May 2016
Battle of the Bulge: Hernias
Hernias are a common condition that often cause pain and require
surgical repair. A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue bulges
through a weakness in the muscle tissue.
3 Things To Care About
1. June is Men’s Health Month
and a great time for guys to
get a check-up. Call your
PCP today!
2. When injured, consider if you
should visit an ER or Urgent
Care. Many minor, summer
injuries can be treated at an
Urgent Care.
3. Swimming is a great summer
activity. Before you head out
this year though, brush up
on your water safety.
Remember, drowning is
often silent, so be aware.
There are several types of hernias, including inguinal (groin), hiatal
(diaphragm) and umbilical (belly button). Inguinal hernias are the
most common, especially in men, possibly in part to the activities
they participate in at home or on the job. Umbilical hernias can be
present at birth (congenital) or acquired. Women have a higher
incidence of umbilical hernias especially if they are obese or have
been pregnant. Most hernias occur because of weak abdominal
muscles and excess straining from an activity like heavy lifting.
Hernia symptoms can include swelling or an obvious bulge,
especially when standing, a feeling of heaviness or constipation and
abdominal pain or discomfort especially during exertion. Many times,
hernias exhibit no symptoms but are found on a routine physical
exam.
Surgery is the prescribed treatment, but there are varying methods
that can be used. A surgical consultation with an experienced
surgeon can aid you in determining the best approach for your
situation. Left untreated, hernias can cause serious complications
such as intestinal obstruction and or even intestinal death
(strangulation).
If you are experiencing hernia symptoms, consult your primary care
provider for evaluation. If you are facing surgery, remember that
ConnectCare3 can help you by researching surgeons and treatment
options so you can make an informed decision.
Candi Miller
While working through a different health issue, I
began having back problems that interfered with
my ability to walk. My treating physician ordered
an MRI and explained that I needed to seek the
support of a neuroscience specialist because it
was likely that I needed surgery.
background and indicated that he too was a
highly experience surgeon that may be a good fit
for me. It was great that we were able to
collaborate this way, with the end goal being that I
had the best information to make my decision.
My nurse began by researching providers and
giving me three options. It was great to have this
information to start with. I did my own research on
these providers and came across another
provider that came highly recommended to me by
friends. I asked my Nurse Navigator for
assistance and she provided me with his
comfortable recommending it knowing that all our
staff on our medical plan has access to this. I
most certainly recommend that anyone needing
assistance with their healthcare reach out to
ConnectCare3. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
Knowledge is power so the more information you
get, the better decision you will make.
The process worked well as I had surgery in
My physician recommended I look at larger
February and have been very pleased with my
institutions that may have more experienced
care. I am recovering well and very thankful to
surgeons, but I didn’t know where to start.
have had an experienced nurse who called,
Thankfully, I had just attended our open
listened and brought me information to help me
enrollment meetings where a representative from make this important decision.
ConnectCare3 had explained the service so I
As a Human Resources Assistant I see the value
reached out to learn more about how they might of this service and how it can help support an
be able to help me. I was promptly connected
employee when faced with making an informed
with a nurse who was more than happy to help
decision. Since it is an employer provided benefit
me.
that doesn’t cost employees anything, I feel