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Enjoy Summer: Manage Your Incontinence

July 16, 2020

Managing Incontinence

Happy Summer! With the warm weather in place and an increased emphasis on outdoor activities (especially in the age of Covid-19), those who suffer from incontinence may be concerned about how they spend their days. Of course, they may want to take advantage of the beautiful weather and plethora of available outdoor activities, but quite often veering from home can cause anxiety.

That said, we appreciate the importance of living life to its fullest. By adopting some of the suggestions shared below, summertime activities can be enjoyed.

7 Tips to Managing Incontinence in the Summer

Talk to Your Doctor

Managing your incontinence should always begin with a discussion with your physician.  Trying to determine the best steps, on your own, may not be the best idea. Based on the type of urinary incontinence you have (urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, etc) your doctor can share medical advice on how to handle the summer heat. 

Some people may need to depend upon specialized absorbent products for protection while medicine or behavior changes could help others. The advice of an expert is always valuable.

Be Proactive

A little bit of planning can truly go a long way to alleviating much of the anxiety leaving home can spur. Before you go, understand where the bathrooms are located. Because some may be closed due to Coronavirus, it is wise to make some calls and confirm availability.  Knowing where you can find an operating bathroom is a key first step in venturing out for the day!

Take Baby Steps

Being away from home can cause those affected by incontinence to worry.  As such, it may be wise to start out with smaller trips.  Perhaps a short outing to a familiar nearby park would be a good first step.

Schedule Your Day

When you decide what you want to do, make sure to schedule stops to use the restroom, especially if you are taking a longer excursion.  By planning regular bathroom breaks ahead of time, it is less likely an “emergency” will occur.  And, in case it does (and you have a strong urge to urinate), you will know where to locate a restroom from your proactive planning!

Be Prepared

Accidents happen, even when you do everything right.  That said, packing  a change of clothes along with some ziplock bags to contain anything that is soiled is definitely good practice.  Summertime clothes tend to be lightweight, so having an extra set (or two) shouldn’t be a burden.  And, if you are taking a car trip, storing a bag in the back seat couldn’t be easier.

Another thought, for car travelers.  It may be wise to protect your car seats. There are a plethora of products on the market designed for just this purpose, including those featured here.

Tell a Friend

It may be likely that your planned activities include a friend or family member. Certainly a picnic in the park, a visit to the beach or even a stroll through town is more enjoyable with company. If you are comfortable, confide in the person with whom you are visiting. If they know your constraints they can help to alleviate any speed bumps. 

Additionally, if you are traveling with someone who you know is affected by incontinence, providing them an overview of your plans for the day can help ease any concerns they may have. 

Know Your Body

Finally, eat and drink responsibly. You know your body and how it reacts to things best. Of course, staying hydrated is key.

This does not mean guzzling glasses of water (which can exacerbate incontinence).  It does mean drinking regularly throughout the day, just as you would if you were home.

Additionally, avoid food and drink that aggravates your incontinence. We all tolerate certain foods better than others. Stick to the tried and true, this is not the time to experiment.

That said, if in your travels you see something you would love to try, absolutely purchase it “to go” and enjoy it when you are safely in your home.  Packing a cooler that you can store in your car can provide you the opportunity to safely transport perishables throughout your travels.

Enjoy the Summer Worry-Free

As with most things in life, a little bit of planning and forethought can go a long way.  While spur of the moment is fun and exciting, it can also cause anxiety and fear, especially for those who suffer from incontinence. Nobody wants to be embarrassed or to be caught in a situation they can’t control.  Taking just a bit of time, doing some research and some advance planning can help you or someone you love or care for enjoy the summer and all it has to offer. 

INCONTINENCE CAN BE FRUSTRATING AND EMBARRASSING. AT LIQUAGUARD® WE RECOGNIZE HOW DIFFICULT It CAN BE TO MANAGE, BOTH PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY. WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPLY A BROAD RANGE OF PRODUCTS TO MAKE LIVING WITH INCONTINENCE A LITTLE BIT EASIER.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE OUR COMPLETE INVENTORY. AND, CALL US WITH QUESTIONS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU FIND THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR YOUR NEEDS. WE CAN HELP IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE.