As a leading provider of medical supplies for care at home, Shield HealthCare understands the demanding role of today’s caregivers. Whether family caregivers or healthcare professionals, caring for a person with chronic medical needs requires special attention and dedication. With this in mind, Shield HealthCare developed an annual story contest in 2001 on “What Makes… Continue reading Caregiver Stories: The Love of Caring

In managing diabetes, it’s important to inspect your feet every day and seek care early if you have a foot injury. Make sure your health care provider checks your feet at least once a year or more often if you have foot problems. Your health care provider should also give you a list and explain the do’s… Continue reading Proper Foot Care For Diabetics

Choose a medical supply company with hands-on Registered Dietitians! Shield HealthCare pioneered an Enteral Nutrition Support Program (ENSP) in 2004 by hiring a team of clinically-trained registered dietitians. This was quite a new direction, given that most patients were being filtered through the same routine: the G-tube was placed, patients were discharged at home with… Continue reading Enteral Nutrition Newsletter July-August 2011

Food Allergy Awareness Approximately 12 million Americans suffer from food allergies. Children are the largest group affected by this potentially life threatening medical condition. In 1997, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) created Food Allergy Awareness Week to educate others about food allergies. This year the 14th annual Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW) will… Continue reading Enteral Nutrition Newsletter May-June 2011

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a serious health problem affecting millions of people each year. Infections of the urinary tract are the second most common type of infection in the body. What are the causes of UTI? Normally, urine is sterile. It is usually free of bacteria, viruses and fungi but does contain fluids, salts… Continue reading Understanding Urinary Tract Infections

Here are a couple guidelines to follow in order to get the maximum performance out of incontinence products and prevent diaper leakage.

With so many myths about diabetes, it’s sometimes difficult for people to believe the real facts– such as diabetes is serious and a potentially deadly disease. Common myths create an impression of diabetes that is not accurate and full of stereotypes.

Our incontinence and nutrition experts have consulted with on-staff Registered Dietitians about the link between incontinence and nutrition.

Skin care management is critical for people suffering from incontinence. Poorly managed incontinence can create skin irritation and subsequently lead to the formation of pressure ulcers and other complications. A low humidity environment and increased activity all reduce the potential for the development of pressure ulcers. A balanced skin care management program includes choosing the… Continue reading Incontinence and Skin Care

A step-by-step guide for gravity/bolus feeding at home 1. Gather all supplies needed – formula, room-temperature water, a clean towel, gravity feeding bag, pole and catheter tip syringe 2. Wash your hands 3. Check tube position and site 4. Place tip of syringe into room-temperature water 5. Pull up on the plunger to draw up… Continue reading Gravity/Bolus Feeding: A Step-By-Step Guide