Category Archives: Resources

Why Is Everyone Turning Their Facebook Profile Purple?

Posted by Brooke Phillips on February 4, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Today is World Cancer Day! This February 4th around the globe, communities are coming together to celebrate hope with cancer fighters and survivors everywhere.

Have you noticed friends turning their Facebook profile pictures purple? Purple is the color of hope in the fight against cancer – and companies, organizations and individuals across social media are tinting their profile pictures purple to show their support. Chevrolet will generously donate up to $1,000,000 to the American Cancer Society today: $1 for every individual who turns their profile purple through their “Purple Roads” app. (like with many Facebook apps, permissions are required – so be sure to read the requirements first.) Click here for Chevrolet’s 2014 Super Bowl commercial supporting World Cancer Day.

This year’s focus on World Cancer Day is debunking the myths that surround cancer:

Myth: “We don’t need to talk about cancer.” Fact: Talking about cancer can be difficult, but it is extremely important. Openly discussing cancer increases understanding and support for those battling the disease. It also drives funding and research that ultimately improves cancer outcomes.
Myth: “There are no signs or symptoms of cancer.” Fact: Signs and symptoms are present for many different cancers, which makes symptom awareness extremely important. Screenings and early detection have a profound impact on the cancer survival rate.
Myth: “There’s nothing I can do about cancer.” Fact: With healthy lifestyle choices and appropriate cancer screening, one third of the most common cancers can be prevented! Quitting smoking, making healthy food choices, maintaining a healthy body weight and getting enough exercise can significantly reduce the risk of many cancers
Myth: “I don’t have the right to cancer care.” Fact: Absolutely everyone has the right to quality cancer treatment and care, no matter our age or income level. The American Cancer Society is dedicated to fighting cancer worldwide.

Cancer touches all of us. Many of TotalHomeCareSupplies’ customers, staff and family members are cancer fighters and survivors, and we are proud to celebrate hope together today. For resources and support, visit the American Cancer Society and the Total Home Care Supplies blog. For low cost, high quality products that support your medical supply needs, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

Fish Oil Supplements May Increase Brain Mass, Protect Against Alzheimers

Posted by Brooke Phillips on January 24, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Long-Term Study Links Omega-3s and Brain Health

A recently released study by the University of South Dakota shows a strong link between fish oil supplements and reduced risk of Alzheimer’s. According to their research, people with higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids have larger brain volume. This discovery is particularly exciting because shrinking brain volume among the elderly is frequently associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

The eight-year study involved more than 1,100 post-menopausal women who gave blood samples and underwent MRI scans to study their brain volumes. Researchers studied the correlation between omega-3s and brain volume, since the human brain is known to be rich in DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids. Fish and fish oil are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, although they can be found in a few plant-based sources as well, such as flax seeds and chia seeds.

Not only did women with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood have greater brain mass, but the volume was noticeably increased in the hippocampus – a region of the brain that is directly related to the progression of dementia.

For more information, visit FoxNews.com/Health.

Alzheimers and Incontinence

Over time, the damage to the brain caused by Dementia and Alzheimer’s disrupts the signals sent to the central nervous system and to the bladder and bowels. As the disease progresses, these faulty signals eventually lead to urinary and fecal incontinence.

For many people, discussing incontinence and incontinence products can be embarrassing or even shameful. However, with proper management, the lives of those affected – and their caregivers – can greatly improve. Proper management includes finding the right product to meet your loved one’s needs. There are many products available to help contain urine and feces while protecting tender skin and preserving dignity.

To learn more about the incontinence products we offer, visit our Bladder Matters Blog, or visit the Total Home Care Supplies Web Store.

RELATED: Types of Incontinence
RELATED: Breastfeeding May Reduce Alzheimers Risk in Mothers

Senior Texting Code

Posted by Brooke Phillips on January 17, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

With more and more seniors texting and tweeting, a STC (Senior Texting Code) has started to develop! Don’t miss the new lingo…

Have we missed any? Let us know!

Home Health Care Products & Supplies

Posted by Brooke Phillips on January 14, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Name Brand Home Health Care Products & Supplies at Discount Prices

Rest assured, you’ve come to the right place for your medical supply needs. Total Home Care Supplies is a trusted retailer of high quality, low cost home health care supplies. We offer thousands of top-selling incontinence supplies, ostomy products, urological supplies, wound care supplies and home health care accessories at discount prices. Best selling brands include Prevail, Hollister, Coloplast, ConvaTec, Bard, Urocare, Kendall, 3M, Depend, Poise and many more. Our best-selling products include adult diapers and briefs, 1 piece and 2 piece drainable and closed end ostomy bags, foley and intermittent catheters, foam dressings and bandages, skin care products and much more.

How do we keep our prices low? We purchase directly from the manufacturers in bulk and pass the savings on to you. With Total Home Care Supplies, you can count on fast, free, discreet shipping, everyday low prices and superior customer service. All home health 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 shipping is completely free on all orders over $40.

Who We Are:

Total Home Care Supplies is an independently owned company backed by more than 50 years of experience in the disposable medical supplies business. This means you can expect reliability and expertise from knowledgeable people who care. Our goal is to provide you with low, competitive prices, superior customer service, and discreet door-to-door shipping – so that you can count on finding all the home health care products & supplies you need for the best value.

First time shopping with us? Our website has been recognized for exceptional customer service with the 2013 Bizrate® Circle of Excellence Award. Bizrate’s customer feedback and ratings platform helps shoppers identify which online companies they can trust. Read our latest verified customer reviews here.

How To Apply A Male External Catheter

Posted by Brooke Phillips on January 13, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

A male external catheter – also known as a condom catheter or texas catheter – is a simple, widely used product for managing incontinence. Unlike the internal catheters often used during hospital stays, external catheters for male incontinence do not enter the urethra. These carefully-designed latex and latex-free devices are applied over the penis like a condom, and urine drains through tubing into a collecting bag. They can be worn discreetly under clothing, and may be used throughout the day or only at night, if preferred.

Not all male external catheters are the same, and you may need to try several different types before deciding which style best meets your needs. They come in different materials and sizes, and with different features – such as with and without adhesive.

Male External Catheter Application

For the best experience, it is important to have the right size and fit. It’s also very important to prepare the skin and apply the condom catheter correctly. The following information will help you wear the device more comfortably and help you get the most wear time from each catheter.

Here are the five steps for male external catheter application:

Prepare Skin. Wash your penis and blot dry. Skin must be clean and dry before application, free from oils and moisturizers. A skin protectant spray or skin protectant wipe is optional, and may be used for added protection and comfort. If a skin protectant is used, allow it to fully dry until it is slick and smooth. If necessary, trim any pubic hair that might get caught as the condom catheter is rolled to the base of the penis.
Select a Size. Make sure you are using the correct size by measuring both circumference and length. All manufacturers of male external catheters have a measuring guide to help you select the appropriate size. With Hollister’s condom catheter sizing guide, place the notch area just behind the glans and select the size that most closely fits. If you measure between two sizes, choose the larger of the two. For best results, ask your primary care physician to recommend a nurse specialist with experience in sizing and teaching men to use condom catheters.
Leave a Gap. Use your non-dominant hand to grasp the penis at a 90-degree angle along the shaft, and with your dominant hand place the rolled condom sheath over the tip of the penis. Be sure to leave a small gap (at least 1/2 inch) at the end of the condom catheter to allow for free flow of urine. The end of the condom catheter should not touch the tip of the penis.
Apply the Catheter. Unroll the sheath slowly and smoothly, pressing the condom against your skin as you roll. When the condom is completely unrolled, gently squeeze the catheter around the penis shaft for ten to fifteen seconds to eliminate air bubbles and ensure adhesion. If there are many wrinkles in the sheath, the condom catheter may be too large. In some instances, the condom catheter may not fully unroll, leaving a roll of the condom at the base of the penis. To prevent pressure sores and to keep the catheter on securely, you should carefully snip the unused roll in several places, or remove it completely.
Connect the Bag. Connect the catheter to the urine collection system, such as a leg bag. Insert the plastic connector of the drainage tubing into the full length of the catheter tip. Make sure the condom catheter is not twisted while connecting the tubing. There should be a small pocket of air in the urine bag to prevent a vacuum from forming, which can cause backflow and leakage. When used during the day, empty the leg bag on a regular basis, when it is approximately two-thirds full. Smaller bags may be used during the day, for comfort and mobility, while a large capacity bag may be preferred overnight.

Male External Catheter Removal:

Condom catheters should be changed daily, and should not be worn for more than 24 hours. After each removal, inspect skin thoroughly to ensure skin integrity. To reduce the risk of skin irritation, allow skin to breathe for short periods between condom catheter changes.

To remove, detach the catheter from the urine collection system and carefully roll the catheter off. If needed, use warm water or adhesive remover to aid in the removal process. Wash skin thoroughly with warm water and soap. Dry skin thoroughly, inspect skin for irritation, then re-apply a new catheter when ready.

Find low cost male external catheters, tubing, leg bags and more urological supplies at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. We provide fast, discreet shipping, everyday low prices and superior customer service. All orders come packaged in discreet, unmarked boxes for customer privacy, and shipping is completely free on all orders over $40.

21 Fun Things To Do During A Snowstorm

Posted by Brooke Phillips on January 4, 2014 under Resources | Read the First Comment

With more than half the country covered in snow, and wind chills as low as 25 below zero in some areas, you may be looking to keep children and loved ones busy inside the house. Here’s a list of 21 fun, distracting, and challenging things to do during a snowstorm to keep you and your family safe, warm and entertained:

Work on that home improvement project you can never find time for. From rearranging a room to creating a picture wall, a home improvement project can exercise both your muscles and your creativity, while reinvigorating your home.
A snowstorm is the perfect time to catch up on your reading. Curl up under blankets with that novel you have been meaning to read, or bring favorite classics to life for children and seniors by reading them out loud one chapter at a time.
Write a short story or a poem, or begin your memoirs. This is the perfect time to jot down that story you have running through your head.
Play cards. Pull out that pack of cards for a game of solitaire, rummy, blackjack or your favorite card game. Play a family game of Uno, and make up a few extra family rules to add excitement.
Invite your neighbor over for hot chocolate or a cup of coffee, and make a new friend. If they’re an elderly neighbor, getting together for coffee can be a great way to check on them during the cold and snow.
Why not start learning a language, or refresh that rusty high-school Spanish? Load a language-learning program in your ipod or laptop to learn the basics, or download an audiobook for a refresher course.
When was the last time you looked through the pictures on your digital camera? Back them up to your favorite online album, or organize your photos for display or for gifts for loved ones.
Put your ipod on shuffle and re-discover your music collection. Is your music library old-school? Start building your digital music library by loading your favorite CDs onto your computer, or go online and find new music.
Share stories you haven’t told in a long time. Ask an older loved one about “the good old days”, or have children make up a story and see how creative they can get.
Exercise your brain! Do a crossword puzzle, or learn how to play Sudoku. For larger groups, play hangman, charades, or try a mind-challenging board games such as trivial pursuit.
Learn how to bake grandma’s favorite recipe, whether it’s cookies or your favorite cake. Baking can be a terrific snowstorm activity with children – and it makes your home smell delicious, too.
Take a nap! We live such a hectic lifestyle. Cuddle up under a blanket by the window for a long, well deserved nap.
Teach yourself something completely new. Whether it’s learning how to knit, how to paint, how to tie knots, or how to play an instrument, there are plenty of free online guides for just about every interest. For a more concrete guide, try one of the “For Dummies” books or a how-to book from your local library or bookstore.
Shovel early and often! Attempt to shovel every few hours, to keep the load light and help avoid serious back pain. Be neighborly and help your neighbors dig out, too – especially an elderly neighbor who may not have family to assist them.
Go sledding. Make a snowman. Have a snowball fight. Make a creative snow sculpture, or just take a walk outside to enjoy the beauty of the snowfall. Be sure to dress warmly, however, and don’t stray too far from home.
Dust off that stationary bike or treadmill, break out that old exercise video, and get some exercise. There’s no time like the present.
Find a large, flat surface and work together to assemble a puzzle. This calm, challenging activity can improve pattern and matching comprehension in people of all ages.
What’s your area of expertise? Become a teacher for the day. Teach a child or a friend something you know how to do well.
Take a leaf out of our children’s books and play hide and seek. Have a tickle fight. Have a pillow fight! Then build a fort with all of the pillows. This kind of physical play is good for grownups and children alike.
Make popcorn, and pop in a classic movie. Classics are endearing and entertaining for people of all ages, especially seniors and children.
Catch up on your online shopping! Find the right product online for yourself or a loved one who is struggling to manage incontinence. Reorder your medical supplies from the warmth of your home, and have them delivered safely and discreetly right to your snowy door.

For more information about home-delivered incontinence, ostomy, urological or wound care supplies, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

ABC Honors Military Veterans With “Home For The Holidays” Campaign

Posted by Brooke Phillips on December 20, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Do you support our military veterans? Then you won’t want to miss ABC’s “Home For The Holidays” Online Exclusive. Throughout the month of December, the ABC network is honoring our nation’s heroes with their annual “Home For The Holidays” campaign. Each year, ABC welcomes our military veterans home for the holidays by sharing holiday greetings from some of the network’s biggest stars. They’re also supporting Disney’s “Heroes Work Here” initiative – a company-wide commitment to hire, train and support returning veterans. Disney’s initiative recognizes the commitment and dedication of our military veterans and values the leadership skills gained through military service.

This year, ABC decided to expand the “Home For The Holidays” campaign to sponsor five short films written, directed and produced by talented U.S. veterans. Each digital short is centered around the theme of military veterans coming home for the holidays, and their veteran creators were mentored through the filmmaking process by experienced teams from ABC. For added starpower, the Grammy-award winning country group Lady Antebellum recorded the official anthem of the “Home For The Holidays” campaign!

Here’s the first of the five stories, told by U.S. Army First Lieutenant Donna Bachler:

To see more film shorts and to learn about the veterans behind them, visit ABC’s “Home For The Holidays” Online Exlusive.

On behalf of Total Home Care Supplies, we would like to thank all U.S. veterans for their service to this great nation. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season. Welcome Home!

Celebrating Veterans Day 2013

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

On behalf of the Total Home Care Supplies team, we would like to say THANK YOU to all of our nation’s veterans and their families! We are proud to honor and support the veterans of our armed forces, today and every day.

To learn more about the history of Veterans Day, or to find a Veterans Day community celebration near you, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Walk Off Your Breast Cancer Risk

Posted by Brooke Phillips on October 22, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

The results are in! Moderate physical activity, such as walking, can substantially reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. Recent results of a large long-term study by the American Cancer Society support a strong correlation between physical activity and postmenopausal breast cancer risk. Scientists have been collecting evidence for some time that exercise reduces the risk of many types of cancer; the question is, how much exercise is enough?

Over a 17 year study of 73,615 women, researchers found that just an hour a day of moderate physical activity – such as walking – reduced risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women by 14%. That’s not all: more vigorous activity was linked with a 25% lower risk of breast cancer compared with those who exercised 3 or fewer hours per week.

Current health guidelines for adults recommend at least 150 minutes, or 2 ½ hours per week, of moderate intensity exercise. Less that half of U.S. women currently achieve these minimum activity levels. Yet surveys indicate that more than 60% of women report walking daily. By increasing this leisure-time activity to an hour a day, post-menopausal women can measurably reduce their breast cancer risk compared with those who exercise 3 or fewer hours per week.

Post-menopausal women are the age group most likely to develop breast cancer. Approximately one out of every eight women in the U.S. will develop malignant breast cancer in her lifetime, and the risk increases with age. Although a person can be diagnosed with breast cancer at any age, 2 out of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women aged 55 and older.

For more information about breast cancer signs, symptoms and treatment options, visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website, the American Cancer Society, Mayo Clinic, and Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

10 Essential Health Benefits of Cranberries

Posted by Brooke Phillips on October 18, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Cranberries are a familiar part of the American Thanksgiving feast – perhaps because they have also been used in a medicinal manner for centuries. A North American native, the cranberry is a tart, hardy little fruit that packs a serious antioxidant punch. Native Americans treated a variety of illnesses with cranberry preparations, including bladder infections and infected wounds. Pilgrims and other early settlers ate cranberries to treat and prevent scurvy. See these 10 powerful health benefits of cranberries:

1. Treats Urinary Tract Infections. In clinical studies, cranberries have been shown to help prevent E. coli from sticking to other bacteria and adhering to the urinary tract, making it easier for the body to naturally flush out.

2. Fights Cancers. Cranberries are a potent source of the flavonoid quercetin. Quercetin is being studied for its potential ability to inhibit the development of both breast and colon cancers. Recent studies suggest that quercetin can slow the growth of cancer cells.

3. Fights Heart Disease. The antioxidant quercetin appears to have anti-inflammatory properties. Some early studies suggest that it can help protect against heart attack and strokes.

4. Helps Kidney & Bladder Problems. The urinary tract is composed of kidneys, ureters, the bladder and the urethra. By helping prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract, cranberries help keep the entire system healthy.

5. Prevents Dental Problems. Cranberries have been found to decrease the production of cavity and plaque-producing bacteria in your mouth. The compound proanthocyanidine found in cranberries prevents plaque formation on teeth.

6. Prevents Peptic Stomach Ulcers. In the same way that cranberries prevent some species of bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, they are also believed to help keep H. pylori bacteria from adhering to the stomach lining. Cranberries are a source of antioxidant compounds called proanthocyanidins, which have been found in multiple studies to help eliminate H. pylori in people prone to stomach ulcers.

7. Anti-Aging Properties. Cranberries help fight aging both internally and externally. They are a rich source of antioxidants, which fight free radicals that cause damage to our cellular DNA. This cellular damage is responsible for the formation of wrinkles, redness and skin pigmentation. They’re also a source of vitamins A and C, which help with collagen production, and their beneficial acids help in exfoliation when applied topically.

8. Improves Mental Health. Numerous studies have shown that the antioxidants anthocyanin and quercetin and in cranberries help improve memory! See this article on how antioxidants benefit your health, or this article on the 5 best foods for your brain.

9. Strengthens the Immune System. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of cranberries worth together to strengthen the immune system response. Inflammation and free radical damage are both linked with increased risk for a wide range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, autoimmune diseases and much more.

10. Relieves Skin Conditions. The antiseptic properties of cranberries are an effective treatment for skin conditions such as acne and boils. Cranberries rich in resveratrol, an antioxidant that has been shown to help minimize acne and pimples.

Cranberry Nutrients

Cranberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, as well las phytochemicals, dietary fiber and proanthocyanidins. They’re also an excellent source of vitamin C (which is why they proved effective against scurvy). Cranberries also contain beta carortene (which turns into vitamin A inside the body), vitamins B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B6, B9 (Folate), vitamin E and vitamin K. They’re loaded with many essential minerals as well, including magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, selenium, manganese, copper, zinc and potassium.