by Rosabelle Tifft
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| Speaker Cathy Heffernan |
Cathy Heffernan, CNM,
MSN, told an audience of over two dozen women at a recent To Your
Health program that bladder control issues are not a normal part of
aging. Cathy, a Certified Midwife with a Master’s Degree in
Nursing, has over 30 years’ experience in women’s health care.
In her talk, Cathy
explained what women need to know about their bladders. She
discussed risk factors for incontinence or prolapse and different
types of remedies that medicine might offer. She emphasized that
strength is the foundation for good bladder health. Pelvic muscle
exercises, known as “kegels,” are resistance exercises for
preventive care or problems,
and women should follow them regularly for good bladder health.
Cathy explained how women can learn to do these exercises, how often
they should be done, and how they can help with bladder issues. She
also covered other interventions beyond kegels.
As indicated in the
evaluations, the program was well received by participants who found
it very interesting and educational. An up-to-date reprint covering
kegel exercises was available for participants; additional copies of
this handout are available in the Adult Ed Office at Telstar for
interested persons unable to attend.
The program was
sponsored by To Your Health of WMSC with the collaboration of Bethel
Family Health Center and MSAD#44 Adult Education.
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| Ellen Crocker introduces TYH program |
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| Rosabelle Tifft, Judy Whitman, Cathy Heffernan, Ellen Crocker and Jan Stowell |
For more
information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website
at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college
