Email Newsletter: April 2008

Firstly we apologise for the long delay since our last newsletter. Circumstances prevented us distributing quarterly newsletters recently, but we'll be returning to our schedule for the rest of 2008.

Research update
Amongst the extensive coverage of health issues in the media, two recent stories stand out:

• A widely reported study lead by neurologist Jack Tsao, looked at the effect of anticholinergics, including commonly prescribed incontinence drugs, on older users. Disturbing results suggest that people taking these drugs suffer from 50% greater cognitive decline than those who don't. Dr Tsao commented that it may be better to wear nappies and still be able to think clearly, but as we know, there are other options. Dr Tsao himself reminded us that exercise, biofeedback and other non-medical approaches are available and are successful for many people in treating incontinence. (Results announced at meeting of the American Academy of Neurology 17 April 2007. Not yet available in PubMed)
• The findings of some recent systematic reviews of research in the area of stress incontinence have been so contradictory to previous research and practice, that the value of reviews has been seriously called into question by a research team from Birmingham, England. "Systematic reviews of conservative treatments of SUI are not always suitable to generate robust recommendations for practice as they are weak in methodological quality or lack power to produce reliable results". (Latthe PM Foon R Khan K. Nonsurgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI): grading of evidence in systematic reviews. BJOG. 2008 Mar;115(4):435-44. Available in PubMed.). Why do research results so often seem contradictory? We outline some of the reasons.

What's new on our website?
Two big changes recently:

• We've enlisted the help of Youtube to provide more information about our product range. Check out our clip about the Aquaflex Pelvic Floor Exercise System.
• As part of our commitment to stocking products that research has demonstrated are effective, we're adding more research content. So far you'll find the following summaries:
  - Vaginal balls and cones: do they work?
  - Transvaginal electrical stimulation: does it work?
  - Biofeedback for pelvic floor strengthening: does it work?
  

New product leaflets now available for bulk distribution
Our new product leaflet for 2008 is an attractive A4 full colour glossy trifold, perfect for waiting room display, or distribution to clients and patients. It features most of the products in our range, with colour photos, short descriptions, a full order form, and space for practitioners who wish to take part in our rewards scheme to stamp their practice details. Please email us or phone us on 1300 76 39 40 to order as many leaflets as you wish. There are no limits.

As there are a number of differences between this leaflet and previous editions (including some price reductions!), we ask you dispose of any old leaflets you still have available, and take advantage of these new ones, with the most up-to-date prices and product range.

Samples available for loan
Practitioners often ask us if they are able to borrow a sample set of our products to familiarize themselves and colleagues with what’s available. We’re please to oblige whenever we can, usually on the basis that we’ll post out and the practitioner posts back. We pack as much as we can into an Australia Post BT size mailing box and lend for two-three weeks as required. Practitioners are welcome to specify which products they’d like to see. In recent weeks, our sample sets have travelled from Perth to Adelaide, and from Woollongong to Rockhampton. Email us or phone us on 1300 76 39 40 if you’d like to take advantage of this service.

Product changes
Because of changes in Australian distribution arrangements, we've been forced to drop Contrelle Activgard and Contiform from our range. We regret this but we've had no choice. However we do expect to be adding some exciting new products to our range in mid 2008. Watch this space for more news!

For more information about these, or any other products or services, please contact us by mail, email or phone.

The Pelvic Floor Exercise Team
PFE Pty Ltd
now PFLEX Pty Ltd t/a Pelvic Floor Exercise
PO Box 7094 Sippy Downs Qld 4556 Australia
Tel: 1300 76 39 40
Fax: 1300 79 44 39
www.pelvicfloorexercise.com.au