Posts from — September 2009

Happenings in Health Care

October 12 -15
Medtrade Atlanta, Georgia
In Atlanta, Georgia, the Medtrade HME Expo is taking place on the week of October 12th. Manufacturers , HME providers and more will be unveiling new prices, new products and sharing innovative approaches to providing Home Health Care services and products . The event will be held at Atlanta’s World Congress Center. Product training and interesting conversations on shifts in home health care and Medicare reimbursements will be prevalent. For more information contact www.medtrade.com

November 8 – 15th
Women’s Wellness Week Captiva, Florida
Camp is not just for kids anymore. Join the ladies in Captiva for Women’s Wellness week. Refresh, rejoice and celebrate health and happiness with new friends and rediscover old friends too. The events will be held from November 8th to the 15th on Sanibel Island. For more information, contact www.womenswellnessweekcaptiva.com .

Incontinence Supplies
If you, a friend, or a loved one is suffering from incontinence,  this article will provide you with information about some of the available products.

Introduction
There are many types of incontinence issues, and the causes of incontinence vary. Some incontinence problems are age, or injury related while other causes are related to medicines, diet or emotional issues like stress. There are two categories of incontinence; 1) Urinary and 2) Fecal. If you have identified either problem, your first line of defense is to consult a physician or a specialist. If after consulting a medical professional,  you are unable to resolve issues with medical intervention, this article will provide you with some information pertaining to supply items that may prove helpful.

Reusable Under pads
The first line of defense for individuals living with bladder control problems may be the reusable under pad. Reusable, under pads are used to protect furniture. Under pads are made in chair sizes and bed sizes. Most homes and businesses protect their furniture by placing these under bed sheets or cushion covers. In doing so, one minimizes the risk of ruining expensive mattresses , seat cushions and upholstery. Some of the pads have an Ibex layer which wisks away moisture to help prevent skin problems for individuals contained to a chair or bed. In most all cases, under pads have a back layer made of Waterproof vinyl or polyester. Most all under pads have a middle layer that helps contain wetness and trap fluid.

Bladder Control Pads
Bladder control pads, for the most part, are designed to go into underwear. This author is well-versed on some of the major brand names like Tranquility, Dignity, and Depend. After studying products, and discussing products with customers throughout the years, this author feels that the Sir Dignity and Lady Dignity product lines are excellent. It is important to note that there are many other large corporations manufacturing these types of products. For example, Tena, Medline, Attends, First Quality and Covidien-Kendall are all excellent corporations carrying incontinence products to name just a few.

Bladder Control Pads generally are accessible in Regular Duty, Heavy-Duty and Over-Night strengths. The daytime pads tend to be thinner and not quite as absorbent as the night-time and Heavy-Duty products. During the day, when individuals are awake, they generally tend to have more bladder control than at night. Most individuals desire slimmer fitting pads during the day, so as not to expose their needs underneath tighter fitting clothing. Two popular brands are Poise and Dignity. At night, individuals with bladder control issues may want to utilize All-through-The-Night (ATN) strength pads.

Washable Incontinent Briefs
Washable or Reusable Briefs are made in different sizes and types. They are sized based on hip and waist measurements, and often come in sizes like small, medium, large and extra-large. Essential Medical’s pants are designed in Pull-on and Snap-On styles. A person’s physical abilities often dictate style selections.

Reusable Belted Shields
Belted shields are excellent because they can be worn with one’s own undergarments for additional protection. The shields can fit hips that are up to 65” in size. The belts are reusable and the pads are disposable.

Disposable Briefs or Pants
Depends is a solid producer of disposable briefs or pants. The Depend line is specific to Men and Women. They are sized based on Waist and Hip Measurements. Weight is also a factor. More information on products like; Depend for Women, or Depend for Men can be accessed at Medicalhealthsupply.com. I like the Depend product line because the company has  a professional online learning center where customers can learn more about products, bladder control issues and incontinence. The online learning center is well-done.

Disposable Adjustable Briefs
Disposable Adjustable Briefs are also purchased by size. Waist and hip measurements are needed to guarantee correct size and fit. Weight is also a factor. Depend also makes a good Disposable Adjustable Brief. The Tabs on the side make this product easier to change on people with mobility issues. The light gathers around the leg assist in leak protection, with the added benefit of adding to the product’s comfort.

External Catheters
These items are often recommended by a specialist. In many cases,  a doctor’s prescription is required to purchase these items because training and accessorizing is necessary.  For example, one often has to learn about  tubing and leg bags after purchasing these items. Catheters come in both one-time use and reusable styles. The Texas Condom Catheter is utilized for men. Straight catheter styles can be used for either men and women. The straight Foley Catheters are the most common. Some of these items are covered by health insurance where as most of the other items discussed herein are not covered.

Cleansers and Skin Protection
Cleansers and Skin Protection items are always important  for people with incontinence issues. Skin is the largest organ in the human body, and should be protected to maintain good health. The classics, in my opinion, are hard to beat. Petroleum Jelly is difficult to improve upon from a price and product perspective. I am also a large fan of Acquaphor, a product manufactured by Eucerin. Convetec, Smith and Nephew and Medline also have some nice  commercial products. Aloe Vesta products are among the best retail products in the industry. Tranquilty also makes an excellent disposable wipe.

The important thing to remember about skin maintenance is to keep skin clean and keep it dry. Moisture can cause skin breakdown, rashes and burns. Damaged skin is not only uncomfortable, but it can be very painful to the individual with incontinence issues. Unclean skin surfaces can cause sores and infection. It is important to dry and clean skin to restore health.  Always protect skin that is exposed to wetness and irritation. This is particularly important at bedtime, when an individual with incontinence issues is most at risk for prolonged exposure to moisture.

Bed Alarms
In some cases, it is necessary for individuals, with incontinence issues,  to purchase bed alarms. Bed alarms detect moisture and wake individuals from sleep. Alarms can be helpful on two levels. They awaken the person with the incontinence issues, so that they do not sleep in wetness. Secondly, they are often helpful in the retraining process. In particular, some individuals, who are repeatedly alerted to a bed-wetting episodes, stop bed wetting altogether.

Conclusion
Incontinence is a difficult topic to discuss, but for millions of Americans, incontinence is a frustrating and embarrasing  reality. Individuals, who have incontinence issues,often suffer from a lack of confidence, a loss of self-esteem and sometimes depression. It can be caused by illness, age, childbirth, diet, stress or injury. Always contact a professional if incontinence is an issue. There have been many break-throughs in the field of incontinence and a specialist should be approached with questions, or concerns.

Products discussed herein can be purchased at http://medicalhealthsupply.com. First time customers can utilize the 5%Off coupon code at checkout.  This coupon can be viewed on the home page of http://blog.medicalhealthsupply.com

They studied, sought and fought for ideals like justice and individual freedom and human dignity. It this history that carved the United States of America out of worlderness. It is this framework that created a people who possess the power to vote, work, and speak freely in the pursuit of happiness. Charles Kenning would ask us not to let our pontiffs blind us with mistruth, taxes, misinterpretations of law. Unpaid bills, and rewritten rules that will lead our children into an era of economic, political and social slavery.

This message was consistent with his actions. Charles B. Kenning was shot down over Germany on his 23^rd mission in 1944. In prison camp he was mindful of American rights, and explained the Geneva Convention to his captors. All that was left to guard his camp, at that point in his war experience, were young scared German boys with big guns. My father was fortunate to speak German.

Like our forefathers Charles Kenning fought for democracy and the rights of the individual. On departing from prison camp, “Life Magazine” captured and published a picture of the event that marked his exit. With crutches in hand, he tore down the Nazi flag. It was this picture that alerted his mother, who was thousands of miles away-her son was alive. With spirit intact, he was coming home. Sonny-boy, as Nana would call him, would tell you that we must honor, maintain and respect conventions of law and our constitution.

Charles B. Kenning graduated from Georgetown University and passed several bar exams that were being offered around the D.C. beltway shortly, thereafter. The screw that was drilled through his leg to shore up his ankle, during the war, did not hinder his forward momentum. It was this tenacity with which he approached his love for freedom. In life his spirits were unhampered. In sickness and in-near death, he did not complain.

Charles B. Kenning was a collector. He colllected cars, boats and books. Few people know that he owned each and every law book that West Publishing Company ever produced.. They meticulously lined thousands of square feet of law library in our house. As a teenager, I remember learning that this was strange. Friends came to play, and then they later returned in-groups for the library tour, and to shop for snacks. I soon learned never to invite people to that portion of the house. I didn’t want to be different; every other house in Pittsford was not built on foundation that mirrored an underground city equipped with libraries, and fall-out shelters stocked with food.

In college, my sisters and I started calling this portion of our home “Chuck’s-Mart”. The prices were right, after all. Anyone could find a free book, or feed the entire dorm if need-be. There was no need for a blue-light special on Old Farm Circle. He never noticed missing books or groceries. The unwashed and hungry masses that passed through our doors appreciated this oversight.

When my father became disabled, his beloved library was moved to Albany, New York, and became the better portion of a law library for students. He would have liked to join them in study. After law school, he taught Law at John Fisher College. He was the type of teacher that wanted students to read and actively debate issues. When arguing a point with Charles Kenning, however, you had better have your facts straight. He was not an easy teacher.

If Professor Kenning were alive today he would ask students to read the bills that Congress proposes. He would invite his students to actively debate issues. He would want precedence and contrasting positions juxtiposed. Professor Kenning would have been disappointed by a government, and a people who did do their reading. Congressmen, who do not read proposed bills, have equally appalled him. He was not a compromising person, or an easy man.

I could imagine Mr. Kenning saying something like; “Some proponents of rewriting and creating new laws have learned that, in chaos, there is opportunity. But in true freedom, there is only rule of law.” My father would say that truth cannot be masked in proposed bills and in revisionist history. Our history is clear, our founders were direct and our agenda as a people are predestined. It is our duty, our right and our privilege to live in freedom and uphold the constitution. As leaders we must hold our lawmakers, politicians, and families to high standards.

Charles B. Kenning did not gray the truth to gain political power, popularity, fame or financial gain. He was a student of American History. who believed in upholding the law. He had a great love and respect for the constitution. He would ask that you look forward to protecting your children and future generations with the very same document. He was unyielding in this belief.

. My sister recounts a conversation that he would have with his children. It would start out as a question; “Did you do your best?” If you answered “Yes”, there was more to follow “…. if that is the best that you can do, you have done enough.” He would then add the twist; “Now go help someone else do it better”. He was unwavering and stubborn.

I have nothing more to say. A generation is passing and now , like oldest daughter’s responsibility rests in my hands to educate and support my own children and future generations. He often would say; “Security it an illusion, A ship passing in the night.”  His ship has passed. Lieutenant Colonel Charles B. Kenning would probably end this story in command form using a phrase like this “… May the constitution and rule of law guide you. May your children and faith sustain you . To our founding fathers, and to the fallen soldiers, with whom I love and respect, Thank you.” –Mary Clare Kenning-Lyons