Exercise, Pain, and Healthy Aging

As we age our body changes over time. If you listen to your body, which most of us do not, it will signal to us when enough is enough. If we choose to push our bodies past the sensible limit, we end up with injuries that may take a while to heal. Paying attention to what your body needs is key to aging. One thing about aging we don’t really have control over are the aches and pains and wearing over time of the joints. 

According to Healthinaging.org, as you get older, your cartilage may start to deteriorate from the normal wear and tear of the passing years. The protective membranes and fluids in your joints begin to dry up. These changes may allow the bones to rub against each other painfully. You may also notice that some joints have changed shape—especially in your fingers or toes. You may feel stiff in the morning, or have aches and pains in some joints that never bothered you before. The joint may even become swollen and warm to the touch. These problems are common in older people. Usually, they are minor annoyances, but sometimes joint pain and deformities can make it very hard to function, and eventually you may need to have surgery or have the joint replaced.

Many joint problems can be managed by the primary care doctor. Others may be handled by:

• Orthopedist (doctor specializing in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system) 
• Physiatrist (doctor specializing in rehabilitation medicine) 
• Physical therapist (healthcare professional that helps you maintain, restore or improve physical function due to injury, disease, or disability) 
• Rheumatologist (a doctor who specializes in the treatment of the joints and connecting tissues)

The Most Common Types of Joint Problems:

• Arthritis (or osteoarthritis) is the most common type of joint problem in older people. It usually affects knees, hips, hands, spine or sometimes shoulders. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common type of chronic arthritis. It is caused by an auto-immune reaction in which your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues. Most typically, it involves the joints in your fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles and toes. 
• Other types of arthritis include gout or pseudogout. Sometimes, there is a mechanical problem in the joint, such as torn cartilage, that causes pain or inhibits movement in the joint. 

Types of joint problems that affect the soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments include:

• Rotator cuff injuries 
• Tendonitis 
• Frozen shoulder 
• Fibromyalgia 
• Carpal tunnel syndrome 
• Bursitis

How Common are Joint Problems? Osteoarthritis, which affects about 27 million Americans, is the main reason that so many people “slow down” as they get older. Half of Americans over the age of 65 have been told they have arthritis by their healthcare professional. Women are slightly more likely to get a diagnosis of arthritis than men. But, gout is more common in men, with an estimated six million people having experienced an attack of gout.

The other main types of chronic joint problems can occur in the older population are:

• Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition disease (including pseudogout) occurs in about half of all people between the ages of 80 to 90 years, although many have no symptoms. 
• Fibromyalgia is usually first diagnosed in middle age, and affects 3-5% of women and about 0.5% of men. Chances of having fibromyalgia increase as you get older. Tendonitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue that attaches muscles to bones. This condition can occur in anyone but becomes more common in older people as tissues lose their flexibility. Rotator cuff problems occur most often in the 55-85 year old age group. The rotator cuff involves the tissues supporting the shoulder joint. About 30% of older people have tears in their rotator cuff muscles and tendons, but many have no symptoms. 
• Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on a nerve in the wrist and may cause tingling, numbness and pain in the hand. It affects between four and ten million Americans, and older people are at higher risk of suffering from the condition. 

According to MedlinePlus.gov , exercise is one of the best ways to slow or prevent problems with the muscles, joints, and bones. A moderate exercise program can help you maintain strength, balance, and flexibility. Exercise helps the bones stay strong.

Talk to your health care provider before starting a new exercise program. It is important to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of calcium. Women need to be especially careful to get enough calcium and vitamin D as they age. Postmenopausal women and men over age 65 should take 1,200 mg of calcium and 400 to 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day. If you have osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about prescription treatments.

According to eldergym.com , stretching is also an important part of elderly and seniors flexibility and will help offset the effects of normal decline in the flexibility of your joints, and help you remain active and independent.

As we age muscles become shorter and lose their elasticity. Aging can affect the structure of your bones and muscles causing pain and decreased range of motion in the shoulders, spine and hips. Stretching is an excellent way to relax and relieve tension if you incorporate breathing exercises and good posture in your stretching program. It becomes very important for seniors to maintain range of motion and your ability to move all joints normally with activities during the day.

Generally elderly and seniors stretching should be done 2 to 3 days per week, performing each stretch 3 to 5 times with a 20 to 30 second hold. Try one or two stretches for each body region If you would like to increase your flexibility, stretches should be performed 4 to 5 days per week. Remember that it is important to warm-up before beginning an elderly flexibility exercise program. The warm-up is an excellent place to use your stretching exercises.

General flexibility guidelines:

• Warm up before stretching 
• Don’t bounce during stretching. 
• Don’t hold your breath during a stretch. 
• Stretching should not cause pain, be gentle. 
• Don’t combine turning and bending back exercises at the same time. To stretch the back relax in a chair by supporting yourself with your hands on your legs while leaning forward. 
• When performing knee bends, don’t drop your buttock below the level of your knees. This places too much strain on your knees. Better to do shallow knee bends, keeping your feet apart and not locking the knees. Keep your back straight throughout the exercise. 
• Avoid pressing the head backward during head rolls which can damage the vertebrae in your neck. Move the head gently from side to side, never too quickly. 

Remember, elderly and seniors flexibility training will only show benefits if it is done regularly with the correct form and duration of stretch.

So go ahead and give it a try, it can only help. But, as always, remember to check with your doctor or healthcare physician to make sure you are healthy enough to start any new exercise regiment.

Peace & Love - April Williams

Attitude Impact on Active Aging & Health

“Know that you are the perfect age.  Each year is special and precious, for you shall only live it once.  Be comfortable with growing older.” – Louise Hay

Don’t you wish it was that easy?  Attitude is everything, but life throws curves at you when you least expect it and it can ruin your whole day, month or year. What counts in life is how many times we get up after being knocked down and what we take away from each experience. 

Researchers at the Yale School of Public Health showed that, of two groups with different views of aging, the people who felt good about older people were 44 percent more likely to recover from a severe disability than those with negative views.

“This result suggests that how the old view their aging process could have an effect on how they experience it,” noted Becca Levy, PhD, director of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Division at the Yale School of Public Health, in a press release. “In previous studies, we have found that older individuals with positive age stereotypes tend to show lower cardiovascular response to stress and they tend to engage in healthier activities, which may help to explain our current findings.”

Recovery from disability was equated with being able to perform four routine activities: bathing, dressing, moving from a chair and walking. Doing well in these things is associated with longer life expectancy and lower use of healthcare facilities.

In general, studies show that people who maintain a positive attitude tend to make healthier lifestyle choices. According to a Mayo Clinic study, people with a positive attitude get more physical activity, follow a healthier diet and have lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption.

According to HelpGuide.org, Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment—and accepting it without judgment.

Mindfulness is now being examined scientifically and has been found to be a key element in happiness. The cultivation of mindfulness has roots in Buddhism, but most religions include some type of prayer or meditation technique that helps shift your thoughts away from your usual preoccupations toward an appreciation of the moment and a larger perspective on life.

Mindfulness improves well being

• Increasing your capacity for mindfulness supports many attitudes that contribute to a satisfied life.
• Being mindful makes it easier to savor the pleasures in life as they occur, helps you become fully engaged in activities, and creates a greater capacity to deal with adverse events.
• By focusing on the here and now, many people who practice mindfulness find that they are less likely to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets over the past, are less preoccupied with concerns about success and self-esteem, and are better able to form deep connections with others.

Mindfulness Improves Physical Health
If greater well-being isn’t enough of an incentive, scientists have discovered the benefits of mindfulness techniques help improve physical health in a number of ways. Mindfulness can:

• Help relieve stress
• Treat heart disease
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce chronic pain
• Improve sleep
• Alleviate gastrointestinal difficulties

Mindfulness Improves Mental Health

In recent years, psychotherapists have turned to mindfulness meditation as an important element in the treatment of a number of problems, including:

• Depression
• Substance abuse
• Eating disorders
• Couples’ conflicts
• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Some experts believe that mindfulness works, in part, by helping people to accept their experiences—including painful emotions—rather than react to them with aversion and avoidance.

It’s become increasingly common for mindfulness meditation to be combined with psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy. This development makes good sense, since both meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy share the common goal of helping people gain perspective on irrational, maladaptive, and self-defeating thoughts.

Mindfulness Techniques

There is more than one way to practice mindfulness, but the goal of any mindfulness technique is to achieve a state of alert, focused relaxation by deliberately paying attention to thoughts and sensations without judgment. This allows the mind to refocus on the present moment. All mindfulness techniques are a form of meditation.

Basic mindfulness meditation – Sit quietly and focus on your natural breathing or on a word or “mantra” that you repeat silently. Allow thoughts to come and go without judgment and return to your focus on breath or mantra.

Body sensations – Notice subtle body sensations such as an itch or tingling without judgment and let them pass. Notice each part of your body in succession from head to toe.

Sensory – Notice sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches. Name them “sight,” “sound,” “smell,” “taste,” or “touch” without judgment and let them go.

Emotions – Allow emotions to be present without judgment. Practice a steady and relaxed naming of emotions: “joy,” “anger,” “frustration.”
Accept the presence of the emotions without judgment and let them go.

Urge surfing – Cope with cravings (for addictive substances or behaviors) and allow them to pass. Notice how your body feels as the craving enters. Replace the wish for the craving to go away with the certain knowledge that it will subside.


Another technique:

Learning to stay in the present
 
A less formal approach to mindfulness can also help you to stay in the present and fully participate in your life. You can choose any task or moment to practice informal mindfulness, whether you are eating, showering, walking, touching a partner, or playing with a child or grandchild. Attending to these points will help:

• Start by bringing your attention to the sensations in your body
• Breathe in through your nose, allowing the air downward into your lower belly. Let your abdomen expand fully.
• Now breathe out through your mouth
• Notice the sensations of each inhalation and exhalation
• Proceed with the task at hand slowly and with full deliberation
• Engage your senses fully. Notice each sight, touch, and sound so that you savor every sensation.

When you notice that your mind has wandered from the task at hand, gently bring your attention back to the sensations of the moment.

We live in a go, go, go society and tend to lose sight of the “stop and smell the roses,” mentality, or the keen awareness of a child.  If we but took time for these few actions, we just might enjoy life a little more and may forget the pains of aging for a short while.  Get started, what do you have to lose.

Peace & Love,
April Williams

How to Determine the Correct Size of Walking Cane

Selecting a cane that fits the user properly is extremely important for comfort and safety. Measuring properly will help avoid the user from having to lean towards the cane or hold it too high compared to their body to allow them the extra desired stability. The correct height of cane will allow the user to maximize stability and safety.

Here are a few ways to determine the correct height of cane that will best support the user.

Measure the size of an existing cane:

1. If there is already a cane in use that fits the user correctly then simply measure this and make your selection.

Measure the user:

1. First put a pair of frequently worn shoes on the user that they would wear when walking. 
2. Have the user stand upright as naturally as possible. 
3. Have their arms fall naturally to their sides with a normal relaxed bend at the elbow. 
4. Use a measuring tape to measure the distance from their wrist joint at the bottom crease of the wrist to the floor. 
5. Round this up to the nearest half inch and make your selection.

Measure the users height in inches and divide by two:

1. This method may not always be as accurate as the previous measurements. 
2. Convert the users height to inches. 
3. Divide this number in half. 
4. Round to the nearest half inch.

These are some ways to measure for a cane and are a general guideline. If you have any any questions we always recommend that you seek help from a health care professional to ensure you are using the cane correctly and that you have the correct size.

Also, remember that a cane are not intended to be used like a crutch for full weight bearing. A cane simply adds additional point(s) of contact on the ground to affect balance, relieve joints and provide additional stability.

Canes are available in many shapes and sizes. Some are single point canes and others have four points and are known as "quad canes". Many canes are height adjustable and allow the user to set the height to their specific needs. Canes are also made of many different materials such as wood and lightweight aluminum.

Differences between Walkers and a Rollators

Walkers and Rollators are walking assist devices for individuals that would benefit from a walking assistant device and a cane does not provide the correct or enough stability stability. Just like canes, walkers and rollators come in many configurations, sizes and weights. The individual using these devices should consider these factors as well as where the items will be use (indoors, outdoors, or both) as well as the overall width if the device will be used in tight spaces.

Walkers

A Walker is a device that has multiple legs and is used for mobility for anyone that needs extra assistance when walking (think of multiple canes connected together to provide a wider area and stance). Walkers are available many different configurations with the most popular being 4 legged with either rubber caps or glides on the end of the legs, or 2 wheeled versions which have two legs with caps or glides and two legs with wheels.

Any configuration is generally designed to work well on floors or flat surfaces and provide added resistance for someone who needs a little extra help standing and / or walking. Most are a folding design to make them easy and convenient for travel or storage.

Walkers come in a wide range of sizes and weight capacities to fit users individual needs. Be sure to consider handle height and the weight of the user as well as the width of the walker when choosing which is best for you.

Rollators
A Rollator is like a walker with a wheel at the bottom of each leg. Some have 3 legs, but the most common have 4. Common features available on different rollator configurations may include a seat, backrest, pouch or basket, adjustable height arms and grips, choice of colors, size of wheels, and hand brakes. Three-wheeled rollators will generally not include a seat. Many rollators will fold up for easy storage and transport.

The wheels and tires on rollators may be caster style or fixed. Caster style wheels allow the individual wheels to pivot completely around for maximum maneuverability (think of the front wheels of most grocery store shopping carts). Fixed wheels would be attached to the end of the leg and not pivot (think of the back wheels on most grocery story shopping carts).

Rollators are also made in various sizes, weights and weight capacities to accommodate all shapes, sizes and types of users. When choosing a rollator you should consider the users weight and the height that you wish to have the hand grips. Also, some rollators are wide so it is a good idea to consider the width if it will be used in tight or combined spaces.

Rollators are also popular as you can side on the padded seat if you get tired. Many also have pouches or baskets under the seat making it easy to carry personal items when you are on the go.

People that would benefit from the stability and convenience of a walker or rollator have many different choices in different budgets for the device that best fits their needs. It is always a good idea to consider the specific needs of the user and how and where they will use the walker or rollator when choosing the best option.

Incontinence pads or feminine hygiene pads?

Many people may be incorrectly using feminine hygiene menstrual pads for urinary incontinence protection. While these pads may look very similar and provide area coverage that is similar, they do in fact provide very different types of protection and serve a different purpose. The question is which is best or simply put - incontinence pads vs menstrual pads?

Incontinence pads are also commonly known by many different names including bladder control pads, liners, urinary pads, and incontinence shields. These pads are designed with varying degrees of fluid absorption capabilities. The protection level is provided by the materials and fabrics used in the manufacturing of the pads as well as the size of the pad. Technology has improved in many of these areas that allow the use of materials such as superabsobent microbeads that provide superior absorbency while minimizing pad thickness and size.

Feminine menstrual pads, or sanitary napkins, are designed specifically to absorb blood that is slow or in a trickle. Incontinence pads are designed specifically to absorb and provide protection and peace of mind with involuntary loss of urine. They are simply not designed to handle the chemical make up and composition of urine.

Incontinence pads also are designed absorb and disperse urine quickly. They also help provide odor control associated with urine as well as the fluid absorbency. The structure of the pads helps keep skin dry and healthy by pulling the urine away from the skin into the pad core.

There are pads available specifically for men, women or either. Some pads have adhesive strips or patches to held the pads in place where protection is needed most and some do not have adhesive and are held in place simply by special undergarments or underwear. There are even pads known as booster pads that are designed to be used with other incontinence products to increase their absorbency and reduce changing of protective underwear or adult diapers.

In conclusion, feminine pads are designed specifically for use in the absorption of a slow trickle of blood for the female menstrual cycle. Incontinence pads are designed to accommodate the faster flow and absorption, as well as the chemical composition, of urine. Both are designed for unique purposes and specific kinds of protection. Your best option for urinary incontinence protection is an incontinence pad is designed specifically for this need. 

How to Change an Adult Diaper Step by Step

Changing an adult diaper for the first time may be a bit uncomfortable for all involved. The key is to remain calm and respectful and ensure that the patient is provided with dignity, comfort, and the best possible care.

There are several situations to consider when changing an adult diaper. The first thing to do is to determine how the patient will be positioned during the diaper change. Will they be lying down, sitting, or standing up. We will provide a basic outline for each position below. It will probably seem naturally uncomfortable to perform this task at first - for both caregiver and patient, but over time it should become easier for all involved.

An adult diaper is also known as a brief. For simple clarification we will use the term diaper to describe the garment in this how-to change an adult diaper guide. This is a general guide to assist those confronted with adult diaper change for the first time. Slight product variations and types may require slight modifications to the process.

Steps to change an adult diaper for patient that is lying down:

1. Roll person gently onto their side. Place diaper with the flap folded under nearest to the body.
2. Roll the person gently back and unfold flap.
3. Go to final steps for all positions listed below.

Steps to change an adult diaper for patient that is sitting down:

1. Open diaper and place backing/ plastic cover against the back of the chair
2. Position person onto the diaper.
3. Go to final steps for all positions listed below.

Steps to change an adult diaper for patient that is standing up:

1. While person is standing have them hold onto something for support to ensure they don’t fall.
2. Place a clean diaper between the persons legs from front to back.
3. Go to final steps for all positions listed below.

Final Steps for all Positions

1. Pull diaper firmly, pulling it out and then up. The diaper should fit snugly in the groin. Gently smooth the front.
2. Fasten bottom tabs first, angled up. (if using a single tab diaper then pull across and up)
3. Fasten top tabs pointing down for best fit.
4. If diaper has hook and loop tabs you will want to give a slight tug to the anchor hooks in the back cover fibers.
5. Adjust the diaper by pulling the folds of the inner thigh down and fitting the brief into the groin.
6. Adjust the outer garments.

It may take a few tries to get your diaper changing system down for the individual patient. The key is to make sure the diaper is snug without any bunching or gaps that will allow leakage.

Best Spray Deodorizers for Urine Smell

We are frequently asked what is the best room deodorizer to help with the smell of urine or feces. There are many great products available to help create a clean smelling environment. The best deodorizers for this purpose will actually be the type used by hospitals and care environments that neutralize odors rather than simply putting a strong pleasant fragrances over offensive odors.

Keeping a room or home pleasant and fresh smelling is vital to both caregivers and patients. Using a high quality deodorizer in one step in the process to maintain a pleasant environment. In addition to deodorizers, it is important to keep surfaces clean, patients clean and keep soiled linens put away in sealed containers.

But, back to the original question of what room deodorizers work best for urine or feces odors. Incontinence Products Plus offers a wide selection of products in this category. These are not simply fragrances to cover, but odor neutralizers. Here are some of the most popular with our customers that simply require a couple of squirts from the spray mist bottles to help control offensive odors:

Medi-Air Biological Odor Eliminator Room Deodorizer Spray - This is a concentrated spray formula the chemically eliminates odors. It comes available in several scents including unscented, fresh air and lemon. This product eliminates odors extremely well is a popular mainstay of health care facilities and home users alike. The lemon and fresh air scents leave a light pleasant smell.

M9 Odor Eliminator - This deodorizer is available in unscented or apple scent. This product is popular for odor control for incontinence and/or osmotic associated odors.

ByeBye Odor Room Deodorizer - This deodorizers neutralizes odors completely and leave a very light pleasant scent. Perfect for use in homes, hospitals and public restrooms. The low cost makes it a popular options for office restrooms as well as healthcare facilities.

AprilFresh Biological Odor Eliminator - This is another popular room deodorizer that is relatively inexpensive and does a great job. It also leave behind a fresh scent that lingers after use.

Ease Odor Eliminator - This also eliminates odors and leaves behind a gentle rose scent. This is a popular deodorizer that is popular for use in homes with urine or fecal odor. It is also used for other airborne odors such as smoke.

We have many deodorizers for use in rooms to help make the house more pleasant for everyone. The key is to use a deodorizer that neutralizes and eliminates odors rather than simply covering them up with other smells.

How to Wash Your Hands with Soap and Water or Hand Sanitizers

Everyday it seems like there are more stories in the news about contagious illness, cold & flu, and even the very terrifying antibiotic resistant superbugs, or nightmare bacteria. In an article on CNN written by Ben Brumfield reported that seven patients at a Los Angeles hospital have recently caught CRE (carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae) after routine treatments for bile duct, gall bladder or pancreas. You can go directly to the full story on CNN by clicking on this link.

The author also states that CRE is part of a family of bacterial usually found in hospitals and other health care facilities that have evolved a huge resistance to antibiotics. Fortunately, you don’t get it when somebody sneezes on you. You have to touch an infected wound or stool, than touch a vulnerable part of the body - like an open wound. That’s why if doesn’t spread on the street but instead in hospitals where it can accidentally be spread by touch.

The article also goes on to encourage cleanliness as a good way to fight the spread. This is probably how the article should have stated because it is so simple and beneficial. This means washing hands, sterilizing instruments, and if you are in a hospital reminding the staff to do the same.

Washing hands regularly is extremely important to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. The CDC suggests when and how to wash your hands to help stop spreading germs from one person to another on their website.  Here is a helpful link to the Wash your Hands page on the CDC.Gov website.

The CDC Recommends that you would Wash your Hands When:

• Before, during and after preparing food
• Before eating food
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning a child that has used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After touching garbage

What is the Right Way to Wash your Hands?

• Wet you hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails
• Scrubs your hands for at least 20 seconds, Need a timer? Hume the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them

What should you do if you don’t have soap and clean running water?
Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands in some situations, but do not eliminate all types of germs.

Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy, How do you use Hand Sanitizers?

• Apply the product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount)
• Rub hands together
• Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry

A few simple steps in cleanliness may help reduce the spread of germs that cause illness. It is simple and not time consuming.

There are also products to clean and disinfect hard porous surfaces such as tables, seating surfaces, door knobs, etc. For more information on these products and how they work, please see our previous article “Surface Disinfection for Cleaner & Healthier Living”.

Surface Disinfection for Cleaner & Healthier Living Environments

Washing your hand frequently, covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and staying home when you are ill are all basic steps people are familiar with to help avoid the spread of illness and germs, especially during the Cold & Flu Season. We teach this to toddlers and remind kids as they grow up to take these kinds of precautions. Yet somehow many adults do not follow these simple protocols.

It is amazing how many times I have personally seen people use a public restroom, walk up to the sink and mirror and check their hair, and then simply walk out without washing their hands. It amazes me and forces me to add an extra step in my process to use an extra tissue or paper towel as a barrier between my washed hands and the door handle of these public facilities. I am not an obsessive compulsive hand cleaner or germaphobe, but this in the simplest terms is just gross.

Luckily we can help control our environment and keep door knobs and other community surfaces clean with Surface Disinfectants. These disinfectants are available in sprays or wipes. Spray from brands like Lysol are nice and can also be used on certain fabrics in addition to hard surfaces. Wipes such as CaviWipes 1 are handy because they simply pull out of the container and are used to wipe the hard surface. When done the wipes is simply thrown away. These wipes are not to be confused with Skin Cleansing Wipes or Hand Sanitizers and should not be used on the skin. In fact, Disposable Gloves are recommended when using these wipes.

Surface Disinfectants are very efficient in killing many organisms, viruses, bacteria, fungi and pathogens on surfaces when used properly and following instructions on the packaging. There are products designed specifically for different surfaces and environments. Each product will list the organisms that they kill and the time required to do so effectively. These disinfectants are used directly on surfaces so any cleaning of waste, blood or other contaminants should be done prior to disinfection.

Many organizes such as healthcare and food preparation already have standards and practices in place to ensure cleanliness and reduce and eliminate the spread of these organisms. Your work environment and even you home can also be cleaned to help fight these bugs. In our office we have regular cleaning parties in which shared community surfaces are wipes and cleaned regularly including door knobs, handles, file cabinets, community phones, refrigerator, tables and chairs. In addition individuals are provided with gloves and wipes to clean their desktop, keyboard, mouse, phone and other surfaces. These practices are increased during the cold and flu season to attempt to keep everyone health and active.

These simple and quick steps help maintain a healthy and clean environment. Basic cleanliness in hand washing and covering your mouth is the started point and the act of surface disinfection helps keep the environment cleaner for everyone. 

Kegel Exercise for Men

Kegel exercises have been primarily considered exercises for women that help strengthen the pelvic muscles to help control unexpected incontinence leaks caused by pregnancy and childbirth. These same principles and similar exercises may also benefit men that experience similar problems including urinary incontinence, dribbling and fecal incontinence. 

Steps for Kegel Exercise for Men:

Many factors weaken pelvic floor muscles (also known as pubococcygeus or PC muscles). These muscles provide support for pelvic organs such as the urethra, bladder and bowel. In men this is often the result of prostate removal “radical prostatectomy” and even other common diseases such as diabetes. Legal exercise might benefit a man is they have urinary or fecal incontinence or dribble after urination, generally after leaving the bathroom. 

The first step to correctly starting a Male Kegel exercises program is to identify pelvic floor muscles so that you can relax and contract them. 

First you need to find the right muscles. To identify these muscles stop urination during midstream or tighten muscles that keep you from passing gas. These are your pelvic floor muscles. If a man is contracting these muscles the base of the penis will move closer to your abdomen and the testicles will rise. 

Once you have identified these muscles and how to contract and relax them you can then start to flex them. A good way to start is to simply imagine you are stopping the urine stream and hold the muscles for a few seconds and then release. With time you can increase the length to 5-20 seconds. 

Men may also start when they empty their bladder and then lie on your back with knees bent apart. Tighten the muscles and hold for three seconds. Then relax them for three seconds. Do this a few times in a row, but don’t overdue it. When you have developed stronger muscles you can try doing these exercises while standing, sitting or walking. 

To gain maximum results and benefits you should focus on the pelvic floor muscles only being careful not to contract other muscles including abdomen, thighs or buttocks. You should also avoid holding your breath. Try to breath freely and normally during the exercise routine.

Get into a routine of doing three sets of 10 of these repetitions per day spread out through the day. 

DO a set of the exercises after urinating or having a bowel movement. Try to get rid of the last few drops of urine or any remaining feces that hasn’t been voided.

Contract these muscles before and during activities that put pressure on the abdomen - including lifting, sneezing, coughing or laughing.

As with any exercise you should always ask your doctor if these exercises are appropriate for you and your general health. They may also be able to provide additional tips or advice in the discussion. 

Kegel exercises have been primarily considered exercises for women that help strengthen the pelvic muscles to help control unexpected incontinence leaks. These same principles may also benefit men that experience similar problems. 

Kegel exercises are designed to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles that support the bladder and bowel function. Legal exercises are often considered only for women, but can also be done to assist men in increasing this muscle function. Legal exercises once understood and mastered are easy and can be done almost anywhere.

Kegel exercise for men is a great practice to use to possibly gain control of incontinence. In addition to exercise there are many other factors in helping control male urinary incontinence. Including monitoring diet and identifying medications, and most importantly consulting with your doctor. If additional products are needed for protection from soiling your clothing or bedding visit our site. Here is a link to the site for items designed specifically for the needs and unique body contours of men.

What are Nitrile Gloves?

Nitrile gloves are the blue, or other colored, disposable gloves seen more frequently in use in the world today. We often get asked questions about these disposable gloves such as; are nitrile gloves latex free or what are the blue disposable gloves I saw on the police wearing on TV?  

The simple answer is that nitrile gloves are latex-free disposable gloves for use by people with latex allergies or people that may or will be working around or touching people with latex allergies. 

The more detailed answer to the question will be laid out in the rest of this article. 

Nitrile gloves come are primarily blue in color, but may also be available in other colors such as purple or black. They are are a type disposable gloves that are made of synthetic, or man made rubber. They are latex-free. They are made of synthetic rubber to help avoid any possibility of a negative reaction by individuals with latex allergies. They also provide excellent resistance to wear and tear and provide superior puncture resistance. They are one of the strongest types of disposable gloves that are generally safe for people with latex allergies. 

Nitrile gloves have other benefits in addition to avoiding latex allergies. They are much more puncture resistant than latex / natural rubber gloves. The combination of these two factors are why you see so many of these “blue” gloves used by medical and health care providers, hospitals, caregivers, police, tattoo artists, emergency first responders, TSA employees and anyone else that needs to provide barrier protection to the wearer and another person.

Nitrile is a synthetic (man-made) tri-polymer that has similar characteristics to rubber once it has been vulcanized. Nitrile has now no rubber proteins and due to this eliminates the risks associated with natural rubber latex. Latex on the other hand is made from the natural sap in the rubber tree. 

Nitrile gloves are available in powdered or powder-free varieties. The powdered nitrile gloves do not use any latex in the powder. They are powdered with corn starch. The corn starch may dry out the hands when used which could be confused with a latex allergy. 

Nitrile gloves used to present a big difference in tactile sensation with latex gloves. Improvements in the manufacturing of nitrile gloves has improved this dramatically reducing the differences substantially. 

Nitrile gloves can also be designed to provide superior resistance to many chemicals. Some are available in “chemo rated” versions to provide the highest level of chemical protection. 

Nitrile gloves also generally have a lower price than latex gloves. This is due to the fact that latex gloves are made of natural rubber which has volatile pricing that goes up and down. Nitrile prices are much less volatile as they are a man made product not impacted by natural occurrences that may impact the production of rubber.

Nitrile gloves are a safe, effective and economically priced caregiver hand-to-patient barrier protection for use in the care of incontinent adults. They can be used when cleansing the skin of the patient, applying skin lotions, ointments and creams and during general house keeping chores when cleaning rooms or handling dirty laundry. They are an excellent choice for a multi-purpose use disposable glove. 

Incontinence Skin Care Guide

People with incontinence are at risk of skin problems in the areas where urine and/or feces may be in contact with skin. This can lead to skin irritation and breakdown around the buttocks, hips, genetics and the area between the rectum and the pelvis. 

Not only can these irritation be extremely uncomfortable, they can also potentially lead to worse conditions including bedsores especially if they have not been eating well, received or are receiving radiation therapy in the area or spend extended periods of time in bed, in a chair or in a wheelchair.

Moisture alone may cause skin problems including redness, peeling and yeast infections. Fecal matter adds additional elements that lead to skin irritation and discomfort.

Taking care of the skin and using ongoing established practices will help keep skin irritation under control providing more comfort for the patient. 

Adult diapers, briefs, protective underwear and pads are designed to keep the wearer comfortable and secure while providing clean bedding and clothing. They may keep urine and feces close to the skin so it is important to use an incontinence product with the correct absorption for the patient as well as taking special care of the skin by changing the garment after an episode and cleaning and maintaining the sensitive skin. 

Once the diaper, protective underwear, pad or undergarment is changed there are three key steps or areas of skin care to consider - cleaning, moisturizing and protecting. There are many great products that are designed for incontinence skin care that do not include abrasive, irritating or drying agents such as soap or alcohol.

Cleansing

Once the soiled garment is removed then the next step is a thorough cleaning off all the areas of skin that may have been in contact with urine and/or feces.

Cleansing can be done in a bath or shower or even in bed. In-bed bathing is made much easier by using no-rinse skin cleansers available in liquids, foams or disposable wipes and washcloths. Here is a link to a previous entry that details the steps for complete in-bed bathing. 

It is helpful to use a cleanser designed specifically for incontinence care as they will clean without causing additional irritation. They will also help deodorize as they clean. Diluted soap in water can be used also, but soap by its nature can cause irritation.

Moisturizing

Once skin has been cleansed then using a moisturizing lotion or cream will will help keep skin healthy. Moisturizers are generally available in lotions and creams. Lotions are usually more viscous and liquid than creams and tend to absorb more quickly into the skin. Creams are a bit thicker and will sit on top of skin longer and absorb more slowly. 

Skin lotions or creams will help prevent and treat chaffed, chapped and cracked skin. Some even include added formulations that include Dimethicon that provides additional protection. 

Apply moisturizers liberally and make sure you cover all the areas of the skin  that may have or may become in contact with urine or feces. 

Protecting

Protecting the sensitive skin with a moisture barrier will help keep irritating moisture and contaminates from urine and feces from coming in contact with skin. Moisture barriers are usually an ointment that have a petrolatum base. Ointments are thicker than creams and help the protective layer sit on top of the skin. 

Moisture barriers have several different varieties to choose from depending on your unique situation. Some are a clear ointment. Some may contain protective agents such as zinc oxide that will leave a white color in the ointment. They may have other additional ingredients that help sooth and condition skin such as vitamin A and/or E, aloe, or lanolin.

There are even some protective barriers that have antimicrobial or antifungal agents included in them. These will help treat and cure minor fungal skin infections caused by moisture and warmth. 

Some patients will also benefit from the use of a powder with antifungal medication to treat yeast infections. These powders are applied prior to the use of a moisture barrier. 

Even when moisturizers and ointments are used it is still important to clean the skin after each episode. This is the best practice to ensure other treatments are effective and the patient is comfortable.

Caregivers and users of these products should consider wearing protective gloves when using and applying these products. Gloves come in a number of materials with vinyl gloves or nitrile gloves being the most popular as they do not contain latex. 

By adhering to a regular skin cleansing and care regiment many discomforts and more serious health issues including bed sore can be avoided. Please speak with your doctor immediately if open, weeping or bed sores begin to develop as these are serious conditions that should be addressed immediately. 

What are Adult Diapers Made of?

Adult Diapers, as with all adult incontinence products, are made from materials that have been bonded together so that liquids are wicked away from the wearers skin and held in a "core" until changing. The goal is to provide the wearer dry and healthy skin to avoid other more serious conditions including rashes or pressure sores (bed sores). 

Technology used in the design and creation of adult incontinence products are always evolving and changing. These changes have allowed new materials and absorbent materials to make products thinner, yet absorb and retain more fluid. Material and technology improvements have also decreased urinary incontinence odors. 

The ultimate goal is to ensure wearer comfort and health. Sometimes understanding the terminology used when describing adult diapers and other incontinence products can be confusing. We have put together the following list of some of the components of these products that have created the most questions. We have put this information together to help you understand your options and which products are best for your needs.

Back Sheet or Backsheet: This is the material on the outside of the incontinence product that prevents liquids from leaking out. Think of this as the waterproof backing that keeps wetness inside the incontinence product. 

Top Sheet: This is the main top sheet that is the surface that comes in contact with the skin. It allows fluids to flow to the product core. This may be called the liner on some products such as bed pads and underpads.

Acquisition &  Distribution Layer (also known as ADL): This is the sub layer between the top sheet and the absorbent core. Sometimes full length, but usually a patch near the “target zone”. The ADL provides dryness to the skin by moving fluids quickly to the absorbent core

Target Zone: This is the area most urine is most likely deposited. May be called out in some products in ways such as "Blue Target Zone" which can clearly be seen on the inside of top sheet. 

Core / Absorbent Core also known as the 'Mat": This is the innermost component of the incontinence product that retains liquids and prevents liquids from returning to the surface (and being in contact with skin). Think of this as a very efficient sponge to help retain moisture for comfort. It generally consists of cellulose fibers (think cotton or similar), polyacrylate super absorbent material or a combination of both. This is the component that holds the liquid away from the wearer to keep them comfortable. 

Super Absorbent Polymer also known as SAP and or SAM (on Kimberly Clark products): This is a fine granular version of Sodium Polyacrylate in the core that absorbs and retains fluids. This item has allowed adult incontinence products to be made thinner, yet be more absorbent than traditional fluff fillers. Super Absorbent Polymer also helps reduce odors caused by urine.

Wetness Indicator: A wetness indicator is generally on the backsheet and it allows the caregiver to see wetness in the top sheet without having to remove or change a garment. This is not standard on all incontinence products.

Breathable: Incontinence products that are breathable feature a breathable top sheet that allows moisture to evaporate providing additional cooling and skin comfort. Absorbent materials used in these products to help neutralize odors and yet remain breathable for comfort.

Elastics: Elastics are used for waist and leg cuffs to improve fit and reduce or eliminate leakage from incontinence products. They are usually made of polyurethane or polyester foam, synthetic rubber or Lycra/Spandex. These may also be used in side panels to provide additional custom fit and comfort. 

Fasteners: These are the fastening devices used on adult diapers. These come in many variations, but the most popular are tape or hook and loop (think Velcro). Some fasteners allows the tabs to be connected anyplace on the diaper for a custom fit. Some are designed to be re-fastened to ensure a perfect fit and allow caregivers to check for wetness or need for a change. 

Polyethylene: This is a material that is primarily used for the backsheet/outer cover, tapes and fastening systems. Not to be confused with Superabsorbent Polymer. 

Polypropylene: This is a material commonly used in the top sheet, or layer closest to the skin. Again, not to be confused with Superabsorbent Polymers.

Adhesive Strip: This is an adhesive strip used in some pads to hold the pad in place in the underwear or incontinence garment. May be in the form of a strip or patch.

We hope this information helps you understand a bit more about adult incontinence products and the terminology used to describe their construction. Please visit our website by clicking here to see our complete listing of adult incontinence products and caregiving supplies. Thank you!

Cold and Flu Prevention Tips

I woke up this morning with a dryness in my throat and a congested nose reminding me that it is that magical fall time of year that ushers in the cold and flu season. Both the cold and flu are respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. A virus enters the body and invades cells resulting in illness. A cold is generally milder than a flu. And it is very important to understand that antibiotics are not effective against viruses. They are effective for use on bacterial infection. 

The best way to deal with a cold or flu is to avoid getting them in the first place. There are several things you can do to help decrease your risk of getting a cold or flu by boosting your immune system including exercising, eating well, and getting plenty of sleep. An annual flu vaccine is the surest way to prevent the flu and the best time to get the vaccine is October through November. 

Other prevention activities to help curb the spread of viruses are to wash your hands often, avoid close contact with others who may be sick, stay home if you are sick, cover your mouth and or nose when sneezing or coughing, and watch where you put your hands such as rubbing your eyes or rubbing your nose. It will also help if you keep homes and work places clean. 

Washing hands with warm water and soap is a fine way to ensure hands are clean. While washing the hands rub them together for at least 20 seconds to help eliminate germs. Be sure to get under the nails, between fingers, and up the wrists. You should also use a clean paper towel to turn off faucets or to touch surfaces such as handles or door knobs after your hands have been washed. If soap and water are not available, instant hand sanitizers are a handy and efficient way to clean your hands. They utilize alcohol or other antiseptics to kill germs and come in sizes that can be easily carried in case, purse, pocket or car.

Keeping house and office surfaces clean and disinfected will also help minimize risks of transmitting germs. Be sure to clean any surfaces that is used and touched by people frequently, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Keep the office clean will have similar if not more challenges including keeping keyboards, phones, and seating and desktops and other shared surfaces disinfected. There are many options available for surface disinfection including sprays and wipes. Wipes for surface disinfection are not the same as wipes used for skin cleaning and should be applied while wearing barrier protection gloves made of vinyl or nitrile. 

Practicing cold and flu prevention also includes social distancing in which you allow extra space between you and people who are sick, sneezing or coughing. 

The CDC Says to “Take 3” Actions to Fight the Flu. Click here to go to the full CDC article with complete details. Here is a summary of these actions:

1. Take time to get the flu vaccine
2. Take everyday preventative actions to stop the spread of germs
3. Take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them (these are different than antibiotics)

Remember that staying healthy this cold and flu season will benefit you and all of those around you. Keeping general health and cleanliness guidelines in mind will help control the germs and viruses you come in contact with that can cause illness. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Caregiver

Sometimes life takes an interesting turn of fate. For this supplier of caregiving products the twist comes in the fact that I am sitting in a room with my wife getting chemotherapy for breast cancer on the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2014. Here’s a brief synopsis of her story and the life journey we are taking.

My wife is a healthy and active 48 year old women. 7 Years ago she was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoman in Situ (DCIS). She had a lumpectomy in the breast and follow up radiation. She recovered and we moved on with our normal lives under the care and supervision of doctors. Fast forward 7 years later and her doctor noticed lots of little things that were new in her annual mammogram taken late in May 2014. Not good, but not necessarily bad at this point because nothing was clearly seen, understood or defined yet. 

This started a series of tests and agonizing waits for results including an MRI and biopsies. Unfortunately there were cancer cells and after review with doctors it was determined that a mastectomy on one side would be the best course of action. This leads us to the genetic DNA testing to see if she carried the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 genes which indicate a high propensity for cancer in the other breast or ovaries in the future. If positive results come back on this test it would be prudent to have a double mastectomy. Luckily for her these tests results came back negative and she did not have a higher risk for there cancers as indicated by these results.

With this information in hand we consulted with the doctors and scheduled her surgery in mid July 2014. The surgery would remove one breast, remove a couple of sentinel lymph nodes for testing and get the reconstructive plastic surgery started by having a spacer implant installed. The lymph nodes are sent for testing to see if there are any cancer cells in them indicating any spread of cancer. They also sent the tumor off for Oncotype DX testing to determine how effective chemotherapy would be in helping to sterilize the blood of any cancer cells that might be hiding out in the blood stream. 

Luckily the lymph nodes came back cancer free. The tumor was larger than could be seen on the MRI and mammogram so the Oncotype testing became an important part of the test to determine if chemo was needed. These test results indicated that chemotherapy would increase her 10 year survivability rate by an additional 7-8%, which in medical survivability is substantial.

So the end result of her journey was a mastectomy followed by 4 sessions of chemotherapy. Radiation was not included in her treatment as it was determined to not increase survivability and or reduce spread of the cancer. 

As a caregiver, supporter and partner in this breast cancer journey I have learned more than I ever wanted to learn. Here are some of these highlights:

• There are lots of tests with agonizing waits for results
• Every test that comes back, good or bad, leads to more tests or treatment plans
• Everyone is different so one person may have a completely different treatment plan than another
• Cancer is physically, mentally and emotionally draining for the survivor and the caregiver
• Try not to do random research on the internet - always contact your doctor(s) for information and guidance 
• Remember to be patient with the survivor. This is a roller coaster ride of emotions and thoughts
• A woman losing her hair is emotionally damaging and one of the most feared and apprehensive parts of the process. Remember to tell her she is beautiful!
• Be as prepared as you can to help the survivor in advance so that you are not scrambling around for products to help care for the survivor or make them comfortable

Here are some items that we found very helpful on our journey:

• A comfortable reclining chair 
• A bed rest booster for use to sit up in bed
• Lots of pillows in various sizes to prop up and support all kinds of body parts
• Rinse-free skin and hair cleaners (we found Aloe Vesta Bathing Cloths to be awesome)
• Skin moisturizing creams and lotions. Chemo does a number on skin (we found Sween 24 Moisturizing Cream to be a household favorite)
• Cold packs to place on hot spots during heat flashes. We use reusable cold packs that can be placed on forehead, under neck and on feet during hot flash episodes
• Medical grade room deodorizer with limited scent or unscented to cover up nasty chemo induced bathroom smells. We found ByeBye Odor to work well and not overpower the room with fragrance 
• Hand Sanitizers to help avoid spreading germs - we have pump bottles in the house and even have one right by the front door so folks that stop by to visit can sanitize their hands on the way in. 

Any item(s) that we use have been cleared with our doctors to ensure we were not causing any complications. We learned that when in doubt, call a doctor. They are more than happy to take calls (even those at 2 am and the pain seems to be escalating and fear growing). We have been blessed with an awesome team of compassionate doctors that have been so incredibly helpful. We can only hope that anyone going through this has the level of fantastic care.

Our journey continued on as she fights the good fight. Her prognosis is good and we know that there are many women having a much more difficult time and will have longer treatments. She is fighting the fight, but I am right there by her side with hugs, glasses of water, back massages or whatever she needs. My caregiver job has quickly become the ability to anticipate what she may need in advance or react quickly when she needs something. 

I love my wife and hate to see her going through this process. I am so proud of her for her spirit, courage and strength. Mostly I love her newly adopted slogan - Fight Like a Girl. So to all of you who may be going through this in your life I wish you the very best and alway remember to Fight Like a Girl!

Bath and Shower Safety

The bathroom can be a very dangerous room in the house for accidental injuries according to the CDC Report Nonfatal Bathroom Injuries Among Persons ≥15 Years — United States, 2008* found that there were over 234,000 nonfatal bathroom injuries. Of those 81.1% we caused by falls with the highest rate of injury happening in or around the tub or shower. 37.3% of injury accidents happened while getting out of the tub or shower and 2.2% occurred while getting in. The report also showed that injuries and accidents increased with age.

There are many great products to help reduce and/or eliminate accidents in and around the tub and shower. There are grab bars that can be installed in the area to help provide support, chairs and seats to use to to avoid slipping and falling and handheld shower heads that allow the bather to brig the water to them. The following information is provided to help understand some of the key items available to help make the tub or shower a safer place.

Grab Bars and Tub Rails

Grab bars are hand rails that are installed in the tub or shower area on the wall to provide a person a handle to hold on to while getting in or out. There are options available that include permanent bars that are screwed or bolted into the wall as well as suction cup products that can be moved or taken with you while traveling. The permanently mounted bars are considered more secure as they won’t become accidentally unattached to the wall if there is a problem with the suction cups.

Tub Rails are bars that attach to the side of the tub to provide a handle to help the individual steady themselves when getting in or out. These are clamped on to the side of the tub.

Shower Chairs and Transfer Benches

A shower chair is a waterproof chair that is designed to sit in the tub or shower to give the user a place to sit while bathing. Shower chairs come in a number of configurations and are made of a number of different non-rusting materials. Shower chairs may have a seat only or may include and backrest and/or arms. Some are even designed to be folded for easy storage or transport. 

A transfer bench is like a long shower chair that has two legs that sit in the tub and the other two legs sit outside of the tub. The user can sit on the bench, swing their legs into the tub and then slide over on the bench to position themselves to bathe. 

Handheld Shower Heads

A Handheld Shower Head mounts to the spout where water comes out of the regular shower head. There are many features that make this an easy way for the user to bring the water to them, rather than move around in the tub or shower to get under the water. Many Handheld Shower heads allow the user to switch the water flow with a valve so that water comes out of the handheld unit and not the regular shower head. Some also include a button to allow the user to only allow water through the handheld shower head when they want it. The shower heads normally include a long nylon hose to allow the user plenty of range in the tub or shower. 

In addition to these products there are items such as the Carex Bath Mat that provides a slip resistant surface in the bottom of the tub. Since these use suction cups to adhere to the tub or shower floor they can be easily removed for cleaning or transport. 

Some people may find that use of some no-rinse cleansers and wipes might help clean ups between baths or showers a safe and convenient option. Click here to go to our previous article to learn more about in-bed bathing techniques and products - Tips on Sponge Bathing - also known as In-Bed Bathing. 

A few simple products can help make the bath tub or shower more safe. We hope that you find this information about bath tub and shower safety beneficial. 

* Center for Disease Control, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), Nonfatal Bathroom Injuries Among Persons Aged ≥15 Years - - - United States, 2008, June 10, 2011 

Supplies Needed in Addition to Incontinence Garments or Adult Diapers

Many individuals and new caregivers ask us what kind of products are needed for caring for incontinent adults in addition to their adult diapers or incontinence garments. While everyone may have different needs a few of the more common items include skin cleansers, skin care lotions and creams, room deodorizers and disposable gloves. All of these items will help maintain a healthy and pleasant environment for all people involved.

Skin Cleansers

Skin Cleansing products specifically used for incontinence are designed to be gentle on skin while cleaning away urine and feces. This is the basis of continued skin health and comfort. There are many varieties of skin cleansers to help fill this need including:

• Body Wash & Shampoo - these are available as no-rinse cleansing solutions to use all over the body for clean up. They can be used with regular washcloths to disposable washcloths. Simply use the cleansers as directed and gently dry skin with a clean cloth. This will help keep skin smooth, soft, non-irritated and healthy. 
• Skin Cleansing Foams - Similar to body wash & shampoo except that these cleansers are foam which make them easy to apply and spread on skin for cleansing. 
• Wipes & Washcloths - these disposable cloths allow the user to easily and gently cleans the skin and then dispose of the cloth after use. Adult sized wipes help with adult sized clean up. Disposable washcloths are thicker than wipes and are generally used for all over body in-bed bathing, although many people use them specifically for incontinence skin cleansing because they prefer the thicker cloths.

Skin Care Products

Skin care products include lotions, creams, ointments and powders. Lotions are more liquid and absorb rapidly in skin to replace moisture and protect from irritation. Skin Care Products include:

• Lotions - low to medium thickness and can be easily spread over large areas of skin.
• Creams- thicker than lotions and leave a thin film to help moisturize and protect sensitive skin.
• Ointments are thicker and generally do not absorb easily into the skin. They tend to be greasy and stay on the surface of the skin to help promote healing 

Moisture barriers are available in these products lines to soothe irritated skin and provide maximum protection from damaging moisture.

Room Deodorizers

Room deodorizers help keep the air fresh and clean which keeps everyone more happy. They are available in unscented or scented varieties. Quality room deodorizers will actually absorb odors rather than cover them up with other fragrances.

Gloves

Gloves are available to act as a barrier between caregiver and patient. Many varieties of gloves are available, but the most common used disposable glove for incontinence care are the vinyl variety. They are inexpensive and available in sizes to fit virtually all hand sizes. 

These are just a few examples of the most common items needed by caregivers when caring for incontinent adults to ensure comfort and health. 

Incontinence Products Selection Guide

In order to select the best incontinence products for your needs it is important to understand what types of incontinence products are available, the strengths and weaknesses of the products and how they are used. It is important to ensure the balance between protection and overall health are managed as well a building confidence and improving the quality of life for the wearer.

After getting an understanding of this information you can then start looking at the product details to fit your needs even more specifically for size and fit, absorption, bladder and/or bowel incontinence and pricing. 

This article is intended to provide information by incontinence product type to help you narrow down your decision process. Within each product type are many variation - both large and small - that will help you fine tune your product selection process.

Adult Diapers

Adult Diapers are also known as adult briefs, disposable briefs and adult nappies. Diapers are incontinence garments that are a folded piece of material with absorbent qualities that is placed between the wearers legs, drawn up and then fastened at the sides on the waist. Fasteners may be of a taped variety or hook and loop products (like Velcro). They are designed to be worn comfortably, but snug to ensure best leakage protection. 

Good for use when: wearer is bed ridden or immobile, wearer is large sized or bariatric, for use with bowel incontinence

Not as good for use when: Wearer is changed when standing, wearer would like to change themselves easily

Protective Underwear

Protective underwear are also known as disposable underwear, pull-ups and pull ons. They are essentially pull up style undergarments that have absorbent material built into the garment. Available in gender specific or unisex styles. Many protective underwear brands have easy tear aways sides to make removal easier and cleaner. It important to have a comfortable, yet snug fit to help ensure that no leaks occur. These garments have elastic or similar materials built into the waist to provide fit and comfort without having to use tape or fasteners to "snug" the fit. 

Good for use when: Wearer is mobile and able to dress themselves and manage their own incontinence, wearers that want ease and discretion in managing their own incontinence and users that need protection for either bladder or bowel incontinence. 

Not as good for use when: wearer is bedridden or immobile. 

Pads and Liners

Bladder control pads and liners are also known as urinary pads, pant liners, panty liners, underwear liners, or shields. These pads are designed to be worn inside underwear or special incontinence garments to provide absorption where it is needed. Some pads have adhesive strips to hold in place. Designed with various configurations, shapes and absorptions to help avoid embarrassing leaks.

Good for use when: Absorbency for urinary incontinence is needed, wearer would like to maintain maximum discretion, wearer wants to continue to wear their regular underwear or when extra absorbency is needed in a diaper or protective underwear.

Not as good for use when: dealing with bowel incontinence, complete bladder incontinence with large void volumes

Underpads

Underpads are also known as chux, chucks, bed pads, seat pads or chair pads. An underpad is an absorbent material with a waterproof backing that is designed to absorb fluids and protect surfaces from undesirable leaks. This product is often used in conjunction with other incontinence products as a last layer of protection for the mattress or seating surface. Available in many absorbencies, sizes and types (disposable or reusable).

Good for use when: leaks sometimes cause extra linen changes at night, leaks are ruining seating and bedding surfaces, leaks are causing undesirable skin wetness exposure.

Not as good for: use as an only product when large volumes of leakage or frequent leakage occurs, user wiggles or moves around frequently causing pad to shift and not provide protection where needed. 

Belted Undergarments

Belted undergarments are sort of a hybrid product similar to an adult diaper and an incontinence pad combined. It is essentially a large pad that has band(s) that attach to the side of the garment to hold in place. 

Good for use when: wearer is bedridden or immobile and / or frequent changes are needed 

Not as good for: users that need wider protection and bowel incontinence

This information is provided as a general guide. It is important to note that products are always evolving and changing as new technology and designed become available. For example - pads are now available in larger sizes and can accommodate heavy as well as bowel incontinence. It is important to understand the type of product and then review the detailed product information about a specific item to ensure it meets your needs for sizing, absorption and type of incontinence. 

We would like to also point out that we often receive questions about using women's monthly period pads as incontinence pads. The materials and technologies used in the designs of these pads are different as they provide different protections for different fluids. It is always recommended that incontinence products are used to manage and protect for urinary incontinence. 

Tips on Sponge Bathing - also known as In-Bed-Bathing

We frequently get asked for information regarding keeping someone clean that cannot get in a shower or tub. Whether being bedridden due to health related issued or post surgery recovery, cleaning without using rinse water is a simple, clean and hygienic option. There are many great products available to wash skin and shampoo hair without needing a water rinse.

Below are basic bathing instructions broken down into 8 easy steps.

In-Bed Bathing Instructions - use a fresh or clean cloth for each area and clean in the following sequence:

1. Clean the neck and facial area
2. Clean the front torso
3. Clean the right arm
4. Clean the left arm
5. Clean the left leg
6. Clean the right leg
7. Clean the back torso
8. Clean the buttocks & perineal area

There are many products available to help aid in this process including:

1. Bathing wipes
1. Available in adult sized heavy duty disposable washcloths
2. Many available in resealable packs of 8 for convenience
3. Many can be warmed in the microwave for comfort
4. Simply clean, wipe and discard
2. No-Rinse Shampoo
1. Often available as a no-rinse shampoo and body wash or as a stand alone item
2. Leave hair and scalp feeling clean, soft and fresh
3. Simply massage in hair and towel dry
3. No-Rinse Body Wash
1. Can be used with regular washcloths or with disposable dry washcloths
2. Clean skin and dry with towel or dry cloth
3. Designed for use on sensitive and/or fragile skin 
4. Leave skin soft, fresh and clean
4. No-Rinse Perineal Cleanser
1. No-Rinse cleaning for buttocks and perineal area
2. Dry with towel or dry cloth

By simply breaking the in-bed bathing process down into the 8 basic sections of the body you can systematically and hygienically clean the skin. Here is a link to our skin cleansing products for your convenience. We have all the best known products and brands to help make your skin cleaning process easy.

Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!