Did Someone Say Hernia?

That’s how many people suffer hernias annually after improper lifting or carrying (or, to be fair, as a result of weak abdominal muscles strained by constant coughing, sneezing or particularly laborious bowel movements). Read on for more than you could ever want to know about hernias. First things first…

Do I Have A Hernia?

You may not know you have a hernia, only finding out if it appears during another doctor’s visit. But some unfortunate people experience pain when bending over, lifting or coughing (stop, that’s what got you into this mess!), a visible bulge with burning at the site and a feeling of weakness and heaviness in the abdomen. Some with hiatal hernias will experience acid reflux.

Sounds painful, right? Usually it has to do with the intestines or the bladder poking out of the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal near the groin, usually occurring in men. This is aptly called the inguinal hernia.

A femoral hernia, however, usually affects the ladies, especially those who are pregnant or overweight. It occurs when the intestines go barging into the canal carrying the femoral artery into the thigh. Rude.

If the small intestine moves through the abdominal wall near the navel, you have an umbilical hernia (most common in pregnant women and newborns).

In a hiatal hernia, the upper portion of the stomach passes through the hiatus, which is an opening in the diaphragm for the esophagus.

Incisional hernia occurs when the intestine tries to escape via an old surgery incision that has created a weak place in the muscles. It happens most often in those inactive after surgery who do not rebuild the muscle’s former strength.

Treatment is generally a surgery to repair the torn muscle or tissue wall with synthetic mesh and return the organs back to their rightful places, removing any oxygen-starved, now useless portions. The use of laparoscopes is becoming more common, meaning the recovery from these procedures is quicker and easier than ever before.

Hernias have one thing in common: They’re only possible due to pressure on an opening or a weak muscle. If you, like any right-minded individual, hope to keep your organs in their proper containers, beware of risk factors. Lift with proper form, using muscles in the legs. Obesity, poor nutrition and smoking all weaken abdominal muscles, too.

We specialize in quality care and lifestyles for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Unlike other communities, we are licensed to care for them at every stage of illness. Lecanto and Cala Hills both offer separate neighborhoods for each stage of care– so this can be their home for life.

FEATURED BENEFITS

• Art, Music and Pet Therapies

• On-site Physical & Speech Therapies

• Specialized Life Enrichment Programs

• 24-Hour Nursing

• Private Studio & Companion Suites

• “Age-in-Place” ECC Licensed

• Respite & Day Stay Options

Here families have peace of mind knowing their loved ones receive expert care in our secure, compassionate community.

TWO

Superior Residences at Cala Hills

(352) 861-2887

2300 SW 21st Circle • Ocala, FL

Superior Residences of Lecanto

(352) 746-5483

4865 West Gulf to Lake Hwy. • Lecanto, FL

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