A hollow, muscular organ located in the lower abdomen, the bladder plays a crucial role in the urinary system, performing essential functions for maintaining overall health and well-being, most especially maintaining the proper flow of urine.
Unfortunately, bladder problems like urinary incontinence affect a significant portion of the population, with estimates suggesting more than 25 million adults experience it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while an estimated 30% of men and 40% of women in the U.S. have symptoms of overactive bladder.
Other common issues include urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stones and cystitis.
Over time, chronic bladder problems can take their toll on your overall health and well-being.
“Bladder problems negatively impact health by increasing the risk of UTIs, leading to physical complications like falls and kidney damage, and causing significant emotional distress, shame and social isolation,” says Phillip Kim, MD, a board-certified urology specialist with Rhize Urology, an Edinburg-based clinic affiliated with South Texas Health System (STHS). “Untreated issues can lead to severe conditions like kidney failure or chronic pain, while emotional and psychological tolls can affect a person's overall quality of life.”
You may not be able to prevent bladder problems, but there are simple lifestyle changes that can help improve bladder control and reduce your risk of problems.
To help Rio Grande Valley residents better understand the importance of their bladder health, STHS will dedicate its latest Let’s Talk Your Health webinar to the subject.
Broadcast live on the STHS Facebook page on Tuesday, November 18, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., the online seminar will break down how your bladder works, highlight the warning signs and symptoms of common bladder conditions and offer simple solutions to keep your bladder healthy.
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. To watch previous Let’s Talk Your Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
Who: South Texas Health System
What: FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Your Health – Bladder Health”
When: Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Online via STHS’ Facebook page
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
