Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/74289
Just the Facts: Incontinence It's a hush-hush topic that needs to be talked about. Why urinary incontinence is more common than you think, and why it doesn't have to put you on the sidelines By Julie Lombardo, owner of Capitol Physical Therapy What is it? Most often described as a "leak" after a sneeze or laugh, incontinence is often at- tributed to older adults. Th irty-one percent of women ages 42-50 and 38 percent of women over 60 suffer from it. Yet, less than 50 percent will consult a physician. Th ere are two different kinds of inconti- nence. Stress incontinence is brought on by increased intra-abdominal pressure such as the aforementioned cough, sneeze, or strain (running, jumping or lifting). Urge incontinence, or overactive bladder (OAB), is an involuntary loss of urine associated with frequent urination (more than seven times in 24 hours). Many people have both and this is called mixed incontinence. What causes it? Common causes of stress incontinence include pelvic fl oor weakness or supportive dysfunction. Th ese problems can occur from childbirth, a surgery that removes supportive ligaments, obesity, chronic constipation, or aging. OAB, meanwhile, is often caused by uninhibited bladder contractions. A person may feel a strong urge without a loss of urine, or an urge and loss of control, or have incontinence as- sociated with an irritant (running water or walking by a bathroom). Water or fl uid restriction can also make the urine more concentrated, which irritates the bladder and over time makes the person sense they need to urinate more often. How can it be treated? You don't have to suffer! Th e exercises and treatments vary but many can be ef- fective. Stress incontinence can be helped with pelvic fl oor and pelvic girdle strength training. Urge incontinence can be treated conservatively in physical therapy with bladder training, or urinating on a timed schedule, which allows the brain to regain control of the bladder. Electrical stimula- tion is also very effective in controlling urge sensations, while diet changes, such as limiting foods and liquids that aggra- vate the problem, can help control bladder contractions. No matter how bad your in- continence, you can fi nd options that will help you better your daily life! YOU NOW HAVE A CHOICE . . . DERMATOLOGY WITHOUT THE WAIT Is the wait too long to see your dermatologist? Now you have a choice— a new clinic in Middleton with board certified dermatologists and available appointments for children and adults. Isn't that the way it should be? • Open house - July 11 from 5-7pm • Schedule appointments - 608.417.8550 Meet our dermatologists at Meriter.com. Meriter is an innovative healthcare organization comprised of Meriter Hospital, Meriter Clinics and the physicians of Meriter Medical Group. Meriter accepts Physicians Plus as well as many other insurance companies. July 2012 bravamagazine.com 13