The Health Problem Women Hide

The issue is urinary leakage, and according to a new poll from the University of Michigan two-thirds said they haven’t discussed it with a doctor. Of the more than 1,000 women in the U.S. who participated in the poll about half experienced leakage. Of these 41 percent described it as a major problem or “somewhat” of a problem and one-third reported that it occurs to them almost daily. Nearly half worried that it would worsen with age. The most common triggers were coughing and sneezing, according to 79 percent of the women affected. Only 38 percent said they perform Kegel exercises to strengthen muscles of the pelvic floor. Done correctly and consistently these exercises can help improve matters. Other effective approaches include physical therapy and pessary devices, nerve stimulation and injections. The poll revealed that 59 percent of affected women cope by buying special pads or undergarments while 16 percent reduced the amount of liquids they consume, and 15 percent changed what they wear, using dark colors or layers to disguise any accidents that might occur.

Source:
University of Michigan, “Urinary Incontinence: An Inevitable Part of Aging.” National Poll on Healthy Aging, November 1, 2018, healthyagingpoll.org/report/urinary-incontinence-inevitable-part-aging

Also in this week’s bulletin:

• Fitness Tracker Failures
• Cold-Brewed Or Hot: The Coffee Conundrum
• Recipe: French Lentil Soup With Cremini Mushrooms