Glendale Outpatient Surgery Center Health News

Want the latest on preventative health and cutting edge surgical procedures? You've come to the right place!

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Happy Fourth of July Friends!

Though a day of fun, the fourth can quickly become dangerous when fireworks are used incorrectly.  We’ve compiled some firework safety tips to help keep your holiday injury free.

1.      1.  First things first, make sure fireworks are legal in your area!  Many cities ban them.

  Ke2. Keep pets inside. They are likely to be afraid of fireworks and may become panicked or run off.

3.       3. Never point or throw fireworks at others. Many firework injuries occur every year, mostly affecting the face and hands.  

4.       4. Sparklers are dangerous.  They burn at about 2000 degrees. 

5.       5. Always keep a bucket of water nearby to douse used fireworks and in case of a fire.

6.      6.  Don’t mix alcohol and fireworks.

7.      7.  Only ignite fireworks away from homes, onlookers and flammable objects. 

8.      8.  Be cautious lighting aerial fireworks in windy conditions.  

9.      9.  Don’t modify or make your own fireworks.

Have fun and be safe!

Glendale Outpatient Surgery Center

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Obesity Is Now Considered a Disease

According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention, about 36% of American adults are obese. This is particularly alarming considering insurance policies tend to exclude coverage of obesity treatment.  However, a recent announcement by the American Medical Association stating that obesity has officially been recognized as a disease, may change this. Obesity experts expect the distinction to cause insurance companies to include obesity treatment in their policies, as well as to ease limitations on conditions related to obesity such as diabetes and high blood pressure.  Watch the video!  http://on.fb.me/14jqvB6

Photo of obese teenager by Dr. James Heilman.

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Happy Hernia Awareness Month!

June is hernia awareness month so let's take a moment to consider prevention and symptoms of hernias.  

A hernia occurs when strain causes the muscles of the abdominal wall to weaken and tear, allowing fat or muscle tissue to push through.  The most common causes of hernias are constipation, being overweight, or the natural weakening of the muscles due to age.  

Hernias can be prevented by adopting the following habits:

 Aim to eat about 11* grams of fiber and drink about 3* liters of water a day to prevent constipation.

Exercise regularly to help facilitate the digestion process, which decreases the likelihood of constipation, and to increase muscle and fortify the abdominal wall.

Prevent chronic coughing to avoid unnecessary strain, by visiting the doctor for persistent colds and by quitting smoking, known to induce smoker's cough.

Maintain a healthy weight to prevent strain from excess fat and lift properly to avoid exertion and tearing of muscle.

It is much easier to prevent hernias than to treat them, but once a hernia has formed, surgery will likely be necessary. 

Hernias are usually painful and will not repair themselves. Signs you may be experiencing a hernia include a bulge in the abdominal region, swelling or redness, or vomiting.

If you have a family history of hernias or if you believe you have a hernia, feel free to call and speak to one of our experienced hernia surgeons at [phone] or visit 

http://www.glendalesurgerycenter.com/hernia.html

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If you are suffering from GERD, there may be steps you can take to reduce your symptoms. Dr. J. Robert Evans gives a lesson in GERD 101. 

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Dr. J. Robert Evans, heartburn specialist, talks about the symptoms of GERD and how to prevent painful acid reflux. Should severe symptoms persist, Dr. Evans works alongside Glendale Outpatient Surgery Center to offer the TIF surgery for heartburn. TIF is incision-less, highly effective, and done on an outpatient basis. For more information, visit www.theheartburnsite.com. 

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Meet some of the Glendale Outpatient Surgery Center Family!