Heartburn is a very common ailment in the United States. More than 60 million Americans experience the uncomfortable condition at least once a month, while an unfortunate 7 percent of the population suffers daily. Over-the-counter antacids may spell relief for milder cases. A more chronic condition, known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), requires the strongest acid-reducing medications, called proton-pump inhibitors … Read More
National physician gathering aimed at advancing GI care, furthering patients’ best interests during time of sweeping reform change
Most of GIA’s patients would be understandably unaware that the practice’s physicians are national leaders among gastroenterologists and that its managing partner, Dr. Bergein “Gene” Overholt, co-founded an important national GI physicians conference.
Fourth Annual Gastrointestinal Associates’ Screening Colonoscopy Day is Lifesaving
The fourth annual Gastrointestinal Associates’ Screening Colonoscopy Day on Saturday gave 42 Knox-area people a life-saving opportunity – receiving a free colonoscopy. GIA founded Screening Colonoscopy Day in 2009 for two reasons: to help protect uninsured people from this preventable and treatable disease, and to raise awareness about the importance of you and your loved ones getting screenings.
New drug shows promise in treating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
The colon – also called the large intestine or large bowel – consists of the last five feet of the digestive tract. Its main function is to conduct indigestible portions of food, or waste material, out of the body. Any disruption of this function can lead to a change in bowel activity – to diarrhea or constipation – and abdominal … Read More
Alternative treatment for Barrett’s esophagus — condition results from chronic acid reflux
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the esophagus actively tries to protects itself from erosion caused by chronic acid reflux. Cells in the lining of the esophagus transform into tissue similar to the type that lines the stomach. This tissue alteration results in a greater risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, a dangerous cancer that is rising in incidence.
Study findings: diabetics may benefit from earlier colonoscopies
A pair of physician researchers reported in May they have found a connection between diabetics and a higher incidence of precancerous polyps, leading to a recommendation that Type 2 diabetics may need to begin colorectal screenings earlier than the typical age 50. The researchers, Dr. Honga Vu, a clinical gastroenterology fellow at Washington University and Dr. John Petrini, a gastroenterologist … Read More
Would you contradict your doctor?
Or would you just ignore the advice or recommendation of your physician? A recent study published in the July 12 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine says most patients want a say in their medical care, but avoid disagreeing with or contradicting their doctor. The survey of 1,340 adults suggests that respondents fear that contradicting their doctor’s recommendations would … Read More
GIA’s Top 10 Digestive Habits to Avoid or Adopt
Digestive health is affected by age, genetics and personal habits — all the more reason to know the ways in which you can improve your daily eating routine and digestive lifestyle. Here are 10 of the worst digestive health habits and why they are so bad for you:
Colonoscopies save patients from the knife
For National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month in March, GIA is urging everyone to schedule a colonoscopy to reduce your risk of dying from colon cancer by at least 50 percent. One patient, Harrogate banker John Buis, is glad he did. John was referred to me a few months ago for a routine screening. He was experiencing no pain or symptoms … Read More
Reduce your colon cancer risk: have a colonoscopy
Have you been putting off having a colonoscopy because you’d rather not endure the dreaded “prep” to clear your colon for the exam? Two new studies may cause you to rethink your reluctance.