How to Stop Incontinence From Sabotaging Your Sex Life

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More evidence ties cholesterol drug, diabetes

By Amy Norton
(Reuters Health) - People on a high-dose regimen of the cholesterol drug Lipitor may have a slightly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes -- particularly if they have several of the classic diabetes risk factors, a study published Monday finds.

A number of studies have linked Lipitor (known generically as atorvastatin) and other cholesterol-lowering statin drugs to a small increase in users' risk of diabetes.

This latest study, based on data from three large clinical trials, strengthens evidence of a connection.
But it also suggests that the risk may largely exist among people who also have the well-known risk factors for type 2 diabetes -- including excess weight, high blood sugar, elevated triglycerides (a type of blood fat) and high blood pressure.

Those four factors appear "very good at distinguishing people at high or low risk for developing new-onset diabetes with atorvastatin," lead researcher Dr. David D. Waters, of the University of California at San Francisco, told Reuters Health in an email.

So managing those risk factors -- by shedding excess pounds, for example -- would be important for curbing any extra diabetes risk, Waters said.

He also stressed that the diabetes risk tied to statins is small.

"An important point," Waters said, "is that the risk of developing new-onset diabetes and its complications (is) greatly outweighed by the benefit of statins in reducing cardiac death, heart attack and stroke."

The findings, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, are based on data from three clinical trials comparing high-dose atorvastatin (80 milligrams) with either a lower dose statin or placebo pills in people with cardiovascular disease.

In the trial with the placebo group, the study found, atorvastatin users had a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes over 5 years. Just under 9 percent did, versus 6 percent of the placebo group.

That trial included 3,800 adults who were diabetes-free at the outset; all had a history of stroke or "mini" strokes known as transient ischemic attacks
.
When Waters and his colleagues accounted for a number of other factors -- like age, weight and smoking habits -- atorvastatin use was linked to a 37 percent increase in the odds of developing diabetes, versus the placebo.

But a closer look showed that the extra risk appeared limited to patients with at least two of the "big-four" risk factors for diabetes.

Of patients with all four risk factors, nearly half of atorvastatin users -- 26 of 56 -- developed diabetes, versus just over 20 percent of the placebo group (11 of 52 participants).

Waters' team found no strong connection between high-dose atorvastatin and diabetes risk in the other two trials.

In one, researchers compared 80 mg of atorvastatin against 20 mg of simvastatin (Zocor) in nearly 7,500 heart attack sufferers who were free of diabetes. Over 5 years, 6.4 percent of atorvastatin users developed diabetes, as did 5.6 percent of simvastatin users.

The third trial compared high-dose atorvastatin against a 10 mg dose of the drug in people with stable heart disease. Of the 7,600 who were free of diabetes to start, 9 percent in the high-dose group and 8 percent in the low-dose group developed diabetes over 5 years.

Statins are not the only drugs that have been linked to diabetes risk. Certain high blood pressure treatments (beta-blockers and thiazide diuretics), niacin (sometimes used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides) and glucocorticoids are among the others.

In most of those cases, the reason for the risk appears to be the drugs' effect on the body's ability to control blood sugar.

In contrast, it's not yet clear why statins would contribute to diabetes, Waters said.

He and his colleagues suggest that doctors might want to carefully monitor atorvastatin users for diabetes. But, they write, the benefits of the drug "clearly outweigh" the risks for people with heart disease or a history of stroke.

People without heart disease or prior stroke may be able to first try diet changes and exercise alone for lowering their cholesterol.

Waters and other researchers on the study have financial ties to Lipitor-maker Pfizer Inc. as well as other drug companies. Three co-researchers are Pfizer employees.

SOURCE: bit.ly/d1cHYE Journal of the American College of Cardiology, online March 28, 2011.

10 things that can make incontinence worse

(Health.com) -- Incontinence can happen to anyone, although it's more common in women than in men.

"Mild urinary leakage affects most women at some time in our lives," says Mary Rosser, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology at Montefiore Medical Center, in New York City. "Although it is more common in older women, younger women may experience leakage as well."

You may have stress incontinence, urge incontinence, or some other type. The good news is that there are treatments -- and lifestyle changes -- that can help.

Health.com: What type of incontinence do you have?

 

Fluid intake

It's no surprise that too many drinks -- whether water, milk, or other beverages -- can be a problem for people with incontinence.

However, you can't solve incontinence by severely cutting back on fluids. This can lead to dehydration, constipation, and kidney stones, which can actually irritate your bladder and make symptoms worse.

It's important to get the right balance, says Rosser, who recommends about two liters of fluid a day, which is eight 8-ounce glasses. (The right amount depends on your lean body mass.)

If you're prone to nighttime incontinence, cut back your fluid intake in the evening.

InHealth: Simple solutions for an overactive bladder

Alcohol

If you have incontinence, happy hour can be anything but happy. Alcohol is a diuretic. It causes you to produce more urine, which can contribute to urge incontinence. And it can irritate the bladder, which is a problem for those with overactive bladder.

"Limiting the amount of alcohol you consume to one drink a day can help," says John L. Phillips, M.D., program director of urology at New York Medical College, in Valhalla, New York.

Health.com: 3 ways to manage overactive bladder

Coffee and tea

Coffee and tea, once your best friends, may now be your worst enemies.

They contain caffeine, which like alcohol, is both a diuretic and a bladder irritant.

"Caffeine is implicated in directly causing irritation of the bladder lining. People who do have bladder problems, on average, do better if they reduce their caffeine consumption, so it's the first thing we look at," says Phillips.

Decaf coffee and tea, which contain small amounts of caffeine, may be no better. If you love your caffeine, cut back slowly to avoid headaches and other withdrawal symptoms.

Chocolate

Sorry chocolate lovers, but thanks in part to the caffeine content, this sugary treat may spell trouble for an overactive bladder.

It doesn't matter if it's dark or milk chocolate, hot chocolate, or chocolate milk (which contains about the same amount of caffeine as decaf coffee).

When it comes to incontinence, all might pose a problem.

Sugar

Before you replace your chocolate fix with Twizzlers, consider this: Controlling your sweet tooth may also help you control your bladder.

Although not as well-studied as caffeine and alcohol, sugary foods, including those that contain honey, corn syrup, and fructose, can also aggravate your bladder, some evidence suggests.

Artificial sweeteners may be no better; some research indicates they contribute to urge incontinence.

But that doesn't mean you have to cut out sweets completely. "Sugar is enjoyable -- just make it part of a balanced diet," says Phillips.

Health.com: 12 natural remedies for incontinence

Fizzy drinks

A can of Coke may be a double whammy for your bladder thanks to the caffeine and carbonation.

Carbonated drinks have been shown to worsen some incontinence symptoms.

"When someone is suffering from incontinence, we suggest cutting artificial foods and colorings, chemicals, and caffeine, and trying to stick to a more natural diet, filled with natural antioxidants and vitamins, including fruits and vegetables, and water," says Phillips.

Try eliminating bubbly beverages -- even those without caffeine -- to see if it helps.

Spicy foods

If it's hot, you may have to go.

Studies suggest that people who avoid spicy foods, like curry, chili pepper, and cayenne pepper, may reduce their urinary incontinence symptoms.

"There are certain foods that are triggers for people with incontinence or overactive bladders, including spicy foods, which doctors have identified as common irritants for women," says Kristen Burns, an adult urology nurse practitioner at Johns Hopkins Hospital, in Baltimore.

"The best thing is to avoid foods and drinks if you notice they are a problem for you."

Citrus fruits

They may provide vitamin C, but citrus fruits and drinks can be a problem for people with urge incontinence.

Acidic foods and beverages, such as grapefruits, oranges, limes, lemons, and even tomatoes, can irritate your bladder, and may worsen incontinence symptoms.

"The bladder muscle has all kinds of nerves that can be affected by irritants, like acidic foods, which can exacerbate urgency symptoms," says Burns.

Health.com: Gotta go? 13 reasons for urine trouble

Cranberry juice

Because it's often used to help control urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections, many people wrongly assume that cranberry juice can also help with an overactive bladder.

Unfortunately, when it comes to certain types of urinary problems, like incontinence, cranberry juice can actually make symptoms worse, due to its acidic pH.

"Cranberry juice (unless you have frequent UTIs and want to prevent infections) is not a good choice for someone who already has an irritable bladder, because of its acidic content," says Burns.

Medication

Certain heart medications, blood pressure-lowering drugs, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and other drugs can make incontinence worse.

"Diuretics remove excess fluid from the body so the heart and other organs can function more efficiently," says Rosser. "This leads to an increased fluid load to the bladder."

Talk to your doctor about whether your prescription medications might be contributing to incontinence -- don't cut back or stop taking them on your own.

Also try to avoid caffeine-containing medication in general, such as Excedrin.

Copyright Health Magazine 2010

For a wide choice of incontinent products including: adult diapers and other protective underwear visit http://www.goldeneramart.com/incontinence_product/.

Living With Urinary Incontinence? Don’t Let It Be Your Secret

Incontinence is the involuntary discharge of urine or faeces due to a lack of control by the bladder (Urinary Incontinence) or bowel (Faecal Incontinence). The excretory system of urine is called the  urinary tract and comprises: the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and the urethra. Urine is filtered by the kidneys and transported via two tubes (ureters) into the bladder. Several layers of muscle form the wall of the bladder; the thickest is called the detrusor muscle. At the junction of the bladder and the uretha is the sphincter muscle whose function is to control the flow of urine through the urethra. A healthy bladder is capable of expanding to accommodate 300-500 ml of fluid. At 200ml. we get the first urge to urinate. When this occurs, the detrusor muscle contracts, the sphincter muscle relaxes and urine is forced out through the urethra. Once finished, the process is reversed: the bladder relaxes and the sphincter contracts, stopping the flow of urine.

Your ability to control urination requires: a normal anatomy, a normally functioning nervous system and being able to determine and respond to the warning signs of impending urination. Urinary incontinence occurs when you are unable to control the flow, causing leakage or in severe cases an inability to retain urine.

Types, Causes and Treatment

There are five recognized types of urinary incontinence: Urge, Stress, Overflow, Functional and Mixed Incontinence:

• Urge Incontinence – Described as a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate and unable to get to the toilet in time to avoid loss of a substantial amount of urine. It can also manifest itself by an intense urge to urinate when there is only a small amount of urine in the bladder, resulting in the person straining to urinate. The leading causes of urge incontinence have been identified as: neurological disorders, urinary tract infections and changes in the bladder leading to its inability to contract effectively.
• Effective treatment includes: pelvic muscle exercises, bladder retraining, biofeedback and drugs in persistent cases.
• Stress Incontinence -- The most common type of this affliction. This is an involuntary loss of urine when you sneeze, cough, laugh, jog or perform any other activity which may increase pressure on the bladder. This occurs due to weakened support for the pelvic muscles and/or weakness in the sphincter muscle. The treatment for urge incontinence is the same as that of stress, however, surgery may also be recommended.
• Mixed Incontinence – This is the diagnosis for persons presenting the symptoms of both urge and stress incontinence. A widely held belief is that people with stress incontinence frequently empty their bladders prematurely, conditioning the bladder to function at a low capacity. Treatment is focused on the primary cause, employing the previously mentioned methods. 
• Overflow Incontinence  – In this situation there is frequent leakage without the person having any prior urge to urinate. The urine stream is usually weak This can be due to an obstruction in the bladder, causing it to become too full and eventually leaking. Other probable causes are: neurological disorders, medication, constipation, another medical condition (enlarged prostrate) and post-surgery side effects. This is usually treated through a change in diet, drugs or surgery.
•  Functional Incontinence -- This is not associated with any problem in the person’s urinary tract but due to a pre-existing condition such as: a physical or cognitive impediment, restricted mobility, nervous system disorders, or an inability to communicate. This affliction is very prevalent among people needing long-term care. There are no treatments in this situation but there’s an assortment of incontinent undergarments such as: incontinent panties, incontinent briefs, underpads along with incontinent bedding other  to be used in this situation.

The Silent Affliction

Let there be no misconceptions, incontinence is not an affliction of the aged. In fact adults of any age can develop this ailment with women being more at risk than men. This being due to anatomical differences and the changes brought on by pregnancy and childbirth. The risks increase with age however, because as the body ages, muscles weaken making urine retention more difficult. Many people with incontinence suffer in silence. Excretion (Incontinence) has always been an embarrassing topic, instead of seeking help most people try to manage the situation by themselves even keeping it from their doctor. This can often lead to the development of additional problems including: low self-esteem, social withdrawal, isolation, and depression.  This need not be so; in most cases incontinence can be treated. If you are suffering in silence or think you may have a problem, do not hesitate to consult your doctor

 © 2010 Goldeneramart.com - All Rights Reserved

For a wide choice of incontinent products including: incontinence panties, briefs, pads  and other protective underwear visit http://www.goldeneramart.com/incontinence_product/. 

High Blood Pressure - Are You At Risk?

When your heart pumps blood, pressure is exerted against the walls of the arteries, prompting the term “blood pressure". While your heart is actively pumping blood, your blood pressure is at its highest, referred to as systolic pressure. When your heart is at rest - between beats - your blood pressure falls, this is diastolic pressure. These two numbers are used to determine your blood pressure with the systolic pressure being placed ahead of the diastolic pressure and written one above or before the other, such as 120/80 (normal). Both of these numbers are important. Any reading above 120/80 places the body at risk, the higher the pressure, the greater the risk. 

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a chronic ailment in which the blood pressure (BP) reading is constantly 140/90 and above. If this pressure rises and remains high for a prolong period it can cause serious damage in the form of: stroke, heart attack, heart failure, arterial aneurysm or kidney failure. Signs of prehypertension are 120 and 139 for the top number, or between 80 and 89 for the bottom numbers, this is a precursor to high blood pressure and immediate steps should taken to avoid a more serious condition.

The principal types of hypertension are: primary (essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension: The majority of people diagnosed, suffer from primary hypertension with there being no identifiable cause for the illness. Although there are no specific causes the consensus is that: family history, environment, smoking, diet, obesity, salt intake and sensitivity are probable contributors. Secondary hypertension is a condition brought on by an existing heart, arteries or kidney ailment. Similar to primary hypertension there are no overt signs or symptoms, this has given rise to its reputation as “the silent killer”. Additional factors which may contribute to high blood pressure are: tumors, alcohol addiction, thyroid dysfunction, birth control pills, pregnancy and narrowing of the aorta. Most people are not even aware that they are suffering with high blood pressure and it only becomes apparent upon examination by a physician. Unfortunately in a majority of cases by the time a diagnosis is made the disease is in quite an advanced stage.

There’s a two pronged approach to providing treatment for this disease. They are: medication and self care. In situations where the illness is due to the existence of another disease, the high blood pressure will be alleviated once this primary disease is treated. For sufferers of secondary hypertension there are a variety of prescription drugs available: diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers

• Diuretics (Water Pills) – recommended as the first line of treatment, this medication work on the kidneys to help rid your body of sodium and water thus reducing blood pressure.
• Beta blockers – they reduce the effects of excitement and physical exertion on the heart and opens the blood vessels.  The heart then beats slower while exerting less force.
• Calcium Channel Blockers – These dilate the arteries thereby reducing the amount of pressure exerted on them, putting less strain on the heart.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE ) inhibitors – Angiotensin II is  a chemical produced in the blood which causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract. The inhibitors restrict this activity allowing the blood vessels to enlarge.
•  Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers – This medication is similar in function to ACE inhibitors. It prevents angiotensin II from binding to angiotensin II receptors on blood vessels allowing the vessel to enlarge.

Some individuals are predisposed to getting the disease, with age, heredity, race and socio-economic status being some of the contributing factors. Likewise: obesity, sodium sensitivity, excessive alcohol and drug use along with lack of exercise. Whether you already suffer with the illness or are at risk of acquiring it, there are steps which you can take to improve, delay or prevent the rise in blood pressure. A healthy lifestyle, including weight loss, quitting smoking, limit of alcohol intake, a healthy diet and exercise can go a long way towards improving and maintaining your health.

Awareness of your blood pressure numbers can be key to avoiding the more serious consequences of neglect. Constant monitoring through use of a home blood pressure monitor or regular checkups by your doctor and following a treatment plan can go a long way towards ensuring long and lasting good health.

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