Fun Quotes about Babies

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 25, 2015 under Everything Baby | Be the First to Comment

We’ve written a lot of blog posts about baby diapers, baby sleep and things to do with your baby. Some of those things are fun, but we thought we’d post some extra fun quotes today. Enjoy!

“Babies should be classified as an antidepressant. It’s pretty hard to be in a bad mood around a 5-month-old baby.”
-Jim Gaffigan

“Having a baby is a life-changer. It gives you a whole other perspective on why you wake up every day.”
-Charles Stanley

“Parenthood always comes as a shock. Postpartum blues? Postpartum panic is more like it. We set out to have a baby; what we get is a total take-over of our lives.”
-Polly Berrien Berends

“A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, a home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten and the future worth living for.”
-Author unknown

“There are no words that can describe the euphoria you feel when your baby recognizes you for the first time and smiles.”
-Jared Padalecki

“If you were to open up a baby’s head – and I am not for a moment suggesting that you should – you would find nothing but an enormous drool gland.”
-Dave Barry

“May you always know, my little one, you were wished for, longed for, prayed for and wanted. I love you.”
-Author unknown

“Now the thing about having a baby – and I can’t be the first person to have noticed this – is that thereafter you have it.”
-Jean Kerr

“My friend has a baby. I’m recording all the noises he makes so later I can ask him what he meant.”
-Steven Wright

Some quote found on BrainyQuotes.com

When Your Skin Needs Extra Moisture

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 24, 2015 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

Many people think that if your skin is dry, you should just drink more water. While drinking lots of water is helpful for skin and many other organ functions, that doesn’t solve the problem for everyone. Some individuals experience skin dryness due to genetic conditions, skin irritations, minor burns or other reasons. For those people, lotions, creams and ointments can be the key to feeling good in ones’ skin.

Lotions are the lightest of these options. They can work great in the summer and spring, for those without serious skin issues, as those are the months that don’t rob all the moisture from skin.

Creams are a bit heavier, and many people use them in the fall and winter months when lotion just isn’t standing up to those cold temperatures and strong winds. Creams work great with not only moisturizing but also softening and smoothing rough skin. Bard’s Special Care Cream is a general moisturizer containing vitamins A, B5, D and E.

Ointments are usually barriers: they leave a film on the surface of the skin and lock in the moisture that’s already there. They’re great for those with minor burns and other skin afflictions. Medline’s Vitamin A & D Ointment contains petroleum and is unscented.

For those looking for something that feels like a cream but creates a moisture barrier, we recommend FNC Medical Ca-Rezz Cream. This cream contains calamine and Aloe vera, and can be used as an everyday cream (we use it at our office when the air is dry) or as an incontinence cream.

Let us know which moisturizer you find works best for you!

The Estrogen Connection: The Link Between Hormone Levels and Incontinence

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 23, 2015 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

By Dr. Anna Garrett for LiveConfidently.com

If you’re a woman who’s entered perimenopause, you may be noticing that trips to the bathroom are becoming more frequent and less in your control. This can be annoying and embarrassing, especially if you don’t make it quite in time!

What’s the connection between menopause and “gotta go right now”?

During perimenopause and menopause, the level of estrogen, which helps to keep the tissues of your bladder and urethra healthy, begins to drop significantly. If you’ve begun to notice dryness and sensitivity during sex, this may be a clue that you’re at risk for bladder problems as well. Just as the tissues of the vaginal wall begin to thin and dry out, so does the tissue that lines the bladder. When that happens, your bladder becomes more sensitive to irritants, which can make you more susceptible to light bladder leakage.

Lack of estrogen can also cause the pelvic muscles, which are responsible for maintaining bladder control, to weaken, eventually resulting in incontinence. Women who have had hysterectomies may experience these issues to an even greater extent because the surgery itself will affect pelvic floor muscles.

What kinds of bladder control problems can happen with menopause?

Bladder problems during menopause can take several forms:

Urge Incontinence: When you have to go, you have to go now.
Overactive Bladder: You have to go all the time, and defined as a problem if you need to go more than eight times in a 24-hour period. This is especially problematic if you have pre-existing issues like insomnia.
Stress Incontinence: That good hard laugh or unexpected sneeze can result in an unwelcomed wetness just when you least expect it.

The good news is that there are ways to lessen the impact of roller-coaster hormones. The data on hormone replacement therapy is not conclusive, but some women feel like they have more control after starting hormones. Dietary changes and pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) may also be helpful.

Do you have any comments or questions about hormone levels and incontinence? Visit our incontinence and menopause forum thread to discuss this with people just like you!

Hollister Adapt Barrier Rings: 7805

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 21, 2015 under Ostomy Care | Be the First to Comment

Have you ever found that ostomy paste stings your skin? Or that your skin contours make it difficult to apply a skin barrier? Then these Adapt Barrier Rings from Hollister are for you. You can find them on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com!

This item is similar to paste in that is can be used to fill in uneven skin around your stoma. This is ideal when trying to create a flat surface to apply your skin barriers. There are two sizes, two inches (the 7805) and four inches (the 7806) in outer diameter. While we sell both items, Hollister has found that most people prefer the two inch size, as it is so moldable it can stretch to fit most stomas, even ones that are not round.

To use the barrier ring, first, take it out of its plastic container. Then, remove the release liners from both sides of the item. Keeping in mind that there is no “top” or “bottom,” of the ring, go ahead and stretch it a bit, until you get the fit and size you’re looking for. At this point, you can either apply it to your skin (it’s just tacky enough to stay on your skin before applying your skin barrier) or apply it directly to the skin barrier, on the adhesive side. You can also use two rings, stacked, if that helps you to get a better fit. To remove, just gently peel the item off your skin .

Now let’s take a look at some of the reviews that have been written about the 7805: “Shapes to fit perfectly around the opening I have to cut,” is great to hear. And this review gives a great tip! “I cut these in half and use them to fill in around my stoma where it is sunken in. I have used other tapes but these are perfect and flexible to fit right where I need them to!”

When Should Seniors Stop Driving?

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 19, 2015 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Just yesterday, a news story broke about a 92-year-old man who hit nine cars during his attempt to leave a parking lot. In Wisconsin, where this event took place, the DMV renews driver’s licenses every eight years. The difference between someone who is 84 and 92 is fairly significant, so it’s up to the family and the caregivers to help keep an eye on those seniors who are still driving, not only in Wisconsin, but everywhere.

If you are concerned that your senior is a danger to themselves or to others, that is enough to at least start talking to them about the issue. If they are willing to listen, great! First thing to talk about is if there is a reason for the changes in their driving. Age alone is not an indicator; it’s all about how they are doing. Are they on a medication that makes them drowsy or otherwise impaired? Are they currently ill and sickness may be affecting their driving? Are they seeing okay? Has their depth-perception changed? Are their driving issues caused by slower reaction times? Is that just because of aging or is there a different reason?

If you’re only just starting to be concerned, you can look into other areas to see if your concerns are valid. Is the auto insurance rate for your senior going up? Have they received any traffic tickets? Are there any new nicks or dents on the car?

If none of these issues have come up yet, now is still a great time to have a discussion. Talk to them about what their plan would be if they did stop driving in the next few months or year. Get them thinking about the idea and the alternative plans it would involve. The future is less threatening than the present.

Look for another article next week about what you can do if your senior is not willing to talk about the idea of stopping driving. And be sure to leave a comment if you have any experience with this issue!

Pelvic Health for Women

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 18, 2015 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

There is still a lot of stigma attached with discussing a pelvic health issue as opposed to discussing, say, a back problem. But both should be given attention if they are becoming bothersome, and both should be subjects you regularly discuss with your doctor.

Before you go see your doctor, so you know what symptoms are serious, it’s good to look further into the various issues that can crop up “below the belt.” Or, perhaps you’re back from the doctor and would like a recap of everything that you discussed there. There can be a lot of information to remember!

Urinary incontinence can be an indicator of other pelvic health issues. Keep in mind that incontinence is not a diagnosis in and of itself: it is a symptom of a larger issue that should be addressed. Stress can sometimes cause incontinence, and the way to treat it is to treat the stress, not just the incontinence (and stress in this case doesn’t only mean mental stress – it can be physical stress as well). If you find yourself having leaks, even if they are small, on a somewhat regular basis, you should see your doctor. There may be exercises or lifestyle changes you can make to stop these leaks. In the meantime, you may find pads, liners or protective underwear helpful.

Another type of incontinence that may not actually result in leaks is called “urge incontinence,” and it can be described as the need to urinate, even if you have just done so. This can also have various diagnoses, and while it may not require the same incontinence supplies, it can be extremely inconvenient.

There is another type of pelvic health issue that women should be aware of: pelvic organ prolapse (POP). What happens during a prolapse is that the muscles and tissues holding various pelvic organs in place can become weak or stretched. This may result in an organ moving from its original position, or prolapse. This can cause not only incontinence, but pain or bulges in the pelvic area. A doctor should be able to diagnosis this condition and discuss treatment options with you.

Caregiving Glossary

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

This post was inspired by Ai-Jen Poo, MacArthur Award recipient, co-director of Caring Across Generations and author of The Age of Dignity: Preparing for the Elder Boom in a Changing America. In a recent interview, she said that caregivers with children, who are often called The Sandwich Generation, should be called the “Panini Generation,” since they’re being squeezed so much by both their kids and their parents. What other definitions are out there that caregivers deal with every day?

Caree/Charge – The person the caregiver is caring for. But if it’s their husband, wife, father, mother or sibling, that is the title that should come first.

Carer – Another term for caregiver.

Caregiver Burnout – What can happen to a caregiver when they are over-burdened or do not take enough time to care for themselves.

#CaregiverMonday – A hashtag that’s used across social media platforms to call out caregivers on the first day of the workweek.

Caregiver Syndrome – “Caregiver Stress Syndrome is a term used to describe the physiological and psychological changes experienced as the result of chronic stress due to ongoing caregiving activities,” as defined by HubPages.

IEP – An Individualized Education Program/Plan is a term you might here a caregiver/parent for a disabled child use. It helps the parent/caregiver, aides, teachers and school determine what the child is currently capable of, what their goals should be and how to accomplish those goals.

Self-care – Taking time for one’s self that is necessary for the mental and physical health of the carer.

Do you have any suggestions for additions to this glossary? Let us know – we’d love to post another list of caregiving definitions!

The Benefits of Keeping an Incontinence Journal

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 16, 2015 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

Originally posted by the Live Confidently team on LiveConfidently.com

Bladder leakage is often a slow development that we sometimes don’t notice until it becomes a serious hindrance to our daily routine. Because of this slow onset, it can be difficult to tell if there were any changes in your diet or behavior that could have caused—and still be contributing to—your incontinence issues.

In order to determine the cause of your bladder leakage, it is valuable to keep an incontinence journal for at least 5-7 consecutive days. An incontinence journal can help you and your doctor pinpoint any dietary habits or behavior patterns that could be contributing to your bladder leakage, and is the first step in finding the right solution for your individual needs.

Below are the things you should include in your journal entries. Remember, it’s important to stay consistent and keep an accurate record of your fluid intake and leakage amount. It can be helpful to use a small notepad that can easily be transported and stowed. We’ve also included an Incontinence Journal Page (PDF) that you can print and use to record your bladder leakage.

We recommend filling out this journal page and reviewing it at your next appointment with your physician. It is also recommended to bring a list of your current medications to review with your physician.

What to Record

Date and Time: It’s best to take note of every time you feel the urge to go and whenever you have a leak. Again, in order to get an accurate picture, try to log 5-7 days of journal entries.
Fluid Intake (oz.): What was the last thing you had to drink right before urinating? How much did you have? (8 oz. juice, 12 oz. soda, etc.)
Amount of Urine (oz.): For the most accurate recording, place an external urine collection device under your toilet seat. You can also use a disposable cup that can be rinsed and placed near your toilet until you have completed your incontinence journal.
Leakage Amount: If leakage occurred, indicate whether you were damp or soaked after the incident.
Activity During Leak: What were you doing right before you had a leak? Were you laughing or coughing? Try to be as detailed as possible.
Urge? (Yes or No): Did you feel the urge to go before the bladder leakage occurred?

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

Hollister New Image 2pc Flextend Skin Barrier CTF: 14603, 14604

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 13, 2015 under Ostomy Care | 2 Comments to Read

This Hollister skin barrier and flange has proven to be a popular ostomy item on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com, so we thought we’d take a moment to look at this product more closely.

This item is a flange and skin barrier, and its purpose is to both protect the skin from the stoma output and connect the ostomy pouch to the skin. We call this item a “two-piece” item because the second piece is the ostomy pouch. So when you order item number 14603, you actually be receiving one item that you would apply to your skin and to which you then attach the pouch.

This “floating flange” has a patented locking system that audibly clicks into place. Knowing your pouch and your flange are firmly connected will give you the feeling of security. And the skin barrier protects your skin from irritating discharge. If using the correct size of skin barrier, you’ll find that your skin will be healthier and that you can extend the wear time of your system.

Let’s go back to that “floating flange.” This type of flange eliminates pressure on tender, post-operative abdomens, so it’s perfect for the weeks after surgery. But some ostomates find it so comfortable that it becomes their flange of choice! Also important to keep in mind: this item comes with a tape boarder, and is cut-to-fit.

Lastly, let’s look at the reviews that this product has receiving on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. Customers have stated, “I love these flanges – this inside portion is protected by what appears to be plastic covering over the barrier. The ease of use and the outer sticky tape helps hold the flange and barrier are in place. Rarely does it become un-sticky even in the shower. I would recommend them and I’ve tried many types.” And, “This holds good and is fairly long lasting–non irritating.”

What to Do When First Experiencing Incontinence

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on February 12, 2015 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

When a person becomes incontinent, even temporarily, it can be an alarming situation. Suddenly, they’re thrust into a world of pads, liners, adult diapers and trying to pick what works best for them. There’s new terms and new diagnoses. It can be overwhelming. But, armed with information, someone can become an expert quickly.

Firstly, if you have been experiencing either bladder or bowel incontinence without having talked to your doctor about it, you should make an appointment immediately. You may find it embarrassing to have to discuss your incontinence with another person, but it’s important to know that people do not just “become” incontinent. It is a symptom, not a disease. There is a reason why you are experiencing incontinence. Some of those reasons can be treated easily, some may be more permanent, others could signal a much more serious problem. So checking in with your doctor should be your first priority.

Once you have a reason why you’re incontinent (and hopefully know which type of incontinence you’re experiencing), then it’s time to look at products. If you’re experiencing light bladder leakage (LBL), then you may be able to just use a liner or a pad. If you have more bladder leakage than either of those items can handle, or you’re experiencing bowel leakage, we would recommend either adult briefs or protective underwear. To determine the perfect item or perfect fit, you might find samples helpful. At TotalHomeCareSupplies.com, we have samples available for many of our products. And each of those samples comes with a coupon to use on a future order.

Then it’s just a matter of figuring out a routine that works for you. You may find other articles on our blog helpful like, How to Pack an Incontinence Emergency Kit, Comparing Adult Diapers to Protective Underwear and Controlling Incontinence with Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises.

If you are not a new player when it comes to the incontinence games, what advice would you give to our newbies? We’d love to hear them in the comments!