Our body’s temperature can tell us a lot of things about our health. The average temperature of an adult is between 36-37C. A temperature that’s too high can be caused by:

• A virus
• Bacterial infection
• Heat exhaustion
• Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammation of the lining of your joints (synovium)
• A malignant tumor
• Some medications, such as antibiotics and drugs used to treat high blood pressure or seizures
• Some immunizations, such as diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP) or pneumococcal vaccine

Conversely, a temperature that’s too low can be caused by:

• Cold weather
• Alcohol or drug use
• Going into shock
• Certain disorders including diabetes or low thyroid
• Infections, including sepsis

Of course, we know that the COVID-19 virus causes high temperatures but as we’ve seen, there are many reasons why you might have a low or high temperature. Those with incontinence are often more likely to be affected by a virus or infection, which is why it is important to take your temperature when you feel unwell. It can be an early warning sign of a far more serious condition. This is why Holistic Incontinence is now supplying Non-Contact IR Thermometers.

The E122 Non-Contact IR Thermometer

The E122 allows you to take temperature measurements from a safe distance. This is not only important around infectious conditions like COVID-19 but also to protect yourself and the patient from cross-infection. The non-contact ability means the thermometer doesn’t come in contact with the body, meaning it is less likely to carry viral or bacterial infections on its surface. The E122 IR Thermometer is of high quality, accurate, and reliable. It measures temperatures in a second and is adjustable between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Features:

• Quick measurements in only a second
• Forehead and ear measurement mode
• Simple, easy-to-use, one-button design
• Buzzer/speaker/vibrator functions
• Celsius and Fahrenheit conversion
• LED light
• Intelligent high fever alarm
• 3 colour backlight LCD screen
• Energy-saving automatic shutdown
• Convenient memory features

How Well Do Non-Contact IR Thermometers Work?

The essential purpose of a non-contact IR thermometer and other thermometer guns is to try and determine if your body is hot. They allow you to measure body temperature from a distance when other options are impractical or inappropriate. Fevers can result when your body’s immune system recognises an invader and starts releasing chemicals to crank up the heat. This makes your body less hospitable for invaders. And this rise in temperature is what IR thermometers look for.

Their accuracy depends on how they are used including how far away the thermometer is, where the devices is pointed, and how long and steadily it is held until the reading is registered. They are great for screening large numbers of people in a short amount of time, which is why we’ve seen an increased use of them at airports, checkpoints, medical facilities, and hospitals.

Essentially, they help identify people who need further medical investigation, making them indispensable for care and nursing home facilities when infections and viruses are easily spread.

Non-Contact IR Thermometers and Incontinence Management

Unfortunately, those with incontinence are at a higher risk of developing infections and catching viruses. Further, those with incontinence often have secondary, more severe conditions that make them vulnerable to infections and viruses. Some of these bacterial infections and viruses can include:

• Urinary Tract Infections
• Skin Infections
• Cystitis (when bacteria spreads from the anus to the urethra)
• Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infection)
• Sepsis
• Bladder Infection
• Dermatitis
• Erythema
• Pruritis

Why Are People with Incontinence More Prone to Skin Infections?

When you suffer from incontinence, your skin can be more open to damage through outside factors, genetic factors, or both.

The urea and ammonia in urine can affect the pH balance of the skin, causing it to become too alkaline. With urinary incontinence, water in the urine contributes to over-hydration of the skin. The wet skin then becomes soggy. This leads to tissue softening, so the skin is easily “burnt”. Perspiration can also add to the risk or irritation and painful skin breakdown.

The skin most at risk is around the anus, genitals, between the buttocks, and the inner thighs. Damp, warm skin is, unfortunately, a good place for bacteria, including fungal infections, and urinary tract infections.

Further, bladder leakage or faecal incontinence can cause inflammation of the skin surface, resulting in redness, pain, and itching, also known as erythema and pruritis. It can also involve swelling, blisters, dryness, itching, and flaking. Damaged skin like this is now vulnerable to infection as the skin can easily break down and lose its integrity.

If left untreated, these infections and skin integrity issues can lead to more serious infections. This is why monitoring your temperature, as someone with incontinence, is important. You can get on top of an infection before it attacks your body more.

Whether you are concerned about the COVID-19 virus or other illnesses related to incontinence, Holistic Incontinence’s Non-Contact IR Thermometer can help you quickly, easily, and safely take yours or anyone’s temperature as needed. Explore our products today for more information!

With COVID-19 still a very real threat to our society, we all need to get safer and savvier in our personal lives. Those suffering from medical conditions, incontinence included, also need to be safe. Today we are going to discuss why those of us with incontinence, and our families, need to ensure we utilise disposable face masks.

What Are Disposable Face Masks?

Disposable face masks are respiratory masks that cover the nose and mouth of the wearer. This provides a barrier of protection to help reduce the spread of germs. As a result, masks provide varying degrees of protection for both the wearer and the patient. They provide a filter while still allowing you to breathe normally.

A disposable face mask is an effective way of protecting you and anyone you interact with, from airborne pollutants. Holistic Incontinence has two different ranges of disposable face masks. Our Standard Medical Blue disposable face mask is ultrasonically sealed to create a high degree of protection while maintaining breathability and overall comfort. They also have a full width, adjustable nose piece that can be safely worn by anyone.

Our standard medical blue mask has a three-layer design. The outer and inner layers are made of non-woven fabric, while the middle layer is melt-blown filter material. They offer 95% bacterial filter efficiency and are latex-free to protect those with latex allergies.

We also stock the KN95 Face Mask, a disposable face mask that is certified against the GB2626-2006 standard for filter performance. Which means they filter at 95% and better. Like our standard medical blue masks, they are comfortable and breathable.

What’s the Difference Between Standard Medical and KN95 Face Masks?

A medical standard disposable face mask is not generally considered a respirator but they are recommended to protect against large-particle droplets. They help prevent the spread of illnesses, like COVID-19 by blocking droplets exhaled by the wearer. They have three layers of protection to prevent the inhalation or exhalation of respiratory droplets. They are easy to breathe through, fit comfortably and are made from skin-friendly materials.

KN95 disposable face masks are considered respirators and are similar to the US standard N95. They are approved by the CDC to support the COVID-19 response. They also have three layers of protection to block 95% or more of incoming particles. They have an adjustable nosepiece which creates a secure seal and is easy to breathe through. They have been optimised for long periods of wear.

How Do Disposable Face Masks Help With COVID-19?

Face masks are primarily used by people to prevent sick people spreading infections. COVID-19 is mostly spread by respiratory drops. These are the little secretions we generate when we sneeze or cough. Face masks help catch some of these fluid splashes. Some masks prevent the spread of this fluid by more than 95%. Combined with other preventative measure, like hand washing, sanitiser, and social distancing, face masks can help slow the spread of the virus.

Face masks help protect everyone in the community. Many people can have COVID-19 and not display any symptoms. And they can unwittingly spread the virus to others, especially vulnerable members of the community. In fact, studies have shown that wearing a mask lowers the chance of transmission to 3% when combined with social distancing. With no mask you still have an 80% risk of contracting the virus, even with social distancing. So wearing a mask not only protects you, but also protects those around you.

Why Do Incontinence Patients Need Face Masks?

While incontinence is often seen as a sign of age, unfortunately people of all ages can suffer from incontinence. And many of those with incontinence have it as a symptom of a more serious, underlying health issue. Many autoimmune conditions that affect the muscles, nerves, and connective tissues have a high chance of developing urinary and faecal incontinence. These conditions include:

• Lupus
• Myositis
• Scleroderma
• Sjögren's syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Colitis

Further, those with cancer (especially prostate cancer) and pregnant women are also at risk of developing incontinence. When you include the elderly into this group, it is clear to see that incontinence affects some of the most vulnerable people in our community. And those who already have health conditions, especially issues with their lungs, are at a higher risk of having more severe COVID-19 symptoms. They are also more at risk of dying from COVID-19. As a result, it is important that those with incontinence, their family members, carers and anyone they interact with all wear masks.

It is also important to dispose of your mask after wearing it, so there is no risk of transferring the infection throughout your home.

Holistic Incontinence now stocks both Standard Medical Blue disposable face masks and KN95 masks to keep you and your family safe. Explore our range today and stay safe!

There has been a boom in the hand sanitiser industry since the break out of COVID-19, and many businesses, like Holistic Incontinence, are now stocking sanitiser to help protect the community. But hand sanitiser is important in other areas of our lives, especially for those with incontinence. Today we are going to discuss why incontinence patients need to practice good hygiene and the importance of hand sanitiser.

Benefits of Hand Sanitiser

Studies have shown that the frequent use of hand sanitiser can lead to fewer respiratory infections and less antibiotic use. While handwashing and hand hygiene practices are incredibly important, hand sanitiser can help eliminate further bacteria. The use of hand sanitiser has shown lower rates of cold and flu infections, which is especially important among the elderly and the immune-compromised. And for those with mobility issues, hand sanitiser is often easier to use than hand washing which requires more time and effort.

Soap vs. Hand Sanitiser

With COVID-19 still at the forefront of everyone’s mind, there have been many debates as to whether hand sanitiser or hand washing is better.

Medical experts recommend that you need to wash for hands frequently, and for at least 20 seconds, to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus and other infectious diseases. Hand sanitiser, however, can help disinfect hands and surfaces. Further, hand sanitiser is effective in more clinical surroundings, like care homes, hospitals, aged care facilities, and homes as long as hands are not soiled or greasy.

As a result, it is not so much soap vs. hand sanitiser but using a combination of the two. Handwashing can help remove grease and dirt, and clean dirty hands, while hand sanitiser can help kill bacteria and illness-causing germs.

How Do I Properly Wash My Hands?

Medical professionals recommend the following handwashing steps to protect yourself and loved ones:

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold)
• Apply soap
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap
• Ensure you scrub all surfaces of your hands, including palms, back of your hands, fingers, between your fingers, and under your nails
• You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds
• Rinse your hands under clean, running water that’s not too hot to tolerate
• Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dryer
• Apply hand sanitiser and wait until it dries before commencing any activities

When Should I Wash My Hands?

Good hand hygiene is incredibly important for those with incontinence. You need to maintain good hand hygiene throughout the day, including:

• Before eating food
• Before, during and after preparing food
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• After using the bathroom or changing incontinence products
• Before and after cleaning up after an incontinence accident
• After blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing
• After touching an animal, animal food or treats, animal cages or animal waster
• If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy
• After touching garbage

Why Do People with Incontinence Need Good Hand Hygiene?

Washing and sanitising your hands, as we’ve seen, is important for everyone. You should always wash your hands after using the bathroom but for incontinence sufferers, it is important to wash and sanitiser your hands beforehand, too. With everything you touch throughout the say, you can easily transfer bacteria onto already sensitive and infection-prone areas of the body while you’re wiping, changing, or washing. Those with faecal incontinence need to be especially careful as accidentally transferring faecal matter to the urethra can result in bacterial infections, UTIs, and even kidney infections.

Maintaining Good Skincare with Incontinence

Good skincare, hygiene, and sanitising is important for those with incontinence and their carers. Urine and faeces can cause damage to the skin which is not only distressing and uncomfortable but also socially isolating. The areas most at risk of skin break down and infections are the anus, genitals, between the buttocks and the inner thighs. Unfortunately, damp, warm skin is unfortunately the best place for bacteria to start growing. This includes fungal infections and urinary tract infections.

Bladder or bowel leakage can cause inflammation, swelling, blisters, pain, dryness, flaking, and/or itching. The best treatment for skin problems is prevention. By maintaining proper hand hygiene, using soap and sanitiser, drinking plenty of fluids, preventing pressure injuries, talking with your doctor, and good nutrition, you can help prevent skincare issues.

Use the Right Sanitiser and Soap

Unfortunately, sometimes using plain soap and water can cause your skin more harm than good. Many soaps can dry out and irritate sensitive skin. This is why incontinence products suppliers, like Holistic Incontinence, provide a range of skincare options. You need to use special cleansers specifically designed for incontinence as they contain moisturiser and have been pH-balanced to reduce skin irritation. Holistic incontinence provides sanitiser, wipes, and urine cleaning sprays for furniture and clothing, to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Explore our range today to find out more.

As we all know, these are difficult times. With information on COVID-19 (coronavirus) changing daily, it is natural to be anxious, especially when you are dealing with a chronic condition. The team at Holistic Incontinence is taking the matter extremely seriously and are closely monitoring the situation. Our team are following government and WHO (World Health Organisation) advice and guidelines to avoid the spread of the virus.

But our online stores are open as normal and today we are going to discuss some concerns our clients might have during this crisis.

Can I Still Order Incontinence Products Online?

Yes! Online stores like Holistic Incontinence are still open and operating. We are able to ship your orders straight to your door, ensuring you don’t need to run the risk of entering a supermarket. Holistic Incontinence is still accepting orders as normal.

Will My Order Arrive on Time?

At the moment, couriers and Australian Post services around Australia are seeing a huge surge in shipments, which may cause a short delay. You should allow an extra day or two for your parcel to arrive, as delivery times might be longer than usual. While your shipment from Holistic Incontinence might take a little longer to reach you, our team is always here to help.

The Supermarket is Sold Out of Products, How Can I Get Incontinence Supplies?

Unfortunately, in these unprecedented times, it might be difficult to find your usual incontinence products. Buying from reputable online stores, like Holistic Incontinence, can be easier. Products will state whether or not they are in stock, meaning you know what you’re getting when you order. Products can then be shipped to your door, so you can avoid travelling or congregating in supermarkets during this time. It is a convenient and discreet option. However, at times like these, it is important to order only what you need, or your regular amount of products, to ensure you and others remain supplied.

Do I Need to Use Hand Sanitiser?

It is important to ensure you follow proper hygiene routines when you have incontinence issues. And at times like these, hygiene is more important than ever to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as other viruses and bacteria. However we understand that hand sanitiser is often sold out at these times. Please ensure you check online with Holistic Incontinence, regularly, as we are trying to keep hand sanitiser in stock.

Remember to follow the following good hygiene practices:

Hand Washing

Hand washing the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections. Good hand washing requires an adequate amount of soap and rinsing under running water. Wearing gloves is NOT a substitute for hand washing.

When Should I Wash My Hands?

You should wash your hands:

• When your hands a visibly soiled
• After using the restroom or toilet (especially if you have had to change incontinence products)
• Before and after handling food, meat, poultry, fish, or drinking or smoking
• After blowing your nose or sneezing into your hands
• When visiting or caring for sick people
• After handling garbage or touching contaminated surfaces like garbage bins, etc.
• Before preparing or taking medications
• After contact with blood or body fluids
• Before using or removing contact lenses
• After handling pets or animal waste, food or treats

How Do I Properly Wash My Hands?

For effective handwashing, follow these tips:

• Use water and soap – at least 1-3ml – and wet your hands thoroughly
• Lather with soap for at least 15 seconds
• Make sure you wash between your fingers, under fingernails, the front and back of your hands, wrists and forearms
• Use running water where possible
• You should wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds all together or longer if hands are visibly soiled
• Try singing a short song like Happy Birthday or A,B,C to ensure you wash for long enough
• Rinse thoroughly clean using running water and a rubbing motion
• Dry your hands with a paper towel, clean towel or air dryer

Remember to try and keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. And liquid soap in disposable containers is best. If dry skin occurs, ensure you use a moisturising lotion.

You do not need to have antibacterial soaps at home. Washing frequently and appropriately will be enough. When out and about, or when accepting take out food or parcels, you should wipe your hands, purchases and bag/wallet/purse with hand sanitisers and wipes. If you do use sanitisers, they should be at least 60% alcohol. They don’t eliminate all germs but they can help prevent the spread of illness.

What About Reusable Incontinence Products?

There are many reusable incontinence products available. These cloth products are able to be cleaned and while a more expensive option, they do last longer than one-use products. However, it is important to remember that reusable products are not suitable for all types of incontinence. It can also be difficult for those with mobility issues to keep these garments properly clean, as well.

Reusable products are best suited for light, urinary incontinence, not faecal or heavy incontinence. Even during this crisis, it is best to use products you are familiar with than to change. This way you will always know you are properly covered and protected.

At Holistic Incontinence, we are all about care. Our site offers a complete support package for families, carers and Australians living with incontinence. We offer the best wholesale prices on high quality incontinence products, and we make the purchase of incontinence supplies easy whether you buy online or over the phone.

Holistic Incontinence’s home delivery is discreet and affordable, giving our customers peace of mind. Contact us today, or explore our range!

We all know we need to eat healthy, with a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, lean protein, water and wholegrains. It helps ward off diseases, maintains body functions and provides you with the right amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

But eating and drinking the right things can also have a drastic effect on your bladder, especially is you suffer from incontinence.

What we put in our bodies has a direct effect on our bladders and bowels. Certain foods and drinks are known to irritate the bladder, so we recommend you avoid them. Typically, foods that are bad for the bladder are foods that are sugary, spicy, acidic or have caffeine in them.

Foods and Drink That Can Contribute to Incontinence

Below is a list of food and drinks that can irritate the bladder, and may contribute to bladder leaks, overactive bladders and incontinence

• Coffee and tea
• Alcohol
• Carbonated beverages like soft drink, sparkling water or seltzer water
• Honey
• Sugar and artificial sweeteners
• Corn syrup
• Citrus foods and juices such as oranges, limes, grapefruit and lemons
• Tomatoes and tomato-based products
• Spicy food
• Chocolate
• Milk and milk products

While this is not an exhaustive list, many of these foods could be contributing to your incontinence or overactive bladder conditions. These foods and drinks won’t effect everyone the same way so it is best to document what you eat ad drink to find your specific triggers. Once you start to see a trend in what you’re eating and your incontinence, you can learn what to avoid in the future.

How Much Water Should I be Drinking?

Many people with incontinence feel like they need to limit their fluid intake. This is because they assume that drinking too much of anything, including water, may be causing their incontinence or increase the risk of an accident. In general, you shouldn’t limit your water intake. Ensuring you stay hydrated is important for your overall health. Your body needs water to function properly and limiting your water intake may cause things to get worse.

Not only can you risk dehydration – that has its own side effects – you run the risk of your urine becoming ultra-concentrated. This means it is more likely to smell bad if you have an accident, as well as causing unwanted odours. Concentrated urine can also irritate your bladder, leading to more leaks and accidents. For a long time we have been told to drink 8 glasses of water a day. But in reality, everyone’s water intake needs are different. You should be drinking enough to quench your thirst, while listening to your body to know the right amount of water intake for you.

How Restricting Fluids Can Cause Further Health Issues

Dehydration is one of the biggest risks when you restrict your fluid and water intake. Our bodies need water to function properly. Without water, you will become dehydrated and you can experience symptoms like:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue/lack of energy
• Dark yellow, strong smelling urine
• Irritability
• Fainting

In the case of mild dehydration, drinking water, Gatorade or broth can help. Two to three cups should do the trick and you’ll be feeling better within the hour.

However, in the case of severe dehydration, you may require hospitalisation and even intravenous hydration for 24 hours in order to recover.

Further, drinking fewer fluids during the day can irritate the bladder leading to more leaks. By trying to avoid fluids, you are actually making the situation worse. As we said before, when you drink less water, your urine becomes very concentrated and can irritate the bladder, leading to bladder leaks. This concentrated urine can also lead to bladder infections and urinary tract infections, which we all want to avoid.

Finally, by avoiding water, when you do have an incontinence leak, the accident will smell more. Which means you are going to need to cover up unpleasant odours, as well as deal with the urine leak.

How Can I Tell If I’m Drinking Enough Water?

How do you know if you’re drinking the right amount of water for your body? There is an easy way to test. It is called the skin pinch test.

How to do a Skin Pinch Test

To test if you have enough water in your system, you can pinch the skin on the back of your hand. Pinch it and then let the skin go. If your body is fully hydrated, your skin should bounce back immediately. However, if it takes time for the skin to return to normal, you may be dehydrated. Whatever you do, don’t skimp on your water each day. If you’re finding it hard to fit in all the water you need, try adding in a little cucumber or some berries.

Need some help managing your incontinence? Holistic Incontinence has a wide range of products to help you manage urine leaks throughout the day. Explore our range now or chat to one of our helpful staff members to find the right product for your needs.

Cancer patients battle a variety of conditions during their treatment. Not only are they dealing with the cancer symptoms themselves, but also the side effects of radiation treatment. Whether as a symptom of cancer or of treatment, many patients find themselves dealing with incontinence. In the case of men, prostate and bladder cancer can be at the root cause of incontinence.

Bladder cancers are less common in women, but far more aggressive. Both of these conditions affect continence. Most cancer treatment require chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the side effect of which is incontinence.

How Does Radiation Cause Incontinence?

Cancer treatment requires repeated radiation sessions. This repeated use of radiation causes inflammation of the bladder, which in turn makes urination painful. Radiation therapy also causes more frequent urinary urges, which also intensifies pain.

As a result, many people require incontinence pads to manage their symptoms.

Dealing with Bladder Cancer

A cancer diagnosis is a scary and shocking moment. It can leave you uncertain about your future and your health. Prostate and bladder cancers are less aggressive than other forms of cancer and, when discovered early, can result in a full recovery.

It is important to regularly visit your doctor and share any concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing. Early detection raises your chances of recovery.

Types of Incontinence Pads for Cancer Patients

Incontinence caused by radiation treatment is not completely uncontrollable. Rather than full voids, it is often drips or dribbles. This can be controlled with simple incontinence liners. However, if you are experiencing full voiding of the bladder, then you will need something heavier. Explore the list below to see what type is right for you.

Incontinence Pads

Personal care pads, or incontinence pads feature a shape that is form fitting to the body. You insert the pad into regular underwear through adhesive strips. Incontinence pads are fairly small and individually wrapped. This makes them good for use on the go, as they slip easily into a bag or purse.

Incontinence Liners

Similar to incontinence pads, incontinence liners are wider and flatter. This allows for a bigger surface area for absorption. Liners also feature an adhesive strip that allows them to be inserted into regular underwear.

Male Guards

These guards are designed specifically for male anatomy. The guards are cup shaped and have a higher rise in the front. This means it absorbs urine as it leaves the body.

Adult Diapers

Adult diapers are designed to be used as underwear. Common features include side tabs, absorbent cores and stretchy waistbands. Adult diapers also come with leg cuffs and are ideal for both urine and faecal incontinence. They are generally not gender specific and come in a wide variety of sizes.

Pull Up Underwear

Pullup incontinence underwear are designed to look like underwear. They feature elastic waistbands, making wearing them more comfortable. Breathable and absorbent, they generally have standing leg cuffs to prevent leakage. They fit perfectly under your clothing and are gender neutral as well.

Are You Experiencing Incontinence?

Do you suffer from incontinence? Whether it is a symptom of cancer or a condition on its own, Holistic Incontinence has a wide range of helpful products. We offer discreet online shopping and shipping to your home.

We also offer product trials so you can find the item that works best for you. If you are coming off radiation treatment or are approaching the beginning of radiation therapy, why not try a sample from Holistic Incontinence, today. Give yourself the freedom and confidence to manage your symptoms through this difficult time, and begin retraining your bladder and pelvic floor!

Explore our range today or chat with one of our helpful team members! Don’t let incontinence slow you down. Find the protection and support your deserve from Holistic Incontinence.

Incontinence can take an incredible emotional toll on the one suffering from it. Aside from physical distress, people often feel depressed, withdrawn and ashamed of their incontinence. In fact, over 90% of incontinence patients surveyed say they have felt depressed, hopeless or isolated due to their condition. And this is partly due to the social stigma surrounding incontinence. Most patients keep their condition a secret, even from their family, which reduces their ability and willingness to participate in everyday events. This, of course, makes feelings of isolation even worse.

But there are ways to build up your confidence, face down your incontinence and move past it to live a full and happy life. Today we are going to discuss 5 ways to manage the emotional burden of incontinence.

1: Find the Right Incontinence Products

Finding the right incontinence products for your needs is one of the most important parts of managing your incontinence. By using the right product, you have the confidence to do day-to-day tasks and activities without worrying about leaks. There are a wide range of solutions available to help you stay leak-free throughout the day. From incontinence pads to pull up underwear, your options are endless.

Modern incontinence products, like those from Holistic Incontinence, have come a long way from older, traditional products that were bulky and uncomfortable. Modern products mean you can wear the right protective solution throughout the day, without anyone else being the wiser. While it may take some time and experimentation to find the right product, you won’t regret it when you enjoy the freedom of the right incontinence product.

2: Pursue Long-Term Treatment

If you’ve been living with incontinence for a while, and still haven’t seen a doctor, now is the time to go! You should never be ashamed to seek medical help. Your doctor is a highly trained professional and they will treat you with kindness and professionalism. People suffering from incontinence can take up to 7 years before they speak to a doctor regarding their incontinence concerns.

But seeking treatment is on of the most empowering thing you can do for yourself. Incontinence is like any other health problem – you don’t know if it can get better until you speak to a professional. By actively doing something about your problem, you are standing up for yourself and making a positive move. Speak to your doctor as soon as possible. There are a wide variety of treatment and management options available for incontinence, which can make a huge difference in your life.

3: Find Someone to Confide In

Talking to a friend or family member can be daunting, especially with personal issues like this. You might already be avoiding them so the topic won’t come up. But talking to someone can help when it comes to managing incontinence. They can  be a sounding board to your problems or a shoulder to cry on, so you don’t have to carry the emotional burden on your own. Most people say that opening up to someone is an enormous relief and takes the power away from the incontinence.

But if you simply can’t open up to a family member or friend, at least not yet, then look online for support communities. Talking to fellow incontinence patients can help you, from sharing and commiserating, to finding new tips and techniques for managing your incontinence. Online communities often allow you to post anonymously, so you can find support without exposure.

4: Daily Gratitude

Daily gratitude is probably something you’ve heard about, whether it is on social media or on TV. And while it can be difficult to find things to be grateful for when you have health issues like incontinence, it can help you find the good things in your day, rather than focusing on your incontinence.

By practicing daily gratitude mindfulness, you can find new ways to look at your life. You can practice this by keeping a notebook and writing down as few as three things you’re grateful for, each day. You can expand on these as little or as much as you like. What is important is that we focus on all the things in our life that we are grateful for, and each day you will see more good things over those that upset you, like your incontinence.

5: Taking Up a New Hobby

If you’ve done all the above, then you’re well on your way to conquering the hold incontinence has on your life. Another technique is taking up something new, a new passion or new hobby. From art classes to musical instruments, to dancing or gardening or cooking, there are hundreds of hobbies you can take up that incontinence can’t take away from you. Whatever you have an interest in, go for it!

By showing yourself you can conquer new goals and learn new skills, you are giving yourself a confidence boost throughout the day. Which makes it easier to manage your incontinence and your long term treatments.

Holistic Incontinence has a wide range of products available to help you win back your life. From pads to pull ups, and every absorbency range, we have the right product to improve your life. Explore our range today or contact our helpful team to find the right products for your needs. We also offer discreet home shipping, so you never have to worry about others discovering your incontinence before you’re ready to tell them!

Kegel exercises have long been associated with women for pregnancy and post-childbirth to tone up the pelvic floor and to prevent or ease incontinence symptoms. But kegels are also beneficial for men. They can help men ease bladder leakage, as well as improve sexual function. Today we are going to discuss the benefits of kegel exercise for men.

What are Kegel Exercises and What Muscles Do They Affect?

Kegel exercises are basically the contracting of the muscles in the pelvic floor. Your pelvic floor is comprised of a tightly woven web of muscles located in the base of the pelvis between the pubic bone and tailbone, it has three functions:

1: To support the pelvic organs including the rectum, bladder and intestines

2: They are involved in sexual function

3: To help control bladder and bowel function to prevent or ease symptoms of bladder leakage

Just like other muscles in the body, if the pelvic floor muscles get weak, they can no longer perform their job properly. Over time, these muscles can naturally stretch and become weaker. With proper exercise they can remain strong to ensure good bladder health and function.

How Can I Benefit from Kegel Exercises?

There are a number of issues men fac that kegel exercises can address. These include:

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a condition that affects up to 13% of men between 15 and 64 and can be caused by a number of health conditions. The most common reasons for incontinence in men is due to issues with the prostate. However, there are other conditions that can affect bladder function, too.

Male incontinence can range from a small amount of leakage to more substantial leaking when performing physical activities or placing stress on the bladder by coughing, laughing, lifting or working out. A Kegel exercise regimen can help tone the pelvic floor muscles to help prevent leaks from happening.

Faecal Incontinence

Like urinary incontinence, a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles can also affect the rectum and anus, causing a low of bowel control. And like urinary incontinence, Kegel exercises can help tone and strengthen this area to prevent bowel leakage.

Overactive Bladder/OAB

Overactive bladder is the urgent and frequent need to empty your bladder. When you have OAB the muscles of the bladder contract involuntarily, creating an urgent need to urinate. Performing Kegel exercises can help improve your control over these muscles, which in turn improves or even eliminates the chance of bladder leakage.

Urinary Retention

Men often complain about the difficulty of starting a stream of urine. They also have concerns about weak flow and the feel to urinate right after they’ve finished urinating. This is often known as urinary retention. This can be caused by a blockage in the urinary tract or a nerve problem that is interfering with the signals between the brain and bladder.

Bladder retraining can help with this issue, while Kegel exercises can also help the nerves and muscles you use to empty the bladder, ensuring they work better.

How Do I Practice Kegel Exercises?

The first step is locating the right muscles. This can be the hardest part. The next time you’re urinating, try stopping the flow mid-stream. If you can do it, that means you’ve found the right muscles. This should only be done when trying to locate the right muscles. There are two types of Kegel exercises than your can perform to strengthen and tone your pelvic floor muscles.

Short Contractions

Short contraction Kegel exercises work the fast, twitch muscles that work quickly to stop the flow of urine. This can also help prevent leaks. To perform a short contraction, tighten your muscles quickly and then release. Repeat this cycle.

Long Contractions

Long contraction Kegel exercises work on the supportive strength of the pelvic floor muscles. To perform a long Kegel contraction, tighten your pelvic muscles and hold for at least 5 seconds. This may be difficult at first, so don’t worry if you can’t hold the contraction for the full 5 seconds. With practice you’ll be able to work up to this. Overtime you can work your way up to 10 seconds per contraction. Make sure you rest for at least 10 seconds between contractions. Knowing how to relax your muscles is as important as knowing how to contract them.

How Often Should I Practice Kegel Exercises?

Like conditioning any muscle, you don’t want to do too much too soon. Aim for around 5 reps of both short and long contractions, three times a day, on your first day. As you gain more confidence and strength, you can work your way up to ten reps, three times a day, of each contraction type.

It might take time to see the changes, but consistency is key. Continue practicing your Kegel exercises and you should see improvements in three to six months. If you need some help with your Kegel exercises, it is important to talk to your doctor or physical therapist. They can provide you with more personal instructions, including biofeedback therapy.

Do you have issues with urinary incontinence or urine leakage? Holistic Incontinence offers a wide range of products to help you manage your condition. From pads to pull ups, you can find the right product for your needs.

Faecal Incontinence and Romance – How to Have a Discussion with Your Partner

Faecal incontinence can be difficult to live with at the best of times. It is even harder when you are single and looking to date. Are you single and avoiding meeting new people, dating or sex? Are you married and worried your partner no longer finds you attractive?

Incontinence during intimate moments can be frustrating for all involved. Most of us have trouble talking about sex at all, let alone discussing other intimate issues. However, it is important to discuss your issues with faecal incontinence with your partner in order to gain support and understanding – as well as enjoy your sex life again.

What Causes Faecal Incontinence?

There are many causes of Faecal Incontinence (FI). These include:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Weakened muscles in the anus or rectum after childbirth

In most cases FI and urinary incontinence are not permanent conditions and will often improve when the root cause is treated. When incontinence is a long-term issue, dealing with the problem and how it affects your romantic life is even more important.

Talk to Your Doctor About Faecal Incontinence

Your first step to dealing with FI and your sex life, is to discuss your issues with your doctor. All too often people are too embarrassed to discuss incontinence issues with their doctor. But it is important to remember your doctor is a professional and has heard – and seen – it all before. You should never be afraid to discuss health issues with your doctor. Use words you are comfortable with, but don’t shy away from the discussion.

By making your doctor aware of your FI issues, you can find ways to treat or manage the issue. The treatment of your FI is largely dependant on the cause. You might find your doctor has a wide range of suggestions to help you.

Talking to Your Partner About Faecal Incontinence

While this might be a difficult conversation to have, it is very important you discuss your issues with your partner, especially if they are not yet aware of your condition. Together you can discuss how FI is affecting your life, from your job to your medical concerns. It is important your partner understands the stress and difficulties you face with FI and how it is affecting your relationships.

Once you both have the whole picture in front of you, you can discuss how FI affects your intimate moments. Discuss how your sex life can be improved. If you are avoiding intimacy, you’ll obviously want to get back into it. Work together with your partner to make your romantic moments more fulfilling for both of you. It is also important to discuss when your incontinence causes the most issues and how you can improve those times. From changing sexual positions to discussing your symptoms and emotional stress, there are solutions you can find together.

If needed, there is always counselling available for you and your partner.

Bowel Retraining to Help Treat Accidental Bowel Leakage and Faecal Incontinence

One option your doctor might give you is bowel retraining. This involves retraining your bowel and body to pass a stool at a regular time of the day. Before you begin bowel retraining, your doctor will likely keep a symptom diary where you will record:

• Times of voluntary bowel movements
• The times of involuntary bowel movements
• Associated symptoms
• Foods you’ve eaten
• Drinks you’ve consumed

This diary will help you determine if something you’re eating or drinking is affecting your bowel habits. It can also help you identify the best time of the day for bowel retraining.

While your doctor will make recommendations based on your particular condition, your program will typically consist of:

• Choosing a regular time each day in which you try to have a bowel movement
• As a general rule, it is best to pick a time that falls between 20-40 minutes after eating
• Spend 10-15 minutes on the toilet to see if you can have a regular bowel movement
• Do not strain as you try to go
• If you can’t pass a stool, resume regular activities
• It can take time to train your bowels so don’t worry if it doesn’t happen at first
• You can also use an enema, suppository, or prune juice to try and stimulate the bowels
• Ideally you only have to use these methods until your body adjusts to the retraining

Within several weeks of starting your retraining program you should find yourself having a regular bowel movement every day to 3 days

Struggling with faecal incontinence? Working on bowel retraining, or just want some extra protection? Holistic Incontinence has a wide range of products available to help you manage your incontinence discreetly. We also offer skincare products to help guard your skin from infection. Explore our range today and enjoy our discreet, to your door, shipping!

Accidental Bowel Leakage – also known as ABL – is a condition few like to discuss. Like urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence is often considered a taboo subject. Both carry a stigma that’s hard to shake. Yet millions of people around the world struggle with ABL regularly. Today we’re going to discuss the 4 common myths about accidental bowel leakage as well as bowel retraining.

1: Accidental Bowel Leakage Only Happen When You Have Watery or Loose Stools

While issues like diarrhea can cause a strong sense of urgency, and can lead to leakage, other factors may be in play. Constipation can also cause ABL, as when large stools get stuck in the rectum, watery stools can leak around them. Further, regular bouts of constipation can stretch and weaken the rectum, making it difficult for you to hold stool long enough to reach a bathroom.

As a result, any damage to the muscles or nerves around the anus can create ABL issues. This includes things like:

• Childbirth
• Diabetes
• Haemorrhoid surgery
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Stroke

2: Only Older People Suffer from ABL

As with all incontinence, age does play a factor in ABL. However, leaking stools can happen to anyone with muscle or nerve damage to the anus. In fact, it can occur in people 40 and younger. Accidental bowel leakage is more common in the elderly due to decreased tissue and muscle elasticity, making it harder to hold a stool.

3: Accidental Bowel Leakage Isn’t Affected by Diet

Diet actually plays a huge role in how and if you experience accidental bowel leakage. Triggers for ABL are different for everyone. Spicy food, fatty food, and food or drinks with caffeine in them, and eating large meals can cause issues for many, not just sufferers of chronic ABL.

You can try to use a bowel diary to track your food intake and any associated bowel problems. This way you can see a tend between what you eat and instances of ABL.

4: There’s No Way to Treat ABL

Accidental Bowel Leakage can and should be treated. Methods can be as simple as watching what you eat, getting proper exercises and modifying your behaviour, to medications and surgical intervention. The important thing is to remember there are options for you. Your doctor or specialist might even discuss bowel retraining.

What is Bowel Retraining?

Controlling your bowels can be an issue for many. But there are different techniques to help you manage this condition. Bowel retraining is exactly what it sounds like – the process of training yourself to have more regular bowel movements. This can aid with ABL, faecal incontinence and even some nerve problems.

Preparing for Bowel Retraining

Before you start bowel retraining, it is recommended you keep a symptom diary. You will need to record:

• Times of voluntary bowel movements
• The times of involuntary bowel movements
• Any associated symptoms you’ve been having
• Foods you have eaten
• Drinks you have consumed

By reviewing this diary you can work out whether what you’re eating and drinking and if it is enough to have regular bowel movements. It can also help identify what time of the day is best for bowel retraining.

What Should I Expect from Bowel Retraining?

Your bowel retraining program will involve addressing all the factors that might be affecting bowel elimination. Your doctor will have a specific program for you, based on your symptoms, but retraining programs usually follow these steps:

1: You will choose a regular time, each day, to try and have a bowel movement. As a rule, it is best to choose a time between 20-40 minutes after eating

2: Spend 10-15 minutes on the toilet to see if you can have a bowel movement

3: Ensure you don’t strain as you try to go

4: If you don’t pass a stool, resume regular daily activities

It can take time to train your bowels, so don’t worry if you don’t have any bowel movements at first. You can also use an enema to stimulate your bowels. Other try using prune juice or a suppository to trigger a bowel movement. You should only need to use these methods for a short time while your body adjusts to the bowel training. It is ideal if you are able to have a bowel movement every day within a few weeks of starting your bowel retraining program. However, some may find they are only able to have a normal movement every three days.

While you are working to treat your ABL or faecal incontinence, you need protection for peace of mind. Holistic Incontinence has a wide range of incontinence products available to suit your needs. We also offer discreet shipping, straight to your door. Unsure of what you need? Ask the helpful team at Holistic Incontinence for advice!