Links for the Ostomy Community

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on November 19, 2015 under Ostomy Care | Be the First to Comment

The ostomy community has come a long way since the Internet arrived. In the past, individuals did have books or group meetings, or when necessary, they could make an appointment with their WOCNs (wound, ostomy, continence nurses), but going through all that to talk about some minor skin issue was often more hassle than it was worth.

Now there are many sites where those with ostomies or those faced with the prospect of having one can learn, discuss and share. Take a look at the sites below, and comment if you have any you’d like us to add!

United Ostomy Association of America
The UOAA has a wealth of information, and there are smaller chapters all over the US. You can find online support as well as in-person!

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America
The CCFA supports those with these two different diseases during all stages, including when an individual has an ostomy. The CCFA supports the Take Steps fundraising challenge which everyone, including family and friends, can get involved in.

Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse Society
If you don’t have a regular WOCN you see, or you’ve moved, this site can help you find one in your area. There is also an entire section on patient information.

Youth Rally
Youth Rally is a great camp program that is for kids and teens with all types of bowel and bladder conditions.

Awestomy!
Awestomy is a site that sells undergarments for those with an ostomy. There’s also a blog, which hasn’t been updated recently, but contains great, fun information for those with an ostomy.

Inflamed and Untamed
Sara Ringer has moved past her ostomy to a j-pouch, but has chronicled her entire experience with IBD on her blog, and continues to be a supportive member of the ostomy community.

Dan Sharp
Dan Sharp is Sara Ringer’s boyfriend, and faces IBD himself. He is also very involved in the IBD community and is good for a laugh.

Four Easy Ways to Stay Healthy while Traveling

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on November 12, 2015 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Original post written by Leslie Gaillard for LiveConfidently.com

Whether you’re traveling by car, plane, or train this season, you are bound to encounter some obstacles in your path to staying healthy. However, a little preparation and forethought can go a long way to make your travel experience more enjoyable and healthy.

1. Stay Properly Hydrated

Staying properly hydrated especially during the hot summer months is important. Carry a reusable bottle (BPA-free) with you at all times that you can fill from a water fountain regularly. If you find water boring, spruce it up by adding a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon, lime, or orange. Avoid calorie-laden beverages like regular soda, sweet tea, and fruit drinks. It’s also best to limit your consumption of caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola, as these stimulate greater urine output and increase the potential for dehydration as well as incontinence for those who are susceptible.

2. Pack Healthy Snacks

Regardless of your method of travel, bring some healthy, non-perishable snacks like nuts, instant oatmeal packs (cook using heated water from coffee pot), high fiber granola bars, vacuum sealed pouches of tuna or wild salmon, lower sodium turkey jerky, and even some dried fruit. If you are traveling by car, you may want to also consider packing a cooler with some refreshing low or no calorie beverages along with some fresh fruit and vegetables. With these supplies, you are much less likely to be tempted by high calorie, high sodium foods at fast food or chain restaurants that you encounter along the highway.

3. Watch Out for Calories

When you do eat out in restaurants, steer clear of fried foods and those with high fat or creamy sauces. If a sandwich comes with mayonnaise or a dressing, ask for it on the side or order a low fat alternative like mustard. Look for restaurants that also post their calorie information online so you can make informed decisions prior to dining out. Most fast food and chain restaurants post their nutrition facts online or via smartphone applications, and some even make it available in the restaurant.

4. Get Moving

Stay physically fit during your travel and pack a pair of comfortable shoes. Traveling to new places is a great opportunity to get some extra exercise. Invest in a pedometer and watch your steps accumulate throughout the day. Book a hotel that has lots of interesting sights within walking distance; if your destination is one mile or less away, consider walking instead of taking another mode of transportation. Look into walking tours, parks, and even bikes that you can rent to make your vacation even more interesting and environmentally friendly as you embark on your next memorable summer outing.

How do you stay healthy while traveling? Head to our forum to share your thoughts with people just like you!

You can find the original article here.

National Hospice and Palliative Care Month 2015

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on November 5, 2015 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

The word “hospice” has received a bad rap, and, by association, palliative care. Many people think these words mean “the end of the line.” But that’s simply not true.

Hospice isn’t where people go just to die. Many true stories of those being serviced by a hospice show that hospice care is really about managing symptoms and creating a stable environment for the individual.

To gain perspective about how hospice can work for individuals, check out Moment of Life Made Possible by Hospice web site (though perhaps first grab a box of tissues – the life-affirming moments come fast and furious). Two of the stories featured on that site are not about the old idea of being put in a room until the time comes. Once of them, featuring a veteran and his journey on the Honor Flight, shows how hospice can make it possible for people to have that one last adventure. Another features a great-grandmother who is able to be stabilized by hospice before moving back home with her caregiver, who is also her granddaughter.

As for palliative care, while it also has been associated with end-of-life care, the idea here is to support not only an individual with a serious illness, but also the family. A special needs mom who writes the blog The Cute Syndrome put it like this: “[Palliative care] is fundamentally focused on living–living happily and comfortably despite on-going serious health challenges.”

Check out this great video with a perfect analogy. And happy National Hospsice and Palliative Care Month!

Adult Briefs with a Better Fit

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on October 29, 2015 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

One of the reasons that adult briefs leak is that they don’t fit well. But what can a person do if they’re between sizes, or if they’re just more active than their brief will allow?

We recommend trying Prevail’s Stretch Fit. The main difference in these briefs from others in the Prevail product line are the tabs. The tabs stretch, creating the perfect brief for individuals who find themselves between sizes. Stretchy side panels are easy to grab, pull and attach for an adjustable fit that is secure and comfortable. Additionally, these tabs are the Easy-Lock Fastener^® (ELF^®) type – they grip and hold without being sticky. The entire outer cover is a refasten zone, allowing for multiple tab refastening for improved fit, accurate sizing and cost savings through reduced waste.

These briefs also have many of the features that make Prevail briefs both convenient to use and trustworthy. They have a simple design on the front of the brief that discreetly lets the user or the caregiver know what size is of the brief. The Skin Smart^® Fabric on the inside of the brief is hypoallergenic and contains aloe, chamomile and vitamin E for skin wellness. Lastly, the cloth-like outer fabric on the outside of the brief means better air flow for the wearer, and makes the brief less likely to rustle when the wearer is moving.

Please keep in mind that Prevail is in the middle of a packaging change, and so your briefs may or may not arrive looking just like the package shown here. But please be assured that the product on the inside is the same quality as always!

Caregiving Blogs – October Highlight

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on October 8, 2015 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

As we get further into fall, we thought it might be a nice idea to highlight a few blogs that you can bookmark to read as you settle into your favorite comfy chair with a mug of cocoa.

Noah’s Dad
Noah’s parents were surprised when their son was born with Down’s Syndrome. Noah’s dad, Rick, immediately started journaling their story. The blog is full of positivity and super-cute pictures of Noah. There’s lots of advice available for parents of children with Down’s Syndrome, other children with special needs and typical children.

Geriatric OT
This post hasn’t been updated in quite some time, but it still is a great resource for anyone looking for information about how to improve the lives of geriatrics, especially those with disabilities. There are lots of links to sites with great therapeutic suggestions.

Gastroparesis Crusader
Trisha Bundy describes herself as, “a proud mother, teacher, Gastroparesis Advocate, GJ Tubie.” Hers is less a caregiving blog and more of blog from a caree point-of-view. Even with the invisible illnesses Trisha struggles with, she maintains a positive attitude and her writing is very creative.

Conflicts in Caregiving: Self-Awareness

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on September 17, 2015 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

One of the many conflicts that can arise when caregiving for an older adult is how self-aware they are. How much do they feel they are capable of versus how much they are capable of?

My friend had grandparents who were in their 80s and doing alright for themselves, but definitely not heeding what their bodies were telling them. The grandfather insisted on getting up on the roof and cleaning the gutters – until his children convinced him not to (mostly by doing it themselves). This was part of what led to a larger discussion about whether or not owning a house was still a good idea for them. They had much more space than they needed, but the couple still enjoyed owning a home. This argument continued in the family for months, before the grandfather slipped on the front step while it was covered in ice and broke his hip.

At that point, the grandparents agreed that perhaps it was time to move into an assisted living facility. And they love it. The complex is large and has several different levels of care. They’re in the lowest level of assistance and have complete independence. This complex even has a few guest rooms where family members can stay for free when they visit.

Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a tragedy to open the eyes of a senior, to help them realize that while they may feel and act young at heart (and they should!) they do need to understand their limits. A time of crises is not when you want to be making life-changing decisions. If possible, gently, and without any specific timelines, speak to your senior about what their plans are when they are not as capable as they currently are. If you approach the topic with love, they may just listen.

Five Tips for Controlling Incontinence During Pregnancy

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on September 10, 2015 under BladderMatters, Everything Baby | Be the First to Comment

Original post written for LiveConfidently.com

Light bladder leakage is common during and just after pregnancy, but can easily be controlled with the right products and lifestyle choices. This happens for many reasons, including heredity, hormonal changes, or weight gain, which are all causes of stress incontinence. During pregnancy, stress incontinence occurs when your uterus grows larger and adds weight to your bladder, giving you less space to store urine. If the women in your family experienced light bladder leakage during or after their pregnancies, there’s a greater chance that you will also experience some form of stress incontinence during or after pregnancy. Read on for five helpful tips on controlling bladder leakage and urinary incontinence during pregnancy.

Note: Before reading our tips, it’s important to make sure that you’re actually leaking urine and not amniotic fluid, which is clear and does not have a smell. If you think it could be amniotic fluid, call your doctor as soon as possible.

1. Select the right products.

Thinking that bladder leakage is solely linked to old age, many pregnant women use feminine pads for protection instead of incontinence-specific products. Feminine products are not made to soak up that much liquid and can also increase the chances of urine odors after some leakage. It’s best to find a pad or brief that is specifically designed for light bladder leakage. Not only will you feel much more comfortable, but you also won’t have to worry about any unwanted smells. You may want to read our blog post on incontinence products versus feminine products for more information.

2. Do your Kegel exercises!

When done in repetition over time, Kegel exercises can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and greatly improve your bladder control. To begin, lie on the floor and squeeze or pull in the pelvic floor muscles. Keep them tight for several seconds, release, and repeat. It’s a simple exercise that doesn’t take much time, and could make all the difference in controlling your bladder. You may want to read our blog post on pelvic floor muscle exercises for more information.

3. Try to keep the weight gain to a minimum.

Added weight only means added pressure on your bladder. It’s impossible to avoid gaining some weight during pregnancy, but with the right diet and low-impact exercises you can greatly decrease your risk for light bladder leakage. Talk to your doctor to design a meal plan that will give you and your baby the proper nutrition without weighing down your stomach with empty calories.

4. Drink eight glasses of water a day.

Many people who suffer from stress incontinence don’t drink enough water, thinking this will make their situation better. Unfortunately, this can make your bladder leakage much worse. Not only will this leave you more susceptible to dehydration and urinary tract infections, but it can also make your urine more concentrated and cause unwanted odors.

5. Cross those legs.

As a last line of defense, it can help to cross your legs when you’re about to sneeze, cough, or laugh. Of course it’s impossible to predict these things, so it’s always best to make sure you’re wearing the right product for your level of bladder leakage.

Have some tips to add? Head over to our incontinence during pregnancy forum to discuss this topic with people just like you!

You can find the original article here.

Fruits and Veggies – More Matters Month 2015

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on September 3, 2015 under Caregiver Corner, Resources | Be the First to Comment

September is bountiful month, full of fresh produce arriving to your local grocery store. It is beautiful to look at, but can be a lot to take in. Which fruits and vegetables are in season? How many produce items should I buy or not buy so they don’t go bad? What should I do with these things? And possibly even – what is this?

This Fruits and Veggies – More Matters Month is the perfect time to learn more about those tasty foods we should be eating more. Did you know over 90% of all adults and children in the US do not eat the recommended amount of fruits and veggies? That means if you do, you’re in an elite (and healthy!) minority.

All of us are busy, and caregivers even more so. So what are some easy tips and tricks to get more of that produce on your plate?

For one thing, keep in mind that ALL forms of fruit and veggies count towards your daily recommended amount, so anything canned, frozen, dried or juice that says 100% on the label contains the same goodness as fresh.

With that in mind, smoothies become so much easier! You can have everything ready to go and not have to worry about anything going bad after just a week. Frozen blueberries, yogurt, milk, OJ, leftover kale, canned peaches: toss any or all of it into a smoothie. Smoothies are incredibly forgiving. If you have some spinach that’s about to go bad, you can toss it in with some soy milk, honey, juice, an almost moldy nectarine and even some old cupcakes (believe me, I’ve tried). As long as you have enough liquid and enough sweetness (honey, agave syrup or cocoa powder work great) you can get away with practically any smoothie ingredient.

If you’re wanting to fill your cart with fruit and vegetables but can’t remember while at the grocery store what is in season, print out a pocket-sized guide (your best bet is to find what works for your region, so search for your state and then add “fruits and veggies in season chart”), or download an app onto your smart phone.

Good luck! And if you need more advice, recipes and ideas, be sure to head to The Fruits and Veggies More Matters site, where we found much of the above information!

Series: Alzheimer’s in Other Countries

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on August 27, 2015 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

This is the fourth post in a series on Alzheimer’s disease in places beyond the borders of the United States.

The “World Alzheimer Report 2015: The Global Impact of Dementia” was issued earlier this week. The report gave a grim view of dementia statistics around the world and called on governments and societies to begin making necessary changes to support older adults.

There is a chance that dementia is becoming less prevalent in high-income countries. Medscape reports:

Despite interest in the possibility that the age-specific prevalence of dementia may be declining in high-income countries because of public health improvements, “the evidence to support this is currently weak and inconclusive,” said the report.

You can find more information in Medscape’s article here.

ConvaTec Stomahesive Paste: 183910

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on August 20, 2015 under Ostomy Care | Be the First to Comment

This article is part of our continuing series on ostomy items that we carry here at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. Last time we talked about Hollister’s Adapt Paste – this time we’d like to explore a different paste: ConvaTec’s Stomahesive Paste.

Paste, when in reference to ostomies, is not an adhesive. Rather, it’s something of a filler to help with uneven skin surfaces, to help the bag stay closer to the skin. ConvaTec’s Stomahesive Paste is hydrocolliod-based – a hydrocolliod substance is something that becomes a gel when exposed to water. So this paste is gel-like and able to to be molded to the shape needed by the wearer.

How does this paste increase the wear-time of the ostomy bag system and protect the skin? On retracted and flush stomas, this paste can caulk in the crevices and make sure that skin barrier is as flush to the the surrounding skin as possible. This means less leaks, so the skin is safer and the seal is more likely to last longer.

Keep in mind that this is a pectin-based formula as well, for those with any allergy concerns.

There are two ways to apply the paste. One way to apply the paste is directly to the skin. Since some people find the paste more moldable when the it has been allowed to “set” for a bit, so the paste can be applied right after the cleaning of the skin, while allowing the area to dry before applying any skin barriers.

Another way to apply the paste is to the skin barrier or wafer. In this case you’d apply a small amount around the opening of the wafer. Do not spread it around, rather, apply the wafer to the skin to allow the paste to spread and create an additional seal around the stoma,

Do you have any other tips about using paste to help create a better seal for ostomy skin barriers? We’d love to hear them in the comments below!