31 July 2009
CONTINENCE AWARENESS WEEK
Senator Mitch Fifield, the Coalition’s spokesman for Disabilities and Carers, today highlighted the need to raise awareness of continence issues and the importance of seeking professional help.
1 in 5 Australians experience poor bladder or bowel control, and incontinence is an additional issue for carers of people with disabilities to manage.
The Continence Foundation of Australia recommends that those who experience incontinence seek professional help to tackle the symptoms, as it is an issue which can be managed and treated with medical advice.
Those who experience incontinence are often reluctant to discuss their issues, with up to 50% of those who experience difficulties unwilling to do so, even with their GP. The Continence Foundation of Australia operates a free call helpline, 1800 33 00 66, staffed by expert nurses supported by the Australian Government.
Continence Awareness Week, which runs from 2-8 August, is designed to raise awareness about the assistance available for people who experience incontinence.
For more information, please visit www.continence.org.au