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What is a urinary catheter?A urinary catheter is a tube that is inserted into the urethra until it reaches the bladder to drain and/or collect urine.What is an intermittent catheter?An intermittent catheter is a urinary catheter that is inserted into the urethra and then once the bladder is drained it is immediately removed from the body and discarded.Are all intermittent catheters the same?No, there are many differences between intermittent catheters. The materials they are made of vary. Interm …

First aid kits are needed in every home and business. It is a simple thing to buy a pre-built first aid kit and call it a day. The first aid kits that are sold as a package are great for most situations. I think it is always nice to add a few items to them that fit you and your situation specifically. For instance, my son won't leave bandages alone so whenever possible I prefer to use the liquid bandage by 3M. It protects the cut or scrape allowing it to heal but my son can't peel it off. 3M Ne …

Have you ever looked at ostomy supplies and didn't know how to use them? Sometimes reading the little inserts inside the boxes isn't enough. What if you don't know anyone with an ostomy or your nurse isn't available to answer every question? YouTube is an amazing resource for ostomy care and support. You can find product reviews, how-to videos, and general ostomy support. The people who make the ostomy videos on YouTube do an fantastic job explaining the products and sharing what life with an …

How to Clean Your Nebulizer Safely:After Each Breathing Treatment: Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Take apart the nebulizer, check your instructions for how to disassemble your nebulizer. Rinse the mask or mouthpiece with warm running water for at least 30 seconds. Do not wash nebulizer tubing or compressor, always check your instructions. Shake off excess water and place parts on a clean dry paper towel for air-drying. Never immerse your compressor or tubing in water Reassemble the ne …

There are certain questions that come up over and over again when I am on the phone helping people with their ostomy care. The usual questions about products are easy to answer with a little research. Some questions are harder and one that I could never find a good answer for was, how do you shower without getting your ostomy pouch and wafer wet?  I was able to find products that worked for casts and small wounds but nothing seemed to work for an entire ostomy bag and wafer.  Then I found this …

Having an ostomy means having and using an ostomy pouch.  The ostomy pouch and wafer use adhesives to adhere or stick to the body.  A secure seal is important for many reasons.  The ostomy system fitting securely and remaining in place means you can remain confident that your pouch won't fall off or become loose.  Your skin won't come into contact with your stoma output so it will not become irritated.  Strong adhesion means you will have better wear times so your ostomy supplies will last lon …

Every year I swear I am going to start holiday shopping early and every year I am looking at picked over shelves the night before it is time to exchange gifts.  Not this year!  I am shopping early so I can save money by ordering online.  I love finding the perfect gift for the special people in my life.  I am always torn, do I get them something they need or something they want?  I love when I can find those special gifts that are both wanted and needed!  Many of us, myself included, have older …

Whether you or a loved one has an ostomy, one thing is certain, there is a lot to learn.  It can be confusing to say the least when you first start caring for your ostomy.  Your nurses and doctors will be using terms you may have never heard before.  They may reference things you can't even picture because you have never seen them before!  I have listed out some very basic ostomy terms to get you familiar with some of the supplies.  Be patient with yourself and never be afraid to ask questions.  …

Skin Preps are called several different names.  They are sometimes called barrier films, wipes, barrier wipes, barrier spray, etc.  All of these things are the same product: Skin Prep.  They are used to protect your skin from harsh adhesives, shear, and stomal output.  Over time the skin around your stoma can become irritated by the constant presence of the adhesives from your wafer.  If you have redness, sores, broken skin, irritated itchy patches, or anything other than healthy skin, skin p …

It is time for Back to School and that means no more late summer nights making s’mores or playing flashlight tag.  It is back to homework and early bedtimes.  Lunch boxes and school supplies will need to be purchased but if you are the parent of a child with an ostomy there are some extra items you will need to add to your list. Ostomy supplies will need to be organized and you will have to work to make sure your child's school is ready to be a part of your ostomy team!  Communication is of the …