Category Archives: Resources

Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week

Posted by on December 2, 2014 under Ostomy Care, Resources | Be the First to Comment

IBD Week

December 1st marked the beginning of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) Week, also known as Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week. It’s a week to learn more about the diseases, spread knowledge about them and support those afflicted. The goal is to end Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, two diseases that are actually increasing year over year. There may be a variety of reasons why that is happening, but more research is needed.

You may be asking what Crohn’s and Colitis are, or how they are different or similar. Check out the infographic below, created byThe Great Bowel Movement:

IBD Week

Do you have IBD? Do you know someone with either disease? What are suggestions you have for how spread the word about finding a cure?

Open Health Care Enrollment on HealthCare.gov

Posted by on November 27, 2014 under Caregiver Corner, Resources | Be the First to Comment

The Affordable Care Act

Between now and February 15th of next year, everyone can enroll for health care under the Affordable Care Act by using HealthCare.gov. This applies to everyone enrolling for the first time. For those that have a health care plan under this act already, they can renew their plan or change it. Anyone who does not make any changes will be automatically reenrolled, but there may be some changes to their premiums.

If one isn’t receiving health care through their job or a family member, HealthCare.gov is a great place to start looking. All plans are crafted to be affordable, and many of them qualify one for a premium tax credit. Additionally, if a person isn’t sure if they qualify for a state Medicaid program, they can also head to HealthCare.gov and apply. If they do qualify, they will be enrolled in that state’s Medicaid program, and if they don’t, they’ll be able to find coverage through the Affordable Care Act.

For those currently enrolled, the infographic below, by America’s Health Insurance Plans, may be helpful:

2015OpenEnrollment_Infographics_Small_current

Are you currently enrolled in the Health Insurance Marketplace? Do you have any tips for navigating the system for those just starting? Please comment below.

The Great American Smokeout

Posted by on November 20, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Support for quitting smoking

There are very few Americans who aren’t aware that smoking is bad for them. Unfortunately, cigarettes are incredibly addictive, and it takes a lot of support to quit. Actually, according to the American Cancer Society, the best way to quit is some combination of medicine, a change of personal habits, and emotional support. But also having a good understanding of the effects smoking has on ones’ health can be part of the wake-up call for the smoker, and, for those who want a loved one to quit, a good argument. Check out the infographic below, from the American Cancer Society, for more about the “True Cost of Smoking.”

The Financials of smoking

Do you know someone today who’s trying to quit? Will you encourage them today to quit? Or are you a former smoker? What advice do you have for those who want to give up smoking?

A Comprehensive Look at Prevail Products

Posted by on November 12, 2014 under BladderMatters, Resources | Be the First to Comment

Some of Prevail's incontinence products

Prevail is a line of diaper and related products by First Quality. We here at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com are proud to offer a large amount of Prevail products. The variety of these products is impressive and includes adult briefs and diapers, bariatric products, youth briefs, baby diapers, protective underwear, adult pull-ups, underpads, liners, pads and wipes. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular and products that offer the best coverage and exclusive features.

Our most popular Prevail product is the Extra Adult Pull-Up. It is the perfect product for those that want the look and feel of underwear with great absorbency and protection. These pull-ups also feature Skin Smart™ Fabric, Odor Guard™ and a Stay-Dry strip. This product, and other Prevail items, can be ordered as a sample to find the perfect fit.

Another great and unique Prevail product are the Boxers for Men. These boxers are similar to regular pairs, but are absorbent and disposable. Perfect for those who miss the air-flow provided by boxers, these items feature a built-in pad designed for maximum absorbency.

Prevail’s Breezers are different because of their breathable, cloth-like outer fabric. More air-flow to the area is idea for keeping skin healthy and happy. And the Easy Lock Fastening Strips create a custom fit that conforms to your body.

One of the newer Prevail items are the Per-Fits for Men and Women. Each of these is specifically designed for each gender. The men’s have a printed waistband and male-specific dimensions that make for a more comfortable and discreet fit. The women’s has, of course, female-specific dimensions and a light lavender color.

Do you have a particular favorite Prevail product? Or is there a certain feature you’re looking for? Feel free to comment below.

An Updated List of Businesses That Offer Senior Discounts

Posted by on November 10, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Senior Savings

A quick Internet search for “senior discounts” leads to many pages with long lists of businesses that offer them. But many of those lists are outdated, or claim to offer a discount for all stores when it’s really just a local business that provides that coupon. In an effort to get more accurate information, TotalHomeCareSupplies.com has checked on all the businesses mentioned below. If the information wasn’t available on the company’s website, we reached out to them via social media. We can’t guarantee any of these offers, but we have tried our best to create an accurate list. Be sure to bookmark this page as we will be adding more discounts as we find them!

And don’t forget, you can find great savings on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com, no matter your age! Check out our Promotions page for our current coupons.

*Note: Each link will take you to either the business’ home page, or the page that lists their senior discount, if that exists.

Cell Phone Plans:

  • Sprint – Sprint offers several phones that are easy to use for customers with hearing or vision loss, along with a “smartphone experience” offer called “Active Senior ID pack.”
  • AT&T – Their Senior Nation 200 plans are dependent on your location.
  • Jitterbug – Senior friendly phones and plans, starting at $15/month.
  • Verizon – Nationwide 65 Plus Plans: 200 anytime minutes for $29.99/month.

Restaurants:

  • Perkins – 55 Plus All Day Breakfast, and discounts on lunch and dinner. Every day.
  • Shoney’s – “The Shoney’s Golden Age Club is exclusively for adults age 60 and older. Shoney’s Golden Age Club Discount Card entitles you to a 10% discount on all regular menu items.”
  • Bob’s Big Boy – Discounts vary by location, but in general should be around 10% off for those 55 and over.
  • Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes: Family Friendly Salad Bar & Buffet – We asked on Twitter about their senior discounts, and received this answer: “Mon-Thurs from 2-5pm, Ages 60+ can a meal for $7.49 & that includes a drink! During other times, they can receive 10% off.”
  • Country Kitchen – Offers a “Senior and Lighter Fare Menu: For our special guest 55 and over and those with lighter appetites.”
  • Boston Market – We checked in with Boston Market about their senior discount policy and received this answer: “Boston Market offers a 10% discount to all seniors for food, though this promotion is not valid for catering orders.” Over 65.
  • Arby’s – We checked in with Arby’s and received this answer: “Senior discounts may vary by area/location, therefore please be sure to call and check with your local Arby’s restaurant for this information.”
  • Fazoli’s – Smaller portions with a side salad for seniors.
  • Ponderosa Steakhouse – Ponderosa has a special senior menu.
  • Golden Corral – Senior Early Bird Special, M-F 2-4PM, 60+, for $7.49
  • Denny’s – Offers a discounted over 55 menu, and AARP members save 15% on their entire check every day.
  • Carrows – Carrows has a “Golden 55” menu: “Value-priced entrees for our guests 55 and above.”
  • Subway – Most locations offer a 10% discount for those over 60, that cannot be combined with another offer.
  • CiCi’s Pizza – From their FAQs, regarding senior discounts: “Many of our stores do offer discounts. However, since most of our stores are individually owned, discounts vary from location to location. We suggest contacting your local CiCi’s to inquire about discounts offered at their specific store.”
  • IHOP – Guests over 55 can enjoy special senior meals at special prices.
  • The Old Spaghetti Factory – Offers a senior menu. “Our senior Complete Meal offers a smaller-portioned entree served with hot fresh baked bread, soup or a crisp green salad with a choice of dressing, coffee, hot tea, iced tea or milk, and our signature spumoni ice cream for dessert.”
  • Bennigan’s – We checked in with Bennigan’s about senior savings and received this answer: “Some locations might, but we do not have a SS [senior savings] deal across the board.”
  • Ben & Jerry’s – We checked in with Ben & Jerry’s and received this answer: “Some of our scoop shops may do that. Most of them are independently owned, and it’s their call on discounts like this. Thanks.”
  • Sizzler – Offers an “Honored Guest” menu, for ages 60 & over.
  • Corky’s Homestyle Kitchen & Bakery – Features a Senior Frequent Diner Club Card and a Senior Menu.

Automotive:

  • Pep Boys – “Pep Boys provides a 10% discount every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for customers 55 or older with valid ID. Offer available in store only.”
  • Oil Express – The Cincinnati area Oil Expresses offer a senior citizen special: AARP and American Seniors Association members save 25% on Wednesdays and Sundays. Coupon necessary.
  • Jiffy Lube – “Some Jiffy Lube® service centers offer a senior citizens’ discount, but this discount varies from region to region. Please call ahead to your local Jiffy Lube® to determine if a discount is available. For contact information, use the Find A Location link at the top of every page.”
  • Midaway Pro Auto, Inc. in Chicago – They encourage you to ask about their senior discounts.
  • AAA – Offers numerous traffic safety and educational programs such as: Online Training Courses, Senior Mobility Expos and Events, and Senior Educational Resources

Home and Garden:

  • Armstrong Garden Centers – “Senior Day: Save 10% on all regular-priced merchandise every Wednesday if you’re at least 60 years old. Sod, gift cards and sale prices excluded.”
  • Sky Nursery – Based in Seattle. “Every Wednesday is Senior Day! To honor our senior gardeners, we offer a 10% discount on all regularly priced store merchandise and plants. Sorry, sale items, bulk delivery and gift cards are not included. Cannot be combined with coupons.”

Hotels:

  • Holiday Inn – “Seniors enjoy a leisurely and comfortable atmosphere at our hotels, and if you are 62 years of age or older you will also enjoy our Senior Discount.”
  • Marriott Hotels – Those over 62 can save 15% or more on their stay.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites – “Seniors save up to 10%.” Ages 65+. “ust book online and indicate that you’re using the Seniors Rate, and make sure to bring your valid ID when you check in. And get ready to smile about all the great amenities we’re known for — a free hot breakfast, a clean and fresh Hampton bed®, our trademark friendly service and so much more, all backed by the 100% Hampton Guarantee®.”
  • Best Western – “AARP® members and guests 55 and older receive senior discounts on room rates at Best Western hotels around the world.”
  • Hyatt Hotels – Senior Citizen Travel Rates: “Seniors save up to 50% on our Hyatt Daily Rate at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts in the continental U.S. and Canada.”
  • Choice Hotels – “If you are 60+ or an AARP member, you’ll save up to 10% with advance reservations. Just request the Senior Rate* when you call 800-4CHOICE (800-424-6423).”
  • Myrtle Beach Resorts – “We are happy to provide our senior citizens a 10% Discount on Most Daily and Weekly Rates for condominiums rented and occupied by persons over 55 years.”
  • Motel 6 – We asked Motel 6 about their senior discounts, and received this response: “Motel 6 still offers a 60plus senior discount.”

Entertainment:

  • Cinemark – “Seniors Day – All Day on Participating Day, Any Movie, Any Showtime. One film/showtime per ticket purchased. Each ticket purchased for Seniors Day showings are at the Seniors Day discount price. RealD 3D showtimes – Seniors Day price plus Premium. Seniors Day Price not valid for Cinemark XD, Xtreme, IMAX and Special Engagements.” At participating locations.
  • AMC Theaters – Those over 60 can purchase Senior Discount tickets, the amount discounted varies by location.
  • USGS – Those over 62 can obtain a “Senior Pass” – “A $10.00 lifetime pass that provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies, with up to 100% of the proceeds being used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services.” There are also additional benefits.
  • Regal Cinemas – “Regal Entertainment Group’s policy for a Senior Citizen’s ticket is age 60 and over.”
  • Aquarium of the Pacific – Seniors over 62 receive between a $3 to $4 discount for different types of tickets, and that discount can be combined with 10% off when using your AAA card.
  • Town and Country Bowling Lanes in Oregon – This alley has Senior Leagues and discounts.
  • ArcLight Cinemas – Those over 60 usually save about $1.25 on their tickets, at all times.
  • Ripley’s Believe It or Not – “If you are over 55, buy one ticket to any of our St. Augustine Ripley Attractions and get one for $10!”

Retail Stores:

  • Bealls – “Every Tuesday: 50 & Fabulous. If you are 50 years or better save an extra 15% in-store only.” They do say ID is required.
  • Belk’s – On the first Tuesday of every month, seniors 55+ enjoy “exclusive savings.”
  • CJ Banks | Christopher & Banks – We asked CJ Banks about their senior discounts, and received this response: “We offer a 55+ Advantage discount of 10% on Wednesdays that is valid in both our Christopher & Banks and CJ Banks stores.”
  • Kohl’s – Every Wednesday, 15% off for those over 60. They ask you have identification.
  • Banana Republic: We checked in with Banana Republic and received this answer: “Customers 62 + can receive a 10% discount in stores. This discount cannot be combined with other offers.”
  • Goodwill – Each store offers different discounts, but generally it’s around a 15% discount everyday, with extra savings one day a week.
  • Hallmark – We asked Hallmark about their senior discounts, and received this response: “Most of our stores are independently owned, so that would be a decision made at store level.” So be sure to check your local Hallmark.
  • Kmart – We asked Kmart about their senior discounts, and received this response: “Discounts in that capacity are offered on an individual store level. Please contact your local store for details.”

Groceries:

  • Albertsons – We checked in with Albertsons and received this answer: “Certain select locations do offer a Senior Discount on the first Wednesday of every month. We recommend that our customers check with their local store to see if the discount is offered.”
  • Entenmann’s – Depending on the location, most Entenmann’s Bakery Outlets have one or two senior discount days for those over 60. See your local outlet for details.
  • Fry’s Food Stores – We asked Fry’s about their senior discounts, and received this response: “We offer a senior discount of 10% on the first Wednesday of every month for ‘Senior Day.'”
  • Gristedes – We asked Gristedes about their senior discounts, and received this response: “Some of our stores do, but not all of them.” So be sure to check in with your neighborhood store to find out.
  • Harris Teeter – “Club 60 – Every Thursday we offer seniors 60 and older a 5% Discount!”
  • Hy-Vee – Some stores have Senior Citizen Club cards where those 55 and over can receive 5% off during a day of the week (day varies by location).
  • Kroger – Kroger recently made changes to their senior discount policy. For many stores, the discounts are now on a weekly schedule instead of monthly, and are generally around 5%.
  • Publix – We asked Publix about their senior discounts, and received this response: “We offer senior discounts in our stores in TN, NC and northern parts of AL, SC and GA on Wed. for customers 60 and older.”
  • Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace – “To show our appreciation to all of our valued senior customers, Uncle Giuseppe’s gives a special 5% discount every Wednesday to customers 65 and over! Excludes sale items and catering.”
  • Safeway – We asked Safeway about their senior discounts, and received this response: “[A senior] discount may vary from store to store. We recommend contacting your local store for more information.”

Travelling:

  • Greyhound – “Greyhound passengers age 62 and older may request a 5 percent discount on unrestricted passenger fares. Appropriate ID may be required.”
  • Amtrak – “Amtrak travelers 62 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 15% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains.”
  • American Airlines – “American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® may offer Senior Fares in some domestic markets for seniors 65 years or older. For further information, please call American Airlines Reservations at 1-800-433-7300.”
  • United Airlines – “United offers senior fares to selected travel destinations for passengers who are 65 and older. Ask for more details on these great fares when you make your reservation or select the seniors (age 65 and older) category when you make your booking on united.com.”
  • Southwest Airlines – “Travelers 65 years of age or over may get details on fares, limitations, and any restrictions regarding reservations on southwest.com from a Southwest Airlines Customer Representative or a travel agent. Fares are subject to change until tickets are purchased, but Senior Fares are fully refundable.” More details available – click on link to see them.
  • Alamo – We asked Alamo about their senior discounts, and received this response: “Alamo currently offers senior benefits through select organizations.”
  • Hertz – Special deals are available for 50 Plus Renters.
  • Metro – The public transportation system in Los Angeles offers seniors up to an 80% discount on their fares.

Fitness:

Drug Stores:

  • Rite Aid – Offers a whole wellness65+ program, that has 20% off in-store and online on Wednesdays.
  • Walgreens – Once a month, Walgreens offers a 20% discount day to those over 55.
  • CVS – Veterans “Save 20% every time you shop online at CVS.com and in store at your local CVS/pharmacy. You’ll also receive FREE shipping on your online orders” “You’re eligible to receive Veterans Advantage discounts if you’ve served in any branch of service or during any period of service, both wartime and peacetime. Next of kin — spouse, mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter — also can join.”

Hair Care:

  • Great Clips – We asked Great Clips about their senior discounts, and received this response: “Many Great Clips salons offer senior discounts. The owner would set their policy.”

Respiratory Care Week

Posted by on October 22, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Tips on how to honor RTs out there

We are in the middle of Respiratory Care Week, a week to honor respiratory therapists and the amazing work they do. Here are some tips on how to celebrate:

Learn more about RTs and COPD
A respiratory therapist (RT) is a board certified doctor who specializes in the field of cardiology (the heart) and pulmonology (the lungs). They can be found in emergency rooms and intensive care units, keeping patients breathing and alive. They can also be found in clinics, helping patients manager their COPD, asthma or other symptoms related to breathing. COPD stands for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which creates chronically poor air flow to the lungs.

If you’re an RT, take out you
Hopefully, your company or colleagues are celebrating you. But whether or not they are, you should take a moment to congratulate yourself. Another year has gone by where you have saved lives, helped people breathe easier, taught them how to take care of themselves. You worked hard to get where you are. Why not pat yourself on the back in the form of a dinner on the town?

If you’ve benefitted from an RT, tell your story, even anonymously
You may not be ready or comfortable with calling out your RT on your Facebook page and telling your story of how they helped you. But in some way, it’s nice to put those positive thoughts out into the universe. So feel free to comment here (you don’t need to use your full name) or send a thank you postcard to your clinic. It’s a great feeling to recognize someone for the work they’ve done!

Image from https://www.aarc.org/rcweek 

Introducing TotalHomeCareBaby: Diapers, Wipes and More

Posted by on April 3, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

THCBabyBannerHome-Delivered Baby Diapers, Baby Wipes, Breast Pumps & More

We love babies. That’s why TotalHomeCare is expanding our home care supply service to help meet the needs of parents and babies. Beginning this week, TotalHomeCare now carries a full line of home-delivered baby diapers, baby wipes, breastfeeding products and more. As always, shipping is completely free on all orders over $40!

We know that quality and reliability is important for parents. At TotalHomeCareBaby, you can find high quality baby products that offer exceptional performance and comfort at a reasonable price. All baby products come packaged in discreet, unmarked boxes for customer privacy.

Baby Diapers

CutiesBabyDiapers

Cuties Baby Diapers on sale at TotalHomeCare: fast, free shipping

Surround your baby with exceptional leakage protection, a secure stretch fit and ultra-soft comfort with Cuties Baby Diapers. In third-party tests against leading name brands, Cuties Baby Diapers are overwhelmingly preferred by parents. Made with premium materials, Cuties Diapers feature a soft, stretchable waist and flexible side panels that move with baby to help prevent leaks.Cuties baby diapers are free from dyes and perfumes, and the extra soft, hypoallergenic liner is enriched with Aloe, Chamomile and Vitamin E to protect new baby skin. All Cuties Baby Diapers ship for free, right to your front door!

For parents who prefer to try before they buy, we offer Cuties Baby Diaper Sample Packs in each diaper size. Each Cuties Baby Diaper Sample pack comes with 2 diapers per pack and a $9 coupon off your next order.

Baby Wipes & Pads

CutiesWipes

Premium Cuties Baby Wipes for Sensitive Skin: unscented, hypoallergenic cleanser with Aloe and Vitamin E

Protect your baby’s soft bottom with Quilted Cuties Baby Wipes for Sensitive Skin. Super strong and super soft, Cuties Baby Wipes are enriched with a touch of aloe and vitamin E to promote skin health. Thick and cushiony, these hypoallergenic textured baby wipes can handle the toughest cleanups while remaining gentle on baby’s skin. Looking for extra wetness protection? Keep your baby’s crib, changing table and other surfaces dry with soft and absorbent Prevail Fluff Underpads. A soft, yet strong cloth-like top sheet wicks moisture away, while the embossed backing helps keep the underpad securely in place.

Breast Pumps and Breastfeeding Accessories

BreastPumps

Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump and Accessories on sale at TotalHomeCare

Ameda has been a hospital-trusted brand for more than 70 years, and Ameda breast pumps are one of the best breast pumps available today. Easy and effective, the Ameda Purely Yours Double Electric Breast Pump is comfortable, lightweight and portable. The Purely Yours Breast Pump combines innovative technology with comfortable, user-friendly features. We also offer Ameda CustomFit Breast Flanges for the most comfortable and effective fit. NoShow Premium Nursing Pads prevent leaks better than other premium brands with their wick-away design, superior absorbency and unique triangular shape for any bra style. Store’N Pour Breast Milk Storage Bags and Breast Milk Storage Bottles are 100% BPA-free and freezer safe, and they are fully compatible with the Ameda Purely Yours Double Electric Breast Pump. For pumping on the go, the Ameda Breast Pump Car Adapter increases your flexibility to pump while traveling and fits all standard vehicles.

Low, Competitive Prices

We purchase directly from the manufacturers in bulk and pass the savings on to you. All baby diapers are delivered in case quantity, so that we can offer you the lowest price possible. With fast, free shipping and superior customer service, TotalHomeCare makes it easy for parents to save time and money from the convenience of home. Spend more time with little ones and less time and money driving to the store; try our door-to-door diaper delivery service today.

Care More.  Spend Less.  TotalHomeCareSupplies.com

Incontinence Products Made In the USA

Posted by on March 5, 2014 under Resources | 6 Comments to Read

Made In USAMade In The USA

Total Home Care Supplies is proud to sell products made in the U.S.A. by one of the nation’s leading incontinence product manufacturers: First Quality. First Quality is the manufacturer of all Prevail incontinence supplies, NuFit and PerFit diapers, Cuties baby diapers and more. All Prevail and First Quality products are proudly made 100% in the U.S.A. by over 3,000 First Quality employees.

SustainabilityAmerica the Beautiful

First Quality is also committed to protecting their employees and communities by improving our environment. Their sustainability initiatives continue to lead the industry, and they are continually continuously evaluating ways to produce quality products with fewer resources. Their sustainability mission is to “Do More With Less.”

To accomplish this, First Quality has committed to reducing their energy consumption, water consumption and carbon footprint at least 15% by 2016. They are also committed to achieving 0% landfill waste by 2016.  Currently more than 90% of the raw materials used in First Quality products end up in the finished products, and the remaining materials are recycled.

Some of their sustainability accomplishments include tracking the complete carbon footprint of every product they manufacture, and implementing software that tracks First Quality’s carbon emissions (greenhouse gases), their sustainability initiatives in water conservation, and their energy reduction and waste reduction initiatives.

To shop our full line of Prevail and First Quality incontinence supplies, including adult diapers, youth and baby diapers, liners and pads, washcloths and more, visit the TotalHomeCareSupplies web store.

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Former NBC News Anchor Tom Brokaw Reveals Bone Cancer Diagnosis

Posted by on February 13, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Cleared for release by Joint Staff Public Affairs

Tom Brokaw in Treatment for Multiple Myeloma

On Tuesday night, the NBC network announced that former news anchor Tom Brokaw is being treated for a form of bone cancer called multiple myeloma.

The 74-year-old iconic news anchor was diagnosed in August of 2013 at the Mayo Clinic, and has continued to work on NBC News projects while quietly undergoing treatment.

In the announcement, the network stated that “His doctors are optimistic about the outcome of the treatment he is receiving, and Brokaw said he remains ‘the luckiest guy I know.’

Brokaw began working at NBC News in 1966, moving to the co-anchor position in 1982, and taking over sole anchor position in 1983. He worked as anchor chair of the “NBC Nightly News” from 1982 through December 2004. Since his retirement from anchor chair, he has continued to work as a special correspondent for the network. His special assignments include a 2hr documentary on the assassination of JFK, appearances on ‘TODAY,’ ‘Nightly News with Brian Williams,’ ‘Meet the Press’ and MSNBC, and he is currently contributing to NBC’s coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Tom Brokaw has been an NBC News icon, reporting on major world events for more than twenty years, including the Challenger disaster, the EDSA Revolution (Phillipine Revolution of 1986), the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the fall of the Berlin wall and the September 11,2001 attacks.

What Is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple Myeloma is a cancer that develops from abnormal or malignant plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies, and they play an important role in our immune system response. Plasma is primarily formed in bone marrow, along with other white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Multiple myeloma is also referred to as a bone marrow disease or “bone cancer,” placing it in the same family as leukemia and lymphoma.

In multiple myeloma, the abnormal plasma cells multiply in bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. Over time, excessive plasma cells release damaging levels of a certain protein (immunoglobulin) into the bones and blood. As the protein builds up in the body, it causes organ damage.

The cancerous plasma cells also cause pain and damage inside bones. In addition to crowding out normal blood cells, they release chemicals that tell the body to dissolve certain areas of bone. These weak and painful bone areas are called lytic lesions. As the disease progresses, excessive plasma cells spill out of the bone marrow and deposit in other areas of the body, causing further organ damage.

After non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma is the second most common cancer of the blood, bone marrow or lymph nodes in the U.S., representing 1% of all cancers.

Multiple Myeloma Causes and Symptoms

Mulitple myeloma causes are currently unknown. The disease begins with few to no symptoms.  As it progresses, the accumulation of plasma cells in bones causes several symptoms, including:

  • Bone pain
  • Weakness and fatigue (due to anemia)
  • Weight loss
  • Confusion
  • Excessive thirst
  • Constipation (due to hypercalcemia)
  • Kidney problems
  • Infections (due to non-functioning immunoglobulin)
  • Purplish lumps under the skin (extramedullary plasmacytomas)

Multiple Myeloma Prognosis

Although there is no known cure for multiple myeloma, the disease is highly treatable. With conventional treatment, the median survival rate is 3–4 years, and with advanced treatment the median survival rate stretches to 5–7 years and beyond.

The first signs of multiple myeloma are normally found through tests of blood and/or urine that come back as abnormal. Abnormal blood test results that suggest multiple myeloma may include: high protein levels in blood and urine combined with low albumin levels, high levels of blood calcium, anemia, and elevated creatinine (indicating impaired kidney function).

Find A Doctor

If you are concerned about symptoms of multiple myeloma in yourself or a loved one, please speak with your primary care physician or a health professional. To find a doctor in your area, visit:

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Fun Fact of the Day

Posted by on under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Ordering Adult Diapers From HomeFun fact of the day.

Do you know that you can order diapers from the safety of your bed?  Did you know you can even order order adult diapers from the safety of your bed with the power out?

True fun fact.  Well, the ‘fun’ part of that fact is not ideal, but the rest of the statement is 100% accurate and true.

TotalHomeCareSupplies.com offers a wide range of incontinence supplies with fast free discreet shipping.  With weather like a nor’easter, don’t worry about going to a chain pharmacy store that is already going to have inflated prices. But with rain coming at you sideways, do you really want to take a case of diapers from the store to your car to your house?  Let the guy in the UPS uniform do that for you.

UPS Delivers on Time Despite Mother Nature

It’s true, UPS does deliver in all weather.  Don’t believe me, read this.  In fact, UPS has 5 full time weather forecasters on staff. I am sure at least one them is a meteorologist.  I wouldn’t know, I am just a guy who sells adult diapers on the internet, but I take their word for it.

At Total Home Care Supplies, our website is open 24/7 for your needs.  We ship our products from various distribution centers across the country.  95% of our orders ship the same business day. So whatever you do, don’t go out into the cold for some adult diapers.  Instead, click on the shop link at the top of this page and stay warm and cozy.

Care More. Spend Less at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com