A Challenger Appears!

GoGirl for $7.99

Freshette $21.95

Whiz Freedom $24.95

Product: GoGirl, Freshette, Whiz Freedom
Cost: Varies from $7.95-$24.95
Available at: Amazon.com, Go-Girl.com

Features: Allows women to pee standing up, yes yes.

Freshette
Freshette Sport & Travel Freshette A Feminine Urinary Director For Camping, Traveling And Medical Needs. It Allows Women To Urinate In A Standing Position. Use When Restrooms Are Unavailable Or Unsanitary. Comes Complete With Director, Carrying Bag & 6" Retractable Tubing. Approved For Use By Medicare And The U.S. Military.

Whiz Freedom
A testimony from Amazon.com customer:
"We took a trip across several western states without a whole lot of rest stops. Being 7 months pregnant, I knew I wouldn't be able to hold it for hours between rest stops. So, we bought the Whiz Freedom. I was able to use it in the car. I placed a towel underneath in case there were any leaks, which it turned out there weren't. It worked wonderfully as expected. The angle at which the spout is formed, helped. I also used it at several rest stops that we did stop at so that I wouldn't have to sit or squat over the seat. It's good to rinse it off after use, if possible, but it will stay virtually dry if you can't. I placed it back into the plastic bag it came in for sanitary keeping.

Definitely a necessary item when pregnant and traveling (especially when stuck in an hour and a half of stop-and-stop construction traffic)."

Verdict:  Watch out GoGirl!

Eco Positive Periods from the Makers of Diva Cup!

Lunapads

Thong Lunapanties

Thong Lunapanties $24.99

 

Product: Thong Lunapanties and Lunapads
Cost: Underwear from $24.99+, 7 Day Kit of Lunapads ~$74-100
Available At: Lunapads.com

Lunapanties are all-in-one period panties.  Available in thong, bikini, hipster, and brief styles.  Sizes range from XS-3XL.  According to the manufacturer:
Lunapanties are an innovative hybrid of underwear and Lunapads that have a fleece gusset panel permanently sewn in, making them an all-in-one replacement for disposable Pads and Pantyliners.  Made from 95% Organic Cotton and 5% Lycra for a smooth, snug fit.
Lunapanties make great everyday underwear, and can also be used for light to average flow or as backup protection with The DivaCup. Brief, Bikini and Hipster styles include a Maxi or Long Liner Insert to adjust absorbency.

Lunapads are a collection of beautiful and effective cotton menstrual Pads and Liners, as well as practical, every day Pantyliners. Available in several styles and sizes to meet your needs, any day of the month!  These are washable and re-usable.

Verdict: ?  Use at your own discretion.  It won't hurt you, so go ahead.

When All Else Fails Again.

Product: Pistol-Grip Remote Toe-Nail Clipper
Price: $84.14
Available at: Allegro Medical Supply (yes, I'm loving this site-- very extensive), other versions available online at Amazon.com, etc.

Features:

• Extend your reach to your feet
• Clip toenails with ease
• Right or left hand use
• Long handle and pistol grip with trigger action 

This clipper is a valuable asset to pregnant women, overweight people, the elderly, people with back problems and anyone else with a limited range of motion.  The long handle and pistol grip make clipping toenails possible with less bending. The trigger action provides increased leverage.
Overall length is 18¨ (46 cm).

Verdict:  Safety looks like an issue here.  How can you tell if you have the toe nail lined up properly to cut?  Best let someone else clip your nails if possible.  Reviews also stated that tougher toe nails were very difficult to clip.

When All Else Fails.

Product: Smoking Apron
Price: $60.59
Available at: Allegro Medical Supply, you can find other versions elsewhere and at Amazon.com

Features:

Residents should not smoke without a fire-proof cover-up. Full-sized. Helps keep smoking materials from falling between patient and wheelchair. Ties at neck, arms and below seat. Not a restraint. Wipes clean. 36"W x 39"L.

Verdict:  Didn't know these existed, but it makes sense.  Please try to encourage everyone to quit smoking, but I guess if they don't stop just cover them up!  Safety first, yes please!

I Hate Long Lines at the Grocery Store (Especially Wal-Mart)!

Product: 3-in-1 Shopping Cart, Chair, and Removable Bag
Price: $46.78
Available at: Allegro Medical Supply, Amazon.com, others

Features from Allegro Medical Supply:

• Shopping cart, folding chair and removable bag all in one
• Lightweight design
• Sturdy frame supports 250 lbs
• Great for outdoor events

The 3-in-1 Shopping Cart's unique design incorporates a shopping cart, folding chair, and removable bag in an all-in-one solution. The lightweight cart weighs less than 10 lbs, but isn't light on function and capabilities. The sturdy frame will support up-to 250 lbs and folds down for easy transport or storage. The seat is a comfy 12" wide and 14 1/2" deep. The large 8" wheels help navigate all types of terrain.
The 3-in-1 Shopping Cart is the perfect solution for a day at the store or a walk through the park. The seat, back, and storage area are made of an easy to clean nylon material that repels water. It even includes a zippered storage area and is easy to remove and convert to a backpack! Ample storage room is available in the bag that measures 14" x 17" x 20".

Verdict:  This would be great for customers at Wal-Mart who have to wait 2 hours to get a prescription filled-- this way, there wouldn't be so much competition for the benches or the blood pressure station seat.  Also, those who have ambulation limitations would have the comfort of knowing they had a chair if they needed to sit down.  If I was building this, I would include "brakes" for the wheels and a safety to device to lock the wheels in place.

Self Wipe Toilet Aid

Product: Self Wipe Toilet Aid
Price: $30ish (Amazon.com)-$53.80 (Allegro Medical Supply)
Available at: Allegro Medical Supply online, Amazon.com

Features include:

• Superior, smooth, rounded design provides more comfort
• Allows for accurate placement and pressure
• Made of sturdy plastic
• Great for Travel

The Self Wipe Toilet Aid is a comfortable and easy to use hygiene aid which helps people who have difficulty bending or limited use of their hands and arms to function independently when using the toilet. Perfect for the wheelchair user.

Verdict:  We take for granted the normal activities we perform on a daily basis-- including bathroom habits.  Working in a hospital, I see many people who have these impairments and this might be a handy tool for someone who was having trouble with bathroom practices.  This would allow that person to have more privacy in the bathroom, especially if someone else was having to complete the task.

Styish Compression Arm Sleeves from LYMPHE DIVAS!

Sleeve and Gauntlet Set ~$110

Marakesh Sleeve and Gauntlet Set $145

Bloomin' Betty Light Sleeve and Gauntlet Set $145

Product: Compression Arm Sleeves for Lymphedema by Lymphe Divas :)
Cost:  around $100-$150+ depending on the look you want.  Natural color sets are less expensive, whereas the patterned looks are more costly.
Available at: LympheDIVAS.com

What is this all about?  The information on the website is extensive and has a nice FAQ section regarding lymphedema:

WHAT IS THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND LYMPHEDEMA?

The lymphatic system is structured like a web, occasionally draining into small lumps or nodes
that filter the lymphatic fluid. The system works through the pumping power of the body’s muscles. The muscles contract, increasing pressure within the lymph vessels, which causes the fluid to move. A series of one-way valves ensure that the fluid moves in the right direction. Lymphedema, the build up of protein rich fluid in the subcutaneous interstitial compartment occurs when either lymph fluid is impeded from flowing through the lymph vessels and lymphatic system or there is an excess of fluid that exceeds the carrying capacity of the lymph system. It collects in the subcutaneous and deep tissues causing swelling of the affected area and predisposes to chronic inflammation.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN LYMPHEDEMA OCCURS IN PEOPLE AFTER BREAST CANCER TREATMENT?

When a sentinel node is removed, a number of nodes are removed, or if the nodes receive radiation therapy, the body is at risk for lymphedema. The loss of lymph nodes and vessels can result in lymphedema in the arm or other parts of the body. The amount of fluid collection is variable and at this time, unpredictable because of the variability of the insults and the lymphatic system itself.

Features:  the arm sleeves and gauntlet are measured in Sm-Lg and by compression needed (Class I or Class II).  Includes infused aloe vera to help moisturize the skin, and is made from seamless knit construction.  The best thing about this brand is the selection of colors and patterns.  The LympheDIVAS brand believes that the vast array of colors and patterns will help patient compliance to wear the arm sleeves.

Verdict:  Love the colors and patterns.  I would definitely purchase one to wear if I was at risk for lymphedema or a breast cancer survivor.

USB Preggo Test

Product: PTeq USB Pregnancy Test
Cost: $17.99, Includes 20 Test Strips
Available at: ThinkGeek.com

Thanks to Dr. Terrell, ULM COP faculty, for featuring this in one of her lectures this semester.  It was too cool not to put on my blog.  Claims made my website: USB Pregnancy Test Kit can detect 5-50 mIU/mL (hCG), and will show you the exact concentration via its friendly onscreen interface. In addition, the LCD display on the device itself will light up and show you the symbol of a baby, no baby, or multiples and your Estimated Delivery Date based on the concentration of hCG, hCG-H, and LH in your urine. So you can clear your calendar in advance.

Of course, don't pee on your computer, and be sure to cover the test strip before plugging in the USB.  The website says it is best to have a horizontal USB slot to prevent moisture exposure to your computer.

Verdict:  I love the graphs and that it actually gives you a level of hCG.  However, as cool as it might seem, it isn't real :(  So sad.  It was actually a 2007 April Fool's Day joke made by ThinkGeek.Com.  Check out this link that explains it.  Might be fun to have as a gag gift, but if you want a baby, use your standard pregnancy test at your local pharmacy.

Put Some Spring in Your Step!

Freedom Style $239.99

Bella Style $239.99

 

Z-West Boot Style $199.95

Product: Z-Coil Shoes
Cost: Varies from style, generally $99-$320.  You can find styles around $100 as closeout prices.
Available at: Z-Coil Online and at Z-Coil Stores.  Click to find your local store!

So how do these shoes work?  According to the website, the coil in the heel of the shoe helps protect your body from the damaging effects of impact, much like shock absorbers in cars.  It slows the rate of impact experienced by the body and the tension stored in the coil helps propel the user forward.  It also features an orthotic foundation that supports the entire mid-foot.
The online store features many styles from boots to sandals.

Verdict:  I know a pharmacist I work with who swears by these shoes.  Of course, I'm always skeptical about everything, especially awkward looking shoes with a big coil.  If you have the extra cash, go ahead and try them and let me know what you think.  It might be worth it if you catch a pair on sale and if you don't mind the look.  Also, be sure to check out a local store where you can actually try them on and walk around in them before purchasing.  If you have extensive foot problems or issues, always consult your podiatrist before wearing novel gadgets.

iPhone Wheelchair Control

Product: Dynamic Control's iPortal Electronic Wheelchair Interface
Cost: $100
Available at Dynamic Controls Website, iTunes.

Features according to manufacturer:
iPortal Dashboard displays wheelchair information in a great looking and easily visible way. It connects via Bluetooth to a Dynamic Controls iPortal module mounted on a powered wheelchair to display drive, battery, seating and other status information. iPortal Dashboard features iPhone application that connects to the wheelchair system via Bluetooth. Wheelchair information displayed in real time as well as compass heading (with iPhone 3GS).

Other features: Using the wheelchair's joystick, users can now make and receive phone calls, surf the net, play music, and use speech applications on their iPod touch or iPhone.

Verdict: pretty neat.

Preggo Music

Product: RITMO Prenatal Musical System
Cost: $100 + MP3s
Available at ThinkGeek.com.

Manufacturer's Claims:

Easy Care: Washable, quality fabric - The specially woven Spandex material continues to look great after multiple cleaning cycles.
Convenient: Hands-free experience - Convenient side pockets hold the Ritmo Audio Controller and your personal MP3 player, enabling you to enjoy a completely hands-free sound experience.
Advanced: Acoustic technology - Specially engineered resonance cells minimize sound leakage to deliver high quality sound to the youngest listeners.
Safe: Controlled sound for baby - Plug your MP3 into Ritmo’s Micro Audio Controller and set the level of surround sound you enjoy; Ritmo takes care of the baby’s safe listening, continuously adjusting the volume to optimal fetal levels.

Verdict: for hipsters ONRY.  Child might never be the same after listening to your odd music choices.

No-Touch Thermometer

Product: Kidz-Med 5-in-1 Non-Contact Thermometer
Cost: $40
Available at CVS, Amazon.com, various online retailers, and Kidz-Med.

The 5-in-1 added feature not only takes the core body temperature from the forehead, but reads the temperature of baby’s nursery, bath water, formula or food.  Claims to only take one second to read temperature and features a LED back-lit screen.

The screen will be green when the measured temperature is between 97.3°F & 99.1°F.
The screen will be orange when the measured temperature is between 99.3°F & 100.2°F.
The screen will be red when the measured temperature is greater than 100.4°F.

•  Must be within 2-3 inches of the forehead (free of hair & sweat) in order to measure the temperature.
• Stores 32 readings.

Verdict: Worth a shot at buying.  5-star rating on Amazon.com

Kid Friendly Shot Glasses

Product: KidKUPZ
Cost: ~$5 for 6 cups
Available at Walgreens, online at KidzKupz.
Flavors include sour cherry, blue raspberry, watermelon, and green apple.

Marketed to take the "ick" out of sick.  Also is an FDA-approved cup for measuring liquid medication.  Claims to have only 2 grams of sugar per cup.

Verdict: save the money and force your child to swallow the bubblegum Amoxil, or have your pharmacist make another flavored version.