June 2020

Welcome

Greetings from ActivStyle. Time flies. It is hard to believe that June is nearly over and summer is in full swing. As our country, and the world, starts to open up from the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope that you and your family are staying safe and healthy. At this time, it is always important to wear a face mask when you are out in public, practice social distancing, and remember to wash your hands frequently to help ward off the virus.

At ActivStyle, our desire is to keep you up to date on current industry news, product information, FAQs, and much more. Like you, we are concerned about the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to assure you that, as an essential business, ActivStyle’s dedicated teams are still working hard each week to provide patients with the medical supplies they depend on.

 

Health News

Why Do People Lose Bladder Control?
Your kidneys are constantly producing urine. Thin tubes called ureters carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, where it is stored. The bladder should stay relaxed while it is filling and the urethra (the tube that expels urine from the bladder) should remain tight. When the decision is made to urinate, the urethra relaxes, the bladder squeezes, and urine flows out.

This is a complex process. The ability to control urination can be disrupted in different ways, resulting in incontinence.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians millions of adults in the United States experience urinary incontinence. It’s more common among women and people over 50 years of age. But anyone, of any age, can be affected by this condition.

What are the signs and symptoms of urinary incontinence?

There are five types of urinary incontinence:

• Stress Incontinence – Stress incontinence happens when physical movement or activity — such as coughing, sneezing, running or heavy lifting — puts pressure (stress) on your bladder.
• Urge Incontinence – Urge incontinence occurs when you have a sudden urge to urinate.
• Overflow Incontinence – Urine loss without any apparent reason
• Functional Incontinence – When there is normal urine control, but it’s difficult to get to the bathroom because of another condition like arthritis or other disease that impedes mobility.
• Mixed Incontinence – This type involves more than one of the types of incontinence listed above.

Anyone who experiences urinary incontinence should talk to their doctor. Those who try to hide incontinence may risk getting rashes, sores, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. Loss of social interaction is also a problem for people because they may avoid friends and family because of fear and embarrassment.

You may now have a good idea of the types of incontinence your clients experience. Rest assured that ActivStyle is here to help. No matter what type of incontinence is present, ActivStyle provides absorbent incontinence supplies to meet the needs of a wide variety of individuals. We’re here to help your clients manage their incontinence and maintain quality of life.

 

FAQs

Q: Why does the client need to see their doctor before we receive the request for products?
A: All prospective clients need to have seen a doctor who agrees that the client needs the medical supplies being requested from ActivStyle. Since we send a prescription request to the doctor, it is will save time if the doctor is fully aware of the situation and is willing to sign the prescription.

Q: What information is needed with a referral?
A: When referring a client to ActivStyle, be prepared to provide the client’s current demographic information, phone numbers, insurance information, doctor information, medical conditions that are causing the need for the products requested, and contact information for individuals who are authorized to be contacted by ActivStyle. This information will ensure that the process will go smoothly and quickly.

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 Provider Services staff, feel free to give us a call at 855-373-5141, Monday thru Friday, 8AM to 5PM, Central Time. We want to make your life easy, so you can provide the best service and information to those you serve.

 

Product News

Thicker is Not Always Better When It Comes to Incontinence Products
Thicker is always better, right?  Well, not when it comes to incontinence products. You might be surprised to learn that a thicker, fluffier incontinence product does not mean that it is more absorbent.

Superabsorbent polymer
 is key to superior absorbency

The material that increases the thickness of an incontinence product, the pulp (wood pulp fibers), has very little absorbent qualities. The function of pulp is to strategically hold the key absorbent material called superabsorbent polymer (SAP) in place. Almost invisible, SAP is a powdery ultra light-weight material that is mixed with pulp and concentrated in the core of diapers, adult incontinence, and other hygiene products. You would be hard pressed to find it even if you sifted through the pulp.

SAP absorbs and retains large quantities of liquid and its effect is impressive. In fact, one gram of SAP can absorb up to 500 grams of pure water. As SAP absorbs liquid it turns to gel, locking wetness away to keep the wearer dry and comfortable. SAP is instrumental in ensuring that diapers work effectively and that the skin remains dry and healthy.

Thin, light-weigh incontinence products are more comfortable
Because of the use of SAP, modern diapers are thin, extremely light weight, and very comfortable to wear. The more SAP an incontinence product has the more absorbent it will be. SAP is so light-weight and nearly undetectable that modern high-quality absorbent incontinence products do not need to be thick to be effective at absorbing liquids.

A thin product is discreet
An added benefit of thinner incontinence products is that they are discreet and less noticeable under clothing, which can also provide increased sense of comfort for the wearer. Today’s modern incontinence products, like ActivStyle’s Rely^® brand, are better than ever at preventing urine leakage, helping wearers stay dry for hours, and protecting skin from moisture.

ActivStyle’s Rely^® Brand Represents a High-Quality Solution
The Rely brand of incontinence products are made exclusively for ActivStyle by an industry-leading manufacturer. Because not all incontinence is the same, Rely brand briefs and protective underwear are designed to meet a wide range of incontinence care needs. Leakage control, skin care, and comfort are the driving forces of performance in all Rely products. In fact, The Rely brand has been independently tested and meets or exceeds the stringent standards of the National Association for Continence and state Medicaid programs that ActivStyle services.

Learn more about the Rely brand of incontinence products on the ActivStyle website.

If you have questions about the Rely brand, call one of our Provider Services representatives today at 855-373-5141 (Monday – Friday, 8AM-5PM Central Time).  Let us help you select the right product to address your client’s personal needs.

 

ActivStyle is Your Partner in Patient Care

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, MN, 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 trained 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.