Five Ways to Prevent a Hernia

Hernias can happen to anyone, but they occur more frequently in older men. They are usually not life-threatening but will require some type of treatment to correct them before they do become a health issue and create complications.

Of course, like many things, the best way to “treat” a hernia is to never get one and there are steps your elderly loved one can take to make sure he doesn’t put himself at risk for developing a hernia. Here are five steps your loved one can take to reduce his risk of developing a hernia.

Eliminate Constipation

Constipation is another common health complaint of the elderly and unfortunately, sometimes the straining that comes along with constipation can cause a hernia. If constipation is common for your loved one, ask his personal care at home provider to work with him to develop a diet that is rich in fiber along with plenty of fluids. His personal care at home provider can help him add fresh fruit and vegetables to his diet as well as encourage him to drink plenty of water every day to stay hydrated and keep things moving through his system.

Avoid Lifting Heavy Items

It may not look too heavy, but if your loved one bends over to pick up a heavy object and then has to strain to carry it, it could lead to a hernia. First, encourage your loved one to always ask for help if he needs to move something heavy like a piece of furniture. When he does have to lift something, remind him about the rules of bending at the knees and using his legs to lift it, not his back or torso.

Treat that Cough

If your loved one gets a bad, hacking cough, make sure he gets the medicine he needs to help his body fight off the virus as well as manage the symptoms of coughing and sneezing. Both can lead to a hernia due to the pressure they put on the abdomen.

Lose some Weight

Losing weight can be tough, but it has many health benefits. One benefit is it will reduce the risk of your loved one developing a hernia. Excess fat around the abdomen puts added stress on the abdominal area.

Stop Smoking

If your loved one smokes, it can put him at greater risk of developing a hernia, not only because of the excessive coughing that often occurs with smokers, but because of other pulmonary problems it may bring on.

Hernias can get larger and occur more often with age, so developing lifestyle strategies to prevent them will help your loved one avoid getting them.

Reference
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hernia-basics

If you or an aging loved one are considering personal care at home in Lindsborg, KS, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home Central Kansas today. Call 620-603-0685.

Touching Hearts at Home Central Kansas is a Trusted Home Care Agency Barton, Dickinson, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Great Bend, Hutchinson, Larned, Lyons, Marion, McPherson, Newton, Pawnee, Rice, Reno, Salina, Sedgwick, Stafford, and the surrounding areas.