Incontinence Frequently Asked Questions

Author: http://www.bedpad.info

AM I ALONE IN DEALING WITH INCONTINENCE?
No, you’re not alone! It is estimated that as many as 25 million people in North America are affected in varying degrees by the inability to completely control urination or bowel movements, with higher occurrences for women and the elderly. Bladder weakness is a symptom, not an illness. It can also be a sign of something else happening in the body, not just a sign of aging.

WHAT IS INCONTINENCE?
Incontinence is the loss of bladder and/or bowel control. It is NOT an illness or disease. A wide variety of conditions and disorders can cause incontinence. These can or may include: birth defects, pelvic injuries or surgeries, damages to the spinal cord, neurological diseases, multiple sclerosis, infections, and degenerative changes that are a result of aging. It can be a temporary issue or a permanent one depending on its cause.

HOW DOES THE URINARY SYSTEM WORK?
The urinary system comprises two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder and a urethra. It is the kidneys’ job to remove waste from our blood and to continuously produce urine. The tube-like ureters moves the urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The bladder stores the urine until it flows out of the body via the tube-like urethra. The sphincter muscle although not part of the urinary system can play a major role in incontinence as it controls the activity of the urethra. Normally the bladder stores the urine and then releases it at the appropriate time, however, if any part of the urinary system malfunctions incontinence can occur.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF BLADDER WEAKNESS?
The most common causes are:

* Relaxation of the pelvic muscles, often seen in women who have had several children.
* Reduced muscle control that can occur with menopause.
* Infections or inflammation of the bladder or the urethra.
* Nervous system disorders.
* Aggravation to the bladder caused by alcohol, caffeine or medications.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT KINDS OF INCONTINENCE?
Yes, and in some cases more than one type of incontinence may be identified for an individual.

* Stress Incontinence – Is associated with intermittent leakage of small amounts of urine which often happens when one exercises, coughs, sneezes or laughs. This commonly affects women and may occur after multiple child births or menopause. Other causes may include damage to the pelvic region or the sphincter muscle.
* Urge Incontinence – Is the sudden, urgent need to urinate and the inability to get to a toilet in time. This occurs when the nerve passages between the bladder and brain are damaged. Stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and MS can all cause urge incontinence. It can also be caused by something as simple as a urinary tract infection.
* Overflow Incontinence – This occurs when the quantity of urine created/produced exceeds the limitations of the bladder for storage. The bladder’s failure to contract as it should or being unable to release urine due to an obstruction of the urethra results in the overflow condition. It can be caused by diabetes, pelvic damage or surgery, spinal cord injuries, MS and/or other diseases. Constipation, medications, and enlarged prostate gland can also cause this form of incontinence.
* Fecal Incontinence – Inability to control bowel movements or gas; includes liquid and/or solid stool. It can vary from being partial, involving only a small amount of liquid waste to being unable to control entire solid bowel movements. This form of incontinence can be caused by neurological diseases, musculoskeletal disorders or injuries to the pelvic area.
* Functional Incontinence – Physical or cognitive limitations that prevent an individual from reaching a toilet. This can be a result of environmental barriers , such as being too far away from a bathroom, or psychiatric problems.

SHOULD I TALK TO MY DOCTOR?
Yes…It is estimated that 80% of those affected by urinary incontinence can be cured or have their condition improved. There are 3 major categories of treatment to address your condition: behavioral, pharmacological, and surgical. An examination can help find the cause and determine ways to correct or manage the condition. The earlier you seek medical help for you or your loved one, the sooner change can begin.

ARE THERE THINGS I CAN DO TO HELP MYSELF?
Most assuredly there are changes that we can make to our lifestyles that can enhance our quality of life. Two key factors are diet and exercise. As always it is best to discuss changes to your current diet and exercise level with your physician.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
The internet today provides unlimited sources of information on incontinence. Two highly respected organizations for this type of information are:

* National Association for Continence (NAFC) www.nafc.org
* The Simon Foundation for Continence www.simonfoundation.org

Is Selecting the Right Incontinence Product Important?

Yes! Improper product selection can have serious consequences:

* Wetness against skin can cause the skin to break down. Attends products quickly capture voids and lock them in the product core for healthier skin.
* Urine or feces against skin increases pH and causes offensive odor. Attends’ unique SDO (Skin Wellness, Skin Dryness, and Odor Control) with treated fibers help maintain a low pH environment for healthier skin and odor control.
* Improper product selection can cause leakage and embarrassment. Attends has designed the Total Incontinence Protection System (T.I.P.S.) specifically to help with the right product choice, assuring containment and increased personal self-confidence.
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Finding the right mobility wheelchair for you or anybody in your family can put you in a spot of indecision, because of the numerous choices of mobility wheelchair types that are being sold in the market today. They differ in cost, brand, feature, size, and other factors that would make it albeit harder for you to finally pick the right product.

In every purchase, you can be either a winner or a loser for the product that you bought, but money and effort invested in searching for the mobility wheelchairs should not be put at stake. Here is the no-loser’s guide to buying the perfect mobility wheelchair.

•Of course, consulting your doctor or physical therapist should be the first step. Your physician will assess your condition and advise you of certain features and functionality that should be present in your wheelchair.

•Window shop before buying. If possible, give a good look at all brands with the particular model at hand and make comparisons on their features and prices. This way, you get to see the differences in each brand and have a better insight on products.

•Consider the space in your home as well, or the idea of travel with the wheelchair along. These factors will also affect the size of wheelchairs you intend to buy.

•Sleep it over. Sometimes it really helps to sleep and relax after giving much thought about your future purchase. It gives you a more balanced view and grasp on things. However, if it cannot wait, then get a breather for 30 minutes or so. Believe me, you will get to have a clearer decision out of this and refrain from buying a mobility wheelchair out of instinct.

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It is not only humans who get tired and make mistakes after a long day’s work; even machines get tired, too. It is not only too much activity that can tear down both man and machine like power-operated scooter or electric mobility wheelchairs; even inactivity, too. In short, anything can happen, even while you are doing nothing. So, if it does happen, how should you manage to recover from it?
Now, here lies the difference between man and machine. While man can keep up with the tides of times by merely rest and relaxation, machines have other means. Machines require repair and continuous maintenance to keep it going for years, especially for a necessity like the mobility wheelchair.
For one, a mobility wheelchair, even how durable the brands are, will definitely come to a point of wear and tear after a long term of use. Now, if you want to keep it for extended periods, you need to invest on repairs or maintenance service. Since the components of these wheelchairs are basic, you can have it repaired at your electronic retailer store or the nearest motor shop in your area. Dealers can also help you out; for sure they have contacts on such matters. But, if your mobility wheelchair is still covered by the warranty, then your retailer or dealer will have to attend to your needs for free.
Keep in mind that heat and moisture due to inactivity can absolutely result to a breakdown or damage to your mobility wheelchair as well. So it is best to keep it safe in a surrounding that is free of extreme heat and moisture possibilities. Wiping it with a clean cloth also helps sustain the equipment.

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In the last 15 to 20 years San Diego was amongst the highest ranked in cancer-related deaths related to asbestos exposure known as mesothelioma. Being a hub of activity for the United States Navy, a lot of people where unknowingly exposed to asbestos fibres at naval bases and ship repair facilities.

Asbestos is made up of microscopic fibers that may become airborne when asbestos containing materials and products are damaged or disturbed.

Most asbestos fibers are invisible to the unaided human eye because their size. When asbestos fibers get into the air they may be inhaled into the lungs or swallowed into he digestive system where they can cause significant health problems. The word “asbestos” is derived from a Greek adjective meaning inextinguishable.

There are three most commonly used types of asbestos: white, brown, and blue. Brown and blue asbestos are most commonly associated with mesothelioma.

Hundreds of people died in the last 25 years as a result of this disease . In the last 20 years alone, over 400 people in San Diego were diagnosed with mesothelioma. Other places such as southern California had workers and their families affected with this disease.

Mesothelioma cancer comes from inhaling or digesting asbestos dust particles. Mesothelioma is a life-threatening disease and should not be left untreated. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

Mesothelioma cancer occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers your internal organs (mesothelium). The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it.

Other cancerous asbestos fibres cases are found in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Ventura and the Orange County where each community has its share of the disease.

375 cases of mesothelioma where reported in Los Angelis between 2001 and early 2006 while the Orange County reported 150 cases in the same period. San Diego County reported 152 cases. Close to half the cases in all of California during those five years have been discovered in Southern California.

Attorneys who have represented mesothelioma deaths mesothelioma patients for more than 25 years, are specialists in obtaining substantial settlements in asbestos lawsuits. Attorneys at Clapper Patti Schweizer & Masonhave obtained millions in compensation for residents with asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.

Did You Know?
During the 20th century, some 30 million tons of asbestos were used in industrial sites, homes, schools, shipyards and commercial buildings in the U.S.

It’s hard to put into words the pain and suffering that so many of our visitors have endured over the years from being diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer.

What Causes Disease?
Free ebook about the Secret on How to Stop Illness and Disease. Find more at mesothelioma-sandiego.blogspot.com categories

For the useful tips about general health issues like how to build immune system please read this blog.