines absorb less calcium, which makes the intravenous calcium in a Myers’ Cocktail an excellent way to get calcium directly where it needs to go.

The Other Benefits of Calcium

If bone health were all that calcium did for you, that would be enough!  But calcium also helps with muscle and nerve function as well as healthy tooth enamel.  Making sure you’re getting enough will help keep you in optimal shape, and a Myers’ Cocktail is one way to do that.

Get Your Myers’ Cocktail at Infusion Express

We offer IV infusion therapy services for both health conditions and wellness in a setting that makes receiving IV therapy pleasant.  Relax in a private room and enjoy our HDTVs, eReaders and iPads.  And because we offer scheduled appointments — including evenings and weekends — you won’t spend your valuable time waiting for treatment.  If you’re ready to experience a different kind of IV therapy, give us a call at 816-272-0174, or visit us on facebook or twitter!