30 July 2009

Help for a Pressing Problem

During Continence Awareness Week (2 – 8 August) South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health staff are encouraging people of all ages to review their bladder activity and seek help if they need to.

This year’s theme: Carer’s and Incontinence highlights the fact that caring for a family member or friend is hard, but caring for someone with incontinence is even harder.

Trish Laird, Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Warilla Community Health Centre said incontinence adds to the strain of caring for a loved one – physically, financially, mentally and emotionally.

“Incontinence is a common health condition with significant physical, social and economic implications, it is a health condition that deserves expert attention and can be treated and better managed, by talking to a health professional,” Ms Laird said.

“Current research indicates that 3.8 million Australians are affected by incontinence, bladder or bowel weakness, and one in three women who have had a baby will have bladder control problems.

“These statistics may be alarming, but the important message is that by seeking help, improvements can be made,” she said.

“While incontinence affects men, women and children of all ages, the prevalence is greater in women and those aged over 70 years of age.

“Pelvic floor muscles can be made weaker by being pregnant and having babies, constipation, being overweight or heavy lifting,” Ms Laird said.

The floor of the pelvis is made up of layers of muscle and other tissues. These layers stretch like a hammock from the tailbone at the back, to the pubic bone in front.

“It is important to look after your pelvic floor muscles by doing regular pelvic floor exercises to keep the muscles strong and toned,” Ms Laird said.

In the Southern Hospital Network the community-based continence nursing service provides comprehensive individual assessments for people of all ages with bladder and bowel weaknesses. All referrals are accepted via the Access and Referral Centre on 1300 792 755.

There is a continence clinic at the Warilla Community Health Centre (4296 4200) and the Nowra Community Health Centre (4424 6300). The Physiotherapy Department at Wollongong Hospital (4222 5000) also provide continence care.


Media enquiries: David Brown, 4253 4859 or 034 327 954