Gender Implications with Urinary Catheters and the Most Popular Types

In medical research, Urology is an essential field for the future of health care.  Incontinence health care and cathing are a pair of aspects in urology affecting millions of people today. Mens and womens urinary systems are anatomically distinctive; the causes, signs and symptoms, and products for men and women vary based on individual anatomy.

Below is gender-specific information about continence and catheter consideration, styles of catheters, and the common brands/types of supplies for each.

Compare/Contrasting Male and female Variations of Catheters

Urinary catheters for men and women are essentially the same; a tube (typically made of latex rubber and silicone, or a combination of each) that is placed into the urethreal passage to drain urine from the bladder, nonetheless the design of catheters is precise to ones gender and bodily demands. With males, a urinary catheter is introduced through the penis or affixed to the outside (condom catheters, discussed below). With females, catheter placement may vary based on bladder location, which shifts with age, having a baby, obesity, etc.

Intermittent Catheters - A straight tube catheter put into the urethra and into the bladder to drain the urine. These might also be called "Robinson catheters", and are designed for short-term bladder draining. Intermittent catheters are generally manufactured of latex or silicone. Men's intermittent catheters are usually about 16 inches long. Women's intermittent catheters are substantially around 6" - 8" long. Why such a wide discrepancy in length? The path from the urethra to the bladder is significantly shorter for women than for males, so a smaller catheter is required.

Most Popular Intermittent Catheters: Mentor Coloplast Self-Cath Female Catheter Sterile with Luer End, Self-Cath Female Straight Tip Catheter, Mentor Coloplast Straight Tip 16 in. Funnel End Male Catheter, Rochester Magic3 Antibacterial Hydrophilic Male Intermittent Catheter

Foley Catheters - Foleys are indwelling catheters designed specifically for extended use. Foley catheters are of sufficient length for both genders and include a balloon on the interior end which is inflated inside of the bladder with sterile and clean water to hold the catheter in position. The exterior end features 2 or more ports (one for drainage, one for balloon inflation).

Most Popular Foley Catheters: Bardia Foley Catheter (14 and 18 Fr.), Mentor-Coloplast Foley 2-Way Silicone-Coated Latex Catheter (24 and 28 Fr.)

Coude Tip Catheters - A coude tip is most commonly used in males; it is equivalent to the Intermittent catheters, with one key difference. Coude catheters include a marginally bent or curved end designed to support the catheter as it navigates beyond the prostate gland or obstructions in the urethral path to the bladder. (Coude tipped catheters may also feature a Foley balloon in some cases.)

Most Popular Coude Tip Catheters: Mentor-Coloplast Self-Cath Olive Coude Tip with Guide Stripe, Bard Intermittent Coude Tip Catheter (14 Fr.)

External Catheters - Also called a "Condom Catheter" or a "Texas catheter", external catheters are made-for-men devices fashioned like a condom and usually either strap or stick to the penis. They have an outlet on the end that enables the connection of tubing for diversion into a urine leg bag or urine collection system. These are typically used for males experiencing incontinence, such as overflow urinary incontinence. And, because they are external devices, the risks of urinary tract infection is substantially lowered.

Most Popular External Catheters: Mentor Coloplast Clear Advantage, Mentor Coloplast Active Cath, Mentor Coloplast Freedom Cath Self-Adhering Male Catheter, Coloplast Conveen Security +, Rochester Wide Band Male Catheter, Rochester Ultraflex Male External Catheter

Travel Urinary Catheters - Right now there are one-time use, disposable urinary catheter solutions developed for both genders that are available in individual, sterile packages to make cathing more portable and convenient for active individuals. There are selections for males, both external and intermittent, to help to make urinary catheters more travel friendly. For women, probably the most portable, compact catheter available is the Coloplast Speedicath Compact, which is a sterile, pre-lubed and one-time use catheter with similar size and shape to a lipstick container.

Most Popular Travel Catheters: Speedicath Compact Female Intermittent Catheter, Speedicath Male Intermittent Catheter, Coloplast Conveen security+ Male External (specifically for male incontinence; requires a leg bag or attachment device)

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Benefits of Mentor Coloplast Self-Cath for Continence Care

Mentor Corporation decided to sell its Urology market to Coloplast in 2006, and despite the company adjustments, the Mentor name is still one of the most significant brand names in the medical urology business. In both the United States and Internationally, Mentor Coloplast Catheters are synonymous with high quality and affordability, particularly among the men and women who will need a catheter several times each day.

Urological health care has grown with the older population, and development in the industry is trending upwards in line with this need over all parts of the world. But the fact the Mentor brand name continues to resonate with numerous individuals who cath daily is easy: they fill the need by providing low-cost, dependable, and top quality catheters designed for personalized use. The products, known as "Self-Cath", are sleek, sterile and clean 100% silicone catheters built to meet the anatomical and health care needs of both men and women in need of a hassle-free, pain-free way to cath.

Catheters have been heavily marketed in the United States the past two years because of important adjustments in Medicare policy that raised the quantity of catheters month-to-month from 6 to 200 for hygienic reasons including the number of UTIs triggered by re-using a catheter. The big increase in availability to Medicare patients is a benefit for both catheter patients (who now can guarantee a sterile and clean catheter every time and reduce UTIs) and catheter companies like Mentor-Coloplast.

Just who uses Mentor Catheters?

Hundreds of thousands of patients benefit from Mentor Coloplast catheters every year; there are many urological reasons why a disposable catheter is used.

To begin with, immobile or unconscious patients in hospitals may or may not possess a functioning bladder; either way, they're certainly not standing up to move to the toilet. A catheter helps ensure their bladder can drain, and drain without mess. 

Next, certain surgeries affect the nervous system and muscles that functions for urinating. Like unconscious or immobile patients, temporary loss of bladder management and function can call for a catheter.

Lastly, there are a variety of types of incontinence affecting each gender, particularly maturing seniors which because of their particular urological well being may require a catheter to keep self-respect or drain their urine effectively while preventing accidents.

This final demographic is a major proponent of the "Self-Cath", a throw away one-time use catheter specially designed for use without a nurse. While training in properly cathing is certainly necessary, the Self-Cath design helps make it practical for senior citizens to catheterize on their own without the help of a nurse, which drops health care costs and saves time.

While the marketplace is expanding for Urology and incontinence health systems, the popular throw away 100% silicone catheter such as the Mentor-Coloplast Self-Cath is much too important among affected individuals to go away any time soon; it is a product that suits the needs of thousands and thousands - if not millions - of individuals each day.

If you are looking for catheters, you can find Mentor and Self-Cath for great prices at STL Medical Supply.

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Eakin Cohesive Seals Are A Very Useful Product for Ostomates

Eakin cohesive seals are perhaps the most important ostomy accessories available currently. Let us examine how Ostomy patients are applying cohesive seals to enjoy superior protection and help to make stomas more controllable.

These ingenious little tan donuts are certainly not the "lifesavers" you might be possibly thinking about, but they definitely look very similar. And for an Ostomy patient, moldable Eakin seals offer some additional security and safety.

Ostomy products are countless and picked out structured on an individuals requirements. Yet an individuals stoma isn't "one size fits all". Everyone's stoma is completely distinctive in dimensions, shape, and activity. For this reason, it can be troublesome to constantly have the appropriate supplies at the right time for stomas, particularly the hard-to-manage stomas.

Eakin seals offer numerous advantages for an ostomate:

• Leak Reduction - A Cohesive seal results in a barrier between the epidermis and the ostomy product. This waterproof buffer can help prevent leaks which often form between an ostomy appliance and the skin.
• Shields the Skin- Ending leaks is essential to protecting against skin problems around the stoma. Since Eakin seals stop these typical leakages, it reduces skin tenderness caused from stoma output.
• Conformable for Any Stoma - Cohesive seals are totally moldable, permitting the seal to adapt exactly to the dimensions and contour of the stoma for a optimal fit every time. There is no trimming necessary and one size fits all; for people who require additional security there are also Eakin extra thickness seals.
• Robust Adhesives - Regardless of how much they are handled, Eakin seals preserve their tacky adhesives. They can also be broken into sections and rejoined to fit disproportionate stomas, or to stuff bumpy skin surfaces.
• Extend Bag Wear Time - Due to the seal buffer between the skin and the appliance, Eakin seals can easily improve pouch wear times.
• Allergen Free - No cases of allergies have ever been reported as a consequence of applying an Eakin seal.

Exactly how do you put on an Eakin Seal?

An Eakin cohesive seal is an easy first step to swapping an Ostomy appliance:

1) To begin, clean up the stoma and the area surrounding it. Ensure the area is dry and fresh with no grease or products.

2) Rub the seal between your palms or under your arm to warm it up to body temperature. This will help the seal mold and seal easier.

3) Take away the paper from either side of the seal and mold the seal for your body.

4) Place the molded seal over the stoma snugly and place it on the skin.

5) Set the ostomy pouch over the seal and hold it in position for a moment or two to assure a sturdy link between the seal and the Ostomy pouch.

You can purchase Eakin Seals and ostomy supplies at STLMedical.com.

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Uh-oh! A Little Guide to Preventing and Managing Ostomy Accidents

When living with an ostomy, occasionally the unthinkable occurs: pouches or barriers trickle, a bag pops open, smells seep through; an endless range of situations all connected with owning an ostomy, waiting to materialize at any time.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. With proper care and planning, you can reduce or eradicate the opportunities of accidents occurring in the first place. And actually if there is a leak, blowout, or odor, a little planning will help make crisis management easy.

Certainly the most common accidents are leaks, blowouts, and odors. Let us summarize these scenarios in short, then we’ll examine some recommendations to best control these frequent predicaments impacting Ostomy surgery patients:

Leaks – A “leak” is when any output of the stoma trickles through the Ostomy appliance. Leaks will certainly form at the place of the very least resistance, and in a lot of circumstances get worse if not taken care of promptly. Common leak points are below the barrier (as a result of poor or compromised adhesive), through pouch closures (2 piece pouches), faulty pouching systems, or by means of punctures (uncommon to go undetected, but can nevertheless happen.)

Blowouts – Blowouts could be a royal pain and occur for a lot of of the exact causes why leaks occur – stuffed pouches (usually from filling up too quickly with gas), inadequately maintained bags, exterior stress on the pouch, and defective appliances. The part that pops wide open, just like leaks, is usually where the least resistance is.

Preventing Leaks and Blowouts

With a few basic actions, both of these types of scenarios can be avoided altogether:

1) Install a Pouch Relief Valve – Valves like the Osto-EZ-Vent can be installed directly onto pouches prior to use to quickly discharge gas buildup in a pouch. This will help the pouch from becoming too full too quickly, cuts back on bathroom breaks to relieve contents, and of course, helps prevent leaks and blowouts from pressure buildup inside.
2) Drain or Change Regularly – Keep an eye on the pouch contents and empty it when it is one-third of the way full. Not really quite there yet? If you have access to a bathroom and you are uncertain when you may again, take care of it. And also make sure you drain before bed to avoid any night time accidents.
3) Pack A Kit – Good kits must contain at least one full replacement and the wipes, products, room sprays and also the clean-up & disposal supplies you need for a complete change. This kit should stay on you if you’re travelling. Hold a fixed kit in the office or at school just in case.
4) Fast Fixes – If a situation develops and you do not have a kit handy for a replacement, you will need to repair the leak the very best you can. Find whatever you can (a paper napkin, paper towel, a band-aid, duct tape) which can be used to seal the leak. It is not an ideal fix, but it may buy you time to get to a restroom or to a private place to take proper care of it.
5) Wear Appropriate Clothes – For the more active individuals, moving a great deal heightens friction against the baseplate and/or bag, possibly triggering skin irritation... or at worst, producing a leak through bonding agents. Sporting loose garments may reduce this situation.
6) Eat Appropriately – Recognize how eating habit has an effect on your ostomy. All meals will digest differently, and this will affect how and when your ostomy bags fill up. For instance, drinking a lot of beer and having a giant supper before bedtime could possibly not be the greatest idea – you actually may find yourself waking up to clear your bag at least once or twice thru the night!
7) Bring a Room Spray – Purchase something powerful enough to reduce the effects of the odor instantly, not merely conceal them. Medi-Aire Odor Eliminator as well as Odor Assassin are both equally great choices to eliminate smells.
8) Devrom Supplements – These tablets are called “Internal Deodorant”, minimizing the odors of pouch contents.

Finally, if you are still having issues with leaks, blowouts, or odors, try modifying your ostomy products. Everybody's stoma is a bit distinct, so finding the correct products is key. Sometimes the Ostomy supplies you have got could possibly not be providing the ideal care.

For instance, flush or retracted stomas (in relation to skin surface), using a common barrier may cause contents to leak beneath the barrier and weaken the bond. Convex barriers, with a little inward bend, could be sufficient to avoid this from occurring. There are some situations where you would prefer to use a drainable pouch and some situations where a more discreet, disposable closed pouch is preferred.

Another example: adhesives are available in distinctive strengths, as well. Leaks could possibly result from an adhesive that basically isn't strong enough to hook up a barrier as long as you want to. The form of your pouch output matters, too; in the event that you have a far more fluid output, it's likely you require a far stronger adhesive to stand up against fluids.

Hence, if you are never pleased with your Ostomy appliances, don't become hesitant to try new products – you will quickly discover what you’ve been missing out on!

For ostomy supplies from Hollister, Coloplast and Convatec as well as other discount home medical supplies, visit STLMedical.com.

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Men, Here's Advice on Vacuum Therapy Tension Rings

Tension rings are a crucial part to penile vacuum therapy – as a matter of fact, in the interest of sexual intercourse, they may be far more important than the actual pump itself given that they are essential to sustain the produced erection.

Almost all medical vacuum pump products have a compatible ring system. A decent tension ring system has gone through medical trials for its effectiveness in using the required pressure to the correct spots for sustaining and encouraging erections adequately, and preserve them for as long as the individual needs it.

With that as the primary goal, there are however a number of aspects that a purchaser will want to think about when buying tension rings for vacuum treatments:

1) Durability – Will the rings sustain under strain, or during use? A typical complaint with tension ring systems are rings losing tension or snapping completely. And considering that there are hygienic matters with rings, they are seldom ever returnable unless of course they are new and in their package, so a tension ring purchase should be a confident one – or an experimental one until you find the rings you want to make use of.

2) Sizing and Tension – You are going to want a ring that fits perfectly and safely around the base of your unit, so sizing is essential. What is the proper size of tension ring? Well, with this part, you’ll have to try things out because it depends on an individual’s own physiology. There are many combos and methods to use the rings to get the most usefulness out of them. In many situations, to get the proper amount of tension, you may prefer to use both a High tension ring and a Medium tension ring to ensure a maintained erection.

3) Comfort – Given you’ve found the ideal size, a tension ring ought to fit comfortably at all periods during use. It shouldn’t move significantly or induce any pain.

4) Compatibility – Will the rings you select perform with the vacuum pump you happen to be working with? A vacuum therapy device often has a tension ring system, so the rings for that program will often be suitable with them. But is it feasible to interchange brands of penis pumps and rings? The answer is “it's possible”. In most cases any ring may be used to utilize tension – but if you would like to learn if a specific ring will load correctly with a vacuum system, you’ll should ask the dealer to see if the ring and vacuum therapy system is suitable.

Deciding on a tension ring system isn’t hard; just handle your first few tries as experiments and you’ll swiftly find the ideal combination of features to provide your individual needs.

Find Erec-Tech and home medical supplies at STLMedical.com.

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Compression Therapy Treatments for Various Health Conditions

Compression therapy is the wearing of stockings woven to provide a level of compression to the  lower limbs to help those who need a  professional medical answer for blood clots, edema,  poor blood circulation, and blood pooling in the legs.  Some are more susceptible to these problems, especially when sitting or in  durations of lengthy inactivity, for example, prolonged air travel.

Prior to going over compression treatments, we should distinguish between "Graduated Compression Stockings" and "Anti-Embolism" stockings.  These are 2 different things!!!

Graduated, or "gradient" compression leggings have a level of compression that begins with the greatest compression at the ankle, with marginally reduced degrees of compression up the leg.

Anti-embolism stockings, also known as TED Stockings or TED Hose (Thrombo Embolic Deterrent) have an important difference from graduated compression stockings - the compression on a pair of TED Stockings possess equal compression from the ankle to the leg.  For this reason, they can help in flow of blood and lymph body fluids in the lower limbs to help  avoid clots from forming. (Venous Thrombosis)

The following are some health purposes where compression therapy garments are generally indicated by doctors:

Lipodermatosclerosis - A skin related condition, possibly induced by venous disease, where the covering of  body fat beneath the skin becomes inflamed.  It  can lead the way to ulceration if not cared  for, and is most common in middle-aged ladies.

Chronic Peripheral Venous Insufficiency (CVI) - CVI is a disease where  defective or dysfunctional blood valves are not able to pump oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.  It's  typically in the legs, and common in females as  well as males who have dealt with leg  injuries.  Compression stockings, in a number of cases, have been used to stimulate proper  blood circulation.
   
Varicose Veins - Varicose veins are undesirable veins  visible through the epidermis.  They are typically  triggered by valves in the vein not meeting up  accurately when the blood pumps, giving in to the pressure and causing the blood to flow down  with gravity.  They can be painful and itchy, and  scratching them could induce ulcers to form.  There  are many treatments available for varicose veins, both therapeutic and  surgical.  A medical doctor who specializes in vein care,  known as a phlebologist, can supply the best solutions.  Often, compression stockings are recommended by a  physician to reduce pain, cease swelling, and  improve blood flow.

Lymphedema - AKA "Lymphatic Obstruction", this condition is when the lymphatic system  swells due to fluid retention.  The liquid is normally  returned to the blood and recirculated to tissues, but with lymphedema, this fluid  builds up, causing inflamed limbs, tiredness/fatigue, and if not  taken care of, deformities.  Lymphedema is sometimes hereditary,  caused by a compromised lymph node system, or after a surgical procedure that compromises the lymph node system.

Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - DVT is a condition affecting an estimated 350,000 Adults in America annually.  It's a clot  that shapes deep in legs, familiar among many post-surgery patients,  frequent air travelers, hormonal contraception,and  obesity.  Compression stockings help prevent DVT and ultimately defend  against its lethal counterpart, pulmonary embolism (PE).

Athletic Activity - During any type of running, swimming, boxing, biking, golf, or any athletic exercise, the legs and leg muscles are working hard.  Any time the calves and thighs get sore, it is normal for lactic acids to build up in the  muscle fibers.  Donning lower compression 15-20mmHg fitness compression socks has been proven to help speeding up recovery periods and reduce swollen, achy  limbs.

Getting Compression Stockings, Socks, and Hosiery Recommended
If you have a history or suffering from indications of the above conditions, you should seek advice from a vein expert and/or your physician before self- prescribing any compression stockings.  While the majority of healthy men and women can wear 15-20mmhg grade compression stockings, anything higher such as 30-40mmhg can do far more harm than good in some individuals, such as artery obstruction or blood pooling in parts of the leg.  Always consult a  health care specialist prior to managing with high compression!

Basically, doctors will determine the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) - which should be >1.0 to wear compression stockings.  A physician or registered nurse can measure the correct fit for your medical stockings; precise sizing is essential to ensure optimum medical benefit.  If you will need a increased level of  compression, your medical doctor will understand and suggest a level of compression appropriately.Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

Avoiding Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections and Cathing Injuries

Nobody undergoing surgery or admitted into a hospital wants a  urinary catheter, nevertheless there are occasions in life where urinary catheters are certainly essential.  As an example, a post-surgery patient might discover shifting, (let alone urinating) extremely distressing without a catheter in position.  A catheter makes it possible for bladder relief without demanding the patient to adjust the entire body or tighten the urinary muscles.

There are countless urological factors why someone would use a catheter too, and many home care patients use catheters multiple times each day.

Catheters are not without risk, though.  And among the most frequent types of infection even in hospitals is from incorrect catheterization.  And microbial infection aside, the urethral structure where the catheter is introduced is very vulnerable and very easily irritated.  It calls for care and attention to effectively use a catheter.

Catheter bacterial infections and traumas are often the consequence of  improper use and management.  Let's examine each of these challenges individually and find out ways to keep them from developing.

Infections (CAUTI)

Known as CAUTI - or Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection.  Any sort of catheter may trigger an infection, but in particular intermittent internal catheters tend to be the most common to compromise the body's natural ability to destroy and ward off an infection.

Almost all bacterial infections can be eliminated with sound practice when applying and replacing catheters - both the registered nurse and the patient. 

CAUTIS can be exceptionally agonizing, not to mention costly.  It is within the greatest interest of everyone to prevent them before they get started.  Here are several tips to make sure you do not develop a catheter infection:

1) If you're at a clinic, ask many questions about how CAUTI takes place, and the hospital's steps for catheterization.  Request the measures taken by the hospital to prevent bacterial infections.

2) Get family and friends involved if you can't get the suitable responses to your  questions.

3) Keeping hands and body thoroughly clean is the most essential step to protecting against bacterial infections.   Whether at home or at the hospital, any guests or caregivers should thoroughly clean their hands adequately prior to touching you, the catheter, or attached tubing.  Noone should be touching or handling the catheter or attached tubing unnecessarily or without cleaning their hands properly.
 
4) Ensure a sterile catheter each time; it is not okay to steam and  recycle catheters!  All catheters put to use must be opened from their sterile product packaging prior to use.

5) Keep soaps, anti-septics, no-rinse soaps, lubes, gels, and  various other washing choices  available for your own care and suggest the nurse use them as well.

6) If you are suffering from any pain, inflammation, or tenderness, let a health care expert know promptly.

Injuries and Trauma

Injury with catheterization is normally the outcome of impatient, improper, or sloppy procedures by a health care specialist or an individual. 

The urethral skin can very easily become compromised if catheters are not managed correctly, and in doing so, tends to make cathing more challenging and painful.  Serious traumas can definitely hurt the urethra to the point that surgery is needed, so great care must be taken!

Tips to avoid Catheter- associated injuries:

1) Be cautious and thorough.  Follow proper procedure, or ensure those procedures are being followed.

2) Make use of plenty of lube on the catheter.

3) Under no circumstances force a catheter inside, or force a balloon to inflate.

4) Align the urethra while placing and glide it in slowly.

5) Urine must pass before inflation of the balloon (Foley catheters)

6) If you notice blood or feel resistance when applying, seek help.

Certainly practice makes perfection -  however protecting against catheter bacterial infections and injuries is a lot like protecting against most risks to personal well-being - stay clean, ask questions, and stop if it hurts.  Stick to these three basic common sense guidelines and you can considerably increase your likelihood of fast recuperation and overall good health.

Visit STLMedical.com for good prices on Urinary Catheters and Urological supplies like urine leg bags, tubing, connectors, skin wipes and cleansers. They'll also submit for Medicare (which covers up to 200 catheters per month) and can accept some insurances.Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

Benefits of Vacuum Therapy and Penile Rehabilitation for Men

Vacuum therapy products provide an attractive solution to Ed; vacuum devices provide several benefits over other types of therapy, prescription drugs, and unpleasant surgical procedures made to treat erectile complications facing millions of men.  Here are several of the causes of precisely why many of those guys continue to benefit from their sex lives with the support of vacuum therapy devices:

1) Quicker effects compared to Drugs with Virtually No Unpleasant Side Effects - Vacuum devices produce almost immediate erections using negative force to pull blood in the penis.  Presently there are quite a few drugs for facilitating erections, but usually with side effects.  In reality, even in recent news, medications like Viagra are displaying more evidence for long-term side effects including hearing loss and unsafe blood pressure levels in some folks with pre-existing health illnesses that make using drugs less attractive, less sensible, or even detrimental to health and wellness.  Vacuum therapy devices simply do not have these damaging side effects, and generally work more rapidly than the 30 min - 2 hour period necessary to wait for the drugs to begin working.

2) Maintain and end erections on demand - With drugs, erections disappear as soon as the drug effects wear off, providing little or absolutely no control over the erection.  With vacuum therapy, the person is in total command of their erection, and when no longer needed, the individual simply has to get rid off the medical tension ring.

3) Ability to regulate erectile function - Vacuum therapy systems allow the individual to physically make their own erections, and eliminate them when they choose.  Compare with drugs, which offer the consumer no control over when they obtain or cease an erection.

4) Reduced long-term expense - Expensive ED Medications can certainly add up quick.  A professional medical grade vacuum therapy system will cost more up front, but offers erections at will for many years.

5) Paid for by some Health Insurance - A medical vacuum therapy device is normally covered under Medicare and quite a few health insurance.

6) Therepeutic and Predictable Effects - Vacuum therapy can be used for much more than merely attaining and maintaining erections for sex.  In fact, it's recommended that men have several erections per day to keep the penis and reproductive organs healthy.  The penile tissue requires blood flow to stay healthy and preserve its size.  Without having healthy erections to move this blood through the penis, the penile tissue becomes atrophied, making it more difficult to attain erections and degrades length with time.  Penile rehabilitation helps many  individuals preserve penile length and also achieve full erectile function when done properly with a vacuum pressure therapy system.

7) More than 90% Effectiveness - Erectile Dysfunction affects millions of men over the age of fifty.  There are few remedy solutions promising the levels of safety and effectiveness of Vacuum therapy.  Scientific studies by urologists indicate that vacuum therapy provides strong penile health and blood flow. 

Several of those suffering from ED often pursue drug treatments first - but medications are definitely not for everyone!   Some guys who suffer from ED can also have cardiovasular disease, nitrates for chest pain, high blood pressure drugs, diabetes, or have had a radical prostatectomy.  In these circumstances, drug treatments frequently can be unsafe or dangerous.   Vacuum therapy provides almost instantaneous outcomes without the side effects of using drugs.

There are many brands to choose from.  For medical grade vacuum therapy, two great options are Osbon Erecaid and Stamen Medical Systems Erec-Tech.Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

The Dangers of Travel-related DVT and How to Prevent Them

Let's take a deeper look at Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - a condition affecting hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. each year.  Many sufferers of DVT are frequent travelers - but there is a silver lining - DVT is preventable.   We'll talk about what DVT is and how it affects the Globetrotters among us, and then we'll also take a look at its potentially fatal cousin, Pulmonary Embolism (PE).

Frequent travelers recognize greater than anybody else the aches and pains of sitting down for prolonged hours, armed with the standard airline far of a measly carry-on bag, a small drink cup filled with juice or water, a snack-sized portion of pretzels, a SkyMall magazine and an airplane safety guide. Particularly in Coach class air travel, you're provided a modest level of comfort, but during long hours they mostly seem cramped and restricted.

This is an all too familiar scenario for the day-to-day lives of frequent business people, airline flight attendants, and pilots.  It even has its own name - "Economy Class Syndrome", used  to summarize the cramped muscles, poor circulation, and dehydration common in travelers during extensive flights, bus rides, car or truck drives, and train trips.  Those enduring the long haul of travel on a weekly, or perhaps day-to-day basis are at increased risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and the deadly Pulmonary Embolism (PE).

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a problematic vein clot deep in the lower-leg where it's usually not apparent at all. It is much more likely to have an affect on the left leg, mainly induced by changes in the rate of blood flow, the  durability of the vein walls and the thickness of blood. DVT is mostly caused by surgery, but can also be enhanced by using tobacco, hormonal birth control methods, infections, obesity, and of course -  considerable air travel, developing DVT known specifically as "Traveller's Thrombosis".

DVT commonly causes pain, inflammation, or redness in the affected leg. Many individuals brush it off as temporary weakness and pain. And, while DVT itself can cause discomfort and inflammation, it's a starting point to a Pulmonary Embolism, a sometimes fatal issue where a DVT blood clot flows to a vital artery of the lungs.

In the past 10 years, DVT has been a developing matter among both health care specialists and the public, particularly among travelers.

Although there are hardly any good estimates to how many individuals are  affected by DVT specifically because of travel, it is now estimated DVT affects more people than Breast Cancer or AIDS at over three hundred and fifty thousand people in the United States annually. There is good news nonetheless  in this comparison: DVT can be avoided through practical consideration and compression garments.

How can DVT be avoided?

For the intensive traveler, many actions can be taken to assist in preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis. The typical doctor recommendations of "shed extra pounds and stop smoking" definitely apply, but choosing an aisle  seat on the airplane offers you some extra advantages: You have a little extra leg space, you can quickly get up and stretch out every hour or so, allowing you to get your heart rate up a bit and stretch the calves.

All these are general common sense recommendations, and there's also a product any frequent flier should wear from the moment they step into the airport terminal until the minute they step off of the  airplane - compression stockings.

What are Compression Leggings?

Compression stockings are firm fitted garments with firm compression on the ankles that marginally reduces up the calves and thighs, known as "graduated compression". This outside force on the legs  encourages blood to flow and "push" upward as it naturally should.

This helps to keep blood moving properly and facilitates faster recuperation for the lower limbs due to the prolonged hours of sitting vertical in confined quarters.

Medical research has proved the effectiveness of donning compression stockings and socks properly in protecting against DVT concerning travelers. Researchers have discovered those sporting compression  hosiery, socks, or stockings when flying have less danger for developing DVT than to those who don't.

Choosing Compression Stockings for Travel

It really is important to note that although compression stockings are effective, there are unique factors why, and that simply putting on a tight-fitting article of clothing is not suitable. Tight-fitting clothes or  shoes not designed for compression therapy can actually restrict blood flow and raise associated risks.

You should always ensure you've measured properly and have the suitable size, brand, and style of compression garments that satisfies your needs. Improper sizes or compression levels can bring about more  harm than good. As a general principle, any compression over 20mmhg needs to first be recommended by a physician.

Also, compression stockings do not necessarily mean you have to give up design. Compression garment suppliers such as JUZO, Sigvaris and Jobst  have styles that feel comfortable and come in popular  colors. There is a seemingly incalculable number of choices in sheer hosiery, socks, and stockings for both women and men providing the benefits of graduated compression.

Visit Compression Therapy for news and tips related to compression garments and DVT. 

To purchase brand new compression garments like JUZO compression stockings and Sigvaris compression stockings, visit the online home medical supply store STLMedical.com.Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

Improving Quality of Life for Seniors and Patients with Adaptive Clothing

In conclusion, adaptive clothing provides several benefits to the disabled and those with both temporary and permanent limited movement.  Whether its for quick wear and removal for an incapacitated man or women, help to gain access to a catheter and leg bag connection or to  take off an orthopedic knee support, medical enhanced clothes have the potential to restore dignity, self-care, and allows for faster, more relaxed care without compromising style.

What are disabled garments?

Adaptive clothing is normally a garment assembled having health related purpose in mind for post-surgery patients, the handicapped and disabled, the elderly, rehabilitation, special needs, joint inflammation, stroke victims and  more.   Adaptive clothes provide effortless access to body regions without the removal of the entire garment, or by making it less difficult to change or take off their clothes.

There are numerous styles and medical purposes for handicapped clothing - typically clothing with zippers providing     access to areas of the body that might otherwise require the clothes to be removed  entirely.  With adaptive clothing, a handicapped or aged patient can preserve pride, can provide some degree of self-care, and experience the extra comfort and ease of quicker access to healthcare appliances for both themselves and for a nurse or health care professional.

Who would wear disabled adaptive clothing?

More than fifty-five million individuals in the United States suffer some form of disability, a lot of of them with complications requiring a high level of attention by others.   Most individuals in any walk of life  know someone who possesses a handicap, and many of these disabilities make even relatively easy tasks like getting dressed quite challenging. 

Medical adaptive clothes are useful for those with restricted mobility (short-term or long-term) and medical conditions like:  the elderly, the handicapped, post-surgery needs, nursing homes, special  needs, joint therapies, urinary incontinence, fitness needs, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and stroke victims.

Choosing the Best Adaptive Clothes

• Fits like Normal Clothing - Any handicapped / mobility garments should work as well as any regular piece of clothing (albeit generally a little bit broader in certain areas designed to stow away medical  innovations).  But they ought to feel natural and comfy for the wearer.
• Appears like Normal Clothing - There is a trend in medical wear for more stylish handicapped garments and outfits.  This is true in graduated compression stockings, underwear and swimwear  for ostomates, and obviously, adaptive clothing.   The fact is for hundreds of thousands of men and women with medical needs, the inspiration and creativity from vibrant entrepreneurs has produced goods that make being dressed in medical apparel fashionable as well as useful.  Medical enhancements to adaptive clothing need to be unobtrusive modifications; lightweight additions that do not bulk the clothes, and  allow unique enhancements like zippers to be easily covered and concealed.
• Developed to endure both medically and fashionably - Adaptive apparel go through most of the same manufacturing steps as any typical garment, but simply adding zippers is not enough.  A decent adaptive garment  will have medical advantages that last as long as the lifetime of the garment, so all adaptive clothes will go through many extra processes in development to improve medical purposes and to produce a  durable, sustainable piece of clothing.
• Broad Selection of Sizes - Men and women come in all shapes and sizes, so attire must come in all shapes and sizes. For the finest mobility and style, the ideal size will help make all the difference.

In summary, adaptive clothing, such as Cooper Martin, provides numerous benefits to the disabled and those with both short-term and long-term restricted mobility.  Whether its for effortless wear and removal for an incapacitated individual, help to gain access to a catheter and leg bag connection or to  remove an orthopedic knee brace, medical enhanced apparel have the potential to restore dignity, self-care, and allows for speedier, more comfortable health care without sacrificing style.Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

Ostomy, Nutrition, and YOU!

In ordinary, most people never consider much about precisely how their body works to break down food.  But anyone with an ostomy should recognize - in truth, quality of life will depend on on knowing - how their body processes  different kinds of foods.

In average, the majority of people never think much about how their body works to process food.  But everyone with an ostomy should realize - in truth, quality of living depends on figuring out - exactly how their body processes  various types of foods.

The factors for this is simple:  understanding how diet affects digestive function is going to make stoma output much more foreseeable, supply exceptional health and wellness, and prevent embarassing or difficult  circumstances.

Ostomates have worries for digestive function that are unique:  food blockages can happen (where bigger parts of undigested or semi-digested food block motion through the body), constipation,  indigestion and looseness of the bowels are all different experiences for those with ostomy.  But the sensible management of eating habits and nutrition for an ostomate is absolutely essential for living very well with Ostomy.

Here are some ideas along with several typical food items that affect digestion patterns:

Properly Chew Your Food - Chewing food adequately minimizes the chance for foods blockages close to the stoma, keeps you from eating too much and also keeps you from swallowing less gas that ends up in the pouch.

Schedule Normal Meals - Consuming smaller meals throughout the day is most effective, without skipping.  Missing meals and eating too much creates extra gas.

Drink Water During the Day - Remain hydrated; it's typical many ostomy individuals experience increased levels of fluid loss due to the nature of colostomy / illeostomy surgeries and its impact on how the digestive tract  process liquid.

Do not Get Fat - Remain slender and healthy, it's better for your stoma and better for your overall health.

Make Progressive Diet Modifications - This allows you to figure out how foods influence your digestive system.  You'll start to notice how particular foods are digested and their impact on how your pouches fill.

Keep a Log Booklet - Create notes of when, what, and exactly how you eat, then additionally how it influences your digestion and ostomy.  This helps keep track of exactly what nutrition works best.

How Specific Foods Impact You

Everyone's body is distinct, but here are several good foods to eat and foods to steer clear of.  Generally, high fiber foods and excessive fat content foods produce more gas and odours, but everyone's body is  different and you'll only know if you experiment with various varieties of foods.

Food items to avoid for odours and/or gas:  Asparagus, coffee, garlic, prunes, beans, cucumbers, green peppers, radishes, brussel sprouts, eggs, milk, turnips, cabbage, fish, vitamins/certain drugs,  alcoholic beverages, apples, soda, dairy products, onions, drinking straws & chewing gum (you'll swallow more air), melons, mushrooms, corn, broccoli, spinach, nuts, cabbage.

Several foods that help decrease odours:  Buttermilk, parsley, yogurt, cranberry juice, spinach.

Foods that thicken stools: Yogurt, bananas, milk (preferably boiled), creamy peanut butter, breads, cheeses, pastas, potatoes, rice.

Food that thin stools: Fruits and fruit juices, chocolate, green beans

Diarrhea

Fluid loss is an critical element for any ostomate, but it's actually more so with cases of diarrhea.  Potassium and sodium are two minerals that are usually shed in dehydration and must be  rejuvenated.   The following are several foods high in Potassium that help get back lost minerals due to looseness of the bowels and liquid loss:  Milk, Chicken, beef, fish, pork, turkey, lima beans, V8 Juice, apricots,  bananas, avocado, tomato juice, potatoes, broccoli, grapefruit juice, oranges and orange juice, watermelon, strawberries.

Salt is very simple to get back again; essentially any pre-packaged food product or canned soup offers enough sodium to get back again what has been lost!

Bottom line

Remain aware and remain fit!  Having an Ostomy does not mean you can't live well and enjoy the foods you like.  Together with some simple precautions and a good understanding of your digestive system, it is  possible to continue to optimize your diet and eating routine to make your pouching a lot more foreseeable and less difficult.

Do you want to know more about Ostomy?  Read Ostomy Guide Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

Finding the Perfect Colostomy / Illeostomy Supplier

Finding a beneficial supplier of ostomy supplies is vital to living very well with an ostomy.  Post-op ostomy folks are typically given whatever ostomy supplies that the medical center, physician, nurse, or  insurance company recommends.  This is a rather constrained option, particularly those with a permanent ostomy will certainly want to investigate their choices a little bit to  find the ideal supplies that fit their needs.  Ostomy supplies come down often to an individual's needs, lifestyles, and preferences, so it's really worth exploring.

Most ostomy supplies are sold through retailers, mail-order businesses, or on the Internet.  Nurses may also have tips of where to purchase supplies, but ultimately, it's up to the Ostomate to  choose the most effective way to buy their regular supply of ostomy products or services. To make that happen, searching out the best retailers is essential, not just for prices, but reliability, assistance, and care.   Below are a few factors to take into account when finding an ostomy store you can develop a long-term relationship with:

Here are some tips to search out a provider for your ostomy supplies:

Good Prices - Finding the best prices on Ostomy supplies is generally an advantage, granted the provider meets the other considerations outlined down below.  In addition to this, bear in  mind shipping and delivery expenses if you're ordering them online or through mail-order catalogs.  You'll typically save money online but be mindful not to sacrifice service.  A worthwhile supplier keeps their  prices economical.  Normally, the best prices will be found on the Internet, so finding at least one retailer online you appreciate is a good idea.  Your own nurse may also be in a position to suggest good vendors for  your ostomy supplies.

Extensive Products on hand - If you just had ostomy surgery not too long ago, it's very likely you haven't tried many brands or kinds of ostomy appliances.  It's worth it to test out different types of  products to find what works best.  You may discover what you have been outfitted with at the hospital is only the starting point, and there is something in the tons of choices available to your personal  needs, so when doable, try an additional brand or kind of pouching system.

One more idea to do is to maintain notes on which products are operating best for your particular comfort and care for your stoma.  Keep the provider who can supply you a extensive assortment of products so you can uncover the ideal system.

Receptive, Knowledgeable Staff - A good Ostomy supplier would certainly have at minimum one registered nurse on staff with an awareness of Ostomy & related products.  The nurse aside, you  should be able to reach an individual who can assist you with product sourcing, stock, placing orders, and any support for returns/defective products.

Dealing with Problems/Returns - When you're in need of supplies, waiting for products in the mail can be concerning when you're in need of them as soon as possible.  That said,  errors may happen, and the best advice is first to maintain an "emergency" stock if you're enjoying those cheap online rates.   If a mistake does happen, you should be informed of the company policy for  returns and how quickly the turnaround is going to be to get the right products.

Insurance Policy Claims - You are going to discover some online vendors accept insurance reimbursement and some do not.  The kinds who do will typically advertise this in their store, catalog, or  on their Website.  Eventually, the end user is in charge for making sure their claims are prepared correctly, but several vendors will assist by either submitting info to the Insurance firm and  processing the claim or by giving reimbursement subtracting co-pay.  Ask the vendor to find out their particular policies when working with insurance.

Dependability - When you need something, you can't wait around for it.  Ostomy pouches certainly fall into the "need to have" category.  So find out if a  merchant will cooperate with you to ensure they store your merchandise consistently so they're ready when you purchase them and absolutely no fear of backorders or out-of-stock notices.  You can easily also ask if they have a program to ship  you a normal order at scheduled intervals so you never run out.  It never costs you anything to ask for a small additional comfort.

For more great stuff on Ostomy, visit Ostomy Guide. Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

Video Presentation on Drug Free Ways to Manage Incontinence

Here's a new video showing various ways and techniques to manage incontinence without the use of drugs, which can result in some unwanted side effects.  There are multiple methods used to treat incontinence.

Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

Karaya Gum and Ostomy Supplies

Karaya gum is a material used in Ostomy products, such as skin barriers and powders, but what exactly is Karaya, and exactly why is it used?

Karaya can be a material utilized in Ostomy supplies, such as skin barriers and powders, but what exactly is Karaya, and exactly why is it applied?

Known as Karaya, or "Karaya gum" it's a vegetable-based all organic product derived from the delicate Sterculia urens tree indigenous to India and Pakistan.  The karaya gum is produced by obtaining the gum by getting rid of bark or drilling holes into the trunk of the tree.  Recognized as safe and non-toxic, Karaya is applied in many items ranging from  emulsifiers, adhesives, laxitives, dentures, skin creams, and of course, ostomy supplies.

The greatest, most natural medical grade Karaya gum is clear to white in coloring and can also come in powder form.  From a chemistry point of view, Karaya absorbs water speedily and forms a "gum".  With higher levels of water, Karaya forms a gel or paste and can soak up as much as 100 times its weight in water.

So, why is Karaya being used in ostomy supplies?
Typically, you'll find Karaya in powders like Hollister Karaya Powder or sometimes used in skin barriers/wafers.

Helps Stop Bacterial Infections:
Karaya has chemical characteristics to reduce bacterial adhesion, similar factors that make it excellent for denture adhesion.

Aids Irritated and Sensitive Epidermis:
Irritated skin can be a popular affliction to the skin around  the stoma, and Karaya's distinctive chemical properties allow it to produce a shielding gel over the affected skin and absorb excess moisture content.  This ensures theskin is safe prior to attaching a barrier and ostomy appliance to the skin.  It's also great for patients who may well have sensitive or fragile  skin that doesn't accept man made skin barriers.

What kind of Karaya ostomy supplies are available?

Karaya Powder
Powder is applied prior to using a skin barrier, frequently for irritated skin to function as an additional level of protection against bacteria infections and to continue to keep the skin from further irritation due to the adhesion of the new barrier.  When employing the powder, it will absorb moisture from the skin to create a sticky and mildly adhesive "gel". Powder is sold in small puff containers that make it quick to apply consistently.

Karaya Paste
A karaya paste is used to the skin to reduce irritation as well as even out irregular skin areas when an Ostomy appliance is used.  The skin is protected from leakages by the natural hydrocolloid Karaya gum.  The pastes are frequently sold in squeeze tubes.

Karaya Skin Wafers
Skin Wafers with natural Karaya serve several of the identical benefits; it prevents skin damaging organisms from growing on skin and provides some flexibility and convexity within the barrier, allowing it to adjust to irregular stomas, flush stomas, or skin folds. 

Keep in mind Karaya skin barriers are only a little adhesive (so it's very likely a tape border is necessary for a strong adhesion.) Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

A Quick Guide to Drug-Free Treatment Options for Male Impotence

It's in the news just this week that the famous "little blue pills" have been linked to hearing loss - just another of the growing list of side effects that can happen with its regular use.  This puts impotence drugs in a precarious situation because the higher the risk of taking them, the less beneficial they become.  

Absolutely nothing is certainly more frustrating for an maturing man than losing desire or the ability to take pleasure in a satisfying sex life.   Through all the clutter of medications, surgeries, and bodily treatment options obtainable for managing the symptoms of male impotence, there are a variety of drug-free ways to deal with the problems of male impotence.

Absolutely nothing is certainly more frustrating for an maturing man than losing desire or the capability to enjoy a satisfying sex life.   Through all the muddle of medicines, surgical procedures, and physical treatments offered for treating Erectile dysfunction, there are a number of drug-free methods to be able to deal with the problems of male impotence. 

Prevention is Important
First of all, deterrence is critical to bettering sexual health.  A person must be aware how physical and psychological well-being is going to influence how you perform sexually.  Here are some of the simple ideas to prevent sexual dysfunctions before they start:

Quit Cigarette smoking - Indeed, one more reason to quit smoking cigarettes; smoking is taxing on the cardiovascular system, it harms blood vessels and raises the chance of heart disease.  It can also trigger some men to develop erection problems.

Drink Less Alcohol - Excessive drinking can result in impotence, or the signs and symptoms of impotence such as reduced level of sensitivity and reduced blood flow to the nether-regions.  So stop drinking so much!

Work out More - Research shows that even a brisk stroll every day to get your heart rate up can enhance your total sexual health.

Sleep Properly - Bad rest will wreck your day and can ultimately wreck your lifestyle.  With decent regular rest each and every night you'll feel less anxiety, a better balance of hormones, and a lot more vitality.  All of these things will increase your desire for sex, and your sex life.

Treatment Possibilities
If you're suffering from male impotence, there are many treatment options available.  As erectile dysfunction is treatable, always explore with your physician for the best remedies to your dilemma before pursuing your own feelings of the causes.  Sometimes Erectile dysfunction can be a precursor to a more severe health condition, such as heart disease or prostate cancer.  But that mentioned, below is a basic summary of the treatments available:

1) Behavioral - Basically anything listed above in "prevention".  Are you exercising, eating right, having enough rest?  Have you been under a good deal of stress recently?  All of these kinds of factors will influence your sex drive.

2) Psychological - Many men experience a lack of sex drive or an failure to perform while making love due to psychological issues or psychological stress and anxiousness.  If this is the situation, some therapy may be advised before pursuing other choices.

2) Tools - There are many home medical supplies accessible to assist in increasing and boosting sexual capability for men.  The most popular and helpful example is the vacuum pump, such as the Osbon Vacuum Therapy Device and Osbon Tension Ring systems.  Basically, a pump is positioned over the unit and pumped, pulling the blood into the male unit.  A smooth and anatomically designed medical tension ring is slipped on right away to keep the blood in place for sexual activity.  Additional vacuum therapy may be used to enhance or continue according to the manufacturer's directions.

3) Drugs - What we truly want are drug-free treatment options for male impotence, but it's nonetheless worth mentioning the possible dangers of consuming medicines and supplements without preceding discussion with a physician.  There are so many hugely advertised medications and even more supplements obtainable for sex drive the particulars are not even worth talking about.  We live in a pill-popping world and the side effects must always be recognized prior to taking any kind of medication.  Medications are reserved for when preventative, behavioral, and psychological treatments are not helping. Steer clear of supplements distributed over the counter and even the "real thing" sold online unless advised to you by a health care professional; most "supplements" marketed for sexual health are highly unregulated and have been found to contain hazardous quantities of chemicals that can do more harm than good.

4) Surgery - Surgery in any case will be the most risky of any treatment option, and as a result is used as a last resort any time other treatments do not work. Surgery is a serious endeavor, and with the many choices available is hardly ever pursued. 

The first action with any medical condition is to speak with a health physician who knows what you're going through, or who can recommend someone who does understand.  From there, habit changes are the initial step to positive sexual health.  Simply taking care of oneself is advised regardless, and studies has demonstrated that good rest, eating habits, and physical exercise can very easily add an extra 5 years to the male sex life. Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

Urinary Catheters Question and Answer Video

It's never pleasant to be told you need a catheter for any medical patient.  Undoubtedly it raises many questions about catheters and cathing; this video is a Q&A Presentation about urinary catheters, catheterization, and some basic Q&A.

Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

All About Walking Canes

There are just a handful medical aid tools with the instant utility of the walking cane.

Many sorts of canes have been utilized for eons to aid movement, particularly those with poor and/or lessened mobility affecting  the hips, legs, knees, and feet.

Canes come in various forms to emphasize function and style. These are some examples of the useful sorts of walking canes and sticks who is sure to use them.

The Common Cane, Hook Cane or C Cane
These common walking canes are the most standard canes you'll find among cane-users. These straight canes have a hook style at the very top used for additional grip and leverage for the body. Injured or immobile? A standard C cane will take some of the pressure away from the body for those with mild balance issues requiring support.

Derby Handle Cane
A Derby handle cane can save much more energy for some compared to the C-cane. Often referred to as a "grip cane", it only differs from a C-cane by its classy Derby  handle, designed with efficiency in consideration and permitting the cane user to assert more downward push on the middle the stick without concern of losing balance. This can aid the immobile or those with low physical strength stay upright. Derby walking sticks are believed by many to have more style appeal than standard canes.

Quad Walking Cane
Quad canes provide the top level of support and balance. Oftentimes you'll find these canes constructed in aluminum or another lightweight material. Quad canes generally have soft rubber grips and a robust wider base with 4 points on the surface. The grip handle applies all pressure to the center of the wide base, permitting the user added security in case they can't stand without a powerful support that impedes them from toppling over. Quad walking canes are especially helpful for those with heavy impairments in their ability to stand up / sit down and maneuver.

Anatomical Walking Cane
Some canes are built more anatomically for more custom, personalized support. As an example, some canes  have grips or handles matching completely with the human palm. This is often additional comfortable for people that need a cane mainly for pressing downward pressure when sitting and standing, or those who have issues gripping the cane properly due to arthritis or limbs with limited mobility. Anatomically designed canes are often close adaptations of the Derby Cane and supply a analogous level of assistance good for people needing something similar but more snug to the hand than a Derby cane.

The Blind Walking Cane
Another essential cane for some, a blind walking cane is similar to a hiking stick with its main intention of design built for utility. A blind walking cane may look similar to a hiking cane but is usually somewhat longer and used explicitly for the blind to tap the paths facing them to prevent injuries by hitting objects or tripping. These canes are the standard for the blind and are generally lightweight sticks with a small rubber or plastic tip used so that the blind can walk and move confidently.

Style vs. Function
If you positively require a cane, purchase for function first and style later . Talk with a physician or  health consultant to work out if they can suggest a particular type of walking stick, or visit a home medical supply store to check out a variety of walking canes before making a choice.

Apart from function, the style of the cane is solely economical.  Like all  the finer things in life, you may generally get more if you spend more. Walking Canes are not different from other products in this regard and have a broad range of costs from the low-end common C-cane to a gold embossed knob handle or derby  cane. The best recommendation is the longer you require the cane, the most you must consider making an investment in your purchase. Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

Adult Incontinence - Myth Vs. Fact

This video explains some of the basic myths and facts of incontinence:

Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

Donning and Removing Compression Stockings

Compression therapy stockings require a level of care to increase their life and effectiveness.  Correctly putting on and removing your stockings is important, and there are a couple steps involved that you wouldn't follow with normal socks or stockings.

Here are some tips for donning stockings:

1) Put the stockings on when you wake up, before you begin the day.  If you shower early you'll be wanting to be sure your legs are not moist before you try to put compression stockings on. 

2) With compression therapy stockings, you never bunch the stocking up before donning.  This gathering essentially makes the process more troublesome. 

3) Pull the stocking up carefully over the ankle and onto the foot, then up the calf and thigh. 

4) Don't pull at the head of the stocking. Instead, you will need to delicately massage the stocking upward to move it up the leg.  This prohibits the risk of runs and rips in the stocking. 

Stocking Removal

When taking off your stockings, you will follow the same careful procedures for stopping runs and rips. 

1) Hold the top of the therapy leg coverings or socks and begin to slide them down, so they are inside-out. 
2) Do not roll them up,  bunching them up.  This crunching makes the stocking harder to remove and can create runs and tears. 

Another guideline for donning  and the removal of compression therapy stockings is to be sure you are wearing gloves or make sure no rings, bracelets, or sharp fingernails that may jab holes in the medical compression stocking.  Often the inside of the stocking has loose threads - don't yank these since they create tears and holes! 

Tools for Donning Compression Stockings
There are some tools that may help with donning and removal compression therapy stockings. 

Compression Stocking Applicator - This is a small wireframe device that allows you to slip the compression stocking on inside-out, permitting you to slide your leg quickly into the stocking.  You just place your toes in and slip your foot down till it's flat on the floor.  The stocking sticks to your leg, allowing you to pull the stocking off the applicator and affix it up your calf and thigh. 

Rubber Gloves - There are gloves expressly designed for donning and the removal compression therapy stockings.  They give you the correct quantity of friction to slide the stockings up the leg without bunching them up.  Talk with the supplier to make sure you get the right  gloves for your stockings!

For more info about Compression Therapy and Graduated Compression Stockings:
Prevent DVT
Compression Therapy
WebMD's Guide to Varicose Veins Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

Your "Care and Feeding" Guide for Compression Therapy Stockings

Compression  stockings are a reality for many people to support a healthy amount of circulation and support. Compression stockings can also get costly if you are wanting a regular supply of medical therapy stockings, so caring for your purchase is important to keep costs down and get the maximum time possible out of your compression stockings.

Compression  stockings are a reality for many folks to support a healthy level of circulatory support and ulcer treatment.  Compression stockings can also get high-priced if you are in need of a regular supply of compression therapy stockings, so taking care of for your purchase is critical to keep costs down and get the maximum life possible out of your compression stockings. 

Tips to properly care for compression stockings:

1) Wash them regularly - Most compression stockings are washer-friendly, but you'll be wanting to concentrate on the instructions on your specific stockings.  For example, most Sigvaris stockings (with the exception of rubber stockings) can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with mildly warm water and light clothing detergent. 

2) Shield your Compression Therapy Stockings and Socks During Cleaning - Put your stockings in an undies bag to wash them without danger and protect them from any likely holes or rips.  Socks should be turned inside-out.  Never use fabric softeners, bleaches, or put them in a dryer.  Always air-dry stockings.  All sellers are different, so be sure to check the washing instructions. 

3) if unsure, hand washing is best - of course, you can always hand wash your stockings with gentle soap. 

4) Give Special Attention to Bands - Some stockings have rings and attachments so they'll fit correctly and with more comfort.  If there is a silicone tip on the compression stockings, clean it with rubbing alcohol to remove surface oils keeping the stocking from working correctly.  If you have Velcro attachments on the compression stockings, guarantee they are fastened before cleaning to prevent the stocking from collecting particles which make it less effective.

For more info about Compression Therapy and Graduated Compression Stockings:
Prevent DVT
Compression Therapy
WebMD's Guide to Varicose Veins Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

How to Pick the Right Compression Therapy Stockings

Compression stocking sellers just as Jobst and Sigvaris have dozens of product lines, colors, and sizes.  Here's a fast and easy guide to choosing the compression stockings for you. 

1) Choose the style you need - There are many  series of compression therapy stockings for many purposes - are you sure what you want?  Choosing what your health physician has requested is where you should start.  Do you want dress socks?  Under clothes stockings?  The series you choose always fits and feels a particular fashion, so select the type of compression therapy stocking you need. 

2) Choose the Compression Range - Once you know the series you need, many of these styles have options in the level of mmHg.  The greater the mmHg , the more compression you when donning the therapy stockings.  Typically, compression levels range between 15 to 60 mmHg and lies inside a variety of five 10mmHg for most products. 

3) Choose the style of stocking - there are numerous styles of socks and stockings, just like purchasing any other sock.  The most typical options are calf-high, thigh-high, pantyhose, and specialised products like pregnancy.  There are frequently selections with waist attachments or bands that work to keep the stockings or socks from falling down. 

4) Choose your Measurement - Every stocking seller has a measurement chart that describes the dimensions of the leg to fit the stockings.  Always check you are buying the right size to get the right level of compression.  Some socks and stockings can sometimes have 12 different measurements or more, so you will want to determine correctly first to be certain you are getting the right size.  Find a measurement and sizing guide or ask a retailer for help selecting the best stocking size for your body. 

5) Choose gender - Male or Female.  Manufacturers also sell open-toe unisex stockings for both males and females.  The main difference between these is because the size and shape of the ankles for ladies and men differ a little.  Choosing the correct gender guarantees your compression socks or stockings fit most comfortably. 

6) Choose the Color -  Just like typical socks, stockings, and hosiery, vendors supply a collection of colours.  Although color is purely a cosmetic choice, you shouldn’t sacrifice fashion and graciously, you don’t have to. So when you have picked the right series, compression, style, size, and measurement, select your favourite color!

For more info about Compression Therapy and Graduated Compression Stockings:
Prevent DVT
Compression Therapy
WebMD's Guide to Varicose Veins Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

Speedicath Compact for Women is a Really Fast and Easy Catheter

Women have special needs when it comes to urinary catheters.  Fortunately , thanks to female anatomy and Coloplast's inventive packaging of their most innovative catheter, it is now possible for sterile, fast cathing in a transportable and discreet package at an affordable cost.  Sounds too ideal to be true?

Women have unique needs when it comes to urinary catheters.  Luckily , thanks to womens anatomy and Coloplast's ingenious packaging of their latest catheter, its now possible for sterile, fast cathing in an exceedingly transportable and subtle package at an affordable cost.  Seems too ideal to be true? 

Safety and Comfort - When seeking a urinary catheter, safety and comfort are the highest priorities.  Self-cathing should be a process done with knowledgable care, but the hardware used is making a difference.  SpeediCath is the proper length for the female urethra, so inserting and emptying the bladder is easily done while minimizing potential harm to the urethra and the bladder . 

Except for the length, SpeediCath is built with an exceedingly smooth and sterile pre-hydrated tunnel with polished facets on the tip to stop irritation to the delicate urethra.  SpeediCath also has a simple grip handle on the end so you never need to touch the sterile  tube.  This reduces the chance of the health condition that strikes fear into the hearts of all self-cathers: Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections ( CAUTIs ).  These features are superior to the typical design and quality of most urological catheters, but there's  more to SpeediCath Compact. 

Discreet - Packaging of the SpeediCath seems almost identical in form and size to a lipstick container, making it the perfect portable companion.  Regardless if your purse falls, pouring out across the sidewalk, it's unlikely even the most astute observer notices you are packing urinary catheters.  There is no more circumspect intermittent urinary catheter on the current market available to women. 

Fast Application - Ready, Set, Go; To use  SpeediCath Compact, just stand the catheter upright, twist the top, and pull.  A pre-lubed, sterile catheter tube comes out of the package, ready for insertion without ever having to touch the sterile insertion portion.  The tube is inserted as needed, removed, and placed into the container.  When finished, just place the tube into the container, discard, and go about your business. 

While the SpeediCath Compact is costlier than typical intermittent urinary catheters, it is not likely the sole catheter you'll have since at home you've got the time and privacy to do what must be done.  For the working, traveling woman, SpeediCath Compact can mean liberty.  Nothing is better than the benefit of only packing some little, lipstick-sized boxes into your purse in case you require them, rather than long tubes, lubriacant containers, insertion kits, or other urological products.

For more info about Catheters:
Urinary Catheterization
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Intro to Incontinence and Incontinence Supplies

This article explains the very basics of urine control issues, a common medical symptom affecting many seniors, and the supplies needed for treatment.

What is incontinence? 

Incontinence is basically the incapacity to control bladder and / or bowel function.  This means the involuntary excretion of urine or bowel movements, but typically most frequently incontinence refers to “urinary incontinence”, which applies particularly to pee control. 

While incontinence can be treated, it's a indication of an illness or health condition causing the incontinence.  Incontinence can be due to a number of medical conditions, many of which are gender-specific. 

There are lots of kinds of adult incontinence.  Here are some symptoms of the common forms:

Stress Incontinence - is due to the pressure from sneezing, coughing, or giggling.  This is the most typical form of incontinence among women but might also affect men. 
Urge Incontinence - A robust urge to urinate that comes on fast and powerfully, or overnight when the feeling to urinate happens frequently. 

Overflow Incontinence - Overflow incontinence affects men and is mostly caused by an obstructing of the urethra by the prostate or something in the urethra.  When the bladder is too full, it will force the urine past the constriction in the urethra.  Some symptoms of overflow incontinence are when the pee stream is weak, straining while urinating, or bedwetting. 

In spite of what you've heard, incontinence is not an ordinary part of aging and thankfully it can be treated!  You should see your health practitioner for possible treatment if you are experiencing the evidence of incontinence. 

What number of folks are affected by urinary incontinence? 

With an aging population worldwide, incontinence is starting to become an increasingly important health problem, faced by millions worldwide .  Some sources indicate that as much as half of all girls deal with the regularly shaming issue of urinary incontinence after the age of fifty. 

What kinds of incontinence supplies aid urinary incontinence? 

While you should usually see a doctor if you are experiencing any type of incontinence, dealing with the symptom can be embarrassing.  You should also explore changes in your diet (consuming caffeine, alcohol, and other liquids) as well as exercise to help relieve the symptoms. 

Thankfully, if you're waiting to work out if a form of treatment helps or waiting for surgery, there are a number of products for both men and women to help you and make incontinence as least shaming as possible.  Here are some:

Bedwetting Alarms
Alarms are usually worn on the wrist and will sound if it notices the wearer is wetting the bed.  This alerts the patient awake to reduce the mess. 

Incontinence Bed Pads & Sheets
Pads and  sheeting are a necessity for overnight incontinence and bedwetting.  They may protect a mattress and minimize the mess, making it straightforward to clean.  Incontinence pads are made to be extra-absorbent and come in all sizes from covering a portion of the bed to a full-size mattress undercover.  You may also get throwaway pads or re-usable pads, which are safer for machine washing and dryers. 

Typically for regular nighttime incontinence, a throw-away pad is preferred.  However , for bi-nightly or occasional incontinence, a re-usable pad is likely the more cost-efficient and comfortable option. 

Incontinence Diapers and Briefs

For mobile protection on a tight schedule, adult incontinence diapers and briefs are a good choice.  They can be worn privately and offer absorbent protection from leaks as well as protection to reduce smell and keep the skin dry and rash-free. 

Most incontinence briefs and underclothes come in sizes just like regular underwear and regularly have discreet daytime options and night options for the best protection. 

Self-Catheters & Leg Bags

There are several cases in women and men that may require self-catheterization.  Catheters are tubes that are inserted through the urethra and into the bladder so that urine drains properly thru the tube.  While catheterization is generally unpleasant, it can offer protection from incontinence, especially for those with surgery and men experiencing BPH ( Benign Prostate Hyperplastia) which is a swelling of the prostate that can affect millions of aging men. 

Catheters come in all sizes and styles and are typically gender-specific.  Catheters are designed to be disposable, so once they're used, they deserve to be thrown away.  Re-using catheters puts the patient in jeopardy for Urinary Tract contagions.

Female catheters are always internally inserted, but for men there is also the option of self-adhering external catheters that attach to the outside of the male unit. 

Leg bags are basically a bag that connects to the outside hole of a catheter.  A leg bag attaches to the leg with belts so that the wearer loses no function and is completely safe in case of urine flow.  All the urine collects in the small bag which can later be easily taken off.

Skin Care Products

With incontinence comes occasional leaks or accidents which can cause rashes or infections.  With proper skin care, all of this can be circumvented.  Most incontinence skin care products are for patients who have recently undergone operations or are not active enough to clean on their own.  These products typically come in the form of conditioners, sprays, and foams applied washcloth.  There are also protective ointments designed to help secure the skin from rashes.

Learn more about Incontinence and Incontinence Products:
WebMD- Incontinence
Incontinence Product Reviews Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

Lantiseptic - The Staple Skin Protecting Cream for Anyone in Healthcare

Some products - like Band-Aid and Aspirin, have been around for so long they're used universally.  When it comes to skin care and skin protection, Lantiseptic is the well-known categorical champ.  It's common in hospitals and healthcare facilities for diaper rashes, skin ulcers, incontinence skin irritation, sores, and even to help facilitate healing in skin wounds.

In reality, skin protection and therapy products like Lantiseptic are growing substantially more applicable today; as the Baby Boomers are now reaching  Senior standing, we're beginning to see the accelerating issues of such health issues like incontinence now effecting millions of this aging population. It is claimed over 50% of just ladies alone experience some type of incontinence after they hit their middle aged years. This number increases with age, and the quantity of those with frequent incontinent episodes is growing.

Lantiseptic aids protecting skin from incontinence that may irritate epidermal skin. When put on dry skin, it provides a barrier that will keep the skin safe from pee and fecal matter while helping irritated skin heal quicker. It is also helpful for dry and fragile skin that breakdown less complicated, particularly in nursing homes where nappy rash is a common issue.

How do skin protecting barrier creams work? Lanolin and petrolatum are 2 active emollient ingredients keep the skin moist, promoting the integrity of the epidermal layer to stop any breakdown before it starts and promoting healing where there's any irritation.

Ulcer sores are also a common medical issue with  seniors, causing pain|discomfort}. Ulcer stores are measured in stages. Lantiseptic exceeds expectations here also, helping to cure Stage I and II ulcer-prone skin pressure sores by keeping them moist.

Since its origins, Lantiseptic has additionally expanded the product s to incorporate therapeutic ointment for diabetic skin and foot care, and a no-rinse body wash that just sprays on and gently wipes off.  All of these skin care supplies  provide useful benefits to seniors, and Lantiseptic should be considered a staple requirement for any credible health care facility, senior homes, home health nurses, and hospitals.

Learn more about Lantiseptic:
Lantiseptic Homepage

Best online deals for Lantiseptic:
Hocks
Lantiseptic
Buzzillions ReviewsAdded with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

Bathroom Safety and the Elderly or Mobility Impaired

Daily living safety products for use in the restroom.

As we all know, with aging comes many changes to your body that must be met as new challenges and can interrupt the lifestyle you once were familiar with.  These new changes can also mean developments in how we engage with the environment and how we conduct our everyday life. 

The bathroom is an area of the home everyone visits several times a day, not to mention one where privacy is required.  But the mobility required in the bathroom and the prospects of hazards in the bathroom environment can suggest extra care is needed for those with impaired mobility due to aging or a handicap.  So, additional cares are required to avoid the possibly embarrassing, risky, or maybe fatal scenarios for the mobility impaired. 

Thankfully , if you're aging or have a friend or family member who is aging, be assured a bathroom can be outfitted to make it safer, more comfy, and more accessible for those who need a little additional help and support.  Here are a couple of them :

Grab Bars - A Grab Bar is just a lengthy bar fastened to the bathroom wall with fasteners or suction to assist with sitting down / standing up and moving around in the bathroom.  Bathroom grab bars are typically found along the walls of handicapped toilets in public bathrooms for an identical purpose.  Mounted either vertically or horizontally , depending on needs, these bars typically come in chrome or plastic with a non-slip surface ( handy since hands are often wet when using the bar for showering and/or bathing). 

Raised Toilet Seats - This platform sits over the bowl of the commode so an individual can sit higher on the toilet.  The added height allows for more at ease and easier to sit and stand up from the toilet.  In addition, raised toilet seats regularly provide a wider seating area to lower the risk of falling while sitting or attempting to stand from the toilet seat.  These typically come in either standard sizes toilets or for toilets with elongated bowls.  They also may have options for side arms on the raised seat, adding additional support for those who may have a difficult time holding themselves upright. 

Bath Grips - Tub grips are handles that clamp to the side of a tub, providing and upright handle to make getting in and out of the tub easier and provide additional support while standing  in the shower.  A good bathtub grip provides sturdy support without the use of  tools for installation, won't scratch or damage the tub, and supports high weight capacity. 

Shower and Bath Chairs - Simply a hard plastic and / or stainless steel chair designed for those who may not have the energy or feel too uncomfortable to stand while bathing.  They also scale back the risks of slipping in the shower since the individual is positioned on a sound platform.  These handy chairs come in all styles and sizes and sometimes have backs or come as stools, and some actually have arms for additonal support.  And, for caretakers, there are transfer benches to assist patients with the process of moving to / from the tub. 

Hand-held Showers - Generally, showers and showerheads are attached to the wall in such a fashion they require the bather to turn for rinsing soap.  For those that may require seating during showering or bathing, hand-held showers provide complete shower coverage without the need to maneuver the body.  A good hand-held shower includes a long, durable hose with straightforward and delicate push-button control on the hand-held shower nozzle. 

These are some ways to make the bathroom experience more pleasant and more comfortable for those with reduced mobility.  If you or a family member is experiencing the difficulties of mobility impairment, these straightforward bathroom safety products make living more controllable and stress-free.

Where to Purchase Bath Safety Supplies: Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

Absorbent Undergarments vs. Adult Diapers for Incontinence

Incontinence is a common condition affecting millions of adults in the United States alone. 

Companies are manufacturing all kinds of incontinence supplies from pads, underclothes, sheets, bed wetting alarms, odor control, and cleaning cloths for simple clean up all to make the difficulties of incontinence manageable. 

When choosing incontinence products, first and most important it should be presumed they're doing as intended.  Incontinence is a symptom that differs from patient to patient.  There also are many forms of incontinence that may differ by one's own biology and sex.  The products you choose should be absorbent enough for the level of incontinence experienced. 

Incontinence diapers are often preferred in situations where urinary continence comes on fast and strong and there is a lot of leaking.  A full sized adult diaper and possibly a plastic cover or adult briefs to cover up assists with extra leakage might be required. 

The most comfortable solution for handling urinary incontinence is easy-clean pants with inserted pads.  This also creates less environmental waste and costs less than purchasing expensive disposable diapers.  Pads are preferred for people that experience occasional urinary incontinence, for example stress incontinence, and need protection but need something without the majority of wearing a full sized incontinence diaper. 

Staying Clean and Dry
As always, keep washcloths handy for Skin care and treatment, in case there are any leaks.  Proper cleaning ensures no infections or rashes. 

When purchasing any incontinence supplies, it's often more affordable to buy them in big quantities if feasible.  Finding incontinence supplies online is a good way to economize and get the exact products you need.

Learn more about Incontinence and Incontinence Products:
WebMD- Incontinence
Incontinence Product Reviews Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.