Subscribe to AfterDawn's weekly newsletter.
No Need to be 'Out of Control' Says Continence Awareness Campaign
LONDON, September 17 /PRNewswire/ -- A free leaflet encouraging people take control of their bladder or bowel problem spearheads this year's Continence Awareness Week (17-23 September). 'Out of Control?' highlights the impact continence problems can have on a person's quality of life if left untreated. It then describes the steps anyone can take to regain control and change their lives for the better. For a copy of 'Out of Control?' write to the Continence Foundation, 307 Hatton Square, 16 Baldwins Gardens, London EC1N 7RJ. Alternatively, e-mail continence-help@dial.pipex.com (including a postal address). For personal advice, or details of your nearest NHS Continence Clinic, call the Foundation's specialist nurse on +44-(0)845-345-0165 (9.30am-1.00pm weekdays). "Unlike most other health conditions, bladder and bowel problems are embarrassing," says Dr Judith Wardle of the Continence Foundation, the national charity behind Continence Awareness Week. "So it's not surprising that many people decide to manage by themselves. But 'putting up with things' often affects a person more than they realise." The leaflet features a questionnaire allowing readers to assess how much their problem affects their quality of life. A 'Q and A' section then explodes the myths that prevent people from seeking help. These include the idea that continence problems are a natural part of ageing, that nothing can be done, and that drugs or major surgery are the only treatment options. It also provides information about the professional help, treatments and products available. "By emphasising how much more in control of their lives people with untreated continence problems could be, we hope to persuade men and women of all ages to overcome their understandable reluctance to seek professional help," says Dr Wardle. At least 750,000 people affected by the condition say that it is 'socially disabling' and has 'a lot of impact on their social life, relationships, feelings and quality of life'. Yet most of the estimated 10 million adults in the UK with a bladder or bowel problem cope with a mixture of stoicism and 'do-it-yourself' solutions. Figures indicate that up to 42% of women with a continence problem wait as long as 15 years before seeking treatment. Continence Awareness Week is organised by the Continence Foundation, a registered charity (no. 1014429). For more information about its aims and activities visit: http://www.continence-foundation.org.uk.
