Why You Need to Let It Flow….When You Gotta Go

Perhaps you are watching a movie, in the middle of a meeting, or just trying to avoid a public restroom. There are times when you might just want to "hold it." However, experts say you should not procrastinate when you really need to go. The urge to go doesn't always occur at the most convenient times, but holding in your urine or holding in stool for long periods could lead to medical consequences in some cases. 

If you hold your urine too long, you might get urinary tract infections because of the bacteria build-up. Also, you risk a higher chance of kidney disease. Although rare, your bladder could burst, which could lead to death. That makes you think twice about "holding it." There are several health problems you might face - in addition to UTIs, including pain, bladder stretching, kidney stones, and more.

Holding in your stool can lead to hard stools, and passing hard stools can be associated with fissures. Fissures are tears in your anal canal and can be very painful, bleed, and take time to heal.

'Holding It' Can Lead to Health Problems

Illness, medicines, and other conditions can affect kidney function. Aging increases the risk of kidney and bladder problems such as bladder control problems, such as leakage or urinary incontinence (not being able to hold your urine), or urinary retention (not being able to empty your bladder completely). 

Aging also increases your risk for bladder stones, incontinence, and bladder cancer. Complications can lead to care issues when we are older.

Holding your stool is also a potential health issue. When you hold it in, it reabsorbs into your body and lives on in your colon. It's best to go when you have to go - read more. 

Bathroom Problems May Require Long-Term Health Care

Incontinence and other related bathroom problems are leading reasons people need help as they get older. Continence and Toileting are two of six standard activities of daily living that are required to trigger benefits with Long-Term Care Insurance.

As we get older, we need help with these activities of daily living or require supervision due to memory loss. Aging results in a decline in our health and bodies. The older we get, the higher the risk of suffering from dementia.  

Health insurance, including Medicare and supplements, won't pay for most of this type of long-term health care. Medicaid pays only if you have little or no income and assets. The responsibility falls on our income and assets or family - or both.

This is why many American families turn to affordable Long-Term Care Insurance to access their choice of quality care options, including in-home care. Your assets will be protected, and your family will have the time to remain your family instead of becoming your caregivers.

Be proactive with your health and lifestyle to limit the risks - but aging happens. The consequences of longevity are real. Long-Term Care Insurance can be part of the solution. Be sure to act early before your health declines—most people obtain coverage in their 50s.