making a difference

Q&A: Ask the Experts 

How can I keep my New Year’s resolution? ​​​​​​​

The happy feeling of success we get from achieving a New Year’s resolution will most likely occur when the resolution, or goal we set, is reasonable and achievable. The resolution should be broken down into several small steps and it should be able to be changed if needed. 

New Year’s resolutions should not be looked upon as a “pass-fail” class. 

We should set short-term goals that can be reached in less than 12 months and at many different times throughout the year. If we slip up, there’s no law that says we can’t adjust our goals to better fit our situation. We should also consider letting friends, peers and family in our resolutions. This can help motivate us and keep us on track. 

Setting fair expectations can help lower the anxiety and bad feelings that can come from setting unreasonable goals. At the very least, we can always give ourselves credit for trying and making a good attempt with our resolutions!

Richard S. Winer, MD is a psychiatrist in private practice with North Fulton Psychiatric Care, P.C. in Roswell, Georgia.

What are some holiday travel tips for those living with symptoms of OAB?

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that affects millions of Americans. It isn't a disease, but the name of a group of urinary symptoms. The most common sign of OAB is a sudden urge to urinate (that you can't control). Due to these symptoms, patients may feel nervous about going out and being social where there may not be direct access to restrooms. Matters can be made worse around the holidays when traveling. 

Limiting food and drinks that bother your bladder can help. This includes coffee, tea, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, alcohol, soda, other fizzy drinks, citrus fruit, food made with tomatoes and spicy foods.

In the two hours before you get on a plane, you should pay close attention to what you’re drinking. The changes in cabin pressure may put extra pressure on your bladder, especially if it’s full. Having an aisle seat on the airplane should allow you easier access to the restroom, so request one if it’s possible.

Kegel exercises can be done while sitting in the car or on the airplane. They can help prevent you from leaking urine. Visit for tips on doing these exercises.

Michael J. Kennelly, MD is a member of the Urology Care Foundation Public Education Council, as well as a clinical professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Urology at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. 

What are some ways to stay fit this winter without a gym membership?

While a membership to a gym is great for those who have access to one in their area, there are plenty of ways to stay fit this season. You have many exercise options that can be done indoors or in the comfort of your home.

If you subscribe to cable, you may have access to free workout programs through the On Demand feature. There are also plenty of workout videos for free to watch on YouTube. Mall walking is another popular way to exercise indoors during the winter. Many malls open early to allow people to exercise.   

Try video games that are designed to boost your fitness level. These include Wii Fit and PlayStation Move. If there’s an unseasonably warm day, take advantage of it and exercise outdoors!  If you’ll be in the streets, stay safe by wearing reflective gear since the sun sets earlier during this time of year.

Pick up a few base layers of clothes to put underneath your outerwear. It's been proven that when properly attired, you burn more calories in colder weather while your body works to stay warm.

Anne Calvaresi, CRNP specializes in urology and urologic oncology at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. She is also a member of the Urology Care Foundation’s Public Education Council.  |  WINTER 2016  |  UROLOGYHEALTH extra