Protect Your Residents from the West Nile Virus It's really warming up outside! Warmer weather brings cookouts, visits to the park and, unfortunately, mosquitoes. For many, mosquito bites are simply a nuisance, but it's important to remember that mosquitoes can also carry the West Nile virus. This is especially critical in long-term care, as people over the age of 50 are at the greatest risk of developing the virus's most severe symptoms. The CDC maintains a website with up-to-date information on where cases of the virus have been confirmed as well as additional information on the illness.

The West Nile virus affects people in a number of different ways. Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected will not show any symptoms at all. Others might have mild symptoms, such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. The symptoms can last from several days to several weeks. About one in every 150 people infected with West Nile will display its most severe symptoms, including high fever, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last for several weeks and the neurological effects may be permanent. Given that older people are more likely to develop the most serious effects of West Nile, the CDC recommends that they (and their caregivers) take special precautions to avoid mosquito bites. These include: Using an insect repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient when outside Wearing long sleeves and pants in addition to using insect repellent when mosquitoes are at their most active, which is typically between dusk and dawn Ensuring that the screens on your facility’s windows and doors will keep mosquitoes out Eliminating mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water out of flower pots, buckets and other lawn ornaments Replacing the water in bird baths on a weekly basis To learn more about the CDC’s recommendations for keeping your residents and yourself safe from West Nile, click here.

ProMed Memorial Day Closure Reminder Professional Medical will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2012 in honor of Memorial Day. Customers who typically order on Monday for Tuesday delivery should place their orders by noon on Friday, May 25. All regular Monday deliveries will be made on Tuesday, May 29 and all Tuesday deliveries will be made on Wednesday, May 30, 2012. If you have any questions or concerns, we invite you to contact our Customer Care team at 800.648.5190.

Seven Ways to Fight an Overactive Bladder Elderly people shouldn't chalk up an overactive bladder as something that "just happens" as they age. Here are seven tips that can help your residents manage an overactive bladder: Avoid foods that can trigger overactive bladder symptoms, such as spicy foods, chocolate and citrus fruits. Cut out caffeine and artificial sweeteners, which can cause a sudden need to urinate. Use absorbent pads and undergarments designed especially for incontinent episodes. Plan ahead for road trips. Well-traveled roads are more likely to have readily available restrooms. Consider timed voiding or bladder retraining. "Freeze and squeeze." If a resident feels that they suddenly need to go to the bathroom, ask them to sit down and squeeze their pelvic floor muscles three to five times. Once the urge is under control, walk them to the restroom.

Designed for moderate to heavy leakage, Embrace™ Pant Liners offer discreet bladder control protection. The contoured pads feature elastic leg gathers and ammonia-neutralizing super-absorbent polymer (SAP) to maximize performance and comfort. Additional features: Ultimate absorbency Compliance® Skin Caring Dry-Dignity Fabric™ is breathable and helps prevent skin irritation by increasing air circulation and reducing heat buildup Dry-Dignity™ Acquisition Zone prevents leakage by channeling the void more evenly throughout the pad for higher absorbency Soft, quiet cloth-like fabric is similar to traditional underwear, providing comfort and dignity Absorbent polymers improve surface dryness by encapsulating urine to keep the skin protected and dry Adhesive holds pads firmly in place Discreet outer case

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