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Dash for Dad: Fight Against Prostate Cancer

by Kier April 23, 2012 15:08


The Great Prostate Cancer Challenge is an opportunity to help with the fight against prostate cancer. They are hosting 32 events across the country to help raise awareness and funds to provide research and free testing.

Through ZERO's Drive Against Prostate Cancer program and local screening programs hosted by large urology group practice partners, the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge has provided free testing for more than 2,500 men.

Many of the large urology partners that are supporting Dash for Dad work with us at 180 Medical to supply catheter products to their patients. We are proud to be able to help support these events including the Dash for Dad Chicago in June. View the walk/run lists below to find an event in your area and consider participating to help fight prostate cancer.

More 2012 Dash for Dad Events

 Alabama  |  Arizona  |  California  |  DC  |  Florida  |  Georgia  |  Illinois  |  Indiana  |  Kansas  |  Oklahoma  |  Louisiana  |  Minnesota  |  New Jersey  |  New Mexico  |  New York  |  Ohio  |  Pennsylvania  |  Tennessee  |  Texas

Alabama
Birmingham - September 15 (Urology Centers of Alabama)

Arizona
Tucson - December 2 (Arizona Institute of Urology) 

California
South Bay - June 16

DC
Washington, DC - June 17 

Florida
Fort Lauderdale - September 15 

Georgia
Atlanta - June 16

Illinois 
Chicago - June 2 (Advanced Urology Associates)
DashForDad.com/races/Chicago 


Indiana
Fort Wayne - October 13 (Northeast Indiana Urology)

Kansas
Kansas City - September 16 (Kansas City Urology Care)

Oklahoma 
Oklahoma City - September 8 (Urology Centers of Oklahoma)

Louisiana
Shreveport - June 17 

Minnesota
Minneapolis - September 22 
St. Cloud - September 15 (Adult & Pediatric Urology)

New Jersey
Camden - September 22

New Mexico
Albuquerque - May 12 (Advanced Urology of New Mexico) 

New York
Buffalo - June 17 (Western New York Urology Associates)
Rochester - May 28

Ohio
Cincinnati - September 8 (The Urology Group)
Columbus - September 9 (Central Ohio Urology Group)

Pennsylvania
Harrisburg - September 28 (Urology of Central Pennsylvania)
Lancaster - August 25 (Urological Associates of Lancaster)

Tennessee
Knoxville - September 29 (Tennessee Urology Associates, PLLC)
Memphis - April 28 (Conrad Pearson Clinic)
Nashville - June 16 (Urology Associates)

Texas
Austin - October 27 (Urology Austin)
Dallas - September 22 (Urology Associates of North Texas)
   

180 Medical Supports SUNA at Conferences

by Kier April 16, 2012 15:58
180 Medical is a proud corporate sponsor of SUNA (Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates) to help support the urologic nurses we work with on a daily basis. Many of the top urologic facilities in the country rely on the catheter specialists at 180 Medical to supply their patients with the right catheter supplies for their needs. This organization has many chapters across the country and here are just a few of the SUNA events we have recently exhibited at: 

Great Lakes SUNA "Inside Urology" Annual Conference in Livonia, MI on March 16th.

Chicago Metro SUNA Spring Conference in Oakbrook, IL on March 24th.



Alamo Chapter of SUNA "The Cutting Edge of Urology" Conference in San Antonio, TX on April 7th. 


About the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA): The Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates is a professional organization committed to excellence in evidence-based clinical practice, research, and education of its members, patients, families, and the community. 

Diet Tips for a Healthy Bladder

by Catheter Experts November 9, 2011 13:12
Certain parts of your body can benefit from eating specific Tips for a Healthy Bladderfoods, which help keep those parts healthy and free of illness and disease. The bladder is an important part of your body, keeping waste from building up within your body and keeping you healthy. However, you must work to keep your bladder healthy so it can do its job. You can do this by eating specific foods that have been found to improve the health of your bladder.

Fruits & Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables have a positive impact on your bladder health, as well as on your overall health. Fruits, especially cranberries, can provide your bladder with a protective layer that prevents bacteria from growing into an infection of the bladder. For some people, drinking cranberry juice at the first symptoms of a bladder or urinary tract infection can cut off the infection before it sets in. Pears are another good example of a fruit that has a positive impact on the bladder, helping to balance acidity in the body.

Water
Water is important for anyone to drink to remain hydrated. Water is also good for flushing bacteria for your system. However, it is important to balance drinking enough water with drinking too much. If you feel as though you are constantly using the bathroom due to your water consumption, it is time to cut back. The amount of water a person requires varies and may take some trial and error before you find the right balance for you.

Whole Grains
The consumption of whole grains serves multiple purposes toward your overall health. Eating whole grain breads, pastas and rice has a positive impact on your digestive health, of which your bladder plays a role. These foods can also help with weight loss. Being overweight can have a negative impact on your bladder health because of the amount of work your body requires it to do. 

Yogurt
Some women already know that eating yogurt can help fight off yeast infections. However, many people don't realize that eating yogurt can also play a positive role in your bladder health. Yogurt has active bacteria that your body needs to balance itself. Studies have shown that eating yogurt can help reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer by keeping the cells of your bladder healthy.

Fiber
Foods high in fiber may not have a direct impact on the health of your bladder, but they can fight constipation. When your body is constipated, your intestines place more pressure on the bladder. This can make you feel as though you need to urinate more often and can have a negative impact on your bladder health. Therefore, eating fiber-rich foods, such as apples, raisins, strawberries, popcorn, peas, beans and broccoli, fight constipation and relieve the pressure on your bladder.

Protein
Protein is an essential element in maintaining your pelvic muscles and hormone regulation. Both the pelvic muscles and hormones in your body play a role in whether your bladder is healthy. Eating a diet high in protein helps your body to maintain itself, including the bladder. Some foods that are high in protein include meats, peanut butter and fish.

Irritants
In addition to eating the right things, it is also important to avoid eating certain things to avoid irritating your bladder. Caffeine is a primary irritant that can impact your bladder health. If you are prone to infections, it is best to avoid consuming caffeine-rich foods, such as coffee, chocolate and soda. Acidic and spicy foods can also negatively impact your bladder. However, as with many other health issues, moderation is the key to keeping your bladder healthy and enjoying the foods you love.
   

Urologic Nurses and Associates Week

by Kier November 1, 2011 16:24
All of us at 180 Medical would like to take time to recognize all of the urologic nurses and associates and THANK YOU for all that you do every day to help those around the country with their urologic and continence care. Urology nurses truly make a difference!

Happy Urologic Nurses and Associates Week

The Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA) established this special week in 2006 to give recognition to those specialize in this profession. 

180 Medical is a proud supporter of SUNA and recently was a vendor at the 42nd Annual SUNA Annual Conference held in San Antonio, Texas October 28-30, 2011. Urology nurses traveled from across the country to network with other urologic nurses and health professionals and participate in educational programs on various urologic topics. 
   

Know the Differences of Female Incontinence

by Catheter Experts October 17, 2011 16:46
Female incontinence is a very common problem, and it doesn't just affect elderly women. While the statistic is high in women above age 60 – over 50% of women in that age group require the use of female catheters – the problem reaches every age group. Female incontinence is reported to affect 7% of women aged 20 to 39, and 17% of women 40 to 59.

Female incontinence is categorized into three types based on the cause of the incontinence; female catheters are usually only necessary for two of those types.

Stress Incontinence

The mildest form of female incontinence is stress incontinence: this type is categorized by a few drops of urine escaping when pressure if placed on the bladder muscles. The stress can be from something as simple as coughing or laughing, or from something more strenuous like lifting a heavy weight – it’s the most common type of female incontinence and is typically the form experienced by the younger age group. Childbirth can also trigger stress incontinence, since the pelvis and abdominal muscles are experiencing intense strain.

Stress incontinence does not require the use of female catheters, but can be treated with medication or physical therapy. Kegel exercises are often an effective treatment, involving the contraction and relaxation of the muscles used for regulation of urine flow.

Urge Incontinence

Often called overactive bladder or OAB, urge incontinence is characterized by a strong need to urinate and a loss of bladder control. The muscle controlling urine flow almost becomes paralyzed, and urine flow cannot be inhibited.

This type of female incontinence can be triggered by an infection, muscular or neurological disease, or even a simple irritation. The latter is temporary and does not always require the use of female catheters to treat the problem, while disease is usually degenerative and may necessitate the use of catheters for a lifetime. If the cause is an infection, female catheters may be used to relieve the symptoms for the duration of the infection. Medication and physical therapy may be useful to lessen the effects of an overactive bladder, but often are not entirely successful at alleviating female incontinence completely.

Overflow Incontinence

Overflow incontinence is often indicative of bladder problems or neurological disease and damage.  This form is characterized by an increased frequency of urination and an inability of the bladder to empty completely during urination. More often than not, physical therapy is not successful for overflow incontinence; female catheters can be an effective form of treatment by emptying the bladder entirely. Other treatments include stimulation of the muscles for urinary control by electrical impulses: this can enhance the bladder’s ability to contract and relax normally, emptying the contents entirely. Insertion of a blockage device in the urethra can also effectively treat female incontinence.  

Because of the prevalence of female incontinence, many women consider it “normal”. But whether treatment is a simple exercise or the use of a female catheter, there is no need to suffer the stresses and worries of urinary incontinence. You’re not alone, and you don’t need to suffer alone.  Be sure to talk to your doctor about the correct female catheters for your needs.