John Muir Health Opens Center for Women’s Continence & Pelvic Health

WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

John Muir Health, a community based, not-for-profit health care organization serving Contra Costa County and surrounding areas, is launching a new Center for Women’s Continence & Pelvic Health to provide women with a comprehensive health care program for diagnosing, treating and managing urinary and bladder problems in a caring and supporting environment.

“The emotional and social implications for women who suffer from incontinence are challenging,” said Sondra Altman, M.D. medical director of the new center. “Research shows that most women do not feel comfortable discussing the issue of incontinence. Some believe it is normal, and only few know that help is available.”

Located in the Women’s Health Center at 1656 North California Blvd., Walnut Creek, Center for Women’s Continence & Pelvic Health is now offering classes and will start providing a wide range of services later this month. Collaborating closely with community physician experts, the team will design a treatment plan to accommodate each woman’s unique individual needs.

“Although one in three women is affected by incontinence, many are embarrassed to talk about it and suffer in silence, which can lead to social isolation,” said Dr. Altman. “Our team of expert physicians including urologists, gynecologists and colorectal physicians has designed a first-of-its-kind program in Contra Costa County that provides evidence-based care that meets national guidelines.”

Urinary and bladder problems result from various causes and life events, including childbirth, hormone imbalance, neurological disorders, and dietary habits. According to the national epidemiologic study on quality of life issues reports, more than a quarter (26%) of women experience quality-of-life problems with continence. One out of ten women seeks surgery, primarily because they are not aware that nonsurgical treatments can be effective as well.

John Muir Health becomes the only health care organization in the East Bay to address these particular women’s health problems holistically. “When something affects your daily life, it is not normal and you need to find trusted resources to address your health issues,” said Rachel Cabriera, RN, MSN, a certified nurse practitioner focused on women’s health. “We listen to your problems and provide a variety of treatment options to best match your needs: nutrition counseling, medication, biofeedback, physical therapy, behavior change, and surgical options including minimally invasive procedures for quicker recovery.”

In addition, John Muir Health offers women a concierge service to guide patients through the process. “While working, volunteering, and taking care of their family, women often forget to take care of themselves,” Cabriera added. “Our goal is to provide women with comprehensive health care services in a comfortable and caring environment to enable them to take their life back.”

To learn more about John Muir Health’s Center for Women’s Continence & Pelvic Health or view resources available, visit: www.johnmuirhealth.com/continencecenter

About John Muir Health

John Muir Health is a not-for-profit organization that includes two of the largest medical centers in Contra Costa County: John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus, a 327-bed acute care medical center that serves as Contra Costa County's only designated trauma center; and John Muir Medical Center - Concord Campus, a 254-bed acute care medical center in Concord. Together, they are recognized as preeminent centers for cardiovascular care, orthopedics, neurosciences, cancer care and high-risk obstetrics. Other areas of specialty include general surgery, advanced endoscopic and robotic surgery, weight-loss surgery, orthopedic and neurology programs. Both hospitals are accredited by The Joint Commission, a national surveyor of quality patient care. In addition, John Muir Health provides a number of primary care and outpatient services throughout the community and urgent care centers in Brentwood, Concord, San Ramon and Walnut Creek.