From Robin’s Desk

Welcome Back!

     Well here it is—the 2nd issue of the Continence Connection Newsletter!

     Getting out the first issue is easy to do. I was excited about launching the Continence Connection Newsletter and it seemed I had all the time in the world to get the first issue just right. But…

     The second issue had something the first issue of Continence Connection did not—A Deadline! Nothing makes a month move so fast as a deadline to get the next issue out. OK, I did panic just a little bit but regained my composure and before I knew it: Ta Daah! The second issue is complete and ready to entertain, educate, and—of course—save you some money in this month’s featured product.

It’s About Independence

     It’s July and it’s about celebrating Independence. We celebrate ours on the 4th but we’re not the only nation that does. The French celebrate their independence—from a monarchy—on July 14th Bastille Day. Independence is a big deal, for nations and ourselves.

     While celebrating our Independence over the long weekend, I remembered that the most important thing to the Continence Connection clients is keeping your independence. It’s the freedom to do what you want when you want to do it—with confidence and without the fear of embarrassment. If any part of any day is lost because of a continence problem, then your independence is compromised too.

     However, people like you choose independence over isolation. You’ve decided to take control of your life and not be controlled by incontinence. Thank you for allowing Continence Connection to make every day and independent day.

Until next month—go out and enjoy!

Robin

A Leaky Bladder Doesn’t Have To Rule Your Life

Manage your condition

Managing incontinence means adopting healthy bladder habits. Working your pelvic muscles with proper Kegel exercises on a daily basis can do wonders for your bladder control, balance, core strength and overall feeling of wellness. In some cases of urge incontinence or overactive bladder, drugs are prescribed to help relax spasms of the bladder. The newest prescription drugs are fast-release, once-a-day products and sometimes necessary. Talk to your physician to see if you are a candidate of drug therapy for your type of incontinence. Non-impact, pelvic floor fitness classes and/or pelvic floor rehabilitation, dietary modification and educational counseling will help you accelerate your path to a stronger pelvic core and healthier bladder.

Maintain healthy bladder behaviors

• It’s a good idea to increase your fluid intake to 4-6 glasses of water a day. My patients often tell me it’s difficult to drink that much or they don’t like to. I suggest that they avoid drinking large volumes; instead sip 2-3 ounces every 20 to 30 minutes. Avoid reducing fluids, which may result in an increase in the concentration of the urine and could further irritate the bladder and increase symptoms of urgency and frequency.
  
  
• Limit or avoid caffeine/alcohol (coffee, tea, carbonated drinks), which are acidic and can irritate the bladder. There are products that can help reduce the acidity in the foods you have difficulty giving up. Talk to your doctor or your continence care clinician about your options.
  
  
• Try to avoid getting up more than twice a night to void. A good bladder training program will help you get comfortable with this.
  
  
• Do not “push” when urinating. Bearing down on your already weak pelvic floor muscles may cause additional weakness.
  
  
• Don’t smoke. The chronic cough associated with smoking is a risk factor for incontinence. Research has indicated that the chemicals in smoke may affect the bladder and muscles around it.
  
  
• Eat more fiber to avoid constipation, which strains and weakens the pelvic floor.
  
  
• Learn how to do Kegels and be diligent about your daily practice, at least 5 times/day to start. You will see a positive difference after 2-4 weeks if you are performing them correctly.

You may feel ashamed about bladder control problems. Remember that it’s a medical problem and it’s not your fault. Millions of people have the same problem. Don’t believe people who tell you that urine leakage is normal. It isn't! Most of the time it can be improved. Nearly everyone with a bladder control problem can be helped. Start with healthy bladder habits. Talk to your family doctor or nurse to learn about other treatment options.

Now, Stay Dry, Comfortable and Confident in Hot Weather

This month's featured product is Attends Extra Absorbency Breathable Adult Brief.

It’s July, there are things to do and place to go. There’s family, friends and even crowds to be involved with. Don’t forget, most of the days are hazy, hot and humid. You’ll face a lot of uncomfortable situations –but you’re wetness protection should not have to make it any more uncomfortable.

For being out and about in hot weather—The Attends Extra Absorbency Breathable Adult Brief is July’s Featured Product of the Month.

This brief features Attends’ Rapid Lock System®, a breathable style adult diaper:

• protects your sensitive skin
• keeps you drier and cooler
• provides excellent order control.
• is softer and quieter for additional comfort and dignity

Just as important the Attends Breathable Brief gives you longer protection to get out and enjoy a full summer day of cookouts and travel with family and friends. No hesitation required, celebrate Independence Day every day in July. Get out and get involved while the weather’s great with cool, dry comfortable and discrete Attends Extra Absorbency Breathable Adult Briefs.

Visit ContinenceConnection and order today.

Through July we’re offering special pricing on the Attends Extra Absorbency Breathable Adult Brief: