Incontinence is a BIG deal.

It's not just a case of a little wee in the undies. It is a much bigger problem, at an individual, societal, and global level.

What starts as a little "LBL" (light bladder leakage) can progress to a MUCH bigger problem.

This week is World Continence Awareness Week and as a Continence Physiotherapist, I couldn't really let the week go by without doing my bit to bring attention to it.

The theme this year is "invest in continence" which I absolutely love.

If you don't invest in being proactive about then you might just find yourself in a ‘wet’ spot down the track.
Incontinence refers to any leaking from the the bladder or bowel of solids, liquids and gas.It’s complex, multifaceted and usually needs more than a few kegels to help.

This is why it is such a big deal:

  • 50% of women between the age of 45- 59 experience some degree of urinary incontinence

  • 13% of Australian women experience fecal incontinence

  • Incontinence is in the top 3 reasons for admittance to aged care facilities.

  • 70% of residents in aged care are incontinent.

  • In 2010 economic Australian Health spend on incontinence directly was $271 Million, but when you add in the burden of disease, aids, and productivity loss it adds to $24 BILLION

  • The government has a scheme called CAPS that gives those with severe incontinence $610 per year to assist the purchase of pads/ sheets/nappies

  • The environmental impact of non-biodegradable continence products is mortifying and immeasurable.

  • It is a major reason for social isolation

As you can see it is a BIG deal and needs to be the concern for all of us.

For more info head to the @auscontinence foundation, speak to your GP or decide to finally make that appointment to a WH Physio. 📞 @womeninfocusphysio

Your investment in continence is important and starts now.

STEPHANIE TAYLOR