5 Tips for a Healthy Heart

5 Tips for a healthy heaert

by Dianna Malkowski, Physician Assistant & Registered Dietitian

Heart health is integral to quality of life at any age, and it’s an important cause for us here at The CareGiver Partnership. People of all ages and levels of mobility can take steps toward better heart health. Let’s get started with some basics:

1. Eat a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and healthy oils found in fish and nuts. A good rule of thumb is to buy fresh, whole foods whenever possible. However, frozen foods are an acceptable alternative to fresh produce and a practical choice for seniors who can’t shop frequently. Instead of unhealthy fats, sugars and salt, add flavor with herbs, spices, salt-free blends and lemon juice.

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Prevail Super Plus Absorbency Pull-On Underwear

Prevail is the #1 brand used in the United States. 

You can Prevail

When my Mom was first diagnosed with incontinence, I was overwhelmed by the number of choices when it came to choosing incontinence supplies. There seemed to be so many incontinence products and I felt very unsure as to how to choose what was right for her needs. She was experiencing heavy incontinence and needed an incontinence product which would work for an extended length of time and even be effective at night. It wasn’t until I spoke with the ladies at The Caregiver Partnership I found out Prevail Super Plus Absorbent Pull-On underwear could be the right choice for my Mom’s incontinence management needs.

What is Prevail? I’ve never heard of it.

Prevail is manufactured in the U.S. by First Quality. They manufacture and sell more incontinence products that even Depend. I know, that’s had to believe because you have probably never heard of it. That’s because Prevail is a professional brand used in many long term care facilities across the U.S., Canada and elsewhere. Prevail doesn’t have a big ad budget like Depend or Poise and that is how they are able to keep their prices down, while offering the same or better quality.

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Depend Underwear for Men Maximum Absorbency

One of the most popular incontinence supplies
 made specifically for men.

It’s Not Just a Women's Issue

When many people think of incontinence they assume this is only an issue for women. While women do make up the majority of people experiencing incontinence there is still a sizeable percentage of men who must deal with this issue as well. This is often a difficult situation for many men to face as the onset of incontinence symptoms often results from prostate surgery or other illnesses. Many men assume they will be forced to use an incontinence product which is made for women. However, the good news is the makers of incontinence supplies understand men and women have very different needs when it comes to incontinence products. To meet these needs there are now incontinence supplies made specifically for men. One of the most popular is the Depend Underwear for Men Maximum Absorbency.

The makers of Depend understand men are looking for normalcy and dignity when it comes to an incontinence product. This is what makes Depend the #1 seller. At The CareGiver Partnership you can use 4 coupons per case of Depend Underwear for Men - one for each package in a case. That means with four $3.00 coupons would save you $12.00 on your next case of Depend. There are other reasons as to why Depend Underwear for Men Maximum Absorbency could work for your incontinence management needs or for the man in your life experiencing incontinence. Three of these pragmatic reasons are:

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New Seni Incontinence Shaped Pads...for Day and Night Use

Seni shaped day pads could be the answer
to your incontinence management needs.

Looking for a little bladder control help

When I first began experiencing incontinence it was just some light urinary leakage when I was exercising or coughed or sneezed. At first I used period pads to try and keep me dry but they just weren’t doing enough. As time went on I realized I needed to find something I could wear comfortably and would let me continue on with my active lifestyle, but I just couldn’t seem to find the right incontinence product for my light bladder leakage. While there were plenty of choices when it came to adult diapers or pull-on underwear I wanted something which would offer me the protection I needed without using a full incontinence undergarment. .

I felt overwhelmed with all the styles, sizes and absorbencies and wondered where I could find the incontinence supplies I needed. I wasn’t willing to settle for cutting back on the things I wanted to do simply because I couldn’t find the right incontinence products for my needs. None of the leading brands I tried worked. That’s when I called and talked with the nice ladies at

The CareGiver Partnership. They know incontinence products inside and out and will take as much time as needed to help explain things.

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Proper Etiquette When Disposing of Incontinence Products

What to Do Now

You saw your doctor when you began having incontinence symptoms, you’re starting treatment and you’ve found the right incontinence supplies for you. However, now that you have made all those decisions you find the day to day management of incontinence includes dealing with your incontinence products when you make a change. This can especially be a challenge for those individuals who are working, traveling, or are just somewhere away from home. You may be unsure as to how to properly dispose of your incontinence products in a discreet manner. The good news is there is help for this problem!

Whether you are dealing with your own incontinence or you are the caregiver for someone else who is experiencing incontinence, there are ways you can properly dispose of incontinence products which are discreet, healthy, and economical. There are also tips which can help you deal with this issue. Here are three of them.

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Depend Silhouette Underwear for Women

Manage your incontinence without losing your femininity. 

Finding my Femininity Again

When I was first diagnosed with incontinence I was overwhelmed and upset. I visualized myself having to wear a bulky, white adult diaper that rustled as I walked. I also thought I would have to buy new clothes which were larger in order to hide my incontinence products. I assumed my family, friends, and co-workers would instantly know I was experiencing incontinence and had to use incontinence supplies. I had always loved wearing the most feminine underwear I could find and I grieved I would have to let go of them in order to manage my incontinence. It wasn’t until I called the ladies at The CareGiver Partnership I found out I could keep wearing underwear like pull on underwear. Depend Silhouette Underwear could provide me with underwear I could wear with my normal clothes all the while being discreet and comfortable.

Whats the best product for me or my loved one?

It can be overwhelming to try and determine exactly what incontinence supplies you or the loved one in your care may need. There are more choices than ever before and they’re changing all the time. This creates even more confusion. There’s pull-on underwear for men, for women, for either; there’s boxers for men, adjustable underwear, briefs (adult diapers), pads for women, liners, guards for men, shields for men, underpads, undergarments, booster pads, swim pants, washable products, shaped pads, and soon bladder control inserts.

The Caregiver Partnership understands this and have created an easy to use style guide which explains all the style options that can help you determine what incontinence products are right for you or you can call and speak with one of their knowledgeable ladies.

After talking to the ladies at The Caregiver Partnership I felt relieved I wouldn’t have to totally change my wardrobe and give up wearing normal like underwear in order to have the protection I needed. I also learned there are other reasons why choosing Depend Silhouette Underwear for Women can be the right choice for me and other women looking to manage their incontinence without losing their femininity. Here are 3 of the reasons. 

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Maximum Protection Depend Underwear for Women

Three reasons why Maximum Protection Depend Underwear
for Women is the right choice.

Finding the right incontinence product just for me

When I first began having incontinence symptoms I was unsure as to what I needed to do in order to manage it and continue on with my daily activities. I asked a close friend but she told me she too was dealing with incontinence and had been having a hard time finding the right incontinence supplies which could work for her. After several trips to the grocery store and my local big box store I was more confused then ever before. There were a lot of choices but I wanted something which would work for specifically for a woman and look and feel like regular underwear. It wasn’t until I spoke with the ladies at The CareGiver Partnership I found out Depend Underwear for Women might just be the answer I was looking for.

Whats the best product for me or my loved one? Well… it Depends!

That’s a joke. It can be overwhelming to try and determine exactly what incontinence supplies you or the loved one in your care may need. There are more choices than ever before and they’re changing all the time. This creates even more confusion. There’s pull-on underwear for men, for women, for either; there’s boxers for men, adjustable underwear, briefs (adult diapers), pads for women, liners, guards for men, shields for men, underpads, chair pads, bed pads, undergarments, booster pads, swim pants, washable products, shaped pads, and soon bladder control inserts.

The Caregiver Partnership understands this confusion and have created an easy to use style guide which explains all the style options which can help you determine what incontinence products are right for you or you can call and speak with one of their knowledgeable ladies.

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New Super Premium Adult Diapers Imported From Europe

The new Seni adult diaper (brief) works better and fits better.

Customized Choices to Fit You Better to Protect You Better

When I first started shopping for incontinence supplies for my Dad I was surprised how few choices there were. Most brands of incontinence products offered limited sizes and even fewer choices when it came to the absorbency level of their incontinence supplies. They also offered just few styles which limited what my Dad (who was still active) could choose from. When it came to adult diapers the choices were even more limited.

Most big box stores only stocked a couple of styles and many online sites made it confusing by presenting a hobble jobble of product options and no one to speak with. Frankly, I had no idea what might be best my Dad. That’s when I called and talked with the nice ladies at The CareGiver Partnership. They know incontinence products inside and out and will take as much time needed to help explain things.

When I called, they told me about a new line from Europe they were just introducing to U.S. consumers. I learned that incontinence products sold in Europe tend to be much more absorbent than those typically sold in the U.S. She told me the new brand was called Seni and offered to send me samples to try so I could figure out what might work best for my Dad. The samples are free, but they do charge $3.49 for postage.

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Depend Protection with Tabs- the most absorbent Depend there is for great overnight protection

The most absorbent Depend there is for great overnight protection.

Better nighttime protection

When my Dad moved in with me so I could care for him I knew managing his incontinence was going to be a challenge. However, I was surprised to learn the biggest challenge wasn’t during waking hours but rather at night. Dad was waking up several times during the night needing to change his incontinence product. Often times I had to come in and change bed linens as well in order for him to have a dry bed to go back to. This was becoming exhausting for both of us and I wondered what incontinence supplies I could buy that would allow Dad and I to get the rest we both needed. It wasn’t until I called the ladies at The Caregiver Partnership and learned about Depend Protection with Tabs I realized there was an answer for a better night's sleep.

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Attends Underwear Extra Absorbency

A highly effective incontinence product
that is 41%-61% less than Depend.

A great value for the money

When Susan first realized she needed to start using incontinence supplies she was worried about being able to afford them. A trip to her local grocery store showed her there were few choices at an affordable price. With a fixed income she was unsure as to how to best spend her money on the incontinence products that would specifically help her manage her incontinence. It wasn’t until she called the ladies at The Caregiver Partnership she found out about Attends line of incontinence products and the great value it has.

Whats the best product for me or my loved one?

It can be overwhelming to try and determine exactly what incontinence supplies you or the loved one in your care may need. There are more choices than ever before and they’re changing all the time. This creates more confusion. The Caregiver Partnership understands this and have created an easy to use style guide which explains all the style options that can help you determine what incontinence products are right for you or you can call and speak with one of their knowledgeable ladies.

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Recognizing and Preventing Malnutrition in Older Adults

Familiarize yourself with  malnutrition signs and solutions.

by Dianna Malkowski, Physician Assistant & Registered Dietitian

Malnutrition can lead to a host of physical and emotional problems, from immune system and muscle weakness to depression. Older adults with poor nutrition are more likely to be admitted to hospitals or long-term care facilities if they have experienced illness, dementia or weight loss. Familiarizing yourself with malnutrition signs and solutions can help promote your loved one’s health and longevity.

What to look for

A first step to recognizing malnutrition is to learn your loved one’s eating habits. Spend mealtimes with him, including everyday meals, not just holidays and special occasions. If she lives alone, talk to the person who buys her groceries.

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New Seni Incontinence Products - Ideal for Familiy Caregivers

A new line of incontinence supplies offering
everything a caregiver might need.

Offering what caregivers have been asking for...

Many studies indicate caregivers report feeling high levels of stress about finding the right incontinence supplies for the loved one in their care. They find they are forced to purchase items from several different brands of incontinence supplies in a trial and error mode since no single brand offers everything they need. This means traveling from store or shopping multiple websites which is time most caregivers simply don’t have. Now, there is no need to do this. There is a new line of professional grade super premium incontinence supplies offering everything a caregiver might need.

Seni incontinence products from Europe
Manufactured by TZMO in Poland. Since 1951, TZMO has been manufacturing personal care products such as Seni incontinence as well as feminine hygiene, baby diapers and a wide range of disposable medical products. These products are now found in 80 countries. The Seni incontinence product line includes: briefs and pull-on underwear in multiple sizes and absorbencies, underpads for day and night use while changing in bed or sitting on chairs.  There are also washcloths to keep skin clean and fresh.

The Caregiver Partnership is now offering this line of incontinence products to U.S. consumers to fill a void which has been badly needed. Along with Seni incontinence products The Caregiver Partnership offers an extensive line of skin care products and exam gloves.  If you are a caregiver here are 3 reasons you should consider the Seni line of incontinence products. 

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Caregiver Burnout

What was the last thing you did for you?

Article written and contributed by: Josephine Harwood

Congratulations!  You rock!  You are a family caregiver!  Now, pat yourself on the back because you are awesome!  No one can do what you do for your loved one.  No one could possibly understand the sacrifices you make or why you even choose to make them.  You do whatever needs to be done because you give unconditionally, and I am certain you could easily recall the last thing you did for your loved one.

Now, tell me, what was the last thing you did for…you?  

Hmmm, you hesitated, didn’t you?  Of course you did, because family caregivers rarely think of themselves.  You don’t have time to worry about your own needs.  That’s a selfish attitude, right?  It’s not about you.  It’s about your loved one.  It doesn’t matter that you’re feeling a little tired and run down.  You can handle it.  Your loved one is counting on you.  Asking for help is not an option.  Asking for help is the same as admitting defeat. 

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5 Proven Approaches Geriatricians use to Prevent Falls

The CDC estimates 1 in 3 seniors fall at least once a year.

1 in 3 is far to many

Many seniors and their families are concerned about falling. Studies indicate there is a good reason for this worry. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 1 in 3 seniors fall at least once a year. These falls tend to be serious and lead to millions of emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Further studies show when seniors do fall and have to be admitted to a hospital a large percentage are not able to return directly home and must be admitted to a care center. In addition, a large number of these seniors are never able to live independently again.

Geriatricians have long recognized this risk and work with their patients to reduce the risk of falling. A geriatrician is a doctor who specializes in care for people 65 and older. Geriatricians will approach each patient's needs individually, and they possess the knowledge and expertise needed to accommodate seniors.While geriatricians treat physical problem most of these doctors understand this includes: recognizing how health conditions affect seniors socially and emotionally, and vice versa. To address the real problem of falling there are proven approaches Geriatricians use to prevent falls.These approaches can be done in numerous settings. Here are five of the approaches to help reduce falling.

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Stress Urinary Incontinence Versus Overactive Bladder. What's the difference?

Know the differences between SUI and OAB. 

There is a real difference

Many people are surprised at learning not all incontinence is the same. There are different types of incontinence and knowing what kind you have is an important part of managing your incontinence effectively. This is especially true if you are a caregiver for someone who is dealing with incontinence. Knowing the type of incontinence can help you to choose the right incontinence supplies and treatment.

There are two major types of urinary incontinence. Stress incontinence and overactive bladder are most commonly found among women. While it can seem easier to put the two types of incontinence together it is important to know the differences and be aware of them. When you are able to do this you can find the right management and treatment strategies and find the best incontinence products for your specific needs. To learn more The Caregiver Partnership has an expansive library on the topic of incontinence.

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Incontinence Products: How to Choose The Right Size Product

The Caregiver Partnership takes the confusion out of choosing.

Finding the right fit

I quickly became aware when I was diagnosed with incontinence one of the first decisions I needed to make was what kind of incontinence supplies I would need to help me manage my symptoms. And not only would I need to decide what type of incontinence products to use but what size I would need. Reading the labels was confusing. I was unsure as to how to choose what I needed without spending a lot of money on products that didn’t fit or I would end up not using. It was only after calling the nice ladies at The Caregiver Partnership I was able to get the information I needed to make the best choice in incontinence supplies for me.

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Focus on Caretaking at the White House Conference on Aging

This year's conference aimed to address the myriad
of needs and concerns unique to caregivers.

The National Institute of Health and White House Conference on Aging was held recently on July 13th, 2015 at our nation’s capital. Speakers from across the country met to discuss new research and legislation aimed at benefiting the growing number of elderly citizens - many of whom depend on a network of caregivers for daily support - and increase the awareness of many other issues facing seniors and their families.

Held once every 10 years, past conferences have attempted to plan and strategize for many of the problems that are now coming to a head in America. This year’s WHCOA aimed to meet current challenges by including a discussion of topics such as retirement security, ageing healthfully, elder abuse and justice, and long-term solutions for broader care. The conference also celebrated 50 years of Medicare and Medicaid, as well as 80 years of Social Security.

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Enter to Win Incontinence Products- No Purchase Necessary

Enter to win! No purchase necessary!

We’re giving away a prize bundle designed to help those with incontinence Get On With Life!

As part of our monthly family caregiver sweepstakes, we’re giving away a case of TENA® incontinence products and Heaven Scent® versatile disposal bags. Enter to win this prize bundle — with no purchase necessary and no strings attached!

• One case of TENA disposable, absorbent briefs, pull-ons or pads: The winner gets to choose from three styles of TENA disposable absorbent products in any size. One of its most popular brands, TENA provides a full range of absorbent products for men and women. They’re designed with advanced odor and wetness protection and the comfort of regular underwear. This prize is valued at up to $102.

• Eight 50-count packages of versatile Heaven Scent disposal bags: Powder-scented, opaque bags mask unpleasant odors, making them perfect for disposing of incontinence or feminine hygiene products, pet pick-up, baby diapers and more. They’re generously sized at 8”x4½”x14”, yet small enough to discreetly stash in a purse or pocket. The winner receives eight packs, each with 50 bags, together valued at up to $104.

For a chance to win, participants need only e-mail us at info@caregiverpartnership.com or mail a short statement explaining these products would be useful to him or her or a loved one. We will accept entries for this prize through Aug. 31, 2015, and will notify the drawing winner the first week of September. Visit the “Helping You Get On With Life” sweepstakes page for details...

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Call us. We're here to help.

About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.

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Seni Pull-On Incontinence Underwear: Twice the Protection Compared to Depend

Twice the absorbecies + twice as many sizes

Look what I discovered about pull-on incontinence underwear...

When I became the caregiver for my mom I quickly realized her usual incontinence underwear was just not absorbent enough. Despite being vigilant in helping her keep dry I found she was having far too many leaks and accidents. Not only was this hard to manage but I worried my Mom’s fragile skin would be damaged by constant exposure to wetness. I thought because we were using a leading brand of pull-on underwear we had the best product.  However, as it turned out after doing some research, I discovered there a lot more to it.

Seni... the super premium brand used by professionals

Seni incontinence products are made by TZMO in Europe.  They make feminine hygiene products, baby diapers and a wide range of disposable medical products which can be found in 80 countries.  The CareGiver Partnership is introducing Seni to U.S. consumers to fill the niche of super premium performance.  This Super Premium professional brand offers twice as many sizes and absorbencies compared to Depend Silhouettes and Real Fit. Its a fact that if a product fits better, it protects better.  Also, having a choice of absorbencies allows you to wear different ones for day or night or for long trips.  You get more customized protection. This makes them twice the choice compared to Depend Silhouettes and Real Fit.  Following is why Seni Pull On incontinence underwear is a much better value for a loved one in your care... or yourself.

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Incontinence Products: Combining Absorbencies In Order To Economize

Keeping a voiding diary can give a better picture
of when certain absorbencies are needed.

How To Save Some Money

When my Mom moved in with me so I could take care of her full-time I was unaware of just how much her incontinence products were costing her. It seemed like she was constantly running out of the incontinence supplies she needed. This began to add up very quickly. Mom was on a fixed income and she didn’t have the money to constantly be buying new incontinence supplies. I was worried because with my own financial situation I couldn’t really afford to help her either. It was only after doing some research I found ways we could combine absorbencies from her incontinence supplies to help her economize and make her adult diapers more cost effective for her.

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