November is National Bladder Health Awareness Month. According to the American Urological Association, millions of Americans struggle with the impacts of such bladder conditions and disease as urinary incontinence, overactive and underactive bladder, urinary tract infections, and bladder cancer, on a daily basis. These conditions have a significant impact on an individual’s health and quality of life, and result in substantial health costs (estimated to be more than $70 billion per year). Raising awareness on these issues and encouraging the public to talk about their bladder health symptoms with their healthcare provider is important.
Burke Health Urologist Dr. Charles Coleman says there are two things we can focus on to improve bladder health overall: drinking plenty of fluids and quitting smoking.
“How much we need to drink varies person to person,” said Dr. Coleman, “but the goal is for the urine to be clear. If it is dark, we are not drinking enough. In the morning urine can be darker because it is more concentrated, but throughout the day we should aim for clear urine. It is also important to increase fluid intake on hot days.”
Dr. Coleman notes that many patients with bladder cancer are also cigarette smokers.
“Most people associate lung cancer with those who smoke cigarettes, but they forget about bladder cancer,” said Dr. Coleman. “Avoiding cigarettes is one of the biggest things you can do to prevent bladder cancer.”
Dr. Coleman also says if you are making more trips to the bathroom during the night, consider cutting back on caffeine and diet drinks containing aspartame, particularly later in the day, as these make our bladder more active.
Dr. Coleman sees patients on Thursdays at 304 Jones Ave. in Waynesboro. Appointments can be made by calling 706- 702-5636.