An Example for all Carers
Mrs Audrey Lowe, 64, is an example to be followed by all carers; she goes beyond the call of duty, hates taking holidays and is loved by hundreds of people she visits.
Alright, maybe the holiday part is a bit too much; Mrs Lowe works for a meals-on-wheels service based at Grundy Day Centre in Wellington Road and since 2005 she has delivered thousands of meals to elderly residents in Ramsbottom and Walmersley.
Mrs Lowe delivers on average 30 meals a day but according to the people she serves, she always goes the extra mile by making brews for them, getting their post or simply by showing appreciation.
Without a doubt Mrs Lowe is an example of a carer that loves her job and is willing to make a difference in the lives of those who most needed.
As a reward to her dedication Mrs Lowe was named carer of the year by her bosses and was presented with flowers, champagne and a certificate at a ceremony held at Ribby Hall Village in Blackpool.
After receiving her award Mrs Lowe said:
“I was delighted to win. It makes you feel really appreciated and there aren’t many jobs around that you can say that about these days. I love calling in for a natter with the people. They make you feel really welcome. I wouldn’t want to do any other job.”
TENA Launches in China
The global number one brand for incontinence products TENA is launching itself in China.
The end of March 2009 saw TENA pilot successfully launch with a meeting in Guangzhou, South China’s biggest city.
Daniel Huang, SCA Regional Director for incontinence care in North Asia says: “We are looking forward to a great journey ahead for TENA to be Chinese no. 1 incontinence brand in future”.
A few weeks later, the Chinese brand site www.tena.cn went online.
Suk Hee Kim, Marketing Director for incontinence products in China added: “Like in many other places, incontinence is still considered taboo by lots of people here in China. We hope the website can provide visitors a comfortable and relaxing environment by normalising incontinence in an open way.”
Allanda believes in providing the best quality incontinence products to help you deal with the condition. That’s why we offer a full range of TENA products, please click here for more details.
New Faecal Incontinence Pads released in America
Faecal incontinence is probably the most embarrassing and frustrating type of incontinence there is and nearly all incontinence products available are bulky and uncomfortable to use.
A new product developed and recently introduced in the American market promises to deal with mild faecal incontinence in a discreet and hygienic way. With a unique butterfly shape this incontinence product fit into place without the need of tape, pins or other fastening devices.
This innovative incontinence product is described as an anal leak pad, highly absorbent (up to 10 ml leakage per pad) of mild faecal leakage and perspiration, it is a soft, smooth and latex free.
These pads act as breathable moisture that helps contain leakage, keeping sensitive skin drier and at the same time reducing irritation. With its compact size of 3-1/2 x 5 inches open (fold to use) these pads are easy to carry and use when needed.
Designed for active lifestyle these faecal incontinence pads are disposable, biodegradable and flushable making it easy to change and dispose it in the privacy of a restroom, making it a simple and easy to use solution for people living with Faecal Incontinence.
Product Profile
Name: B-SURE® Anal Leakage Pads
Manufacturer: B-Sure
Available in Boxes of 24
Expect to see these new pads in the UK any time soon and stay tuned for more information about other incontinence products here at All About Incontinence.
Incontinence Drug Recalled For Being too Strong
A government health body has revealed that an incontinence drug used by children and elderly people have been recalled because they are too strong.
All the possibly affected stock of Oxybutynin Hydrochloride 5mg tablets have been sent back by manufacturer Niche Generics Ltd because it could contain too much of the active ingredient.
The drug is used to treat conditions such as incontinence and would most likely be used by bed-wetting children or the elderly.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said high levels of the active ingredient were found during the early stages of production and may not have reached finished tablets.
However, all stock is being recalled while an investigation is carried out and patients are advised to contact their pharmacist or GP so the medication can be replaced.
A spokesman for the MHRA stressed that the recall was just a precaution.
He said: “If it’s the case that too much of the active ingredient has gone into the product, it’s difficult to say what could happen to individual patients. Everybody reacts in a different way.
It could lead to a patient overdose which, in the worst-case scenario, could be fatal. But we have not had any reports of adverse drug reactions.”
For a safer solution to incontinence care choose Allanda. We provide all the incontinence products you need as well help and advice on the condition.
Urinary Incontinence Drug Recalled by the MHRA
As a precautionary measure, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a class one recall of Oxybutynin Hydrochloride.
The Oxybutynin Hydrochloride is used to treat urinary incontinence and other bladder conditions and is commonly prescribed to children with an uncontrollable nocturnal bladder or elderly people with bladder control problems.
MHRA is recalling four batches of 5mg tablets; according to the agency these batches might contain high levels of an active ingredient.
The affected batch numbers are 09D02, 09D04, 146401 and 146402.
The findings were made during the early stages of the drug’s production and to be on the safe side, the MHRA decided to recall these batches while an investigation takes place.
Poor Care for Carers
Carers’ Week found more than three-quarters of carers in Wales had reached “breaking point” due to their role, reports the BBC.
The charity said carers should be “more visibly supported and appreciated”.
A survey found more than a third of respondents cited “frustration with bureaucracy” as the cause of reaching breaking point.
More than a third of the people carrying out the survey said that more money would make a big difference. The Carer’s Allowance is one of the lowest benefits at just £53.10 per week.
Carers’ Week cited research by YouGov, which showed 77% of the public in Wales believe this was an unreasonable amount to support carers who were unable to work because of their caring responsibilities.
Carers Week is in its 15th year and will run until 15th June.
Being a carer for someone with incontinence is no easy task, that’s why Allanda provides help and advice for the condition, as well as a full range of incontinence products to meet all your needs.
For information on all of our products please visit http://www.allaboutincontinence.co.uk/home/
Reduce Urge Urinary Incontinence with Healthier Habits
Incontinence is more common in elderly people and is a condition that causes a lot of embarrassment and inconvenience. Nowadays there are numerous treatments and drugs to help individuals regain control of their bladder and live a normal life.
Besides drugs and treatments, individuals with urinary incontinence can take a few important steps of their own to help reduce bladder urges.
Reducing or stopping caffeine intake completely can be very affective, caffeine irritates and stimulates the bladder causing urgent, frequent urination and an increase in urine production.
It is often believed cutting back on the intake of liquids can reduce the urge to urinate, however this not true. In fact the lack of liquids can cause dehydration, causing urine to become more concentrated resulting in increased bladder urgency which can lead to bladder infection.
Excess amounts of alcohol and spicy food can also have negative effects to individuals suffering from urinary incontinence, try to avoid those as much as possible and you should notice a reduction on incontinence episodes.
Develop a regular schedule of urinating to encourage the bladder to hold more urine and work on gradually increasing the time between urination, but don’t hold it for too long as this can increase the risk of urinary tract infection.
The last tip is well known one of the readers of our blog but is always worth remembering as it is a highly effective incontinence treatment. If you thought of Pelvic Floor muscle exercises you were right! Also know as Kegel exercises, these exercises strengthen the pelvic muscles to help prevent leakages. Check out our guide to pelvic floor exercises.
Study Suggests Meditation Could Help Incontinence
New research has discovered that cognitive therapy such as meditation could be effective in managing urinary incontinence in women.
Scientists from Loyola University Health System in Chicago investigated the impact of deep-breathing and guided-imagery exercises on female participants’ ability to control their bladder without medication or surgery.
The study found that cognitive therapy is an effective management strategy for incontinence.
Dr. Aaron Michelfelder says: ‘The mind-body connection has proven to be particularly valuable for women suffering from incontinence.’
Cognitive therapy is effective with these women, because they are motivated to make a change and regain control over their body.’
The Loyola researchers say almost 25% of women experience a pelvic floor disorder, including incontinence, and cognitive therapy may play an important role in treating the condition.
For more help and advice on incontinence and to shop for products, please visit the Allanda website.
Carers Week 2009 Starts Next Monday 8th June
Carers Week will start in a week from today, throughout the country the contribution of those who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled will be celebrated.
Backed by MP Alan Duncan (shadow leader of the house of commons)and endorsed by celebrities like Sir David Jason and Fiona Phillips, Carers Week will as a main focus express the gratitude and respect for carers around the UK and also make them aware that there are services and support out there to help them.
As previously reported here on All About Incontinence blog, nowadays it is estimated that Britain has 6 millions carers and the majority of these people are not aware that there is a state allowance for carers. Even thought there is a state allowance for carers it is the lowest benefit of its kind, £53.10.
Carers Week will fight for better recognition and support for carers as well as inform those who are unaware of the benefits they are entitled to.
To find out more about who is supporting Carers Weeks and to obtain details of events in your area visit the Carers Week website here.
All About Incontinence has a range of incontinence help and advice on this website.