BCHS urologist to discuss urinary incontinence and managing bladder control

Urinary incontinence - the loss of bladder control - is a common and often embarrassing problem. The severity of it ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having sudden, unpredictable episodes of strong urinary urgency. Sometimes, the urgency may be so strong you do not get to a toilet in time.

Although urinary incontinence affects millions of people, it is not a normal part of aging or, in women, an inevitable consequence of childbirth or changes after menopause. It is a medical condition with many possible causes, some relatively simple and self-limited and others more complex.

If you are having enough trouble with bladder control that it affects your day-to-day activities you may wish to attend a free educational program to learn how you can manage and treat this condition.

Patrick Sweeney, M.D. an urologist will discuss urinary incontinence and the aspects related to effective bladder control on Thursday, May 21 at Burnham Brook. Dr. Sweeney will talk about common causes and the various treatment options and advancements in managing this disorder from both the pharmacological and medical technological aspects.

The program, which is free to the public, is sponsored through Senior Health Partners in coordination with Battle Creek Health System. A lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. Sweeney 's presentation at noon. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling the class/seminar registration line at (877) GO2-BCHS (877-462-2247).

"Incontinence is a very personal issue that affects millions of Americans -- young and old, male and female," says Dr. Sweeney. "The medical community believes that the more information you have, the better you can understand this condition which will in turn help you manage how it impacts your life."

The symptoms for incontinence include urgency, frequency, and nocturia (awakening from sleep due to an urge to urinate more than two to three times per night). Stress incontinence occurs when control of urine is lost during sneezing, coughing, laughing, or lifting.

There are many factors that lead to incontinence including bladder infection, obesity, pregnancy and childbirth, weak pelvic floor muscles, chronic illness/cough, constipation, medications, urinary tract abnormalities, neuromuscular disorders, stress, cigarette smoking, excessive caffeine intake, hormonal changes of menopause, and improper lifting.

In many situations, urinary incontinence can be remedied. Even if the condition cannot be completely eliminated, modern products and ways of managing urinary incontinence can ease your discomfort and inconvenience.

Senior Health Partners, a community partnership of Battle Creek Health System, CentraCare, Region 3B Area Agency on Aging, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm). HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.

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About the Presenter:
Patrick Sweeney, M.D. urologist, received his medical degree at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He completed his surgical internship and residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and a subspecialty residency in urology at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, and urology fellowship from UCLA, Los Angeles, CA.

He is a member of the American Medical Association, American Urological Association, and Cleveland Academy of Medicine. Dr. Sweeney is certified by the American Board of Urology and practices at Urology Associates in Battle Creek, MI.