An estimated one in six adults has overactive bladder (OAB). Common symptoms include a sudden, uncontrollable urge to go; needing to go more than eight times a day; waking up twice or more at night to urinate; and leakage (incontinence).
"In the majority of cases, the cause is unknown," says Sandip Vasavada, MD, co-head of the female urology and voiding dysfunction section at the Cleveland Clinic. Incidence increases with age: For many women, OAB symptoms appear in their 40s. If a woman doesn't seek treatment, the condition can impact her quality of life, leading to depression and anxiety, fear of sexual intimacy, decreased work productivity, avoidance of travel, a greater risk of nighttime falls, and urinary tract infections, says Diane Kaschak Newman, codirector of the Penn Center for Continence and Pelvic Health at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center.
The good news is that OAB can be brought under control with the following techniques Vasavada and Newman suggest:
Drink 6 to 8 Cups of Water a DayMany women believe that drinking less water will ease their urgency. On the contrary, says Newman: Adequate fluid intake helps eliminate bladder irritants and can actually prevent the urgency or frequency of OAB. Drink throughout the day, and stop three to four hours before bedtime.
Do 30 Kegels Twice a Day
This simple move strengthens the pelvic muscles around the bladder. Best done after you've gone to the bathroom, Kegel exercises can be performed anytime, anywhere. To identify the right muscles, squeeze as if you're trying to stop the flow of urine (without tensing your thigh or stomach muscles). Once you know where to flex, tighten these muscles for 10 seconds, then release and relax for 10 seconds.
Eliminate Possible Irritants
One at a time, try reducing your intake of chocolate, cocoa, coffee (sadly, with OAB it can be a problem), tea, soda, alcohol, spicy foods, highly acidic foods (like citrus fruits and juices and tomato-based products), and anything containing aspartame-based sweeteners.
Keep a Diary for 3 Days
Track how frequently you empty your bladder to help your urologist diagnose your condition as well as identify symptoms and potential dietary irritants. Record what, how much, and when you eat and drink. Write down when you go. Note any incontinence episodes.
Consider Drug Therapy
If after all this you're still uncomfortable straying too far from the facilities, you may want to discuss medication with your doctor. Certain drugs can relax the muscle that triggers bladder contractions, and can reduce symptoms significantly within weeks.
OptionOneHealthcare.com carries affordable incontinence products to assist in living with bladder control issues. Having the right products is essential to mainain your active lifestyle. We appreciate you taking the time to look through our products.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Questions and Answers about Urinary Incontinence | Option One Healthcare
Q: I think I have incontinence. Where do I go from here?
A: Don’t let embarrassment, fear or wrong information about incontinence keep you from getting assistance. We at Option One Healthcare understand how unpleasant and distressing this condition can be, and believe us you’re not alone. Nearly 15 million people have urinary incontinence, but the good news is there are ways to control your symptoms and in certain instances cure your condition. Begin by talking with your doctor, who can offer treatment options based on the type and severity of your incontinence. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist (urogynecologist or a urologist), which are doctors who specialize in treating incontinence.
Q: Are there different types of urinary incontinence? If so, what’s the difference between them?
A: Urinary Incontinence is the unwanted loss of urine. If you suddenly lose urine at the wrong time and place, you may have "Urge" Incontinence. If urine leaks when you exercise, cough, sneeze, laugh or do other movements that press on your bladder, you may have "Stress Incontinence".
Q: Why do I have incontinence, what causes it?
A: There are many different causes of incontinence. We commonly refer to Urge Incontinence as an “overactive bladder,” which occurs when your bladder muscle spasms or contracts. What causes the spasms? In most women, there’s no known cause. Occasionally, spasms happen because the bladder nerves are damaged by stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, a brain tumor or aneurysm and spinal cord injuries. Other spasms can be caused by eating foods or drinking beverages that contain chemicals that irritate the bladder, an infection, lack of estrogen in the genital tissues or bladder, kidney stones, diabetes mellitus, chronic constipation, or drinking too much liquid or not enough.
Stress incontinence is caused by weak pelvic muscles and poor ligament support of the bladder and urethra, or a defect in the tube connecting the bladder to the urethra. Some experts believe incontinence can be caused by extreme stress on the pelvic muscles during childbirth. Multiple pregnancies, long pushing times and large babies, as well as activities such as chronic lifting of heavy items, chronic coughing and some sports activities, may increase your risk of incontinence.
Q: I have heard constipation causes incontinence? Is this true?
A: Urge incontinence improves when we treat chronic constipation. I recommend gentle, natural dietary changes to treat constipation, including increasing daily fiber to 20-35 through foods and supplements. (A half-cup of All Bran cereal has almost 10 grams of fiber. One cup Raisin Bran has about 8 grams of fiber.)
Q: What are my options for treatment of incontinence?
A: Changing your diet and doing special pelvic exercises, known as Kegel exercises, can improve urinary incontinence symptoms so well that only 20 percent of patients need more treatment. If you need additional treatment, there are medications, painless electrical stimulation and options for surgery. Check with your specialist and always do your own research in whats best for you.
Q: Can men have incontinence?
A: Yes, millions of men suffer from incontinence each year. Incontinence can result from treatment of prostate cancer, either surgically or with radiation. The good news is our surgical techniques are better than ever and are helping men regain their bladder control.
Remember, Option One Healthcare has a quality selection of incontinence products designed to assist in the day to day living for people who have incontinence. Please visit our incontinence catalog for products, information, and delivery options available. If you have questions, please visit the contact us section and we will get back with you.
A: Don’t let embarrassment, fear or wrong information about incontinence keep you from getting assistance. We at Option One Healthcare understand how unpleasant and distressing this condition can be, and believe us you’re not alone. Nearly 15 million people have urinary incontinence, but the good news is there are ways to control your symptoms and in certain instances cure your condition. Begin by talking with your doctor, who can offer treatment options based on the type and severity of your incontinence. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist (urogynecologist or a urologist), which are doctors who specialize in treating incontinence.
Q: Are there different types of urinary incontinence? If so, what’s the difference between them?
A: Urinary Incontinence is the unwanted loss of urine. If you suddenly lose urine at the wrong time and place, you may have "Urge" Incontinence. If urine leaks when you exercise, cough, sneeze, laugh or do other movements that press on your bladder, you may have "Stress Incontinence".
Q: Why do I have incontinence, what causes it?
A: There are many different causes of incontinence. We commonly refer to Urge Incontinence as an “overactive bladder,” which occurs when your bladder muscle spasms or contracts. What causes the spasms? In most women, there’s no known cause. Occasionally, spasms happen because the bladder nerves are damaged by stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, a brain tumor or aneurysm and spinal cord injuries. Other spasms can be caused by eating foods or drinking beverages that contain chemicals that irritate the bladder, an infection, lack of estrogen in the genital tissues or bladder, kidney stones, diabetes mellitus, chronic constipation, or drinking too much liquid or not enough.
Stress incontinence is caused by weak pelvic muscles and poor ligament support of the bladder and urethra, or a defect in the tube connecting the bladder to the urethra. Some experts believe incontinence can be caused by extreme stress on the pelvic muscles during childbirth. Multiple pregnancies, long pushing times and large babies, as well as activities such as chronic lifting of heavy items, chronic coughing and some sports activities, may increase your risk of incontinence.
Q: I have heard constipation causes incontinence? Is this true?
A: Urge incontinence improves when we treat chronic constipation. I recommend gentle, natural dietary changes to treat constipation, including increasing daily fiber to 20-35 through foods and supplements. (A half-cup of All Bran cereal has almost 10 grams of fiber. One cup Raisin Bran has about 8 grams of fiber.)
Q: What are my options for treatment of incontinence?
A: Changing your diet and doing special pelvic exercises, known as Kegel exercises, can improve urinary incontinence symptoms so well that only 20 percent of patients need more treatment. If you need additional treatment, there are medications, painless electrical stimulation and options for surgery. Check with your specialist and always do your own research in whats best for you.
Q: Can men have incontinence?
A: Yes, millions of men suffer from incontinence each year. Incontinence can result from treatment of prostate cancer, either surgically or with radiation. The good news is our surgical techniques are better than ever and are helping men regain their bladder control.
Remember, Option One Healthcare has a quality selection of incontinence products designed to assist in the day to day living for people who have incontinence. Please visit our incontinence catalog for products, information, and delivery options available. If you have questions, please visit the contact us section and we will get back with you.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Option One Healthcare is updating their nutrition supply
Option One Healthcare is updating it's nutrition supplies. Please keep checking to see the improvements and new items we have available. We appreciate your business!
Friday, April 29, 2011
I want cheap incontinence products! | Option One Healthcare hears you
Lately is seems that all the current incontinent sufferers are determined to do one thing, and that is find the cheapest prices for incontinence. A current trend noticed by Option One Healthcare is seeing retirement communities assisting their residents with ordering online through computer labs, or using visitors computers etc. Unfortunately, many elderly have had to scale back expenditures due to their investments over the past couple years. With many elderly losing their retirement and savings that was invested and supposed to last for the rest of their lives, they have now had to look at other ways to saving money. No longer can you go to the local pharmacy and expect to get the best deal on supplies that you need each and every month.
Option One Healthcare thanks all staff and people helping assist in online ordering for the elderly. We encourage anyone who does not have the resources of a computer to call us directly to order which is 800-228-6970.
Now is the time to take control and really dial in your long term finances and needs. Option One Healthcare is happy to assist in your at home supply orders. Remember, everything we provide is delivered right to your door with free shipping.
One last thing, be sure to look at our flagship cheap incontinence brand that you wont suffer in quality... Nighingale by Select Medical!
Thank you for being a loyal customer.
Option One Healthcare thanks all staff and people helping assist in online ordering for the elderly. We encourage anyone who does not have the resources of a computer to call us directly to order which is 800-228-6970.
Now is the time to take control and really dial in your long term finances and needs. Option One Healthcare is happy to assist in your at home supply orders. Remember, everything we provide is delivered right to your door with free shipping.
One last thing, be sure to look at our flagship cheap incontinence brand that you wont suffer in quality... Nighingale by Select Medical!
Thank you for being a loyal customer.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Incontinent Swimming | There is a product available
Swim Brief or Swim Diaper for incontinence
After receiving many inquiries regarding incontinent products available for swimming, Option One Healthcare has decided to offer a swim product that far exceeds most products offered on the market. The incontinent swim brief we chose is "custom fit" to not allow leakage, and can be worn underneath swimwear. This product was reviewed by the National Foundation for Continence and selected for their Resource Guide as a must have for swimming. The product is manufactured by Discovery Trekking Outfitters which specializes in special fabrics designed for specific functions such as the Swim Diaper. These diapers will fit Men and Women, as well as Children & Teen. If your looking for a incontinence swim diaper, then Option One Healthcare has the "best" available.
After receiving many inquiries regarding incontinent products available for swimming, Option One Healthcare has decided to offer a swim product that far exceeds most products offered on the market. The incontinent swim brief we chose is "custom fit" to not allow leakage, and can be worn underneath swimwear. This product was reviewed by the National Foundation for Continence and selected for their Resource Guide as a must have for swimming. The product is manufactured by Discovery Trekking Outfitters which specializes in special fabrics designed for specific functions such as the Swim Diaper. These diapers will fit Men and Women, as well as Children & Teen. If your looking for a incontinence swim diaper, then Option One Healthcare has the "best" available.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Why choose Nightingale® products over others?
Option One Healthcare supplies many different incontinent products. They range from comfort to absorbency levels, from taped briefs to pull-up briefs. We supply wipes, under-pads, liners, etc. all in assisting the individual that has the unfortunate problem of incontinence. One of our up and coming brands is Nightingale® manufactured by Select Medical®. When talking about cost of supplies, many individuals struggle with being able to afford the highest quality supplies out there. With Nightingale® you are able to get a very high quality product at a very reasonable cost. We are very excited to be distributing these products to our facilities and via our web orders. If you are struggling with paying for your current brands, then we suggest giving Nightingale® a chance!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Option One Healthcare presents Prevail® home care video 1-4
Vistit our Prevail® products page to order now.
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