C diff refers to a bacterium known as Clostridium difficile, which is found in several environments, including feces, water, food products, and soil. While it’s possible to have C. diff in the large intestine on a regular basis and not show signs of illness, this only occurs in a small number of people. In most… Read more »
As the end of the year approaches, many people have met their insurance deductible so that full insurance coverage kicks in for elective procedures. This makes it a great time to schedule medical care that is not immediately necessary. What Medical Procedures Should I Schedule After Hitting Deductible? Seeking medical care for conditions that are… Read more »
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a number of conditions characterized by inflammation of the large and/or small intestines, with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) representing the most common forms. Left untreated, IBD can lead to severe complications, as well as substantial pain and discomfort. Below, we will look at some of the symptoms of… Read more »
Hemorrhoids are swollen tissue in the lower rectum and anus that are typically caused by too much pressure in the area. This condition affects roughly 10 million people in the US, according to a review published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. Some estimates indicate that over half of Americans will deal with hemorrhoids… Read more »
Helicobacter pylori, also known as H. pylori, is a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers. H. pylori infect roughly two-thirds of people worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although it doesn’t always cause ulcers. Most people who have this bacteria never experience any symptoms of it. As sanitation improves, cases of H.… Read more »
The symptoms of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are fairly similar, although they differ in their severity and persistence. Both conditions are caused by reflux of acid from the stomach into the lower portion of the esophagus. However, GERD is a chronic condition in which heartburn occurs two to three times a week or more, while having… Read more »
The blues are in the air. With tax season, school wrapping up, and the impending swimsuit season—everyone’s singing the blues. But how is your body handling this stressful month? Stress triggers the “fight or flight” response in our body—causing your heart to beat faster and pumping the adrenaline and cortisol levels. In life-threatening situations (acute events),… Read more »
Aunt Flo’s visit. The curse. The crimson wave. Need we go on, ladies? Menstruation can be painful, emotional, and downright uncomfortable for any woman. But it can be difficult to tell if diarrhea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, etc., are part of the cycle or indicators of a functional bowel disorder, like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).… Read more »
At 34.9%, Louisiana has the fourth-highest adult obesity rate in the nation. Over the past twenty-six years, the prevalence of obesity has risen by more than 20%. As these numbers rise, so, too, do the number of patients searching for a safe and viable weight loss solution. If you’re one of these patients, you’ve already taken… Read more »
May 1st marks the beginning of Celiac Awareness Month. But that’s not the only thing it signifies. May is when minds drift in earnest to thoughts of pool parties, summer festivals, and backyard barbeques. But if you’re suffering from celiac disease, those sticky ribs and even stickier Louisiana days may put you at higher risk for… Read more »
For 17 seasons, America tuned in to watch contestants battle their histories, habits, and bodies to thinness. With the help of personal trainers and associated medical personnel, the contestants dieted their way through the 30-week season—3 months sequestered on the Biggest Loser Ranch and 4 months spent at home applying what they’d learned—before the final… Read more »
Your family and friends are gathered around the picnic table on a summer afternoon. As you talk and laugh, the dishes are passed around the table like clockwork. In the heat of the summer sun, that cold cucumber salad may look deliciously refreshing—but if you have gastritis, it could mean an untimely exodus from the… Read more »
