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When was the last time you checked on your bladder?

Read more about When was the last time you checked on your bladder?

We use our bladders all day, every day, but how many times do we think about its health and function? The hollow organ that stores urine makes a tremendous impact on our ease and quality of life, so we better take care of it … but how?

Kevin Banks, M.D., a Board-certified Urologist with the Genesis Urology Group, said it’s important to recognize signs that something’s amiss with your bladder’s health, prevent infections and screen for bladder cancer.

No laughing bladder: Symptoms to talk about

While common, these top three treatable bladder symptoms don’t need to disrupt daily life.

Frequency. Healthy bladders need emptied every three to four hours during the day. At night, getting up to use the restroom between zero and two times is considered normal. Visiting the toilet more frequently than that means it’s time to visit with a physician.
Urgency. If that “got to go” feeling comes on strong and suddenly, talk with a doctor to find the cause.
Leakage or incontinence. Even if you experience minor leaks when sneezing, coughing or jumping, urologists can help.

“A lot of women think it’s a normal part of life after kids and getting a little older, but it’s not,” said Dr. Banks. “The good news is several medical options exist to help eliminate the problem. Frequency, urgency and leakage or incontinence are generally benign issues that can be treated, if not cured, with medication or minimally invasive outpatient procedures.”

Bacteria and bladders don’t mix: Prevent infection

Urine flow is the body’s natural defense against bacteria in the urethra, bladder, ureters or kidneys. While a steady stream of urine flow will flush out bad bacteria most of the time, some pesky strands can still cause trouble. Nearly 50% of women experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime.

To prevent UTIs, Dr. Banks suggests three simple solutions:

Void directly after sexual intercourse. Sex is the most common culprit for introducing bad bacteria into the bladder.
Women should wipe from front to back after using the restroom so bad bacteria from the anus does not get introduced into the vaginal cavity.
Drink water. Fully equip the body to flush out bad bacteria by staying hydrated.

Check the flow: Screen for bladder cancer

For males and females of all ages, Dr. Banks said the No. 1 bladder-health symptom to watch for is blood in the urine.

“There aren’t a lot of warning signs regarding poor bladder health, but visible blood in the urine is the biggest one,” Dr. Banks said. “Even non-visible, microscopic blood found in the urine can be worrisome. That’s why it’s important to have a yearly physical with a primary care physician that includes a urine check.”

While a simple test, urinalysis offers the most efficient, noninvasive and inexpensive screening for bladder cancer. It also helps detect UTIs, kidney disease and diabetes.

The support you need

Talking about personal bladder issues may feel uncomfortable, but Dr. Banks and the urology team at Genesis aim to put patients at ease.

“I want people to know that these are not uncommon problems,” said Dr. Banks. “At least one in three people experience difficulty with their urinary tract during their lifetime. Thankfully, the field of urology continues to grow, and many treatment options exist; there’s no need to suffer through it.”

With 20 years of urology experience, Dr. Banks finds reward in seeing patients overcome urinary challenges and restore their quality of life. He compassionately provides a variety of urology treatments and procedures, including minimally invasive robot-assisted surgical procedures, prostate biopsies, vasectomies and more.

To schedule a consultation with the Genesis Urology Group, call 740-455-4923.

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Family Health

Wed, 03/15/2023 - 08:00

We use our bladders all day, every day, but how many times do we think about its health and function?

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Play it by ear: Hearing loss

Read more about Play it by ear: Hearing loss

Weed whackers. Concerts. Sirens. Construction. We live in a noisy world, and it sometimes seems impossible to silence potentially deafening noises. But tuning out and turning down the most damaging sounds can help protect your hearing for years to come.

Hearing loss can not only be frustrating but also can lead to:

Social isolation
Decreased ability to function independently
Increased risk of falls and hospitalizations
Cognitive decline

There are steps you can take to protect your hearing. Take this true or false quiz to find out what you know, and don’t know but need to, about hearing loss.

If you’re experiencing hearing loss, it’s time to stop “playing it by ear.” Contact your healthcare provider to ask if a hearing device or other treatments can help improve your quality of life.

Lifestyle

Quiz

Tue, 03/14/2023 - 08:00

Take this true or false quiz to find out what you know, and don’t know but need to, about hearing loss.

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Deciding if it’s time to try therapy

Read more about Deciding if it’s time to try therapy

Life can feel overwhelming. Juggling family life, work, social obligations, and your own well-being can feel impossible some days. Each of us has ways of coping with the stress of daily life. You might listen to music, talk to a friend, or go for a walk.

Sometimes no matter what you try, the stress doesn’t go away. Instead, it gets worse. What should you do when your go-to stress relievers stop working? The answer may be to try therapy.

It might feel like it, but you’re not alone. More people are reaching out for professional support. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of adults who received mental health treatment increased from 19% in 2019 to 22% in 2021.

Is therapy worth it?

Depending on your goals, therapy can help you improve your quality of life and promote healthier relationships. The results are long-lasting. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), people who completed therapy report “the benefits of treatment not only endure but continue to improve following therapy completion.”

Your mental health is important

We often treat our mental health as less of a priority than physical health. We make a point to exercise regularly and eat healthily, but we push through hard times without a second thought. However, our mental and physical health are closely connected.

According to AARP, long-term stress can lead to neck, shoulder and back pain, ulcers and heart disease. An investment in your mental health pays dividends to your future self.

Wondering if it’s the right time for therapy? Here are a few signs to consider giving it a try.

You’re going through a big life change

Big life changes like the birth of a child, a divorce, empty-nesting, or retirement can leave us feeling unsure of the future or questioning what’s next. If you find yourself spending a lot of time worrying about the future or the past, talking to a therapist can help you find solid ground for the next phase of your life.

You want to improve your relationships

If you’re struggling with your relationship with your spouse, child or friends, therapy can provide insight and strategies to help you improve things. Although group and couples therapy is effective, you can also visit a therapist on your own for these issues. 

You aren’t feeling like yourself

You know yourself better than anyone else. If you’re especially sad, touchy, angry, or anxious and it’s affecting your ability to enjoy your life, that is a sign to consider therapy. Remember, just because you can do hard things, doesn’t mean you have to do them alone.

Behavioral Health

Tue, 04/25/2023 - 08:00

What should you do when your go-to stress relievers stop working? The answer may be to try therapy.

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Surviving snoring as a couple

Read more about Surviving snoring as a couple

You’re probably all too aware if your spouse or partner suffers from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Sleep apnea occurs when the flow of air (aka breathing) is blocked during sleep. The resulting snoring, gasping and other sounds associated with trying to wake oneself up to breathe can be annoying or frightening. Usually both.

After years of elbowing your partner awake, nudging them to roll over on their stomach to stop snoring when sleeping on their back or buying multiple devices promising a cure, you might be sleeping in separate bedrooms.

It's called a sleep divorce, and it’s a cutesy name for a genuine problem. A 2013 study showed that when couples got poor sleep, they argued more and appreciated each other less. A more recent study showed that sleep problems and marital problems tend to occur at the same time. With arguments and conflicts listed as the third leading cause of divorce in the United States, it makes sense for couples to take snoring seriously. While chronic loud or long-term snoring increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes and other health problems over time, poor sleep quality results in tiredness, irritability and difficulty concentrating the very next day.

Over time resentment builds in both parties. Non-snorers resent their partner for sleepless nights, and snorers resent their partner for trying to force a solution. Often a person’s snoring is treated as a joke, and the snorer, the butt of the joke.

Is the gold standard therapy tarnished?

Use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is often seen as the gold standard therapy for OSA sufferers. However, a May 2022 study reviewed in the journal Healthcare reported that up to 50% of patients with OSA refuse CPAP or stop using it within the first week. Patients cite dry mouth, claustrophobia, irritation from the mask and even annoyance or ridicule from the partner who is trying to get used to the look and sound of the machine as reasons for stopping therapy.

Now what?

It seems simple, but the cure for CPAP non-compliance is increasingly related to the couple themselves. Becoming more of a team, with targeted and ongoing coaching from a nurse or other medical professional, makes a difference. Learning techniques to encourage a partner’s regular use of CPAP, including using humor to deflect embarrassment, helps couples celebrate the increased energy, lessening of depression and better quality of life that comes with treating chronic disease – together.

Sleep Medicine

Thu, 04/27/2023 - 08:00

You’re probably all too aware if your spouse or partner suffers from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

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Gardening is good for your health

Read more about Gardening is good for your health

Have you ever wondered why gardeners always look so happy? Maybe it comes from the satisfaction of seeing a plant flourish. Or maybe there’s some scientific reasons why. Herb your enthusiasm! If you’re considering a new hobby, gardening has the health benefits you may be looking for.

Exposure to vitamin D

In the spring and summer months, gardeners spend lots of time outside tending to their plants and flowers. When it’s sunny, gardeners get vitamin D from the sun. The 2021 Journal of Clinical Medicine says that vitamin D is shown to reduce symptoms of depression and negative emotions. It’s estimated that around 50% of the world’s population suffers from vitamin D insufficiency. Taking time to be in the sunlight can have a positive impact on your mental health. Remember to always wear sunscreen when you’re in the sun.

Improve strength

Gardening is a way to ease into physical activity. You don’t need to lift heavy bags of mulch or push a wheelbarrow around to get exercise. The act of squatting down to your flower beds increases the strength of your muscles. Using gardening tools in the soil improves the movement in your hands and fingers. Moving your body outside can burn as many calories as you would in a gym.

Social interaction

According to the Alzheimer's Association, social interaction reduces rates of disability and mortality. Gardening tends to be a social activity. There are typically many gardening groups and community gardens to join. Join the shrub to support your brain health.

Enjoy your harvest

If you garden fruits or vegetables and are skilled enough to have a bountiful harvest, you will enjoy the efforts of your hard work in the kitchen. Adding these to your diet can help improve your overall health. If you grow plants and flowers, a NASA study shows bringing some into your home can cleanse toxins from the air.

It’s not hard to beleaf that gardening improves both your mental and physical health. Try your hand at gardening this year to reap the benefits. You may uncover a green thumb you never knew about.

Behavioral Health

Tue, 05/02/2023 - 08:00

Herb your enthusiasm! If you’re considering a new hobby, gardening has the health benefits you may be looking for.

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Switch it up: Get gains by changing exercise routines

Read more about Switch it up: Get gains by changing exercise routines

From the dedicated gym rat to the avid at-home athlete, exercisers always seem to look for new ways to maintain their health and fitness. Some claim that increasing intensity does the trick, while others dedicate days to different muscle groups by alternating between exercise routines. So, what do researchers say is the best way to obtain and maintain gains?

A study published on the Semantic Scholar website in 2019 found that varying exercises promoted muscle improvement and proved key to maintaining motivation to train. For those of us who have trouble staying on the exercise wagon, that finding is a big deal.

Daily exercise provides a wake-up stimulus to the brain, and our busy brains find it interesting when every day feels a little different. So, while performing the same movements every time we exercise can offer a reliable way to track progress, replacing running with a hip hop class or swapping soccer practice with skiing will boost our bodies, brains and chances of maintaining physical activity.

Research posted on the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research website in 2014 shows that varying the exercises in a workout yields greater improvements than just increasing (or decreasing) intensity levels. So, what if we alternated exercises and modified intensity levels? Unfortunately, science says changing the exercise regimen and the intensity at the same time won’t provide a double boost of benefits. The study found that changes in training intensity are not crucial for maximum strength gains. Instead, maximum results come by focusing on changing the exercises.

It turns out that rotating our workout routine leads to a greater motivation to train, reduces the risk of injury and results in more muscle gains. So, keep it interesting and try something new for tomorrow’s workout.

Fitness

Thu, 05/04/2023 - 08:00

Switch It Up: Get gains by changing exercise routines

From the dedicated gym rat to the avid at-home athlete, exercisers always seem to look for new ways to maintain their health and fitness.

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Fad diets – no, thank you

Read more about Fad diets – no, thank you

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Think of fad diets – just because a diet is popular doesn’t mean it’s effective or healthy for you. Most nutrition experts agree that the biggest problem with fad diets is the lost weight comes right back. Not sure if the latest craze is a good idea, then ask yourself these questions:

Do I have to buy special foods or pills?
Do I have to skip meals?
Is rapid weight loss promised?
Is one or more of the food groups eliminated?
Does the diet claim to be suitable for everyone without warning those with diabetes or high blood pressure to seek medical advice before starting?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you might want to avoid starting what is likely a fad diet or is a weight-loss program worth skipping.

Accept that what you eat affects your health. Many fad diets restrict or eliminate fruits, vegetables, dairy products and whole grains. Each food group provides its own unique set of vitamins, minerals and energy your body needs.

The USDA suggests instead of trying fad diets or weight loss programs, take the long-term approach of developing healthy eating habits. Slow and steady weight loss is more effective.

“We all want instant gratification, which is one of the draws to fad diets,” said Melanie Poinar R.D., L.D. “One way to start weight loss is to ween yourself from packaged foods and sweetened beverages. Try and focus on drinking enough water daily as well as incorporating healthy choices from each food group like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, low fat dairy, and healthy fats.”

Consult your physician about your diet plan.

Nutrition

Tue, 05/09/2023 - 08:00

Most nutrition experts agree that the biggest problem with fad diets is the lost weight comes right back. Not sure if the latest craze is a good idea, then ask yourself these questions:

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Science supports a trip to the dog shelter

Read more about Science supports a trip to the dog shelter

When a local family decided to give in to the pleading of their three children and get a dog, friends and neighbors were shocked. Their children were in college and high school, with only a couple of years living under their parents’ roof remaining. Everyone wondered what could have possibly changed their minds.

“We couldn’t see past busy church, sport, school and work schedules,” said the mom. “The thought of having something else to feed, care for and clean up after was the main reason I kept saying no.”

What convinced them to visit their local dog shelter? “Science,” said the dad. Instead of promising that they’d help with walks and waste clean-up, the kids would mention the results of one of a growing number of studies involving canines. The dad said they were amused at first but couldn’t help but be impressed the deeper the kids dug for unique reports.

For instance, a scientific study released by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute reported that petting a dog for 18 minutes increased immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in the saliva of humans. Higher levels of immunoglobulin lead to stronger immune systems.

A September 2022 study from Queen’s University in Belfast, Ireland, proved that dogs can differentiate between a person’s normal smell and smell caused by stress. Much like some dogs can sense an epileptic episode and be trained to support the person with epilepsy from injury, the dogs in that study sensed panic attacks and helped keep their person grounded.

There’s a large body of evidence that dogs are good for our mental health, especially as we age. The family is interested in keeping their aging grandparents engaged and active and have studies reporting on canine companionship bookmarked for review.

Finally, a 2020 study in the Journal of Allergy and Immunology concluded that growing up with a dog lessened the chances of young children developing food sensitivities. One child has multiple food allergies. “Now we think we should have listened to our kids all along.”

Behavioral Health

Thu, 05/11/2023 - 08:00

Science Supports a Trip to the Dog Shelter

When a local family decided to give in to the pleading of their three children and get a dog, friends and neighbors were shocked.

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Is fish good or bad to eat?

Read more about Is fish good or bad to eat?

One study says you should eat fish. Another study says no. Your social media feed says … well, let’s not go there. Take our quiz to find the answer to one of life’s great mysteries. Well, that might be an exaggeration, but you can still learn a thing or two.

The takeaways from this quiz are eating certain types of fish in moderation is much better than not eating fish. And please don’t bring the leftovers to work.

Nutrition

Quiz

Tue, 05/16/2023 - 08:00

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The call of the wild

Read more about The call of the wild

Outdoor recreation areas are increasingly making it easier for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the great outdoors. There are a couple of reasons for that. According to research conducted by the National Center on Accessibility (NCA), 26% of adults and 40% of people over 65 in the U.S. have a disability. This could be a visual, auditory, cognitive, or mobile disability. That’s roughly 65 million Americans, nearly half of whom visit national parks each year. That’s a lot of people answering the call of the wild.

And well they should. Studies show that even five minutes of outdoor activity and sunlight boosts mood and decreases depression and anxiety in just about everyone. People with disabilities who participate in outdoor recreation programs exhibit more self-confidence, better goal setting and stress management skills and are better at developing interpersonal relationships. A study featured in the Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 23(3) found that people without disabilities tended to have more positive impressions and greater acceptance of people with disabilities after spending time with them outdoors.

So, if you’re one of the 1 in 4 adults with a disability or limited mobility and want to continue wildlife watching, fishing and camping, research national, state and local parks and organizations like NCA. Because most parks are funded with federal, state or municipal funds, they are required to follow the American with Disabilities Act and provide accessible areas at each park. Many also have paved trails and accessible events listed on their websites. Finally, don’t hesitate to call around and ask about special programs for individuals with disabilities. There are programs for water skiing, climbing, kayaking, hunting and more. Once you find your passion, get out there and enjoy the wild side.

Lifestyle

Thu, 05/18/2023 - 08:00

Outdoor recreation areas are increasingly making it easier for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the great outdoors. There are a couple of reasons for that.

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