November: Bladder Health Awareness Month!

November 2024 marks Bladder Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy bladder and pelvic floor as well as educate the public about common bladder conditions. As a WOC nurse specialist, you play a crucial role in promoting bladder health, advocating for individuals with bladder-related issues and dispelling myths like incontinence is “normal as one ages, treatment options are limited, or restricting fluids improves continence status.”

Why is Bladder Health Important? A healthy bladder is essential for overall well-being. Issues like urinary tract infections (UTIs), overactive bladder, and incontinence can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. By raising awareness and providing education, we can help individuals take proactive steps to maintain bladder health.

How Can You Get Involved?

• Educate Patients: Use this month to educate your patients about the importance of bladder health and preventive measures they can take. See Resources below.
• Host Workshops: Organize workshops or informational sessions to discuss common bladder conditions and treatment options.
• Share Resources: Provide your patients with resources and tools to help them manage their bladder health.

Resources for Bladder Health Month for your Patients

• Bladder Health Month Fact Sheet from Voices for Pelvic Floor Disorders (PFD): https://www.augs.org/assets/1/6/Bladder_Health_Month_Infographic_1.pdf
• National Association for Continence: https://nafc.org/bladder-health-awareness-month/
• Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN): Offers a toolkit and resources for raising awareness about bladder health.
• Educational brochure from local urology group in Iowa. https://mcclinic.com/Urinary-Incontine-landing-page/images/Lead_Magnet_Incontinence_v5_Final.pdf
  • Encourage individuals to contact their local provider to schedule an evaluation from a continence specialist or urologist.
• Kegels, Pelvic Floor Health from an experienced Vagina Coach, Kim Popni: https://www.vaginacoach.com/about
• Find the right body worn absorbent product (BWAP) from Continence Product Advisor or WOCN BWAP Guide:
  • https://www.continenceproductadvisor.org/
  • https://bwap.wocn.org/#home

Resources for Nurses to become a certified continence nurse specialist

• WEB WOC Nursing Education Program for nurses with a bachelor’s degree to start their online educational journey to become certified as a continence nurse specialist: www.webwocnurse.com

Let’s work together to make a difference in bladder health awareness and care. Your WOC expertise and dedication are invaluable in helping patients lead healthier lives.