Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 19)

URINARY INCONTINENCE HOW FAR WE’VE COME: Female urinary incontinence has gone from an issue most women simply endured to one that usually can be successfully treated. The treatment options depend on the type of urinary incontinence but include bladder retraining and Kegel exercises, medication, and vaginal devices inserted to reduce leakage, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Other treatments include a device to stimulate the nerves of the bladder, injection of bulking agents like collagen, and surgery to insert various types of slings to reposition the bladder. Some of the surgical procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. WHAT’S NEXT: Take advantage of the healthcare advances that have already been made. One of the biggest unresolved issues in the treatment of female urinary incontinence is women’s reluctance to discuss the issue with their doctors. Experts agree that by talking about the problem, more women would get the treatment they need. Women should know that incontinence doesn’t have to interfere with their daily lives. Need to Know As advances in women’s healthcare continue, one thing remains constant— and sometimes undervalued: the importance of being an informed advocate for your own health. “People are coming to the doctor’s office better educated, but there’s still a lot of opportunities for improvement,” says Cathie Brazell, director of Women’s and Children’s Services at Gwinnett Medical Center. “Communication is crucial to good healthcare. When people take an active role in their care, research shows they fare better, in satisfaction and in how well the treatments work. Thus, do your homework and be prepared with a list of questions for your doctor to get the most out of your visit.” The internet has helped enormously in informing people, but it’s important to stick with reliable sources, such as sites run by the government (cancer.gov) or established organizations (heart.org). PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY/RUBBERBALL online Research isn’t just about test tubes and Petri dishes. It’s also about transferring healthcare advances from the laboratory to patient care. To find out the latest information, including current trials open for enrollment, visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/clinicaltrials. Are You a Candidate for a Clinical Trial? Vim & Vigor · SPRI NG 2012 19 http://www.cancer.gov http://www.heart.org http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/clinicaltrials

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil’s Feature
The Philanthropist Next Door
Special Delivery
Get Real
How Far We’ve Come
Patient Survival Guide
Perfect Attendance
A New Day
Lean on Me
Intimidated by the Gym?
What Is Your Volunteer Style?
A Prescription for Relief
PrimeTime Health
Reclaiming Form and Function
Nice Follow-Through
Out of the White Coat
SPECIAL: Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center