November is American Diabetes Month and Healthy Bladder Month

Diabetes Prevention:  Get at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as walking or cycling; Cut saturated and trans fats, along with refined carbohydrates, out of your diet;  Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains; Eat smaller portions; Try to lose 7 percent of your body weight if you’re overweight or obese; Stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages; Pay attention to your blood pressure.

Bladder Health

WHAT IS A URINARY TRACT INFECTION? A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection in any part of the urinary system — the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. A bladder infection is the most common type of infection. People of any age or gender can get UTIs, but they are much more common in women. Studies show that 60% of all women will get a UTI in their lifetime. Additionally, between 20% and 40% of women will have a repeat infection.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT A UTI? Bacteria lives all over our bodies and routinely get into our bladder. We often flush bacteria out by passing urine, which stops them from causing a UTI. There are ways to prevent your chances of getting a UTI. To prevent a UTI, you should: • Drink plenty of fluids (2L/day), including water, to keep well hydrated and to help flush out bacteria. • Go to the bathroom when you need to and don’t rush to finish. • Keep your genital area clean: Uncircumcised men should retract and clean under the foreskin of the penis. • Certain forms of birth control, such as spermicidal foam and diaphragms, are known to increase the risk of UTIs in women. Check with your health care provider about other types of birth control.