Latest news with #oxygentherapy
BBC News
26-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
'Gloucester oxygen therapy centre is my lifeline'
A woman who has multiple sclerosis (MS) and attends an oxygen therapy centre has described the care she receives as "a lifeline".Jayne Lock, who lives in Gloucestershire, was diagnosed with MS in 1998. It is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord and can have varying symptoms, including fatigue, vision problems and numbness. While it cannot currently be cured, treatment can often help manage Lock has been going to the charity Charcot Therapy Centre, in Gloucester, for exercises and treatment for 25 said: "Without it there would be a big black hole in my life. I'd be lost." The centre is celebrating 40 years of supporting people with neurological or long term offers a range of treatment and services, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Mrs Lock, who worked through all four of her pregnancies, said her MS diagnosis "took working life away" from her."It was horrendous because I'd not associated myself with MS, I didn't really know what it was," she said."A lot of people then sort of said 'oh, I'm so sorry that's what you've got'. So it made [me] feel even worse."But it's not a death sentence and that's important to recognise." Mrs Lock takes specialist exercise classes and has oxygen therapy at the centre."It's not like a hospital, it's not clinical. It's homely and gives me an uplift when I walk through the door," she oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized increases oxygen levels in the blood, helping tissues heal more Lock explained there is a "strong social part" about receiving therapy at the centre."You can talk to other people that have got similar issues to you," she said."You're not all alone. You're not isolated and it's nice to be around people who understand." Rachael Evans, who has been CEO of the centre since 2014, said: "This is my passion. Like Jayne, people arrive, and then they don't go."This is about creating a place where people can come and be themselves."When Ms Evans joined Charcot there were about 36 people attending the centre. That number has now grown to more than 300."Not one person in this building is a number, everybody is an individual as we pride ourselves on getting to know everyone," she said."The door is open and it will always be open."
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Arizona therapist dies after hyperbaric oxygen chamber catches fire
A physical therapist in Arizona died after receiving burns from a flash fire inside a hyperbaric chamber. Walter Foxcroft, 43, was found dead inside a hyperbaric chamber by first responders at his medical facility, Navasu Health and Hyperbarics, in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, around 11 p.m. local time on July 9, officials said. The Lake Havasu City Fire Department said in a July 10 statement that it was dispatched along with the Lake Havasu City Police Department to respond to a report of a burn-related medical emergency. Foxcroft was pronounced dead at the scene, the statement said, after an apparent flash fire occurred in the chamber while the physical therapist was inside. Hyperbaric chambers are pressurized cylinders that administer high-pressure oxygen therapy. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the therapy treatment involves breathing 100% oxygen while inside the chamber, where increased air pressure helps the lungs collect more oxygen. More: What is a hyperbaric chamber? What to know about the therapy It has been used for decades to treat divers suffering from decompression sickness, known as the bends, and can be used to help treat several other conditions, such as tissue infections and poisoning, according to the Mayo Clinic. Officials confirmed that no one else was injured in the July 9 fire, and the incident is under investigation. The Arizona man's death is not the first hyperbaric chamber-related incident this year. In January, a 5-year-old boy died after the hyperbaric chamber he was in caught on fire at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan. Foxcroft co-founded Havasu Health and Hyperbarics in 2024, according to a press release announcing the new facility. He was a graduate of the University of Arizona, where he served as the university mascot, according to his brief biography on the facility's website, and earned a clinical doctorate in physical therapy at Touro University in Nevada. Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@ and on X @KathrynPlmr. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arizona therapist Foxcroft dies after hyperbaric chamber burns
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Physical therapist dies in nightmarish freak accident after his own hyperbaric chamber caught fire
An Arizona physical therapist has died after the hyperbaric chamber at his clinic erupted into flames while he was inside it. Dr Walter Foxcroft, 43, was killed Wednesday after a flash fire broke out inside his Havasu Health and Hyperbarics clinic just before 11pm. The doctor's scorched body was found inside an oxygen therapy machine at his clinic, according to the Lake Havasu City Fire Department. No other injuries were reported in the incident. A flash fire is a rapidly-spreading blaze that breaks out when a cloud of flammable gas, vapor or dust ignites and causes a fast-moving flame. Hyperbaric chambers - sealed enclosures where barometric pressure is controlled by increasing air or oxygen - are highly flammable due to the high concentration of oxygen they contain. Firefighters determined the facility was ventilated and checked for other flammable hazards before turning the case over to police and fire investigations. The cause of the fatal fire remains under investigation. Crews were called to Foxcroft's clinic in Lake Havasu City, near the Arizona- California border, at 10.50pm for reports of a person trapped inside a burning hyperbaric chamber. By the time they arrived on scene, the building was already filled with smoke and flames were raging inside the oxygen treatment chamber. Foxcroft was pronounced dead at the scene. It is unclear why he was inside the chamber so late at night. The late doctor was a board-certified physical therapist with 27 years experience in the healthcare field, according to his clinic. He was certified in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is used to treat a variety of health conditions including decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning and non-healing wounds. He was also trained in neurofeedback, photobiomodulation and spine mobilization. Foxcroft earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Touro University Nevada in 2012, his LinkedIn profile states. He founded his Havasu Health and Hyperbarics clinic just last year, which was the first-ever integrative naturopathic hyperbaric oxygen therapy center in the state, KARK reported at the time. The practice will be closed until further notice while authorities investigate the blaze. Before studying to become a physical therapist, Foxcroft attended the University of Arizona, graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiological Sciences. During his time at the university, he performed as the school mascot Wilbur T. Wildcat. Arizona Cheerleaders & Mascots, in a heartfelt Instagram post, paid tribute to Foxcroft, saying: 'Wally was an unforgettable presence on the sidelines - an energetic, charismatic performer known for his signature moonwalk and passion for bringing joy to Arizona fans. 'He proudly returned for Homecoming, reconnecting with current mascots and sharing his spontaneous spirit as Wilbur with all of us.' The team continued: 'Wally's dedication to uplifting others - through performance, healing, and innovation - will never be forgotten. Thank you, Wilbur, for the spirit, the showmanship, and the legacy you leave behind.' After his stint as Wilbur, Foxcroft served as the mascot for the Arizona Cardinals and joined the team at Super Bowl XLIII in 2006. He then returned to school to pursue physical therapy.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Enhancing Mobility and Independence: VARON Oxygen Concentrators Deliver a New Standard of Freedom and Care
NEW YORK, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For individuals managing respiratory conditions, every breath matters—and so does the freedom to move, explore, and live life on their own terms. At VARON, that belief is at the heart of everything we do. With our trusted line of portable oxygen concentrators, VARON continues to empower users across the globe with the freedom to breathe easier—wherever life takes them. Built on years of research, real-world feedback, and engineering excellence, VARON's portable oxygen concentrators—the VP-2 and VP-6—remain leading choices for patients seeking mobility without compromise. These machines are not just reliable tools for supplemental oxygen—they're symbols of independence, quality, and care. "Oxygen therapy should be a bridge to more freedom, not more restrictions," said a VARON CEO. "That's why our focus has always been on designing dependable, travel-ready solutions that reflect how people actually live their lives." Trusted Performance for Life in Motion From day trips and errands to cross-country travel and everything in between, the VP series is built to move with users—not slow them down. These devices have earned a strong reputation among long-term users for their balance of performance, portability, and ease of use. The VP-6: Continuous Flow Power in a Portable Frame One of the most versatile options in its class, the VP-6 continuous portable oxygen concentrator delivers continuous flow oxygen in a compact, travel-friendly form—making it a perfect fit for patients who prefer the exprerience of continuous oxygen supply. It also features a replaceable rechargeable battery, timer settings, remote control, and even a nebulizer function, ensuring it's equipped for a wide range of daily and emergency scenarios. Trusted by users for its stability and versatility, the VP-6 continues to be a top choice for those who demand oxygen support without sacrificing freedom. The VP-2: Lightweight, Reliable, and Ready to Go The VP-2 pulse flow oxygen concentrator is ideal for users with active lifestyles who require oxygen support in a lighter, more compact format. This pulse dose concentrator weighs just a few pounds, yet delivers consistently responsive oxygen therapy that adjusts to the user's breathing rhythm. With long battery life, intuitive controls, and quiet performance, the VP-2 remains a go-to device for travel, social activities, and everyday movement. Why VARON Stands Out What sets VARON apart isn't just its devices—but the philosophy behind them. VARON engineers its products with the real-life needs of users in mind—putting equal weight on comfort, confidence, and care. Both the VP-2 and VP-6 portable oxygen concentrator reflect VARON's commitment to: Smart, responsive oxygen delivery Reliable battery solutions and power options Quiet, discreet operation for comfort in public spaces Lightweight builds and ergonomic designs Simple interfaces, suited for users of all ages Every detail, from power efficiency to button placement, is shaped by VARON's mission to make oxygen therapy more accessible and more empowering. Why VARON Stands Out Mobility doesn't stop at the device. VARON's comprehensive line of accessories and replacement parts like spare batteries, replacement filters, cannulas, and make the experience more seamless, and help users stay prepared and protected whether they are heading to the grocery store or crossing state lines. Proven by Experience, Driven by Purpose VP-2 and VP-6 portable oxygen concentrator users regularly share how VARON technology has transformed their daily lives—from regaining the confidence to travel, to joining family gatherings without anxiety, to simply stepping outside for a walk. These stories are what inspire our team every day. Backed by years of trusted performance and a drive to innovate, VARON continues to improve the experience of portable oxygen therapy. About VARON VARON is a leading name in respiratory care, known for its innovation in portable and home-use oxygen concentrators. With a deep focus on mobility, user comfort, and dependable performance, VARON helps users around the world live fully—without letting respiratory challenges define their boundaries. Live freely. Breathe fully. Go with VARON. MEDIA CONTACT: VARON Oxygen SolutionsEmail: official@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Varon oxygen concentrator Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Give the Gift of Health This Mother's Day with VARON Oxygen Solutions
NEW YORK, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As families prepare to honor the women who have given them everything, VARON Oxygen Concentrators is spotlighting a vital but often overlooked gift: the ability to breathe easier, live more fully, and regain independence. In celebration of Mother's Day, VARON is launching a series of heartfelt campaigns to support mothers and elderly women living with chronic respiratory conditions. With a focus on the theme "Give the Gift of Health and Love," VARON aims to raise awareness about the importance of long-term respiratory care and how advanced oxygen therapy can improve energy, sleep, mobility, and mental clarity—especially in women managing conditions such as COPD, asthma, emphysema, or post-COVID recovery. Two Ways to Celebrate: VARON's Mother's Day Promotions From May 1 to May 12, VARON is offering two interactive promotions at each designed to give back while promoting respiratory wellness: Spin to Win Event:Visitors can spin a digital prize wheel for instant rewards, including coupons and exclusive product discounts. "Share Your Love" Giveaway: Participants can share a photo or video of their mother using a VARON oxygen concentrator, accompanied by a short story about how oxygen therapy has enhanced her life. Each valid submission will receive a $30 gift card, with three winners selected to receive a free oxygen concentrator. "Every story we receive reminds us why we do this work," said Darren, VARON CEO. "Our technology is more than a machine—it's peace of mind for families and renewed strength for mothers who deserve the best." Why Oxygen Therapy Matters for Mothers Chronic respiratory conditions affect millions of women worldwide, particularly those over 60. Often underdiagnosed or dismissed as fatigue or aging, symptoms like shortness of breath, low stamina, and poor sleep can dramatically reduce quality of life. Supplemental oxygen therapy plays a critical role in managing these symptoms and preventing complications caused by low blood oxygen levels. Long-term oxygen therapy has been clinically proven to: Improve survival in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Enhance heart function and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system Boost mental alertness and cognitive performance Promote better sleep and reduce morning headaches Support physical mobility, energy, and independence For many aging women—especially mothers who continue to be caregivers—these benefits translate into more active, connected lives. By providing consistent, medical-grade oxygen, devices like those offered by VARON help bridge the gap between health challenges and daily routines. Designed for the Women Who Do It All As women age, respiratory conditions can quietly erode their ability to engage in daily activities, care for grandchildren, or even enjoy uninterrupted sleep. That's where VARON steps in—offering carefully engineered solutions that prioritize comfort, reliability, and long-term wellness. The Serene 5 medical-grade home oxygen concentrator delivers 5 liters per minute of oxygen flow, includes a built-in nebulizer, and offers dependable performance for home users. For active moms or frequent travelers, models like the VP-2 portable oxygen concentrator provide portable oxygen delivery without sacrificing purity or safety. VARON oxygen concentrators are also equipped with user-friendly LCD screens, low-noise operation, and built-in safety alerts to ensure seamless and reliable support. Integrated humidifiers and filters ensure the oxygen is not only clean, but also comfortable to inhale—helping reduce irritation and dryness. By blending technology and empathy, VARON oxygen concentrators enable all Moms to breathe freely, regain energy, and enjoy more time doing what they love. Don't Miss VARON's Mother's Day Campaign! Whether you're shopping for Mom or looking to make a meaningful difference in her health, now is the time to act. Join the "Spin to Win" event or enter the "Share Your Love" Giveaway to receive special gifts, win exclusive product offers, and even take home a free oxygen concentrator. This Mother's Day, give the gift that truly matters—better breathing, better days, and a better life. About VARON VARON Oxygen Solutions is a leading provider of advanced oxygen concentrators for home and portable use. Known for its commitment to safety, energy efficiency, and patient-focused design, VARON delivers respiratory technology that empowers individuals to live with confidence. The company remains dedicated to innovation, wellness, and raising awareness around respiratory health for families across the globe. Media Contact:Winnie LiVARON Oxygen SolutionsEmail: official@ Website: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Varon oxygen concentrator Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
