Live More!
This section contains tips on how to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Check back often as NAFC’s health educator will post helpful hints and advice for active aging each month!
April 2011
Fecal Incontinence
March was National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month & April is National IBS Awareness Month. With that being said, it is important to point out there our new treatment options available for fecal incontinence. For more information about the cause, treatment & management of fecal incontinence by ordering the NEW fecal incontinence pamphlet here: http://www.nafc.org/online-store/consumer-leaflets-and-pamphlets/general-audience/fecal-incontinence-3/
Did you know?
More than 6.5 million Americans have Fecal Incontinence.
2.2% of women who have delivered more than one child experience fecal incontinence due to the stress of labor on the sphincter muscles.
March 2012
Bladder Retraining
Are you rushing to the toilet all day? If so, consider retraining your bladder. Medication therapy for overactive bladder may be more effective if done in combination with bladder retraining. If you are currently taking medication for OAB, try our bladder retraining program to help see further results. You can find NAFC's bladder retraining program here.
February 2012
Is Exercise Beneficial to Aging?
Check out this month's Quality Care newsletter for more reasons on why exercise is important part of life. It will also help you keep on track with those New Year's Resolutions to lose weight. Visit the Article Here.
January 2012
New Year's Resolutions
Happy New Year! With the new year brings new year's resolutions. Do you have a new year's resolution? Is it to lose weight? If so - here are some additional reasons to lose weight to help your incontinence of overactive bladder:http://www.nafc.org/library/articles/the-effects-of-obesity-and-weight-loss-on-urinary-incontinence/
December 2011
Tools for Patients Complete with Voiding Diary
I hope everyone has a joyous holiday season. Be sure to visit our new web section containg helpful tools for patients. The new web section allows consumers to access the Bladder Retraining pamphlet and voiding diary straight from their computer. To access please visit: http://www.nafc.org/tools-for-patients/
November 2011
National Caregivers Month
Day in and day out, more than 65 million family caregivers in this country fulfill a vital role on the care team. For more information about National Caregivers Month, please visit: http://www.nfcacares.org/national_family_caregiver_month/
Also, this month is Bladder Health Awareness Week from November 14th-18th. For more information on the activities taking place during Bladder Health Week, please visit: http://www.bladderhealthawareness.org/ .
October 2011
Bladder Health Awareness Week
Bladder Health Awareness Week is November 14th-18th. Don't forget to sign up to participate in the great events we have scheduled like webinars, blogs, must read articles, and even a live Twitter chat with NYC Urogynecologist Dr. Lauri Romanzi. For more information and to get involved - please be sure to visit: http://www.bladderhealthawareness.org/ .
September 2011
Fall Prevention Awareness Week
Fall Prevention Awareness Week is September 19-25. One-third of people over the age of 65 fall every year, and 50 percent of those are 80 and older. Risk factors for falls include: muscle weakness, history of falls, gait and balance problems, need to use a walker or cane, visual impairment, arthritis, difficulties doing activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, transferring, and toileting), depression, cognitive impairment or memory problems, and age greater than 80. Falls are important to us here at NAFC because falls can happen as someone rushes the bathroom with the urge to urinate or as someone walks to the bathroom in the dark multiple times during the night. Below are some tips to help prevent falls due to nocturia:
- When getting out of bed, sit on the edge of the bed for few minutes before standing.
- Keep the path to bathroom clear of clutter.
- Wear slippers with non-skid soles.
- Remove loose rugs.
- If using a walker or a cane, keep it beside the bed.
- Take time to turn on lights.
- Frail and elderly with multiple risk factors may benefit from a bedside commode.
- Vitamin D is important in decreasing the risk of injury with a fall.
August 2011
Beat the Heat this August!
Even though summer is winding down, it is still hot and humid outside. As you continue to enjoy the great outdoors (or the great indoors), follow these tips to avoid heat related illness:
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated (see July 2010 entry below).
- Stay indoors and, if possible, stay in an air-conditioned room. If your home does not have air conditioning, visit a shopping mall or public library. You can also contact your local health department to find out if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
- Electric fans may offer some comfort. However, when the temperature reaches the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or spending time in an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
- Wear clothing that is lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting.
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, including pets.
These tips are brought to you by the Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging.
July 2011
Bladder Health Awareness Campaign
NAFC has launched a new campaign website, Facebook page, Twitter account (@BladderHealth), and YouTube channel to promote bladder health education, advocacy, and awareness. These new multi-media tools are dedicated to people with bladder health issues and their caregivers who are looking to connect with healthcare professionals, and to each other. Informative blogs and articles written by leading bladder health experts will be featured and updated regularly on http://www.bladderhealthawareness.org/. Also, "Like" us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BladderHealth !
June 2011
Fill Out a UroLog
NAFC's UroLog is a bladder diary that can help you and your healthcare provider track patterns in your urinary habits. Filling out the bladder diary for 2 to 4 days before your appointment with your doctor can be very helpful in getting diagnosed. You can find the UroLog in our Online Store.
May 2011
National Senior Health and Fitness Day
National Senior Health and Fitness Day is May 31! With the weather warming up, May is the perfect month to get some exercise. Go for a walk around the block with friends or spend some time in your garden to get moving. Contact your local senior center to see if they offer any exercises classes--that's a great away to socialize and get fit!
April 2011
Advances in Treatment Options for Fecal Incontinence!
April 2011 was a great month for advances in fecal incontinence treatment. On April 1, 2011, Medtronic, Inc. announced that the FDA has issued approval for Interstim therapy to treat fecal incontinence. Read more about the approval on the FDA website here. Also in April, the FDA issued an Approvable Letter for Solesta®. Solesta is an injectable bulking agent to treat fecal incontinence. This approvable letter means that the FDA has determined that the Solesta Premarket Approval Application (PMA) is approvable subject to certain requirements relative to labeling and manufacturing. NAFC will keep you updated on further advances in the treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence.
March 2011
Bladder Retraining
Are you rushing to the toilet all day? If so, consider retraining your bladder. Medication therapy for overactive bladder may be more effective if done in combination with bladder retraining. If you are currently taking medication for OAB, try our bladder retraining program to help see further results. You can find NAFC's bladder retraining program here.
February 2011
Bladder Control Can Affect Your Loved Ones, Too
Nocturia, waking more than once during the night to urinate, can contribute to sleep deprivation not only in the person experiencing the problem, but also in the loved one who is awakened multiple times during the night when their partner gets up to use the bathroom.With Valentine's Day in the month of February, take time this month to consider how your bladder or bowel control problem affects your loved ones, whether it is your spouse, family caregivers, or other relatives. Now is the time to seek treatment to prevent your bladder control problem from negatively affecting your loved ones. Learn more about treatments for incontinence here.
January 2011
New Year's Resolutions
People often make resolutions at the beginning of each year. This year, focus your new year's resolution on bladder health. Whether you need to work up the courage to discuss your bladder problem with your doctor or you resolve to do pelvic muscle exercises every day, make 2011 the year you address any bladder issue that you may have.
December 2010
Common Bladder Irritants
Be sure to enjoy all the holiday food this holiday season, but keep in mind that what you eat and drink can affect your bladder. Some of the more common bladder irritants include:
Alcoholic beverages
Beer
Carbonated beverages
Wine
Soft drinks with caffeine
Tea
Milk/milk products Sugar
Coffee (even decaffeinated)
Honey
Medicines with caffeine
Chocolate
Tomato-based products
Tomatoes
Citrus juice & fruits
Corn Syrup
Highly spiced foods
Artificial sweetener
You can learn more about common bladder irritants in the Diet and Daily habits section of our website.
November 2010
Bladder Health Week
Bladder Health Week is being held this year during November 8-14. This year, take Bladder Health Week as a reminder to see your doctor about any urinary symptoms that you may be experiencing. When your incontinence is diagnosed and treated, often bladder and bowel control is greatly improved or completely restored. You should seek treatment to enjoy the happiest, healthiest, and most satisfying life possible. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to address your bladder control problems and start living more this Bladder Health Week!
October 2010
Types of Incontinence
There are several types of incontinence, and treatment options can differ depending on which type of bladder control problems you have. To get some guidance on which type of incontinence you might have, take NAFC's Diagnostic Quiz. This quiz may help give you an idea of what type of problem you may have based on gender and symptoms. Once you determine the type of incontinence you have, visit our Types of Incontinence page to learn more about the treatment options for incontinence.
This month we are having a webinar presented on the topic of "Types of Incontinence, Voiding Dysfunction, and the Impact of the Aging Process." The webinar will be held on Tuesday 10/19 at 8 pm ET. To register for this webinar click here.
September 2010
Fall Prevention Awareness Week
Fall Prevention Awareness Week is September 19-25. One-third of people over the age of 65 fall every year, and 50 percent of those are 80 and older. Risk factors for falls include: muscle weakness, history of falls, gait and balance problems, need to use a walker or cane, visual impairment, arthritis, difficulties doing activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, transferring, and toileting), depression, cognitive impairment or memory problems, and age greater than 80. Falls are important to us here at NAFC because falls can happen as someone rushes the bathroom with the urge to urinate or as someone walks to the bathroom in the dark multiple times during the night. Below are some tips to help prevent falls due to nocturia:
- When getting out of bed, sit on the edge of the bed for few minutes before standing.
- Keep the path to bathroom clear of clutter.
- Wear slippers with non-skid soles.
- Remove loose rugs.
- If using a walker or a cane, keep it beside the bed.
- Take time to turn on lights.
- Frail and elderly with multiple risk factors may benefit from a bedside commode.
- Vitamin D is important in decreasing the risk of injury with a fall.
August 2010
Beat the Heat!
Even though summer is winding down, it is still hot and humid outside. As you continue to enjoy the great outdoors (or the great indoors), follow these tips to avoid heat related illness:
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated (see July 2010 entry below).
- Stay indoors and, if possible, stay in an air-conditioned room. If your home does not have air conditioning, visit a shopping mall or public library. You can also contact your local health department to find out if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
- Electric fans may offer some comfort. However, when the temperature reaches the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or spending time in an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
- Wear clothing that is lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting.
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, including pets.
These tips are brought to you by the Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging.
July 2010
Drink Plenty of Water to Stay Hydrated
People often seek relief from the summer heat in water—water at the beach or in the pool or just by drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Not only is water important for hydration, it is also the best beverage for your bladder. There are many benefits for your bladder in drinking enough water. You can prevent your urine from having an unpleasant odor, which can be a concern for those who wear absorbent products. Drinking plenty of water dilutes your urine. Concentrated urine can irritate the lining of the bladder, making urgency and frequency problems even worse, and it can encourage the growth of bacteria. Drink water to avoid these problems.
Remember to drink 6-8 glasses of water each day to stay hydrated and to help your bladder. A rule of thumb is 30 milliliters of water for every kilogram of body weight.
June 2010
Eliminate Smoking for Bladder Health
Cigarette smoking is irritating to the bladder surface. Smoking is also associated with bladder cancer. Coughing associated with smoking may lead to stress incontinence during coughing spasms. You should stop smoking today for these and many other reasons.
May 2010
When Should You Seek Treatment?
You should seek treatment for incontinence when you are not able to control your bladder or bowel as you once did. Loss of bladder or bowel control could be the first symptom of something more serious; usually it is not. Many people change their lifestyle when their bladder or bowel habits begin to control their lifestyle. They may stop visiting friends, going to church, doing aerobics, having sexual intercourse, or traveling to see their children. You should seek treatment whenever changes in your bowel or bladder habits keep you from going and doing what you want to do.
April 2010
Ten Warning Signs of Bladder Control Problems:
- Leakage of urine which impacts your activities
- Leakage of urine causing embarrassment
- Leakage of urine after an operation, such as a hysterectomy, Caesarean section, or prostate surgery
- An urgent need to rush to the bathroom and/or loss of urine if you do not arrive in time
- Frequent bladder infections
- Urinating more frequently than usual without a bladder infection
- Pain related to filling the bladder and/or during urination in the absence of a bladder infection
- Inability to urinate, also known as urinary retention
- Progressive weakness of the urinary stream with or without a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Changes in urination related to a neurological condition such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or multiple sclerosis
March 2010
Wearing a correctly fitting absorbent product can give you the confidence to get back to your life without the fear of leaking. Be sure to buy a product based on fit, rather than absorbency or what it is called.
