About the Author: Kevin Cleary

Kevin Cleary


Kevin Cleary has been a Health Products For You contributor for many years and has a degree in marketing. His health and wellness journey has a very personal meaning and has guided him in his content writing for HPFY.

In 2006, he sustained an injury while jumping on a trampoline with his son, severely injuring his neck and has been living as a quadriplegic since. His injury forced him to learn facets of the medical product field that he would otherwise not have known.

After several years of therapy, he has used many medical devices such as wheelchairs, standing frames, neuromuscular stimulators, as well as other rehab/therapy items that have helped him live life to the fullest. This hands-on insight has helped him with research and content creation. Kevin enjoys sampling cuisines from different countries, listening to music, watching sports and enjoying a glass of single malt scotch!

In a candid conversation with Linda Guerrera, HPFY's Digital Content Manager, Kevin opens up about his life-altering experience and its profound impact on him. Join us as we delve into his remarkable journey, where resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit shine through. Click here to watch Kevin's Series, Paralyzed But Not Defeated.

Kevin Cleary's Articles

New to Ostomy? What You Need to Know

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Kevin Cleary

There is a saying that goes “the only certainty in life is death and taxes.” What’s left out of that statement is our body’s need to expel waste. Our body’s waste can be toxic to us. Certain diseases can affect our bowel or urinary tract system requiring surgery to remove some if not all of our intestines or bladder.

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Posted in Surgery Type

Ostomy Skincare

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Kevin Cleary

Once surgery has been performed and you’re ready to return to your daily life, it is important to care for your ostomy. Caring for your ostomy is not only medically necessary, but is important to maintaining your quality of life. Care for your ostomy includes emptying your pouch when necessary, replacing your pouch system as needed, and skin and stoma care.

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Posted in Ostomy Skin Care

Odor Control for Your Ostomy

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Kevin Cleary

Living with your ostomy (whether colostomy/ileostomy or urostomy) creates a unique set of challenges. Aside from the possible health issues, the issue of maintaining your quality of life can come to the forefront. Since you are no longer able to control your body’s waste and gas, the problem of odor control can be paramount.

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Posted in Ostomy Odor Eliminators

Caring for Your Ostomy

Posted on Jun 05, 2014 by Kevin Cleary

The ability to live a fulfilling life with your ostomy with all the products on the market is a matter of caring for your ostomy (colostomy/ileostomy/urostomy) appliance and skincare. Aside from using the proper pouch appliance, peristomal skincare is crucial. It’s always important to be proactive as opposed to reactive when it comes to caring for your ostomy.

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Posted in Ostomy Skin Care

Measuring Your Stoma

Posted on Jun 05, 2014 by Kevin Cleary

The key to living with your ostomy and maintaining your quality of life is making sure you use the correct equipment and accessories that fit you. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to ostomy appliances.

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Posted in Stoma Cutter

Choose Your Pouch: 1 Piece vs. 2 Piece

Posted on Jan 03, 2015 by Kevin Cleary

Once the reality of living with a colostomy or an ileostomy sets in, there will inevitably be a flood of questions. What does this mean? What will I need? How will I live with this? It can be an unsettling time since so much will be unknown.

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Posted in 2-Piece Ostomy Bags 1-Piece Ostomy Bags

How Exactly Does a Colostomy Differ from an Ileostomy?

Posted on Jan 20, 2015 by Kevin Cleary

Many people would think that any type of surgery to correct an issue with your intestines would be lumped into the same category, but that is completely untrue. While there can be many causes for the need for surgery, where this surgery takes place in the intestinal tract determines whether or not a colostomy is needed or an ileostomy.

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Posted in Surgery Type

Teenage Ostomy: Making It Less Awkward

Posted on Oct 29, 2015 by Kevin Cleary

Adjusting to life with an ostomy can be difficult and young adults, and teenagers in particular, can have self image issues. Knowing that you are not alone and that there are other teens and young adults that have already faced this challenge will help you cope and adapt to your ostomy.

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Posted in Pediatric/Mini Size