Prevention methods

You can’t always prevent the muscle weakness that allows a hernia to occur. However, you can reduce the amount of strain you place on your body. This may help you avoid a hernia or keep an existing hernia from getting worse.

Prevention tips include:

> Not smoking

> Seeing your doctor when you’re sick to avoid developing a persistent cough

> Maintaining a healthy body weight

> Avoiding straining during bowel movements or urination

> Lifting objects with your knees and not your back

> Avoiding lifting weights that are too heavy for you