Northwestern Medicine - Empower Health

Heli EDUCATE YOURSELF ON THIS COMMON CONDITION BEFORE IT BECOMES A PROBLEM FOR YOU. Hernias Are you concerned you may have a hernia? To contact Northwestern Medicine KishHealth Physician Group Surgeons, call 815.758.8671. Low-Risk Resolution According to Dr. Goldman, the only definitive treatment for a hernia is surgical repair. "For most people, this surgery is very safe," says Dr. Goldman. "Because the procedure is so low-risk, fixing a hernia is well worth it to prevent more catastrophic complications down the road." After the procedure, many people are out of bed within an hour or so, and most go home later that same day. Moderate to intense activity should be avoided for a few weeks following surgery. Also try to avoid forceful coughing or other movements that increase pressure in the belly and groin. ACCORDING TO THE National Center for Health Statistics, approximately five million Americans live with a hernia. Many don't know what causes the tender or painful lump in their abdomen or groin, and thus don't know how to heal this condition or prevent reappearances. "A hernia is a defect caused by pressure on a weak spot in your abdominal wall," says Chief of Surgery at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital Stephen R. Goldman, MD, FACS. "Common causes include being obese or overweight, having previous surgeries, and doing a lot of heavy lifting." The most common locations for hernias to occur are at incisions, the upper stomach, the belly button, and the groin area. WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? You have a lump in your abdomen that's tender, and you suspect it might be a hernia. What's next? "If you have a question, see a surgeon. While primary care doctors are excellent at their jobs, a hernia is a surgical problem," Dr. Goldman says. "Having the input of a surgeon you and your primary care doctor trust will give you better information and allow you to make a more informed decision." 2 CANCER CENTER OUR MISSION Our Cancer Center provides patients and families with education, support, and resources to deal with the many challenges presented by cancer. Generous donor support helps underwrite the cost of these programs. If you are interested in making a donation to improve the quality of life for those dealing with cancer, please contact the KishHealth System Foundation, part of Northwestern Medicine, at 815.748.9954 or visit kishhealthfoundation.org. Look for a list of featured classes and programs in the Wellness Programs section toward the back of this issue. Most are free and require registration. Classes with low enrollment are generally canceled three days prior to the start date. Please register early. Register online at kishprograms.org. We are an organization of caregivers who aspire to consistently provide high quality care, cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction. We seek to improve the health of the communities we serve by delivering a broad range of services with sensitivity to the individual needs of our patients and their families. We are bonded in an essential academic and service relationship with the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. The quality of our services is enhanced through their integration with education and research in an environment that encourages excellence of practice, critical inquiry and learning. WELLNESS CLASSES & PROGRAMS

• Cover