OBESITY BE GONE

For people who are morbidly obese, weight loss can seem impossible. It’s easy to prescribe diet and exercise, but it’s not always as simple as that. Eating healthy is often out of reach for people with small incomes, and exercise isn’t so easy for people with arthritis or other mobility problems. Left unmitigated, morbid obesity can cause numerous other health problems like diabetes, heart disease, incontinence, depression, sleep apnea and more. But for certain people, there is a way out, and it isn’t a shortcut. Bariatric surgery can help people who are morbidly obese lose weight and recover, provided they make a few lifestyle changes. Find out how bariatric surgery works at the upcoming “Health Benefi ts of Bariatric Surgery” seminar at Memorial Medical Center in Springfi eld. The seminar is planned for 6 p.m. Feb. 19 at Wedeberg Conference Center, in the hospital’s main campus at 701 N. First St. Dr. Max Hammer and Dr. Orlando J. Icaza will speak about the effects of morbid obesity, treatment options and an overview of the surgery, while a bariatric patient will share her success story. To register, call 788-3333 or visit www.memorialmedical.com.