Equip Yourself

It’s even more challenging to stick to a new program if you don’t have the right equipment to do exercises correctly. Follow your therapist’s guidelines and recommendations, and get the essential tools to help you get the most out of your program. Equipment like exercise bands and hand exercisers are small and inexpensive, but they can give you the challenge you need to improve things like strength to speed up your recovery.

In some cases, you might need hot and cold therapy. It’s much easier to grab a reusable cold pack than it is to fill a plastic bag with ice every time (especially since it may start to leak as it melts!). If something’s easier, you’re much more likely to actually do it! Make it easy on yourself by arming yourself with the necessary equipment beforehand.

Ask for Help

Ask your spouse, children, or neighbor to help hold you accountable. You still must put in the work, of course, but they can remind you or even scold you a bit if you don’t follow the plan! They might even be willing to do your routine with you or keep you company while you do it. The program is important to your health, and your loved ones will be glad to help.

Set a Schedule and Develop Habit

Plan to do your therapy at the same time every day. Write it on your calendar the same way you would a doctor’s appointment or lunch with a friend. As it gets routine, completing your physical therapy can help you develop an ongoing habit of movement and exercise! After your therapy is officially complete, you might choose to continue doing the exercises or use your scheduled therapy time for new exercises that best suit your physical abilities and needs. The equipment that was useful during therapy, like exercise bands or stretching straps, can be used for a wide variety of other exercises. Talk to your therapist about an ongoing program devoted to your strength and flexibility.

KC Home Medical Supply has everything you need to help you complete your at-home physical therapy program. Contact us for more information about our wide variety of products and how we can help you in returning ability and capability to life.

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What happens in the body to cause bladder control problems? The body stores urine in the bladder. During urination, muscles in the bladder tighten to move urine into a tube called the urethra. At the same time, the muscles around the urethra relax and let the urine pass out of the body. When the muscles in and around the bladder don’t work the way they should, urine can leak. The loss of bladder control, or leaking urine, is called urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence is not a disease. It is a symptom of many conditions. Causes may differ for men and women. But it is not hereditary. And it is not just a normal part of aging

There are different types of incontinence:

• Stress incontinence occurs when urine leaks as pressure is put on the bladder, for example, during exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects. It’s the most common type of bladder control problem in younger and middle-age women. It may begin around the time of menopause.
• Urge incontinence happens when people have a sudden need to urinate and cannot hold their urine long enough to get to the toilet. It may be a problem for people who have diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.
• Overflow incontinence happens when small amounts of urine leak from a bladder that is always full. A man can have trouble emptying his bladder if an enlarged prostate is blocking the urethra. Diabetes and spinal cord injuries can also cause this type of incontinence.
• Functional incontinence occurs in many older people who have normal bladder control. They just have a problem getting to the toilet because of arthritis or other disorders that make it hard to move quickly.

There are many products and devices that can help men and women of all ages manage urinary incontinence.

• Disposable briefs and underwear
• Pads and liners
• Reusable and disposable under-pads for beds and chairs
• Catheters
  • External
  • Intermittent
  • Indwelling

Kansas City Home Medical Supply offers a wide variety of incontinence products.

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A stroke is caused by blockage or interruption of blood flow into or inside of the brain. Without a constant supply of oxygen, the tissue starts to die. Unless prompt medical treatment is given the sufferer may die or be left with permanent disability. Quick action can make all the difference. The American Stroke Association suggests the use of the F.A.S.T. acronym to recognize the symptoms of a stroke and to seek help if seen. Please visit www.stroke.org for more information.

F – Face Drooping: Does one side of the face appear to droop or feel numb? Is the persons smile uneven or lopsided?

A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Is the person able to lift both arms equally?

S – Speech: Is the person able to speak? Are they difficult to understand?

T – Time to Call 9-1-1:If any of the above symptoms are seen do to wait to call 911.

A stroke may not present the same in every person. In addition, the symptoms described in the F.A.S.T. acronym, there may be others.  Numbness on one side of the body, trouble walking, blurred vision, severe headache and confusion may also be indicators of a stroke.  If you or someone around you are experiencing any unusual symptoms the best course of action is to seek medical help.  The severity of the stroke and how quickly it was treated are key factors in the prognosis of stroke victims.

Every stroke is unique, and the recovery time will vary person to person.  Rehabilitation is individualized and the patient’s adaptive needs depend on their home environment.  KC Home Medical Supply stocks a variety of products to improve the quality of life for those recovering from a stroke.  Please call or stop by one of our locations to speak with our trained staff on how we can best assist you and your loved ones.

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Sleep apnea is a condition marked by abnormal breathing during sleep. These temporary breathing lapses cause lower-quality sleep and affect the body’s supply of oxygen, leading to potentially serious health consequences.

There are three types of sleep apnea:

-Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
-Central sleep apnea (CSA)
-Mixed sleep apnea

Common Symptoms:

-Disrupted breathing in which a person’s respiration can become labored or even stop for up to a minute at a time
-Excessive daytime sleepiness
-Snoring, including snoring that is especially loud and involves gasping, choking, or snorting that may cause a person to briefly wake up
-Morning sore throat or dry mouth
-Frequent need to wake up to urinate

Treatment:

-Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, reducing the use of sedatives, and sleeping on your side, can resolve some cases of OSA. There are also specialty pillows for sleep apnea that may help reduce the symptoms and severity of sleep apnea.
-Another common treatment is nightly use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine. These devices push air through a mask and into the airway to keep it open during sleep.
-Some types of mouthpieces that hold the jaw or tongue in a specific position are an option for people with certain anatomical features that trigger mild OSA.

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For lift chairs to function effectively, they should be well-maintained. Follow these tips for maintaining and keeping uplift chairs to ensure they function optimally and last for a long time.

• All lift chairs have a maximum weight capacity that should not be exceeded when in use. Failure to adhere to weight capacities increases the chances of the lift chair being damaged. It may also put the user at increased risk of an accident, especially if it breaks under heavier use.
• When plugging in the lift chair, ensure that it is plugged directly into the wall and not an extension cord. An extension cord may overheat and destroy the electrical mechanism of the lift chair.
• Most lift chairs have backup batteries that need to be inspected and replaced on a regular basis. Routine inspection prevents oversight of acid corrosion that may damage the battery unit.
• Wipe down the lift chair on a regular basis to keep it clean. Make sure it is unplugged from the electrical outlet before cleaning, especially if any solvents are used. This reduces the risk of electrical accidents.
• Keep moisture and liquids away from the electrical components of the lift chair. These can damage the electrical parts and could put the user at risk of electrical accidents.
• When moving the lift chair, do not pull by the footrest as this can damage the lifting mechanism in the chair.

We offer lift chairs that can make it easier for you or your loved ones to easily sit up and down. For more information about lift chairs, maintenance tips, or our other home medical equipment and supplies, contact us today!

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• The tool-free two-position contoured backrest is reversible depending on whether you are using the Nitro Duet as a rollator or transport chair
• Back support height easily adjusts with tool-free buttons
• Caster fork design and large 10″ front casters enhances turning radius and rolling comfort
• Cross-brace design allows for side-to-side folding and added stability
• Brake cables routed inside the frame add safety and convenience
• Weight Capacity: 300lbs
• Total product weight: 22lbs
• Seat width: 17.5″

Walkers, Rollators, Canes, Wheelchairs, Transport Chairs

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Pressure sores, also known as pressure ulcers, develop when patients who are ill and immobile stay in a fixed position for a long period of time. When this happens, blood supply to the skin over the area is reduced. Ultimately, the skin and underlying tissue become damaged and may become infected. This infection may then spread throughout the body, thereby worsening the patient’s condition and delaying recovery. Pressure sores typically develop on bony body areas, such as heels, hips, elbows, and more.

One way to prevent pressure ulcers is to ensure that patients are repositioned frequently. The current recommendation is that patients should be repositioned every two hours. In a home setting, accessories can also be used to shift body weight and alleviate pressure around the bony areas, thereby minimizing the risk of developing pressure sores. Some accessories that can be used in a home setting include:

• Feet Elevators: Heels and ankles are highly susceptible to pressure ulcers in immobile patients. Feet elevators serve to keep feet raised up, so that the heels and ankles are not in direct contact with the bed.
• Heel/Elbow Protectors and Heel Pillows: Protectors provide extra soft padding for the bony joints, thereby minimizing pressure over these areas.
• Alternating Pressure Mattresses: The special mattress offers control over the bubble cells to change pressure to suit the user to prevent soreness and skin breakdown. This mattress relieves pressure on the skin by alternating the pressure every 10 minutes on any portion of the body coming in contact with the bed, providing great comfort for a bedridden patient.

Prevention of pressure sores is essential to the comfort and recovery of an ill patient. At KC Home Medical Supply, we have various accessories that can be used to minimize the risk of pressure sore development. Contact us today to learn more about our products and to find which would best meet your home care needs.

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Allowing a loved one to remain in the comfort of a familiar environment is an option many are choosing as opposed to placement in care facilities.  Often in home care proves to be more cost effective with better outcomes.  Home care plans are often built around the lives of the patient and family and can enhance the experience for everyone involved.  With the proper care team and support in place it can be a very manageable and positive experience.

Below are just a few ways home health care can offer support.

1. Assistance with Daily Living Activities– In-home service staff can help with personal hygiene, dressing, medication management and many other things. Allowing non-family members to take on these roles is an excellent way to preserve a patient’s dignity.
2. Companionship – Stress on families can be greatly decreased just by knowing that their loved one is not alone. Caregivers in the home are able to be the eyes and ears for long distance family as well.  Accidents can be avoided, and possible health issues identified that might otherwise go unnoticed.
3. Skilled Nursing – Often complex medical needs require hospitalization or placement in a facility. Skilled nursing visits make it possible to manage many of these in the home.  Dressing changes, ostomy care, IV therapy and medication management can keep in individual at home and in comfort.
4. Physical and Occupational Therapy – Many patients are opting for home therapy as opposed to rehabilitation in a facility.  These therapists are able to evaluate what an individual’s needs are in relation to their specific home environment.  Recommendations for adaptive equipment or medical supplies can be given directly to the patient and the family.

The growth of the home health care industry has made it possible for more people to convalesce at home without placing added stress to the people they love.  The options for providers and levels of care make it possible to manage daily living while keeping those closest to happy and healthy.

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A hernia is a condition in which a portion of organ or soft tissue pushes through a hole or weak spot in a muscle or surrounding connective tissue that lines your abdomen or groin. It can be caused by an action that puts pressure or strain on an organ in that weak spot.
Sometimes you can see the hernia, depending on its location and size. Certain activities can worsen the condition, like bending over or lifting heavy objects. Hernia’s can be very painful and disrupt your daily activities.

There are several types of hernias:
• Inguinal. This groin hernia involves a portion of intestine or bladder protruding. It is the most common type of hernia and far more common in men than women.
• Femoral. In this type of groin hernia, the intestine pushes through tissue near where the femoral vein enters the upper thigh. These affect women more often than men, but they are uncommon.
• Umbilical. A hernia at the belly button, or naval, is common in infants, as well as women who are obese or have had several children. There is a natural weakness in that area. It is where the muscles and tissues come together.
• Hiatal. This hernia occurs when the upper stomach squeezes through the hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus passes through.
• Incisional. These hernias happen at the site of a surgical incision.

Signs that you might have a hernia include:
• A visible bulge in the affected area.
• Discomfort in the groin area that gets worse when you bend or lift something.
• Heaviness in the groin or abdomen.
• Pain or discomfort during a bowel movement or urination.
• Other symptoms that have been reported are bloating, heartburn, and constipation.

Treatment options depend on the type of hernia you have and your state of health. At first, your doctor may suggest monitoring your condition for changes. If the hernia does not improve or worsens, your doctor may discuss surgery. KC Home Medical Supply carries hernia belts, or trusses as well as abdominal binders. A physician may suggest these in place of surgical treatment or to ease symptoms until surgery can be done. Our staff can help you choose which product best suits your condition.

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