Described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as 'a widespread global disease and one of the last medical taboos for many people', incontinence affects one in every three women at some time in their lives and imposes a significant emotional and physical burden on them.
Studies in stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the most common form of urinary incontinence in women, have shown that over 50% of sufferers have never sought help from a medical professional. There are also common misconceptions among many women that urinary incontinence is 'a natural part of aging'.
Last year's overall winner was South African Mandy Collins for her article entitled "The Unmentionable Ailment" (True Love Magazine, March 2005).
Collins won a trip for two to Russia. The other two finalists were Pawel Walewski (Polityka, Poland) and Professor Barry Weiss (American Family Physician, USA).
The closing date for the second Embrace Award is 01 June 2006. Journalists from print, online and broadcast media are encouraged to submit an entry to the award on all topics relating to the cause, prevalence, management and impact of urinary incontinence.
For further information visit www.embrace-award.org or contact Leigh Hopewell on +27-011-467-5368 or at .
