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Believe it or not, your bladder health and your risk of falling might be interconnected. Here are three ways that bladder health can impact your fall risk.
People with overactive bladder or other urinary issues may feel a strong, sudden need to urinate. This urgency can lead to rushing to the bathroom, which increases the risk of falling, especially if there are obstacles in the way or if the person is unsteady on their feet.
Nocturia, or the need to urinate multiple times during the night, can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to nighttime trips to the bathroom. This can be risky as the person may be disoriented or have poor visibility in the dark, and the likelihood of tripping or losing balance is higher, which can result in falls.
Some medications used to treat urinary incontinence or other bladder control issues can have side effects such as dizziness, low blood pressure and confusion, which can all increase the risk of falling. It's important for individuals taking these medications to be aware of these risks and take precautions. For example, getting up slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent falls.
If you experience bladder or balance problems, especially ones that feel disruptive to your daily life, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Being open and talking to your doctor helps them to provide the best possible treatment recommendations for you.
Sharp Direct Advantage is offered by Sharp Health Plan. Sharp Health Plan is an HMO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment with Sharp Health Plan depends on contract renewal. Read the full disclaimer.
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