Blog

How Long do Mosquito Bites Last?How long will you have to deal with this itchy annoying bug bite? Well, it depends on how sensitive you are to bug bites. Female mosquitoes bite you so they can drink your blood. They then use your blood to help them have the resources needed to produce eggs. Mosquito bites itch because the mosquito's saliva. That saliva is left behind on your skin and it triggers your immune system. So, the area of the bite becomes inflamed. So as weird as it sounds, it is the sa …

Updated December 20, 2023 Passing gas or emitting odors in public are some of the most common concerns among ostomates. You may fear that they’ll interfere with your intimate and social life, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety.  It's reassuring to know that the majority of modern ostomy products are crafted using odor-proof materials. Typically, unless an unfortunate leakage occurs, any noticeable odors should primarily be experienced during the process of changing and emptying …

Content Updated: March 5, 2024Going home with a urinary catheter after surgery can be a daunting experience for many. As you step into the postoperative days, navigating this new aspect of care is crucial for your recovery.This guide aims to offer guidance and support for those adjusting to life with a catheter. Whether it's your first day post-surgery or you're further along in your journey, understanding how to manage your catheter is essential.From detailed instructions provided by your healt …

Compression socks are made from a snug-fitting, stretchy material that’s specially designed to apply pressure to the lower legs. This helps to improve blood flow and reduce swelling and discomfort. Compression socks and stockings are most-commonly prescribed as the first treatment forvaricose veins. Compression socks may also be recommended for other conditions that result in poor blood flow to the legs, such as lymphoedema and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). What Are Varicose Veins?Varicose veins a …

Living at home with a wheelchair can be complicated, and it’s certainly not ideal having to wash at the kitchen sink and sleep in the living room. Luckily, there are many methods and products to help you ease the stress and give you the peace of mind you deserve.Whether you’re looking to move into a new place or renovate your current one, our comprehensive guide will help you create a wheelchair-friendly environment to encourage a feeling of freedom and independence.1. Create Clear PathwaysA whe …

More than 750,000 Americans live with an ostomy, a life-saving surgical procedure that allows body waste to pass through an opening in the abdomen (stoma) and into an ostomy pouch. It may be necessary when treating Crohn’s disease, colon or bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, and severe injury to the bowel or urinary tract.Though common, having a stoma can still result in feelings of overwhelming physical and emotional change. It’s worth remembering that there are still many s …

A nebulizer (often referred to as a “breathing machine”), is a device specifically designed to convert liquid medication into a fine mist that can be inhaled directly into the lungs.Nebulizers can be prescribed for different respiratory conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These devices are often used by young children, people who have trouble using inhalers, and severe asthma patients.What Is a Nebulizer?Nebulization is a breathing treatm …

Catheters are flexible tubes used to drain urine from the bladder through the urethra. They help treat ailments such as incontinence and urinary retention. Catheters can be used on a permanent basis (indwelling catheters) or whenever needed (intermittent catheters). The majority of intermittent catheters are single-use devices that should be disposed of after one use. A high number of patients, however, reuse disposable catheters every day. A reused intermittent catheter often performs poorly i …

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the airways and causes breathing difficulties. With asthma, the lining of the airways is swollen, which can make the air passages extremely sensitive to various triggers. Common asthma triggers that cause airway inflammation include pollen, mold, dust mites, tobacco smoke, physical activity, food allergies, and weather changes.Asthma symptoms vary from one individual to another. Most frequently, however, people experience wheezing, coughing …

Wheelchairs are widely available but choosing the right one – especially as a first-time user – can be overwhelming. There are many options with various features that can significantly impact accessibility, utility, and comfort. Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, it’s a good idea to understand the different wheelchair types, styles, and features before making a decision.What to Consider When Choosing a WheelchairThe primary function of a wheelchair is to increase mobility and c …