Suffering people visit healthcare providers every day with complaints of pain, poor sleep, anxiety and fatigue. Imagine if we could make a medicine with minimal side effects that not only quickly helped these issues, but also improved blood pressure, immune function, memory, problem solving and heart health, and, decreased risk of cancers and dementia. Imagine a pill that would literally help you age less quickly. What if it could help make life after 50 feel healthy and have less disease? This medicine exists, and these results are supported by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). How much would you pay? What if I told you it would save you an average of $1,500 a year? The medicine is movement and physical activity.

New guidelines set by HHS clearly show that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and less sitting are associated with all of the above benefits. Even people with chronic medical conditions can enjoy improved quality of life and function. Exercise keeps us younger by protecting the DNA that keeps cells alive and reducing inflammation throughout the body. The most exciting part of the new guidelines is the knowledge that even small amounts activity are beneficial. We now understand that any increase in the level of physical activity confers significant health benefits.

It is important to start small, and with gradual increases our bodies will adapt and strengthen. Eventually, exercise gets easier and a person can progress toward the ultimate recommendation of two and half hours a week of moderate-to-vigorous exercise where substantial health benefits accrue. The goal is to get a little short of breath, where you can talk but not sing. There is additional benefit to muscle strengthening exercises twice a week and balance activities for older adults improve bone health, function and decrease fall risk. For those facing significant barriers to exercise, a health professional can help work through the various issues and find enjoyable, sustainable ways to keep moving. There is plenty of room for us as a country to improve because less than 30 percent of Americans are currently getting recommended amounts of exercise and movement.

While exercise is safe for almost everyone, a few precautions can lessen the risk of injury. Choose safe environments, wear protective gear as needed, and make good choices about when and how to be active. Increase the chances for success by setting goals monitoring the goals, and seeking social support. Make goals that are meaningful to you, and engage in activities you enjoy. Consider an exercise partner or group to help keep you on track and celebrate each other’s successes. We do advise seeking the counsel of a healthcare practitioner in the case of chronic conditions or symptoms to help start exercising safely and working through barriers. However, anyone can start by just getting out of the chair more often. Today is a good day to start moving more.

About the Author

Chris Peterson is a physical therapist at Freeman Rehabilitation & Sports Center. He helps patients recuperate from injuries, illnesses and surgery. He works with patients to help them manage pain and reclaim their lifestyle and momentum. To learn more, visit freemanhealth.com/sportsmedicine or call 417.347.3737.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. There is no better time to schedule a screening and learn the facts about colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer. With that being said, colon cancer is highly preventable and treatable.

The colon and rectum are part of the gastrointestinal system, often referred as the digestive system, and together make up the large intestine. Colon cancer occurs in the colon or rectum – first beginning as a polyp on the inner lining. These irregular growths may become cancerous if not removed. If cancer begins to form in a polyp, it may eventually grow into the wall of the colon or rectum. Once the cancer cells are in the wall, the cells have the potential to grow and travel to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, colon cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. Men and women of all racial and ethnic groups 50 years and older are at a higher risk of colon cancer. The average age of diagnosis is 72. For several decades, colon cancer survival rates have increased in both men and women. More than likely, this is because of increased awareness and screenings.

Colorectal cancer screenings are one of the most powerful weapons to fight colorectal cancer. Because of screenings, colorectal polyps are found more often and removed before becoming cancerous. If cancer is already present, earlier detection decreases the risk of cancer progression and treatments are more likely to succeed. Colon screening methods vary, but each screening ultimately views the colon to identify any abnormal areas – looking for colorectal polyps and cancer. Starting at age 50, men and women should have routine colon screenings. The average colon screening takes less than 30 minutes, involves virtually no pain and includes little risk. Some colon screenings require dietary restrictions beforehand to prep and clean the colon.

One of the most common colon screenings is a colonoscopy, which uses a scope with a light and camera viewing the entire colon to detect polyps. If a small polyp is found, it may be removed that moment with a wire loop and sent to a lab to be evaluated for cancer. The suggested frequency for this screening is 10 years, depending on results. Other colon screenings include fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and fecal occult blood test (FOBT). FIT and FOBT test for blood by swabbing a stool sample. Additional testing may be necessary if blood is found. FIT and FOBT should be conducted annually. Lastly, a sigmoidoscopy is encouraged every five years. Like a colonoscopy, this test also uses a lighted tube with a camera but is only able to view roughly one-third of the colon. Talk to your doctor about the right screening for you.

If colon cancer is detected, your doctor will evaluate the location of the tumor and the stage of the disease. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, biological therapy, liver-directed therapy or radiation therapy. When colon cancer does develop, it has very few, if any, symptoms. Some symptoms may include:

• A change in bowel habits
• Persistent abdominal discomfort
• Rectal bleeding
• Weakness or fatigue

Because colorectal cancer may not initially cause pain or symptoms, it is important to be proactive and talk with your doctor. Schedule your colorectal cancer screening today!

About the Author

David Baker, DO, earned his medical degree from Kansas City University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri. Board-certified in general surgery, he completed his residency at Doctors Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, and completed an internship at Freeman Health System, Joplin, Missouri. Dr. Baker joined Freeman Health System in 2009. To schedule a colon screening at Freeman Center for Digestive Health or for more information, please visit freemanhealth.com/colon or call 417.347.8636.

Freeman Health System held its first recognition ceremony in conjunction with the DAISY Foundation program. The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 from complications of an auto-immune disease. During his eight-week hospital stay, his family was impressed by the care and compassion his nurses provided, not only to him, but to everyone in the family. They created the DAISY Award in Pat’s memory to recognize those nurses who make a big difference in the lives of many people.

A few months ago, Freeman began requesting DAISY Award nominations from patients, fellow nurses, volunteers, physicians, staff or visitors. The nominee was to describe a situation in which the nurse demonstrated at least one of these principles:

P – Passion/compassion for nursing and the care provided to the patient and family
E – Empathy in the situation
T – Trust and teamwork with families, patients and teammates
A – Admirable attributes possessed
L – Loyalty to patients, families and hospital
S – Selflessness

It was no surprise Freeman received an abundance of nomination forms recognizing the compassionate care and clinical expertise of registered nurses. With the help of the Shared Governance Nursing Coordinating Council, Freeman selected three nurses to be honored at its first quarterly DAISY Award presentation.

The first recipient, Stacy Pryor, RN, from Freeman Emergency Department. Stacy was  nominated by a visitor whose 13-year-old son, James, needed medical attention. James had  viral encephalitis and needed to be transferred to a children’s hospital in Kansas City.

 The mother writes: “Stacy was empathetic and warm, yet professional. She was professionally  proficient and communicated with us effectively and in a timely manner. Her calm demeanor  and excellent nursing skills were noticed and appreciated. James is doing wonderfully now,  due  in large part to the care he received at Freeman’s Emergency Department. Thank you!”

The second DAISY Award winner is Shelly Shoemaker, RN, from Freeman Medical/Oncology,  was nominated by staff member, Linda Bailey. Linda was delivering a dinner tray to a patient  who wouldn’t respond and was breathing strangely. Linda quickly contacted Shelly who  discovered the patient was trying to cause harm to himself and intervened.

 Linda writes: “Shelly saved his life. She responded quickly when I expressed concern for him.  She was very professional in her duties and showed him great compassion and  encouragement in the following days during his stay. She is a hero in my eyes.”

The final DAISY Award winner for this quarter is Megan Dirteater, RN, from Medical/Oncology.  Megan was nominated by a visitor whose mother was receiving care.

 The nomination reads: “Every time Megan came into the room she had a smile on her face! She   was full of compassion and treated my mother as family. Megan brushed my mother’s hair and  rubbed lotion on her back to help her feel at ease at bedtime. My mother has dementia, and  even if my mother doesn’t remember her tomorrow, I will never forget the care Megan provided. The care she provided was truly exceptional.”

Congratulations to all of Freeman’s DAISY Award winners! Each honoree received a certificate commending her or him for being an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch” and a box of Cinnabon® cinnamon rolls.  Shelly, Stacy and Megan are heroes who demonstrate excellence through clinical expertise and compassionate care. They serve as outstanding role models for the nursing profession.

Do you know a nurse deserving of the DAISY Award? Complete an online nomination form today!

April Bennett, MSN, RN, is Vice President of Nursing Services at Freeman Health System. April earned a Master of Science in nursing education from University of Missouri Kansas City and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Missouri Southern State University. Providing care for nine years at Freeman, April has a passion for providing quality, compassionate and safe care to every patient, every time. 

“Life is a bowl of cherries. Some cherries are rotten while others are good; it’s your job to throw out the rotten ones and forget about them while you enjoy eating the ones that are good! There are two kinds of people: those who choose to throw out the good cherries and wallow in all the rotten ones, and those who choose to throw out all the rotten ones and savor all the good ones.” – C. JoyBell C.

Over the past few months, I have noticed many articles that arrive in my in-box are in reference to positivity and well-being. At a wellness forum hosted by the American Heart Association in St. Louis, two of the four speakers’ topics reflected these themes, which prompted me to do a little research of my own.

Merriam-Webster defines positivity as “the quality or state of being positive.” Oxford Dictionary defines well-being as “the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy.” Having a healthy well-being includes a well-rounded comprehensive experience of life. An individual who has a healthy well-being finds a balance between their social, physical, mental and spiritual health. Some qualities of a healthy well-being are:

• Self-acceptance
  To truly have self-acceptance, one needs to make peace with their past, realize some situations are beyond their control and find contentment in who they are.
• Self-growth
  Individuals who have a healthy well-being continue to learn and grow throughout their lives.
• Purpose and Meaning
  Well-being involves having something to get up for each day, whether it is your job or your relationship with others. You feel that what you do matters to others and helps make the world a better place.
• Autonomy
  Standing on your own two feet and owning your own unique opinion can help you develop autonomy and realize you don’t have to be the same as anyone else.

A healthy well-being isn’t something that happens overnight. We go through life events that can change the way we picture ourselves, and at times, our state of balance is not what we would like it to be. But as the quote above shares, the more we throw out the rotten cherries that we are exposed to and savor the good ones, we will find ourselves in a more comfortable or happy place.

About the author
Kris Drake RN, CHPD, is the Wellness Coordinator at Freeman Health System. As coordinator of Freeman’s employee health program, Kris works tirelessly to improve the work-life balance of more than 4,500 health system employees. Since October 2002, Drake has developed an array of programs to empower Freeman employees to reach their personal goals.

For the teacher whose speech becomes slurred or the outdoorsman who can no longer walk steadily through the woods, a stroke is a devastating and life-changing event, even if the resulting physical damage is minimal.

According to the American Stroke Association, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds, and someone dies from one every four minutes. All it takes is a blood clot no bigger than a pencil eraser to block an artery in the brain, interrupting blood flow and causing brain cells to die. The longer the blood flow is interrupted, the more brain cells die and the more extensive the resulting disability.

Therein lies the problem – immediate medical attention is vital for someone experiencing a stroke, but since strokes do not cause pain, symptoms are often dismissed as signs of fatigue or side effects of a medication. This results in people not seeking emergency medical care, increasing the risk of physical damage. In fact, Freeman Health System’s System Quality Improvement Department recently found that less than 20 percent of its stroke patients sought treatment within three and a half hours of the onset of symptoms.

Now for the good news. With prompt treatment, the effects of a stroke can be minimized. The American Stroke Association encourages the use of the acronym FAST as a learning tool to recognize the warning signs of stroke.

• Face – Is one side of the face drooping or numb? If the person is asked to smile, is the smile uneven?
• Arm – Is one arm weak or numb? If the person is asked to raise both arms, does one arm drift downward?
• Speech – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or are they hard to understand? If the person is asked to repeat a simple phrase, can he or she repeat it correctly?
• Time – Time is critical when someone is having a stroke. If you observe any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call 911 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Note the time when symptoms first appeared.

While strokes occur in both males and females of all age groups, the risk doubles every 10 years after the age of 55. Risks are higher for individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, as well as those with a family history of stroke.

If you experience any of the symptoms noted above or observe them in a loved one, remember to seek medical attention immediately. The sooner treatment is given, the better the chance of a full recovery.

Take our free online stroke assessment today.

About the author

Sharlyn Splean, RN, is a stroke care coordinator at Freeman Health System. She has been a registered nurse since 1993 and has worked for Freeman since 2008. With a Level II Stroke designation by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Freeman Health System works in cooperation with the area’s ambulance services to improve outcomes for patients with stroke. Freeman is the only Level II Stroke Center within 80 miles of Joplin. Freeman was recently recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association with a Silver Plus Achievement award for our accomplishments in the Get With The Guidelines™ quality program. To learn more about stroke and stroke education, visit freemanhealth.com/stroke or freemanhealth.com/stroke-assessment.

Choosing your pediatrician is an important decision – it is one of the biggest choices you will make before your baby is born. In fact, many women begin searching for their pediatrician in the second trimester of pregnancy. Before you start your search, it is essential to understand what this kind of doctor does to help you make the best decision and to know exactly what to expect when your new bundle of joy makes their way into this world.

A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of infants, adolescents and children as old as 21. From the common cold to sports physicals, you can count on your pediatrician for family-centered, comprehensive healthcare for your child from infancy through adolescence. Your pediatrician is the person who will help guide you through your child’s growth and development and will provide comprehensive preventive and medical care.

To take care of children, pediatricians provide well-child checkups – including vaccinations. They also diagnose and treat illnesses, infections and injuries; oversee growth and development; promote healthy lifestyles; and address behavioral issues.

Pediatricians are primed with extensive education that gives them special skills to take care of your child’s healthcare needs. In addition to graduating from medical school, pediatricians complete a three-year residency program in pediatrics and pass an exam administered by the American Board of Pediatrics to become board certified. To stay certified, pediatricians must meet regular continuing education requirements and take recertification exams.

Asking friends, relatives and your prenatal care provider for referrals is a good start when selecting your child’s pediatrician. Choosing a pediatrician may seem like a daunting task, but it is one all parents face. One thing to remember is that while many pediatricians have different approaches and styles, they have one thing in common – they want to help parents raise healthy children.

About the author
Kelly Gorman, MD, is a board certified pediatrician at Freeman Health System. Freeman is proud to offer the largest, most comprehensive group of pediatricians in the region. Our providers, specially trained in children’s healthcare, listen to you and address your questions and concerns. Your child’s health, nutrition and happiness are our top priorities. Learn more at freemanhealth.com/pediatrics.

Ever try convincing your husband, dad, brother or boyfriend it’s time to visit his primary care physician? We know men are less likely than women to ask for directions and may be less likely to routinely visit their doctor. The age-old adage “men don’t go to the doctor” is alive and well, even in today’s modern age of life-prolonging medicine. It’s time to convince men that self-care is not only sexy, but smart! Many men value caring for their looks, but miss the biggest piece of the puzzle – what’s happening inside their bodies. As a result, they ignore opportunities to find and deal with medical problems in their early stages when many conditions are more treatable and less threatening to overall health.

Men’s tendency to seek healthcare services only in “crisis” situations – and to see themselves as strong and healthy enough to skip checkups and recommended screenings – is a behavior pointing to the leading causes of death for American men, which include cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, stroke and diabetes. The risk of developing these conditions can be reduced with a combination of a healthy lifestyle and regular medical care. Many disorders, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, are “silent” illnesses and do not cause telltale symptoms that may lead to a doctor's visit. Routine checkups and screenings are critical for detecting hidden problems and staying healthy.

Why Screening Tests Are Important

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, when it comes to proactive prevention and early detection, men are 24 percent less likely than women to visit a health professional for a medical appointment and 22 percent more likely than women to have neglected their cholesterol tests. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and other medical organizations encourage men to get regular screening tests to find serious health problems early when chances of successful treatment are best. Men should ask their healthcare provider about tests for the following:

• High cholesterol. Beginning at age 35, men should get their cholesterol checked regularly, at least every five years. Men younger than age 35 could benefit from cholesterol testing if they smoke or have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of heart disease.
• High blood pressure. All men should get their blood pressure checked at least every two years, or more often if recommended by a healthcare provider.
• Diabetes. Men should schedule a blood glucose test for diabetes if they have raised cholesterol or high blood pressure. They should also have this test if they notice signs of diabetes, including frequent thirst and urination, extreme tiredness and blurred vision. Healthy men, starting at age 45, should get screened every three years.
• Colorectal cancer. Screenings should begin at age 50, or earlier if there is a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer screening can be done with either an annual fecal occult blood test or colonoscopy every 10 years.
• Speak with a healthcare provider about screening. The age at which men begin screening depends on several things including family history and ethnic group. The healthcare provider will decide which screenings, if any, are best for each man’s situation.

Take our free online health assessments today.

Motivate Men to Have More Self Love

Men who go to the doctor’s office for physical pain-related needs often do so either because extreme pain directly affects their quality of life or because a loved one prompts them. Encourage all of the men in your life to put their well-being first. Above all, let them know that what makes a man a man is not how strong he is, but how much stability he gives others. By prioritizing their health, men, in turn, offer well-being to their entire family and those they love. When they’re tempted to delay a medical visit, prompt the men in your life to think about their value as a provider, caregiver and role model.

Looking for a Freeman primary care provider? Freeman Physician Finder, 417.347.3767, can help. 

About the author
Ashley Southern, MSN, FNP, Freeman Urology Associates, devotes as much time as necessary to provide patients the opportunity to express their concerns and get their questions answered. The team at Freeman Urology Associates, including Dr. James Frogge, places a high emphasis on patient education to ensure patients have a clear understanding about their particular condition. For more information on the quality services provided at Freeman Urology Associates, please call 417.347.3703. No referrals needed.

Freeman Health System recently held its first recognition ceremony in conjunction with the DAISY Foundation program. The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 from complications of an auto-immune disease. During his eight-week hospital stay, his family was impressed by the care and compassion his nurses provided, not only to him, but to everyone in the family. They created the DAISY Award in Pat’s memory to recognize those nurses who make a big difference in the lives of many people.

A few months ago, Freeman began requesting DAISY Award nominations from patients, fellow nurses, volunteers, physicians, staff or visitors. The nominee was to describe a situation in which the nurse demonstrated at least one of these principles:

P – Passion/compassion for nursing and the care provided to the patient and family
E – Empathy in the situation
T – Trust and teamwork with families, patients and teammates
A – Admirable attributes possessed
L – Loyalty to patients, families and hospital
S – Selflessness

It was no surprise Freeman received an abundance of nomination forms recognizing the compassionate care and clinical expertise of registered nurses. With the help of the Shared Governance Nursing Coordinating Council, Freeman selected three nurses to be honored at its first quarterly DAISY Award presentation.

The first recipient, Stacy Pryor, RN, from Freeman Emergency Department. Stacy was  nominated by a visitor whose 13-year-old son, James, needed medical attention. James had  viral encephalitis and needed to be transferred to a children’s hospital in Kansas City.

The mother writes: “Stacy was empathetic and warm, yet professional. She was professionally  proficient and communicated with us effectively and in a timely manner. Her calm demeanor  and excellent nursing skills were noticed and appreciated. James is doing wonderfully now,  due  in large part to the care he received at Freeman’s Emergency Department. Thank you!”

The second DAISY Award winner is Shelly Shoemaker, RN, from Freeman Medical/Oncology,  was nominated by staff member, Linda Bailey. Linda was delivering a dinner tray to a patient  who wouldn’t respond and was breathing strangely. Linda quickly contacted Shelly who  discovered the patient was trying to cause harm to himself and intervened.

Linda writes: “Shelly saved his life. She responded quickly when I expressed concern for him.  She was very professional in her duties and showed him great compassion and  encouragement in the following days during his stay. She is a hero in my eyes.”

The final DAISY Award winner for this quarter is Megan Dirteater, RN, from Medical/Oncology.  Megan was nominated by a visitor whose mother was receiving care.

The nomination reads: “Every time Megan came into the room she had a smile on her face! She   was full of compassion and treated my mother as family. Megan brushed my mother’s hair and  rubbed lotion on her back to help her feel at ease at bedtime. My mother has dementia, and  even if my mother doesn’t remember her tomorrow, I will never forget the care Megan provided. The care she provided was truly exceptional.”

Congratulations to all of Freeman’s DAISY Award winners! Each honoree received a certificate commending her or him for being an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch” and a box of Cinnabon® cinnamon rolls.  Shelly, Stacy and Megan are heroes who demonstrate excellence through clinical expertise and compassionate care. They serve as outstanding role models for the nursing profession.

Do you know a nurse deserving of the DAISY Award? Complete an online nomination form today!

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April Bennett, MSN, RN, is Vice President of Nursing Services at Freeman Health System. April earned a Master of Science in nursing education from University of Missouri Kansas City and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Missouri Southern State University. Providing care for nine years at Freeman, April has a passion for providing quality, compassionate and safe care to every patient, every time. 

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, campfires, swimming pools, ball games and outdoor adventures. Embrace summer fun with these helpful safety tips to keep yourself and your family injury-free.

Beat the heat

Working, playing or exercising in extremely hot, humid temperatures increases the risk of dehydration, which can lead to serious heat-related conditions such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. 

Staying hydrated will help you keep cool and prevent heat-related illnesses or injuries. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after outdoor activities. Have a glass of water before you get thirsty, instead of waiting until you feel the need for a drink. Take a break, rehydrate every 20 minutes and rest in a shady area. Pay close attention to the temperature outside as well as the humidity and heat index.

Limit sun exposure

The right amount of sun exposure can improve your mood, boost your immune system and supply you with a healthy dose of vitamin D. However, overexposure to the sun’s rays can cause skin damage in the form of sunburns and even skin cancer.

According to the World Health Organization, five to 15 minutes of sun exposure two to three times a week is all you need to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D. If you plan to be out in the sun for longer periods of time, use sunscreen with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection that has a SPF 30 rating. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-absorbent sunglasses can also help protect your face and eyes from sun damage.

Keep campfires contained

Completely extinguish campfires and leave no flame un-attended. Place the campfire or grill in a safe location, and keep flammable items away from the fire.

Avoid creepy crawlies

Wearing long sleeves and long pants and using bug spray will help keep unwanted critters at bay. Insect repellant is safe to use for children two years of age and older. Get rid of wet areas and pools of water around your home where mosquitos like to lurk – these can include old tires, buckets or low areas in the yard. When bees, wasps, ticks, spiders or other bugs bite, minimize the number of bites by going inside immediately. Check the bite site for increased redness, swelling or signs of infection. If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical care right away.

Gear up

Wearing appropriate protective gear will prevent injuries during sports or other summer activities. When biking, roller-skating or skateboarding; use knee pads, elbow pads and a helmet. Life jackets and flotation devices are essential for boating, fishing or a day at the pool. Ensure your protective gear is in good working condition and has the proper fit. 

About the Author: Thomas Hopkins, MD, is a board-certified family physician at Freeman Urgent Care and has been practicing medicine for more than 30 years. He and his wife live in Missouri and have two grandchildren. He co-authored the historical novel, “The Princes Of Albion,” with his identical twin brother. He plays the banjo, photographs bears in the wild and likes to dress up in period attire to shoot his six-shooter in cowboy action competitions.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, five million Americans have a hernia, yet only 750,000 seek treatment each year. A hernia can be uncomfortable, unsightly and painful, and even cause life-threatening complications. However, some hernias cause no symptoms. Don’t let a hernia stand in the way of your health, comfort or daily activities. Take the steps to learn about hernias and treatment options.

A hernia is a protrusion, or bulge, of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the body. Most hernias occur through a weakness in the abdominal wall – creating a lump you can see and feel. This protrusion may develop in the groin, around the navel or near a previous surgical incision. Hernias may develop slowly over a period of months or years but can also develop more rapidly. Some hernias are even present at birth.

The most common symptoms for a hernia include a lump in the abdomen or groin, which may or may not disappear while lying down or applying pressure. The lump may continue to increase in size over time. One may also experience a dull, aching sensation that increases with activity.

Hernias have many causes – some of the most common include:

• Congenital (present at birth)
• Muscle weakness due to weight gain and aging
• Muscle strain from heavy lifting and/or pregnancy
• Strenuous activity
• Injury
• Scar from previous abdominal surgery
• Chronic coughing or sneezing

Diagnosis of a hernia can be as simple as a physical exam by your physician. If the hernia isn’t easily apparent, your physician may suggest imaging, such as a CT scan, or a referral for follow-up with a surgeon. After diagnosis, a variety of different treatment options for hernias are available, but the only way to effectively treat a hernia and provide long-lasting relief is to have it surgically repaired.

Hernia repairs are common, routine surgical procedures, most often repaired one of two ways – open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery is when a surgeon makes an incision in the abdominal wall to repair the hernia, whereas laparoscopic surgery is when the surgeon makes a few small incisions, inserts long thin tools and a camera, and repairs the hernia. Most of the time, hernia repairs are outpatient procedures. In both surgical methods, the hernia is most commonly repaired using mesh reinforcement, which generally decreases recurrence, is well accepted by the body and encourages healthy tissue growth.

Hernias are common in both men and women of all ages. If you are experiencing discomfort, don’t wait! Schedule your physical exam with your primary care physician today, or call a Freeman General Surgeon.

About the Author

Alan Buchele, MD, FACS, earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. Board-certified in general surgery, he completed his residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Buchele is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and he currently serves as Governor of the Southwest Missouri Chapter of the American College of Surgeons – representing surgeons of multiple specialties in Southwest Missouri on a national level. Dr. Buchele has practiced medicine in Joplin since 1996 – joining Freeman Physician Group in 2011. He also sees patients in Pittsburg, Kansas, at Freeman Physician Group of Pittsburg. For more information about hernias, please visit freemanhealth.com/hernia or call 417.347.8585.