New educational initiative gives public ‘confidence in continence’
A new, educational programme, developed by Pfizer Limited, has been launched to inform people about a range of bladder problems, including overactive bladder (OAB); a condition that affects five million men and women of all ages in the UK1.
The website, www.confidenceincontinence.co.uk, forms the central part of the programme, providing invaluable information on how to recognise different bladder problems, treatments available and useful advice on seeking help from an appropriate healthcare professional. In addition to the website, facts, figures, advice and useful contact details will be also be available in the form of educational advertisements which will appear in local press, posters on the back of toilet doors in local shopping centres and leaflets in GP surgeries and local libraries in the area, throughout August and September.
Furthermore, Incontact, a leading UK-wide charity that provides information and support to people with bowel and bladder problems, will be at The MetroCentre, Gateshead, on Thursday 17th August from 10h00 and at The Friary Shopping Centre, Guildford, on Thursday 24th August from 9h00, where continence advisors will be on-hand to advise the public on any questions or concerns relating to bladder problems. The event also invites people to learn more about the services that Incontact provide, such as information on local support groups, treatments available, lifestyle advice and how to get in touch with local continence advisors.
“This initiative will provide an ideal opportunity for people who are worried about bladder problems to obtain important information; the more knowledge people have, the better equipped they are to seek help from a healthcare professional, and obtain suitable advice on the treatment and management of their condition.” says Lesley Woolnough, Executive Director of Incontact.
Editors Notes
- Bladder problems affect more than six million people in the UK and can affect both men and women of all age2
- As many as 20 per cent of women over 65 years old suffer from urinary incontinence and the prevalence rises to 50-70 percent in patients living in nursing homes3
- 40 per cent of those who suffer incontinence or associated bladder problems have not sought medical help from doctors1
- There are different types of bladder problems including overactive bladder, which is caused by uncontrolled bladder contractions which results in sufferers feeling a sudden and unexpected urge to urinate1
- For most people who have overactive bladder the exact cause is not known. In some cases nerve damage due to injury or certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, infections or accidents affecting the spinal cord can result in overactive bladder 4, 5
- The educational initiative was developed by Pfizer Limited as a service to medicine
References
1. Milsom I, Abrams P, Cardozo L, Roberts RG, Thuroff J, Wein AJ. How widespread are the symptoms of an overactive bladder and how are they managed? A population based prevalence study. BJU International 2001; 87: 760-766
2. Continence Foundation website. Continence symptoms and treatments. http://www.continence-foundation.org.uk/symptoms-and-treatments/index.php (Last accessed on 04.08.06)
3. Shaw P. Management of incontinence. Doctor Update website: www.doctorupdate.net/du_reference/du_refarticle.asp?ID=6890 (Last accessed on 04.08.06)
4. Continence Foundation website: Urge, frequency and urge incontinence.
http://www.continence-foundation.org.uk/symptoms-and-treatments/urgency-and-frequency.php (Last accessed 04.08.06)
5. National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse website: http://www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/nervedisease (Last accessed 04.08.06)
For further information, please contact:
Tanya West
Athena Medical PR
Tel: 020 8956 2871
Email: tanya@athenamedicalpr.com
or Laura Anderson
Athena Medical PR
Tel: 020 8956 2286
Email: Laura@athenamedicalpr.com
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