House Bill Introduced to Provide Medicare Coverage of Custom Breast Prostheses – The Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act, H.R. 6980

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Thank you to our New Hampshire Representatives who voted to introduce custom breast prostheses to the Medicare program.

The Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act, H.R. 6980, will address a gap in coverage for women who need another option. Some women may not be candidates for reconstruction, which can be very expensive, while others may not want more surgery. Custom breast prostheses are beneficial for women who are unable to find off-the-shelf prostheses that fit their particular chest wall, finding symmetry to match their remaining breast, or matching skin tone. Medicare currently covers both reconstruction and off-the-shelf options, but not custom prothesis.  This is why we need new legislation.

According to Breastcancer.org:

Some specialty stores will sell custom-made breast prostheses, uniquely constructed and cast to match the natural contours and color of each woman’s body and her other breast. These are typically made from silicone or latex, and are more expensive than a breast prostheses that isn’t custom-made. Many insurance companies don’t cover custom-made breast forms. A plaster cast or laser scan is taken of your chest and then the prostheses is contoured so it fits snugly against your body.

As the movement gains traction, and the insurance community responds to the demand for custom breast protheses, providers will be more able to help survivors access the prostheses they want.  There is wide-spread support for this service, and we are looking forward to a time when any person needing the right prothesetic will have access.  

At Charron Medical we have seen instance where a woman’s body does not fit neatly into the standard breast forms.  We are often able to make adjustments and find the best possible fit.  But in those cases, the best possible fit could be a custom one.  #makemewholeagain is working to support the movement for custom protheses.  We applaud their efforts and will continue to support the legislation for access to custom protheses for all breast cancer patients.

 

 

 

 

http://www.peopleforqualitycare.org/makemewholeagain

 

Find Your Community

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Seniors Gardening

We don’t need science to tell us how important it is to belong someplace. There is no greater feeling than to be accepted by your friends, family, and neighbors. 

Sometimes, we might find ourselves in a new place and need to find our community.  Or the community we had is now changed, and we need to find a new community.   Temma Erhenfeld writes for Psychology Today, and she points out that friendships inspire us as we age, and that we will be happiest if we focus on high quality friendships.

 My mother now lives in Florida, and she has found her community there.  The neighborhood is a caring place where friends visit each other daily, share meals, and carpool to the grocery store.  They have a standing afternoon date to binge watch an hour of television, and then take a walk down to the water to see the birds and watch the boats.

 Recently, the annual Great American Downtown meeting of the Nashua Main Street community was held at the Nashua City Hall.  Store owners, aldermen and alderwomen, city staff, journalists, and volunteers gathered to recap the 2017 activities of the non-profit downtown organization.

The accomplishments were impressive, such as the Nashua Winter Holiday Stroll and the Taste of Downtown event.  Locals will find and appreciate the community when they attend a downtown event.  

Where will you find your community?

  • Senior Center
  • Retirement Community
  • Volunteer
  • YMCA
  • Knitting or Sewing Club
  • Athletic League
  • Cooking Circle
  • Book Club
  • Fraternity
  • Church
  • Tutor or Mentor Programs

Compression Therapy eases Tired, Achy Legs, and many Medical Conditions

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Tired, achy legs benefit from compression therapy.  Wearing graduated socks or stockings will increase circulation, reduce swelling, and the feeling of tired, achy legs.  Compression therapy will reduce venous pressure within your legs, by applying external pressure to your legs.  If you have ever felt these symptoms, you can visit Charron Medical Services and talk to a knowledgeable staff member about compression socks:

  •  Heavy, tired & aching legs
  • Swollen ankles and legs
  • Cramping and tingling in the legs
  • Small varicose veins
  • Dull or sharp pain in the calf
  • Post-workout fatigue in your lower limbs

 Your body is designed to pump lymphatic fluid and protein-rich blood into your limbs and muscles.  This can promote healing, but it can also put pressure on nerves and cause pain.  Furthermore, prolonged inflammation can damage healthy tissue and even hinder the healing process.

 How do you know if compression socks or sleeves will help you? 

  • Breast cancer survivors are at a higher risk of lymphedema due to damaged lymph nodes. Compression sleeves are often prescribed and recommended.
  • Travel can cause fluid to build up in your legs. Wear compression socks or tights to prevent the discomfort and fatigue of edema.
  • Compression hosiery targets some of the discomfort of pregnancy
  • Post-workout compression can reduce soreness, improve circulation, and reduce swelling to promote recovery

 

If you are in a profession that involves a lot of sitting or standing, such as teaching or healthcare, you could benefit from daily use of compression wear.  Manufacturing workers who stand on concrete surfaces will find relief in daily use of compression socks.  Anyone who travels frequently will want to reduce swelling by wearing compression gear.

 Three tips to help prevent the discomfort of tired, achy legs and edema include:

  1. Wear compression socks or tights
  2. Stay active – walk, dance, swim, hike, exercise
  3. Drink fluids

 Replace your compression socks or sleeves every three to six months.

 

Emergency Supplies: Be Prepared This Winter

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We cannot predict how the winter will go, but we can prepare for cold and freezing temperatures.  When we are faced with unpredicatable weather, we can find some comfort in setting aside an emergency kit and some storm provisions.  If you or someone you know is elderly, consider unique needs such as mobility and medication.  

  • MAKE A LIST of all your emergency numbers and  contacts. It’s always a good idea to write down all the local emergency numbers. Each state has a web site where you could find those numbers listed. For the state of New Hampshire you can visit the Divison of Emergency Services and Communication at www.nh.gov. 
  • GATHER CANDLES, MATCHES, AND FLASHLIGHTS in case the power goes off, you do not want to be sitting in the dark. It’s highly recommended to keep a set of these items in the “emergency kit” and another set on a shelf or in a common area where it could be easily accessed. If you or a loved one is in a wheelchair or not able to reach high places, these items should be placed in an area where they could be reached.  Keep matches dry.
  • CHARGE YOUR CELL PHONE.  If you do not have a landline make sure that you charge your cell phone to have access to the storm information or being able to make contact with other people such as, loved ones or emgency personnell. It is also a good idea to charge any electric power chairs or medical devices that you may need to use.
  • HAVE AN AM/PM RADIO to stay in tuned with the storm coverage. It is best to have a batteried operated radio in case the electric goes out.
  • STOCK UP ON BATTERIES for all the electronic devices or flashlights. Keep in mind that batteries do expire and you will need to check the expiration dates often.
  • KEEP NON-PERISHABLE FOOD AND WATER on hand. It is reccommended to keep in stock one gallon of water per person per day and 3 days worth of non-perishable foods.If you have to take medications throughout the day you may want to plan for more water. Also if you pack canned foods, make sure that you have a can opener.
  • HAVE AN EVACUATION AND MEET UP PLAN. Have maps and a safe location where you can go to incase the home is no longer safe. Share this location with another person, so they know where to look if needed. If you or a loved one is home bond it is a good idea to have a designated nieghbor or family member drop by to check in on you.
  • MEDICATION LIST and medications in an easy accessed area. With having the list if you were to get seperated from your medications this with show what you are taking and a doctor could call in another script those medications.  Refill regularly, so you are not caught short on important medicines.
  • FIRST AID KITS should include all sizes of banages, burn aides, warmers, emergency blankets, and a dust mask to help with the dust if needed.  Charron Medical has a selection of first aid supplies.
  • EXTRA CLOTHING AND BLANKETS for staying  dry and  warm.
  • PETS, if you have pets it is recommended to follow these same guide lines for them.  Also include a list of all your pets immunizations and medications, if any.  They will be scared and nervous so make sure you pack items that they are familiar with, such as a favorite toy.
  • STAY CONNECTED and keep in touch with loved ones regularly.  

The Federal www.Ready.gov  website is packed with informationon on what is needed for “Emergency Kits”. All kits should be planned according to the needs of the individual.

 

Check Your FSA Deadline: Order Diabetic Shoes and Compression Socks by December 15th

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Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can have different year end rules.  If you are planning to use 2017 FSA funds for Diabetic Shoes or Custom Compression Socks/Tights , please have your order in with us before Friday, December 15th, to be sure it arrives before year end.  Call today to schedule a fitting 603-889-7220.

FSA funds can be used for a variety of medical products.  United Healthcare provides this list of FSA qualified medical expenses.  Visit our local store at 222 Main Street, Nashua, New Hampshire, and our knowledgeable staff will help you find the products you need.