AUA, Urology Care Foundation Applaud Introduction of Resolution Supporting November as "National Bladder Health Month"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2017

Contact: Christine Frey, AUA
410-689-3731, cfrey@auanet.org

AUA, Urology Care Foundation Applaud Introduction of Resolution Supporting November as "National Bladder Health Month"

BALTIMORE, MD, January 30, 2017 - The American Urological Association (AUA) and the Urology Care Foundation, together with the Bladder Health Alliance - a coalition of groups representing physicians, patients and veterans - applauded Congressman Eliot Engel (NY-16) for his introduction of House Resolution 67, a measure supporting the designation of November 2017 as "National Bladder Health Month."

Each day, millions of Americans struggle with the impacts of bladder health conditions and disease, including urinary incontinence, overactive and underactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, urinary tract infections, nocturia and neurogenic bladder. These can impact an individual's health, quality of life and result in significant health costs (estimated to be more than $70 billion per year).

"Tens of millions of Americans live with bladder conditions and diseases," Representative Engel said. "These heavily stigmatized ailments have been linked to depression, decreased physical activity, hospitalizations - the list goes on. It is vitally important that we discuss these serious conditions without shame, and we invest in the research needed to better understand and treat the bladder conditions that plague so many Americans."

Bladder health conditions have a major impact on many Americans, including our veterans. More than 1 in 10 military service members injured in Afghanistan and Iraq have urotrauma injuries; 1 in 3 younger female veterans report stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder or painful bladder symptoms; and bladder cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among Veterans Affairs (VA) Health System patients. Medical and behavioral research to better understand and maintain bladder health and to treat bladder conditions is critically needed yet is neglected and underfunded compared to other health research.

"Increasing awareness of bladder health conditions is a critical first step to reducing stigma and empowering individuals to discuss their bladder health symptoms with their providers," said Richard A. Memo, MD, chair of the Urology Care Foundation. "We are honored that Representative Engel is once again leading this important effort."

Original cosponsors of H. Res. 67 include Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-6) and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (MI-14).

For more information about bladder health or H. Res. 67, please contact the AUA Communications office by calling 410-689-3932 or sending an email to communications@AUAnet.org.

About the American Urological Association
Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology, and has more than 21,000 members worldwide. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health policy.

About the Urology Care Foundation
Recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as the sponsor of National Bladder Health Month, the Urology Care Foundation is the world's leading nonprofit urological health foundation. They partner with physicians, researchers, healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, families and the public to support and improve the prevention, detection and treatment of urological diseases through research and education. To learn more about the Urology Care Foundation and its programs visit: www.UrologyHealth.org.

Members of the Bladder Health Alliance: Alliance for Aging Research; American Geriatric Society's Health in Aging Foundation; American Urogynecologic Society; American Urological Association; Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support; Association for the Bladder Extrophy Community; Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network; Blue Thong Society; Chesapeake Urology Associates; HealthyWomen International; Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health; Interstitial Cystitis Association; Men's Health Network; Multiple Sclerosis Association of America; Multiple Sclerosis Foundation; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; National Association for Continence; National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health; Simon Foundation for Continence; Society for Women's Health Research; Spina Bifida Association; SUFU - Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction; United Spinal Association; Urological Association of Physician Assistants; Urology Care Foundation; Veterans Health Council; Women's Health Foundation; and the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN).

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