Hernias are more common than many people realize. Whether you have had one in the past and want to avoid developing another one or hope to prevent a hernia from developing at all, it pays to know what you can do to stay active and remain safe. Here are four tips that will help you manage your health and decrease the odds of having to deal with a hernia.

Play It Smart With Your Workouts

Even if you’ve had a hernia in the past, that doesn’t mean all forms of exercise are out of the question. The types that many medical professionals would recommend avoiding involve pushing, pulling, or straining. While that does mean avoiding some forms of exercise, there are still plenty of others to consider.

Swimming is a prime example of an exercise you can do and not worry about developing a hernia. The water helps to provide the support needed to work various muscle groups and still keep the stress within a reasonable range. You have the chance to tone those muscles and enjoy benefits to your cardiovascular system while avoiding the potential of developing another hernia.

In general, aerobics are a good choice. They allow you to stretch and tone muscles without placing a lot of strain on the muscles. If you have dealt with a hernia in the past, choosing to invest in one of the hernia belts on the market will help. Many designs are easily concealed under your workout clothing, so no one has to know you are wearing it while you enjoy a good workout.

Avoid Sudden Changes in Weight

Did you know that gaining or losing a lot of weight in a short period of time can increase the possibility of developing a hernia? Sudden weight changes can weaken abdominal muscles and add more pressure to the area. All it takes is one wrong move and a rip will appear.

Your best bet is to avoid diets that rely on rapid weight loss techniques involving reduction of protein or certain types of vitamins and minerals. If you stick with a sensible diet and engage in a reasonable exercise routine, it’s possible to reach your ideal weight incrementally and safely.

No Straining in the Bathroom

Are you in the habit of straining when you go to the bathroom? That type of activity is one of the more common reasons hernias develop. If you feel the urge to strain, it’s time to see a medical professional and find out what can be done to improve elimination. A doctor can assess your condition and determine how to correct minor constipation or whatever else has created the issue. Treating that underlying condition will ensure you don’t have to strain and won’t need resources designed to provide hernia support for men or women.

Use The Right Type of Stoma Support

If you have undergone surgery that removes a portion of the urinary tract or the bowels, it may be necessary to redirect a portion of the intestine to create a stoma. Along with requiring you to wear a pouch, this solution also weakens the abdominal wall. In order to decrease the potential for a hernia, you need to provide the right amount of support to that area. Solutions like Cymed Micro-Skin ostomy products provide that support while not restricting your range of motion.

The goal is to reduce the chances for any more problems with hernias while still allowing you to live your life. Talk with your doctor about how lifestyle changes and products that make it easier to remain active, enjoy life, and minimize the potential for new hernias to develop. With the right approach, you can relax and feel ready to go and do whatever you like.