Urinary incontinence can be a big hassle at any time of the year, but during the busy holiday season it can present some extra challenges. For those who are traveling long distances by plane or car and staying with family and friends, the holidays can be worrisome to those who suffer from incontinence. However, it is still possible to have a fun-filled holiday season. Here are some tips to help you manage incontinence and so you can enjoy this special time of the year.
Beware of Spicy or Acidic foods
Foods that are flavored with spices or citric acid can cause a lot of irritation to the bladder, which can increase the need for bathroom breaks. When choosing holiday meals and desserts, pick mild flavored foods that don’t include a lot of citrus fruits including, oranges, lemons, and limes.
Watch What You Drink
When traveling, it can be tempting to fuel yourself with a large coffee or holiday flavored latte from your favorite coffee shop. However, if you are struggling with urinary incontinence, you may be causing yourself to make frequent, unexpected stops along the way. Coffee is a natural diuretic that will flush water out of your body, causing you to make frequent bathroom breaks.
Practice Kegels
Traveling during the holidays usually means a lot of sitting in a car, train, or airplane seat; so put that time to use strengthening your pelvic muscles. Doing Kegel Exercises regularly could help you decrease the effects of urinary incontinence! It is recommended to do some research on what Kegel exercises are best for you. If you have questions about kegel exercises, talk to your healthcare provider.
Bring Disposable Plastic Bags
Having a small supply of plastic bags for quick storage and/or disposal of bladder control pads, pullups. and diapers is a must. In case of an accidental leak, you can use a plastic bag to carry your soiled clothes until they can be laundered. Plus, if there isn’t a trash can available for disposal of used incontinence products, you can use a plastic bag to hold them until you can access a trash receptacle.
Invest in Quality Incontinence Underwear or Pads
Recent innovations of incontinence products provide people with incontinence with more options than ever when it comes to undergarments. Unlike incontinence products of the past, modern incontinence products are filled with super absorbent materials that quickly absorb liquids and lock them away. Even better, these super absorbent materials are not as bulky so modern incontinence products are now much more discreet, comfortable and affordable.
When you travel, make sure you pack a few extra pairs of incontinence underwear or pads in your bag or carry on, in case you need to make a quick change on a plane, at a rest stop, or at a holiday party.
The holidays should be a fun-filled time with family and friends and a time to honor your family traditions. It should not be a time filled with stress and anxiety because of incontinence. Hopefully, these tips will help you to enjoy your holiday season with fewer worries about incontinence.
We're here to help. Call Rely Medical Supply today toll-free at 1-888-529-2308. Our phones are answered Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Central Standard Time. Our helpful and compassionate product experts are trained to help you select the right incontinence products based on individual needs.