Monthly Archives November 2014

If you’re caring for someone who needs to use a urinary drainage bag, it’s essential to learn the proper care techniques to prevent infection and reduce odor. Use these tips for caring for urinary drainage bags, which apply whether your patient is using a leg bag or a bedside drainage bag.

Pressure ulcers, also known as pressure sores, bed sores or decubitus ulcers, appear as red, blistered and broken skin. If left untreated, the damage may extend down to the muscle or bone. Pressure ulcers are caused by friction, shear, pressure or all three. Immobility, such as being confined to a bed for weeks at a time, is the most significant risk factor for developing pressure ulcers.

Wearing compression socks improves circulation by preventing fluid build-up in the legs. The improved circulation helps prevent edema, or leg swelling.

Here are five situations when your doctor might recommend compression socks as part of a treatment plan:

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS therapy, is the most common form of electrical stimulation to help manage back pain. Learn about TENS and back pain to decide whether this treatment could be the method you’ve been looking for to manage your discomfort.