March 17, 2009 (Charleston, South Carolina) – The National Association For Continence (NAFC) announced the release of an online survey to manufacturers and marketers of products spanning NAFC’s mission to inform the public about the newest treatment and management products available or soon to be available. The information will be compiled and made available in NAFC’s fourth edition of DISCOVERIES®. 

Serving as the companion publication to NAFC’s Resource Guide®, DISCOVERIES is published in interim years between it and the Resource Guide to ensure the latest product information is always available for consumers suffering from incontinence. The publication includes the release date of new products, detail on available insurance coverage, product availability, technology supporting the product introduction, and manufacturer contact information. Just as in the Resource Guide, product categories in DISCOVERIES will include those related to bladder and bowel control, voiding dysfunction including retention, nocturia and chronic bedwetting, and pelvic floor disorders including pelvic organ prolapse. Information is currently being collected on products with FDA clearance or release dates (or expected clearance/release) between March 2007 and December 2010.

“NAFC receives calls and emails every day from consumers who are interested in learning about the latest ways to manage their symptoms for better quality of life,” stated Nancy Muller, NAFC’s Executive Director. “One of our callers searching for help for his wife diagnosed with MS said ‘the most important service that NAFC provides to people in our situation is to give us hope,’ and that is why it is so important we provide this information.”

The publication is provided at no additional charge to professional members of NAFC and consumers subscribing to its printed, quarterly newsletter Quality Care®.  Product listings are free, however, a donation is requested of companies to defray printing and mailing costs. Companies wishing to be considered for inclusion in DISCOVERIES should complete the following online survey by March 25, 2009:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=E7RzEAJJs7Qj8BHKoZRIXg_3d_3d

Companies who are not currently involved with NAFC with supportive, unrestricted funding via its Industry Council or by business membership are encouraged to consider joining NAFC as a business member to underwrite NAFC’s mission. Visit http://www.nafc.org/support-nafc/index.php?page=business-membership to view the member benefits or contact Meghan Hansen at mhansen@nafc.org.

Questions about listings or product categories for DISCOVERIES should be directed to Rachel Levkowicz at rlevkowicz@nafc.org. 

About the National Association For Continence (NAFC)
The National Association For Continence is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is threefold: 1) to educate the public about the causes, diagnosis categories, treatment options, and management alternatives for bladder and bowel control problems, nocturnal enuresis, voiding dysfunction, and related pelvic floor disorders; 2) to network with other organizations and agencies to elevate visibility and priority given to these health concerns; and 3) to advocate on behalf of consumers who suffer from symptoms as a result of disease or other illness, obstetrical, surgical or other trauma, or deterioration due to the aging process itself.  NAFC is broadly funded by consumers, healthcare professionals, and industry.  It is the world’s largest and most prolific consumer advocacy organization devoted exclusively to this field.  For more information, visit www.nafc.org

 
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