Options to Explore with Incontinence Products

According to the National Association for Continence, roughly 6.5 million Americans suffer from fecal incontinence and approximately 25 million Americans experience urinary incontinence. Studies found that a staggering two-thirds of those people who experience symptoms of urinary incontinence do not use any treatment or product to manage the condition. Oftentimes this is due to the general lack of knowledge about available options. Thanks to dependable home health care centers there are a wide range of hospital quality products and support that are easily accessible.

There are many different incontinence supplies available for every unique situation. Products are offered in four distinct styles with a wide variety of protection range, as well as overnight absorbency. The choice depends on the level of incontinence (INCT), desired comfort, convenience or one's mental and/or physical condition. Someone who is seated or lying down for most of the time will require a different type of protection than a person who is still fairly active. Using the right product will help reduce leakages, lower product consumption and increase overall comfort.

A discreet bladder control pad is specifically designed for mild to moderate absorbency. These can come either with or without plastic and are often individually wrapped. Pads are designed with adhesive strips that will secure them to the user’s regular underwear.

Protective underwear is designed to be worn in place of regular underwear. Often called "pull ups" as they pull up and down for ease of use. They are made with soft, breathable materials that promote security, comfort and dignity. Protective underwear is currently offered in gender specific products, as are bladder control pads. Both styles provide mild to moderate INCT control.

Another incontinence product style is the liner pad, which is designed for moderate to maximum INCT production. These provide larger coverage yet a discreet, close body fit when worn with specifically designed reusable pants or one's own underwear.

Traditional briefs, also known as adult diapers, are typically a convenient choice for those experiencing large amounts of urine or fecal loss. The one-piece design offers maximum coverage and protection for complete bladder and/or bowel control.

Another category of incontinence products is the bladder control underpad. These are used on chairs, beds and wheelchairs to protect the mattress or fabric from any accidents or leakage. Underpads can be especially useful for physically or mentally incapacitated persons who may be seated for long periods of time or cannot express to the caregiver when there is an incontinence issue. These come as either disposable or reusable. Disposable underpads are convenient while the reusable ones are cost-efficient. The choice depends on each person’s needs.

Thanks to specialty home health care centers there are INCT support and savings programs available to those managing incontinence. To help ease the emotional discomfort there are discreet home delivery programs available and discount pricing plans. These programs allow for products to be delivered in a discreet manner so as not to suggest what they are. Scheduling convenient delivery prevents customers from running out of product each month and offers maximum savings.

Understanding the multiple choices and programs can be overwhelming. INCT Specialists are available to help determine which questions need answering in order to assess each person’s needs. Often they are available not only in-stores but also through toll free numbers or online. They can also offer free, try-before-you-buy samples for personal evaluations. Remember, no matter the situation there is an incontinence product or program that will suit each person’s needs; it’s simply a matter of having the facts.

About Binson's:

Today there are Binson's Home Health Care Center retail outlets in both Michigan and Florida that offer continuously updated products and services. For more information about incontinence products and programs call Binson’s at 888-246-7667 and ask for the IP Program, or visit: http://www.binsons.com

Incontinence: Common Myths and Concerns

Anyone who has ever dealt with incontinence either personally or with a loved one knows that it can be extremely embarrassing and difficult to discuss, making it nearly impossible to get the right facts. If you or someone you know is suffering from incontinence these are some common myths and concerns that you should be aware of:

Incontinence Only Affects the Very Old

FALSE. Incontinence is actually very common. According to the National Association for Incontinence (NAFC), incontinence characteristically affects more women than men. At some point in their lives 1 out of every 4 women and 1 out of every 8 men will experience incontinence. In fact, bladder weakness affects more people under the age of 53 than over. If the person you care for feels embarrassed by their incontinence then they should be reassured to know that they are not alone.

Don’t Discuss it with Your Loved One Because They Will Get Embarrassed

FALSE. Most people do find this a bit tricky at first, but once you both accept that it’s just a malfunction of either the muscles or nerves then it should get easier. After moving past the initial conversation you can discuss the more important issue of how to manage the condition with comfort and dignity. Talking about it as early as possible will lead to a more open and understanding relationship with your loved one. This will benefit you both and make planning for the future easier.

Caring For Someone with Incontinence Means Giving Up Your Own Life

FALSE. There’s no doubt that caring for someone who is incontinent, particularly if they have additional mental or physical difficulties, requires time, patience and love. However, with the right routines, tactics and help, the role of caregiver can be rewarding too. Always be sure to make time for yourself in order to maintain the necessary parts of your life that make you who you are.

We’ll Just Have to Get Used to the Bad Odors

FALSE. These days there’s no need for anyone to live with bad odors. This can be a big fear for people with incontinence and can make them reluctant to receive visits from family, friends or caregivers. Modern products with super-efficient absorbency, odor neutralizers and anti-leakage barriers will keep your loved one comfortably dry and fresh even after urinating.

Incontinence Products Are All the Same

FALSE. There are many different incontinence products available for everyone’s unique needs. Your choice will depend on both the level of incontinence and your loved one’s mental and physical condition. Someone who is seated or lying down for most of the time will require a different type of protection than a person who is still fairly active. Using the right product will help reduce leakages, lower product consumption and increase overall comfort. It’s worth understanding the difference between items in order to have the right protection. Contact a reputable home health care center for information and assistance in determining which incontinence products will best suite your loved one’s needs.

Incontinence Isn’t Something Serious to Worry About

FALSE. Incontinence is a potentially serious condition. It’s a warning sign that the bladder and its supporting structures or related internal systems are not functioning correctly. People suffering from it also have an increased occurrence of bladder infections and depression. Unfortunately they also often report a gradual change in their daily activities due to the unpredictable, awkward, and embarrassing nature of the condition. Incontinence can affect everything from intimacy or going to the movies to even the most natural human experiences such as sleeping or laughing.

There’s No Way to Manage Incontinence

FALSE. There are certain precautions and things to be aware of that can help manage incontinence. For instance, some foods and ingredients such as caffeine and sugar can trigger bladder activity. People suffering from incontinence should also make sure to properly hydrate. It’s a common myth that people showing early signs of the condition should minimize liquid intake in order to control wetting. In fact, this dehydrates the body and creates optimal conditions for urinary tract and bladder infections. In addition, there are several medicines now available to help treat incontinence such as FDA-approved Ditropan XL and Detrol LA. However, as with all medical conditions, seeking out the help of a professional medical doctor is the only way to accurately assess your unique situation and treatment.

Developing Incontinence with Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, is a lifelong disease characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood. Those experiencing this disease face many additional challenges beyond diabetes itself. One of these challenges is the increased occurrence and severity of both fecal and urinary incontinence.

There are several aspects that connect diabetes and incontinence, but the increased incidence of obesity in diabetics can be considered the main cause. Increased weight, especially in the abdomen, places excessive strain on the muscles of the pelvic floor that control bladder function. This strain or pressure causes involuntary urine leakage, and this type of urinary incontinence is called stress incontinence. Any movements that increase pressure in the abdominal area such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, physical activity, etc. will cause the leakage of small amounts of urine.

Another factor linking diabetes to urinary incontinence is the effect diabetes may have on nerve function in the bladder. Damaged nerves can cause overactive bladder or urge incontinence. Urge incontinence is when the muscular wall in the bladder has a sudden contraction causing the urge to urinate and sometimes the loss of urine. Fast movements and activities likes sitting and standing can trigger urge incontinence. Nerve damage caused by diabetes may also cause a loss of bladder sensation and weakened pelvic floor muscles creating the inability to completely empty the bladder.

If a diabetic's muscles and nerves become too damaged and fail to ever cause bladder contractions, overflow incontinence will occur. With overflow incontinence the bladder never empties and continuously leaks. An early warning sign of the onset of overflow incontinence is a slow or timid stream of urine while using the restroom.

Other reasons why many diabetics develop fecal or urinary incontinence include:

* Constipation- Over half of those with diabetes experience constipation which makes it difficult to pass urine.
* High Blood Glucose Levels- Improperly controlled diabetes causes glucose in the blood to run very high. A person's body will attempt to eliminate the sugars through the urine causing a large amount of urine to be produced.
* Water Retention- Water held in a diabetic's lower body caused by coronary artery disease can increase the production of urine at night. This leads to frequent urination during the night and even bedwetting.
* Lack of Mobility- Diabetes can come with serious side effects that can decrease mobility. Amputation, vision deterioration, and deep pains in the limbs can prevent people from reaching the toilet in time causing urine leakage.
* Diabetic Medications- Some medications used to treat diabetes can have side effects that lend themselves to the onset of incontinence. These may cause weight gain, fluid retention, bladder nerve damage, and even incontinence itself.

To treat and control diabetes related fecal or urinary incontinence, the proper management of blood glucose levels must be maintained. Also, every step necessary must be taken to keep body weight in the normal range. A proper diet and exercise regime will not only help maintain a healthy body weight, but it can also help maintain healthy blood glucose levels as well. Pharmacological interventions may also be necessary to treat diabetes related incontinence.

Experts at a health care center or medical equipment supply company can help diabetics find the best hospital grade products to provide them with a discreet fit and proper protection level. They treat customers to personal customer service and are available continuously through toll free phone numbers, in stores or online. A few reputable health care centers and medical equipment supply companies also offer discreet incontinence supply home delivery programs. Customers save money by utilizing their sample programs and receive meaningful discounts for ordering their urinary incontinence products in volume. In addition, they also save time by having them delivered right to their doorstep each month.

About Binson's Home Health Care Centers
Binson's Home Health Care Centers began as Binson's Pharmacy in Center Line, Mich. during the 1950's and grew to the home health care center it is today. Currently, there are Binson's retail outlets in both Michigan and Florida. With continuously updated products and services and new locations, Binson's is destined for exceptional dynamic growth in home health care. For more information about incontinence products and programs call Binson’s at 888-246-7667 and ask for the IP Program, or visit: http://www.binsons.com/

Tips for Traveling with Incontinence

Lounging on a beach towel under the warm sun while admiring children as they construct sand castles and listening to the ocean waves crash against each other illuminates the most relaxing vacation. The main objective of taking a vacation after all is to get in some much needed relaxation. The last thing anyone needs is to be worried about finding the closest restroom while in the midst of being at beaches, museums, amusement parks, or traveling to the destination.

For the 25 million Americans who experience urinary incontinence, traveling on planes, trains, or in cars is possible with the help of many incontinence products. Urine leakage always seems to happen at the worst possible time, and learning to manage it while traveling will prevent a stressful vacation.

Planning a vacation is time consuming especially when planning around incontinence. Having incontinence products shipped via a free home delivery program is a time-saving and cost-effective method when preparing a trip. The incontinence products are delivered right to your door each month saving you the hassle of rushing out to the store when your supply is low.

The following is a list of tips and advice for how to manage incontinence while traveling:

Transportation:

* While traveling on planes or trains make sure to sit in an aisle seat to easily access the bathrooms when needed. Sitting in an aisle seat will prevent moving in front of other passengers every time nature calls. In case urine leakage causes stains or odor, an aisle seat can also provide more confidence when sitting in a confined space for a long time.
* Planes and trains have limited waste disposal facilities which cause difficulties disposing incontinence products. Wearing a product designed for maximum protection such as protective underwear can retain greater amounts of urine leakage and control odor for lengthy plane and train commutes.
* Automobiles are a convenient mode of transportation when experiencing incontinence since rest areas are more prevalent along major highways and interstates. Having a GPS system in the automobile is essential. It provides a list of restaurants, gas stations, and other points of interest which, in turn, will give directions to the closest location for a bathroom.

Diet:

* Paying close attention to food and liquid intake while traveling can manage incontinence easier. Limit intake of salty snacks, alcohol, caffeine, and don't drink anything three to four hours prior to sleeping.
* Also, a person's understanding of which types of foods and liquids stimulate their incontinence and which foods alleviate incontinence is helpful to get the most out of every minute in paradise.

Travel Kit:
A travel kit should include:

* Plastic bags with twisty ties for clean and easy disposal
* Hand wipes and antibacterial cleansing products
* Include a variety of incontinence products:
o Pads and liners for the lightest urinary leakage (small enough to fit in purses and briefcases)
o Incontinence pants for the light to moderate urinary leakage when used with pads and liners
o Protective underwear (also known as adult pull-ups) for moderate to heavy urinary leakage
o Adult diapers for maximum urinary leakage protection
o Extra undergarments, pants, and outer clothes
o Travel soap bars and disposable wash clothes
o Organizing these items into a small duffel bag or a backpack makes it easier to travel. It's small enough to be used as a carry-on luggage on airplanes or to fit in the luggage compartment on a train or bus.

Plan Ahead:

* Whether traveling en-route to your destination or relishing the sights and sounds of the vacation, plan bathroom breaks every 20 to 30 minutes following meals.
* When visiting tourist attractions look at a map or ask guides for the location of the restrooms in case a get-a-way is needed. Since the incontinence travel pack is easily accessible, returning to the enjoyment of the expedition is quick and effortless.
* Since a person's daily routine of diet and exercise is changed while traveling, keeping a record of blood pressure and cholesterol is vital for good health and a preventative measure against the occurrence of incontinence.

Living with incontinence is simple and trouble-free if knowing how to manage and control the urinary leakage. With all the variety of incontinence products available, traveling can be more effortless than ever before. Worry about having fun on vacation, and don't worry about incontinence.

About Binson's Home Health Care Centers
Binson's Home Health Care Centers began as Binson's Pharmacy in Center Line, Mich. during the 1950's and grew to the home health care center it is today. Currently, there are Binson's retail outlets in both Michigan and Florida. With continuously updated products and services and new locations, Binson's is destined for exceptional dynamic growth in home health care. For more information about incontinence products and programs call Binson’s at 888-246-7667 and ask for the IP Program, or visit: http://www.binsons.com/