November 2021: Bladder Health Awareness Month

WHEREAS, tens of millions of Americans are affected by bladder diseases and conditions, including urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, stress urinary incontinence, urine accidents, underactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, nocturia, urinary tract infections, bladder exstrophy, bladder cancer, urotrauma, neurogenic bladder, and more; and,

WHEREAS, bladder diseases and conditions have a significant impact on a person's health and quality of life, contributing to depression, social isolation, accidents, sexual dysfunction, loss of self-esteem, hospitalizations, nursing home admissions, and even deaths; and,

WHEREAS, medical and behavioral research to better understand and maintain bladder health and treat bladder diseases is critically needed; and,

WHEREAS, during Bladder Health Awareness Month, we encourage all residents to practice simple steps to keep their bladder healthy including drinking plenty of water, using timely bathroom habits, avoiding foods that can upset the bladder, caring for your pelvic floor muscles, stopping smoking, and speaking freely about bladder health; and,

WHEREAS, bladder problems are highly stigmatized, and open dialogue can reduce this stigma and empower providers and patients to have much-needed conversations about bladder health;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2021 as Bladder Health Awareness Month, in Michigan, and do commend this observance to all our citizens.