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- Manage your weight
Being overweight is one of the biggest causes of parastomal hernia, as additional weight causes pressure to push on the abdominal wall. - Strengthen your abdominal muscles
People with weak abdominal muscles are more likely to develop a hernia. Always check with your physician before beginning any new workout regimen or daily activity. - Wear a light support garment
to help boost your confidence while maintaining an active lifestyle. - Stop smoking and stay active
to maintain general physical well-being. - Maintain strong muscles
that help you lift and move more safely, therefore protecting your abdomen. Start with your arms. - Be careful when lifting
When you lift or carry anything, do it safely and with good technique. - Adapt exercises and daily activities
to make sure they’re appropriate. Consult your healthcare professional before beginning any new workout regimen or daily activity.
Featured Articles
10/10/2024
me plus Community
Travel
Travelling with a Stoma Bag: What to Pack
The idea of taking long trips with an ostomy may seem daunting at first. But with a little extra preparation, you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime! Here’s our tips below to help make packing for your next adventure a little easier.
Read more04/12/2024
Everyday life
Travel
Road Trips with a Stoma
Now that you have an ostomy, the idea of taking long trips can seem daunting. But with a little extra preparation, you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
Read more11/12/2024
Travel
Stoma Travel Tips
Extra security precautions are being taken at airports and other transit hubs worldwide. A little pre-planning and understanding of both security rules and your right to privacy can help you avoid problems in transit and enjoy your travels.
Read more12/12/2024
Diet
Everyday life
Living with a Stoma: Hydration
Learn about the importance of hydration when living with a stoma. Our guide provides tips on fluid intake, recognising dehydration symptoms, and more.
Read more12/12/2024
Fashion
Fashion Tips for Men Living with a Stoma
After stoma surgery you can wear the same clothes as anyone else – and do it with style! Here are some fashion tips for men living with a stoma.
Read more11/12/2024
Fashion
Fashion tips for women living with a stoma
Here are some practical fashion tips from Jearlean Taylor, a successful model, author, and businesswoman who has never known life without an ostomy.
Read more16/12/2024
Everyday life
Tips for Managing Anxiety After Stoma Surgery
One of the biggest worries for people who have recently had stoma surgery is what other people will think.
Read more16/12/2024
Everyday life
Returning to Work with a Stoma
From industrial jobs to the classroom, from long shifts at the hospital to dancers – and all workplaces in between – people living with a stoma are successfully returning to work following stoma surgery.
Read more22/01/2025
Everyday life
Back to school with a stoma
As your child begins to recover from ostomy surgery, it is normal for them to feel fearful or anxious about their needs when going back to school.
Read more11/12/2024
Activity
Exercise After Stoma Surgery: Back to Basics
No matter what level of physical activity you want to pursue, stoma surgery shouldn’t hold you back.
Read more12/12/2024
Everyday life
Bathing or showering with a Stoma
Showering or bathing with a stoma should not interfere with your regular cleaning routine. Here are some tips on bathing or showering with a stoma.
Read more16/12/2024
Everyday life
Peristomal Skin Care
Knowing how to identify irritated skin around your stoma early and keeping it healthy could help avoid greater complications and make for a stress-free experience with your stoma.
Read more1. Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society. (2014). Stoma Complications: Best Practice for Clinicians. Mt. Laurel: NJ, Author.
2. Inside Out. Pelvic Floor Safe Exercising. Michelle Kenway 2016 www.pelvicexercises.com.au.