Quote About Gratitude: Love it!
Self Help Daily
Managing Bladder Inconsistency in the Elderly
Most elderly experience some form of bladder inconsistency at one point or another. Many deal with it frequently. Bladder inconsistency is a subject that is not discussed despite being a common problem among adults. Whether the cause is arthritis, other age-related developments, or a degenerative disease, managing bladder inconsistency is possible.
There are different methods for the severity of bladder incontinence, and finding one that works for you is key! Let’s talk about what we can do.
Four Common Causes of Bladder Inconsistency
Understanding what is happening is a crucial part of treating bladder inconsistency. Here are four quick common reasons it could be happening.
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Arthritis and Developed Disorders
Age-developed disorders such as arthritis can cause functional incontinence, where someone may have trouble getting to the bathroom quickly enough. This is actually not a bladder problem but causes incontinence.
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Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles
In women, weak pelvic floor muscles commonly cause leakage when sneezing, exercising, and doing daily activities. This is commonly due to giving birth and losing strength in those muscles.
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Alzheimer’s of Other Diseases
Alzheimer’s and other diseases are commonly classified as urge incontinence. Nerve damage results in an overactive bladder that makes you feel like you have to go a lot. Diabetes, Parkinson’s, a stroke, and a few more are common with this type of incontinence.
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Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladders result in the elderly having issues trying to empty them. This results in overflow and leakage. Diabetes can also be a factor in this type of incontinence. Doctors usually suggest insertable devices in this case.
What Are The Options?
Here are the most common options that address all levels of incontinence.
- Women particularly struggle with this as their pelvic floor muscles weaken after birth. Premium absorbent underwear for women is a great way to tackle the problem. Protective underwear isn’t just for women, either. Men can find several boxer briefs and other solutions that are great for light to heavy incontinence.
- Approaching your lifestyle with health in mind is another chance to combat bladder inconsistency. Interestingly enough, diet and exercise can have a majorly positive impact even for the elderly. There are direct and indirect correlations, such as strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. This helps with bladder control. Indirectly, changing your diet can help improve mild cases.
- Medications and technology have developed over the years to help individuals with bladder incontinence. There are many common medications available now, such as tolterodine (Detrol), darifenacin (Enablex), oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), fesoterodine (Toviaz), solifenacin (Vesicare) and trospium chloride. Since elderly folks may be taking medication already, it is critical to consult a doctor for ultimate safety.
- Medication isn’t the only solution. Technology has developed a number of creams and devices that are useful for older adults. Some may make less sense than others. A catheter is a device that is inserted to help empty the bladder naturally and stop leakage. Options similar to tampons are another popular way to have absorbency.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Regardless of the reason why incontinence has developed, not everyone will like or feel comfortable with each option listed above. It can take both some trial and error and an adjustment period. Some of the recommendations are less invasive than others. But sometimes, heavy incontinence flows require some extra assistance.
The important thing here is to talk with a doctor and your loved ones to find a solution that doesn’t impair your daily life. The idea is to feel comfortable and confident that bladder incontinence will not stop you no matter where you go.
John Wooden Quote About Optimism
Quotes of the Day: Because We Could All Use A Little Dose of Inspiration and Motivation…
“Nothing Great was Ever Achieved Without Enthusiasm.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
A while back I had a feature on the self help blog called “Quotes of the Day.” I’d post a great inspirational or motivational quote, along with a graphic (almost always starring an animal or two… what can I say… I’m a modern day Snow White, completely obsessed with animals).
Life gets pretty busy sometimes, causing us to often pull away from certain routines. Unfortunately, I dropped this one and simply never picked it back up.
Until now!
I was sitting and spending time with my beloved journal/planner this morning and was in the process of writing down my daily morning entries…
- Bible verse of the day
- Vocabulary word of the day (sign up at Dictionary.com!)
- Quote of the day (one I pull from daily reading that inspires or motivates me)
It occurred to me just how much I enjoy having a particularly inspiring or motivating quote to carry around with me throughout the day and I thought of you.
Yes, you!
I want to make sure you have one each day for your pocket, to pull out whenever you need a little company. I will post them as often as possible on Mondays – Fridays, beginning today with a wonderful quote above from Ralph Waldo Emerson. My life is beautifully busy, so I doubt there will EVER be a whole week with “Quotes of the Day,” but I’ll try to get as many done as possible.
Have a wonderful, enthusiastic rest of the week! ~ Joi (“Joy“)
Benefits of Acupuncture in Treating Stress & Chronic Pain
Acupuncture continues to gain popularity as more studies find it effective in treating different illnesses. From chronic pain to stress, acupuncture has shown that it can provide relief and successfully deliver desired results.
It features fine needles inserted in the skin at specific points along the energy lines also known as meridians. In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been successfully used for years.
The best part is that it not only addresses physical health issues but also impacts the mental body. It can improve your anxiety and stress levels to help control them and relieve the constant pressure.
How Acupuncture Works to Treat Anxiety and Stress
You may be wondering how acupuncture relates to treating anxiety and how it actually works. Let’s explore a bit deeper to understand how and why acupuncture for anxiety is effective.
In Chinese medicine, the energy that flows through the body is called Qi (Chi). It moves through the energy lines known as meridians through the whole body. When your body is uneasy due to stress and anxiety, the flow of energy is disrupted.
Acupuncture helps to restore balance and facilitate an easier flow of energy through the meridians. Professional acupuncturists insert fine needles in specific energy points to help bring your energy back to its normal flow.
Modern science explains that the fine needles are inserted away from your nerves to a certain depth stimulating feel-good hormones like endorphins. These hormones help reduce stress-inducing hormones like cortisol to help treat anxiety and stress.
Benefits of Acupuncture in Treating Stress and Anxiety
Studies show that acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders with fewer side effects compared to taking medication. If you are looking for alternative treatment options, acupuncture is worth consideration.
Working with licensed NYC acupuncturists gives you the confidence you need to explore a different approach to relieve anxiety and stress. Acupuncture remains one of the best alternative treatments with incredible benefits. These benefits include;
Improves Mood
Acupuncture helps improve overall mood and emotional regulation to help you process and react to different situations better. Improved moods help reduce anxiety and stress ensuring that you are calmer to deal with things that come up.
Going for your acupuncture appointments will leave you feeling happier which will help reduce feelings of anxiety and help you manage your stress responses.
Enhance Mental Clarity
Brain fog may affect your mental clarity and tamper with your decision-making skills. This may leave you feeling stuck or stagnant. These feelings can lead to stress and feelings of anxiety.
Studies have shown that acupuncture can help improve cognitive function which can in turn help clear out brain fog. This will help enhance your mental clarity, allowing you to make better decisions while relieving stress and anxiety.
Promotes Better Sleep
Sleep deprivation is a major cause of stress and anxiety. It throws off your circadian rhythm and leaves you feeling exhausted. This later affects your work and health leading to a more stressful situation.
Acupuncture is effective in treating insomnia and will help promote better sleep to ensure that you get enough rest. Doing this will help reduce stress and anxiety.
Boosts Your Energy
After your acupuncture sessions, you’ll often find that you are more energetic and excited to get things done. This boost in your energy helps you get things done and relieve stress and anxiety about incomplete tasks.
Relieves Body Pains
Pain can cause stress to the body leaving you feeling worse. However, acupuncture has been shown to be effective for chronic pain to help give you relief and reduce the stress on your body.