About 25 million Americans suffer from urinary incontinence. Not many talk about it though, mainly because they think it is a cause for embarrassment. But, with awareness, more people are addressing the issue and seeking treatment. Where women used to wait ten years before consulting a doctor, now they wait for about six, studies say. There are several false perceptions surrounding urinary continence that are being dispelled.
One such myth is that only older people get urinary incontinence. While the risk increases as one grow older, studies suggest that one in four women experience stress incontinence, were laughing, sneezing, coughing and the like cause urine to leak involuntarily.
An average patient is generally between 40 to 18 years. Another myth is the feeling that you are the only one to experience it. Another is that it is normal to leak a few drops of urine. Other myths associated with urinary incontinence is that bladder control gets more difficult with age and childbirth, that sounds or thoughts do not cause urine to leak out (they do.
This condition is called urge incontinence), that one should not drink too much water, that men do not experience urinary incontinence, that men cannot do Kegels, that natural therapies do not work and that surgery is the last resort. Instead of living with fears and misconceptions, consult a doctor.
Kegel exercises are a form of pelvic floor muscles exercises that help strengthen these muscles and help in better bladder control. You also have Kegel exercises in the market that help you do your Kegel exercises effectively. One such Kegel exerciser is KegelSmart.
This is known for its easy to understand and use design. It offers biofeedback in the form of a flashing light on the side. This light helps you know the level of progress once you insert the exerciser. It is also known for its subtlety.
With KegelSmart, you can use it anytime, anywhere without anyone ever realizing it. It is a comfortable device to use and is also easy to insert and pull out. Thanks to the tracker and the user-friendly designing, KegelSmart is considered one of the best in the market.
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Ways to get student loan forgiveness
Read moreStudent loans pose as a huge burden for most Americans pursuing their higher education. You can obtain relief from this financial stress if you can qualify for a federal student loan forgiveness. You can choose four programs to rule out or diminish your federal student loan balance based on the job or repayment plan that you choose. These are listed below.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
In the case of teacher Loan Forgiveness, your loan balance can be canceled or reduced in just five years. If you have a long term teaching career plan, you can use both the Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Teacher Loan forgiveness for 15 years. Only direct loans and Stafford loans are eligible. Your chances of qualifying for the Teacher Loan Forgiveness is heightened if you have taught or plan to teach full time for five years in low-income public schools with a loan balance of $17500 or less. However, this is valid only for teachers who have taken a loan post-October 1st, 1998.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Your direct federal loans can be forgiven if you have worked or plan to work for the government or non-profit organizations for a minimum period of 10 years. You will be eligible for a Public Service Loan Forgiveness if you have repaid the full monthly loan installment on-time using an income-driven repayment plan. This program was kick-started in October 20017 and hence only those who have made all the 120 repayments since the date can qualify for a Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Perkins Loan Cancellation
Up to 100% of a borrower’s Federal Perkins Loans are forgiven if they work or have worked in a public service job for at least five years. Public school teachers, police offers, nurses, firefighters are individuals who regularly qualify for this student loan forgiveness.
Income-driven repayment
You are eligible for a student loan forgiveness if you adopt an income-driven repayment plan such as Pay As You Earn (PAYE) or Revised Pay As You Earn.
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7 common side effects of insufficient water intake
Read moreOver two-thirds of the human body is made up of water in different forms. This lifesaving liquid is essential for maintaining a delicate balance of fluids for circulation. Water also helps the body flush out toxins to boost immunity. Any fluids that the body loses during the day must be replenished with water—at least 8 glasses of it per day. This is because not drinking enough water can lead to the following issues:
Dry skin
Premature aging is one of the known side effects of insufficient water consumption. Water is necessary for the body to produce collagen and elastin, two of the most vital compounds that make up skin cells and help maintain overall health. When not hydrated enough, the skin loses its sheen, texture, and softness as it dries out. Even moisturizing may not help restore the texture once the damage is done. Drinking the recommended amount of water helps maintain skin health and keeps it supple. Hydration mainly helps fight three major signs of skin damage: breakouts, dryness, and wrinkles.Fatigue
The circulatory system needs water to maintain the blood flow and consistency necessary for optimal blood pressure. Reducing daily water intake affects this pressure and blood flow. Low blood pressure, in turn, makes it difficult for the body to get the fresh oxygen absorbed by the lungs. This affects organ health and causes fatigue, as the body desperately tries to preserve the energy and forces multiple organs to function at a reduced capacity. This also impacts overall metabolic activities that govern vital functions and boost immunity, as without water to flush out toxins from the body, one is also at an increased risk of illnesses.Poor oral hygiene
Dehydration causes the mouth to dry out as the body is unable to produce the saliva required for maintaining oral hygiene. Lack of saliva makes it easy for bacteria to grow and multiply rapidly in the crevices of the teeth and gums. These lingering bacteria increase the risk of oral problems like bad breath, cavities, and teeth yellowing. Bacteria can also invade the gums and trigger infections that affect the roots of molars requiring treatment. All these problems can be easily avoided by drinking water regularly. Of course, the level of water intake can vary from person to person, but if one experiences dry mouth, it could be the first sign of dehydration. So, one should not ignore warning signs.Constipation and urine infections
Water is also critical for regulating bowel movements. Without sufficient water, the digestive tract will be unable to allow the smooth movement of waste, resulting in constipation. Here, the hardening of stool increases the risk of internal injuries in the large intestine and colon, along with the discomfort that constipation causes. The kidneys also need water to purify the blood and get rid of toxins through urination. When one does not have enough fluid intake, the toxins in the urine can irritate the urinary tract and increase the risk of infection here.Throbbing headaches
The brain cells are made up of nearly 70% water, and major brain functions rely on a delicate balance of electrolytes found in water. Dehydration can cause headaches to develop and persist, making one experience throbbing pain. Without water, the blood becomes thicker, leading to a drop in blood pressure and an inability to properly supply fresh oxygen to the brain. This can lead to confusion and dizziness as the brain struggles to function normally. Severe dehydration also leads to impaired focus, judgment, and mood swings that affect the daily routine.Overheating
The body needs to maintain a proper core temperature at all times. Sweating is one of the ways in which the body cools down without relying on external cooling. Here, sweat glands release water from the skin pores in an effort to lower the body temperature externally. Not having enough water during the day triggers a fluid deficiency making the glands unable to produce sweat naturally. This triggers a chain reaction, causing an alarming increase in body temperature. So, being dehydrated for a long period increases the risk of developing fever-like symptoms brought on by an irregular change in body temperature.Fluid imbalance
Cells and tissue that make up vital organs require a mix of electrolytes and chemicals to control electrical impulses. Even a slight reduction in daily water intake can trigger sensory discomfort that impacts the taste and important functions regulated by the brain. Dehydration also causes the blood pressure to drop, meaning vital organs are not receiving fresh oxygen via circulation. Further, kidneys rely on water to help the body flush out all toxins. So, a side effect of insufficient water consumption increases risk of crystals and stones forming in the kidneys. A fluid imbalance further increases the risk of muscle cramps as there is not enough blood circulating within the body to support physical activity.Drinking enough water also helps overcome hunger pangs. It also prevents triggering an imbalance in blood sugar levels, as being hydrated lowers the risk of overeating, helping overcome sugar cravings to supplement low energy levels. Further, getting enough water promotes better digestion and improves metabolism to support vital body functions.