The urinary tract performs many functions in the body. It controls levels of fluids and electrolytes, filters toxins from the blood, regulates blood pressure, and provides an internal storage space for urine. People who use catheters live with conditions that impact the urinary tract system. Keeping the bladder healthy is especially important in these situations. In this article, we will discuss 12 things you can do to promote bladder health and keep your urinary tract in good condition.
Amy Landrum, AGNP-C CWOCN
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Learning that you will undergo ostomy surgery can be overwhelming. You may have questions about what to expect before, during, and after surgery. You may wonder where you can turn for additional education and support. While your medical team should always be your first resource, apps can be a useful tool for people wanting to understand more about ostomy surgery and stoma care.
As a parent of a child who requires urinary catheterization, it is understandable that you might feel some anxiety around when and how to empower your child to use a catheter on their own. But rest assured, this is a journey that many, many children have successfully navigated before on their way to a more independent life. Part of normal child development is an ever-increasing desire for independence, including ‘owning’ their health regimen.
For those who are new to using catheters, it might come as a surprise just how many types of catheters and catheter brands are on the market. In addition to catheters designed specifically for males, females and even children, there are other options available, such as coated and uncoated catheters, catheters for enlarged prostates, and advanced products such as closed system catheters. In this article we’ll focus on closed system catheters, explaining their design and benefits, and then also what qualifies individuals to receive closed system catheters under Medicare guidelines.
As a Medicare beneficiary, you may have questions about insurance coverage of your intermittent catheters. Intermittent catheters are covered by Medicare once certain criteria are met. In today’s article, we will discuss exactly what is needed to obtain Medicare coverage of your catheters.
If you have been diagnosed with urinary retention, your doctor may have told you to use intermittent catheters to empty your bladder. Minimizing trauma to the body during insertion is important and may reduce the risk of adverse event.[1] Making the catheter slippery prior to insertion is key to minimizing trauma and having comfortable catheterization experience.[1] There are two general options to choose from when deciding how you want to prepare the catheter and make it slippery: hydrophilic catheters and uncoated catheters.
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. Many individuals will develop an enlarged prostate during their lifetime, typically after age 50. Today we will discuss some things you can do at home that may help reduce symptoms of BPH and manage the condition.
Summer is on the way. As someone who use uses ostomy supplies, you may be curious about how warmer temperatures may impact your ostomy care routine. You may be wondering if you can pursue outdoor activities such as camping or swimming with a stoma. The good news is that with the right products from an ostomy supply company like ABC Medical, summer is no cause for worry and you can actively participate in outdoor activities. In this article, we will discuss some tips to make the most out of your summer as an ostomate.
A common catheter question I hear is, “Now that I use intermittent catheters, can I travel?” The answer is yes. Whether it be for business or pleasure, you can travel with catheters. Catheter users can travel via airplanes, busses, trains, or ships to reach their destination. Here are some tips that can make traveling with catheters easier:
Regardless of your method of travel, keep several catheters in an easily accessible location. You may need to empty your bladder suddenly during your trip and having catheters on hand is a must. Consider obtaining a small travel bag for your catheters that can be kept on your lap or shoulder. Don’t forget to pack hand sanitizer, as this can make pre-cathing hand hygiene quick and easy on the go!
