Lamberts Homecare Advocate Blog

February 20th, 2012 by Ashley Plauche

Walking the Halls of Congress

How appropriate for Homecare Advocate to report back on our recent trip to Washington DC as we celebrate President’s Day! George Washington would be proud of the hundreds of people who came from across the country to petition their elected representatives about homecare issues.

Here’s the latest update on our efforts to eliminate the poorly designed auction program that jeopardizes Medicare beneficiary access to quality goods and restricts their ability to choose their provider.

We met with our elected officials to discuss replacing this dangerous program with an economist-backed Market Pricing Program (MPP) that will ensure true savings for the taxpayer without threatening beneficiary harm or access issues to quality goods and services from reputable providers.

What is MPP?

MPP is a reflection of Congress’ goal to create a market-driven health care system with less government-controlled prices. However, unlike the current “Competitive Bidding” program, it has integrity, accountability, transparency, and oversight while ensuring healthy competition among HME companies and real, sharp prices for competitively bid products. It affects the same product categories as the current program, and would have a national roll-out in July 2013. Bids will be binding, and the bid price is based off of the clearing price (not arbitrary price-setting as is currently done). Additional information on the operating principles of MPP may be found here.

Most importantly, MPP resolves the issues that 244 leading economists from around the world have found with the current “Competitive Bidding” program.

How Can MPP Become Law?

Bills are scored by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to help lawmakers know the cost of implementing the bill. The homecare industry understands the need for any bill to be budget-neutral in this economic environment, and we believe that MPP will score close to neutral as-is. However, we are committed to making MPP a budget-neutral alternative to the anti-competitive auction program and will make the necessary adjustments to ensure it can be implemented without costing taxpayers additional money.

There will be limited opportunities to bring MPP to a vote this year with the upcoming election, so it is vital that the Congressional Budget Office scores MPP quickly. Round Two of Competitive Bidding will affect about half of Medicare beneficiaries throughout the country, and homecare equipment companies are already preparing their bids. All four metropolitan areas in Tennessee will be included.

Now that our industry has come up with a viable replacement program, we look to our elected officials to be champions for patients and providers. To help, they need to:

Contact their colleagues in House Ways & Means and Senate Finance committees
Urge their colleagues to request the score from the Congressional Budget Office
Support the replacement of Competitive Bidding with the Market Pricing Program

What Can I Do to Help?

Contact your elected officials and urge them to support the Market Pricing Program in lieu of Competitive Bidding for home medical equipment.

Sign the online petition to stop Competitive Bidding.

Thanks for all of the groundwork help, fellow advocates!

::AWP::

Share - No Comments - Tags: competitive bidding, market pricing program, medicare cuts, patient choice

February 14th, 2012 by Ashley Plauche

All You Need is Love

What is better in this world than having special people who lift us up, make us laugh, comfort us when we cry, and love us through it all? These are important people indeed, and Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to take pause to celebrate them and what they mean to us.

This Valentine’s Day, we also encourage our Homecare Advocate readers to spread their love throughout their community. Reach out to a homebound senior in your church or neighborhood. Visit or call an elderly relative, and let them know you were thinking of them.

Local charities may also provide ways for you to connect with seniors. In our home city of Knoxville, a non-profit charity Random Acts of Flowers distributes donated floral arrangements to hospice and hospital patients. The flowers, which were originally used in weddings, funerals, and more, are recycled and repurposed to “spread joy and offer comfort through random, thoughtful, botanical deliveries.” What a great way to multiply love!

We *heart* all of our readers and wish you a very Happy Valentine’s Day. We’ve selected a few classic love-songs to leave you with today. What is your favorite love song?

Chet Baker “My Funny Valentine”

Dean Martin “You’re Nobody til Somebody Loves You”

Billie Holiday “Them There Eyes”

::AWP::

“Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be” –Robert Browning

Share - No Comments - Tags: love songs, random acts of flowers, valentine's

February 13th, 2012 by Ashley Plauche

Homecare Advocate Goes to Washington

We’re capitol bound!

Later this week, I’ll be traveling to Washington DC to speak with our elected representatives about homecare issues. Hundreds of homecare advocates from across the country will be flying in to attend a national legislative conference that focuses on ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries have access to quality home medical equipment (HME) and services.

As many of you know from our earlier posts on Homecare Advocate, a highly controversial new program is being rolled out nationwide that will detrimentally impact Medicare beneficiaries and destroy the home medical equipment provider community. Through this program, the government will select the narrow group of companies from which you can receive your medical equipment and care based of the cheapest bid prices–not the quality of care you need or the timeliness in which you need to receive your care.

Numerous credible, independent groups have reviewed this program and all find serious and consequential problems, yet the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services insist on moving forward. You can read some of the independent reviews here, here, and here. Last week the Wall Street Journal called the program “idiotic and designed for failure” in the latest of a growing number of media outlets covering this controversial program. A significant majority of Americans will be impacted by the next phase rollout, including all four major cities and surrounding counties in Tennessee.

Fortunately, a sustainable, alternative program has been proposed that achieves real market savings for Medicare and taxpayers while modernizing the payment rates for medical equipment to be consistent with true market prices. This program preserves patient choice and access to quality goods and services. Aptly titled the Market Pricing Program (MPP), this program has garnered support from leading economists throughout the country and is gaining momentum on The Hill as homecare advocates contact their legislators and urge a repeal of the current anti-competitive auction program in favor of MPP. For MPP to be implemented, we need a congressional legislative fix. This requires legislators to vote for it, which will likely occur if MPP can be attached to a larger bill being voted on this year. However, your representative needs to hear from you–the constituent–so that he/she knows that this is an important issue to you that demands his/her attention.

We need your help.

While not everyone can fly to Washington to speak out, you can make a difference from home. I urge you to contact your senators and Member of Congress and ask for a replacement of the Competitive Bidding Program with the Market Pricing Program.

You may also send an e-mail via this helpful Web site that allows you to copy and paste pre-crafted talking points into your e-mail that will be sent directly to your elected officials based upon your home address. You are welcome to customize it as you see fit.

We’ll keep you updated on our progress in Washington and will give you a full report next week. Feel free to leave a comment below with how you’re joining ranks of homecare advocates dedicated to making a difference.

::AWP::

Share - No Comments - Tags: advocacy, beneficiary, call to action, competitive bidding, home medical equipment, market pricing program, patient choice

February 6th, 2012 by Ashley Plauche

5 Steps to a Healthy Heart

Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter–cardiovascular disease is a widespread epidemic in the United States, affecting one in every three people. Learn the facts, risks, and preventative measures you can take to create a healthier heart as we celebrate American Heart Month this February.

The ugly truth of heart disease:
• Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States
• 1 in 3 deaths is from heart disease or stroke
• Every 34 seconds, someone has a heart attack
• Every 4 minutes, someone dies from a stroke

IMPROVE YOUR HEART HEALTH:

1) Eat Your Heart Out
A heart-healthy diet includes plenty of vegetables, substitution of red meat for fish high in Omega 3 fish acids (such as salmon) or nuts, whole-grain foods like oatmeal or air-popped popcorn. In moderation, dark chocolate also has positive heart benefits by lowering bad cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, and even preventing blood clots. Also, less is more concerning salt and alcohol. Your daily sodium intake may creep up on you even if you don’t add salt if you eat food others prepare for you, like restaurants and prepackaged food.

2) Keep It in Check
Home blood pressure monitoring is essential for those with high blood pressure according to the American Heart Association. Don’t let this “silent killer” sneak up on you. By testing routinely at home, you can evaluate the effectiveness of your blood pressure medication and keep a record for your physician to review. It gives you a benchmark for what you are and whether/not the levels improve over time. Companies like Lambert’s sell blood pressure cuffs available in manual or digital settings.

3) Get Pumped
Exercise at least 30 minutes per day, several days each week. This gets your heart pumping, which improves circulation allowing for better oxygen flow, decreases blood pressure, and strengthens your heart. For mobility-challenged people, pedal exercisers are a great way to get their daily exercise without a risk of falling.

4) Say Yes
Say yes to talking with your physician about whether or not you are a good candidate to take a daily aspirin. Aspirin can help prevent the clotting of platelets in your blood, which helps reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. Those who are at high risk or who have already had a heart attack or stroke are generally great candidates for this daily ritual.

5) Say No
Say no to smoking. A staggering 20% of all heart-related deaths are directly linked to smoking because of its impact on coronary heart disease. It’s never too late to quit, and the benefits extend into your whole body. Your lungs will perform better, your sense of taste and smell will improve, and you drastically improve the likelihood of extending the length of your life.

We *heart* all of our readers and hope that this helps you jump-start your journey to a healthy heart!

::AWP::

Share - No Comments - Tags: american heart month, blood pressure, blood pressure monitor, exercise, heart disease, pedal exerciser

January 30th, 2012 by Ashley Plauche

Hip Replacement Surgery

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons called hip replacement surgery, “one of the most successful operations in all of medicine.” A lot has changed since the first hip replacement surgery was performed in 1960. We’ll explore the differences in a partial vs total hip replacement, the two surgical methods of a hip replacement surgery, the benefits and risks, and 15 Do’s & Don’ts following surgery.

People who are candidates for hip replacement surgery have typically tried all other treatments and not found sufficient relief from the pain. Their pain often interferes with daily activities and prevents them from having the lifestyle they want. Pain is often found in the groin, thigh, buttocks, and sometimes knee. Those contemplating hip replacement may have one or more of the following characteristics:

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other related disease,
Injuries or fractures to the hip bone,
Aged 60 and older (though recent trends are showing younger people as well),
Difficulty using stairs, bending, standing up from a seated position

There are two types of hip replacement surgery. A total hip replacement surgery is when the surgeon removes the hip joint entirely (femur and socket) and replaces it with an artificial prosthesis. In a partial hip resurfacing, only the femur head is reshaped and resurfaced.

The two approaches to total hip replacement surgery include the Posterior Approach (surgeon accesses hip through incision close to the buttocks) and the Anterior Approach (surgeon accesses hip through incision from the front). Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Joseph Chenger explains these two different approaches on the Dr. Bob show (below).

Potential benefits of the surgery include:

Pain relief
Improved mobility
Ability to perform low-impact activities
Increased independence

Potential risks of the surgery include:

Infection
Blood clots
Heart problems
Bleeding
Nerve damage
Dislocation

Talk to your physician if you are contemplating hip replacement surgery to learn about your personal risks and how you can minimize them. For example, many physicians recommend their patients are put on an antibiotic following surgery to help minimize the risk of infection, particularly if one is going to have dental work or surgery performed.

15 Do’s & Don’ts Following Hip Replacement Surgery

DO NOT cross your legs
DO NOT bend your hips more than a right angle
DO NOT turn your feet inward/outward
DO continue light exercises to maintain strength
DO have routine follow-up visits with your physician
DO rearrange furniture in your home to make your pathways accessible
DO use homecare equipment & supplies such as grab bars, walkers, and canes as needed
DO NOT drive for 4-6 weeks or until instructed by your physician
DO sleep on your back with a pillow in-between your lets at night
DO NOT bend at the waist beyond 90 degrees
DO NOT bring your knee up higher than your hip
DO use ice to reduce pain and swelling
DO apply heat before exercising
DO make preparations in advance for what you will need during recovery
DO consult your physician about any possible side-effects or complications of surgery

If you have other questions about hip replacement surgery, send them to advocate(at)lambertshc.com. We will do our best to help you find the resources you need!

::AWP::

Share - No Comments - Tags: benefits of hip replacement, dos and donts, hip replacement, risks of hip replacment, surgery

January 19th, 2012 by Ashley Plauche

91 Year Old Thrives After Hip Replacement Surgery

What do Billy Joel, George HW Bush, and my grandmother all have in common? They all had successful hip replacement surgeries and joined the ranks the 285,000 Americans who go under the knife for this surgery each year in the United States.

For 91 year old Mrs. W* (name changed), the decision to have hip replacement surgery came once her doctor told her that due to the bone’s deterioration and crumbling, it could break even if she were sitting in a chair. Today, two months after surgery, she sits down with Homecare Advocate to tell her story.

HA: What non-surgical approaches did you take to relieve pain and improve function prior to surgery?

Mrs. W: I’ve used a cane for years, but the pain progressed significantly over the past year or so that by the end I was hardly even able to use a walker. Though some may use pain pills to relieve pain, I’m on Coumadin [a highly-sensitive blood thinner medication] and was only able to take Tylenol. Tylenol would dull the pain but never relieved it.

HA: At 91, what were your primary concerns with having hip replacement surgery?

Mrs. W: Well my heart doctor originally told me a year or two ago that I shouldn’t have it. The surgeon was more concerned once he heard that and wouldn’t consent to surgery until I had tests run. They marked me at “high risk”, which made it hard for me to take that risk and proceed. I was also worried about the risk of stroke as I had to stop taking Coumadin before surgery.

HA: When did you know it was “time” to have the surgery?

Mrs. W: The pain increased from last Christmas until November when I made the decision to have it. Every week I could tell it was getting worse. But what finally convinced me to go ahead was when the surgeon told me my bone was crumbling and that because of that, I could be sitting in a chair and it break. Beforehand I thought I could only break it if I fell, so I did everything I could not to fall. Once I heard that it could just break on its own, I felt like I lost control over it and had to do something.

HA: Did you have to do anything special in preparation for the surgery?

Mrs. W: I had to do slight exercises and deep breathing, which I think was to help ward off pneumonia. I also had to take showers with special soaps 2 nights before, the night before, and the morning of surgery. They [the surgeons] wanted me to be as sterile as possible before surgery. Of course, the biggest change for me was having to be off Coumadin for 5 days.

HA: Why did the doctors want you to be off of Coumadin for so long?

Mrs. W: Hip replacement surgery is a bloody surgery, and they don’t want you to lose too much blood. Since Coumadin is a blood thinner, you bleed more freely if you’re cut. Even being off of Coumadin 5 days before surgery, I had to have two pints of blood.

HA: How long were you in the hospital after the surgery? Did you go home or to a rehab center during recovery?

Mrs. W: I was in the hospital four days; some aren’t there as long. Since I was recovering during the holidays, I chose to stay at a rehab facility in town and was there for 28 days. They had excellent nurses who were there any time I needed them. Once I got home, a physical therapist visited me weekly to continue my recovery.

HA: At what point post-surgery did your pain drop below your previous pain level pre-surgery?

Mrs. W: I was unaware of everything for four or five days following surgery because of the pain medication, but by the time I roused, I was not in the pain I was accustomed to. It was an amazing feeling.

HA: What types of exercises did you do in physical and occupational therapy?

Mrs. W: We did ankle rotations and knee bends, straight leg exercises, standing exercises, and balance exercises. I also did upper-body strength training with weight machines which helps me rise properly from a chair. We practiced getting in and out of a car; I learned the farther back you put the seat, the less you twist the hip. We also learned the safest way to get out in bed, which is to get in with the good leg first. They teach you all of this to help regain strength and to keep you from dislocating your new hip while it bonds to your bones. They worked us hard, two times a day, six days a week with each session lasting 1.5 hours!

Above and beyond what all doctors, nurses and therapists could do, my faith and trust in God gave me the strength each day to keep me going daily and do what is expected for recovery. Some of the other patients at rehab refused to go to therapy and never learned how to help themselves. Surgery for a 91 year old is major, so after I agreed to have it I was determined to do everything required of me to get the biggest benefit I could.

HA: Do you still do any exercises now that you’re at home?

Mrs. W: Before I had surgery, I never exercised. The pain took over to where I could hardly do anything at all. But now that I went through rehab and learned what to do, I continue my exercises and stretches at home. I do ankle exercises while watching TV, perform deep stretches while seated, and walk around my house and backyard.

HA: What have you done at home to create a safe, accessible environment?

Mrs. W: I already had a lot in place and was using it before surgery since my hip was so bad. I think that may have prepared me more for using them after surgery than those who had never had anything before. I use my reacher for everything! I have handrails on stairways and a stair lift if I need it again. In my bathroom I use a raised toilet seat, shower bench, grab bars, and long-handled sponge. I turned a plastic hanging shoe organizer into my “catch all” by my favorite seat lift chair that holds the remote control, phone, tissues, reading materials, and such so that everything is nearby.

HA: What are you looking forward to now that you’ve had a successful hip replacement?

Mrs. W: I’m most looking forward to being carefree from other people. I’m an independent person that likes to take care of myself and do things myself. I hope to do that as long as I can. I would love to drive again, but… maybe later [she chuckles and her eyes sparkle mischievously].

HA: What is the one piece of advice you’d give our Homecare Advocate readers contemplating hip replacement surgery?

Mrs. W: Have it before you get to the point where you’re suffering like I did. And remember, it’s all in a matter of adjustment, tolerance of pain, and change of activity. I’m happy to have done it all, and I truly think I succeeded!

Tune in next week as Homecare Advocate digs into the details of hip replacement surgery. We’ll cover surgery trends and advancements, risks, and benefits of what the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has called, “one of the most successful operations in all of medicine.”

::AWP::

Share - No Comments - Tags: fall prevention, hip replacement, risky surgery, senior, senior surgery, surgery

January 16th, 2012 by Ashley Plauche

Calling All Advocates: Dare to Be Great

Today our country honors a great man who rose to the challenges of his time and changed the course of a nation. He taught us all to stand up for what is right, to transform hearts through love instead of force, and to become a part of something bigger than ourselves.

When we look at the life of Martin Luther King, Jr and the influence he has had on generations to come, one can’t help but to think of one’s own opportunities to make an impact. Dr. King once said, “an individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity”.

How do each of us reach out beyond the everydayness of our own lives and touch the lives of others? Do we say Yes to the calling, even when we may not reap the rewards immediately? Do we go beyond what is easy, and commit ourselves to something grand?

I was watching one of the Harry Potter movies with my husband this past weekend, and one line in particular resonated with me. The wise headmaster told the young boy, “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” Our capabilities are merely our options, but it is what we choose to do with our lives that matters. Apathy is progress’ greatest nemesis. Think about what our world would look like if Dr. King’s dream had never been more than that–a dream. If he had never taken that first courageous step. And another. And another. We must not merely have good intentions but invest ourselves here and now to what we know to be true.

I have seen such greatness manifested among many involved with homecare, be it through forming a supportive community among caregivers, self-advocating to legislators, investing one’s time and resources to educating about homecare’s benefits, or even sharing your personal story with others so they see the real impact of homecare and why it matters. There are countless ways to be a homecare advocate and to make a difference. We just have to choose to participate.

The beautiful thing in all of this is that it isn’t up to one of us. It isn’t just you or just me out to change the world. When we each answer that individual calling to stand up, we join the ranks of champions who refused to be a spectator and dedicated themselves to the homecare cause. We fight for the disabled and elderly to have access to homecare benefits, for people to have a choice in where they receive their care, for caregivers to have the support they need, for the government and insurance companies to recognize that homecare is a worthy investment that improves the quality of life for its beneficiaries–a benefit that cannot be contained within numbers.

Today I encourage each of you to think about what it means to be a homecare advocate. Search for ways to contribute, to get involved, and to make a difference. Dare to be great.

::AWP::

Share - 1 Comment - Tags: advocacy, getting involved, homecare

January 12th, 2012 by Ashley Plauche

Snowflake Ball 2012

10 days and counting until the Snowflake Ball!

What’s the Snowflake Ball, you ask? It’s an evening of dancing, live music, and tasty food for a good cause. This year marks the first Silent Auction with fabulous items such as a Wii, Robert Tino prints, original artwork by local artists, and more! The Senior Companion Program is run by the Knox County Office on Aging that pairs senior volunteers with senior clients in need of personal support services and companionship. Over 80 volunteers, called Senior Companions, are currently serving 200 individuals in our county, but more are needed. Through its annual fundraiser gala, the Snowflake Ball, funds are received to “train and place additional Senior Companions with those in need”, according to Elder News & Views.

After attending last year’s ball, I can speak from personal experience on how enjoyable it was. Here are some highlights from 2011:

Not only is this a fun event, but it supports a valuable program for Knox County seniors.

The Senior Companion Program is near and dear to my heart because senior advocate and long-time friend Deisha Finley is its director. She is a compassionate champion for seniors and has grown this program into one of Knoxville’s finest services for frail and homebound seniors. Last year, the Senior Companions spent over 70,000 hours helping these individuals remain in their homes instead of having to move into an institutional setting to get the care they need. I have had the opportunity to serve on its Advisory Council for over a year now, and I am touched by the stories that flood in from clients about the impact this program has on their lives.

For Mr. and Mrs. Jones* (name changed), the services provided by the Senior Companion Program has been a lifesaver. Mrs. Jones has progressive Multiple Sclerosis and requires round-the-clock care. When the Senior Companion comes over, it allows Mr. Jones to work, run errands, and have respite. Mr. Jones indicated that without the support of this valuable service, he wouldn’t be able to keep his wife at home.

If you would like more information on the services provided by the Senior Companion Program, please call 865-524-2786. For ticket information on this year’s Snowflake Ball on Saturday, January 21, you may order tickets via phone at 865-541-4500. Tickets are only $20 each, and you will have a great time while helping a worthy cause.

Senior Companion Snowflake Ball

Saturday, January 21, 2012

6:00pm-9:00pm

Kerbella Temple, 315 Mimosa Ave (Knoxville)

See you there!

::AWP::

Share - No Comments - Tags: fundraiser, office on aging, senior companion program, seniors, snowflake ball

January 11th, 2012 by Ashley Plauche

Sense of Community at Senior Centers

Just a few short weeks ago, cities were abuzz with holiday parties, family gatherings, festive decorations, and community events. December was a flurry of activities–a hard act to follow for poor January. For many seniors, January and February are difficult months as the wintertime blues kick in. Events have ended and people are now back to work. Cold weather, quiet days alone at the house, the empty mailbox that last month was flooded with warm greetings from loved ones. However, your local community center may just have the very thing to chase those blues away!

Senior Community Centers, often run by the local Office on Aging, are great gathering places for seniors to come together and fellowship, create, learn, and engage. While they provide a valuable service for seniors, they also offer enable caregivers to have a break and have some respite time. Activities range from bingo to book club, from computer classes to cardio workouts. Many senior centers invite guest speakers to come and discuss senior issues or perform demonstrations. Periodically, senior centers will organize day-trips and provide transportation to a local destination of choice. Many seniors enjoy participating in the charitable work done through these community centers as seniors volunteer to help with the city’s non-profit efforts, giving them a sense of purpose and community.

If you would like more information on the senior centers in your area, contact your local chamber of commerce or Office on Aging. You may also find information available online, such as this helpful site for Knox County residents. Many publish a monthly Calendar of Events, where you can plan your visits around the day’s activities and times, such as Knoxville’s John T. O’Connor Center.

Enjoy the new friends and fun activities!

::AWP::

Share - No Comments - Tags: community center, respite, senior center

January 5th, 2012 by Ashley Plauche

Dangers of Smoking While Using Oxygen

Two days ago marked the latest tragedy of a person burned or killed due to smoking while using oxygen. The Lorain, Ohio woman’s face, eyebrows, and hair were burned by the flash fire that erupted as she smoked, but fortunately she survived. The day before, a Scottish man in Edinburgh was not so lucky. While receiving treatment at a local hospital, he snuck into a bathroom to have a cigarette in spite of being on oxygen. His cigarette sparked a fire, cost him his life, and endangered the other patients and staff of the hospital.

These are not isolated incidents. Just in the past 10 days, news reports reveal a staggering number of deaths and injuries caused by smoking while on oxygen:

Jan. 3–Lorain, OH woman burns face, eyebrows, hair
Jan. 2– Edinburgh, Scotland man died
Jan. 1– Lakewood, CO man died
Dec. 30–Kansas City, KS man did over $3,000 fire damage to home
Dec. 30–Portland, OR man burns face, lungs
Dec. 27– Manchester, NH man died
Dec. 27– Carthage, MO 2 hospitalized with burns, dozen homeless from fire

However, do not interpret these events to mean that oxygen therapy is something to be afraid of. It is to be respected.

Oxygen therapy is a life-saving medical treatment that has benefitted millions of Americans and others throughout the world. It is a critical part of treatment for a variety of illnesses, injuries, and diseases, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Oxygen therapy allows one to receive a higher concentration of pure oxygen, aiding in heart function, easier breathing, better sleeping, reduced blood pressure, improved mental clarity, and more.

The same reasons that enable oxygen to help people are also what makes cigarettes + oxygen such a deadly combination. When one receives oxygen therapy, it’s 100% pure oxygen. As you remember from grade school, the three ingredients to make a fire are fuel, heat, and an oxidizing agent (oxygen).

If you or a loved one uses supplemental oxygen, Homecare Advocate offers the following tips:

If you’re on oxygen, DO NOT smoke.
If you live with or visit someone on oxygen, DO NOT smoke around them.
Stay away from open flames, sparks, and gas (including gas stoves).
Turn the oxygen off while not in use.
Avoid petroleum-based products.
Do not use aerosol sprays nearby.
Comply with all safety instructions provided by your home medical equipment company.
Keep your oxygen concentrator in a well-ventilated area.
Never allow the tubing, cannula, or mask to be covered, as it can result in a buildup of concentrated oxygen.
Keep the name and number of your home medical equipment provider in a prominent spot for reference.
Post a sign stating DANGER: No Smoking, Oxygen in Use (download the one below if you’d like)

Companies like Lambert’s who provide oxygen to our patients have qualified respiratory therapists and service technicians who are available to assist you with training, instructions, maintenance, repairs, and support while you are using supplemental oxygen. If you have any questions on how you can create a safer environment for you and your loved ones while using oxygen, please call your provider.

::AWP::

Share - No Comments - Tags: dangers, oxygen therapy, smoking

Categories

Walking the Halls of Congress

What is MPP?

How Can MPP Become Law?

What Can I Do to Help?

All You Need is Love

Homecare Advocate Goes to Washington

We need your help.

5 Steps to a Healthy Heart

Hip Replacement Surgery

91 Year Old Thrives After Hip Replacement Surgery

Calling All Advocates: Dare to Be Great

Snowflake Ball 2012

Sense of Community at Senior Centers

Dangers of Smoking While Using Oxygen

Popular Posts

Archives

About Us

Tags

Categories

What is MPP?

How Can MPP Become Law?

What Can I Do to Help?

We need your help.

Subscribe