Each year the Continence Advisory Service

celebrates Continence Awareness Week to raise awareness about bladder and bowel health issues in the community.

The national theme for Continence Awareness Week 1 - 7 August 2010 was Bowel Health. The theme urged people not to 'sit on a problem'.

Signs such as constipation, straining, haemorrhoids or diarrhoea can indicate an underlying problem and it is better to seek advice sooner rather than later.

We received an overwhelming response to the 'Bothersome Bowels!' public seminar. Over 220 people joined us on Wednesday 4th August to hear colorectal surgeon Dr Patrick Tan, dietitian Heather Cowan and continence physiotherapist Christine Chidlow present on preventing and managing common bowel problems.

Dr Tan talked about the management of faecal incontinence with non surgical and surgical options including sacral nerve stimulation.

Heather presented on FODMAPS and the control of gastrointestinal symptoms (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Christine concluded the seminar with healthy hints and a demonstration on how to exercise your pelvic floor muscles and the correct toilet sitting position.

A big thank you to all the  sponsors including Lotterywest and the Continence Foundation of Australia and volunteers.

 This event was supported by a Lotterywest grant.

Find out more about Continence Awareness Week

If you would like to go on the mailing list for Continence Awareness Week events in 2011 please contact our Health Promotion Officer at the Continence Advisory Service of WA on (08) 9386 9777 or WA country callers phone 1800 814 925 or  email.

To view other Continence Advisory Service events please click here.

The Continence Advisory Service would like to thank the following companies for their support