Some people who have problems with heartburn, bloating and pain in the upper abdomen after eating may be suffering from a condition known as delayed gastric emptying, or gastroparesis. This is a disorder that slows or stops the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine. The condition is most commonly seen in people who have had poorly controlled diabetes for many years.

As you enjoy being outdoors this summer, take some simple steps to prevent common health problems and potential dangers posed by the warm weather and many popular summer pastimes. Ensure your family will have a safe and fun summer by being vigilant and limiting distractions. The best safety measures prevent accidents before they happen, like teaching your child to swim and using Coast Guard-approved life vests. 

Other safety tips to keep in mind are:

An estimated 25 percent of men and 3 percent of women develop a common type of hernia called an inguinal hernia at some point in their lives. Hernias tend to grow larger and cause symptoms over time, and most need to be surgically repaired. Many hernia patients can now be treated with robotically-assisted laparoscopic surgery, according to Lee Fleischer, M.D., F.A.C.S., Director of Surgery at Montefiore Nyack Hospital.

If you’re short of breath, you may have a heart valve problem known as mitral regurgitation. Many patients with heart failure have mitral regurgitation, and it is often severe.