When was your last, most memorable golf game? What did you score? Did urinary incontinence affect your game? If you are one of the 30 percent of men that have some form of urinary incontinence, you may have difficulty staying focused on the course.
If you take the following steps and use quality incontinence products, however, you do not need to settle with the anxiety and distraction incontinence can cause.
Do your homework
If you feel really ambitious and want to get a better understanding of your bladder patterns, start a bladder diary. For two to three days, record your food and drink intake and record the times when you use the bathroom or experience leaks.
This will help you understand your body better and prepare you for the day you’re out on the course. For example, if you notice that around 11am you usually go to the bathroom after your morning coffee, then you might want to visit the restroom around that time or make sure you’re near a bathroom.
Exercise
Exercises that lift the chest, lengthen the spine, and reduce bladder pressure are helpful for overall bladder health.
Some of these exercises include: swimming, yoga and bicycling. Many of these exercises can also benefit your form while playing golf as they help with posture. Along with those exercises it is recommended to do regular Kegel exercises.
Kegels aren’t just for women. They are also beneficial for men and are another form of exercise that you can do in the comfort of your own home right over a yoga mat. Kegels help strengthen the pelvic floor, the muscular base responsible for controlling the bladder. There are various ways to do Kegels but for more information be sure to contact your doctor.
Bring an extra change of clothes
In case an accident happens, pack a small bag with an extra pair of underwear, shorts or pants. Bring disposal bags to contain odors from soiled clothes; wipes or cologne are also must-haves to include to stay clean. Try to wear dark colored clothing so if leaks do happen, they won’t be as noticeable.
Stay hydrated
Contrary to popular belief, drinking water regularly can help you with overall bladder health. If you don’t drink enough water, your urine can become very concentrated which can result in bladder irritation.
Try to drink about six to eight full glasses of water a day and drink when you’re thirsty. Don’t deprive yourself of water, even if you are managing incontinence. If you are on the course in warmer temperatures or live in a warm climate is all year round, you should be drinking water regularly to prevent dehydration.
Cut down on the stogies and alcohol
You may be the golfer who likes to smoke or drink during the game. Aside from the other well-documented health effects, these habits increase your risk of leaks if you are incontinent.
Did you know that smoker’s cough can damage and thus weaken the pelvic floor? Alcoholic beverages are diuretics that increase the production of urine, meaning you will need to go to the bathroom more frequently. Your best bet is to drink water whenever you can.
Wear the right incontinence products
What happens when you have leakage but you’re in the middle of an 18-hole game? Catheters are not great options. You’ll want the most dependable, absorbent, discreet products you can wear so you can swing without worry.
Incontinence products for men such as guards or absorbent underwear are usually the most comfortable and can be used in regular underwear.
NorthShoreTM Care Supply specializes in providing a range of super absorbent incontinence products for men and women. With a focus on quality absorbency, fit, coverage and almost 20 years of expertise, NorthShore’s line of adult incontinence products have proven to prevent leaks and keep people dry better than incontinence products available in stores.
Founder, Adam Greenberg is dedicated to developing and manufacturing products real people need and started the business as a result of a personal experience with incontinence.
Adam’s elderly relatives needed specific form-fitting products that drugstores didn’t offer at the time. Since 2002, NorthShoreTM has provided a spectrum of incontinence products that help men with stress incontinence from prostate issues, all the way to men with heavier urinary or bowel incontinence from more serious illnesses or accidents.
NorthShore’s first collection of male guards known as the DoubleStop™ male guard has been keeping men doing what they love. Its male-specific shape, leak guards and adhesive backing provide the protection most men need in their regular underwear.
“I am not happy with my situation, but [through] the course of my journey I have learned things can always be worse. The purchase of this product has enabled me to be free and out doing things I enjoy, Mountain Bike riding, working out, motor cross and living a life on borrowed time.”—MotoX
Don’t let incontinence keep you from enjoying your active life and playing your best. By understanding how to minimize your incontinence and how you can prevent embarrassing leaks by using the right products, the easier it will be to focus on your game and your golf buddies.
NorthShoreTM mission
NorthShore™ Care Supply is committed to improving the quality of life of those dealing with incontinence through caring, personalized service and discreet delivery of unique, life-changing products. Visit https://www.northshorecare.com to learn more or contact us if you have immediate questions.