Author Archives: Brooke Phillips

Top 10 Health Benefits of Laughter

Posted by Brooke Phillips on April 16, 2013 under Resources | Read the First Comment

Can a laugh a day keep the doctor away? Laughing is not only fun, but it also has a measurable impact on our health! See these amazing top 10 health benefits of laughter:

Laughter reduces stress and combats depression. During a hearty fit of laughter, stress hormones cortisone, dopamine, and adrenaline are replaced by positive endorphins and neurotransmitters. This flood of positive hormones reduces stress and fights depression at the same time.
Laughter invigorates the immune system. Laughter activates your body’s release of antihistamines, T-cells and natural antibodies. In other words, laughter actually helps fight infections and strengthens your immune system.
Laughter improves learning and memory. It’s pretty straightforward: we WANT to remember things we enjoy! Did you have a favorite teacher growing up? Did they make you laugh, and make learning fun? Laughter improves both learning and information retention.
Laughter protects the heart. Laughing can be a cardiovascular workout. It increases blood flow and raises blood oxygen levels. This reduces the risk of heart attack, improves your cardiovascular health, and reduces blood pressure.
Laughter’s a great workout. Did you know that 100-200 belly laughs a day are the equivalent of a high impact workout? You can burn up to 500 calories a day with some serious gut-wrenching guffaws! Looks like there’s more than one way to build a six pack…
Laughter improves sleep quality. When we’re dealing with high levels of stress and anxiety, our sleep suffers. Reducing stress hormones with daily doses of laughter not only creates a more positive attitude – it also reduces insomnia and improves the quality of your sleep.
Laughter relieves pain. Think of laughter like a healthy painkiller, but without the side effects. Laughter distracts the mind from pain, and rewards it with positive endorphins.
Laughter gets the creative juices flowing. How often do you wrestle with a problem for days, only to find that as soon as you relax and do something fun, the solution comes to you? Laughter helps to break you out of your thought cycle, getting the creative juices flowing.
Laughter renews energy. When you laugh, your body and mind relax and recharge. Have you ever noticed a renewed burst of energy after laughing with friends? That’s because laughter is a muscle relaxant. While your stomach muscles contract, the rest of your muscles relax. Laugh, relax, and refresh your energy naturally!
Laughter is a relationship saver. Sharing a sense of humor tends to bring people together. Laughing together can smooth over awkward social interactions and lighten the mood. Whether it’s friendship or love, lots of laughter is a sign of a healthy relationship.

For more health information and useful tools, please visit our Resources Blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. For brand-name incontinence, ostomy, urological or wound supplies, visit our Total Home Care Supplies web store! Fast, Free, Discreet shipping on all orders over $40.

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When Are Taxes Due in 2013?

Posted by Brooke Phillips on April 11, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

The deadline to file your 2012 tax returns is almost here! Monday, April 15^th, 2013 is the last day you can file your 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ Forms with the IRS. It’s also the last day you can request an Automatic Extension (Form 4868), which gives you an extra six months to file your return (your taxes still need to be paid by April 15^th, however). And if you contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA, a Health Savings account or a 401k, April 15^th 2013 is the last day you can make a contribution for the 2012 tax year.

Free Tax Help for the Elderly

Are you over 60 years old? Do you make less than $51,000 a year? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you can take advantage of several free programs the IRS offers to assist you in filing your taxes!

The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program generally offers free tax help to people who make $51,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their individual returns. There are thousands of VITA sites across the country, staffed with IRS-certified volunteers. To find the VITA site nearest you, the IRS offers this VITA Locator Tool, or can also call 1-800-906-9887.

For those over 60, the IRS offers a Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program free-of-charge. The TCE program is staffed with IRS-certified volunteers who are knowledgeable about pensions and retirement issues important to seniors. Many TCE sites are operated by the AARP Foundation’s Tax Aide Program, which provides similar free services to its members. To find the TCE or AARP Tax-Aide sites nearest you, you can use this AARP Site Locator Tool, or call 888-227-7669.

In addition, the IRS offers a self-assistance service at many VITA and TCE locations. If you have a simple tax return and need some assistance, or if you don’t have access to a computer, an IRS-certified volunteer can help you file at any participating VITA and TCE site.

What Documents Do I Need to File My Taxes?

If you’re taking advantage of the free IRS VITA or TCE programs, you’ll need to bring all of your documents with you! Don’t forget to bring your:

Proof of Identification (Picture ID)
Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (for you, your spouse and dependents)
Wages and earning statements (W-2s)
Interest and dividend statements (1099s)
A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available

Depending on your tax status, more documentation may be required. A comprehensive list of required documents can be found on the IRS Website.

For more resources and tools, visit our Resources blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

Care More. Spend Less. Save Now at Total Home Care Supplies.

Walk Your Way to Better Health! Walking Tips and Tidbits

Posted by Brooke Phillips on April 8, 2013 under Resources | Read the First Comment

Walking 101

Walking as a fitness activity is growing by leaps and bounds. It’s low-risk and easy to start, it has proven and measurable health benefits, and it’s completely free! Among other benefits, a regular walking program can:

Read more on our Six Week Walking Challenge!

Improve your cholesterol profile
Boost your bone strength
Lower blood pressure
Prevent weight gain
Increase your energy and stamina

How Much Should I Walk?

Experts at the American Heart Association recommend that every American adult engage in 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity daily, a minimum of 2½ hours per week. You can do that by walking two miles briskly (about four miles an hour). If this is too fast, or if you’re a beginner walker, choose a more comfortable pace.

Get Ready!

It’s simple to start a walking program! All you need are comfortable clothes and supportive shoes. Wear layers of loose clothing, keeping in mind that brisk exercise elevates the body’s temperature. Choose supportive, properly fitting footwear; shoes specifically designed for walking or running are best. Make sure you have a little wiggle room (½”) between your longest toe and the end of your shoe.

Technique

Begin with short distances. Start with a walk that feels comfortable (5–10 min) and gradually increase your time or distance each week. If it’s easier on your joints (or your schedule) to take several shorter walks instead of one long walk each day, that’s fine, too!
Focus on posture. Keep your head lifted, stomach pulled in and shoulders relaxed. Swing your arms naturally. Select a comfortable, natural step length, and don’t overstride. If you want to move faster, try to pull your back leg through to take the next step more quickly.
Breathe deeply. If you can’t talk or catch your breath while walking, slow down. Speed isn’t important at first — just focus on establishing the walking habit.

Intensity

To warm up, walk at an easy pace for the first few minutes, then gradually increase your speed to a purposeful pace. You can incorporate some brisk intervals to add variety, such as: walking one block briskly, then two blocks more slowly, and repeating several times. As your strength increases, gradually add more fast intervals with shorter recovery periods
Walking hills is a great way to tone your legs and increase your workout! Treadmill walking is also a good option during inclement weather.
The end of your walk is an ideal time to stretch since your body is warmed up. Stretch your hamstrings and calves gently (important walking muscles) as well as your chest, shoulders and back. Hold each stretch for 15–30 seconds, but never stretch to the point of pain.
Track your progress. Experts recommend that you walk at least 30 minutes a day. If walking is part of your weight-loss plan, then walking 45-60 minutes a day at brisk intervals will help you burn more calories. If you don’t have that much time, fit walking into your schedule whenever you can – even if it means three 10-minute walks over the course of a day. The best schedule is one that keeps you walking and keeps you fit!

Safety

Feel free to listen to lively music while you walk to energize your workout. But if you wear headphones, keep the volume down and watch out for traffic.
Wear light colors or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight or glow stick when visibility is low, so that you can be easily seen by motorists.
Stick to sidewalks when you can, and choose streets with lower speed limits. On faster streets, motorists are less likely to see pedestrians and can’t stop as quickly.
Know your area. Which businesses are open? Where are emergency telephones located? Walk on well-traveled streets rather than taking shortcuts in alleys or parking lots. Be self-assured and walk purposefully to lower your chances of becoming a victim.
Two heads are better than one. Walking with a partner or in groups discourages crime and may help alert you to dangers such as speeding motorists or unleashed dogs.
If you have foot, knee, hip or back pain when walking, STOP and check with your doctor. You may need special exercises or different shoes. If you have osteoarthritis, and have increased joint pain that lasts an hour or two after walking, your doctor may suggest another activity like stationary cycling or water exercise. Don’t stop exercising altogether!

This walking program was developed by the American Council on Exercise in collaboration with the American Heart Association. ©2011 American Council on Exercise, all rights reserved. For more information on the health benefits of walking, or for additional health and nutrition information, please visit our Resources and Tools blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

To shop for incontinence,ostomy, urological or wound supplies, please visit our Total Home Care Supplies web store. Fast, Free, Discreet shipping on all orders over $40.

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Hollister Adapt Barrier Rings

Posted by Brooke Phillips on April 4, 2013 under Ostomy Care | Be the First to Comment

Total Home Care Supplies proudly offers Hollister ostomy supplies at discount prices! If you’re looking for a sting-free alternative to paste, we recommend Hollister Adapt Barrier Rings.

Hollister Adapt Barrier Rings on sale at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com

Hollister Adapt Barrier Rings are ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or limited dexterity. The shape of ring can be stretched or molded to fit the shape of your stoma. They can also be cut, bent, or stacked together to improve the fit of the skin barrier. Adapt Barrier Rings create a smooth skin surface so that the ostomy appliance fits more securely, prolonging skin barrier wear time. Hollister Barrier Rings help protect sensitive skin by create a tighter seal and preventing irritating discharge from getting under the barrier.

Best-Selling Features:

Sting-free alternative to paste
Stretchable and moldable to create custom shapes
Can be cut, bent, and stacked to improve the fit of the skin barrier
Ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or limited dexterity
Prolongs skin barrier wear time

Total Home Care Supplies offers Hollister Adapt Barrier rings in two stretchable sizes:

HS 7805 2 inch (48mm) Outer Diameter 10/Box $49.32
HS 7806 4 inch (98mm) Outer Diameter 10/Box $49.32

For more Hollister products and ostomy supplies, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. We offer reliable, fast, discreet shipping on all orders – and orders over $40 ship completely free, guaranteed! For ostomy resources and assistance, please visit our Ostomy Care blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

What is a HCPCS Code?

Posted by Brooke Phillips on under Resources | Be the First to Comment

What are HCPCS Codes?

HCPCS, or “hic-pics”, stands for “Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System” numbers. These codes are used by Medicare and Medicaid to standardize and monitor healthcare procedures and medical supplies. HCPCS Codes are assigned to every service a medical practitioner provides you, from a flu vaccination (90658) to a routine physical (99214) to surgery! These are called HCPCS Level I codes, and are usually a series of five numbers. HCPCS Level I codes may also be referred to as CPT codes, since they’re based on the CPT Codes (Current Procedural Technology codes) developed by the American Medical Association.

HCPCS codes are also assigned to non-physician medical services (such as an ambulance ride), and medical items and supplies. These are called HCPCS Level II codes, and are also five digits – although these codes are alphanumeric, and usually begin with a letter followed by four numbers. The letter at the beginning of the HCPCS Level II codes refers to a specific medical grouping, such as “V2020” (vision and hearing services) or “T1000” (codes used by the state Medicaid agency).

As a patient, you can find find HCPCS / CPT Codes in a number of places. You might receive a piece of paper after an appointment with your doctor that reviews your visit, with a long list of HCPCS codes (possible services your doctor provided) – and some of them circled. Or if your appointment requires additional billing from your doctor or your health insurance, HCPCS codes should be on those bills. If you receive a bill from either your doctor or your health insurance without these codes, you have every right to contact the sender and request a statement that includes the codes. A savvy healthcare consumer can keep an eye on these codes to make sure that your insurance (and your co-pays and co-insurances) are paying only for the services you received!

At this time, Total Home Care Supplies does not courtesy bill insurance, but by clicking on your order history, you can see the HCPCS codes of all the products that you use.

To shop for home health care supplies, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. We know you have many options when you shop, and we work hard to offer you the newest brand-name incontinence, ostomy, urological and wound products at affordable prices.

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

Walk Your Way To Better Health! The Six-Week Challenge

Posted by Brooke Phillips on April 3, 2013 under Resources | 2 Comments to Read

April 3rd is National Walking Day with the American Heart Association, and we’re asking you to join us on a Six-Week Challenge! Walking daily improves cholesterol, boosts bone strength, lowers blood pressure, prevents weight gain and increases energy and stamina. It also reduces glaucoma risk, halves your odds of catching a cold, and even reduces your risk for Alzheimer’s and colon cancer, among other benefits. Join millions of men and women across America, and pledge to live a healthier lifestyle, get heart-healthy and fit!

Every Wednesday on the Total Home Care Supplies Blog, we’ll be giving tips on how to walk your way to better health, as well as posting weekly “Healthy Living” articles. Are you a beginner? No problem! This Six-Week Beginner Walking Plan was developed by American Council on Exercise and the American Heart Association, and is suitable for every fitness level. With just 30 minutes of walking a day, five days a week – that’s just 2 1/2 hours per week – the health benefits of walking are proven and measurable. So get out your sneakers, and walk your way to better health in six weeks!

Six Week Beginner Walking Plan developed by American Council on Exercise, in collaboration with the American Heart Association

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

First Quality Prevail Bariatric Briefs

Posted by Brooke Phillips on under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

First Quality Prevail Bariatric Adult Briefs on sale at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com

If you’re looking for premium quality bariatric diapers at affordable prices, look no further than First Quality Prevail Bariatric Briefs! First Quality incontinence products offer superior performance and features at surprisingly affordable prices.

Prevail Bariatric Adult Briefs provide moderate to heavy incontinence protection with soft, stretchy side panels for a more secure and comfortable fit. These bariatric-sized adult diapers feature a cloth-like outer fabric for comfort. Prevail’s patented Advanced Zoning System increases protection just where you need it most, and fecal containment zones reduce the potential for leakage and improve odor control.

These Prevail diapers come in two sizes: Bariatric A (2XL) and Bariatric B (largest size). This largest size adult brief available accomodates hip measurements up to 94 inches. It also features Dual Refastening Strips for strong, secure closure that will stay in place even under stress. QUICK WICK technology pulls moisture away from the skin, increasing comfort and protecting skin, while Odor Guard technology helps prevent odors before they start.

Best-Selling Features:

Wide, soft, stretch side panels for a more secure comfortable fit
Dual refastening strips for strong closure that will stay in place even under stress
Cloth-like outer fabric
QUICK WICK™
Advanced Zoning System® (AZS®)
Odor Guard™ that helps prevent odors before they start

Available sizes:

FQ PV017 Bariatric A/2XL (62-73 inch waist) 48/Case $59.00
FQ PV094 Bariatric B (Up to 94 inch waist) 40/Case $72.99

At Total Home Care Supplies, all orders over $40 ship completely free, guaranteed! Never worry about running out of incontinence supplies again: sign up for EZ ship, and schedule easy, automatic deliveries of your preferred incontinence products. For more incontinence supplies, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

Hollister New Image 2pc Flextend Skin Barrier Cut-to-Fit

Posted by Brooke Phillips on April 2, 2013 under Ostomy Care | Be the First to Comment

Top Rated Hollister Ostomy Skin Barriers

Looking for Hollister ostomy supplies? For tender, post-operative abdomens and utmost security, customers prefer the Hollister New Image 2pc Flextend Skin Barrier Cut-to-Fit!

Hollister New Image 2pc Flextend Skin Barrier CTF

Hollister New Image 2pc Flextend Skin Barrier Cut-to-Fit on sale at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com

These Hollister ostomy skin barriers with built-in convexity provide added security and skin protection for recessed, retracted and flush stomas. The patented “Floating Flange” locking system allows fingers to slide under the flange for support while attaching the pouch to the barrier, eliminating pressure on tender, post-operative abdomens.

The Flextend skin barrier is an extended wear, synthetic skin barrier that provides skin protection from irritating discharge for an extended wear time, and its tapered edges eliminates the need for tape. Cut-to-fit openings make these barriers easily customizable for uniquely shaped stomas.

Features:

• Flextend (extended wear) Skin Barrier protects sensitive skin from discharge
• Cut-to-Fit for uniquely shaped stomas
• Avoid adhesive sensitivities with the No-Tape Border
• Floating Flange for tender, post-operative abdomens

These Cut-to-Fit Hollister New Image 2pc Flextend Skin Barriers are part of a 2-piece ostomy system. Total Home Care Supplies sells these barriers in four sizes:

HS 14602 1 3/4 (44MM)FLG 5/BX $30.06
HS 14603 2 1/4 FLANGE 5/BX $30.06
HS 14606 4″FLANGE 2PC 5/BX $53.30
HS 14604 2 3/4″ FLANGE 5/BX $30.06

For more Hollister ostomy products and all ostomy supplies, visit Total Home Care Supplies. We offer reliable, fast, discreet shipping on all orders – and orders over $40 ship completely free, guaranteed!

For additional ostomy resources and assistance, please visit our Ostomy Care blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

Coloplast Brava Protective Sheets

Posted by Brooke Phillips on April 1, 2013 under Ostomy Care | Be the First to Comment

Total Home Care Supplies is proud to stock Coloplast Brava ostomy supplies! For outstanding skin protection and comfort, try Coloplast Brava Protective Sheets.

Coloplast Brava Protective Sheets on sale at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com

The Brava Protective Sheet is a hydrocolloid skin barrier that protects peristomal skin and provides a ready surface for your ostomy appliance. Made of a soft, moldable material, this flexible skin barrier conforms to body contours and movements without leaking. With 3-way stretch technology, Coloplast Brava skin barriers provide total skin protection around stomas, draining wounds, and other areas subject to skin irritation or breakdown.

Coloplast Brava Protective Sheets are easy to apply around the stoma, and are latex-free. These skin barriers may be used to protect both calm and irritated skin from stoma output.

Brava Skin Barrier Features:

Soft, moldable material
Extremely flexible to follow body contours
Balanced adhesive holds firmly but is easily removed
Ideal for use around stomas, draining wounds or any area subject to skin irritation

TotalHomeCareSupplies.com offers Coloplast Brava Protective Sheets in three sizes:

CT 32205 8 x 8 inches (20 x 20 CM) 5/Box $62.10
CT 32105 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 CM) 1/Each $3.53
CT 32155 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 CM) 5/Box $36.05

For more Brava products and ostomy supplies, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. We offer reliable, fast, discreet shipping on all orders – and orders over $40 ship completely free, guaranteed! For ostomy resources and assistance, please visit our Ostomy Care blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

First Quality Nu-Fit Adult Diapers

Posted by Brooke Phillips on under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

For comfort, quality and superior protection, customers love First Quality Nu-Fit Adult Briefs!

First Quality Nu-Fit Adult Briefs on sale at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com

These comfortable adult diapers provide protection for moderate to heavy incontinence . The Nu-Fit brief features First Quality’s Advanced Zoning System, which provides added protection where you need it most and ensures maximum leakage protection. The adult diaper’s patented QUICK WICK layer pulls moisture away from the skin for added comfort and to promote skin dryness. Its soft, cloth-like outer fabric is comfortable against fragile skin, and breathable zones allow air to circulate freely, reducing heat build-up and helping maintain skin wellness. Easy-Lock Fastener (ELF) reattaching tabs securely grip and hold anywhere on the diaper, and will reattach over and over again without being sticky.

First Quality Nu-Fit Adult Diapers come in three sizes:

FQ NU012 Medium (32-44 inch waist) 96/Case $47.70
FQ NU013 Large (45-58 inch waist) 72/Case $47.68
FQ NU014 Extra Large (59-64 inch waist) 60/Case $39.76