How Older Adults Can Keep Their Bladders Healthy
Elder Care in Rockford MI
November is Bladder Health Month, which was established as a way to educate the public on bladder problems and how to keep this part of the body healthy. Unfortunately, the bladder is 
something most people do not try to take care of until it stops working properly. A number of older adults suffer from incontinence or urinary tract infections, so knowing how to keep the bladder functioning correctly could prevent these types of problems from arising.
How to Keep the Bladder Healthy
- Eliminate all urine from the bladder. When an elder has to urinate, it is critical that they completely relieve themselves. If any urine is left in their bladder, they are putting themselves at an increased risk for a urinary tract infection.
- Drink between 6 and 8 glasses of water daily. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help flush out any bacteria in the bladder in order to prevent infections. However, drinking too much will cause the elder to head to the bathroom more frequently, which can be annoying. Avoid drinking water too close to bedtime, as the senior’s sleep could be disrupted by the constant need to urinate.
- Start exercising. Those who live a sedentary lifestyle may have fluid buildup in their legs throughout the day. This fluid could cause the elder to have to go to the bathroom more frequently at night. Walking more every day will help remove fluid from the legs in order to prevent the elder from having an overactive bladder.
- Avoid smoking. Bladder cancer affects more than 50,000 people a year and smoking may be causing it. Those who smoke cigarettes have a two to three times more likely chance of developing bladder cancer. If your loved one smokes, encourage them to talk to their doctor about programs that will help them quit.
- Watch what time you are drinking. Whether your loved one prefers to drink water, coffee, tea, or juice, make sure they quit drinking at least two hours before bedtime. This will prevent nightly incontinence and the need to urinate throughout the night.
If your loved one lives alone, an elder care provider can be hired to help your loved one with many of these tips, as well as other everyday tasks, like cooking and housework. Knowing that your loved one is being looked after may also put your own mind at ease.
If you or someone you know needs help with elder care in Rockford, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
Source: http://www.everydayhealth.com/bladder-health-pictures/keep-your-bladder-healthy.aspx
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