Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi - (Page 19)

URINARY INCONTINENCE HOW FAR WE’VE COME: Female urinary incontinence has gone from an issue most women simply endured to one that usually can be successfully treated. The treatment options depend on the type of urinary incontinence but include bladder retraining and Kegel exercises, medication, and vaginal devices inserted to reduce leakage, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Other treatments include a device to stimulate the nerves of the bladder, injection of bulking agents like collagen, and surgery to insert various types of slings to reposition the bladder. Some of the surgical procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. WHAT’S NEXT: Take advantage of the healthcare advances that have already been made. One of the biggest unresolved issues in the treatment of female urinary incontinence is women’s reluctance to discuss the issue with their doctors. Experts agree that by talking about the problem, more women would get the treatment they need. Women should know that incontinence doesn’t have to interfere with their daily lives. Need to Know as advances in women’s healthcare continue, one thing remains constant— and sometimes undervalued: the importance of being an informed advocate for your own health. “People are coming to the doctor’s office better educated, but there’s still room for improvement,” says liz Dawson, director of North Mississippi Medical center’s community Health Department and Spirit of Women. “Do your homework and bring a list of questions for your doctor so you can get the most out of your visit.” She adds that the Internet has helped enormously in informing people, but it’s important to stick with reliable sources. Sites run by the government (like the National cancer Institute’s cancer.gov) or established organizations (such as the american Heart association’s heart.org and the american cancer Society’s cancer.org) are the safest bets. PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY/RUBBERBALL call Good health is less about denying yourself than treating yourself to great experiences and easy-to-use health information. Spirit of Women offers educational opportunities for women of all ages and interests. To learn more, call 800-THE DESK (800-843-3375) or visit www.nmhs.net/spirit_of_women. Get Smart Vim & Vigor · SPRI NG 2012 19 http://www.cancer.gov http://www.heart.org http://www.cancer.org http://www.nmhs.net/spirit_of_women

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi
Opening Thoughts
Building Healthier Hearts
Young at Heart
Caring for the Little Ones
Get Real
How Far We’ve Come
Patient Survival Guide
Perfect Attendance
Jennifer Hudson, Grammy-winning recording artist
Lean on Me
Intimidated by the Gym?
What Is Your Volunteer Style?
A Prescription for Relief
Virtual Health
SPECIAL You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby
Get Heart Healthy!
Growing Stronger
The Doctor Will See You Now
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi