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Don’t take Life’s Little Spills for granted - Taree
31 July 2008 Loss of bladder and bowel control regularly affects nearly four million people in Australia. Mothers and children are especially at risk, which is the focus of this year’s Continence Awareness Week (3 – 9 August). Hunter New England Health continence nurse advisor Helen Pursch, said mothers have the highest risk for bladder and bowel control problems because of the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth. "About one in three women who had a baby have an incontinence problem. The pelvic floor muscles can become weakened through child bearing. These muscles are important for bladder and bowel control. Problems can be experienced around the time of childbirth but can also recur or worsen in later life," she said. "Incontinence is not only embarrassing, it can lead to anxiety and social isolation. For many it also represents a financial burden and puts strain on close relationships. Leakage can interfere with sexuality and intimacy enjoyed by partners," she said. Childhood bed-wetting can be another sensitive continence issue for many parents. "This is why health professional guidance such as phoning the nurse advisors who staff the National Continence Helpline is recommenced by the Continence Foundation. The Helpline can provide advice on toilet-training, bed-wetting and how to help children establish good bladder and bowel habits for life," Ms Pursch said. The Continence Foundation is the peak national body for the promotion of continence and operates the National Continence Helpline on behalf of the Australian Government. Ms Pursch said incontinence is never normal at any age and ‘life’s little spills’ can get bigger! While some health conditions and medications might cause or worsen incontinence, the Continence Foundation encourages people to take ‘life little spills’ seriously and to seek professional help "When signs are dismissed as ‘just a part of getting older" or "because I have had children" or ‘something children will grow out of" an opportunity to prevent or reduce incontinence can be lost," Ms Pursch said. People seeking help or further information about continence issues are encouraged to see their doctor or call the National Continence Helpline (1800 330066). Some physiotherapists also provide treatment for continence problems in women. Appointments can be made to see a continence advisor at Taree, Forster and Gloucester Community Health Centres, and other health centres in the Lower Mid North Coast according to demand. Additional clinics will soon be starting at the Biripi Aboriginal Medical Service. For more information contact the Continence Advisors Helen Pursch or Elizabeth Shaw at Taree Community Health on 6592 9315.
Contact: Kay Cope
Phone: 6776 9817
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