Author Archives: Brooke Phillips

Man with Autism Doesn’t Speak, Records Charity Album

Posted by Brooke Phillips on August 16, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

IN THE NEWS: Last March, a non-verbal autistic man living in silence took the music industry by storm when he recording a charity album in a pitch perfect singing voice. Locked into a world of silence by autism, 26 year old Kyle Coleman has rarely spoken more than a few words.

Diagnosed with classic autism at age 3, Kyle was unable to communicate through speech. As a mute child, Kyle was fascinated with music. His talent and impressive memory for lyrics went undetected for many years, until he stunned his mother with his remarkable gift. Through music therapy, Kyle found his way to musical expression. ‘It is kind of awe inspiring,” said his mother Caroline. “Song has unlocked this innate, built-in gift that he had. It has taken Kyle to a different level.”

With the support of the National Autistic Society, the autistic pop star recorded and released his first album in 2012, featuring nine covers of popular songs by artists such as Snow Patrol, Elbow and Take That, as well as a song of his own, “Just Listen”. His debut album “Therefore I am” is available on iTunes as well as his own website (kylecoleman.co.uk/)

A new album of original material written for Kyle by Caroline Coleman and John Carter is currently being recorded, with an album release date of World Autism Day: April 2nd, 2014.

For more information, please visit his website: KyleColeman.co.uk.

Interested in more news and views? Come visit us on the Total Home Care Supplies blog!

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Hot Summer Savings on Incontinence Supplies

Posted by Brooke Phillips on August 14, 2013 under Promotions | Be the First to Comment

Is your electric bill causing you to overheat? Count on us to cool you off with a cool customer coupon for the month of August! From now until August 31^st, take $6.00 off all orders over $100 with promo code STAYCOOL at checkout. Enjoy Free Shipping on all orders over $40.

This loyal customer coupon is good for all name brand incontinence supplies, including best-selling products by First Quality, Prevail, Depend, Poise, Tranquility and many more. All home care supplies are shipped in discreet, unmarked packages right to your doorstep. Most products ship the same business day that you place your order, and are mailed from the closest distribution center.

To take advantage of this cool August coupon:

Add all your items to the shopping cart and select “Secure Checkout”
Enter your Billing and Shipping Information, and click “Save”
Enter promo code: STAYCOOL and click “Apply”
Is your order over $40? Enjoy Free Shipping!

Thank you for being a loyal customer. We know you have many options when you shop, and we appreciate your business.

Care More. Spend Less. Save now at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com

P.S.: Looking for Senior Savings? See This List of Senior Discounts

Although it’s rarely publicized, plenty of companies offer discounts to older adults. From groceries to movie theaters, if you’re 50+ you could be missing out on substantial opportunities to save. Don’t miss this list of restaurants, supermarkets, airlines and more offering various discounts to those 50 and above:

Caregiver Resources: 5 Work At Home Jobs to Explore

Posted by Brooke Phillips on August 13, 2013 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

For many caregivers, juggling work and caregiving is extremely stressful. From attending regular doctor’s appointments to arranging interim care, caregivers frequently struggle to maintain a traditional work schedule. Thankfully, there are growing opportunities for professionals who need flexible schedules to work from home.

Here are five examples of jobs you can do from home:

Telecommuting: Between the internet and advanced mobile technology, millions of office workers now have the ability to telecommute. For family caregivers, telecommuting can offer significant advantages, including the flexibility to schedule your time around your loved one’s needs without having to take sick days or vacation time in order to ferry a loved one to and from doctor’s appointments. In addition, the time and money that would otherwise be spent getting dressed up and commuting is more quality time that can be spent with a loved one. The work still needs to get done, however, and a caregiver must be able to set aside time that is free from distraction, which can be a challenge.
Owning an online store: Are you an artist or designer who has always wanted to open up your own store? If you’ve toyed with the idea, but have never had the time or money to set up a business, sites such as Etsy.com and Ebay.com offer the opportunity to sell your creations online. Etsy specializes in virtual store owners who sell unique handmade crafts and vintage items. Ebay is a larger, more varied marketplace. Sites like these normally charge users a small fee to set up their online “shop” and post their products, or they might take a percentage of a product’s final selling price.
Freelancing: If you have a skill (writing, editing, photography, etc.) that you can market à la carte, consider a career as a self-employed professional. Being a freelancer means that you have the freedom to pick and choose which jobs and projects (usually short-term) you’re willing or able to take on. Online directories such as Elance.com or Arise.com post freelance jobs. You can also post your skill (teaching photoshop, for example) on local bulletin boards or in coffee shops or school newsletters.
Online or In-Home tutoring: For students of all ages, there is always the need for tutors. If you’ve got any kind of teaching experience, or if you are skilled in a subject (math, writing, Spanish, etc.) and enjoy helping people, look into virtual tutoring opportunities. Websites like Tutor.com can provide information on online tutoring options, and school bulletin boards, newsletters and local papers could all provide opportunities to connect with those seeking home tutor assistance.
Translating: Fluency in a foreign language is a highly valued skill! Both national and international companies often jump at the chance to have their text transformed from one language to another. Check out web directories for freelance work, such as Elance.com, for sections that include online translation job postings. A foreign language skill is a valuable commodity to many companies who wish to offer bilingual services to their customers as well. Consider applying to work for individual corporations as a remote bilingual customer service representative.

For more health information and caregiver resources, visit our Caregiver Corner blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. Care More. Spend Less. Save Now.

Coloplast Sensura Mio One Piece Closed End Colostomy Bags

Posted by Brooke Phillips on August 12, 2013 under Ostomy Care | Be the First to Comment

Secure, Flexible, Barely-There Pouch with BodyFit Technology

The new line of SenSura Mio ostomy supplies by Coloplast are designed to mold to – and move with – individual body shapes. Coloplast SenSura Mio One Piece Closed End Ostomy Bags feature a new, uniquely flexible elastic adhesive which easily adapts to to contours, hernias, scarring and skin folds. Using state of the art adhesive technology, these pouches naturally respond to body movements, providing a close, secure fit and superior protection against leaks.

SenSura Mio ostomy supplies are designed with new BodyFit™ Technology. Their soft, double-layered elastic adhesive contains a proprietary blend of EVA-polymers, oil and hydrocolloids for elasticity and moisture absorption, while the inner zone of the adhesive carefully protects peristomal skin.

These SenSura Mio One Piece Ostomy Bags are skin friendly and resistant to erosion from stoma output. They feature clear blue cutting guides for accuracy, and a removal ear for quick and easy adhesive removal without leaving residue. Each bag contains an integrated carbon SenSura filter that reduces odors and increases air flow, reducing the risk of a ballooning bag and improving wearer discretion. SenSura Mio pouches are made from a soft, non-woven fabric that is strong and water repellent, making it easier for wearers to dry the bag after a shower or swim. These ostomy bags are standard wear, non-convex and opaque.

Total Home Care Supplies sells Coloplast SenSura Mio One Piece Closed End Ostomy Bags in five cut-to-fit sizes:

CT 10811 5/8-1 3/4IN 30/BX $83.33
CT 10821 5/8 – 1 3/4IN 30/BX $83.33
CT 10822 IN (25MM) 30/BX $83.33
CT 10823 1 1/4IN (30MM) 30/BX $83.33
CT 10824 1 3/8IN (35MM) 30/BX $83.33

We offer reliable, fast, discreet shipping on all orders. Order today and receive free shipping on all orders over $40. For more Coloplast products and ostomy supplies, visit the TotalHomeCareSupplies web store. For tools, information and additional resources, please visit our Ostomy Care blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

8 Back-to-School Tips for Special Needs Families

Posted by Brooke Phillips on August 8, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Every new school year brings new opportunities to improve communication between educators and your special needs child. To ease that transition and help you and your child be as successful as possible in the new school year, see these eight back-to-school tips recommended by LD Online:

Review your child’s IEP. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the cornerstone of your child’s educational program, so it’s important that you have a clear understanding of it. Take note of when the IEP expires and whether or not your child is up for reevaluation this year. Most importantly, be sure that this IEP still “fits” your child’s needs! If you’re unsure, contact the school about holding an IEP review meeting.
Organize your paperwork. Easier said than done, right? In the world of special education, there are lots of meetings, paperwork, and documentation to keep track of! Try to keep a family calendar of school events, special education meetings, conferences, etc. Set up a binder or a folder for your child’s special education documentation, meeting notices, and IEPs to help you stay organized.
Keep a communication log. Despite everyone’s best intentions, miscommunications happen. Keeping track of all phone calls, e-mails, notes home, meetings, and conferences is important. Create a “communication log” for yourself in an easily accessible notebook, and make a habit of noting the dates, times, and nature of every communication you have. Learn more about the importance of a paper trail when advocating for your child.
Take the lead on keeping everyone informed. It’s important that you and the school communicate early and often! If you have any concerns, changes, or questions about the IEP that you feel is important to share with the staff working with your child before school starts – or during the year – don’t hesitate to contact them. The more proactive and honest you are, the better the school staff will be able to meet your child’s needs. See these tips on building a good relationship with your child’s teachers.
Establish new routines. New routines can be especially difficult with special needs children. Discuss and plan the changes in your child’s daily routine that will happen once school starts. If the change is bringing everyone extra anxiety, why wait until the first day of school to to change your schedule? You can begin practicing your new schedule, focusing on morning and evening routines, and begin implementing them well in advance of the first day of school.
Relieve back-to-school anxiety. Just talking about the upcoming year and changes can help reduce some of your child’s back-to-school jitters. Have conversations about exciting new classes, activities, and events that they can participate in during the new school year. If your child is attending a new school, try to schedule a visit before the first day.
Stay current on special education news. Being knowledgeable about your child’s IEP and their disability can help you become a better advocate for your child. Try to keep up-to-date on new special education legislation, news, and events. The more you know, the more prepared you will be to navigate the world of special education and successfully advocate for your child.
Take advantage of school events. Make it a priority to attend Open House, Back-to-School Night, and parent-teacher conferences. These will help you and your child get a feel for the school and meet the teachers, staff, students, and families. Share the positives with teachers and staff about working with your child, and let the teacher know about changes, events, or IEP concerns that should be considered for children in special education.

For more health information and useful tips, please visit our Resources and Tools Blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

Breastfeeding May Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk in Mothers

Posted by Brooke Phillips on August 6, 2013 under Caregiver Corner | Read the First Comment

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia with no known cause or cure. This neurological condition causes brain cells to degenerate and die, leading to a decline in memory function and thinking skills.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers from the University of Cambridge have found a link between breastfeeding and a woman’s Alzheimer’s risk later in life. The research group interviewed 81 women aged 70 and above, and found that women who breastfed their infants had a lower risk of the disease. Breastfeeding mothers who had no history of dementia in their families saw the biggest benefit, while those with a family history of dementia saw a smaller – but still noticeable – benefit.

According to the study,”Breastfeeding practices are an important modifier of…hormone exposure for mothers. Ovarian hormone deprivation and/or insulin sensitivity benefits of breastfeeding may be responsible for the…reduction in AD (Alzheimer’s Disease) risk.” The study found a direct corrolation between the length of time the mother breastfed and the reduction of her risk.

Previous studies have already established that breastfeeding can reduce a mother’s risk of other diseases, including overall cognitive decline. Among other conclusions, the possibility of breastfeeding as a cheap and easy way to reduce Alzheimer’s risk in women will demand further study.

“Alzheimer’s is the world’s most common cognitive disorder and it already affects 35.6 million people,” said the study’s lead author, Dr Molly Fox, in a press release. “It is vital that we develop low-cost, large-scale strategies to protect people against this devastating disease.”

Source information can be found in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, the University of Cambridge and on FoxNews.com.

For more health information and caregiver resources, visit our Caregiver Corner blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. Care More. Spend Less. Save Now.

Extra Large Prevail Super Absorbent Underpads

Posted by Brooke Phillips on July 25, 2013 under BladderMatters | 3 Comments to Read

Extra Large Prevail Underpads on sale at TotalHomeCareSupplies

First Quality Prevail Super Absorbent Underpads 30×30 are designed to protect beds, chairs and other surfaces from leakage. These extra large Prevail Underpads are a customer favorite, featuring a soft, yet strong cloth-like top sheet that pulls moisture away from the skin. Each underpad is designed with a flat seal around the pad so that no plastic edges are exposed to the skin, providing additional comfort and dryness. Prevail® Underpads also feature an Integra Mat (bonded construction) which reduces top sheet separation and clumping.

These Super Absorbent Prevail Underpads are 30 inches by 30 inches, offering maximum coverage and discreet protection. Their embossed pad design and poly backing helps to keep the underpad in place, while providing a waterproof moisture barrier to keep linens dry. These underpads can be used on any surface requiring wetness protection, including car seats, mattresses, chairs, sofas, pet beds and more.

Prevail Super Absorbent Underpads are sold in cases of 100:

FQ UP100.1 30 X 30 100/Case $51.98

All orders come packaged in discreet, unmarked boxes for customer privacy, and shipping is completely free for all orders over $40. Read about our Fast, Free, Discreet shipping policy here.

For more high-quality, low-cost incontinence supplies, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

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July is UV Safety Month

Posted by Brooke Phillips on July 23, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

5 Tips to Reduce Your Skin Cancer & Heat-Related Illness Risk

July is UV Safety Month! While spending time in the sun brings some health benefits, including helping your body produce Vitamin D and melatonin, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun significantly increases your risk of developing Skin cancer. According to Skincancer.org, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.

Too much sun exposure also increases your risk of developing a heat-related illness, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke – which can be deadly. Reduce your risk of developing skin cancer and heat-related illness with the following 5 tips:

Apply sunscreen early and often. Sunscreen needs time to work, so don’t wait until you’re out in the sun to use it! Use sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection at SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes before you head outside. Try to reapply it every two hours, even on cloudy days. Choose a sunblock with a higher SPF if you are near reflective surfaces such as water or white sand, which reflect the sun’s rays and magnify your UV exposure.
Wear the right clothing. The best clothing for sun protection should be lightweight and breathable, such as cotton, and it should provide full coverage. Keep your skin covered with a long-sleeved shirt, pants or a long skirt. If you’re wearing very light clothing, put sunscreen on underneath you clothes. Remember that UV light can pass through clouds, so it’s important to protect your skin even on cloudy days. Protect your scalp and sensitive face areas with a wide-brimmed hat, such as a baseball cap or a sun hat.
Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can come on without warning and quickly become dangerous. If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated! Keep a water bottle or glass of water with you throughout the day, and aim to drink 6-8 glasses of water every day. If you plan on doing any physical activity or if the weather is extra hot, increase your water intake by one or two glasses.
Protect your eyes. Repeated exposure to UV rays can cause eye damage, such as macular degeneration or cataracts. Wear full-coverage sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB radiation to reduce eye problems from cumulative damage. Remember that UV light can pass through clouds, so it’s important to protect your eyes and skin even on cloudy days.
Check your skin. No one can spot a change in your skin better than you. Set aside time once a month to perform a skin self-exam, and mark it on your calendar so it’s easy to remember. The best time for a skin self-exam is right after a shower or bath. Not sure how to perform a self-exam? The National Cancer Institute offers these step-by-step instructions: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/skin/page1

Bonus Tip: Heat-Related Illness:

If you’re spending time in the sun and notice a flushed face, high body temperature, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, dizziness, or lack of sweating despite the heat, take immediate action. Drinking water, applying a cool compress to the back of the neck and moving out the sun is critical at the first sign of symptoms.

Knowing the signs of heat stroke can save the life of you or a loved one.

Care More. Spend Less. Save Now with TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

7 Tips for Staying Motivated and Getting Back on Track

Posted by Brooke Phillips on July 17, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Image courtesy of the American Council on Exercise®

Finding it difficult to get out of bed in the morning for your daily workout? Even the most dedicated exercisers occasionally get bored with their routines. Waning motivation, cutting workouts short and not having your old enthusiasm all are signs of a stale exercise regimen. Before you call it quits on your New Year’s resolution, try these 7 tips for staying motivated and getting back on track!

1. Change It Up

Evaluate your routine to determine what really bores you. If you’ve always walked indoors, move your workout outside for a change of scenery: hike on trails, walk through a park or around a lake. Not sure what trails are nearby? This Trailfinder can show you local hiking and walking trails with your city, state and zip code.

2. Good Company

Walking alone can be an oasis of solitude in a busy day, but maybe you need some company. Ask a friend to be your walking partner — you’re much less likely to skip a workout if someone is waiting for you! Just about every sport or activity has a club; to find one, ask around at gyms or local community centers. Keeping up with the crowd also means that you’ll be challenged to improve and to take your walking workouts to a new level. The Walking Site has links to help you find walking clubs and groups near you.

3. Challenge Yourself

Many exercisers walk simply to stay in shape, and most of the time that’s just fine. But setting a goal, such as walking a 5k or 10k race — especially one that benefits a charity or cause such as fighting heart disease — will give your daily workouts more meaning. (The Relay for Life is one example, although there are many different walks and races for a great causes!) Start by incorporating bursts of speed into your walks. After a gentle warm-up, alternate a fast pace with a slower one for recovery. This can be as simple as speed walking to the next tree, or as structured as timed intervals on a track or walking up stadium steps.

4. Add Variety

Elite triathletes pioneered the concept of cross-training, and it works for the rest of us, too. If you usually focus on one activity, such as walking, substitute another a few days a week. Consider adding 1–2 days of strength training exercises to your routine. Ideally, any exercise program should include moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, muscle strengthening exercise and flexibility. A certified personal trainer can help you if you’ve never tried this type of workout.

5. New Gadgets and Gear

Small exercise gadgets aren’t necessary, but they can make your workouts more fun and challenging. Pedometers, heart-rate monitors and MP3 players are just a few items to consider. Are you a numbers person? Activity trackers, such as the Nike FuelBand, Fitbit One, Jawbone Up and BodyMedia Fit Link offer advanced activity tracking with daily customizable goals. Find out which new training gadgets are available, and which ones appeal to you. Even buying new walking shoes or clothes can inspire you to get out and use them.

6. Identify the Trigger

When you’ve lapsed from exercise, identify where you went wrong. Was it illness, bad weather, travel or staying busy with a big project at work? Figure out what caused you to break your good habits and ways you can avoid this in the future. Then look at your schedule to see where you can fit in your daily walks. Even if you have limited time, try to fit a couple of 10–15 minute brisk walks in during the day. Remember, some exercise is far better than none, but aim get at least 150 minutes (2½ hours) per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. See this article for creative ways to fit fitness into a busy schedule.

7. Take a Break

Sometimes you really do need time off, either mentally or physically. In that case, cut back on your usual routine or tweak it. You might even find a new twist that you enjoy more than your old standby. Once you’ve fought your first battle with boredom, you’ll know the tricks to keep your routine from becoming too routine. Trying new routes, new challenges and new activities — and learning how to throw a little variety into your tried-and-true routine — can help you avoid making creative excuses to not exercise.

For more health information and useful tips, visit our Resources Blog on Total Home Care Supplies. For incontinence, ostomy, urological or wound supplies, visit our Total Home Care Supplies web store. Fitness information provided by the American Heart Association and the American Council on Exercise.

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Beat the Heat With Some HOT Summer Savings

Posted by Brooke Phillips on July 11, 2013 under Promotions | Be the First to Comment

The summer just keeps getting hotter, and so do the savings! From now until July 31^st, take $5.00 off any order over $90 with promo code HEATWAVE at checkout. Enjoy Free Shipping on all orders over $40.

Beat the heat with some hot summer savings! To take advantage of this July coupon:

Add all your items to the shopping cart and select “Secure Checkout”
Enter your Billing and Shipping Information, and click “Save”
Enter promo code: HEATWAVE and click “Apply”
Is your order over $40? Enjoy Free Shipping!

Thank you for being a loyal customer. We know you have many options when you shop, and we appreciate your business.

Care More. Spend Less. Save now at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com

P.S. Have You Seen Our Pinterest Page?

It’s official – TotalHomeCareSupplies is now on Pinterest! We’ve posted our first boards on Top-Rated Incontinence Supplies and Ostomy Supplies, as well as health news, inspirational quotes, our favorite pet photos and much more.