Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder

Did you know that more than half of women over age 50 experience issues with bladder or bowel control? These problems range from slightly bothersome to totally debilitating. For some women, the chance of embarrassment keeps them from enjoying many activities and can take control of their life. The good news is it is possible to minimize bowel and bladder problems.

Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder is a workshop designed to empower women, age 50 and older, with the tools and confidence needed to improve or prevent symptoms of incontinence. The workshop provides information, group activities, simple exercises, and dietary changes to practice at home. Water and fiber-rich snacks are also included in each session.

The highly effective program is proven to improve bladder symptoms for 71% of participants and bowel symptoms for 55% of participants.

This spring, the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Portage County is hosting a Mind Over Matter workshop, consisting of three, 2-hour sessions that will take place on September 30, October 14, and October 28, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Women aged 60 and over are able to attend this workshop on a donation basis. Participants under 60 must pay a tuition fee. No eligible person will be denied participation based on ability to contribute a donation. The suggested donation and tuition fee is $32, and helps cover the cost of running the workshop. Pre-registration is required to participate in this program. The registration deadline is Friday, September 25, 2026.

To learn more or to register for the workshop, contact the Health Promotion Coordinator of the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Portage County at 715-346-1401, or toll-free, 1-866-920-2525.