National Association For Female Executives Launches Healthcare Initiative To Educate About Overactive Bladder
NEW YORK, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) announced today the launch of a new program designed to educate women about overactive bladder (OAB), a condition that affects an estimated 33 million Americans -- the majority of whom are women. NAFE will host a national teleconference today for members, as well as members' family and friends, to help participants understand the symptoms, treatments and impact of overactive bladder, and to encourage them to take control of their health.
Although the subject is not often discussed, overactive bladder is highly prevalent -- in fact, one in five women over the age of 40 have reported some level of symptoms. The symptoms of overactive bladder can have a devastating effect on the daily lives of people with the disorder who find ways to cope, rather than address the problem. Overactive bladder, once properly diagnosed, can be effectively treated and, with this educational program, NAFE hopes to encourage women to take action and get control of their health.
This health issue is important to Betty Spence, Ph.D., who has experienced overactive bladder for many years. "I know how easy it is for women to make their own healthcare a last priority," said Spence, president of NAFE, the largest organization for executive and entrepreneurial women in the country. "I lived with my problem for too long, not knowing there exists an easy remedy. Then happily, I found a doctor who changed my life by helping me manage my symptoms. I am committed to motivating other women to take action and improve their health."
Spence will share her personal story during today's teleconference and will be joined by Scott MacDiarmid, M.D., associate professor of the department of urology at Wake Forest University, who will provide information about proper diagnosis and treatment. In addition to the teleconference, NAFE will provide educational materials on overactive bladder on their website at http://www.nafe.com/.
About Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder is a medical condition that is characterized by an urgent need to urinate, wetting incidences -- or leaking -- and frequent bathroom use of eight or more times in a 24-hour period. One of the major symptoms of overactive bladder is urge incontinence -- an urgent need to pass urine and the inability to get to a toilet in time. This symptom occurs when nerve passages along the pathway from the bladder to the brain are damaged and cause a sudden bladder contraction that cannot be consciously stopped. Once women understand the causes of overactive bladder, they gain a better appreciation for the need for proper treatment that will provide relief of symptoms and will also help them to regain control of their busy lives.
Many overactive bladder sufferers are being successfully treated with prescription medications, such as DITROPAN XL(R) (oxybutynin chloride). DITROPAN XL is the first once-a-day medication clinically proven to deliver 83 to 90 percent reduction in wetting accidents, versus 51 percent for placebo (sugar pill), and is the only treatment with six flexible dosing options.
To register for the teleconference please call 1-212-598-4400. For more information visit http://www.nafe.com/. This teleconference is sponsored by NAFE and Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.
About NAFE
The National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), the largest women's professional association and the largest women business owners' organization in the country, provides resources and services -- through education, networking and public advocacy -- to empower its members to achieve career success and financial security. NAFE is owned by Working Mother Media. For more information please call 1-800-927-NAFE (6233).
Important Safety Information
DITROPAN XL(R) (oxybutynin chloride) is indicated to help control the symptoms of overactive bladder -- urinating eight or more times a day, sudden urges to urinate, and leaks. DITROPAN XL is generally well tolerated. Common side effects were dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, diarrhea, and nausea. In clinical tests, 6.8 percent of patients discontinued use due to side effects. Heat stroke and fever due to decreased sweating in hot temperatures have been reported. People with certain types of stomach, urinary, or glaucoma problems should not take DITROPAN XL. People who currently take medication for a gastrointestinal disorder or have had a gastrointestinal blockage, should discuss with their healthcare professional if once-a-day DITROPAN XL is right for them. Tablets must be swallowed whole with the aid of liquids, and must not be chewed, divided, or crushed. For full Prescribing Information visit the DITROPAN XL Web site at http://www.ditropanxl.com/.
The National Association for Female Executives (NAFE)CONTACT: Ann Blumenstock of LIPPE TAYLOR, +1-212-598-4400,ablumenstock@lippetaylor.com, for NAFE; or Janet Wigfield of NAFE,+1-212-351-6412, janet.wigfield@nafe.com