Grant Regional | aspire to live well | Spring 2018

The ins and outs of hernias You’ve probably heard of hernias. You may have even joked that you’re going to get one if you have to lift a heavy object. But how much do you really know about this common condition that is sometimes dangerous? Read on to learn more. What is a hernia? A hernia happens when the lining inside the abdomen pops through the belly wall, forming a sac. Sometimes the hernia sac includes part of the intestine. Hernias can cause soreness or pain. Or they may cause no symptoms at all. Men most often get an inguinal her- nia, a bulge in the groin that can stretch down to the scrotum. Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. Women most often get a femoral hernia, which appears in the upper thigh. Anything that places pressure on the belly wall or tissues can lead to a hernia, such as: ●   ● Frequent constipation and straining during bowel movements. ●   ● Chronic cough. ●   ● Heavy lifting. ●   ● Excess weight. How are hernias treated? Inguinal hernias often can be monitored until they become painful— which may not occur for years. But if a portion of intestine gets stuck in the abdominal opening, the blood supply to that part of the intes- tine can be cut off. This is known as a strangulated hernia, and it’s always a surgical emergency. Because femoral hernias are at high risk for strangulation, they too require a surgical fix. If you have a hernia, review your treatment options with your doctor. Sources: American College of Surgeons; National Institutes of Health The story on aspirin Understand its benefits and risks Even though aspirin can help some people avoid a heart attack or stroke, it’s not for everyone. Taking aspirin on a regular basis has been linked to a number of serious side effects, such as bleeding in the stomach and brain, reports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also, several prescription medicines have blood-thinning properties just like aspirin. Taking these drugs along with aspirin can be risky. Caution is also needed when mixing aspirin with certain over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal remedies and supplements. According to FDA, regular aspirin use may not be a good idea for some people, including those who have: ●   ● A bleeding disorder. ●   ● Uncontrolled high blood pressure. ●   ● Severe liver or kidney disease. ●   ● An allergy to aspirin. Before you begin routine aspirin use, tell your doctor about all the medi- cines and supplements you take. Also, if side effects occur once you start taking aspirin, be sure to let your doctor know. D I D Y O U K N OW ? 11.3 POUNDS The average amount of bananas eaten per person in a year, making bananas the most popular fresh fruit in the U.S. 18.4 MILLION American adults, 18 years and older, have asthma— a chronic disease that can make breathing difficult. U.S. Department of Agriculture Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of American children, 2 to 17 years old, went to the dentist within the past year. 85 % 6 SPRING 2018