April 2021

Welcome

It’s been a little over a year since the global COVID-19 pandemic started, we hope you’re doing well and staying safe. While it looks like we will soon turn the corner on the pandemic, we recognize that it is important to stay vigilant and take appropriate precautions to stay safe from the virus. During these uncertain times, our offices have remained open and we have continued to ship products to our customers without interruption. We want to assure you that we continue to stay on the job to supply patients with the medical supplies they need to live healthy and dignified lives.

Health News

6 Things Never to Say to an Incontinence Sufferer

People who experience incontinence may be uncomfortable talking about their condition. It is important to take their condition into consideration when addressing them.

Urinary incontinence is a symptom of a number of diseases and bladder and urethra defects. According to WebMD, more than half of seniors in the United States are plagued by incontinence.

Incontinence is not a disease, but it does have significant psychological effects on the sufferer. The embarrassment caused by the condition can affect a person’s quality of life. Patients suffer from anxiety, depression, and stress; and this leads to them limiting their social participation. Many people are not comfortable talking about their incontinence, and when interacting with them, it is important to take their condition into consideration.

1. ‘I can’t believe you peed in your pants’
Incontinence is a result of various malfunctions of the bladder and urethra. Urine leakage cannot be controlled by the person. When it occurs it tends to be highly embarrassing. Pointing it out places further shame on the person, lowering their self-esteem and quality of life. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, depression is three times more common in incontinent women.

2. ‘You should just hold your pee in’
Urge incontinence is when the ability to suppress voiding is next to impossible. This may be as a result of the bladder being overactive or too small. Urgency and frequency are factors that affect patients with urge incontinence most. Asking or telling someone to hold their pee in is of no benefit to them. Incontinent patients tend to avoid social gatherings because of the difficulty locating toilet facilities in time.

3. ‘You smell of urine’
Being unable to control urine flow means that sufferers often wet their clothing and surroundings. Smelling of urine is common, which affects the dignity and self-esteem of patients. Wearing adult diapers assists with this problem. If you know that someone suffers from incontinence, do not mock them for smelling of urine. Instead, politely point it out to them so that they can clean themselves without feeling too self-conscious.

4. ‘You should wear diapers’
Someone being unable to control their bladder and wetting themselves is no laughing matter. The experience of wetting themselves causes anxiety, and distress; and pointing out that they need to wear diapers further humiliates them. Adult diapers offer support and relief to affected patients, but due to the stigma many avoid using them. Regularly changing one’s diaper is also important, as 46% of people with incontinence suffer from incontinence-associated dermatitis.

5. ‘You’re too old to be wetting your bed’
Wetting one’s bed is not only something that happens to children. People who suffer from urinary incontinence often wet their beds. Some may attempt to get to the toilet but fail to make it in time. This form of bed-wetting is different from bed-wetting caused by psychological stress. Wearing diapers to bed may be a good preventive measure.

6. ‘Control yourself’
Telling someone who suffers from incontinence to control themselves will only humiliate them further. This inability prevents them from participating in many day-to-day activities due to the embarrassment associated with the incident. Withdrawing from sport and recreational activities is common. This is mostly due to the inability to access a toilet in time.

If you have questions about incontinence, the types of products used to address incontinence, or Medicaid eligibility, please call us at 855-373-5141, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Central Time. All of our representatives are trained on various incontinence products and eligibility questions and can help you with any question you may have.

FAQs

Q: Who is responsible for getting the insurance authorizations for healthcare supplies?


A: At ActivStyle, we employ a team of authorization specialists experienced in the protocols and requirements for obtaining authorization from the payer. Our knowledgeable staff will contact the payer and the ordering physician, when applicable, to verify coverage and obtain authorization for products.

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for Medicare or Medicaid?


A: Eligibility is specific to the equipment or supplies that are need. Contact one of our trained representatives and we will be happy to discuss eligibility requirements.

We want to hear what FAQ topics you are interested in seeing! If you have questions or suggestions for future FAQs, please email us at .

Product News

The Many Uses of Booster Pads

Booster pads are a multi-functional incontinence solution with many applications for children and adults with incontinence. Booster pads provide extra absorbency to any disposable absorbent product. They feature a flow-through design that allows the booster pad to fill up to capacity first, and then pass additional fluid to the brief or disposable absorbent underwear (or other absorbent product with a moisture-proof backing). Booster pads can be used in a variety of applications.

Additional absorbency for any absorbent product. The primary purpose of booster pads is to add absorbency to another absorbent product, extending the wear-time. Boosters pads typically have 5-27 ounces of capacity.

Booster doubling for even more absorbency. You may also double booster pads for twice the protection and absorbency! Be sure that no part of the booster pad is extended outside the edges of your primary absorbent product. Note: only double booster pads, not bladder control pads, because booster pads have a flow-through design and bladder control pads do not.

Containment for bowel incontinence. Booster Contour pads have a wide hourglass shape to contain bowel incontinence and fit comfortably in any brief. Plus, they are easy to change and dispose of, without necessarily having to replace the primary product.

Great for on-the-go easy changes. Boosters are great for travel or other on-the-go applications. Easy to carry in a bag, pocket, or purse. Plus, they are easy to change and dispose of. Booster pads are great for active individuals on the go.

Alternative placement for target areas. Booster pads can also be placed in target areas where leaks tend to occur.

Here are a few options and directions:

• Position the booster pad horizontally across the stomach, adhesive side up. Apply absorbent undergarment as usual and adhere pad.
• Strategically place the booster pad over the hip to prevent leaking for side sleepers.
• For women, position the pad towards the back.
• For men, position the pad towards the front. Do not remove the adhesive backing! Fold booster pad over top of penis with release paper to the outside. Apply absorbent undergarment as usual.

If you have questions about the use of booster pads, please call us at 855-373-5141, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Central Time. All of our representatives are trained on various incontinence products and can help you with any question you may have. And, remember, we can take your referral over the phone, or you may conveniently make referrals online.

Working with ActivStyle

Wouldn’t it be great if you spent less time mired in case-related paperwork and details and more time helping those who need you?

ActivStyle is a full-service provider of high-quality, high-value home medical supplies serving thousands of practitioners and case managers across the United States. Our product expertise and knowledge of constantly changing state and federal regulations allow us to give you — and the clients who depend on you — the level of service you need and deserve.

Founded in 1997 in Minneapolis, MN, ActivStyle has grown to over 200 employees compassionately serving patients in 47 states with their medical supply needs. Since July 2020, ActivStyle has been a part of the AdaptHealth family of companies. Specializing in incontinence, urological, and ostomy supplies, our trained Product Experts are available to discuss product options, insurance benefits, free delivery, or product samples. Feel free to call one of our Provider Services representatives toll-free at 855-373-5141, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Central Time. they’ll be happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have about our products, services, or take a referral over the phone. You may also conveniently make client or patient referrals online.

At ActivStyle, we’re dedicated to making your life easier.