Colon Cancer Awareness Month is promoted in March of every year to help everyone across the U.S. learn about the symptoms and prevention of colorectal cancer. This is the third most-common cause of cancer deaths in America. Approximately 1 in 20 adults will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at some point in their lives, and it is estimated that 60 percent of related deaths could have been prevented with proper screening. Colon cancer is usually a slow-growing cancer, developing over a ... [Read More]
Gastroenterology
Do At-Home Genetic Tests Offer Reliable Disease Screening?
Genetic testing is no longer a rarity. Once only ordered by doctors, genetic tests are now more accessible and affordable than ever before. It’s not uncommon to know someone who has recently given – or received – a DNA testing kit as gift. And it’s no wonder. The sheer number of testing kits available directly to consumers has grown like wildfire in recent years. The most well-known among them is 23andMe, which offers a health and ancestry saliva-based DNA test for about $200. Other companies ... [Read More]
Upper vs. Lower GI Tract: What Are They?
The path food takes in the body, in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, starts with the mouth and ends with the anus (rectum). The GI tract is divided into two main sections: the upper GI tract and the lower GI tract. The upper GI tract is generally considered to be the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and finally the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The lower GI tract runs from the small intestine to the large intestine (colon) to the anus. Let’s take a look at these sections of the ... [Read More]
A Day in the Life of a GI Doctor
We’ve all suffered from an unsettled stomach at some point in our lives. But for some people, digestive issues aren’t just a fluke; they stem from a much larger issue. Whether you “power through” despite persistent heartburn – or are in a state of perpetual constipation, you may have made a visit to a gastroenterologist, or GI doctor. Requiring a unique blend of cognitive and manual skills, physicians in the field of gastroenterology diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care for a wide ... [Read More]
Simple Methods for Improving Your Digestion
Digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, bloating, abdominal pain, and acid reflux (heartburn) are very common, yet usually treatable and preventable with basic care. Most digestive problems are related to our lifestyle, the foods we eat and life stresses. Make the right choices and it will help your body will stay on track. Here are some simple methods you can use to improve your digestion. Eat Fruits and veggies A variety of fruits and vegetables provide your body with ... [Read More]
