Did you know that over 5 million Aussies regularly have bladder and bowel 'accidents' ... but most don't seek help to better manage or cure it?
The Continence Foundation of Australia is urging people of all ages who live with incontinence to freecall the National Continence Helpline today and take the first step toward a cure for their problem.
Incontinence directly affects 1 in 4 Australians, yet the Continence Foundation of Australia CEO, Rowan Cockerell said the stigma of incontinence prevents people taking action for the condition that won’t get better on its own.
“The majority of people affected by incontinence can be treated, better managed and even cured. It is a socially and emotionally debilitating condition that people take great lengths to avoid addressing, by either withdrawing from normal life or denying its existence. But if you talk about it with a health professional, you are taking the first steps to a more confident life,” she said.
Mrs Cockerell said the National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66 provides free confidential advice on bladder and bowel issues from professional continence nurse advisors.
“Last year, over 30,000 people received assistance from the National Continence Helpline with either information, support, referrals to local continence health professionals, resources or information about continence funding assistance,” she said.
Over half of the callers were seeking assistance for themselves, 32% were carers seeking assistance for a client or loved one and nearly 20% were health professionals.
The Continence Foundation of Australia also offers a comprehensive range of online information, support and resources to help Australians regain control of their bladder and bowel health at continence.org.au
The National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66 is open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm AEST. People can also email the [email protected]
