Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Parrish Medical Center - (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 a lot of room to move with that,” says Malissa J. Wood, M.D., a cardiologist and spokeswoman for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women. “Do your homework, and be prepared with 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 online You’ll have help navigating your breast health journey with Parrish Medical Center’s Cancer Care Navigator Program. Go to parrishmed.com/cancer for more information. Get Help Navigating Your Healthcare Vim & Vigor · SPRI NG 2012 19 http://www.cancer.gov http://www.heart.org http://www.cancer.org http://www.parrishmed.com/cancer

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
In the Business of Healing People
What's New?
Get Real
How Far We’ve Come
Patient Survival Guide
Perfect Attendance
A New Day
Lean on Me
Intimidated by the Gym?
What Is Your Volunteer Style?
A Prescription for Relief
Community Health
Joe Knows Stress
SPECIAL: Caring for the Littlest Bones and Joints
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Parrish Medical Center