According to the American Hernia Society, hernias happen when a tissue or organ pushes hard enough and penetrates the muscle that keeps it in position. A hernia is not life-threatening at all. But you will need to get treatment for it. That way, you can prevent complications. Here are the seven ways men like you can prevent a hernia as you age.
Lift the Proper Way
Your abdominal muscles will receive unnecessary pressure whenever you lift heavy objects. This also puts a strain on your back. Before you lift a heavy object, bend your knees and lift. That way, you can remove unnecessary pressure from the waist up. This also disperses the weight. Avoid lifting an object that is uncomfortable to lift.
You can also straighten your back and tighten your abdominal muscles before lifting anything heavy. When you stand while lifting something, keep a good distance between your shoulder and feet. Turn your whole body when you are lifting something. This can prevent placing unnecessary pressure on your abdomen.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess fat in your abdomen tends to put more pressure on your abdominal area. If you are overweight, you have a higher risk of developing a hernia. Exercising can help reduce your weight. You can ask your doctor what type of workouts you can do. Pilates and yoga are safe options.
Treat Constipation
Constipation often leads to straining. This can increase your risk of hernia. Treating constipation will make it easier for you to move your bowels. Eating more fiber-rich foods can prevent constipation and regularize your bowel. Eating more nuts, legumes, whole grains, and seeds can help. Fiber supplements or laxatives can prevent straining when you move your bowels. Drinking more water can help make your bowel movement easier as well.
Treat Persistent Sneezing or Coughing Right Away
Sneezing and coughing can put huge pressure on your abdomen. You should see your doctor right away if you are always sneezing or coughing because of infections or allergies. Quitting smoking or avoiding smoke can prevent sneezing or coughing.
Cut Down on Smoking or Alcohol Drinking
Research shows that hernias happen more often in men who smoke than in those who do not. This habit prevents the proper growth of cells by impairing the production of enzymes. Nicotine in cigarettes can also weaken your abdominal lining. This can lead to an organ’s movement away from its original position. Smoking can bring toxins into the lungs. This can lead to chronic coughing. Regular alcohol drinking can damage your stomach and liner linings. This can then increase your risk of hernia.
Choose a Low-intensity Workout
Pushing yourself to perform high-intensity exercises can place excessive pressure on your abdomen. Listening to your body will tell you to stop right away. Having rest intervals between workouts is ideal. During these days, you can just walk or do yoga.
Muscle weakening often leads to a hernia. Your priority must be to strengthen your core. You can do this with targeted, low-intensity workouts. Hip flexors, lateral leg lunges, and single-leg squats are examples of these exercises.
Hernia prevention can help you lead a healthy and active life as you age. At Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York, we help our patients maintain their general health by setting a good relationship with them. Please visit our center in New York, New York, for a one-on-one consultation. Feel free to call us at 212-879-6677 to schedule an appointment or inquire about our hernia treatment packages.
