Nurses - we couldn't do it without you!

“Often described as an art and a science, nursing is a profession that embraces dedicated people with varied interests, strengths and passions because of the many opportunities the profession offers. As nurses, we work in emergency rooms, school based clinics, and homeless shelters, to name a few. We have many roles – from staff nurse to educator to nurse practitioner and nurse researcher – and serve all of them with passion for the profession and with a strong commitment to patient safety,” according to the ANA.

At KHS, as a sign of our appreciation, we extend to all nurses a 15% professional discount for all private pay purchases – no coupon needed, just let our staff know that you are a healthcare professional.

Thank you again for advocating, leading and caring!

Take time to unwind…it’s healthy to relax, renew, and rejuvenate. We all know stress happens; sometimes it’s unavoidable, at times it’s unbearable. That’s why taking time for yourself is a necessity. At KHS we have a number of products to help you relieve your stress.

Stress does not merely afflict your mind; it can also affect you on a cellular level. In fact, long-term stress can lead to a wide range of illnesses – from headaches to stomach disorders to depression – and can even increase the risk of serious conditions like stroke and heart disease. Understanding the mind/stress/health connection can help you better manage stress and improve your health and well-being.

Everyone is different, and so are the ways they like to relax and unwind. Here are some ideas: take a walk, read a book, go for a run, have a cup of tea, play a sport, spend time with a friend or loved one, meditate or do yoga.

As you develop a vision for healthy living, know the KHS will support your goals by providing you with the products that will help you relax, renew and rejuvenate.

Relax with these products from KHS:

Aromatherapy Pillows and Hand-crafted, Fragranced Habersham Candles, Mother Earth WarMitts and WarmBooties, Moist Heat Pads, Deep Heat Therapy Pads, Vaporizers, Joint Wraps and Warming Shawls, Shiatsu Massagers

Aromatherapy Pillows

Hand-crafted, Fragranced Habersham Candles

Renew with these products from KHS:

DiabEase Dead Sea MineralBathSalts, Healing Foot Creams, Tea Tree Soaking Crystals Foot Spa Salts, Foot Massagers, Pedicure Kits

Foot Massager

Pedicure Kit

Rejuvenate with these products from KHS:

Moisturizing Booties and Gloves, Lindi Skin ultra-hydration body lotion, face moisturizer, lip balm, face wash or serum (to combat the skin-related side effects that often accompany chemo and radiation), Specially Designed Inspirational Cards and Positioning Pillows

Specially-designed Inspirational Cards

Body Pillow

Tempurpedic Pillow

Obus Back Support

Be sure to make time for fun and relaxation so you’ll be better able to handle life’s stressors. Carve some time out of your day – even 10 to 15 minutes – to take care of yourself. Also, remember that exercise is an excellent stress reliever.

While you can’t avoid stress, you can minimize it by changing how you choose to respond to it. The ultimate reward for your efforts is a healthy, balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun.

The Autism Society Puzzle Ribbon

KHS recognizes April as National Autism Awareness Month and supports the Autism Society’s efforts to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community. A March 2012 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that now one in every 88 children in the United States has autism.

According to the society’s website, “Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a ‘spectrum disorder’ that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.”

Autism is treatable; early diagnosis and intervention of autism can lead to significantly improved outcomes. To that end, KHS offers several pieces of equipment to make the challenges of serving an autistic individual easier. Among them are the EZ Rider Stroller, the Traveller Plus Car Seat, and the Activity Chair. A variety of helmets is also available.

The EZ Rider Stroller

The EZ Rider Stroller is a lightweight and fully-functional positioning chair that folds with the convenience of a simple umbrella stroller. Simple adjustments to the EZ Rider allow you to extend the life of the chair; there is no need for expensive growth kits. 

The Traveller Plus Car Seat

The Traveller Plus Car Seat, accommodating children weighing up to 105 lbs., has a padded headrest, 5-point harness, single pull strap adjustment, recline bar, and optional seat extension.

The Activity Chair

The Activity Chair, designed by therapists, is the ultimate in active seating for pediatric to adult clients. It is versatile, durable and has a wide range of optional accessories available. Tool-free adjustments, while the client is in the Activity Chair, allow the caregiver, therapist or teacher to create customized active seating appropriate to the setting, all the wile recognizing the unique needs and challenges for each individual.

The Activity Chair with Springs

Some children with autism or with attention or sensory-related disorders have found that the stimulation provided through movement helps them to remain in place, focused and attentive during activities. The Activity Chair has a unique feature with optional springs that allow the backrest to “give” with extension pressure and/or the seat to “rock” depending on the settings. The design can withstand repeated stress on the frame, and the result is a sturdy, heavier chair that will not move along the floor with the child’s movement.

 KHS encourages all to join the Autism Society in getting involved with your local Autism Society chapter and contacting state and federal representatives to take action and “Vote 4 Autism.” Together we can improve the lives of all affected by autism.

CEO Cindy Ciardo

KHS and CEO Cindy Ciardo have recently gotten some national exposure. We have been featured in HomeCare Magazine’s latest provider profile. The article, entitled Knueppel HealthCare Services: Diversified, Daring, Dedicated, occupies six pages of the February 2012 print edition and can be found online at http://homecaremag.com/provider-profiles/knueppel-healthcare-services.

KHS’ positive growth and expansion over the past several years is highlighted in the piece as is our ability to adapt to market trends. KHS’ progressive vision for quality customer service – “old-fashioned values with a contemporary flair” – and flexibility to adapt to the challenges of a competitive home medical equipment industry figure prominently.

The article includes 11 photographs of KHS staff, the newly-remodeled West Allis showroom, product displays and the fabrication area where high-end rehabilitation chairs are customized. The new hands-on home modifications display shows a bedroom-bathroom-stairway combination suite where the latest home modification technology is in use.

The February 2012 Issue of HomeCare Magazine Profiles KHS

Jodi Schneider has been a certified fitter at KHS for 16 years. She works with clients at our West Allis location as well as fitting off-site for clients who are unable to come in to the store. Here she discusses her professional work and the benefits of compression hosiery.

BLOG: What exactly is a fitter and what do you do?

SCHNEIDER: A fitter is someone who has been professionally trained to fit you with the proper brace, support, breast form, compression garment or other medical-type garment prescribed by your physician. In the case of orthopedic bracing, I make sure prefabricated or custom orthotic devices are properly fit and adjusted for your needs since each person is unique. I work closely with your doctor or therapist, to address your specific needs. The goal is to aid you in your daily living; we want the brace or garment you wear to enhance your lifestyle in the most comfortable way possible.

BLOG: How does one become a fitter?

SCHNEIDER: I would say, first and foremost, you must be someone who likes working with people and is a good listener. Professionally, after extensive training, we must pass an exam for our certification and from then on, annually pursue continuing education credits. Also, my LPN background helps me evaluate and understand the specific diseases and helps me define how best to help the patient.

BLOG: What are the benefits of compression hosiery?

SCHNEIDER: Wearing compression hosiery can make a world of difference. There are lots of benefits depending on the patient’s condition. For someone with tired, aching legs or mild to moderate edema, they will feel more energized and comfortable while preventing disfiguring and uncomfortable fluid build-up. For someone with venous or lymphatic disorders, the compression helps treat and/or stop the progression of the disorder, thereby avoiding serious complications like infections, clots and ulcers.

BLOG: Sometimes compression hosiery is hard to get on, isn’t it?

SCHNEIDER: Well, because it is designed to provide graduated pressure with the strongest amount of pressure in the foot and ankle area, it can seem tight. We always demonstrate the proper on and off techniques during the fitting process. We suggest using rubber gloves to help with the donning but we also sell four kinds of sock donners which make the process much easier. Most people, with proper instruction, can don their socks without a problem.

BLOG: Tell us about KHS’ Semi-Annual Hosiery Sale.

SCHNEIDER: This year the sale runs February 20-24, 2012 and is a good time to order more of your stockings, especially since 25% off is the biggest discount we offer. All kinds of products are on sale in addition to compression hosiery and arm sleeves including: anti-bacterial socks, athletic socks, diabetic and sensitive feet socks, even fashion support stockings and pantyhose.

BLOG: Do you need to make an appointment to get measured or fit?

SCHNEIDER: Appointments are not necessary, but are encouraged. If you come without an appointment you will be taken care of! If you have insurance, it’s easiest to call in advance so that your benefits can be verified before you come in—that cuts down on your time here.

Congresswoman Moore in KHS Showroom

Along with providing durable medical equipment and service, orthopedic products, women’s health products, compression therapy and home modifications, KHS provides rehab wheelchairs fabricated for the specific needs of each patient. Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) clients usually qualify for Medicare based on their disability and not their age.

KHS, with approximately one-third of our 65 employees living in the congresswoman’s district, presented the case for making the specialized equipment used for complex rehab part of a separate benefit category within Medicare.

Securing a separate benefit category for CRT would, “appropriately distinguish and address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and medical conditions who require these complex rehab technology products and services,” according to a position paper on the subject. For the past 40 years the Medicare billing codes have remained the same while the technology has advanced.

The congresswoman asked a lot of probing questions and was interested in the latest technology in seating and positioning. She tried out a complex rehab chair and was able to experience how an appropriate “tipping” mechanism would benefit blood flow and pressure relief for someone who uses a wheelchair 14 hours a day. She also saw a custom back, seating and headrest system created from a computer model of the patient’s unique spinal curvature.

Rehab Technician Perry Kohorn Explains CRT to Rep. Moore

Congresswoman Moore was a gracious guest who left convinced of the difference between the standard durable medical equipment –  a common wheelchair – and the CRT equipment – products and services needing an interdisciplinary team of professional to fit, size and modify the equipment to a particular patient’s needs.

We wish the congresswoman the best as she takes this new knowledge to the halls of Congress and spreads the word among her colleagues: a bill that would provide a separate benefit category for CRT is worthy of their support!

Congresswoman Moore Learning the Value of a Tilt-in-Space

(For more information on the separate benefit category, visit ncart.us)

The brunch-type-foods cookbooks were developed by CEO Cindy Ciardo and divide recipes into two categories: egg-based dishes and baked french toast dishes.

The MRM provides a comprehensive approach to helping Milwaukee’s poor and homeless with programs that help heal the body, mind and soul. Founded in 1893 by a group of local Christian businessmen and community leaders, MRM offers support and education to the community through its various facilities.

Milwaukee’s Hunger Task Force operates from the belief that every person has a right to adequate food obtained with dignity. They have been a consistent voice for the hungry, promoting socially sound policies that could end hunger in our community. A group of parents worried about children going to school hungry founded the organization in 1974.

As you reach out to support others in the community, know that the Milwaukee Rescue Mission and Hunger Task Force appreciate your generosity.

With the challenges of today’s economy weighing on all our pocketbooks, why not give a practical and useful gift that won’t just sit on a shelf. Knueppel HealthCare Services has numerous items that any needy loved one would truly appreciate.

•  Personal care items and aids to daily living: Medical ID jewelry, Pill dispensers, Pedicure kits, Convalescent / Patient gowns, Reachers

• Ways to beat the cold: Moist heat pads, Thermal warmers and supports for all the joints, Cold air masks

Playing Card Holder

• For leisure activities: Book, pen and pencil holders and page turners, Magnifiers, Playing card holders, Lap trays, Easy-grip scissors, Pedal and pulley exercisers

• Mobility accessories: Wheelchair caddies, Beverage holders, Walker trays, pouches and baskets, Shopping carts, Cane holders and wrist straps, Ice pick attachments for canes and crutches

• For the kitchen and dining room: Jar grippers and bottle openers, No-slip matting and trays

Shower Chair

• For the bathroom: Grab bars for safe bathing, Hand-held shower systems, Shower chairs, Transfer benches, Bath comfort pillows

Charles Dudley Warner wrote: “The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than in its value.” KHS carries numerous items appropriate for your loved ones, any time of the year. But maybe, just maybe, the sight of that awkwardly wrapped shower chair under the tree this December will bring a smile to someone’s eyes.

Nearly 26 million children and adults have diabetes in the United States, including over 239,000 in Wisconsin.  An additional 79 million Americans are at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Here are some of the people who are at greater risk for developing Type 2 diabetes: people over the age of 45, who are overweight, who do not exercise regularly, who have low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides, high blood pressure, who have a family history of diabetes, who have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or impaired fasting glucose (IFG), or who belong to certain racial and ethnic groups (Non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and American Indians and Alaska Natives).

The ADA estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $174 billion.

Diabetes is a serious disease.  If it isn’t managed, it can damage many parts of the body, leading to heart attacks, strokes, amputation, blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage.  Diabetes-related skin conditions, left untreated, can become debilitating. But there is good news: diabetes complications can be prevented or delayed by properly managing blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and by using appropriate skin care products, like DiabEase.  Eating healthy, being physically active and quitting smoking also can help lower the risk of diabetes complications.

“Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take steps to Stop Diabetes,” stated an ADA spokesperson.

Fashionable and Comfortable Footwear

And KHS is doing our part by providing numerous preventative products crucial to ongoing foot care for the diabetic patient, including skin therapy creams, comfortable socks designed especially for diabetic feet and custom comfort footwear.

Specially-designed Socks for Healthy Feet

Unique components of the specialized footwear by Dr. Comfort and others include: socks with superior breathablilty; non-binding, seamless contours; anti-microbial odor control; and ball and heel padding to protect feet; and extra width and depth shoes with heat-molded or custom inserts.

DiabEase Skin Care Solutions

We encourage you to speak with your healthcare professional regarding caring for your diabetes or helping you prevent diabetes. KHS will work together with you to be part of the solution! See our November sale flyer!

There was a lot of pink around Knueppel HealthCare Services last week! By making donations to ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, KHS employees were able to dress in jeans and breast cancer awareness apparel. Scheduled to coincide with our semi-annual women’s health sale, all three locations –West Allis, Mequon and Racine– participated.

As a leader in providing women’s health and post-mastectomy products and an involved community member, KHS takes pride in supporting a local program that addresses the person behind the diagnosis.

ABCD is a unique program that uses one-to-one mentoring to give emotional support to those diagnosed with breast cancer, family members and friends. The volunteer mentors, all survivors themselves, serve participants as resources for the journey that is fighting and surviving breast cancer.

Cindy Ciardo, CEO of KHS, said “It’s part of our company vision to promote awareness and understanding of relevant healthcare issues. Many of our clients are survivors and we want them to know that we support them on their journey. Also, we are part of the community and we take that responsibility very seriously.”

KHS Fitters Get in the Spirit

ABCD was founded in 1999 by a group of women, led by local television news anchor Melodie Wilson, who realized that having breast cancer is about much more than biopsies, surgery and chemotherapy.Wilson, known for her tireless advocacy on behalf of breast cancer research, succumbed to breast cancer in 2009. For program participants, being able to talk to someone who has already “been there,” gone through similar challenges, is particularly helpful. For more information or to get involved, visit their website at: http://www.abcdbreastcancersupport.org/