SUMMERTIME FUN- DON'T LET BARRIERS STOP YOU

Summertime signals fun in the sun and getting out and enjoying yourself.

- WRITTEN BY INGRID HARM-ERNANDES

It is usually easier to get involved with summer sports and activities as the months get warmer. We love running around with our kids, our friends, and our family. Jumping, whether for joy or for a sport, is part of the fun. Some people may try a trampoline while other people may play pickleball. So many of these activities require some sort of jumping, running, or just motions that get us to leave the ground. The hard part is when we come back down to the ground with an impact. For some folks, this leads to urinary and fecal incontinence. Leaking urine (pee) or fecal matter (poop) just when we are having fun. This, unfortunately, can lead to avoidance of the activity all together. It becomes a major barrier to being active and staying hydrated.

Incontinence and other pelvic health conditions, such as prolapse and pelvic pain, do not have to be a barrier. There are a number of things we can do to improve, cure, and prevent pelvic health conditions. Learning about our pelvic floor and pelvic conditions can change how we perceive these conditions and our own bodies. The pelvic floor should not be thought of as something “down there” and ignored. If we know more about it, we are less likely to shy away from talking about it and more likely to seek help if we need it. Leaking is not normal and it is not okay to have to wear pads all day or when we want to participate in activities.