November is Bladder Health Month! Treating a bladder problem may require you to make some significant behavioral and lifestyle changes, including exercising more, taking medications, undergoing surgery, or a mixture of these treatments.

A National Institute on Aging report identifies some signs of bladder problems and offers some suggestions to help people maintain a healthy bladder.

Here are five tips:

1. Quit smoking – Smoking can increase your chances of getting bladder cancer. It’s estimated to contribute to 50 percent of bladder tumors. More than 70 different chemicals are in tobacco and tobacco smoke and are known to cause cancer, according to the bladder cancer advocacy network (BCAN)

Those who quit smoking may also lower their risk of cancer, heart attack, and lung disease. In addition, their circulation, sense of smell and taste also improve, according to the National Institute of Aging.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet – Your diet can tremendously impact your bladder's health. Certain foods and beverages, such as sodas, artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, citrus fruits, and juices can cause bladder problems.

Food-friendly options for the bladder include fruits and vegetables with a high-water content. Examples include coconut, watermelon, cantaloupe, papaya, broccoli, kale and collard greens. In addition, fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, potatoes and legumes are also good for the bladder.

3. Exercise regularly – Exercise affects the overall health of your bladder, from blood circulation to pelvic floor function and bowel health.

The relationship between exercise and bladder health impacts each one of these systems directly, mainly because of the intricacy of the urinary system.

4. Maintaining a healthy weight – When you are physically active and select the right types of food to eat and maintain a healthy weight, you reduce the chances of urinary incontinence.

Weight loss also helps reduces bladder control problems and pressure on your bladder, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

5. Drinking Fluids – More than half of the human body consists of water, and the average person consumes between 2.2 and 3 liters a day, according to the United States Geological Survey.

In general, drink enough fluids so that you need to urinate every few hours. If you have a condition such as heart disease or kidney failure that limits how much water you can consume, consult your healthcare provider for further details, the National Institute on Aging recommends.