April 2019

Welcome

Thanks for being part of the ActivStyle family. At ActivStyle, we like to think of our patients and their healthcare providers as family. We appreciate that you trust your clients’ medical supply needs to ActivStyle. We strive to treat every patient with compassion and dignity. We wouldn’t be here were it not for the patients we serve. At ActivStyle, every employee strives to have a positive impact on the lives of our valued customers.

Health News

April is World Autism Month

Around the world, people observed the twelfth annual World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2019, to create greater awareness of Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). You might be surprised that more than 3.5 million Americans live with an ASD.

Nearly a quarter century ago, the Autism Society launched a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination for all, and assure that each person with ASD is provided the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life.

ASD refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States today. So chances are, you probably have clients who are on the autism spectrum.

We know that there isn’t one autism but many sub-types, and most are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because it’s a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think, and problem-solve can range from highly-skilled to severely-challenged. Some people with autism may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

Several factors may influence the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and attention issues.

Autism is treatable. Individuals with autism do not “outgrow” autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.
Indicators of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.

Here are some of the signs to look for:

• Lack of or delay in spoken language
• Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
• Little or no eye contact
• Lack of interest in peer relationships
• Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
• Persistent fixation on parts of objects

Many children with autism experience incontinence. There are many reasons children on the spectrum often remain in diapers, pull-ups, and youth pants longer than their neurotypical peers. Sometimes it’s a developmental delay and the child is not able to recognize he/she has to go potty or maybe the child doesn’t have the adequate skills to maneuver clothing in time to use a toilet. Children with communication challenges are less likely to be able to tell someone else he/she has to go to the bathroom. Those children who take medication with sleepy side effects may also find it difficult to wake up in time to go to the bathroom. And children with severe autism often don’t have the cognitive and motor skills to use a toilet — making the task that much more difficult to master. It’s important to remember every child has different abilities and will develop at his/her own pace. Some children with autism may need to use diapers or pull-ups for a little bit longer than other children. And once potty-trained, sometimes some protection is still needed for overnight.

During World Autism Awareness Month, there are many ways to get involved in the autism community. One of the best ways is to keep current on and active in ongoing advocacy issues regarding autism, stay abreast of the latest in autism-related news, and make an effort to attend autism events and conferences in your area. The benefits of being involved in the autism community are many—not the least of which is educating yourself about the most appropriate treatments and resources available to those on the spectrum.

For your clients who have children with ASD, make their lives easier by referring them to ActivStyle. Call us toll-free at 855-373-5141, we’ll be happy to talk with you and take a referral over the phone, or you may conveniently make referrals online.

FAQs

Q: Why is a prescription necessary to receive incontinence products?


A: In order for insurance to cover incontinence products, there must be a medical need for the products. A prescription will show the patient has seen their doctor and he agrees that there is a medical need for the product.

Q: Why do you need a second diagnosis for incontinence?


A: This is a standard ICD-10 requirement for any product being ordered by a doctor. This justifies and qualifies the medical need for the product, and will ensure that the insurance will pay for the products being requested.

We want to hear what FAQ topics you are interested in seeing! If you have questions or suggestions for future FAQs, please email us at .

If you have other questions for the ActivStyle staff, feel free to give us a call at 855-373-5141, Monday thru Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Central Time. We want to make your life easy, so you can provide the best service and information to those you serve.

Product News

When Properly Fit, Adult Diapers Will Not Leak

Because of the high absorbency and ease of wear, many people choose to use adult diapers to manage their incontinence. Staying dry and comfortable in an adult diaper is fairly easy; the key is to find a diaper that fits properly. A diaper that is too large/loose or to small/tight will leak. For best results, take the Goldilocks approach and find a diaper that fits just right.

Is it True That a Larger Diaper is Better?

No. Wearing a larger diaper size than needed can actually increase the risk of leakage. A large diaper does not absorb more liquid than a small diaper. Many people wrongly assume that a larger diaper contains more absorbent fabric than a smaller diaper, simply because of its size. The truth is, each adult diaper and adult pull up is designed to absorb a specific amount of liquid, regardless of its size. Both an extra small adult diaper and an extra large adult diaper can handle the same exact amount of fluid. A high-quality, maximum-absorbency adult diaper can easily absorb more than 16 ounces while keeping the wearer’s skin dry and comfortable.

Proper Fit is Key to a Leak-proof Diaper

The proper fit of an adult diaper is equally as important as selecting the correct diaper. Even the best product on the market can leak if it doesn’t fit properly. A diaper that is either too large or too small will be not only increase the risk of leakage but may also increase risk of skin irritation and breakdown. A properly fit diaper should have a snug, yet comfortable fit. If the diaper is too large for the wearer, gaps between the skin and the diaper can occur – and liquid can escape through the gaps. If there is a gap between the diaper and the legs, liquid can escape before being absorbed. The diaper’s leg elastic should be in smooth contact with the skin all the way around both legs. One simple way to ensure a smooth seal after each change is to lightly run your finger underneath the elastic around both legs.

How to Fit/Size an Adult Diaper

Proper fitting of an adult diaper depends on an accurate hip/waist measurement. If you have the right size, a good diaper will not leak.

A lot of people use sizing guides to find the proper size based on their height and weight. Sizing guides use weight and height to help determine the proper size for the wearer. They are provided by various manufacturers and it is important to note that sizing guides are not standard and will vary by manufacturer.

If you want to find your exact waist size, or the size of someone you care for, follow these few steps:

For someone standing: Use a measuring tape to measure the hips or waist, whichever is largest. Place the tape snugly, but not tightly, around the largest area.

For someone sitting or lying down: Place the tape measure from hip bone to hip bone, multiply by 2, and then add 2 inches to the measurement. For example, someone who measures 18 inches from hip bone to hip bone would have a 38-inch waist: 18″ x 2 = 36″ + 2″ = 38″

Take the “Would You Wear It” Test: If you are measuring as a caretaker, take a look at the product once it’s being worn and answer the following questions. Then decide whether the size is correct:

• How does the adult diaper fit at the legs?
• How much overlap is there on each side?
• Does it look like a pair of underwear?
• Is it too loose?
• Is it too tight?
• Does the adult diaper shift or bunch up?

It is important to note that bigger is not always better. When it comes to adult briefs and incontinence products, proper fit equals better containment and better comfort. And, in the end, proper adult diaper fit is KEY to comfort and performance. If you or your client have product questions for the ActivStyle staff, feel free to give us a call at 855-373-5141, Monday thru Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Central Time. We want to make your life easy, with the right product information, so that your clients can live life to the full.

Working with ActivStyle

Wouldn’t it be great if you spent less time mired in case-related paperwork and details and more time helping those who need you?

ActivStyle is a full-service provider of high-quality, high-value home medical supplies serving thousands of practitioners and case managers across the United States. Our product expertise and knowledge of constantly changing state and federal regulations allow us to give you — and the clients who depend on you — the level of service you need and deserve.

Founded in 1997 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ActivStyle has grown to over 200 employees compassionately serving patients in 47 states with their medical supply needs. Specializing in incontinence, urological, and ostomy supplies, our Product Experts are available to discuss product options, insurance benefits, free delivery, or product samples. Feel free to call one of our Provider Services representatives toll-free at 855-373-5141, they’ll be happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have about our products, services, or take a referral over the phone. You may also conveniently make client or patient referrals online.

At ActivStyle, we’re dedicated to making your life easier.