The volume of information we see and hear on a daily basis regarding the Covid-19 pandemic can be overwhelming.  It has become increasingly difficult for the general public to determine what is relevant to know for the protection of their families.  Guidelines for the public from agencies such as the CDC and the WHO are fairly consistent and can be utilized as a trustworthy reference.  These sources have stated that the use of facial coverings, efficient hand washing habits, and social distancing are the primary means of defense for the public.  The guidelines for healthcare workers are more comprehensive due to the higher risk of exposure.  It is understandable that those working on the front lines require more protection than the majority of the population.  However, for those at home, or working in an essential yet non-clinical capacity, the desire for protection and diagnostic information is at an all time high.  The following are some helpful sources of information on how you can best protect yourself and your loved ones.

• Center for Disease Control  https://www.cdc.gov/
• World Health Organization https://www.who.int/
• Johns Hopkins University https://www.jhu.edu/
• Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/

As a retail provider of medical equipment, KC Home Medical Supply has been fielding unprecedented requests for PPE or personal protective equipment from both the public and health care providers alike. While our suppliers have been able to intermittently provide us with PPE for public distribution, in order to extend our availability of supplies we have had to limit the quantity of some items sold per customer. Below are the items that are in the highest demand. Please call one of our three locations and we can advise you on the availability of our current stock. We are currently taking phone orders and providing curbside service at all locations.  Due to high volume of requests we are unable to maintain a waiting list for any of the following products, but look forward to speaking with you about all your home health care needs:.

• Masks
• Gloves
• Disposable Gowns
• Thermometers
• Oxygen Saturation Meters
• Disinfectant Wipes and Sprays
• Nebulizers
• Alcohol Prep Pads 
• Hand Sanitizer

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According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage,the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. There are over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. Mammography can detect tumors before they can be felt, so screening is key for early detection.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) provides critical information to women and families about how they can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, find breast cancer early, access screening programs, and eliminate barriers to quality treatment if later diagnosed.

There are exciting new options for detection and treatment of breast cancer.  We encourage you to reach out to your healthcare provider for more information.

The post October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month appeared first on KC Home Medical.

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.

The post Benefits of Home Health Care appeared first on KC Home Medical.

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Using and moving a rollator walker is easily controlled because the wheels allow steady movement without requiring much strength to lift the walker up to take another step. The front wheels usually swivel, which allows a guided glide in various directions, while the back wheels are fixed to remain stabilized. When the user decides to use the seating option, all wheels can be safely locked in place.  Rollators are not meant for everyone.  Dementia or memory issues can affect the users ability to operate the equipment safely.  Check with your healthcare provider if you are unsure.

Individuals with some of the following conditions or diagnoses would benefit from using a rollator:

• joint pains
• hip or knee replacements
• Hemiparesis
• obesity
• decreased ability for weight bearing

Due to the wheels and a more fluid movement, the rollator allows for faster walking speeds. This helps put the user closer to a normal walking gait to aid in recovery and maintain mobility. People can also benefit from exercising for longer distances and being out for longer periods of time, given the seat that provides a resting moment if needed.

Kansas City Home Medical Supply offers a wide variety of rollator options with different accessories and advantages. When looking for your next rollator that fits you, consider one with these:

• Carrying Pouch – some are located in front for easy access; others contain a more secure, private option such as under the seat; and some even include a tray for use.
• Customizable Ergonomic Options – some models can adjust by height, while some come with ergonomic hand grips that make them easier to grasp for people with lacking grip strength.
• Seats –many seat options exist, including extra padding, oversized seats, and even waterproof cushions.
• Backrest – padded and height-adjustable backrests are possible in various models for comfortability when sitting.
• Storage – putting away your rollator with ease may be useful, with compact, one-handed folding options available.
• Tires – if you want to be able to use your rollator both inside and outside, there are different options for the tires that make moving over different type of terrain possible, such as soft grip tires. Models also often have tires that swivel freely and easily.
• User Details –your height and weight may determine what model would be ideal for you. Be sure to find one that can sustain you and your use.

Compare our assortment of rollator walker models to find options that are essential for you. For more information or if you need help to find the perfect rollator for your mobility needs, contact us today to learn more!

The post Rollator Walkers appeared first on KC Home Medical.

Bottle Magnifier

Medicine bottles have a lot of information that the consumer needs to know. Unfortunately, those bottles are also tiny, so the crucial instructions and warnings are printed in such a small font that even people with perfect vision may have difficulty making out the words. If people with perfect vision have difficulty reading the bottles, imagine how it would feel for someone with diminished vision to try to read directions on a bottle of aspirin or other needed medications! Bottle magnifiers aid these frustrating situations. The magnifier clips to most standard bottles and will enlarge the print to three times the size. This will provide seniors a little more independence because they won’t have to ask for someone else to read bottle directions. The magnifier is lightweight and has retractable arms for easy storage on a night table or pen holder.

Syringe Magnifier

Living with diabetes is difficult by itself, so when you add having difficulty reading the small print on an insulin syringe, it can create a new problem. Measuring and injecting insulin is an exact process that requires the correct dosage to be effective and safe. Measuring and intaking too little or too much insulin could lead to severe medical problems. In these cases, a syringe magnifier will help. The print on the syringe is magnified 1.7 times, making it easier to see, fill, and inject insulin. The syringe magnifier is also designed to snap simply onto insulin bottles; this is helpful for seniors that have difficulty grasping objects.

Jitterbug 5

Many seniors enjoy the benefit of owning their own cell phones. They can carry it with them and use it in case of emergencies. Unfortunately, they face drawbacks with a standard cell phone: keys can be difficult to read and the speaker can be difficult to hear out of. The Jitterbug 5 is a cell phone that features a backlit keyboard so the user does not have to struggle to find the right key when dialing, and a powerful speaker that makes it easier to hear the other end of the line. It also has easy-to-use navigation buttons, a camera for photo sharing, and even a calling plan that matches today’s seniors’ lifestyle. The calling plans offer unlimited access to nurses and board-certified doctors, which is helpful for seniors with severe medical problems or who suffer a bad fall. With the Jitterbug 5, they can always reach help within arm’s reach.

Serene CL-60PC Amplified Phone with Answering Machine

This all-in-one phone features large, easy-to-see, backlit buttons, making it easy for seniors who have difficulty seeing. It’s a cordless handset that can amplify sounds up to 50+ decibels and has a visual ringer for the hard of hearing. Seniors with hearing aids or cochlear implants can use the compatible output jack that fits easily around the neck, making important phone calls easier to hear.

Getting older does not mean having to lose independence. Seniors who struggle with diminished hearing and sight do not have to suffer in silence, but rather can take advantage of and utilize specially-made tools to live and communicate freely. For more information on any of these products or other KC Home Medical Supply services, contact us today.

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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.

The post Symptoms of a Stroke appeared first on KC Home Medical.

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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