Category Archives: Resources

The Amazing Health Benefits of Antioxidants

Posted by Brooke Phillips on March 29, 2013 under Resources | Read the First Comment

We keep hearing about how terrific antioxidants are for us, but what exactly do they do? Antioxidants sound like they can do miracles for our health – but to most of us they’re still a mystery.

Antioxidants benefit your health by cleaning free radicals out of your bloodstream. Free radicals are electrically-charged molecules of oxygen that accumulate in our blood as we age through a process called “oxidation”. Don’t worry, oxidation is a natural process – and nature provides abundant ways of filtering them out through our diet! Antioxidants are found in everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to whole grains, nuts, chocolate and teas.

So if it’s natural to have free radicals in our blood stream, what’s the big deal? The problems come from too many free radicals accumulating too quickly, and sticking around far too long. Free radicals can damage other cells by attacking healthy ones, and over time have the potential to cause damage to your cellular DNA. This damage is linked to a wide range of diseases, including Cancer, Cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Autoimmune diseases, Cataracts, Macular degeneration and more. Our bodies have natural defenses against free radicals, but those defenses weaken as we age, making us more susceptible to cellular damage over time – which is why many health experts believe a diet rich in antioxidants is key to fighting age-related diseases.

To add to the mystery, there’s not just one type of antioxidant; there are many kinds, some of which you’ve probably already heard about – such as the beta carotene in carrots. Antioxidants have a wide range of health benefits, and different antioxidants benefit different parts of our bodies. For example, beta carotene benefits eye health, while flavonoids benefit cardiovascular health, quercetin benefits memory, and proanthocyanidins (try saying that five times fast!) benefit the urinary tract, among other things. Some studies have even shown that a combination of antioxidants can protect your skin from sun damage. For more information about foods that can help stave off Dementia and Alzheimer’s, try this article on the Five Best Foods for your Brain.

Antioxidants have not been proven to treat any medical conditions, however research implicates that antioxidants may be key in the prevention of a number of degenerative, age-related diseases.

So what are you waiting for? Dig into that fruit salad, enjoy your whole-grain pasta, and reach for the dark chocolate that’s been calling to you! (within moderation, of course). See this handy infographic for some of the health benefits of these 12 delicious, antioxidant-rich foods.

Did you know that drinking water in the morning can boost your metabolism and help fight infection? For more health information or useful tips, visit our Resources blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

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Will Ferrell Cancer for College

Posted by Brooke Phillips on March 25, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Son of a bee-sting! Ron Burgundy could probably help cure cancer with one hand tied behind his back, while removing someone from a Lakers game.

That’s why we were thrilled to see what Will Ferrell was doing to help cure cancer. Check out what Will Ferrell is doing for CancerforCollege.org through his charity fundraiser: www.crowdrise.com/willferrell

Will Ferrell plays the endearingly chauvinistic 1970s news anchorman Ron Burgundy in the 2004 comedy “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” The sequel “Anchorman: The Legend Continues” is currently in production and is scheduled to release in the U.S. on December 20, 2013.

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5 Best Foods for your Brain

Posted by Brooke Phillips on March 20, 2013 under Resources | Read the First Comment

Looking to boost your brain power? The answer may be in your grocery cart. Studies show that some powerhouse foods may boost long term and short term memory, as well as stave off dementia and alzheimer’s disease. Here are our five favorites, and the reasons why:

THINK STOCK PHOTOS

1. Walnuts

Rich in minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, b-complex vitamins and vitamin E, walnuts top our list of powerhouse brain foods. Vitamin E is a powerful brain booster, essential for maintaining the integrity of cell membranes. A recent Dutch study showed that people with the most vitamin E in their diets cut their risk of Alzheimer’s by 25 percent – and some of the best sources of vitamin E are nuts and seeds. Polyphenols in walnuts are also thought to improve communication between neurons. According to a Spanish study, People who ate a small handful of walnuts every day improved their working memory by 19 percent.

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2. Fish

Fish are filled with vitamin D and B2, rich in calcium and phosphorus, and most importantly — they’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which aid healthy brain function. Loss of fatty acids EPA and DHA are linked to depression, ADHD, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Researchers have found that a protein called beta-amyloid is associated with memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease – in fact, plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients are actually clumps of this substance. A study published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology found that people who consume omega-3 have significantly lower levels of beta-amyloid in their blood! Omega-3 fatty acids also prevent inflammation and lower blood pressure, making them essential to heart health.

THINK STOCK PHOTOS

3. Spinach

Packed with magnesium and folic acid (as well as vitamins E and K), these greens can help dilate blood vessels, boosting blood flow throughout the body and brain, according to Japanese researchers. Magnesium helps with cell repair, bone and teeth strength and muscle strength, while folic acid builds healthy red blood cells and fights heart disease. Folic Acid is also believed to protect the brain against Alzheimer’s disease and age-related memory loss. Broccoli and asparagus are also excellent sources of folic acid.

4. Blueberries

Antioxidant-rich and cholesterol-free, blueberries are tiny powerhouses of vitamin C, vitamin K and fiber. The color of blueberries is caused by a group of flavonoids called anthocyanins, which destroy free radicals – and studies indicate may help prevent cancer, heart disease, stroke and memory loss. Research suggests blueberries may also reduce the risk for Parkinson’s disease because of their anti-inflammatory powers. Red grapes, cherries and other dark berries are also great sources of anthocyanins.

Image by Abhijit Tembhekar

5. Apples

It’s true – an apple a day may keep the doctor away! Apples are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants anthocyanin and quercetin. Quercetin helps prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and inhibits inflammation. Over time, inflammation in the brain can cause cognitive decline. Quercetin also helps prevent dementia by protecting the brain against neurological disorders – as well as decreases cancer risk in your lungs, colon and prostate. The soluble fiber in apples also decreases cholesterol levels and contributes to keeping you feeling energized and full. Quercetin is primarily found in the apple peel, so be sure to eat the peel for maximum health benefit.

For more health information and useful tools, please visit our Resources and Tools Blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. For brand-name incontinence, ostomy, urological or wound supplies, visit our Total Home Care Supplies web store. Fast, Free, Discreet shipping on all orders over $40.

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Fad or Fruitful? The Benefits of a Balanced pH Diet

Posted by Brooke Phillips on March 18, 2013 under Resources | Read the First Comment

You may have heard about the Alkaline Diet – a mostly vegetarian diet that’s centered around the pH balance of the foods we eat. If you’re like us, you may be wondering if there’s any value to it – so we did a little research for you!

Everything around us registers on the pH spectrum, from completely acidic (0) to completely alkaline (14). Even our own bodies maintain a pH balance; we require a blood pH value between 7.35 and 7.45 and a stomach pH of 1.35-3.5 in order to function properly. The Alkaline Diet believes that one of the best ways to help our bodies maintain a proper pH balance is by consuming a balance of the right foods. Ideally, our diets should have a healthy balance of acidic and alkaline foods . Where does your diet fall?

Foods and Beverages on the pH Spectrum

The pH balance our body requires is a narrow window, and any time we slip outside of that window, our bodies work to bring it back into that zone. Don’t worry – regardless of the foods we eat, that’s what our bodies are designed to do. You’ll notice that in the infographic above, there are lots of healthy foods pictured in the “Alkaline” section, and some not-so-healthy (but tasty!) foods pictured in the “Acidic” section. However in the text below the image, you can see that there are plenty of healthy food choices that fall into the “Acidic” section as well. Doctors have found no evidence that our blood pH is affected by the foods we eat – however, research proves it does affect the pH balance of our urine.

What does this mean? Highly acidic diets can lower urine pH and raise the risk for kidney stones, as well as irritate the bladder and erode teeth enamel. Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, like the alkaline diet, can raise urine pH and reduce the risk for kidney stones – and it’s more gentle on the bladder, teeth and gums.

Remember, in a pH-balanced diet, the point is not to eliminate acid- or alkaline-forming foods, but to maintain healthy balance. A diet that’s healthy for your heart, weight, blood-pressure and colon will most likely be pH-balanced as well. Highly-processed foods tend to be more acidic after digestion than minimally-processed foods. Many of the chemicals in highly-processed or mass-produced foods (such as pesticides) tend to be acid-forming. This means simply choosing organic or locally-grown produce – and thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before you eat them – can potentially reduce the acid in your diet.

See these food charts by degree of Alkallinity or Acidity:

If your blood pH is outside of the zone, it’s most likely a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as kidney failure – and not the foods you eat. For questions or concerns about your blood pH, consult with your primary care doctor.

For more health and nutrition information, or for incontinence, ostomy, urological and wound home care supplies, visit our resources blog on totalhomecaresupplies.com.

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5 Health Benefits of Drinking Water in the Morning

Posted by Brooke Phillips on March 14, 2013 under Resources | 5 Comments to Read

Trying to boost your metabolism? How about fighting off infection? The answer could be as close as the kitchen sink. A glass of water in the morning (don’t worry, you can still have coffee!) brings amazing health benefits – from purifying your colon to increasing blood cell production! Here are 5 surprising health advantages of drinking water in the morning:

#5 – Increased nutrient absorption: Drinking water on an empty stomach purifies the colon, making it easier for your body to absorb nutrients.

#4 – New cell production: Our blood is composed of about 83% water, while lean muscle tissue is approximately 75% water. Early morning water consumption increases the daily production of new blood and muscle cells.

#3 – Increased weight loss: Believe it or not, your body works a little bit harder to raise your core temperature when you consume something cold. Drinking at least 16 ounces of chilled water in the morning can boost your daily metabolism by up to 24%!

#2. Clear, moisturized skin: It’s no coincidence that it’s called the “fountain” of youth. Water helps to purge toxins from the blood, which helps keep your skin glowing, moisturized and clear. This gives you a more youthful appearance, and over time visibly reduces signs of aging.

#1. Balanced lymph system: Your lymph nodes act as filters for foreign particles and are important in the proper functioning of the immune system. Lymph fluids circulate throughout the body, helping you perform multiple daily functions – including balancing your bodily fluids and fighting off infection.

What’s better for you, cold water or room-temperature water? Both cold water and lukewarm water have health benefits. Drinking cold water increases the number of calories you burn, in turn raising your metabolism, because your body has to work harder to return to normal temperature. However, room-temperature water can be absorbed more quickly into your system.

Should you add lemon to your water? Adding freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice – or a slice of orange – can add a hint of flavor without the calories. Some people also believe that adding lemon juice to their water increases their vitamin and mineral consumption. To an extent, that’s correct: home-grown, organic lemons have a higher vitamin and mineral content than store-bought lemons, and often contain calcium, magnesium and potassium along with high levels of vitamin C. However, if you’re sensitive to an acidic diet, consistently adding citric acid to your water could be detrimental to your overall health. Citric acid is a known bladder irritant, and can erode teeth enamel more quickly.

Can you drink too much water? If you’re worried about drinking too much water, then you’ve heard about hyponatremia – meaning “low sodium in the blood.” This occurs when someone drinks enormous amounts of water and/or loses too much salt from the body within a short period of time – like a marathon runner pounding one or two gallons of water without adding electrolytes, for example. Hyponatremia is rare, and doesn’t happen when a healthy person spreads his or her water intake over the course of the full day.

Cold or warm, pure or with a slice of citrus – there are plenty of ways to stay hydrated! Far more important than temperature or citrus is making sure you’re getting enough fluids. Wondering how much water is enough? For the average healthy adult in a moderate climate, sufficient daily fluid intake for men is about 13 cups, and for women is about 9 cups. This may souns like a lot, but keep in mind that up to 20% of our fluid intake can be drawn from the food we eat – especially moisture-rich foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. A great rule of thumb is the 8-8 rule: Drink at least 8 8oz glasses of fluids (preferably water) a day, starting first thing in the morning, and you’ll be in a healthy range.

Don’t forget that many other factors can affect your sufficient fluid intake, such as climate, elevation, exercise, breast feeding, and medications or certain medical conditions. For more information on these factors, check out this article from the Mayo Clinic: http://mayocl.in/UkbZD. If you have medical questions about your daily fluid intake, check first with your primary care physician.

For more health information and home health care products, visit our resources blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

Colorectal Cancer: Know the Symptoms, Know Your Risk

Posted by Brooke Phillips on February 27, 2013 under Resources | Read the First Comment

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month kicks off Friday, March 1st with National Wear Blue Day. Experts predict that in 2013, 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer, making it the third most common cancer in the United States – surpassed only by lung and prostate cancer in men and lung and breast cancer in women. Colorectal cancer is also the 2nd deadliest cancer in the US – second only behind lung cancer.

Unlike many cancers, colorectal cancer is up to 90% treatable. Unfortunately, most people don’t think about getting checked until signs or symptoms apear – and by this time, the cancer is usually in late stages. If detected early, colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable. That’s why it’s important to:

Know the symptoms
Know your risk
Get regular screenings

Read on for more information, and the life you save could be your own!

Know the Symptoms

It’s important to remember that colorectal cancer can be present without any symptoms at all. If you or someone you love has any of the following below, tell your doctor. A colonoscopy may be necessary to rule out cancer.

Symptoms can include:

A significant change in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea that lasts more than a couple of weeks
Bright red or very dark blood in the stool; black stools may also indicate blood
A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
Unexplained anemia (low number of red blood cells)
Stools that consistently look narrower or thinner than normal
Abdominal discomfort such as frequent gas pains, bloating or abdominal cramps
Unexpected, unexplained weight loss
Constant exhaustion or fatigue

Know Your Risk

All adults are at risk for colorectal cancer, as well as a small percentage of children and young adults. Adult risk for colorectal cancer increases significantly over age 50, so if you’re 50 or above, make sure you’re screened regularly. Certain factors can increase your risk, such as your family history, personal medical history and lifestyle choices. Which of the following risk categories do you fall under?

Average Risk:

You’re age 50 or over with no other personal or family risk factors

Increased Risk:

You’ve had previous colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps, or
You have a family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps

High Risk:

You’ve inherited Lynch Syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC) – a type of cancer of the digestive tract
You’ve inherited familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (AFAP)

Additional Lifestyle Risks:

Obesity
Smoking
Heavy alcohol use
Lack of exercise
Diets high in fat and red or processed meat
Diets low in fruits and vegetables
Inadequate levels of Calcium and Vitamin D

Get Regular Screenings

Since up to 90% of colorectal cancers are treatable if discovered early, we can’t emphasize a regular screening program enough! Leaders in the field have estimated that up to 30,000 lives are lost unnecessarily each year, due to late-stage diagnosis.

Tests that screen for cancer and polyps:

Colonoscopy (Every ten years starting at age 50.) What to Expect: the doctor examines the inside of the rectum and entire colon using a long, lighted tube called a colonoscope.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (Every five years starting at age 50.) What to Expect: the doctor examines your rectum and lower part of the colon with a lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope.
Virtual Colonoscopy (Every five years starting at age 50.) What to Expect: the doctor uses x-rays and computers to take 2- or 3-dimensional images of your colon and rectum.
Double-Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE) (Every five to ten years starting at age 50.) What to Expect: the doctor pumps air and barium into your rectum. The solution shows polyps or tumors on x-rays.

Tests That Screen for Cancer (these stool tests are less invasive, but also can’t detect polyps)

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) – Guaiac FOBT (Once a year starting at age 50.) What to Expect: you’ll submit a portion of several bowel movements to your doctor, who will test for small amounts of blood in the stool.
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) – Fecal Immunochemical Test (Once a year starting at age 50.) What to Expect: you’ll submit a portion of one to three bowel movements to your doctor, who will test for blood in the stool that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
Stool DNA (sDNA) (This is a new method, and the screening interval is still unknown.) What to Expect: you’ll submit a stool sample to your doctor, who will look for certain DNA mutations caused from cancerous tumors or precancerous polyps.

Please share this article and spread the word! Have you been screened for colorectal cancer?

Aww, Nuts! 6 Surprising Foods Irritating Your Bladder

Posted by Brooke Phillips on February 21, 2013 under Resources | 2 Comments to Read

Top 6 Bladder Irritants

Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Bladder irritants include any foods or beverages that contain ingredients which increase the acidity of your urine. These foods and beverages, including caffeinated drinks, alcoholic beverages, and highly acidic foods, can cause further irritation in areas of the bladder and urethra that are already inflamed.

While many people may not be bothered by highly acidic urine, for those managing incontinence, catheterization, urostomies or other medical issues, an irritated bladder can be a very serious issue.

That’s why we’ve composed a list of these top acidic food and beverage culprits. Some you might have guessed; others may surprise you! Read on to see what parts of your diet may be contributing to your irritated bladder:

1. Carbonated beverages: Drinks such as sodas and carbonated water fall into this category. The Alternative: No surprise here – spring water is what your body needs! Good for everything from your skin to your kidneys, water also dilutes uric acid to soothe an irritated bladder. For a little extra flavor, try adding a slice or zest of orange or limes.

2. Processed meats: (especially those containing nitrates): Spicy, processed and smoked meats fall into this category, including hotdogs, sausages, and meats with peppery marinades or sauces. The Alternative: fresh and mild-flavored meats have a generally soothing effect on the bladder, including fresh turkey, chicken, fish, beef and lamb.

3. Aged and processed cheeses: Hard aged cheeses like Parmesan and Asiago and “stinky” cheeses like Blue and Roquefort , as well as chemicals in processed cheeses such as American Cheese slices or Cheez Whiz, can all irritate the bladder. The Alternative: Mild cheeses such as mozzarella, feta, ricotta and mild cheddar are gentle on the bladder. Cream cheese and cottage cheese also fall into this “soothing” category.

4. Acidic or spicy vegetables and fruits: Tomatoes, hot peppers, pickles, raw onions, pineapple, cranberries, and citrus fruits and juices such as orange, grapefruit and lemon are the biggest culprits. The Alternative: Tolerance to acids in fruits varies greatly, so trial-and-error may be the best way to determine which fruits you can tolerate. Blueberries, strawberries, pears and honeydew melon are especially low-acid and are a good place to start. Vegetables like avocados, asparagus, broccoli, squash, cauliflower, cucumber, green beans, kale, spinach, and most salad greens can soothe an irritated bladder.

5. Nuts: Surprisingly, most nuts fall into this category, though tolerance varies from person to person. The Alternative: Almonds, cashews, pine nuts and sunflower seeds are healthy and soothing nut choices for those with sensitive bladders.

6. Coffee, Tea, Alcohol and artificial sweeteners: Unfortunately, some of our favorite indulgences are also highly acidic and irritating to the bladder. The worst culprits are coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated), beer, wine, black or green teas (hot and iced), and beverages containing high amounts of artificial sweeteners. The Alternative: Low acid coffees, which are “treated” to reduce the acid. Very dark roasts are naturally low-acid as well. Rum, vodka and gin may be easier on the bladder than beer or wine, and herbal teas – particularly chamomile and peppermint – are usually ok. Natural sweeteners such as sugar, brown sugar, honey and maple syrup are best, but artificial sweeteners like Splenda and Stevia are more gentle than Nutrasweet, Aspartame or Saccharine.

For more information on bladder matters, visit our blog on totalhomecaresupplies.com! For incontinence or urological supplies, visit our online store at www.TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

Does Working Past Retirement Keep Us Sharp?

Posted by Brooke Phillips on February 15, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

We all know that mental and physical activity is good for our health, but did you know that the more active you are, the longer your life expectancy – and the sharper your mind?

Studies by the Archives of Internal Medicine have shown that sitting unstimulated for prolonged periods of time could reduce your life expectancy compared with your more physically and mentally active peers. In a study of 220,000 people, individuals who sat for more than 8 hours a day were 15% more likely to die within the next 3 years than those who only sat for 4 hours a day. Another study showed that moderate levels of physical activity increased life expectancy by up to two years – and that high levels of physical activity increased life expectancy by up to four years.

Maybe that’s why someone like Helen Deneka is as sharp and active today as she was 40 years ago. At 87, Helen Deneka could very well be the nation’s oldest working nurse. Now with over 7 decades of nursing experience, Helen works full-time at the Outpatient Surgical Center of Baptist Memorial Hospital in Covington, Tennessee. Born in 1925, she gained interest in the field while taking care of family members when they were sick, then enrolled in a nursing program at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN, in 1943 – at the ripe old age of 17.

70 years later, she has seen and worked through remarkable changes in professional medical care, including the introduction of penicillin; installation of air conditioners, patient telephones and bathrooms in hospitals; and impressive advancements in medical technology itself.

“Back then, we did everything by hand,” Deneka says. “Checking the pulse, taking blood pressure…We used to wash all the syringes and needles between patients and sharpen our needles with a whetstone. Now they throw everything away.”

The changes in technology haven’t slowed Helen Deneka down one bit.

“I do the paperwork, then start the patients’ IVs,” says Deneka, describing her daily routine at the outpatient surgical center. “Fortunately, I get them on the first stick 99 percent of the time.”

“She never sits!” says fellow nurse Margaret Green, 66. “She’s going all the time…She’s such a caring and conscientious person. I can’t imagine her retiring.”

Whether or not genetics play a role, there’s no question that the daily physical and mental stimulation help keep Helen Deneka’s mind sharp and her body fit. In an era where early retirement is a popular goal – yet health care costs keep going up – perhaps we’re approaching old age the wrong way. Maybe ceasing to work isn’t the ripe fruit we imagine it to be; maybe we should look at retirement as not so much “stopping working” as shifting to work that stimulates and enriches us, even if it doesn’t pay as well.

As for Helen, does she ever plan to retire?

“I’m thinking about it,” she says, returning to her charts. “But not today. We have a lot of patients coming in.”

Fearing the Onset of Genetic Alzheimer’s

Posted by Brooke Phillips on under Resources | Be the First to Comment

When we think about Alzheimer’s, we usually think about older adults. That’s because approximately 95% of the Alzheimer’s cases we hear about have developed later in life – after age 60. The causes of Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease are still not fully understood, though researchers suspect that a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to our likelihood of developing the disease.

For a small percentage of Alzheimer’s patients, however, there is very little question about the cause of their disease. Familial Alzheimer’s Disease (FAD) is a form of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease that is caused by genetic mutations on any of three different chromosomes: 21, 14, and 1. A child whose parent developed Familial Alzheimer’s Disease has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the mutated gene, and if so, they will very likely develop FAD. FAD occurs in people between the ages of 30 and 60 years old.

The New York Times recently published a poignant article written by a woman whose grandfather and father both died of the disease. Her father – driven to a career in neurology by his own father’s onset of Alzheimer’s – taught his young daughter all about the disease he would later succumb to. With a 50/50 chance of developing FAD herself, she voices her own anxiety and fears.”

“I’m not losing track of my car keys, which is pretty standard in aging minds,” she writes. “ Nor have I ever forgotten to turn off the oven after use, common in menopausal women. I can always find my car in the parking lot, although lots of ‘normal’ folk can’t. Rather, I suddenly can’t remember the name of someone with whom I’ve worked for years…am I losing track of me?”

In her article, Nancy Stearns Bercaw voices the fears we all fight off watching the slow deterioration of the ones we love. You can read the entire article, “Waiting for the Forgetting to Begin” on the New York Times website.

For more information on the 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s, check out the Alzheimer’s Association web page.

Top 5 Incontinence Myths

Posted by Brooke Phillips on February 9, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Incontinence is one of those embarrassing topics nobody likes to discuss, even with our doctors. But did you know that experts estimate approximately 50% of women and 30% of men have had bladder problems at least once in their life? With such an uncomfortable topic of conversation, it’s no surprise that there are so many misconceptions about conditions like Urge Incontinence ( Overactive Bladder). Read on to see if you’ve fallen for these 5 tall tales:

1. FALSE: Going to the bathroom all the time is a normal part of getting older.

TRUE: Overactive bladder – also known as urge incontinence – may become more common as people get older, but you can have an overactive bladder at any age. Constantly needing to use the bathroom is not normal, and shouldn’t be accepted as a part of everyday life.

2. FALSE: You’re the only one having trouble making it to the bathroom in time.

TRUE: Good news – you’re far from alone. Approximately 13 million American adults suffer from urge incontinence. For a variety of medical reasons, someone with urge incontinence may have trouble controlling the sudden, strong urge to urinate. If a bathroom is too far away when the urge hits, they may have an accident.

3. FALSE: To avoid a bladder accident, you should go to the bathroom every chance you get.

TRUE: If you’ve ever had a bladder accident, it’s understandable why you’d want to go to the bathroom frequently, “just in case.” But since urge incontinence often has nothing to do with the volume of urine, emptying your bladder doesn’t actually help – and may in fact hurt. Not only are you visiting the bathroom more frequently, you’re slowly retraining your bladder to hold less urine, and you’re teaching your nervous system that it doesn’t need to “warn” you when you need to urinate.

4. FALSE: The only reason you’re going so much is because you have a tiny bladder.

TRUE: The average bladder holds 350-550 milliliters of urine, with most people starting to feel the urge to go around 200-250ml. Sudden, strong urges to urinate are usually caused by involuntary bladder contractions, not because your bladder is too small or because you drank too much fluid. There are many medical conditions that can interfere with normal bladder control, including neurological disorders—such as multiple sclerosis or stroke—which cause faulty signals between the brain and bladder.

5. FALSE: To control overactive bladder, you should cut back on the amount of fluids you drink.

TRUE: Cutting back drastically on how much water you drink isn’t healthy, period. Our bodies are made up of more than 60% water, and our blood is composed of 92% water, and limiting fluid consumption can take a toll on all of your organs, including your heart, skin, kidneys and brain. Besides – although you’ll make less urine, it will have a higher concentration of uric acid, and thus be more irritating to the bladder. Strangely enough, drinking too little water might actually make you need to urinate more often! Most adults should aim to drink six to eight cups of fluids throughout the day.

For CNN’s list of Top 10 Myths About Overactive Bladder, go to http://bit.ly/V4Hvce.

All this bladder talk make you think about your incontinence products? Don’t run out – take a look at our incontinence supplies before you go. Totalhomecaresupplies.com ships low-cost name-brand products right to your door, discreetly packaged, with free shipping on all orders over $40.