It’s the New Year, and that means it’s time to make a few resolutions for better health. Here are a half dozen you can add to help you reduce or eliminate the symptoms of bladder or bowel incontinence in 2015:

·Drink when you’re thirsty. If you’re already suffering from symptoms of incontinence, it may be tempting to try to treat the problem by drinking less fluids. But that’s a step that can actually make the condition worse. By not getting enough fluids, we can’t flush infection-causing bacteria out of the the bladder and kidneys as efficiently as we should, resulting in painful and dangerous urinary tract infections that can cause incontinence symptoms to increase.

· Practice Kegels. Just a couple of minutes a few times a day tightening and holding your pelvic muscles can do wonder in reducing or even eliminating many symptoms of incontinence. Do them while you’re watching TV, while you’re stuck in traffic or sitting at your desk at work, no one will know.

· Have regular physical exams. Seeing your doctor regularly is one of the best ways to identify potential health issues early on, including medical issues that can have an effect on bladder and colon health.

·Eat a balanced diet. Limit caffeine, spicy foods and other foods and beverages that can irritate the bladder and bowel lining. Fill your plate with lots of fiber including whole grains and leafy greens. Make it easy by committing to have one salad and one piece of fruit each day to start.

·Quit smoking. Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs, it wreaks havoc on your entire vascular system, which means your bladder, kidneys, colon and muscles don’t get the nutrients and oxygen they need to stay healthy. Plus, smoking is associated with higher levels of bladder cancer and colon cancer.

· See an incontinence specialist for any symptoms of incontinence. Neither bladder nor bowel incontinence are a normal part of aging. If you’ve experiencing any symptoms of incontinence, schedule an appointment at the Incontinence Institute and learn about the simple and effective treatments available today.