Importance of Talking to Your Doctor about all Medicines and Over-the-Counter Supplements that you take

Advances in medicines, improvements to insurance and Medicare Part B plans, and an aging population has led to an increase in the amount of older Americans taking prescription drugs combined with over-the-counter drugs and supplements. These combinations could lead to serious side effects according to a new study. Their are potential dangers when mixing prescriptions drugs with over-the-counter medicines and supplements so these should be discussed in detail with your doctor.

CNN recently published the article "The Growing Danger of Mixing Prescription Drugs and Supplements” by Carina Storrs. The article contains information based on studies that show more older Americans are combining these drugs and simply not discussing them with their doctors or health care providers. With increases of usage it is more important than ever to discuss with your doctor any and all medicines, supplements and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

For example, Warfin is a popular prescription blood thinner. People may be taking it along with common over-the-counter fish oil supplements with Omega 3. The combinations of these two drugs has been found by researchers to be associated with an increased risk of bleeding.

Patients often times don’t tell their doctors about nonprescription drugs that they are taking. A common reason for not sharing this information is that the doctor might not have asked and the patient may not think it was important.

In order to make it easier to speak with your doctor or health care professional a detailed list should be made of all the drugs and over-the-counter medicines and supplements being taken. It might be even better to bring in the bottles or containers of all of the products to show your doctor.

It is also a good idea to speak with your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines and plan or want to explore other supplement options. This way you and your doctor or healthcare provider can work together to ensure you are taking medicines properly.

Introducing Tranquility EliteCare Adult Diapers with 44 Ounce Fluid Capacity

Introducing the new Tranquility EliteCare super absorbent line of adult diapers with 44 ounces of fluid capacity in each brief, regardless of size! Tranquility incontinence products are known for their superior comfort, quality and fluid absorption. The new EliteCare adult diapers take this to a new level.

The EliteCare Briefs are available to accommodate a wide range of sizes. They are available in Medium (32"-44 waist / hips), Large (45"-58" waist / hips), or X-Large (56"-64" waist / hips).

The EliteCare Briefs have a wide range of features to ensure comfort and patient dryness including:

• PowerSorb micro layer to increase absorption without adding buld
• Tranquility patented "Peach Mat Construction" blend of fast acting high retention absorbent polymers
• Cloth-like protective outer layer
• Micro-hook side tabs for perfect secure fit everytime
• Kuffguards inner cuffs to help channel fluids into the briefs core 
• Protection for urinary/bladder and/or fecal/bowel incontinence

Tranquility products for the care and comfort of adults with incontinence are renown for their superior comfort, fit and protection. The EliteCare Adult Diapers with 44 fluid ounces (1300 mL) retention capacity in all sizes takes protection to a whole new level.

Tranquility EliteCare Adult Diapers are scheduled to start shipping in mid-to-late March 2016.

Why does Diabetes Cause Incontinence?

Diabetes is a group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood, or high blood glucose. It is a metabolic disease in which the body has an inability to produce any or enough insulin that causes the elevated levels of glucose in the blood.   

The most common types of diabetes are:

• Type 2 diabetes - a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose).
• Type 1 diabetes - a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
• Prediabetes - a condition in which blood sugar is high, but not high enough to be type 2 diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes - a form of high blood sugar affecting pregnant women.

The CDC report “2014 National Diabetes Statistic Report” states that there are 29.1 million people in the US with diabetes. That is 9.3% of the population. This group consists of 21.0 million people that are diagnosed and 8.1 million people that are undiagnosed. The undiagnosed portion of people with diabetes represents 27.8% of people with diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult-onset or non insulin-dependent diabetes) is the most common form of diabetes with about 95% of people with diabetes in the US having this type according to the Simon Foundation for Continence. You can find an article on their web site by Medical Reviewer Shanna Atnip, MSN, WHNP-BC titled “about incontinence Continence - Contributing Factors - Diabetes that has a wealth of information  including the following details regarding the causes and impacts of diabetes in relationship to incontinence.

Diabetes causes the body to have too much glucose, also called blood sugar. Too much glucose will damage the body over time. Diabetes cannot be cured, but type 2 diabetes can be managed with the help of your healthcare professional through diet, exercise and maintaining a health weight. If diet and exercise do not bring blood sugar into a health y range your healthcare professional will discuss the need for medication or insulin therapy.

Type 2 diabetes increases the risk and severity of urinary and fecal incontinence. Unhealthy weight often associated with type 2 diabetes can cause incontinence from the increased weight placed on the pelvic floor muscles.

One of the symptoms of diabetes is frequent urination (Please note there are many other symptoms). This happens because excess glucose is building up in the blood stream causing fluid to be pulled from tissues resulting in the individual being thirsty. As a result, a person will drink more fluids to attempt to quench thirst. At the same time the body is trying to get rid of excess glucose by excreting it out in urine. The result is large increases of the amount of urine produced by the body.

Diabetes can also lead to nerve damage. Nerve damage includes nerves to the bladder or bowel, lungs, heart, stomach, and sex organs. Nerve damage may lead to changes in the bladder function.

Changes in bladder function caused by nerve damage include:

• Overactive bladder (OAD) which may lead to urgency to urinate and urge urinary incontinence (UUI)
• Decreased bladder sensation which leads to little or no warning before feeling the urge to urinate which may lead to incontinence episodes.
• People with severe or longstanding diabetes may have bladder muscles that have been weakened because the bladder is not completely emptied each time of urination. The left over urine in the bladder may lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI). In severe cases the bladder will not contract causing overflow incontinence. UTI’s also cause increased frequency to urinate and the urgency of urination.
• Diabetic women or women who develop gestational diabetes may suffer injuries to the perineum and bladder, particularly to the sphincter controlling the mouth of the bladder during childbirth that may result in retention of urine in the bladder or incontinence.
• Congestive heart failure (CHF) from diabetes related coronary artery disease can cause legs and feet to retain water resulting in the creation of too much urine in the night.
• Stroke from diabetes may affect bladder sensation and the ability to hold back from urinating.
• Mobility changes due to diabetic neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease and amputation may prevent a person from reaching a toilet in time resulting in leakage.
• Some medications for the treatment of diabetes or the  treatment of the complications of diabetes can impair continence.

As you can see there are many reasons why diabetes can impact or cause bladder or bowel incontinence. Your healthcare provider can help you work on a plan to address the symptoms and issues.

This article is about the details behind diabetes and how it may cause incontinence and should not be considered for any diagnosis, treatment or cure of diabetes. Please consult a doctor or medical professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding diabetes or any other health issue or disease. Tell your healthcare provider of you are experiencing frequent or urgent urination, having to get up more than once a night, or are having any incontinence episodes. Any changes with toileting habits should be discussed with your healthcare provider. For tips on how to speak with your healthcare provider click here.

Incontinence Products Plus offers a wide range of incontinence products to help individuals stay dry, healthy and comfortable.

Incontinence Does Not Discrimate

Incontinence is a health issue that does not discriminate. It can effect young and old, rich or poor, and men or women. For example - Kate Winslet is a 40 year old woman and Oscar winning movie star that has recently publicly discussed the very private issue of her issues incontinence. Her incontinence came about as result of child bearing that has resulted in weakening of the muscles that support the bladder.

Incontinence can strike at any age and for many reasons. If you are experiencing incontinence, even just a few drips, it is a good idea to consult your doctor as they may have advice, treatment and life changes that can help reduce or eliminate the condition.

People experiencing incontinence may change their lifestyle due to being afraid of leaks or accidents. Luckily there are many products available that can help control leaks and accidents. Not only will these products help you keep the condition discreet, they will also help maintain skin health and overall comfort.

Disposable products for use with incontinence include:

Pads, Liners, & Underwear Inserts - available in a wide range of sizes and absorbencies. Designed to fit right in existing underwear and many times individually packaged for easy transport and use. These products are designed to absorb urine and keep it away from the skin and control odors. Many people will try to use feminine hygiene pads for this purpose, but these items are not designed for use with urine and will not be as effective or provide the same type of leakage and odor control. Pads are also available specifically for men.

Protective Underwear - these are disposable underwear that are designed to pull on and off like regular underwear. Most have side panels that area easily torn/split making clean and comfortable removal possible. Protective Underwear are available in a variety of sizes and absorbencies to allow the wearer to go about their lives with minimal impact. And since they pull on and off individuals can easily change themselves for even more privacy.

Adult Diapers - adult diapers are also commonly referred to as “briefs” in the manufacturing industry. This often causes confusion between them and protective underwear. An adult diaper is a garment that folds around the waist and up through the crotch area and secures with tabs made of tape or a hook and loop (think Velcro) type of fastener on the side. These products are great for use by caregivers for a number of reasons including ease of assisted changing for bedridden wearers.

Science and technology have come a long way in designing thinner and more absorbent materials allowing these disposable incontinence products to be thinner yet highly absorbent.

There are many people from all walks of life and ages dealing with incontinence. It is a very common issue and should be discussed with your doctor. Here is a helpful link to a previous article on how to discuss incontinence with your doctor.  There are many disposable incontinence products on the market to help maintain dignity and discretion.

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.

Introducing Nestle Boost Compact Oral Nutrition in 4 Ounce Servings

Introducing the all new Nestle Boost Compact Oral Nutrition beverage that packs 240 calories and 10g of high quality protein in each 4 ounce bottle! This is the perfect solution for individuals that want the nutritional benefits of Boost Original, but have a challenge drinking an 8 ounce serving.

Boost Compact Beverage is available in two delicious flavors - Rich Chocolate or Very Vanilla. It tastes good and includes 26 essential vitamins and minerals to meet daily needs including Vitamin D and Calcium.

Boost Compact is low in fat with just 6g of total fat (with just 1g of saturated fat) and 10 mg cholesterol per serving.

Boost Original in 8 ounce containers is still available, but now there is an tasty new 4 ounce Boost Compact. Nestle products are available in a wide range of products for every nutritional need.