Hemorrhoids are one of the most common gastrointestinal issues in the world, affecting as much as 50% of the population by the age of 50. People with this condition may suffer from pain, bleeding, leakage of stool, inability to control bowels, and other symptoms which can be severe. Yet despite how common the condition is, there is… Read more »
Gallstones are a digestive condition in which hard deposits of a digestive fluid known as bile develop in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located on the right side of the abdomen, near the liver. It’s responsible for holding bile, used in the digestion of fat, that is produced by the liver, and… Read more »
When issues of health and wellness are presented, clearly delineated differences between groups of individuals diagnosed with and surviving cancer are apparent. Why would one group of individuals fare better than others in avoiding a cancer diagnosis? How are some patients, who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, better able to make it to the… Read more »
Microorganisms live all over the body – on our skin, mouth, nose, teeth, and throat, as well as in the gut. The bacteria known as “normal flora” area actually quite beneficial for health – they prevent the body from being colonized by harmful microbes, and they may help the body perform important actions. For example,… Read more »
Rates of obesity have risen rapidly since the 1980s, thanks to a variety of factors. This rise in obesity has led to widespread effects on health; obese people are much more likely to develop cardiovascular, orthopedic, gastrointestinal (GI) and other health problems at some point in their life – even if their obesity isn’t currently… Read more »
A colonoscopy is a medical test used to screen for colon cancer and other bowel issues. During a colonoscopy, a camera is used to view the inner lining of your large intestine and rectum. Colonoscopies should be performed routinely in a number of populations, as we’ll explore below. The Basics To perform a colonoscopy, your doctor will… Read more »
Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer and of cancer deaths. It is the third leading cause of deaths in the US and the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths. This doesn’t have to be the case. With proper screening and early detection, colon cancer is 90% preventable. It’s important to have a basic understanding of colorectal… Read more »
In the fight against colorectal cancer, the colonoscopy is one of the most valuable tools. Although colonoscopies only need to be performed every once in a while, they prove to be extremely useful for detecting and preventing colon cancer. Colonoscopies, unfortunately, carry a bit of a social stigma for being embarrassing or possibly painful. Many… Read more »
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States. It’s important to be attuned to symptoms that could indicate colon cancer. However, the condition is notorious for being asymptomatic. Potential Symptoms In some cases, patients with colorectal cancer start to experience symptoms. Possible symptoms… Read more »
About IBD Inflammatory bowel disease refers to a group of diseases that affect the small intestine and/or the colon. The diseases differ somewhat in their severity and manifestation, but they are all autoimmune diseases or diseases in which the body attacks its own tissue as foreign. Some forms include: Ulcerative colitis Crohn’s disease Diversion colitis… Read more »
Esophageal cancer affects the esophagus, the long tube that takes food from the back of the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer can take the form of either squamous cell carcinoma, which affects the flat cells that line the esophagus; or adenocarcinoma, which affects the cells that secrete mucous. Anyone can get esophageal cancer, regardless of… Read more »
Doctors in Louisiana are ready to start prescribed a revolutionary Hepatitis C drug, Sovaldi, which has been proven to clinically cure up to 90% of cases of Hepatitis C in clinical trials. Nearly 4 million Americans are affected by Hepatitis C, which is most common in the Baby Boomer generation. The virus is even more prevalent… Read more »
