July 2019

Welcome

Welcome to ActivStyle Insights newsletter. Wow! It’s been hot this summer. Wherever you are, we hope that you have been able to stay cool and comfortable. Speaking of comfortable, you can count on the team at ActivStyle for incontinence and other medical supplies to help your clients stay comfortable, dry, and healthy. Thanks again for trusting your clients to ActivStyle. Each employee at ActivStyle strives to make a positive impact on the lives of our valued customers… every day.

Health News

Continence Management Options

Bladder Leakage, also known as incontinence, is not uncommon. Incontinence can affect the young and old, male and female. More than 18 million American women suffer from incontinence and about 7 million men experience incontinence, too. Many suffer in silence because it is an embarrassing topic to discuss with friends, family, or health care providers; however, it’s important to address incontinence for overall health and quality of life. With proper education and treatment, incontinence should not interfere with enjoying an active and full lifestyle.

Common Causes of Incontinence

The first step for improvement is to understand the cause of incontinence. Incontinence is not a disease or a natural part of aging. It is a symptom that can have many causes. If you suspect that you have incontinence, it is important to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. Here is a list of some common causes of incontinence:

  • Coughing, sneezing & laughing
  • Certain foods & beverages
  • Obesity/Poor nutrition
  • Pregnancy & childbirth
  • Cognitive impairments
  • Medication side effects

Management & Treatment Options

Along with the use of disposable incontinence products there are other treatment and management options that may improve one’s level of incontinence.

Diet:  Certain foods act as diuretics and may be removed from the diet. Coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, and alcohol are known to irritate the bladder. Chocolate, spicy foods, and tomato-based products can contribute to incontinence. Eliminating or reducing one or all of the foods may improve the ability to control urine.

Medicine:  Certain medications for unrelated issues can trigger incontinence. Examples include: Diuretics (water pills), sedatives, muscle relaxants, narcotics, antihistamines, antipyschotics/antidepressants, and over-the-counter cold remedies.

Education: Educational brochures are often available from doctors, social workers, or case managers to help educate on the different types of incontinence or the basics of caring for someone with incontinence.

Exercise: Kegel exercises are beneficial because they will help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder. And, According to the Mayo Clinic, they aren’t just for women. Kegel exercises are also beneficial for men. The pelvic muscles control leakage and manage sudden urges. Strong muscles give you more control over urination and provide extra time to get to the bathroom.

Products: Choosing the right absorbent products that are designed to address the different levels of incontinence is key. These products can be use alone or with any other treatment options.  Count on the team at ActivStyle to help your client select the right incontinence products to address their needs.

For your clients who deal with incontinence, 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 does ActivStyle need to confirm the order each month versus just automatically sending out the supplies?

A: ActivStyle’s policy is to confirm the order each month and some insurance plans require us to do this, too. By doing this we can confirm several things: 1) Are there any issues with the product? 2) Is the product working? 3) Does the client need anything else? 4) Has the client run out of product or are they over stocked? It is important to us that we understand and meet your needs every month. We do not want to ship out product that does not work for you and make sure we are sending the correct quantities.

Q: What is Durable Medical Equipment (DME)?

A: Durable medical equipment is any medical equipment used in the home to aid in a better quality of life. DME is used to provide additional support and care to patients outside of the hospital environment and is designed to support both temporary and permanent conditions. Although the term ‘durable’ is used, it can also cover disposable, non-durable items that are used in everyday, essential home healthcare. Therefore DME can be split into two main groups: Durable equipment – this includes long lasting essential items such as wheelchairs, beds, walkers, respiratory apparatus, Cpaps, nebulizers, and more. Non-durable equipment – this includes disposable or non-permanent equipment such as adult diapers, gloves, rubber/plastic hose (used for equipment such as catheters and nebulizers that need regular replacement), syringes and more.

If you have other questions for the ActivStyle staff, feel free to call toll-free 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

Can You Use Regular Sanitary Protection Pads for Incontinence?

We see this question quite frequently from customers. The short answer is no. You cannot use regular sanitary protection pads for incontinence.

Unlike ordinary maxi pads, bladder control pads are specially designed to absorb bladder leakage. Urine is light and is discharged in larger quantities; menstrual discharge is heavier and comes out more slowly. These two different conditions require two different absorption techniques, two different odor-fighting properties, and two different products.

Wearing the wrong pad can mean moisture is not wicked away from one of the most sensitive areas of the body, causing rash, irritation, or even infection. Bladder control pads are made for incontinence control. They “catch” the leaks and pull moisture away from the skin, allowing for more time between changes. Many disposable bladder control pads have a waterproof backing. This helps prevent overflow from reaching clothing. The newest waterproof system uses a “breathable” plastic film that helps reduce skin irritation associated with some waterproof linings.

If you have a client in need of bladder control pads, refer them to ActivStyle. Our trained Product Experts will provide a free consultation to help them select the right product for their needs that will be covered by their Medicaid or other insurance.

Industry News

It’s never too early to plan ahead for important conferences. ActivStyle booth at the St. Louis County Health & Human Service Conference in Duluth, Minnesota, October 9 & 10. If you are at the conference, please stop by our booth and meet our staff. They’ll be ready and willing to answer any questions you may have about ActivStyle’s medical supply service. We look forward to meeting you in person.

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.