Author Archives: Jeanne Lowry

Tackling Senior Obesity

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on January 14, 2015 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Senior obesity is a wholly different animal from childhood or even adult obesity. In both of those demographics, using a simple Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator can answer the question, “Is this person obese?” But that’s not the case for seniors. Some seniors start to lose height as they age, and that can change their BMI number despite not gaining any fat. Or sometimes the changes that happen as a person ages can make amount of fat versus muscle hard to measure.

Additionally, there has been some controversy about whether or not some extra weight on the elderly can be beneficial. Some padding on people is necessary to protect bones and joints.

Whichever camp you take to, what important is keeping seniors active and on a healthy diet. No one can argue that sitting around each day and consuming unhealthy foods is a good idea, no matter one’s age. Firstly, it’s important for the senior or caregiver to discuss the idea of adding activity to the routine. This can be as simple as a half-hour walk every day.

But, again, that’s only half the battle. Diet is important as well. Appetites in seniors can be a fickle beast. Sometimes it can seem that the only thing that motivates an elder to eat is the cookies they know are coming for dessert. But often changes can be made to the menu items to encourage healthy eating. Are vegetables something they don’t like to eat? Is there a reason beyond taste, like they’re proving too tough to chew? It may be awkward, but ask those tough questions until there are at least a few menu items that are both appealing and healthful.

Tips for Dealing with Incontinence During the Winter

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on January 13, 2015 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

Originally posted by the Live Confidently team on LiveConfidently.com

With the winter months quickly approaching, many people who experience urge or stress incontinence may notice an uptick in bladder leakage issues. There was never a clear link between incontinence and cold weather until a 2005 study by Whittington Hospital in London found that cold temperatures were a major factor in increased urinary incontinence. The study showed that this could be for two reasons: one, because our bodies don’t sweat out excess moisture during colder months, and two, because cold weather induces bladder muscle overactivity and causes us to feel the urge to go more often.

Whatever the case, there are a few tips you can follow to make sure that you are prepared and ready to take on incontinence when the temperature drops.

Decrease your intake of caffeinated beverages. Coffee and other hot beverages that contain caffeine, like tea and hot chocolate, can stimulate the bladder and also act as a diuretic. It’s best to stick to water or non-caffeinated beverages such as apple cider or peppermint tea.

Use the bathroom before you leave the house. This will ensure that your bladder is empty and will prevent you from having to remove bulky winter layers to use the restroom.

Keep moving and wear a jacket. This will help to keep your body warm and your bladder muscles from tensing up.

Find the right protection. For a true sense of ease, it’s best to find the right incontinence products for your specific needs. If you’re not sure where to start, our Incontinence Product Selector is a helpful tool that can guide you in the right direction.

Do you have any tips to add? Head over to our living with incontinence forum to discuss this topic with people just like you!

National Radon Action Month

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on January 9, 2015 under Caregiver Corner, Resources | Be the First to Comment

How can you take action on radon? Simple! Purchase a radon testing kit at a hardware/supply store, follow the instructions and send in the results.

But why should you do that? Again – simple! Radon in small amounts that is diluted into the air around us is harmless. But, if your home builds up too much radon, this element is a major cause of lung cancer. And seniors, who spend a lot of time in their homes, and may not air them out as often as others, can be at particular risk.

The best way to keep yourself and others safe is with the simple test. If your results show high levels of radon, it’s not time to panic! It’s recommended to wait another six months before retesting, to lessen the possibility of a false-positive. During that time, you can start airing out the house by opening windows on opposite ends, and purchasing air filters. You can find other recommendations for how to lessen radon exposure here.

There are also a lot of community information sessions offered across the US, especially during this Action month. To find them, search online for your town name and “radon.” During these sessions, experts will show you how to use a testing kit, and some sessions may even give tests away.

It’s important to keep your family safe and eliminate as many carcinogens as possible from your home, or your seniors home. You can learn more about National Radon Action Month at this EPA website.

Great Books to Help Children Learn about Special Needs Children

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on January 7, 2015 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Children are naturally accepting of others, so it may be awhile before you find yourself fielding questions like, “Why is that boy different?” or “Why can’t she talk?” when interacting with special needs children. Even if your child does not have a special needs child or any special needs children in their school or social circle, it’s a good idea to explain to them, in their terms, why some children aren’t like them. When your children do encounter a special needs child, they’ll hopefully have at least some of the information they’ll need to be a good friend.

My Brother Charlie

This book mirrors the life of an actual 12-year-old girl, the daughter of actress Holly Robinson Peete, whose twin brother has autism. Reviews of the book have stated that it not only is authentic in its storytelling, it promotes conversations.

Small Steps

This book is a sequel to the bestselling book Holes, which was later made into a film. While the story doesn’t focus on the character who has cerebral palsy, it does a good job of including her in the story without much fanfare. Definitely a book for older children, as it contains some scary elements towards the end.

The Best Worst Brother

While this book is written from the point of view of a sibling, it can be a helpful story for any child. The sister in the story must learn to communicate with her developmentally disabled younger brother. This book is appropriate for ages four through eight.

What are your favorite books about children with special needs? We’d love to hear recommendations for books that are for children, or those that are for adults.

Myths and Facts about Urinary Incontinence

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on January 5, 2015 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

Original post by Dr. Mary H. Palmer for LiveConfidently.com

Many adults who struggle with urinary incontinence or light bladder leakage live with it in silence. They believe that it is due to age, is just part of being a woman, or that there is nothing that can be done about it. These misconceptions and myths about urinary incontinence may prevent people from seeking help from healthcare providers or receiving effective treatment. Here we outline some of the most common myths about urinary incontinence and explain the real facts.

Myth: Incontinence is just a part of growing old.

A recent patient who we’ll call Mrs. C is a perfect example. She is 63 years old, works full-time, and enjoys playing with her grandchildren. Recently, she picked up her youngest grandchild and as she leaned over, a small amount of urine leaked. It wasn’t enough to soak through her pants or for others to know, but she felt it happen and was embarrassed. When she told me this story, Mrs. C said, “Well, I am getting old!” She gave an embarrassed laugh and said she would soon need “diapers.”

Although it is a fact that the prevalence of urinary incontinence becomes more common with age, it is also true that aging is not necessarily the cause of incontinence. As we age, it becomes more likely for other conditions to develop that can cause urinary incontinence. For example, many people develop diabetes as they grow older, and diabetes is a significant risk factor for incontinence because it causes damage to the nerves that control the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. Arthritis, obesity, and many other conditions that affect our musculoskeletal system can all lead to problems with bladder leakage. Women who have weak pelvic floor muscles may experience stress incontinence when they cough, laugh, or sneeze. However, by practicing some simple exercises designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, women of any age can regain urine control.

Myth: Only women develop urinary incontinence.

Incontinence isn’t always a woman’s problem. Men can also develop a number of conditions that lead to bladder leakage. Common causes include prostate surgery and medications with urologic side effects.

In fact, both genders can develop a number of diseases that cause problems in the lower urinary tract. Conditions that decrease mobility can make it difficult to get to the bathroom in time. Damaged nerves can make it difficult for the body to communicate the need to go, and neurologic problems can sometimes make it difficult to remember the need to use the restroom.

Myth: Older adults with dementia don’t mind being incontinent.

Another troubling myth about urinary incontinence is that older adults with dementia don’t mind being wet. In my experience – and research has borne this out – men and women, regardless of having dementia, often have feelings of deep shame and embarrassment about being incontinent. The importance of having bladder control is ingrained in all of us as children, and it remains in our long-term memory. Helping older adults prevent incontinent episodes and maintain dignity is of paramount importance to the quality of their lives. The good news is that there are effective medical treatment options for urinary incontinence, regardless of age and health conditions.

Myth: Nothing can be done to help urinary incontinence.

There are steps we can take on our own to maintain healthy bladders. Staying physically active, remaining hydrated, maintaining normal weight, and being aware of bathroom locations can all help avoid incontinence episodes. Bladder control pads for women and male guards for men are good options for extra peace of mind.

Myths about urinary incontinence keep many people from seeking help. Myths are only dispelled with accurate facts about urinary incontinence and normal body functions. Talk to your healthcare provider – there are safe and effective treatments for urinary incontinence, as well as many over-the-counter products to help keep you dry. It’s never too late treat urinary incontinence.

Have any tips or questions for the community? Join the conversation about myths about urinary incontinence on our living with incontinence forum.

Original article can be found at LiveConfidently.com.

Ostomy Blog Love

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on January 2, 2015 under Ostomy Care | Be the First to Comment

Happy New Year, everyone! To kick off 2015, a year in which an estimated 134,000 new stomas will be created, we thought we’d take a look at a few of our favorite ostomate blogs.

Ostomy Outdoors
Heidi’s ostomy surgery is now four years behind her, and her life is so active and “normal” that she completely forgot her “stomaversary” this year, something she used to celebrate. To her, that means she’s now in place she wanted to be almost immediately after getting her surgery, a place where her stoma, Wilbur, isn’t on her mind every day. Heidi’s posts about traveling, hiking and other intense outdoor adventures will inspire everyone to get out there, no matter what!

The Stolen Colon – Living Beautifully with an Ostomy
Stephanie is also very active: she’s a triathlete and runs half-marathons on a regular basis. Her stoma surgery is more recent, at about two and a half years, but she is also very comfortable with the changes it has brought to her life. She gives lots of great advice about life with a stoma, including what to wear, how to troubleshoot ostomy bag problems and more. And she’s always very honest about her feelings about her stoma.

OstomyChic
This blog is written by a professional women who’s ileostomy is a little higher than what most people have. This makes dressing a bit of a challenge – but one that she’s up to! While she doesn’t post very often these days, her clothing advice is timeless.

We’d love to hear about more ostomy blogs that we could highlight in upcoming posts! Please let us know of yours or one you read in the comments below.

Seniors and the Weather

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 31, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Extreme weather can be tougher on seniors than the rest of the population. When it’s dry, their skin becomes very dry. When it’s wet, driving in those conditions can become even more dangerous due to slower reaction times and decreased vision. With less fat than younger people, the cold can be much more uncomfortable, if not unsafe. And the heat can make life nearly unbearable and it can also be hazardous.

2014 has been a rough year weather-wise. The long California drought (which, despite recent rainfall, is not over – it will take about three years of regular rainfall to get the state back to “normal” conditions), the cold winter that started the year off and this was also the hottest year on record.

The ideal way to deal with weather and your senior are just keeping them cooler or warmer than you’d like to be, based on the environment. If it’s winter and you’re cold, your senior is likely colder. If it’s sweater weather outside, be sure to grab a coat for them before heading out for a walk. If it’s hot outside, maybe forgo the neighborhood stroll altogether. In both of these cases, a drive to the mall for some exercise can be a great alternative. Cool in the summer and hot in the winter – and always new products to look at!

Don’t forget about other weather-related hazards like ice on the sidewalks and parking lots. Extremely bright sunlight can also be dangerous, so be sure they have some nice big shades! Diaper rash can also be a problem for those seniors using them – sweat in the summertime (or even in over-heated rooms, which can often get very dry) can lead to more diaper rash than normal. Be sure to use cloth-backed diapers to keep the air circulating. You can find more tips to staying cool in pull-ups in the summer in our blog post here.

What are you favorite tips for keeping seniors safe in all types of weather?

Last Sale of the Year!

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 30, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Receive some great savings before the end of the year! Today and tomorrow, you can save 5% on all orders over $50. And receive free shipping! Use the code “NYE2015” to save – but hurry! Offer expires 12/31/14.

The Benefits of Adult Diapers

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 29, 2014 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

When it comes to choosing a type of incontinence product, the main question is adult diapers (AKA briefs) or protective underwear (AKA pull-ups or pull-ons). Briefs can have their advantages over protective underwear, depending on the lifestyle of the wearer.

One advantage is: briefs offer the ability to put on and take off the item without the removal of pants or shoes. This is helpful for both caregivers who are the ones helping their care with the briefs, or for individuals who need to be able to change their briefs while out and about. Many of our customers find the First Quality Adult Briefs easy to use, with their Easy Lock Fasteners (ELF), that can be reused to reposition and are not sticky. These are available in cases, or as a sample to find the right size.

Additionally, briefs are available in larger sizes than pull-ups. The Prevail Bariatric Brief is available in two sizes: A is for waist sizes from 62 inches to 73 inches and B is for waist sizes up to 94 inches. Size A is also available as a sample so the user can get the perfect fit.

Briefs can also provide more absorbency than regular protective underwear, which can be great for overnight usage. Tranquilty’s All-Thru-the-Night Brief offers extra absorbency, so the wearer’s skin is not compromised by staying wet for hours.

But, if you’re looking for a product that provides many of the benefits of briefs, with the secure and underwear-like fit of protective underwear, we recommend Prevail’s Adjustable Underwear. They come with reattachable side tabs that open.

We’d love to hear your feedback on any of these products, or others that we offer on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. Feel free to comment below, or review the products on their individual pages.

More Product Reviews

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 24, 2014 under BladderMatters, Ostomy Care, Very Urological | Be the First to Comment

We took a look at some of our product reviews back in August but as we get new reviews in all the time, we thought the topic worth another visit.

Please keep in mind that all of our products are available to review right on their page. Not only do we love the feedback about the items we carry, reviewing can help your fellow customers know more about a product. We try to create product descriptions that are helpful to all customers, but those of you who are using them have the best knowledge about them!

Review of Prevail Adjustable Underwear:
“My husband needed after Prostate cancer surgery and found this brand best fit and most comfortable for larger size man.”

Review of Hollister Adapt Paste:
“My son was born with gastroschesis, which is a birth defect were the intestines grow out of the body in utero. He had his first surgery an hour after birth and now has a colostomy. He makes in a bag until his reversal surgery. The bag was constantly leaking and pulling away from his skin. I was changing it at least 5 times a day. My surgeon told me about Adapt which keeps the round and bag secure for at least 24 hours. This product changed everything.”

Review of Dale Foley Tube Catheter Leg Band:
“…This is probably the best product of its kind on the market. I have used it for years and prefer it over anything else. They are washable and can be bleached to disinfect. One will last me at least two months.”

We love these positive reviews, but we are aware that not all products work perfectly for everyone. A recent comment on one of our skin barriers for ostomates told us that while they found the product easy to fit and durable, and called it a good product, that they found it difficult to remove. In that case, we would recommend another skin barrier for that person, as different adhesives can affect various skin types in unexpected ways.

If you have an opinion on one of our products, we ask that you head over to TotalHomeCareSupplies.com and tell us!