From Robin’s Desk |
The Month of Shivers
There’s no denying October is here. It’s literally the month of shivers.
As much as I’m resisting, I just want to reach over to the thermostat first thing in the morning and take the chill out of the office. It’s a good case of the shivers that actually stops me. I look at the electric bill from September and can’t even begin to think what the winter will cost all of us this year.
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As much as I’m resisting, I just want to reach over to the thermostat first thing in the morning and take the chill out of the office. It’s a good case of the shivers that actually stops me. I look at the electric bill from September and can’t even begin to think what the winter will cost all of us this year.
Turning on the radio or TV in the early part of October is giving me the shivers. As I write this, the bail-out plan that passed by Congress has the stock market falling below 10,000 since I don’t know when. For our clients who invest in stocks, this market is down right frightening!
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Another sign of October that puts a shiver up and down your spine is all the Haunted Houses that are opening up for the season. Here on Massachusetts' North Shore, they’re all over the place, raising money for one group or another. Kelly and James drag me to my fair share of haunted houses for my annual dose of frightening fun.
In a haunted house the feeling of being trapped, along with the anticipation something is going to happen, heightens our sensation. However, dealing with incontinence, and the fear of an accident, heightens the feelings of frustration and embarrassment. Those fears can literally trap you in your own home and rob you of life’s pleasures. |
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Here at the Continence Connection we know its fun to feel trapped in a haunted house. We’re here to make sure you never have to face the feelings of being trapped in your own home. Go our and enjoy. Happy Halloween!
Robin |
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| Information For Your Well-Being |
The Bacterial Intruder
Bladder infections, also known as a urinary tract infection (UTI), might begin with a severe pain when you urinate. The unmistakable urge to go again only surmounts to a trickle and a burn that’ll make your toes curl. Sometimes you’ll notice a strong odor and a passing of blood. If allowed to advance, a bladder infection can cause back pain, chills, fever, nausea and vomiting.
A UTI is the most common bladder problem among women in their thirties and forties. Women are up to 50 times more likely than men to develop UTIs. Why? A women’s urethra, the tube that transports urine out of the bladder, is less than two inches long. This short path makes the urethra an easy target for invasion by bacteria that live in the vagina and rectum. These bacteria can cause inflammation of the urethra, bladder or kidneys.
Although bladder infections should always be brought to your doctor or nurse practitioner’s attention, so antibiotic treatment can be started to attack the bacteria, there are plenty of ways to prevent getting them in the first place.
Here are some tips:
- Swig cranberry juice. A recent study by Harvard Medical School validated this age-old remedy, which helps inhibit bacteria’s ability to latch on to the bladder wall when the bladder is infected. However, when your bladder is healthy cranberry juice can act as an irritant and should be avoided.
- Practice good hygiene. Okay, no brainer right? Do you wash your hands before urinating? This would help reduce your chances of a UTI. Also, wipe from front to back to keep harmful bacteria away from your short, vulnerable urethra. Perhaps consider a gentle wipe to keep in your bathroom. I highly recommend Whitestone Compose Wipes (not flushable).
- Drink up! Drinking at least six, 8-oz. glasses of water or other non-caffeinated beverages each day will dilute urine in the bladder. This environment will make it challenging for bacteria to thrive.
- Urinate often (but don’t obsess). For women who are susceptible to UTIs, it’s important to empty your bladder at least 4-6 times a day. This will help keep your bladder free from bacteria.
- Tank the tub. Shower instead. Your bladder could be put at risk if you soak in a tub full of soap or bubble bath. This could irritate the lining of the urinary tract, particularly if you have a past history of recurrent bladder infections.
- Examine your birth control. Research has found a connection between chronic UTIs and women who use diaphragms for birth control. This method of birth control sets you up for greater risk of having Escherichia bacteria, the culprit that often causes UTIs.
- Pick panties properly. Certain materials such as nylon, which create a snug fit, can restrict airflow, trap moisture, and provide a happy medium for bacterial growth around the urethra. Instead, choose loose-fitting cotton undergarments that permit better air circulation. If you wear panty hose, be sure that they have a cotton crotch.
Robin Howe, BSN RN ▪ ContinenceConnection.com ▪ 888-356-6993
Copyright © 2008 Robin Howe, RN - All Rights Reserved. |
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| Product of the Month |
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