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Hernias

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

A hernia occurs when body tissue “bulges” through a weak area or hole in a muscle. Often, this happens in the wall of the abdomen.

Signs & Symptoms

* A bulge in the skin. The bulge may be more easy to see when you cough, lift, or strain, or when you lie flat on your back. The bulge may feel soft.

* Mild pain or discomfort at the hernia site. The pain may only be felt when you strain, lift, or cough. The pain can be extreme when the hernia bulges out and can’t be pushed back in.

* For an inguinal hernia, weakness, pressure, burning, or pain in the groin area. A lump in the groin near the thigh may be seen when standing.

* Swelling of the scrotum.

Causes

A weakness in the wall of the abdomen is often the cause. Some persons are born with this problem. Hernias can run in families. Other causes include:

* Lifting heavy objects. Heavy coughing.

* Obesity.

* Straining to pass stool.

* Abdominal surgery.

* Being male or elderly.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and symptoms. Some hernias can be put back into the body. Others may need treatment with surgery.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit. Avoid secondhand smoke.

* Maintain a healthy diet. Lose weight if you are overweight.

* Avoid constipation. Don’t strain to pass stool.

* Exercise to keep abdominal muscles strong. Follow your doctor’s advice.

* When you do sit ups, keep your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.

* Follow proper lifting techniques.

* Wear a weight lifting belt to support the back when lifting.

* Wear a truss. This is a device that holds a hernia in place.

* For mild pain, take an over-the-counter medicine for pain. If even mild pain lasts longer than a week, see your doctor.

Common Hernias Include

* Hiatal hernia.

* Inguinal hernia. A part of the intestine bulges through a muscle near the groin or scrotum.

* Incisional hernia. This is a bulge through a muscle at the site of a past surgical scar.

* Femoral hernia. This is a bulge in the top front of a thigh. It is most common in obese women.

* Ventral hernia. This is a bulge in the middle of the abdomen, usually near the navel.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hepatitis

General Health Conditions

Hepatitis is liver inflammation. With hepatitis, the liver has trouble screening poisons from the blood. Also, the liver can’t regulate bile. This is a liquid that helps digest fats.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms depend on the cause. Some persons have no symptoms. When symptoms first occur, they include fatigue, fever, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting, and joint pain.

Later, symptoms are dark urine, pale, clay-colored stools, and jaundice. This is a yellow color to the whites of the eyes and/or the skin.

Hepatitis in the Liver

Causes

One or More Types of Viral Hepatitis

* Hepatitis A. This is spread through food or water contaminated by the feces of an infected person that has the virus.

* Hepatitis B. This is caused by contact with infected blood or bodily fluids from an infected person. Examples are sharing drug needles or having sex. A mother can pass this virus to her baby during childbirth, too.

* Hepatitis C. Most often, the cause is contact with infected blood on needles, razors, toothbrushes, etc. Blood transfusions given before July, 1992 could be the cause, if the blood had the virus. Sexual contact may spread the virus, too.

* Hepatitis D. Sharing drug needles or having sexual contact with an infected person can cause this type, but only in persons who already have hepatitis B. It is not common in the U.S.

* Hepatitis E. This is caused by contact with food, water, or something contaminated with the feces of an infected person. This type is not common in the U.S. It is more common in Africa and India.

Non-Viral Causes of Hepatitis

* Some immune system disorders, such as Wilson’s disease. With this, too much copper is stored in the liver and other body organs.

* Chronic alcohol or drug use.

* Reaction to certain medicines. One example is long-term use or an overdose of acetaminophen. Heavy drinkers are more prone to this.

* Some herbs may cause hepatitis. Examples are kava and chaparral.

In some cases, the cause is not known.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis and how severe it is. For non- viral forms, this includes treating the disorder or stopping the use of the substance that caused it. For viral forms, treatment includes self-care measures and medications.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

To Help Prevent Hepatitis A and E

* Get a hepatitis A vaccine if advised by your doctor or health department. There is no vaccine for hepatitis E.

* When you travel to countries where the virus is widespread, wash your hands often. Drink boiled water. Don’t eat unpeeled or uncooked fruits or foods rinsed with water. Don’t use ice.

* If exposed to hepatitis A, contact your doctor to get immune globulin (IG) within 2 weeks of exposure.

To Help Prevent Hepatitis B, C, and D

* Get 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine if advised by your doctor. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

* Practice Safer Sex.

* Don’t share IV drug needles.

* Don’t share razors or toothbrushes. See that sterilized items are used for ear piercing, etc.

To Help Prevent Non-Viral Forms

* Use alcohol in moderation, if at all.

* Don’t combine alcohol and acetaminophen. Take products that contain acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, as directed. Heed warnings listed on the label.

To Treat Hepatitis

* Follow your doctor’s advice for medicines, etc.

* Rest.

* Drink at least 8 glasses of fluids a day.

* Avoid alcohol and any drugs or medicines that affect the liver, such as acetaminophen.

* Follow a healthy diet. Take vitamins and minerals as advised by your doctor.

Resources

National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

800.CDC.INFO (232.4636)

www.cdc.gov/nchhstp

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hemorrhoids

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

Hemorrhoids are veins in or outside of the anus that may become dilated or swollen.

Signs & Symptoms

* Bright red blood on or in the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet.

* Anal or rectal tenderness. Anal itching.

* Uncomfortable, painful bowel movements, especially with straining.

* A lump can be felt at the anus.

* Mucus passes from the anus.

Causes

Hemorrhoids are usually caused by repeated pressure in the rectal or anal veins. Often this is due to repeated straining to pass stool. The risk for getting hemorrhoids increases with:

* Prolonged sitting on the toilet and straining to have a bowel movement.

* Constipation.

* A low dietary fiber intake.

* Obesity.

* Pregnancy.

Treatment

Hemorrhoids are common. They are not likely to be a serious health problem. Most people have some bleeding from them once in a while.

Don’t assume that rectal bleeding is “just hemorrhoids.” See your doctor to find out the cause.

If symptoms of hemorrhoids are not relieved with self-care or with time, medical care may be needed. This includes:

* Laser heat or infrared light.

* Rubber band ligation. A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off blood flow to the hemorrhoid.

* Surgery.

* Cryosurgery. This freezes the affected tissue.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Drink at least 6 to 8 cups of fluid per day.

* Eat foods with good sources of dietary fiber, such as bran, whole- grain breads and cereals, vegetables, and fruits.

* Add bran to your foods. Add about 3 to 4 tablespoons per day.

* Eat prunes. Drink prune juice.

* Lose weight if you are overweight.

* Get regular exercise.

* Pass stool as soon as you feel the urge. If you wait and the urge goes away, your stool could become dry and hard. This makes it harder to pass.

* Don’t strain to pass stool.

* Don’t hold your breath when trying to pass stool.

* Keep the anal area clean. Use moist towelettes or wet (not dry) toilet paper after you pass stool.

* Don’t sit too much. This can restrict blood flow around the anal area. Don’t sit too long on the toilet. Don’t read while on the toilet.

* For itching or pain, put a cold compress on the anus for 10 minutes at a time. Do this up to 4 times a day.

* Take warm baths or use a sitz bath with hot water. A sitz bath is a basin that fits over the toilet. Get one at a medical supply or drug store.

* Check with your doctor about using over-the-counter products, such as:

– Stool softeners.

– Zinc oxide or anesthetic (numbing) products, such as Preparation H.

– Medicated wipes, such as Tucks.

– Suppositories.

Resources

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

www.niddk.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Help Lower Your Risk For Heart Disease, Adopt Simple Changes

Heart & Circulation Problems

Be fussy about the fats you eat. Read food labels.

* Eat apples, oranges, oat bran, oatmeal, beans, and peas. These have a type of fiber that helps lower cholesterol.

* Replace a half-hour of watching TV with a half-hour walk.

* Walk the stairs more.

* Choose minimally processed foods. Include healthy protein sources, mostly plants and seafood. Cut back on salt and sugar-sweetened drinks.

* Add more minutes or steps of walking every day until you reach at least 30 minutes or 10,000 steps a day.

* Avoid secondhand smoke. If you smoke, get help to quit.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Help For Hearing Loss

Mature Health: Over Age 50

Do people seem to mumble a lot lately? Do you have trouble hearing in church or theaters? Do you lose the thread of conversation at the dinner table or at family gatherings? Does your family repeatedly ask you to turn down the volume on the TV or radio?

These are signs of gradual, age-related hearing loss called presbycusis. High-pitched sounds are especially difficult to discern. Another way to detect this problem is to hold a watch to your ear. If you can’t hear it ticking, see an otolaryngologist (a physician who treats disorders of the ear, nose, and throat) or an otologist (a physician who specializes in ear disorders).

You should also get help if one or both ears ring continuously, or if loud noises cause pain in your ears.

Hearing loss from presbycusis cannot be restored, but hearing aids. along with the following self-help methods, are helpful.

* Ask people to speak clearly, distinctly, and in a normal tone.

* Look at people when they are talking to you. Watch their expressions to help you understand what they are saying. Ask them to face you.

* Try to limit background noise when having a conversation.

* In a church or theater, sit near, but not in the front row. Sit in the third or fourth row with people sitting around you.

* To rely on sight instead of sound, install a buzzer, flasher, or amplifier on your telephone, door chime, and alarm clock.

Also, an audiologist (hearing therapist) may be able to show you other techniques for “training” yourself to hear better.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Help For Bladder Control

Mature Health: Over Age 50

Many people are inconvenienced and embarrassed by urinary incontinence-they leak urine when they laugh, cough, sneeze, or lift heavy objects.

Incontinence can be caused when muscles used to control the bladder weaken due to childbirth or prostate surgery. Neurological complications caused by injury or stroke, or neurologic disease (like multiple sclerosis) can also weaken bladder control. So can diabetes. But the most common cause of urinary incontinence in the older population is what doctors call urge incontinence or bladder instability: Frequent, involuntary bladder contractions release small amounts of urine.

If urinary incontinence is a problem for you, see a urologist, a doctor who specializes in problems and diseases of the urinary system. Medications, biofeedback bladder training, exercise, or surgery can improve or cure urinary incontinence.

To help manage urinary incontinence:

* Empty your bladder at least every 2 hours.

* Avoid highly spiced foods, which irritate the bladder. Avoid caffeine and alcohol at least 4 hours before bedtime.

* Practice Kegel exercises to improve bladder control. To feel the muscles to be exercised, practice stopping the flow of urine.

Then practice the following three exercises.

* Squeeze these muscles for 3 seconds, then relax the muscles for 3 seconds. Do this ten times, three times a day.

* Squeeze and relax the muscles as quickly as possible. Repeat ten times, three times a day.

* For women only: Imagine pulling up a tampon in the vagina. Hold for 3 seconds. Then bear down as if having a bowel movement, holding for 3 seconds.

* If you wear sanitary pads or incontinence pads, change them often to prevent odor and infection.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Heat Illnesses

First Aid

Most heat-related deaths occur in the hot summer months. Elderly and very young persons and people with chronic health problems are most at risk.

Sweating normally cools the body. During hot weather, sweating isn’t enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels and you can develop a heat illness. This includes heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. Heat exhaustion, if not treated, can turn into heat stroke.

A less serious heat illness is a heat rash. Signs include small red pimples, pink, blotchy skin, and itching. To treat a heat rash, bathe in cool water every couple of hours. Let your skin air dry. Put cornstarch or calamine lotion on itchy areas.

When the heat starts to rise, slow down. Drink plenty of fluids (ones without alcohol or caffeine). Stay in the shade or indoors. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and a wide brimmed hat. Do not stay in or leave anyone in a closed, parked car during hot weather.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

First Aid

Sweat evaporates from the skin to cool the body. If this personal cooling system does not work right or fails to work, heat exhaustion or a heat stroke can occur.

Heat exhaustion is a warning that the body is getting too hot. With a heat stroke, body organs start to overheat. They will stop working if they get hot enough. If it is not treated, a heat stroke can result in death.

Signs & Symptoms

For a Heat Stroke

These signs and symptoms can occur suddenly with little warning:

* Very high temperature (104ºF or higher).

* Hot, dry, red skin. No sweating.

* Deep breathing and fast pulse. Then shallow breathing and weak pulse.

* Confusion. Hallucinations.

* Convulsions.

* Loss of consciousness.

For Heat Exhaustion

* Normal, low, or only slightly elevated body temperature.

* Cool, clammy, pale skin. Sweating.

* Dry mouth. Thirst.

* Fatigue. Weakness. Feeling dizzy.

* Headache.

* Nausea. Vomiting can occur.

* Muscle cramps.

* Weak or rapid pulse.

Causes

Anything that keeps the body’s natural cooling system from working right can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. This includes:

* Extreme heat and humidity.

* Being in places without fans or air conditioners during hot, humid weather.

* Not being able to get to public air-conditioned places. Waiting for a bus or other type of public transportation in hot, humid weather.

* Overdressing.

* Changes in the skin due to aging.

* Poor circulation. Heart, lung, and/or kidney disease.

* Not being able to sweat due to medicines, such as water pills and some used for mental illnesses.

* Alcohol or drug use.

* Any illness that causes weakness, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Treatment

A heat stroke is a medical emergency.

Heat exhaustion may respond to self-care measures. If not, medical care is needed.

Prevention

* Drink lots of liquids, especially if your urine is dark yellow. Drink water, sport drinks, such as Gatorade, etc.

* Do not stay in or leave anyone in a closed, parked car during hot weather.

* Don’t have drinks with alcohol or caffeine.

* Use caution when you are in the sun. At the first sign of heat exhaustion, get out of the sun. If you can, avoid midday heat. Do not do vigorous activity during the hottest part of the day (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).

* Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, such as cotton, so sweat can evaporate. Wear a wide-brimmed hat with vents. Use an umbrella for shade.

* If you feel very hot, try to cool off. Open a window. Use a fan. Go to an air-conditioned place.

* Check with your doctor about sun exposure if you take:

– Water pills.

– Mood-altering medicines.

– Some antibiotics, such as tetracycline.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / First Aid

First Aid for a Heat Stroke

Call 9-1-1!

Before Emergency Care Arrives

* Move the person to a cool place indoors or under a shady tree. Place the feet higher than the head to avoid shock.

* Remove clothing. Either wrap the person in a cold, wet sheet; sponge the person with towels or sheets that are soaked in cold water; or spray the person with cool water. Fan the person.

* Put ice packs or cold compresses on the neck, under the armpits, and on the groin area.

* Once the person’s temperature gets to 101ºF, place him or her in the Recovery Position. Do not lower the temperature further.

* Don’t give fever reducing medicine.

* Don’t use rubbing alcohol.

First Aid for Heat Exhaustion

* Move to a cool place indoors or in the shade. Lie down.

* Loosen clothing.

* Drink fluids, such as cool or cold water. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 quart of water. Sip this. Or, drink sport drinks, such as Gatorade, etc.

* Have salty foods, such as saltine crackers, if you tolerate them.

* Massage and stretch cramped muscles.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Heartburn & Indigestion

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. It involves the esophagus and the stomach. The esophagus passes behind the breastbone alongside the heart. The irritation that takes place there feels like a burning feeling in the heart. Indigestion is a general term for discomfort in the abdomen that comes after eating.

Signs & Symptoms

* A burning feeling behind the breastbone occurs after eating.

* Chest pain is felt when you bend over or lie down.

* Your mouth has a bitter, hot, or sour taste.

Causes

Gastric acids from the stomach splash back up into the lower portion of the esophagus. This causes pain. The medical term for this is gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD). The digestive acids don’t harm the stomach. It has a coating to protect it. The esophagus doesn’t. Acids there cause pain.

Common Heartburn Triggers

* Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, arthritis medicine, or corticosteroids.

* Heavy meals. Eating too fast. Chocolate. Garlic. Onions. Peppermint. Tomatoes and citrus fruits.

* Smoking or lying down after eating.

* Drinking alcohol or coffee (regular or decaffeinated).

* Being very overweight.

* Wearing tight clothing.

* Swallowing too much air.

* Stress.

* Hiatal hernia.

* Pregnancy.

Treatment

Self-care treats most cases of this common problem. Heartburn symptoms can be confused, though, with ones of a heart attack or other medical problems.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Sit straight while you eat. Stand up or walk around after you eat. Bending over or lying down after you eat makes it too easy for stomach acids to move up to the esophagus.

* Don’t smoke.

* Lose weight if you are overweight.

* If heartburn bothers you at night, raise the head of the bed. Put the head of your bed up on 6-inch blocks. You can also buy a special wedge that is made to be placed between the mattress and box spring. Don’t just prop your head up with pillows. This makes the problem worse by putting pressure on your stomach.

* Don’t wear garments that fit tight around the abdomen.

* Eat small meals. Limit alcohol.

* Limit foods and drinks with air. Examples are whipped cream and carbonated drinks.

* Don’t eat or drink for 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.

* If you take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or arthritis medicines, take them with food.

* If other treatments fail, take antacids, such as Tums. If these don’t bring relief, take an over-the-counter acid controller, such as Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB, etc. These prevent and relieve heartburn. {Note: Read labels before taking antacids or acid controllers. Check with your doctor, too. Adverse side effects are more likely and more severe in older persons who take some acid controllers, such as Tagamet HB.}

* Don’t take baking soda. It is high in sodium and is not effective.

Resources

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

www.niddk.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Heart Palpitations

Heart & Circulation Problems

Signs & Symptoms

Palpitations can be felt in the chest, throat, or neck. With them, it feels like the heart is pounding, racing, and/or fluttering. It can feel like the heart has skipped a beat.

Causes

Most of the time, palpitations are not a serious problem. Common causes include:

* Anxiety. Fear. Stress. Hyperventilation.

* Caffeine. Diet pills. Nicotine. Drugs.

* Exercise.

* Medicines. Examples are beta-blockers, some asthma and cold medicines, and thyroid pills.

Other causes are:

* An arrhythmia (heart rate or rhythm disorder).

* Mitral valve prolapse (MVP). This is a heart valve problem. It may be treated with medicine. It is not usually a serious condition.

* Anemia.

* Hyperthyroidism.

* Low blood sugar.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* If palpitations occur with exercise, stop the activity. Rest. When you exercise again, gradually increase how long and how intense you do the activity.

* To relieve stress and anxiety, do relaxation exercises.

* Limit or avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.

* Don’t take cold/allergy medicines. Don’t take appetite suppressants.

* Call your doctor if rest doesn’t help or if palpitations occur again and again.

Resources

The American Heart Association

800.AHA.USA1 (242.8721)

www.heart.org/HEARTORG

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

www.nhlbi.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026