Urinary incontinence is a common problem whereby you can’t control your bladder, so you involuntarily pass urine. The severity of urinary incontinence ranges from occasional urine leaks when you cough or sneeze to having a strong urge to urinate that you can’t get to a toilet in time. Although urinary incontinence is common in older adults, it is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Unfortunately, most people with this problem shy away from seeking help, but you should not be embarrassed to discuss your symptoms with Dr. Peter A Khamvongsa.

Types of urinary incontinence

• Stress incontinence. Pressure on the bladder due to lifting something heavy, laughing, sneezing, coughing, laughing, or exercising causes urine leaks.
• Overflow incontinence. Your bladder does not empty, so you experience frequent or constant dribbling of urine.
• Urge incontinence is whereby you have a sudden and intense urge to urinate; then, you involuntarily pass urine. If you have this type of incontinence, you may need to urinate often, including at night. Urge incontinence may be due to a minor infection, severe condition like diabetes, or neurological disorder.
• Functional incontinence. You cannot make it to the toilet in time because of physical or mental impairment. For example, if you have severe osteoarthritis, you may not be able to open the doorknob or unbutton your pants quickly enough.
• Mixed incontinence is whereby you have more than one type of urinary incontinence. It most often refers to a combination of stress incontinence and urges incontinence.

Causes of urinary incontinence

• Temporary urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence may result from everyday habits such as taking certain drinks and foods. For example, drinks like carbonated beverages and alcohol stimulate the bladder and increase urine volume. Other foods and beverages that cause temporary urine incontinence include caffeine, chocolate chili peppers, large doses of vitamin C, and fruits high in spice and acid.

Temporary urinary incontinence may also be due to certain medications such as sedatives and muscle relaxants. Easily treatable medical conditions such as urinary tract infection can irritate your bladder, causing incontinence or a strong urge to urinate. The nerves in your rectum can also become overactive due to constipation, thus increasing urinary incontinence.

• Persistent urinary incontinence

Underlying changes or physical problems can also cause urinary incontinence. For example, during pregnancy, the fetal weight stresses your bladder, and you may have the constant need to pass urine. After a vaginal delivery, the muscles needed for bladder control may become weak, and the supportive tissues can get damaged, leading to a prolapsed pelvic floor. With prolapse, the uterus, bladder, rectum, or small intestines protrude into the vagina and may cause incontinence.

Weakening of the bladder muscles due to old age can also result in incontinence. Further, as you grow older, your involuntary bladder contractions become frequent. Other conditions and factors such as menopause, prostate cancer, enlarged prostate, neurological disorders, and obstruction can cause urinary incontinence.

Although urinary incontinence is not always preventable, you can reduce your risk of this condition by avoiding bladder irritants like coffee, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing pelvic floor exercises.

If you involuntarily pass urine, visit your doctor at The Miami Institute for Women’s Health for Treatment to improve your quality of life.

Many people are wondering: what is the healthy diet plan to lose weight? Those looking to lose weight are often confused between a high-protein diet and a low-carb diet. This article will explain the phases of the Cleavland Clinic diet and how to choose a healthy diet plan. You will also learn about Nuts, Drinking water, and limiting calories. Below are some tips to help you start your weight loss journey.

Phases of the Cleavland Clinic diet

The Phases of the Cleavland Clinic healthy diet program for weight loss focus on different habits and lifestyle changes that you can make to lose weight. These habits include eating nutritious foods, following a healthy diet plan, and making sure you get enough physical activity. Each phase is based around a goal of losing one to two pounds per week. The program also includes exercises and a physical activity plan to help you reach your weight loss goals.

The diet plan includes vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains, as well as a small number of sweets. During the first phase of the diet, you must cut out refined carbohydrates, sugar, and alcohol. During the second phase, you can eat a limited amount of dairy products, lean meat, and whole grains. It is important to cook from scratch, however, so make sure you know what you’re doing before starting the diet plan.

Nuts are a healthy diet plan to lose weight

Eating a small handful of nuts between meals can help curb hunger between meals. According to Dr. Delichatsios, nuts should round out the nutritional value of a meal. This way, the fats and fiber they contain help you maintain a healthy weight. Nuts are especially good for breakfast and lunch, when they help you keep satisfied longer. This way, you can enjoy a variety of nut flavors and keep your weight under control.

Studies have shown that nuts reduce hunger and can regulate the production of hormones such as cholecystokinin and peptide YY that control hunger. Some researchers think that this effect may be caused by the nuts’ high protein and unsaturated fat content. Studies suggest that about 54 to 104% of the calories in nuts can be offset by a natural reduction in other foods. Nuts can also boost your feelings of fullness, so you may eat fewer other foods.

Drinking water

Studies have shown that drinking two cups of water before meals can help you lose weight. By drinking water before meals, you will feel full sooner and eat less. Additionally, drinking water when you’re thirsty will keep your body hydrated and functioning at its optimal level. However, drinking water is not enough. It should be complemented by a low-calorie diet and exercise. Many people confuse thirst with hunger, but it’s not.

You can create your own fruit water by adding whole pieces of fruit to it. Using whole fruit instead of fruit juice gives you the benefit of fibre and water without the added sugar. Also, you can make ice cubes out of fresh fruit for variety. When you make your fruit water, be sure to cut off the rind and any other bitter flavors. Store your fruit water in the fridge or at room temperature.

Limiting calories

While restricting calories is not a bad plan for losing weight, you should avoid going overboard. Your calorie needs may be different from another person’s, so you can reduce them by 100-500 calories per day. A healthy diet plan to lose weight requires a lifestyle change and should not be approached as a crash diet. It is important to remember that fruits and vegetables provide many essential nutrients and fiber without much calorie intake.

Exercise

There are many different kinds of exercise, from walking or jogging to running or cycling. Most people can engage in some kind of physical activity, as long as they get their heart rate up. Aerobic exercise, on the other hand, involves vigorous physical activity such as sprinting, jumping, and swimming. Fitness machines are also a great way to burn calories while working out. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week. If you’re experiencing pain or shortness of breath while exercising, stop immediately.

Regular exercise improves metabolism, and reduces your risk of developing certain types of cancer. It can also improve your overall sense of well-being, and reduce anxiety and depression. It also promotes lean body mass, which burns more calories. But don’t mistake exercise for dieting. It is just one component of a healthy diet plan for losing weight. Make sure you get enough exercise each day.

 

Due to the hectic work schedule, we all tend to be on our toes for most of our daytime. Our legs and feet bear our body weight and cry for help at the end of the day. Many people suffer from foot pain and uneasiness on a daily basis. To get rid of these issues, you should contact a foot doctor in Maryville, IL. He can offer the best way to reduce the pain and discomfort. Besides that, you can follow the regimen in the comfort of home to get immediate relief. Some of these remedies are elaborated below:

Cold and hot water baths

It can do wonders to your feet if you put your feet in cold and hot water alternately. It reduces the swelling, pain, inflammation, and discomfort because this therapy relaxes the muscles and gives immediate relief after you have come back from your office or a hectic schedule.

Icing therapy 

It has proven to work on foot pain. You can perform this remedy in the comfort of your home and without making much effort. All you have to do is take the ice in a bucket filled with water. You must keep your feet in water for about 10-15 minutes and relax. It not only helps reduce foot pain but also eliminates your mental stress.

Foot massages for an immediate relief

One of the best ways to reduce the discomfort in your feet is to go for a foot massage. These days, a number of beauty care centers also offer foot massages with essential oils. These oils have special ingredients to relax the muscles of your feet and pain. If you want your feet to feel healthy, you should visit these centers on a regular basis. After getting the massage done, you will notice a sudden drop in foot pain.

Stretch your legs and feet

We all have to sit or stand for a long time at the workplace. It is the major reason for foot pain. To eliminate this problem, you must stretch your legs and feet after a few hours. It helps the blood to flow properly in the legs and hence, the muscles will be relaxed. You must take a short break and walk a few steps so that the blood circulation is proper.

By following the above-mentioned tips, you can feel more relaxed, healthier, and your foot pain will be minimized to a great extent. 

A perfect smile is rare to find, and if we find someone having great teeth and a smile, we tend to get jealous. The good news is that everyone can smile beautifully and look amazing. All it takes is to follow the right dental care regimen. Additionally, if you contact a dentist in Dedham, MA, you are likely to face fewer dental issues than others. You will be surprised to know that you can easily achieve pearly teeth with little effort. Some of these tips are mentioned below:

Look for teeth whitening options

These days, several teeth whitening treatments are available in the dental industry. All you have to do is to get in touch with the dentist offering these services. You can schedule an appointment with him. These treatments are effective, affordable, and safe. Your dentist will be able to educate you on these options depending on your oral health. They are designed to remove the stains from your teeth, which may have been deposited on them over a period of time.

Oral hygiene

Dental care is much more than waking up in the morning and brushing your teeth. You need to put in the effort if you want to smile beautifully. Moreover, it is not the result of overnight oral care. You will have to follow dental care regime from a tender age. Its results will be shown when you grow young. You should brush your teeth twice a day along with flossing, cleaning your teeth, and using the right kind of mouthwash.

Schedule your dental appointments

One of the reasons why your teeth do not shine is because you have never seen your doctor. If you regularly visit a dentist, you are likely to get rid of all those issues that you may come across in the coming years, such as bad breath, bleeding gums, and tooth decay. As you grow old, these problems get bigger, and you need to spend more money correcting them. Meeting a dentist on a regular basis ensures that your smile will last longer.

Eating healthy food and snacks 

When we feel hungry, we tend to eat fast food such as pizza and burgers. These snacks can get spoil our teeth to a great extent making them yellow and dark-colored. It is strongly recommended to eat raw vegetables and crunchy fruits. It is a natural way to remove plaque from your teeth.

If we care for our teeth, we will feel healthier than ever before. 

After you are diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you may experience mixed emotional reactions. On one end, having answers for the concerns you have been experiencing may be reassuring. On the other end, you may now be inquiring about your various therapy alternatives. Luckily, you no longer have to live with the debilitating effects of uterine fibroids. At South Florida Vascular Associates, you can access uterine fibroid embolization, a minimally intrusive procedure that safely and effectively treats your fibroids, thus, relieving you of any associated symptoms. Are you still on the fence on whether you should undergo plantation uterine fibroid embolization? Take a moment to read through this post to determine if you are the right candidate for this procedure.

Are You Experiencing Heavy Menses?

Periods are daunting, but adding uterine fibroids to the mix could be even more difficult. Patients with uterine fibroids typically suffer excessive bleeding. Unfortunately, most do not recognize they have heavy periods till they compare themselves with other women. As a general rule of thumb, your period is deemed heavy if you feel anemic or weak throughout your period, bleeding for more than a week, pass massive blood clots, or constantly have to change tampons or pads.

Do You Experience Painful Intercourse?

Besides promoting vaginal discomfort during sex, uterine fibroids may result in discomfort following intercourse. This form of discomfort can appear in various ways. To begin with, some women have uterine cramps that are identical to the cramping they experience during menses. On the other hand, some women may experience stomach aches or cramping after intercourse. Once your doctor determines that uterine fibroids are the reason for your concern, you may begin exploring whether uterine fibroid embolization is appropriate for you. 

Are You Struggling With Severe Pelvic Discomfort?

Uterine fibroids could result in severe cramp pains, which might sometimes not even be relieved with over-the-counter pain medicines. If your cramps are so bad that you cannot get out of bed or the sofa on the bad days, you should consider whether fibroids might be to blame and if you need fibroid embolization to address your concerns.

Is Urinary Incontinence Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Urinary incontinence symptoms might range from minor irritation to a significant concern. While running to the bathroom during the day is inconvenient, it is not necessarily a major issue. Nonetheless, if this pressing urge to urinate affects your everyday life, such as disrupting your sleep, it might lead to daytime drowsiness, poor work performance, and other adverse effects. If left untreated, this concern can develop into urinary incontinence, which is characterized by the patient losing bladder control, and sometimes constipation, hence the need to consider the embolization procedure.

Are You Not Ready To Undergo Surgery?

While surgery is an efficient therapy for uterine fibroids, it not only results in a prolonged recovery time that can be inconvenient for your work life and other commitments but is also pretty costly. Even so, some people may avoid surgery because of the fear of complications associated with the procedure. If this applies to you, uterine fibroid embolization may be appropriate for you.

Now that you understand the important considerations to help you establish whether you are eligible for uterine fibroid embolization, it is time to find a competent specialist. The expert staff at South Florida Vascular Associates are well-versed in interventional vascular radiology. Therefore, you may look forward to top-notch, safe, and effective uterine fibroid embolization procedures. Schedule an initial consultation through mobile or book online to discuss your concerns and learn what to expect with your treatment.

A bowel obstruction can be sudden, requiring acute care surgery. The surgical process includes removing the material blocking the intestines and repairing the region that might have incurred damage from the obstruction. The blocking materials range from cancer, feces, twists in the bowel, infectious abscesses, or polyps, to name a few. Upper East Side acute care surgery is necessary since the obstruction can quickly turn into a life-threatening incidence.

Bowel obstruction surgery helps save the small/large intestines and prevents dangerous complications of untreated blockage. Such complications include:

• Intestinal tissue death (necrosis)
• Permanent intestinal damage
• Electrolyte disturbance
• Intestinal bleeding/leaking
• Prevent food or stool from passing through the bowels
• Chronic abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bowel’s blood flow concerns, among others

When such complications arise, you are at higher risk of multiple organ failure, hypotension, and death. Bowel obstruction is a serious issue requiring acute care surgery, with the mortality rate within the first 36 hours reduced to an average of 8 %. Delaying the treatment beyond 36 hours increases the mortality rate to an average of 25%.

Assessment

If you experience intermittent cramping, severe pain, or changes in bowel movements, consult your doctor for an immediate assessment. The assessment starts with a physical exam, including checking the abdomen and considering bowel sounds. Physical exams can establish the obstruction location, number, and potential causes in most instances.

The doctor could undertake other tests, including abdominal X-ray, CT scan (computerized tomography), or ultrasound. The tests either employ IV injection or the use of contrast material. Barium enema, for example, is a common option. It is an invasive imaging check undertaken by inserting contrast material in the rectum, helping to visualize the intestinal structures. The assessment could also include a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, tests that entail the use of a camera inserted through the colon for visualization. The evaluations determine bowel obstruction causes, the common including:

• Hernia
• Rotation
• Constriction
• A mechanical obstruction such as due to swelling, cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Ischemic colitis
• Myopathy or neuropathy

In most instances, acute care surgery is performed as an emergency intervention. It means you won’t have much time to prepare. The surgery is undertaken in an operating room and under general anesthesia. Your doctor will consider your medical history, including active prescription, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are using. This is since some mediation can impact the surgery. For example, blood thinners can lead to excessive bleeding, a complication that can impact your overall health.

After the surgery, you can get out of bed within a few hours, following your general health status. It will take some days to urinate and walk on your own after open surgery. You will be given the green light to start taking small amounts of fluids once you can pass the gas. When your body is ready, you can advance to soft foods.

Before discharge, the healthcare provider will furnish you with information, including:

• Medication
• Wound care
• Infection and complication signs to look out for
• When to go for follow-up checks
• Diet, and
• Activity

After the surgery, you might spend 5-8 days in the hospital. It also takes a few weeks/months to return to your normal routine following your health and how well you manage the recovery process. Intestinal obstructions can be fatal or cause serious health concerns. This emphasizes the need for acute care surgery. Visit Surgical Specialists of NY for emergency treatment, helping you avoid the adverse consequences of untreated intestinal obstruction.

If you have ever placed your wants on hold because you have multiple obligations, whether your job, children, parents, spouse, etc; you are not alone! Women manage a lot and frequently put themselves last on the list. However, to enjoy enhanced life quality and be of good service to others as well, you must also take care of yourself. Besides, women have a wide range of specific concerns, which makes women’s health Boca Raton a good part of one’s health and wellness routine. In this post, OBGYN specialist Dr. Luisa Cueto outlines five health and wellness principles you should adopt for immediate and long-term benefits. Read on to learn more.

1. Schedule Checkups

It is best to identify an issue before it even manifests. Thus, keep up with your annual physical, including a breast exam, blood pressure assessment, and other tests like monitoring your cholesterol levels and further blood work. Based on your family history, age, additional preventive examinations might include a Pap smear, pelvic exam, STD screening, mammography, and bone density checks. Furthermore, ensure you obtain any necessary vaccinations.

2. Lower Your Susceptibility To Cardiovascular Illness

While cardiovascular illness is the leading cause of fatalities in the United States, women are more susceptible to this concern than men. For this reason, eliminating your risk factors for this concern is essential. Here are a few essential tips:

• Remain active by doing 30 minutes of cardio exercise such as walking, swimming, riding, or dancing every day. If you are new to fitness, begin gradually.
• Manage your blood pressure
• Quit smoking
• Manage your weight, for instance, through healthy dieting
• Manage your blood sugar levels if you are diabetic
• Visit the emergency room or inform your physician if you experience any heart disease warning signs, such as chest discomfort

3. Consult About Menopause Concerns

Menopause is a natural process, but it does not always come without challenges. Physical symptoms such as night sweats, sleep difficulty, hot flashes, and emotional concerns like confusion and mood swings can make you fatigued and irritable. If you have these menopause-related difficulties, consult your doctor about the necessary treatments.

4. Understand Your Family History

Family history covers both immediate and slightly distant family members, including parents, siblings, kids, cousins, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Recognizing that there are shared genes between these close relatives, understanding your relatives’ medical history may help you determine if you are at a higher risk for developing specific illnesses.

Whilst knowing your family history is no assurance that you will develop a specific issue (or that you will not develop a health concern that no close relative ever suffered), this information may help you make proactive measures to minimize your risks, such as changing your lifestyle and schedule screenings.

5. Manage Stress

Stress could trigger numerous associated physical concerns, such as hypertension, cardiovascular illnesses, headaches, and mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression. Arrange up to an hour every day to manage your stress during the morning, lunchtime, or evening hours. Whether it is meditation, yoga, or simply listening to relaxing music, incorporate it into your everyday regimen. 

Women are an anchor in society; thus, their health and wellness should be prioritized. Even if you are simply observing minor shifts or concerns, taking a proactive approach will ensure that you maintain optimal health. As women’s health professionals, nothing excites the expert staff at MyDoc’s Women’s Health Specialists more than effectively assisting you in achieving your unique wellness goals. Whether you are struggling with menopause, pregnancy issues, adolescence, hormone imbalances, or other women-specific OBGYN concerns, Dr. Cueto and her team can help. Call the office near you or use the online scheduling tool to arrange an appointment today.

Have you had your routine health exam yet? Health check-ups are essential in everyone’s life to enhance good health. Usually, health exams should happen every year or as your provider directs, whether you are feeling healthy or not. They are a form of preventive care that lowers your health risks and enhances your overall health. The Phoenix annual exam providers offer comprehensive health evaluations to women to promote their health and wellbeing. Here is why annual exams are critical and what they involve.

Reasons why you need an annual exam?

An annual exam happens every year, where you have an appointment with your health provider to check on your health. Unlike what you may assume, a health check-up is still necessary even when you feel healthy.

You may still be having health issues even when you feel healthy. Some health issues take time to develop symptoms, and sometimes you may not be aware of the changes. A health exam helps detect health problems even at their early stages, preventing complications.

During your annual exam at Desert Star Family Planning, your provider points out the difference between your present health status and past medical records. Where there are changes in your health, they offer comprehensive treatments, including lifestyle modifications to promote your health.

What happens during an annual exam?

Your health exam begins with measuring your weight, height, and blood pressure. Your provider then discusses your health and assesses your medical history. They may ask whether there are any noticeable health changes or concerns. A physical exam includes your provider listening to your lungs and heart and touching the abdomen. In addition, they conduct a pelvic or breast exam and a pap smear if necessary.

A pap smear may be appropriate only when you’re at risk cervical cancer. However, patients with decreased chances may have a pap smear after 3 to 5 years. How frequently you have a pap smear depends on your age; you must discuss it with your provider to see whether you need a pap smear.Your provider may also provide HPV vaccinations for patients below 25 years during your annual exams. Women aged 40 or older may benefit from mammogram referrals.

A health check-up also gives you the chance to ask your provider about your health. It’s a platform where you can access all the information you need to know on women’s health to enhance healthy living. Women’s health may have various concerns, including birth control, irregular periods, and other issues. You may get all the answers during an annual exam.

What do you get from the annual exam?

Annual exams ensure your health is in check. If you have developing health issues, you can get early treatments and stop any complications. Early treatments are usually successful, which is a plus for your health. An annual exam also gives you the chance to interact with your provider better. It helps your provider enhance your overall health.

It’s critical to have your annual health exams even when in good health. It helps identify any developing issues and solve them before they worsen. Call Desert Star Family Planning today to book your appointment.

The spine starts to develop problems due to natural wear and tear as you age. The first noticeable sign of spinal issues is back and neck pain. The pain becomes persistent, affecting your daily routine and causing other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness of your muscles. Treatment is essential at this point to prevent complications. Luckily, the neurosurgery Edison NJ specialist Jeff Pan, MD, offers skilled and expert care in treating various spine conditions. Here are among the spine conditions he provides solutions to.

Spinal tumors

They are strange tissue growths in your spinal column. Though not all tumors are cancerous, they may interfere with your wellbeing. Spinal tumors are less common compared to brain tumors.

You may be at risk of a spinal tumor if you have a family history of spinal tumors. Some genetic conditions may also increase your chance of having spinal tumors.

Spinal tumors either come from the spine or emerge from other body parts. They occur in different types depending on where they develop.

If you have spinal tumors, you are likely to develop the following symptoms based on the type and location of the tumor;

• Bladder problems
• Neck or back pain
• Difficulty walking
• Leg pain
• Numbness
• Paralysis

Dr. Pan offers comprehensive care to prevent severe complications.

Low back conditions

The back provides support for your body; it’s, therefore, vulnerable to damage and injuries, causing back pain. Different low back conditions cause low back pain, including the following;

• Degenerative spondylolisthesis
• Isthmic spondylolisthesis
• Lumbar stenosis
• Low back strains and sprains
• Lumbar degenerative disc disease
• Lumbar disc herniation
• Spinal tumors
• Lumbar radiculopathy

Your provider performs a thorough evaluation to confirm your diagnosis. After your diagnosis results, he offers the following treatments;

• Physical therapy
• Spinal injections
• Home exercise program
• Anti-inflammatory and pain medications
• Activity modification

He suggests surgery when your treatments do not work.

Cervical conditions

The neck is among the most flexible part of your spinal column. It allows smooth movement of your head in all directions. The mobility causes the cervical spine to become more susceptible to injuries.

Neck pain occurs due to different cervical conditions, such as;

• Cervical disc herniation
• Cervical degenerative disc disease
• Cervical stenosis
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Craniocervical instability
• Cervical strains and sprains
• Spinal tumors

Your provider performs a thorough diagnosis to determine the exact cause of your pain. They use your results to create treatment plans to eliminate inflammation and pain. Your provider recommends surgical and nonsurgical treatments to relieve pain and enhance recovery.

Thoracic conditions

The thoracic part of your spine joins the cervical spine to the lumbar spine. It offers stability and protection to the spinal cord and secures the rib cage.

Usually, the thoracic spine is less flexible, and its conditions cause upper back pain. Your provider works with you to find the cause of pain and provide treatments.

Conditions that affect the thoracic spine include the following;

• Age-related kyphosis
• Scheuermann’s kyphosis
• Compression fractures
• Spinal tumors

Most spine conditions are painful, interfering with your mobility and affecting daily life activities. When not treated, the pain may lead to severe complications. Dr. Pan offers surgical and nonsurgical treatments to help you find relief. Call Jeff Pan, MD, today to schedule your consultation.