September 24, 2008 – Charleston, South Carolina:  The National Association For Continence (NAFC) announces publication of its 14th Edition of the Resource Guide ®, the most comprehensive directory of products and services available for treating and managing bladder and bowel control problems, voiding dysfunction such as retention, nocturia and bedwetting, and related pelvic floor disorders such as prolapse.  Its breadth reflects the broad scope of NAFC’s mission today.  It was first published in 1984 and the inspiration of the organization’s founder, Katherine F. Jeter, EdD, conceived by the lack of information easily accessible at the time to consumers and providers alike.  Now in its 25th year of existence, NAFC is continuing in the tradition of being the nation’s leading source of reliable and trustworthy information regarding solutions to widely prevalent and greatly troublesome conditions. 

Product categories of the directory are:  disposable absorbents; reusable absorbents; skin care products; deodorizing products, products and devices for intermittent self-catheterization; alarms/signaling devices and monitoring systems for bedwetting; toileting accessories and aids; aids and therapies for pelvic muscle training and rehabilitation; devices for fecal incontinence; medications for overactive bladder and urinary incontinence; external urinary devices and accessories for incontinence; medications and treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia in men; surgical devices, implantables, and treatments for urinary incontinence; treatments for sexual dysfunction in men; and management and treatment for pelvic organ prolapse in women. 

Like previous editions, it lists contact details for all manufacturers, provides descriptions of all product categories, and includes product illustrations to aid in understanding.  Mail-order sources are identified separately. The newest edition lists the manufacturer’s telephone, fax, and web site information directly adjacent to each branded product for greater simplicity and ease of use. 

The guide is introduced by substantial educational text, including guidance on finding an expert provider, questions to ask before undergoing surgery, and basic definitions of terms.  There is extensive information regarding indigent drug programs underwritten by the pharmaceutical industry and a descriptive listing of other organizations with whom NAFC collaborates for advocacy purposes and who serve as additional resources to both consumers and healthcare providers.  In future months, the directory’s database will be incorporated in NAFC’s Professional Members Only section of its web site www.nafc.org

“No previous edition has been more extensive in content nor as easily navigational,“ comments NAFC Executive Director Nancy Muller. “Literally hundreds of hours have gone into this publication’s compilation, updates, and layout, so I am especially pleased and proud to have the Resource Guide in the mail to all consumers subscribing to our Quality Care® newsletter and to all of our supportive professional members. It should be considered a ‘must have’ for every health professional engaged in providing quality continence care.”

About NAFC:  The National Association For Continence is a national, private, not-for-profit 501 (c)3 corporation dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with bladder and bowel control problems, voiding dysfunction, nocturnal enuresis, and related pelvic floor disorders.  NAFC’s mission is one of public health education, collaboration with other organizations, and advocacy on behalf of patients. Broadly funded by consumers, healthcare professionals, and industry, NAFC is the world’s largest and most prolific consumer education and advocacy organization devoted exclusively to this field.  NAFC is an active member of the International Continence Society and the World Federation for Incontinent Patients.  Founded in 1983 by Dr. Katherine Jeter as Help for Incontinent People, the organization has since changed its name and is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina.  For more information about NAFC, visit http://www.nafc.org