GRAVETTE -- In observance of Hernia Awareness Month, Ozarks Community Hospital will be hosting free hernia screenings on Tuesday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Dr. Stephen Morrison, board-certified general and cardiothoracic surgeon at OCH, will perform the screenings in the OCH Specialty Clinic located on the second floor of the hospital.
A hernia occurs when one of the organs protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. Common indicators include a heavy feeling in your abdomen when you bend, pain when you lift heavy objects or a lump that enlarges when you strain and disappears when you lie down.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, over 5 million people in the United States suffer from a hernia. Surprisingly, only about 15% of them seek medical help every year. Some hernias with few symptoms may just need monitoring by your primary care physician. Those with more serious symptoms may need treatment.
"The most common types of abdominal-related hernias we see are in the umbilical and groin areas, or from a previous incision," explains Dr. Morrison. "Most often, hernias can be diagnosed with a physical exam, which is why I am excited to offer free hernia screenings to the community."
While a variety of factors can play into hernia development, hernias tend to come from jobs that are more physically demanding. Other things that can impact hernia development are family history, obesity, pregnancy, straining caused by physical exercise, coughing and smoking.
Interested persons may reserve a consult by calling 479-344-6870. Spots are filling up quickly.
Ozarks Community Hospital is a bi-state safety-net healthcare provider headquartered in Gravette, serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Ozarks. The hospital is based in Gravette and includes a multitude of clinics located in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. OCH locations accept Medicaid, Medicare, UHC Military and most private insurances and offer self-pay discounts for those without insurance. For more information, visit www.OCHonline.com.