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Our theme for 2018 was “Our Best Year Yet” and we’re proud to say that we exceeded our goals in making it easier than ever before for patients to receive their medical equipment and supplies, reaching record sales, increasing employee satisfaction, and focusing on community involvement with philanthropy.

2018 really stands out as a year to showcase the importance of our three C’s with a dedicated commitment to Customers, Coworkers, and Community. By focusing on employee engagement and development we’ve been continuously experiencing an exceptional drive to provide better patient care, give more back to the community we love being a part of, and substantial growth.

2018 In Review

Record-Breaking Growth

With the addition of our new site for Aeroflow Urology and the official launch of the Aeroflow Breastpumps Lactation Support directory help us experience a 30% growth in revenue.

While we originally had the goal of becoming a multimillion dollar company in five years, we actually were able to do so in four.

A major portion of growth can also be attributed to our mergers and acquisitions. By acquiring individual lines of business along with entire operations, those businesses were able to either refocus their goals or exit the industry. We were also able to provide immediate care for their patients to ensure they didn’t go a single day without their medical supplies. A few of our major acquisitions include:

An Increase In Employee Satisfaction

Our team is the true key to success. It’s the people on the phones, in the warehouse, checking on patients, leading new innovative ideas, and more that make us successful. Therefore we’ve taken the time to give back with events such as:

  • Our annual community garden
  • Easter egg hunt for families to enjoy
  • Cookouts where the proceeds go to charity
  • Clear recognition, awards, acknowledgment, and peer to peer awards
  • Halloween costume contest

We also support our staff and encourage them to go after their dreams. A few promotions and new hires we’re proud of include:

The only way you can truly know if employee satisfaction has improved is to measure it. That’s why we used the Gallop Q12 Meta-analysis to report to measure a 10% increase in employee engagement, 21% increase in profitability and a 20% increase in productivity.

While in 2017 we had 100% net growth in new hires, in 2018 we only grew by 6%. This increase is attributed to a lower turnover rate, internal promotions, and becoming more efficient in our operations.

Community Involvement

As long as we have the means to give back to the community, we will. As an apart of our ongoing mission to provide better care for all it’s crucial to assist seniors, those with special needs, people affected by disasters, and more. In 2018 we were able to:

Our Coveted Awards

Here at Aeroflow, we continued our award-winning tradition by providing unmatched care, being a great place to work, and continuing to expand to provide care for even more patients. In 2018 we received the:

Exceptional Achievements By Aeroflow Breastpumps

Through innovative care and outreach, Aeroflow Breastpumps was able to further their mission of increasing the instance of breastfeeding nationally for all moms by providing the best equipment, support, and education. “By going directly to the source, our moms, we were able to better determine their needs and advocate for their rights”, explained Cheri Hoffman, Aeroflow Breastpumps Brand Manager. “Our community is growing and through connecting with moms to learn about the unique challenges they face, we were able to raise awareness by being the voice for change and providing nothing less than exceptional service.”

Aeroflow Breastpumps was able to: 

We Got A Fresh Look

In order to continue diversifying our role and adapt to provide increasingly exceptional healthcare as our national footprint expands we’ve decided to update our brand. This will assist us with becoming more recognizable and trusted brand as we add even more products and services. We’re extremely proud of our new logo, “Live Better Today and Tomorrow.”

What to Expect In 2019

As we journey ahead into 2019 our explosive growth is expected to continue while we introduce new innovative products and services to help us further assist more patients. With the addition of diabetic testing supplies, compression stockings, maternity compression garments, and hemp oil (CBD) products, and more we will be able to provide relief for numerous conditions affecting people of all ages. We will gladly welcome more talented individuals to our team and look forward to utilizing our current expertise for innovative viability.

What is Postpartum Edema?

Postpartum edema, or postpartum swelling, is caused by an excess amount of fluid remaining in the body tissue after childbirth. Swollen extremities (hands, feet, and ankles) and weight gain are the main symptoms of edema. Swelling can lead to the skin looking stretched and inflamed, and sometimes will cause the outer layer of the skin to look puffy or shiny.

Mild edema is extremely common — most women experience some level of swelling after giving birth. The body naturally prepares for childbirth by retaining water to help body tissue adapt to the baby’s growth and naturally eliminates this fluid post-childbirth.

Skip Ahead

  1. Pregnancy Swelling
  2. When to Call Your Doctor
  3. Eight Postpartum Swelling Treatments
  4. Compression Socks Can Help

Pregnancy Swelling

Edema is still somewhat of a mystery but is generally attributed to changing estrogen and progesterone levels. Edema often arises during pregnancy as the growing baby and expanding uterus will put pressure on the vena cava vein running down the right side of the body. This causes blood flow to slow and excess fluid to leak into the tissue of the ankles and feet.

IV fluids administered during childbirth can cause swelling as well — this is seen more frequently with moms who have a C-section and receive medication through an IV, or moms who receive Pitocin during labor. We see this more often with moms who have twins.

Symptoms of edema are often exacerbated on hot summer days and during the evening hours when mom has been standing for long periods of time.

Symptoms usually recede the week after childbirth as the kidneys begin to process and eliminate excess fluids. That said, many women experience swelling several weeks after the arrival of their baby. You can reduce edema through diet, exercises like swimming and garments like compression stockings that prevent painful swelling in the legs and feet.

How Long Does Postpartum Edema Last?

The postpartum swelling in your legs, feet, and hands will naturally go down within the first week after pregnancy. During this time, the body is flushing excess water from the tissue in the swollen regions. This process takes a different amount of time for everyone but can be sped up by eating a lot of healthy foods, staying hydrated and allowing the body to rest and recover.

When is Postpartum Edema a Problem?

You should only worry when you begin to experience symptoms beyond mild to moderate swelling and discomfort. Intense pain in the legs or frequent headaches can be a sign of high blood pressure. If the swelling is located in one area or is on one side of the body, this can be a sign of a blood clot and should be immediately addressed by a physician.

Severe edema is a dangerous condition and can lead to a life-threatening condition called preeclampsia. Signs of preeclampsia include facial swelling, morning sickness, abdominal pain, migraines and fast-paced weight gain (more than 4 lbs. a week). If you experience these symptoms, you should consult your doctor and seek treatment options.  In almost all cases, postpartum swelling is nothing to worry about and is merely an inconvenience for new moms.

Can I Take Water Pills?

Any prescription water pill/diuretic is strongly discouraged during pregnancy. After pregnancy, a diuretic can help alleviate your symptoms, though this can usually be achieved through drinking a lot of water and eating foods that are natural diuretics like cucumbers and lemons. Dandelion tea has been known to prevent fluid retention as well.

8 Ways to Treat Postpartum Swelling

Relax, relax, relax! post pregnancy edema is normal and will go away. Keeping a healthy diet, resting and staying hydrated are the best things you can do to keep swelling down.

  1. Eat healthy foods — Snack on foods rich in protein, complex carbs, fruits and veggies and foods rich in Potassium. Avoid sodium and junk foods at all costs!
  2. Add nutrients to your diet — Onion and garlic improve circulation. Broccoli, tomatoes and strawberries provide vitamin C. Almonds, wheat germ and sunflower seeds give an extra boost of vitamin E.
  3. Drink up — It seems contradictory, but drinking lots of water will signal your body to flush out the retained fluids. Along with this, make sure you urinate often to keep the fluids from remaining any longer than necessary. Add lemons, apples, citrus fruits or cucumbers to your water for an extra boost (they’re natural diuretics).
  4. Sit down — Avoid standing for a long time. Don’t cross your legs while sitting; this reduces circulation. Elevate your legs above your heart for periods of 20 minutes throughout the day to improve your circulation and lessen swelling.
  5. Get a massage — This is a perfect time to request a massage from your partner. If you aren’t experiencing much pain, have your partner massage your legs and feet gently.
  6. Acupuncture treatment — This can rebalance internal energy and improve circulation.
  7. Stay cool — Keep your body temperature at a steady level and avoid getting too hot. Heat can significantly increase swelling.
  8. Compression stockings save the day — Maternity compression stockings are a lifesaver for moms who experience swelling in the lower body — put the stockings on first thing in the morning for best results.

You will find that you might sweat or urinate a lot in the days after giving birth — this is the body working to get rid of all the excess fluid and is perfectly normal.

Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are an awesome solution for postpartum edema treatment that reduces extremity swelling during and after pregnancy. The stockings can do wonders for women who experience painful swelling in their lower legs and ankles. Compression stockings also provide relief to those suffering from varicose veins as they increase blood flow and prevent the veins from spreading or getting worse.

3 Types of compression stockings:

  1. Knee high compression socks support your ankle and calf.
  2. Thigh high compression stockings support the leg from the mid-thigh all the way to the toes.
  3. Full-length compression hose offers relief for back pain and supports the entire leg. These stockings begin at the waist and cover the toes for total coverage.

The stockings are available in a range of compression levels. These numbers can be confusing when you first look at them. Simply put, the higher number represents the compression level on the foot; the lower number corresponds to compression at the top of the stocking. Compression level is measured in millimeters of Mercury (mmHg). This describes the amount of pressure the wearer will feel, which is most compressed at the foot and decreases up the leg.

The higher the compression, the tighter the stocking will feel. The pressure stocking levels usually range from light (10-15 mmHg) to firm (30-40 mmHg). Your doctor can prescribe a higher level of compression if any of these compression levels do not reduce your swelling.

If you are suffering from swollen legs, ankles and hands post-pregnancy, find comfort in knowing that there are many ways to lessen the pain and make your busy life as a new mom a bit easier. Maintaining a healthy diet that provides plenty of protein, iron, and vitamins are the best way to flush your body with unwanted fluids.

Though it seems contradictory, there is nothing better for you than drinking lots of water. Spice up your 8-10 daily glasses by infusing cucumbers, lemons or other citrus fruits — these natural diuretics will flush the kidneys and encourage your body to return to its natural state.

Aeroflow Healthcare is committed to following our mission to improve each of our patient’s quality of life through compassion, excellent service, and exceptional products.

Think a Maternity Compression garment could help you through your pregnancy and postpartum recovery?

Going up! The Medicare increase is going into effect January 1st. As a Medicare beneficiary, it’s important to keep up with annual changes in costs and coverages. Be sure to stay up to date with the latest policies to understand how much premiums are going up.

Medicare Increase 2019

Medicare Part B Premium Increase

Medicare Part B covers health services, preventative care services, and supplies such as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplies, home healthcare services, physician services, outpatient services, flu shots, diabetes screenings and more.

The monthly rate is only increasing by $1.50, so expect your bill to go from $134 to $135.50. Because about 2 million Medicare beneficiaries will pay less than the monthly Medicare Part B premium the increase is limited and can not be greater than the increase of social security benefits.

Medicare Part B premiums are based on your income and the income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) may have bumped members with high income into high premium brackets. As a result, another higher premium bracket was added for 2019. Those making $500k or more and $750k for married couples will pay a monthly premium of $460.50.

Medicare Part A Premium Increase

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, hospice, surgery, home health care, skilled nursing care.

Only 1% of Medicare beneficiaries pay for a premium for part A. You may see pay a Part A Medicare premium increase if you have less than 40 quarters of employment (one quarter is 3 months of the working calendar year) or if you’re disabled and have voluntarily enrolled.

Those with at least 30 quarters of work or who have married someone with at least 30 quarters of coverage may buy into Part A with a reduced monthly rate which will increase by $8 in 2019, total $240.

Medicare Part B Deductible Increase

The Medicare Part B deductible will increase from $183 to $185 in 2019. This includes Medicaid, employer-sponsored plans, and Medicare Supplement Plan C and F as well as the 20% coinsurance for many covered services.

Medicare Supplement Plans that cover part B can be purchased through 2019. After that Part B deductible plans will not be available for purchase due to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) to balance the budget.

Medicare Part A Deductible Increase

The Medicare Plan A Deductible is increasing by $24 in 2019, from $1,340 to $1,364. If Medicare is your traditional coverage, you’ll be expected to pay this once admitted to the hospital.

In 2019, the Part A inpatient coverage will cover a share of the beneficiaries’ cost for the first 60 days of hospital care in a benefit period with a coinsurance amount of about $348 per day the 61st – 90th day of hospitalization. This is a $6 increase per day from 2018. The amount for lifetime reserve days increased from $670 to $682 per day.

In skilled nursing facilities, Medicare beneficiaries will see daily coinsurance for days 21 through 100 in extended care services increase from $167.50 to $170.50 in 2019.

Medicare Enrollment Reminder

Do you need to change your Medicare coverage? Well, you’re running out of time. Open enrollment opened on October 15th and will close on December 7, 2018. The changes you make will go into effect January 1, 2018.

Remember the open enrollment period is for people who are already enrolled in Medicare. If you need to enroll, do so during your initial enrollment period which is 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday, or the 3 months after.

Reviewing your annual change notice and being aware of increasing costs can help you make an informed decision about managing your plan.

If you have any questions visit Medicare.gov.

New year, new you! But what about new Aeroflow? We’re announcing the updating of our corporate brand and identity with the new trademark phrase, “Live Better Today and Tomorrow,” and have refreshed our logo with a sleeker, modern design.

Live Better Today And Tomorrow

The rebranding effort has been a crucial part of continuing to diversify our role in the healthcare industry as we adapt to provide exceptional care and improve the quality of life for a much broader range of patients on a national level.

Since our induction in 2001, as a home oxygen supplier, Aeroflow has grown to provide a large variety of home medical equipment and services from CPAP machines, breast pumps, respiratory supplies, pediatric equipment, and more. And as we look to the future, we don’t see our growth slowing down anytime soon.

As we continue to expand with more healthcare products and services to better assist more patients of all ages, our national footprint will also continue to grow. Which is why refreshing our brand was vital towards becoming more recognizable as a source of extraordinary care.

“Aeroflow’s new brand identity, along with the brand messaging “Live Better Today and Tomorrow” help shape the way Aeroflow is perceived and how their products and services are valued. Our goal was to provide Aeroflow with the tools to strengthen and create enduring relationships with customers well into the future. This new brand execution promises to do just that.,” Chris Enock, Cofounder and Creative Director at Percepted.

Our commitment to the three C’s, customers, coworkers, and community, is also expected to grow with our identity. Refreshing our brand has restrengthened our original goals to provide high-quality care to those in need and to take care of our own.

We love being apart of Asheville and will create more opportunities for residents to work in a motivation environment they’re proud to be a part of. Plus, our growth will allow us to continue as industry leaders by offering top-notch benefits with our “Great Place To Work” Award.

Increasing our national footprint also gives us the ability to contribute even more to our local community with events such as food drives, supporting the Special Olympics, donating to those affected by natural disasters, and much more.

The rebranding effort will take place over time. Our websites and logos will be updated first, then we’ll update our signs, forms, logos, and vehicles. Employees can speak to their team leaders in order to receive a copy of the new official logo.

 

What To Expect In The Future

As we refresh our brand to better represent the services that we’ve developed as the result of substantial growth across the healthcare industry, we will continue evolving the improve care for patients of all ages facing various health conditions with quality, long-term solutions.

2019 should be another great year for everyone involved with Aeroflow as we seek to assist more people in maintaining their freedom and independence by catering to their individual needs with advanced medical equipment and services.

We will welcome new faces to our teams to help support our growth by providing exceptional customer care and support to match patients will the proper devices and ensure they know how to properly use them.

Live Better Today And Tomorrow serves as much more than a simple slogan, but a beacon of excellence, allowing patients to trust our name in multiple areas of health.

You feel an ache and pop a pill. That’s just the normal routine, right? But have you ever thought to consider that for your back pain there might be a better way to find long-lasting relief? By using a back brace instead of opioids for chronic pain you may experience a greater reduction in pain.

Use A Back Brace Instead Of Opioids For Chronic Pain

Amidst the opioid crisis in America, many studies are actually finding that opioid medications actually provide little, short-term relief for lower back pain. For example, the JAMA Study, “Opioids No Better Than Nonopioids 9n Improving Pain Related Function, Intensity for Chronic Back Pain, Hip/Knee OA” studied 240 patients to discover that opioid painkillers had little to no effect.

The participants suffering from chronic pain were split into two groups, the first group received opioid medication and the second group received nonopioid medications. After 12 months improvement function and improvement in pain intensity were slightly better in the nonopioid group. The group that received opioids were also at a higher risk for adverse effects.

Why Don’t Opioids Provide More Relief?

The opioid definition states that it’ an opium-like compound that binds to one or more of the three opioid receptors of the body.  They’re mainly used to treat severe pain because once they bind to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord and organs they block pain signals and release dopamine. Many users experience a relaxing high as well as serious side effects as well as opioid addiction.

Opioid Side Effects: 

Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Drowsiness
Insomnia
Dizziness
Physical dependence
Tolerance
Depression

As your body builds a tolerance to opioids over time the side effects may increase and the amount of pain users experience over time. Your body also builds a tolerance to opioids making them less effective, requiring a larger dose to remain effective. This increased resistance can cause anxiety and sleep issues, causing your body to become stressed as sleep and relaxation are necessary for physical and mental healing.

How Back Braces Can Help

Instead of taking risks with dangerous opioid medications, you may find relief with back brace support. By wearing a device made of soft, supportive materials you should be able to regain mobility without the use of mind-altering pain pills.

Whether you need a back brace for posture for lower back pain, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your individual needs, including back braces for work. In a professional setting, the use of a brace may be safer than opioids that could cause you to become dizzy and unresponsive on the job.

By providing lower back support back braces are able to improve functionality and reduce pain, allowing users to move around. They work by being placed on your waist with velcro straps that attach to your sides to apply compression to the abdomen and lumbar support. As a result, less pressure is placed on your lower back, spine, ligaments, muscles, and discs to allow healing to occur and offer more stabilization.

The reasons for needing a lower back brace may vary, from having a herniated disc from an injury to spinal disc degeneration with age. Whatever the reason, consider getting a brace at the first sign of pain to stay active.

How To Properly Use Your Back Brace:

1. Visit Your Doctor

Go to your doctor for any tweaks and pain to receive a proper diagnosis. With the right tests and procedures, your doctor will be able to determine the cause of the pain, rule out serious conditions, and to create a treatment plan. Your doctor will tell you if a back brace will be an effective option or not.

2. Don’t Rely On Your Brace Alone

Realize that for lower back pain wearing a brace is only one of the steps necessary for strengthening your core muscles to support your spine. Physical therapy, stretching, yoga, and light exercise may provide relief.

3. Get The Correct Size 

Finding a back brace that properly fits is crucial for comfort and support. While most braces are adjustable to contour to a variety of shapes and sizes, make sure yours fits before purchasing it. Refer to sizing charts online or try one on in the store.

4. Get Your Back Brace Through Insurance

Back braces and other medical equipment may be covered through insurance!

5. Don’t Overuse Your Brace

If you wear your back brace for more than a few hours a day or continuously for more than two weeks your back muscles weaken as your back begins to rely on the brace. Strengthening your core muscles is crucial for healing to avoid becoming dependent on your back brace. Follow your doctor’s instructions for use and daily exercise.

6. Take Your Time

Don’t try to speed up your recovery process by biting off more than you can chew. Your brace will not allow you to exceed your physical limitations. Lifting a heavy box or repeated motions such as pulling weeds could re-injure your back if you aren’t strong enough to return to these types of activities. Take your time and work with your physical therapist to determine your strength and limits as you rebuild your core.

For adult and pediatric patients alike with certain medical conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis, a nebulizer can be one of the essential pieces of medical equipment in day-to-day life. When these machines experience technical difficulties or do not operate properly, patients can experience dramatic drop-offs in quality of life, and sometimes even life-threatening complications. Because of this fact, it is essential that all patients and caregivers who deal with nebulizers be familiar with basic procedures for troubleshooting nebulizers.

Getting to Know Your Nebulizer

Issues are rarely due to the compressor itself. While these do sometimes break or malfunction, it can take years of use, or trauma such as dropping, to make this happen. In most cases, issues with nebulizers are a result of poor maintenance because the atomized medicine can clog tubing and mouthpieces.

Four Easy Ways to Maintain a Nebulizer

  1. After every use, thoroughly rinse the nebulizer cup, shake out any excess water and let it air dry. Once a day, the nebulizer cup and tubing should be washed with mild soap and warm water and also dried by air.
  2. Make sure to change the filter in the compressor of the machine every 3-6 months to ensure a fine mist is achieved with every use and the motor runs properly.
  3. Replace nebulizer parts by following the manufacturer’s replacement schedule. A generalized schedule can be found on the Aeroflow website.
  4. Keep your nebulizer free from dust that can clog the compressor. This can be done by wiping the machine down daily with a damp cloth or keeping it in a dust free environment like a drawer or cloth bag.

If mouthpieces and tubing are not properly and vigorously cleaned after each use, the medicine can crystallize and clog the machine. A nebulizer won’t mist properly if there is a clog. Additionally, filters should be changed out periodically since they will eventually clog by normal use, leading to the same kind of mist-preventing issues.

Nebulizers can sometimes have bacterial buildup from normal use, particularly if during bouts of bronchitis or other possible bacterial conditions. Because of this, masks and tubing should be frequently sterilized and changed out for more than just preventing clogs.

Sterilizing Your Nebulizer Parts and Equipment

Following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions after each use will prevent any remaining medication in the cup from drying out, which can result in the device not nebulizing effectively. Once a week, your nebulizer will need to be more thoroughly sterilized.

After each treatment:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Disassemble the nebulizer.
  • Rinse the mask or mouthpiece with warm water for at least half a minute.
  • Do not wash nebulizer tubing or compressor.
  • Shake off excess water and place parts on a clean towel for air-drying.
  • Reassemble the system and turn on the compressor for a few seconds for drying.

Once a week:

  • Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions. You may be instructed to soak all nebulizer parts (except mask, tubing, and compressor) in one part distilled white vinegar/three parts hot water for one hour (do not reuse cleaning solution).
  • Rinse, shake off excess water, and allow to air-dry on a clean towel.
  • Reassemble the pieces and tubing and turn on the compressor briefly for drying.

Nebulizer Replacement and Resupply

Often, the ideal scenario in place of troubleshooting nebulizers is to prevent problems from ever arising by making sure that the nebulizer’s interchangeable and disposable parts are frequently replaced. The medicine cup, tubing, filter, and mask are all parts of the nebulizer which should not be used permanently.

Most insurances, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross and other private insurance, will provide to replace the plastic parts such as tubing and medicine cup, at least once every 6 months. Many insurances will pay for filters and masks monthly.

Will My Insurance Replace a Nebulizer?

Yes! Most private insurance companies will cover a replacement nebulizer every five years. Additionally, you can get insurance covered replacement parts for your nebulizer.

Working with an experienced durable medical equipment supplier like Aeroflow Healthcare can be a great benefit to preventing needing to troubleshoot nebulizers yourself. Our trained supply representatives will contact you at intervals when your insurance will cover new nebulizer supplies, helping you get the equipment you are entitled to.

Additionally, Aeroflow can also contact you when you are due for a new nebulizer compressor, ensuring that you or your child has the latest and most convenient equipment available.

Finally, if you are having a nebulizer troubleshooting issue that you cannot resolve yourself, our trained phone support staff can help you talk through issues, complete with manufacturer owner’s manuals, in order to get back to using your therapy as intended as quickly as possible.

Qualify through Insurance for Nebulizer

If you, your child, or someone you love is using a nebulizer for a chronic or acute health concern, ensure that they are maximizing the benefit of their insurance, as well as protected from any sudden nebulizer troubleshooting issues. Qualify now with Aeroflow. You might get a new compressor, mouthpiece, medicine cup, filters or mask!

Not only is November diabetes awareness month, but November 14th is World Diabetes Day! So it’s a great time to band together with people around the globe to spread awareness about both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This event is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in response to the rapid rise of diabetes around the world with the goal of raising awareness for the impact that diabetes can have on friends and family members as it’s the 7th leading cause of death.

More than 100 million Americans are struggling with diabetes and 1.5 million are diagnosed every year. By promoting diabetes management, care, and prevention to educate people about this disease, we can help them live a healthier and happier life.

Celebrate World Diabetes Day By Learning

“Diabetes Mellitus” is an umbrella term to refer to the diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar or glucose. Your body needs glucose because it’s a source of fuel and for the tissues that make up your muscles and tissues as well as your brain.

There Are 4 Types Of Diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes – Also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition where the pancreas produces little to no insulin. People can be born with diabetes type 1 and it can develop in children and adults. There is no cure, just treatment that’s focused on managing blood sugar levels with diet, exercise, and insulin to prevent it from becoming worse.

Type 2 Diabetes – The most common type of diabetes that’s often referred to as noninsulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin or fails to produce enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level. In the beginning, your pancreas creates extra insulin to make up for it, but over time, fails to keep up with the amount of insulin your body needs. Diabetes type 2 can occur in both children and adults as the result of genetics or obesity. There is no cure, but diet, exercise, diabetes medication, and insulin therapy can help prevent it from getting worse.

Gestational Diabetes – This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy and typically develops around the 24th and 28th week. It doesn’t mean you had diabetes before becoming pregnant but does increase your risk for developing type 2 afterward. The exact cause is unknown but pregnancy hormones such as human placental lactogen (hPL) may increase insulin resistance. If not properly managed, gestational diabetes could affect your health, the health of your baby, and impact its birth. Insulin, dieting, and exercise are used to manage this type of diabetes.

Prediabetes – This is actually the pre-diagnosis of diabetes, which serves as a pretty good warning sign to develop healthier habits before it leads to type 2 diabetes. It’s a condition where your blood sugar is abnormally high, but not high enough to be type 2 diabetes and is caused by being overweight with a sedentary lifestyle. Currently, about 84.1 million Americans have prediabetes and it’s managed with diet and exercise.

Diabetes Symptoms

With every type of diabetes your body either doesn’t make enough insulin, can’t use the insulin it produces or both, meaning your cells can’t absorb glucose and it builds up in your blood. High levels of glucose in your blood can damage the tiny blood vessels in your heart, eyes, kidneys, and nervous system/ That’s why diabetes should not be untreated or it could contribute to blindness, stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, and nerve damage in the feet.

A few symptoms that may indicate diabetes include: 

  • Hunger
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent urination
  • Frequent thirst and dry mouth
  • Itchy, dry skin
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Pain and numbness in the feet or legs
  • Sweet breath that smells like nail polish remover
  • Slow healing cuts and sores
  • Unexplained weight loss (Type 1 Diabetes)

Testing Your Glucose Levels

Depending on the type of diabetes you have, along with dieting, exercising, the possible use of diabetes medication, and insulin injections for type 2 diabetes, you will need to check your blood sugar. You may need to check it before meals, between 4 to 10 times a day, after an insulin injection, or before bed, depending on your treatment plan.

You will use a glucose meter or glucometer to check your blood sugar level. It works by reading the sugar small amount of blood, usually from your finger, that’s placed on a disposable test strip and you’ll need to record the results. You’ll use a lancet or needle to prick your finger.

It’s easy to assume that getting older naturally involves a loss of independence. As you lose a certain degree of mobility, you also lose the ability to safely live on your own, right?

Not necessarily. Physical therapy can help seniors maintain their independence for much longer than you may expect. Although physical therapy is absolutely useful when recovering from an injury, it can also simply help slow the natural processes of aging. In the words of PT, DPT, OCS Marla Ranieri, “Physical therapy is a vital part of the medical team during the aging process.” The following physical therapy facts and information illustrate how.

Preventing Falls

Falls represent the leading cause of injury among seniors in the United States. As a person gets older, they may struggle to maintain their balance. “Exercises that strengthen lower extremity and challenge balance are important to incorporate to reduce risks of falls,” says Ranieri.

Physical therapy helps by safely simulating what an elderly person would experience if they began to lose their balance. This allows patients to develop ways to stay on their feet before a fall occurs.

Managing Pain

Seniors with chronic pain often need daily help from caregivers. However, physical therapy can be very effective at reducing chronic pain. It can even take the place of medication in some circumstances. Thus, working with a physical therapist may replace daily care and monitoring.

Improving Cognitive Abilities

Some degree of cognitive decline is natural as a person ages. That said, evidence indicates that staying physically active can help to slow the progress of cognitive decline.

This is very important for seniors to know. Physical therapists can help design fitness programs that are ideal for their needs and abilities, letting them remain active (and reap the cognitive rewards) for years.

Adjusting the Living Environment

Physical therapists are often particularly well-qualified to identify potential risk factors in a senior’s home. They can make adjustments to their living environment to reduce the risk of injury. If a senior’s mobility is declining, the physical therapist can also recommend changes that will make performing certain daily tasks much easier.

Boosting Recovery Speed

If a senior does experience an injury, they’ll likely need some degree of supervision during the recovery period. This naturally limits their independence. However, a physical therapist will help them recover more quickly than they otherwise might, allowing them to return to an independent lifestyle in a shorter period of time.

Promoting an Active Lifestyle

Studies indicate that maintaining an active social life is key to slowing the progression of cognitive decline in seniors. Physical therapy can help in this regard by allowing elderly people to stay fit enough to engage in social activities more confidently. As a result, they’ll be less likely to develop the cognitive issues that might otherwise prevent them from living independently.

Remember, you don’t need to be recovering from an injury to benefit from physical therapy. Contacting a physical therapist early allows a senior to adjust to the natural aging process before it has a negative impact on their independence. These examples illustrate just some of the ways taking this step helps.

Are you one of the many people that suffer from back pain? You may actually be suffering from sciatica. If you suffer from sciatica, then you need to talk to your doctor to see if a back brace is right for you! Aeroflow Healthcare can provide a back brace for sciatica and your health insurance may cover the cost!

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a term used to describe pain, weakness, numbness, tingling or other symptoms down the leg, following the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve of the leg formed by nerve roots from the low back converging at the buttock then splits into nerve branches past the knee.

Sciatica Symptoms

Sometimes Sciatica symptoms present as a straight line from the back all the way down to the toes, and other times it can skip spots where you may only feel it in the buttock, thigh, knee, calf, and/or foot and ankle. Sciatica can be constant or intermittent, meaning you can have the symptoms 100% of the time or 1-99% of the time. More common than not Sciatica symptoms will fluctuate depending on how you use your body – affected by various postures, movement, or positions.

Sciatic Nerve Pain

The problem with the term, “Sciatica” is it describes symptoms without identifying the cause. There are many causes of pain down the leg which can be misinterpreted or misdiagnosed as Sciatica. Most commonly, Sciatica is caused by irritated or “pinched” nerves exiting the spine. When irritated, low back nerves can radiate subtle-to-severe pain down the sciatic nerve and as far as into the toes.

Knowing this, it is especially important to pay attention to aches and pains in your back. However, you can have sciatic nerve pain caused by the lower back without ever having any lower back pain! The pain of sciatica is has a variety of causes including herniated discs, muscle strain, slippage of vertebrae so that it is out of line with the bone above or below it, or even spinal stenosis, a condition where the spinal canal narrows and adds pressure to the nerves that populate it.

Treating Sciatica

So what can be done? Several things, such as X-rays, MRI’s and CT scans, can be done to see exactly what the structures look like; however, be careful – imaging will show you everything going on inside, but doesn’t tell you what’s relevant! As we age, we get wrinkles and gray hair on the outside. The same thing happens on the inside but it’s called “arthritis” and “degeneration.” Further, you can have Sciatica symptoms as a 20-year-old without any signs of age changes on the inside!

A simple physical exam can be done where the doctor will have the patient lie on their back. The doctor will lift the patient’s legs, one at a time until the patient reports the pain. This test is very simple, but it can determine if the nerves are agitated and whether this pain is caused by an injured disc.

You can test yourself by doing a simple “slump test.” Take a seat and start by kicking your unaffected leg forward with toes pulled toward your nose. Now, bring your chin to your chest and slouch forward. Next, take the same steps on with the affected leg. Caution – go slowly! Your symptoms may literally zap you down the leg. If so, the pain and tension you feel is likely due to agitated nerves from an injured disc.

Good news: injured discs can heal and nerves can relax! There are a variety of treatment options for sciatica, though the severity and cause are taken into account when treatments are offered.

 

So can a back brace help treat sciatica pain?

Yes. A back brace can provide enough compression and support to prevent further injury and encourage healing.

Pregnancy-Related Sciatica

Can a pregnancy band help with pregnancy-related sciatica?

A back brace can be essential for those suffering from Sciatica symptoms due to low back sensitivity. When your low back is sensitive previously normal movements can become much more tiresome and labored. A back brace works like a crutch to assist your core muscles to the absorb forces endured from activities of daily living, e.g., getting up/down, walking, bending, turning. Similar to how we shouldn’t rely on crutches for walking, a back brace shouldn’t be used as a long-term strategy pain management strategy.

 

However, back pain with associated pain medication (opioid) abuse is currently an overwhelming problem, so a back brace is a crucial device to have on hand, especially when you’ve had previous episodes of Sciatica. Yes, a back brace can help you avoid opioids! When used in conjunction with a rehabilitation exercise program, a back brace can help you recover faster from the source of your Sciatica symptoms.

 
 

Dr. RJ Burr, DC, Cert. MDT, CSC

Dr. Burr is a chiropractor in Plymouth, Michigan. He utilizes The McKenzie Method to help patients to pain-free living by providing strategies to empower them to take ownership of their recovery. He pursued his Doctor of Chiropractic from the National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) and earned certifications in Active Release Techniques, Titleist Performance Institue.

Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) also known as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) groups across the nation are doing their best to raise awareness and funds for further research. One topic that doesn’t seem to receive as much awareness as it should is the link between breast cancer and lymphedema.

Breast Cancer And Lymphedema

Lymphedema can occur as a result of breast cancer treatment, mainly after surgeries where the lymph nodes are damaged and removed. About 15 to 25 percent of breast cancer survivors develop this condition. Lymphedema can also occur as a result of radiation therapy to your armpit, infection after surgery, injury to the surgical area, tumor growth, or being overweight or gaining weight after treatment.

But What Is Lymphedema?

Your lymphatic system runs throughout your entire body, through a network of lymph nodes and vessels. It cycles lymph, a protein-rich fluid throughout your body to catch bacteria, viruses, wastes, and more and carries them to your lymph nodes to be filtered out.

If something happens to the lymph nodes or vessels, such as damaged caused by surgery, the lymph may become blocks. As a result, it could pull and collect, causing part of your body to swell. While swelling is most common in the legs and arms, it can occur anywhere in the body.

The type of lymphedema caused by damage to the lymph nodes is known as secondary lymphedema.

Primary lymphedema occurs much less often. It’s a genetic condition that occurs when your lymph nodes or vessels do not properly develop or are missing.

While lymphedema can develop quickly after cancer treatment, generally it slowly worsens over time. Sometimes symptoms appear 16 to 24 months after treatment, but lymphedema can occur after as much as five years later.

Lymphedema Symptoms

There are a few lymphedema symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored after breast cancer treatment. The most common one is swelling of the arm on the side where lymph nodes were removed or damaged. The amount of swelling from person to person varies from mild swelling that causes the arm to be slightly larger than normal to a disfiguring amount.

Other symptoms include:

  • Swelling in the hands or edema with tighter than normal jewelry
  • Aching pain in the arm
  • Thickening skin that may dimple when touched
  • Weakness in the arm or trouble bending your joints
  • Your clothes don’t fit as normal
  • Feeling full, heavy, or tight in the chest, armpit, or arm
  • If you notice any of these symptoms see your doctor right away to prevent the condition from getting any worse.

Lymphedema Prevention

While there is no way to tell who will develop lymphedema, there are a few ways to potentially lower your risk.

  • Adopt a healthier lifestyle by moderately exercising and incorporating a healthy diet to maintain your body weight or lose weight. Be sure to stretch daily.
  • If you get a scratch or burn on the affected area keep it clean with soap and water, then bandage it up.
  • Avoid having shots or blood drawn from your at-risk arm.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid tight-fitting jewelry.
  • Protect your arm from bug bites, stings, and cuts. Also, be very careful saving the armpit of the affected arm.
  • Prevent getting sunburned. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and frequently reapply it.

Lymphedema Treatment

Early stage lymphedema can be potentially reversed if your skin and tissues haven’t been permanently damaged yet. In some cases, lymphedema surgery is used to remove damage from the lymph nodes. However, generally lymphedema can’t be cured and treatment consists of managing the swelling and preventing it from becoming worse by:

  • Using a Lymphedema pump to move excess fluid from the affected limb back into the cardiovascular system is a very popular option as the pump can be used at home.
  • Some patients use compression stockings, bandages, and other compression garments to prevent fluid from collecting.
  • Exercise is an effective part of treatment as it helps stimulate your lymph vessels. Only begin exercising after you’re cleared to after surgery or treatment. Start off slowly and increase the amount you exercise over time as you get used to it.
  • Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle lymphedema massage to drain fluid. You can learn at home massage techniques or have them performed by a physician. Avoid vigorous massages because they can cause more fluid to collect.

Receive Your Lymphedema Pump Through Insurance

You may qualify to receive your lymphedema pump through insurance and best of all, the process is incredibly easy.

  1. Fill out our quick qualification form.
  2. Our representatives will contact you with your options.
  3. We will submit all of the necessary paperwork to your insurance provider and doctor to make sure your lymphedema pump is shipped directly to your front door.

Medicare open enrollment 2019 is here! The annual Medicare enrollment period is October 15 – December 7 and includes Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D plans, and Medigap (Medicare Supplement).

Medicare Open Enrollment 2019

This is important because it allows people with Medicare coverage to make changes to their medical and prescription drug plans for 2019, which will go into effect on January 1, 2019.

This is your chance to make changes to your medical and prescription plans to improve coverage and save money. After December 7th you’ll have to wait until the following year to make changes.

You may want to make changes because Medicare health and prescription plans change on an annual basis. Coverage, costs, service areas, and which providers and pharmacies are in the network are subject to change.

These changes could cause healthcare costs to increase, but switching plans could get you the coverage you need without having your premium or out of pocket costs go up. Plus, a lower premium could provide what you need.

Look For Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)

Every year at the beginning of October you will receive some important Medicare documents to review, including the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). It will most likely be in the same packet as the Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for the upcoming benefit year. It will highlight all of the changes that have been made along with descriptions of all benefits (not only the ones that were changed).

This information may arrive in the mail on its own or with the Summary of Benefits, Low Income Subsidy (LIS) rider if you’re eligible, and provider and pharmacy directories.

What Should I Do With My ANOC? 

Carefully review it and compare your plan to others. You want to compare 3 key areas:

  1. Costs 

Is your premium going up? Is a plan with a lower cost and similar coverage available?

Look at your current deductibles and copays. Are they increasing next year?

  1. Prescription Drug Coverage

Medication is expensive, especially when it’s not covered. Checking drug tiers and premiums could save tons of money. Look up each of your prescription medicines to see if they’re covered and remember to see if your preferred pharmacy is in your network.

  1. Care

With Medicare part C, Medicare, or Managed Care contact your current doctors, specialists, and any other providers are still in your network.

What Exactly Can I Change?

  • You can enroll in Medicare Advantage from Original Medicare and vice versa.
  • You can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
  • You can switch from one Medicare Part D plan (prescription drug) to another.
  • You can enroll in a Medicare Part D plan if you didn’t when you were first eligible.

If you don’t want to make any changes to your plan it will automatically renew as long as it’s still available. Receiving a nonrenewal notice in the mail means that your plan has been discontinued and you’ll need to choose a new one. If you don’t receive a nonrenewal notice, your plan has not be discontinued and you don’t have to make a change.

How Do I Enroll In Medicare?

The open enrollment period is only for people already enrolled in Medicare. If you are turning 65, open enrollment is not the time to apply for Medicare. Each enrollment period has certain rules that determine when coverage will begin, so it’s crucial to pay attention to the dates.

Your Initial Enrollment Period

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is when you can sign up for Medicare the first time. You can enroll in Medicare Plans A, B, C, and D during this period:

  • 3 months before your 65th birthday
  • The month of your 65th birthday
  • 3 months after your 65th birthday

Part B coverage begins based on your sign up date:

  • If you sign up during the 3 months before your birthday coverage begins on the first day of your birthday month. 
  • When you sign up during your birthday month your coverage will begin the first day after your birthday month.
  • If you sign up the month after your birthday month coverage will begin 3 months after your birthday month.
  • Signing up the 2nd month after your birthday month results in coverage beginning 5 months after your birthday month.
  • Signing up the 3rd month after your birthday month results in coverage beginning 6 months after your birthday month.

Part D coverage also begins based on when you sign up during your IEP:

  • If you sign up during the 3 months before your birthday coverage will begin the 1st day of your birthday month.
  • Signing up during your birthday month results in coverage beginning the 1st day after your birthday month.
  • If you sign up during the 2nd or 3rd month after your birthday month coverage will begin the 1st day of the month following enrollment.

NOTE: If you miss your initial enrollment period, you will get another chance to apply, but you may face late penalties:

Special Enrollment Period (SEP) – Special enrollment periods that apply when you’re able to delay enrolling in plans A, B, C, and D due to special circumstances such as:

  • While you have coverage from an employer
  • The 8 months your coverage ends for parts A & B
  • The 63 days after your coverage ends for parts C & D

General Enrollment Period – This is your chance to enroll if you miss your initial enrollment period and special enrollment period. The general enrollment period is from January 1st until March 31st and if you enroll during this period coverage will begin July 1st.

Medigap Open Enrollment – During your 6 month Medigap enrollment period you can purchase any Medigap policy sold in your state. These are extra insurance policies to help cover costs not covered by original Medicare. You must meet specific medical underwriting requirements to be approved for a Medigap policy. There is no guarantee that you’ll be accepted. The Medigap open enrollment period is 6 months after your Part B becomes effective.

DME Supply Coverage And Possible Laspes

If you’re wondering if your Medicare coverage would cover supplies from your durable medical equipment (DME) supplier, Lindsay Engle, Medicare Specliast at Medicare FAQ,  explained, “The only concern would be cost. Generally, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you pay your Medicare Part B deductible for the year, which is $183 as of 2018 but could change for 2019. Medicare pays the other 80%.

To get the remaining 20% and other out of pocket expenses covered, the beneficiary would need to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan. With that said, the amount you pay may vary because Medicare pays for different kinds of DME in different ways. So they might cover a steady supply of replacement stuff 100%, it just depends on the DME.  Their best bet is to contact their Medicare agent or Medicare directly to make sure their supplies is coved by that DME supplier.”

Lindsey also covered reasons why you may experience a lapse in coverage, “That would depend on their current healthcare coverage. If they have coverage and are still paying their premiums, there shouldn’t be any lapse in coverage. They should be aware of the Part B late enrollment penalty when you don’t enroll as soon as your eligible at 65. There are Special Enrollment Periods for Part B too.

If their company offers COBRA, they will have 18-36 months to enroll without any lapse in coverage. If they’re on group health insurance through their employer and still working, they can have both insurances. One will be primary and one will be secondary, depending on the size of the company.”

When it comes to lapses in coverage, it depends on your individual policy and situation. However, an Aeroflow representative can help you qualify to receive medical equipment through insurance. Simply fill out our quick qualification form and we will contact you with your options. We will also take the hassle out of the process by contacting your doctor and Medicare for you to make sure your items are shipped directly to your home.

If You Need Assistance…

Medicare can be a little confusing to navigate, but you’re not on your own. Contact the Medicare office at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to ask questions. Contacting your local Agency on Aging may provide you with faster results. Also, you can view available plans here.

October National Cyber Security Alliance Month (NCSAM) in order to spread online safety awareness. We as a durable medical equipment provider want to help you and your parents stay safe online.

As healthcare evolves to have more of an online presence and you or your parents receive medical equipment such as incontinence supplies, CPAP machines, back braces, and more, it’s important that their information remains safe and secure. It’s crucial to choose a reputable supplier and avoid DME scams to prevent identity theft and fraudulent charges.

Choosing The Right DME

While it’s easy to just search for the equipment you need and pick an item on the list, be sure to research the company first. Refer to the online reviews to see if other customers had a good and honest experience. They will generally note how long it took for them to receive their items and it’s quality. Simply picking the lowest price, even if your medical equipment will be covered through insurance isn’t always the best option. 

A quality medical supplier will also have an informative and helpful customer service team. Their goal will never be to sell a product and rush you off the phone. Instead, they will help you find the perfect item to suit your individual needs. They will also help you find properly fitting items and will help with troubleshooting.

A reliable durable medical equipment supplier will also navigate your insurance policy for you. Who has the time to call insurance companies to see if your item will be covered or not? And then on top of that, bill and be reimbursed for that item? A good DME does. Once they receive your information they will contact your doctor and insurance company for you.  

Avoiding DME Scams

Part of internet safety involves protecting your personal information from hackers and scammers. Unfortunately, not all DME providers are legitimate. Some misuse beneficiary information to promote more sells. That’s why we have a few safety tips to prevent you and your elderly parents from being taken advantage of:

  • You will never be billed for medical equipment that your doctor did not prescribe for you. Your own doctor will let you know if you need something. Never use a doctor from the DME’s team, stick with your own. 
  • If you are suddenly billed for an item that never came or an item that you can’t return it’s most likely a scam. Plus, legitimate DME providers will not bill people who have passed away.
  • DME providers also can’t cold call you or knock on your door to solicit sales. They can only contact you after you’ve given them permission to call you, which can be written or provided online. DMEs can also contact you to discuss equipment that has been delivered to you during the past 15 months or for a new item if you’re aware that your doctor is contacting the supplier for you.
  • Never give out your Medicare number for a sales call, pitch, or exchange for money, gifts, and equipment you don’t need.
  • A legitimate supplier will never provide equipment and then bill Medicare for items that are more expensive. They also won’t provide you with used equipment and bill for brand new items.
  • Do not sign a blank form from your healthcare provider or equipment provider.

Report DME Fraud

If you receive an unsolicited knock on the door, phone call, or believe you are facing a DME scam for any other reason speak up. Report DME fraud at Medicare.gov or by calling 800-633-4227. You can also report fraud to your state insurance department.

Stay Safe Online

Along with protecting yourself from DME fraud, online safety involves protecting your personal and financial information on the web. Take a moment during NCSAM to learn how to protect yourself, family, and devices.

Stay safe online by protecting yourself and reporting theft, fraud, and cybercrime to create a safer, more trusted internet.