Women's Health

Product Categories:
Women's Health	Home Medical Equipment
Compression Therapy	Bariatric Equipment
Lymphedema Management	Independent Living Aids
Orthopedic Products	Personal Care Products
Rehab Products	Foot Care Products

Women's Health Links Post Breast Surgery  SkinCare  HairLoss  Maternity Breastfeeding Compression Hosiery  Lymphedema & Venous Disorders Incontinence Management  Plastic Surgery Garments

Post Breast Surgery Products

Women are discovering that there are many ways to restore their appearance and renew their self-confidence following breast surgery. The decision to choose a breast form is a very personal one--a choice made by about 80% of the women who have undergone breast surgery. Working in a warm, caring environment with certified consultants who are compassionate and sensitive to your special needs makes the fitting process a positive experience. We know the road to recovery holds many challenges, and we want to make this time easier for you by helping you look and feel better and maintain a positive outlook.

Breast Forms Post-surgical Camisoles Specialty Bras Swimsuits Special Accessories Custom Alterations Links

Breast Forms

• Traditional silicone breast forms are available in many styles and are designed to be worn in a specially fitted, pocketed bra.
• Lightweight breast forms are used when there are extenuating circumstances like lymphedema, shoulder pain or other physical problems.
• Attachable and self-adhering breast forms are designed to be worn directly against the body. Because they redistribute the weight from the shoulder to the chest wall, these forms are ideal for women experiencing lymphedema or shoulder discomfort. In addition, they offer the added benefits of fashion freedom to wear designer bras, swimsuits and lingerie, and a complete sense of security when engaging in activities like tennis, golfing, jogging and swimming.
• Custom breast forms are a non-surgical alternative to reconstructive surgery. In addition to full breast forms, custom nipples and partial forms are available to augment reconstructed and partial surgery (lumpectomy) sites. After casting the chest wall, the forms are made to adapt to the contours of the surgical site for a completely customized fit and natural appearance. They are individually designed to closely match the existing breast, areola and nipple in size, shape, slope, and color.
• Partial silicone breast forms, or symmetry enhancers, are used for restoring symmetry that is lost following partial surgeries (lumpectomy) and breast reconstruction. They are also used to augment congenital asymmetry. Symmetry enhancers even out and restore shape, and soften and contour implants.
• Non-weighted breast forms are usually made of foam or fiberfill and are generally used immediately following surgery, but can also be used for leisure, swimming and sleeping.

Post-surgical Camisoles

Designed for comfort and function and offer light support. They are made of comfortable cotton Lycra, and incorporate lightweight breast forms to provide a natural shape without the weight of a silicone prosthesis and the restraint of a bra. Some also have repositional drainage pouches, making them ideal for wearing following surgery, and afterwards for leisure or sleeping.

Specialty Bras

	Styles include:
	Bandeau bras with and without fiberfill lining Underwire bras Molded seamless cups Seamless Leisure and sleep bras Front closure bras Sports bras Plus-size bras Long-line and ¾ length bras

Swimsuits

Swimsuits for women who have had breast surgery are designed with bra pockets to hold the breast form securely in place, and are available in a spectacular array of prints, florals and solids. They also feature slightly higher armholes and necklines for a bit more coverage where you need it most. Styles range from sporty tanks with high or moderate cut legs, to versatile tankinis, to swimdresses and suits that feature figure-control panels for extra firming and smoothing. Sizes range from 6 to 26W. Many suits have coordinating cover-ups to complete the ensemble.

Special Accessories and Custom Alterations

Links

Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization
After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD)
National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO)
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Cancer Care
CancerBackup
Imaginis - The Breast Health Resource

Skin Care Products

Keeping your skin healthy and glowing is a real challenge when you consider all the factors influencing its condition on a daily basis: age, environment, general health and medications. Radiation treatments are especially damaging to the skin. To keep your skin in good condition it needs special attention. We carry a line of soothing body care products that are exceptionally gentle and contain no alcohol, color or fragrance.

• Specialty lotion and cream formulated for sensitive skin, radiation dermatitis and lymphedema, which encourages the skin's natural healing process while nourishing, softening and revitalizing the skin.
• UV Protection Lotion formulated for the oncology patient who is more sun-sensitive, protecting the skin from UVA, UVB and the "penetrating" infrared rays of the sun.
• Natural non-metallic deodorant for sensitive skin, which contains Oil of Cypress and Lichen Extract to gently protect against odor and wetness.
• Moisturizing shampoo with a gentle cleansing formula for fragile hair and sensitive scalp often associated with the effects of radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
• CaraMina® Skin Care products, high performance holistic products that provide a virtual cocktail of healing and soothing botanicals, nourishing and restorative vitamins and protective anti-oxidants.  The result is smoother, clearer, softer, healthier beautiful skin. There are many benefits to using a skin care system including:
  • Improvement in skin's ability to defend itself
  • Reduction in signs of on-going sensitivity
  • Smoother clearer skin tone and texture
  • Diminished fine lines and acne scar

Links

American Academy of Dermatology
Look good...Feel Better

Hair Loss Solutions

Hair loss can be devastating, especially the sudden loss of hair following chemotherapy. It can create a drastic change in self-esteem and personal image. When hair loss occurs, for whatever reason, it is important for women to have fashionable and comfortable alternatives that will allow them to look and feel good not only in public, but at home as well. If you choose not to purchase a wig, or simply don't like wearing one all the time, we have some beautiful and comfortable options for you.

Scarves, turbans and hats in textured fabrics and gorgeous prints and solids in both casual and formal styles. They make a fashion statement by themselves or can be accessorized with coordinating ropes, braids and bands for extra flair. Bangs and hair loops in a wide array of natural colors provide the illusion of a full head of hair when worn with a hat, scarf or turban. Hat liners, padded cotton liners that add volume under hats, scarves and turbans, give a little lift if your scarf lies too flatly against your head. Sleep caps are soft, warm and comfortable and help keep your head warm at night by preventing body heat from escaping.

Links

American Hair Loss Council

Maternity Supports and Products

Pregnancy can be a wonderful experience. Some lucky women sail through pregnancy without a twinge. Others suffer one discomfort after another. And as you enter the later stages of your pregnancy, you might begin to experience some aches, pains and swelling. Most of the time, these discomforts are expected physical responses to hormonal fluctuations or to the increasing weight and nutritional demands of the baby. However, you should always inform your doctor about any changes or discomforts you experience during any stage of your pregnancy, just to be safe. Taking care of yourself during pregnancy is an important job for the expectant mom. A balanced diet, proper exercise and plenty of rest are healthy rules to follow to keep you feeling good during pregnancy. But sometimes, even this TLC doesn't keep you from becoming tired and achy.

Here Are Some Helpful Solutions For The Expectant Mom:

• Postpartum support garments to help regain pre-pregnancy figure and to relieve menstrual cramps and chronic back aches. Maternity compression hosiery helps relieve tired, aching legs, swelling and varicose veins, as well as restoring the lost energy associated with venous problems. Pregnancy increases the possibility that you will develop varicose veins and experience swelling in the feet and ankles. Hormone changes may cause vein walls to relax slightly and stretch out. Greater blood flow to and from the womb, along with the size and weight of your expanding tummy, puts pressure on the veins of your legs. If you are experiencing any of the following warning signs, consult your physician: tired, heavy feeling legs; leg pain from prolonged sitting or standing; swollen ankles at the end of the day; varicose or spider veins; tingling, burning, numbness or cramping in the legs and feet; a family history of vein problems.
• Maternity slings and back supports to relieve back pain
  and pressure.
• Nursing and plus-size bras that are fashionable and supportive.
• Support garments for vulvar varicosities and perineal edema.
• Body pillows to relieve pressure on the back, tummy and legs while sleeping and relaxing.
• Cervical and lumbar pillows to support the neck and back, correct alignment, and promote comfort.
• Aromatherapy therapeutic pillows and bolsters reduce tension, aid relaxation and decrease discomfort.
• Hot and cold packs and heating pads to comfort, sooth and relieve aches, pains and muscle soreness.
• Specialty skin care products to soften and sooth stressed skin and relieve irritated skin from conditions such as chafing and itching.
• Vaginal weights and the Super Kegel Exerciser to help tone and firm pelvic muscles

Extras

• Gift Certificates
• Nursery Vaporizers
• Baby Weigh Scales

Links

Breastfeeding Products

Breastfeeding your baby is one of the most important decisions you can make. Not only is breastfeeding best for your baby’s health, it can also benefit you in ways you may never have realized. Breastfeeding is the most natural and nutritious way to encourage your baby's development. Mothers' milk is a unique combination of fats, sugars, minerals, proteins, vitamins and enzymes custom-made to promote brain and body growth. However, there may be times when breastfeeding, even under the best of circumstances, can present challenges, as both mother and baby are learning what to do. Yet, it is well worth the effort it takes to overcome hurdles you encounter. Your baby receives important nutritional, immunological, and developmental benefits, and both of you get to enjoy the special closeness of a nursing mother and baby.

We want to help make the breastfeeding experience a rewarding one. We understand the challenges you face when:

• Returning to work and continuing to breast feed.
• Meeting the unique needs of infants who are premature, sick, or have cleft palates and/or other physical problems requiring special assistance.
• Dealing with complications such as sore or inverted nipples and breast engorgement.

To ensure that your breastfeeding experience is a positive one, Knueppel's offers a wealth of information and specialty products to make breastfeeding as easy and comfortable as possible:

• Electric breast pumps for sale or rental
• Portable electric pumps especially designed for active mothers
• Battery operated and manual breast pumps
• Portable power packs , pump cases, bottles and coolers
• Milk collection and storage bags
• Nursing bras that are supportive and fashionable
• Nipple shields, gel sheeting and breast shells to relieve discomfort associated with breast engorgement and sore or inverted nipples
• Washable and disposable bra pads
• Breast binders to support and sooth engorged breasts and help suppress lactation
• Haberman™ Feeders for special or difficult feeding situations
• Supplemental Nursing System™ to assist adoptive and nursing mothers
• PurLan lanolin

Extras for your Baby...

• Gift Certificates
• Baby Scales
• Nursery Vaporizers and Humidifiers
• Digital Ear Thermometers
• Pacifier Digital Thermometers
• Pacifier Medicine Dispensers

Links

La Leche League
Breastfeeding
ProMoM
African-American Breastfeeding Alliance
The National Women's Health Information Center

Compression Hosiery

Medical compression hosiery exerts a graduated pressure against your leg to reduce venous distension, increase venous and lymphatic return, and prevent venous and lymphatic pooling and swelling. The pressure is greatest at the ankle and decreases gradually as it moves towards the heart, gently compressing the limb with gradient pressure thereby limiting the amount of swelling and maintaining the reduction achieved following other treatments. Medical compression hosiery helps control and prevent the progression of many chronic, recurrent disorders:

All stockings are individually measured and fitted. Both medical compression and fashion support hosiery come in a variety of styles and colors. And for women with special needs, hosiery is ordered that will be custom-made to their specific measurements.

Special Accessories to help With the Care and Application of Your Hosiery

Links

National Lymphedema Network
Vascular Disease Foundation
American College of Phlebology
American Venous Forum
Veins1.com
Venous Digest

Lymphedema Management, Post Operative Compression Garments

Lymphedema Management

Early intervention and proper treatment are essential in the control of lymphedema. Determining the appropriate treatment depends greatly on the nature and severity of the lymphedema, as well as patient tolerance and compliance. A combination of treatment modalities, based on the individual, is proving to be the most effective way to manage lymphedema.

The goals of Lymphedema treatment are simple:

• Stop the progression of lymphedema by increasing the circulation in the affected limb, thereby improving the limb's overall health and function, and preventing infections that further damage the remaining lymphatics.
• Reduce the size of the affected limb, which contributes significantly to the patient's level of comfort and self-confidence.
• Strengthen the natural capacity of the remaining lymphatic return system, and stimulate new development of more efficient pathways for lymph fluid movement.
• Reverse lymphatic fibrosis - the hard, tissue-like build-up that begins as soon as lymph fluid transport is slowed, which left untreated, may lead to increasing disfigurement and impairment.

Lymphedema Products for Treatment and Management

• CircAid® Arm and Leg Systems:
  A non-elastic, adjustable binder alternative to bandaging.
• Compression Bandages and Supplies:
  Cotton stockinet, elastic gauze bandages, high density foam rubber pads and moldings, padding bandages, and short-stretch compression bandages.
• Compression Hosiery and Arm Sleeves:
  Compression Hosiery and Arm Sleeves help promote venous and lymphatic return by gently compressing the limb with gradient pressure thereby limiting the amount of swelling and maintaining the reduction in swelling achieved following other treatments.
• Compression Pumps:
  Compression pumps are designed to promote venous and lymphatic circulation, and remove edema from the extremity by progressively moving fluid in a distal to proximal direction. Sequential multi-chambered pneumatic pumps, gradient sequential multi-chambered programmable pumps and custom and prefabricated pneumatic appliances are available.
• Directional Flow Compression Systems:
  A sleeve-like unit filled with hundreds of foam polyurethane chips to cover edematous or indurated tissue. These devices are designed so that the soft outer fabric is stitched in elongated channels which simulate the recommended pattern for manual lymph treatment. Thus, when external pressure is applied to reduce the effects of swelling, these devices not only cushion the area, they facilitate the entire remedial process, also helping to prevent or relieve fibrosis. This system should be used under short-stretch bandages, with a pneumatic compression pump or under an outer compression binder. Used alone, they offer a patient friendly solution to the bandaging aspect of lymphedema treatment and management. They offer comfort and protection with breathable fabrics and highly resilient foam, relieving the client from the complexity, unreliability and expense of standard bandaging.
• Lymphedema Bras:
  Fashionable comfort and gentle compression for swelling due to chest and breast lymphedema.
• NightSleeve™:
  Made of one-way stretch, multi-layered material that applies pressure throughout the sleeve, thereby gently and comfortably evacuating fluids and preventing their return. This is a simple and effective alternative to cumbersome bandages.
• MedAssist:
  A non-elastic, adjustable limb containment system that combines a custom-fabricated elastomeric liner with an adjustable strapping system to maintain limb reductions.
• ReidSleeve®:
  A device utilizing special convoluted foam with areas of high and low pressure to provide a gentle, gradient pressure to increase lymphatic outflow. Pressure is applied by a series of straps and is regulated with the use of a special gauge.

Post-Operative Compression Garments

Compression garments are used for edema management and post surgical applications. These garments provide comfort while healing and apply uniform compression to maximize the results of the cosmetic procedure. They also effectively control post-operative edema, provide support, hold dressings in place and support weakened/stretched muscles.

• Abdominal binders support weakened and stretched abdominal muscles following surgery or childbirth.
• Facial supports provide even pressure following facial surgery to aid in controlling swelling.
• Surgical vests help reduce complications following breast surgeries. The breathable fabric provides effective compression for managing post-operative edema, supports breast and chest tissue after surgery, helps to reduce tension on the surgical site, and holds surgical implants in place.
• Plastic surgery girdles provide support after abdominal, buttock, flank or thigh surgery, and deliver uniform compression following liposuction to reduce swelling during the healing process.

Links

National Lymphedema Network
Vascular Disease Foundation
Circle of Hope Lymphedema Foundation
The Lymphatic Research Foundation
Lymph Notes

Incontinence Management

Urinary incontinence affects 13 million Americans, 85% of them women. Most bladder control problems happen when muscles are weak or too active. Problems may also happen when nerve signals don't work properly.

If the muscles that keep your bladder closed are weak, you may have accidents when you sneeze, laugh, or lift a heavy object. This is called stress incontinence. It is the most common type of bladder control problem. Stress incontinence often occurs when women are pregnant or after childbirth. The pelvic floor muscles stretch and weaken in pregnancy or childbirth. The same muscles become weak after a woman stops having periods (menopause) because they no longer get female hormones.

Sometimes, the bladder muscles become too active. Then you have a different kind of problem. You may feel strong, sudden urges to go to the bathroom, even if your bladder has little urine. This kind of bladder problem is called urge incontinence. Several things can cause your bladder to be too active: a bladder infection, nerve damage (sometimes from childbirth), drinking alcohol (beer, wine, etc.), and some medicines.

Loss of bladder control can be embarrassing and result in diminished self-esteem and even isolation. It's important to know that there are many products available today that are designed to manage the problems associated with incontinence, helping women regain control and resume an active lifestyle.

Continence Care Products

• Fashionable undergarments in nylon, lace and cotton with built-in liners or disposable pads
• Specially designed absorbent liners in both disposable and reusable styles
• Disposable and reusable adult diapers and waterproof pants
• Waterproof protection for beds, chairs and furniture which is available in the form of disposable underpads or reusable pads in attractive prints or solid color fabrics
• Pelvic muscle toning devices such as vaginal weights and Kegel exercisers
• Pessary, a special device designed to hold up the bladder and prevent leakage
• Specialty skin care products formulated to moisturize, protect, cleanse and deodorize
• Neuromuscular stimulators
• Biofeedback devices

Links

National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases
American Urological Association

Post-Operative Plastic Surgery Compression Garments

Compression garments apply uniform compression to effectively control post-operative edema, provide support, hold dressings in place and support weakened/stretched muscles.

• Freeman® Abdominoplasty Support is helpful following surgery or childbirth.
• Facioplasty supports are used following facial surgery and face-lifts.
• Fredericks® Mammary Support is recommended after reduction or augmentation mammoplasty, helping to hold implants firmly in place.
• Plastic surgery girdles are worn following liposuction, or after abdominal, thigh or buttock surgery.

Links

American Society of Plastic Surgeons