A Nutrient-rich Diet Can Help Prevent Cataracts

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Family history and age are risk factors for cataracts, but eating nutrient-dense foods can help protect your vision and possibly lower your cataract risk.

What Is a Cataract?

Cataracts are quite common with age, and they form when proteins in the eye lens clump together and form a cloudy area. In fact, about half of all Americans 80 or older have cataracts or have had cataract surgery. A developing cataract often has no symptoms. Over time, however, you may notice the following issues:

  • Blurred vision
  • Double vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Difficulty driving at night
  • The appearance of glares or halos
  • Images appear faded or yellowed

Foods That Fight Against Cataracts

Certain foods may help reduce your risk for cataracts or delay cataract development.

Eggs

Eggs are a high-quality protein recommended for most adults for a heart-healthy diet. In addition, egg yolks are high in zeaxanthin, a pigment that promotes eye health. One study found that for every 10 milligrams of zeaxanthin, patients experienced a 26 percent decrease in cataract development.

Salmon

Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which is associated with lower cataract risk. It also contains high amounts of selenium and iodine. Some plant-based good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts.

SunGold Kiwi

Vitamin C significantly impacts eye health, especially when it comes to cataracts. Studies show that higher levels of vitamin C reduce the risk of a cataract. Kiwi has more vitamin C than any commonly eaten fruit. In particular, SunGold kiwi is among the most nutritionally dense fruits and contains more than 100 percent of the recommended vitamin C intake.

Pumpkin

Research proves that diets rich in vitamins A and E are associated with fewer cataracts. One serving of pumpkin provides 300 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin E and 10 percent of vitamin A. You don’t have to wait until fall to indulge in pumpkin. Add pumpkin puree to smoothies, muffins and oatmeal.

Other Ways to Prevent Cataracts

Besides fighting cataracts with your fork, you can make a few lifestyle changes to prevent or delay cataracts. These can include the following methods:

  • Maintaining a healthy body weight
  • Limiting alcohol consumption
  • Not smoking
  • Wearing sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors

Comprehensive Eye Exams Diagnose Cataracts Early

How long has it been since you had a comprehensive eye exam? Your ophthalmologist can detect a developing cataract during your exam. Not all cataracts require surgery immediately, but your doctor can discuss a treatment plan and an appropriate timeline. Surgery is the only way to eliminate a cataract, so you will want to schedule the procedure once the cataract begins interfering with everyday tasks like driving, cooking, reading or house chores.

Call your ophthalmologist and make an appointment for eye exams for the entire family. Nothing can replace healthy vision.

Disparities Continue in Early-onset CRC Survival Rates

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A recent data analysis discovered that racial and ethnic disparities continue to affect survival rates in early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

According to the study, the five-year survival rate for Hispanics, Blacks or Asians with early-onset CRC did not improve during a 20-year period. The study focused on patients between 1992 and 2013. Early onset means the patient receives a diagnosis before the age of 50.

The data revealed the only survival rate improvement was in white patients.

Researchers identified 33,777 individuals newly diagnosed with early-onset CRC between Jan. 1, 1992, and Dec. 31, 2013. Of these, 58.5 percent were white; 14.5 percent Hispanic; 14 percent Black and 13 percent Asian. Statistics came from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program of cancer registries.

The study revealed “Blacks had not caught up to whites in surviving early-onset CRC.”

“Survival for Blacks diagnosed from 2003 to 2013 remained even lower than for whites diagnosed a decade earlier,” said Timothy Zaki, MD, the study’s lead author.

The analysis also noted key treatment data for Hispanic and Asian patients.

“Our study’s identification of disparities among younger Hispanic and Asian adults adds to existing literature,” Dr. Zaki told MedicalXpress. “However, we lack information, such as what treatment these individuals received, that could help explain the disparities, so we are still left with the question of why they exist.”

Scientists believe there are reasons for racial and ethnic healthcare disparities. These reasons may include “employment, insurance status, income and education level, behaviors (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, diet), environment (e.g., rural or urban), social support and cultural factors.”

Dr. Zaki noted concern that health disparities may worsen now that recommendations for CRC screening start at age 45, not 50.

“If more are screened who have the means and inclination to do so — but we fail to make progress in other populations — we could see these gaps widening,” Dr. Zaki told MedicalXpress.

Colon Cancer Health Risks for Hispanics

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) in the United States, it is important to recognize the health and well-being of our Hispanic population.

New statistics appear in the American Cancer Society’s (ACS’s) Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanic/Latino People 2021-2023:

  • CRC is the second-deadliest cancer among Hispanic males.
  • CRC is the third-deadliest cancer among Hispanic females.
  • CRC causes about 2,700 deaths among Hispanic males.
  • CRC causes about 2,000 deaths among Hispanic females.

A colorectal cancer diagnosis is preventable through screening.

Get screened at 45

Healthcare agencies recommend CRC screening begin at 45, even without symptoms. Patients with digestive symptoms should seek medical care regardless of age.

In 2018, colon cancer screening prevalence was 9 percent lower for Hispanics than non-Hispanic whites among adults 45 and older, according to the ACS.

Colonoscopy is the preferred method for screening because colorectal cancer can be both detected and removed during the same procedure. Other screenings can detect the presence of cancer cells or hidden blood in the stool. However, if a patient receives a positive test result, he or she will need a follow-up colonoscopy.

Health insurance plans within the Affordable Care Act provide no-cost coverage for preventive and follow-up colonoscopy screenings. Contact your provider to determine your coverage.

If you do not have insurance, there are resources to learn about a low-cost or free colonoscopy. Some resources include the Colorectal Cancer Alliance Helpline, ColonoscopyAssist or your state’s health and human services or department of public health.

Patients who are at high risk for colon cancer may need to be screened before age 45. In addition, patients with digestive symptoms should seek medical attention regardless of age. Colonoscopy should always be the screening test of choice for those who have any of the following:

  • Previous CRC diagnosis
  • History of adenomas
  • Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Family history of colon cancer or certain types of polyps
  • Inherited colon cancer syndrome (e.g., Lynch Syndrome)

It is important to discuss CRC risks and symptoms with your family and doctor. It is also important to get screened. Both may save your life or the life of a loved one.

Our doctors perform colonoscopy screenings at surgery centers around the country. Schedule an appointment today.

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Are You a Candidate for the TIF® Procedure to Treat GERD?

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In the event you or someone you love has GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), you understand that this digestive condition can be painful and may sometimes make daily life troublesome. The good news is you don’t have to live with chronic acid reflux. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms of GERD with transoral incisionless fundoplication, commonly referred to as the TIF procedure. For additional information about how this GERD treatment option could help you experience relief from your acid reflux symptoms or locate a specialist who offers the TIF procedure in New Orleans, LA, please request an appointment with our gastroenterology team today.

What is GERD?

You could be experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease if you have mild to moderate acid reflux several times a week or severe acid reflux a few times a week. While the disease commonly develops in adults aged 40 or above, you can potentially develop GERD if you:

  • Routinely eat spicy foods
  • Have a hiatal hernia or scleroderma
  • Drink coffee
  • Are overweight
  • Are pregnant
  • Consume large amounts of food late at night
  • Lay down immediately after eating
  • Drink alcohol or use tobacco

Though you can attempt to avoid consuming foods and other known triggers to ease GERD symptoms, medical intervention is necessary at times. Our team is pleased to provide the TIF procedure in New Orleans, LA as a treatment for chronic reflux.

How does the TIF procedure work?

Transoral incisionless fundoplication is a minimally invasive, advanced treatment performed to address GERD. This procedure reinforces the tissue joining the upper stomach and esophagus to improve the function of the gastroesophageal junction.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication is often sought out and deemed an attractive solution because it involves no incisions or metal implants, and the recovery phase is commonly fast. It is also a safe procedure that can allow individuals who have failed to experience acid reflux relief to receive the treatment they need.

Is transoral incisionless fundoplication an ideal option for me?

If you think the TIF procedure could be the right solution for your GERD, we encourage you to request a treatment consultation at a Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates location near you. Our skilled GI specialists can help you decide if this solution is suitable for your GI needs.

When you visit for a personalized consultation, our New Orleans, LA TIF specialists will inquire about your symptoms and health history to decide if this is the ideal option for you. You might also require additional testing to evaluate your candidacy for transoral incisionless fundoplication. Such diagnostics may entail esophageal acid exposure testing, an esophageal motility study, and endoscopy.

You may qualify for transoral incisionless fundoplication if you:

  • Experience chronic heartburn
  • Have GERD even after modifying your diet and lifestyle
  • Want to avoid the side effects of acid reflux medication
  • Have acid regurgitation or other GERD symptoms
  • Do not have a hiatal hernia larger than one inch

Get GERD relief with the TIF procedure

If you have been diagnosed with chronic acid reflux or GERD, you probably find it difficult to enjoy daily life. If other treatment strategies have failed to relieve these symptoms, the TIF procedure for reflux at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates could be an appropriate solution for you. To receive treatment for GERD or connect with a provider who offers transoral incisionless fundoplication in New Orleans, LA, get in touch with our practice without delay.

The Summer Heat and Gastrointestinal Concerns

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Beautiful blue skies, sunny weather, BBQs, and laughter by the pool are all indications that summer is upon us. But, the summer weather might not be the one and only thing heating up. If you’re dealing with GI issues during these warmer months, you’re not the only one. You can request a consultation with a gastrointestinal doctor at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates as soon as you’re able to learn how you can boost gut health.

Give your body the break it deserves in the hotter months with a few tricks and tips on how you can manage your GI symptoms. Read below to learn more from our New Orleans, LA GI specialists.

How might hot temps impact GI issues?

Rising temps will influence the body’s resilience and digestive capabilities. This can include loss of appetite on hotter days, symptoms of dehydration, or other heat-related illnesses (like heat exhaustion and heat stroke).

Heat waves change the bacterial composition of your GI tract, according to a study performed by researchers in Zurich, Switzerland. This could help us understand why some stomach pain and issues rise once the temperature rises.

The higher temps cause blood flow to divert to help regulate body temperature. Our GI system is affected more when this happens. Consequently, we may notice gastrointestinal concerns that may cause increased stomach pain and diarrhea.

Even if you take proactive steps to avoid dehydration and additional symptoms related to heat, it’s not guaranteed to totally thwart it. Persistent symptoms need to be assessed by our GI specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Schedule an appointment with our GI specialists to get the proper medical attention for your GI symptoms.

Tips to improve gut health

Taking control when temps rise is vital to help you focus on your time with friends and family. A few easy things to keep in mind when you’re going to be in the sun can include:

  • Avoid consuming milk products: While milk might offer temporary relief after it’s ingested, it might actually heat the body. This even includes dairy products such as butter, ice cream, and cheese.
  • Make working out a routine: Brisk walking, a running routine, and yoga help with digestion. Adding movement to your daily routine can assist with stomach pains and even reduce stress.
  • Consider your hydration needs: Get enough water to make up for your loss through your sweat. This includes drinking 8 ­­– 10 glasses of water daily.
  • Incorporate probiotics into your diet: Drinking kombucha, eating yogurt, and taking a probiotic may be ways to encourage good gut bacteria.

Keep food poisoning from ruining your summer fun

During summer, the likeliness of food poisoning is greater. Preparing food outside usually will make safe food handling challenging since bacteria can multiply faster than normal during warm weather.

Understanding food poisoning symptoms is important in order to better understand the treatment. Some symptoms are:

  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Queasy stomach
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea

Don’t let the temperature increase impact your health. When you’re expecting a heat wave, take the time to focus on your health by paying attention to the needs of your body. Drink a lot of water, eat hydrating foods such as watermelon, strawberries, peaches, and oranges, and get proper assistance from our GI doctors in New Orleans, LA when you need help.

Maintain your digestive health over the summer months

Your gut health shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying the summer months with your loved ones. Help your stomach cool off this season with assistance from a GI doctor at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our awareness and expertise can help educate you. Don’t hold up your summer plans and request a consultation at your nearest location in New Orleans, LA.

What Is Colonoscopy Prep Like – And Why Is It So Important?

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Is it not the colonoscopy itself that makes you apprehensive, but the prep for it? That’s understandable. It’s true that a colonoscopy isn’t like other medical tests where you go in, have an X-ray, and that’s it. The prep for a colonoscopy is an important part of making sure we can see everything there is to see in your colon – but it doesn’t have to be difficult!

You WANT a colonoscopy. Why? Because it’s the best way to PREVENT COLON CANCER.  When you have a colonoscopy, we can see the linings of your colon and check it out for any concerns, and remove any polyps that may be pre-cancerous.

That’s what the prep of colonoscopy is: Cleaning out your intestines as much as possible, so nothing is in the way of spotting anything of concern.

Here’s how you can make the most of your colonoscopy prep, and keep your colon healthy:

A FEW DAYS BEFORE

This is one of the only times we’ll tell you to hold off on those fiber-rich foods!

And when you do eat, have smaller portions. It’s quicker to run through your digestive system, and less to accumulate that has to be eliminated with the colonoscopy prep drink the night before your procedure!

By cutting down on the amounts of solid foods you’re eating a few days before, the diet restrictions the day before your colonoscopy and the day of the procedure also won’t seem as difficult.

  • Stick to a diet of soups, eggs, rice, salmon, chicken, steamed vegetables, fruits, and light-colored foods.
  • Skip high-fiber foods that take a while to digest like nuts, popcorn and red meat. Stay away from fried foods, and things difficult to digest like corn, peas and apple skins.

THE DAY BEFORE

Don’t eat ANY solid foods the day before your colonoscopy. Remember, we don’t want any remnants floating around your digestive system when we have the camera in there, so give your body at least a day with no solids.

  • Clear liquids are good! Broth, black coffee or tea, clear juice or soft drinks, etc.
  • Then it’s time for the infamous colonoscopy prep drink (and it’s really not so bad)!

THE COLONOSCOPY PREP DRINK: THE MOST IMPORTANT PART

Your doctor will give you instructions on drinking a specific liquid laxative designed to get rid of everything left over in your bowels – and, keep this in mind: if you haven’t had solid foods for a day or so before this, there will be a LOT less to expel from your intestines when it comes time for this part.

  • Some tips to help things go more smoothly:
  • Be sure to get some medicated wet wipes to use. Some with aloe will help you feel more comfortable.
  • Clear your schedule for the evening when it comes time to drink your colonoscopy prep drink.
  • Set up shop in or near the bathroom, with your laptop, book, movies, or something else to keep your mind occupied. Don’t forget the chargers!
  • Chill your prep drink to make it easier to drink (a straw may help, too!).

The day of your colonoscopy:

We want your colon as empty as possible, so be sure to follow directions from your doctor on when to stop eating and drinking anything at all before your procedure.

When you come to our surgery center at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., it’s less overwhelming than at a hospital (with all the same equipment and amenities) so you’ll get situated and ready to go!

We’ll go over the procedure and answer any lingering questions you may have.

You’ll have a sedative, which means you won’t really feel anything from the procedure itself. And, it’s over in about a half hour!

When the colonoscopy is over, you can feel relieved that you underwent a procedure designed to catch and prevent colon cancer before it starts (and any other concerns). Way to go on that self-care!

Schedule your Colonoscopy

If you’re 45 years old or have risk factors, contact us today to schedule your colonoscopy at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan.

Patients Experience 100 Percent Remission in Clinical Trial

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A dozen patients with rectal cancer experienced 100 percent remission in a recent phase II clinical trial.

This breakthrough resulted from an experimental immunotherapy study conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in June.

“Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s own immune system as an ally against cancer,” according to the center.

The clinical trial researched if immunotherapy alone could beat rectal cancer that had not spread to other tissues.

All patients in the trial had stage II or stage III rectal tumors that contained a specific genetic mutation. This mutation is known as mismatch repair-deficient (MMRd) or microsatellite instability (MSI).

The patients were given the checkpoint inhibitor dostarlimab (Jemperli) intravenously every three weeks for six months.

Researcher Luis Alberto Diaz, MD, said the tumors were closely tracked using “imaging, visualization such as endoscopy, as well as other methods.”

The center reported in every case that the rectal cancer disappeared after immunotherapy. “The cancer has not returned in any of the patients, who have been cancer-free for up to two years,” according to the center.

None of the patients underwent standard treatment options — radiation, surgery or chemotherapy.

Patients Had MMRd Tumors, Lynch Syndrome

About 45,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with rectal cancer. Between 5 and 10 percent of all rectal cancer patients may have MMRd tumors, according to the center’s website.

In addition to MMRd tumors, eight of the patients in the study had Lynch syndrome. Lynch syndrome is “an inherited condition that puts people at significantly higher risk of rectal, colon and other cancers.”

Both MMRd and Lynch syndrome made these patients’ cancer particularly sensitive to immunotherapy, according to the center.

“Lynch syndrome is associated with poorer outcomes from chemotherapy and surgery,” according to the center.

“Our first duty is to save our patient’s life,” said researcher Andrea Cercek, MD.

A second goal was to preserve patients’ quality of life. Rectal cancer patients who undergo surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can experience side effects. These side effects could include bowel and bladder dysfunction, incontinence, infertility and sexual dysfunction.

“This approach, if the results are confirmed, holds out the hope of cure without the need for potentially toxic therapy and the need to tolerate long-term negative treatment consequences in order to achieve a cure,” said Dr. Diaz at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

The cancer center plans to continue the research study, ultimately enrolling 30 patients. Follow up will be needed to determine if these results are long lasting.

Hanna K. Sanoff, MD, MPH, at the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, shared her thoughts on the results: “These initial findings of the remarkable benefit with the use of dostarlimab are very encouraging but also need to be viewed with caution until the results can be replicated in a larger and more diverse population” (Medical Xpress).

Don’t Delay Colorectal Cancer Screening

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates more than 150,000 individuals will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in 2022.

More than 52,000 will die from the disease this year, according to the ACS.

In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer death.

CRC is one of the most preventable cancers through timely screenings. The disease often begins as a growth, called a polyp, inside the colon or rectum, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Leading health organizations now recommend screenings starting at age 45, not 50, for all average-risk individuals. People at high risk or who have a family history of the disease should be screened earlier.

Many screening methods are available for CRC, but a colonoscopy is the gold standard. Colonoscopy can both detect and even prevent CRC. During this procedure, a doctor can find and remove polyps in the colon (large intestine) or rectum before they become cancerous.

Most health insurance covers colonoscopy as a preventive screening or as a follow-up to evaluate a positive stool-based test. Patients aged 45 and older should check with their policyholder about this coverage.

When CRC is found at an early stage before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent. Our doctors perform colonoscopy screenings at surgery centers around the country. Schedule an appointment today.

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Your Child’s Pink Eye May Not Need an Antibiotic

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As children prepare to return to school, it’s important to note that August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition in school-aged children. Most cases of pink eye do not require antibiotics but are often misdiagnosed, and treating them can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

What Is Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye?

School-aged children frequently contract contagious illnesses like the common cold, strep throat and pink eye. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, develops when infection or allergies irritate the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that covers the inside of the eyelids and the front of the eye. Typical symptoms of pink eye include the following:

  • Redness in the inner eyelid or white of the eye
  • Increase in tear production
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Gritty sensation in one or both eyes
  • Feeling like there is a foreign object in the eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Increased sensitivity to light

What Type of Pink Eye Does Your Child Have?

If children exhibit symptoms of pink eye, contact your ophthalmologist. They may have developed one of three types of conjunctivitis: viral, bacterial or allergic.

Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type of pink eye. Often occurring in conjunction with a cold, respiratory infection or the flu, viral pink eye can begin in one eye and spread to the other. It is highly contagious and can easily transmit in schools and populated areas. Children can spread viral pink eye as long as they have symptoms and even before they display them.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is also very contagious. It often causes sore, red eyes with a thick discharge that causes the eyelids to crust and stick together. Sometimes, bacterial conjunctivitis develops along with an ear infection or strep throat.

Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. It develops due to an allergic reaction to an environmental irritant like animal dander, pollen, pool chlorine or cigarette smoke. Although allergic conjunctivitis is not transmittable, it can cause inflammation, itching and redness.

Treating Your Child’s Conjunctivitis

Most cases of pink eye develop from viruses or allergies and do not respond to antibiotics. Viral conjunctivitis usually improves in one to two weeks without treatment. Although bacterial conjunctivitis responds to antibiotic eye drops, most cases of bacterial pink eye are mild and improve within a week or two without medication.

Unfortunately, doctors over-prescribe antibiotics for pink eye symptoms. A study by the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center found that 60 percent of patients with conjunctivitis symptoms receive a prescription for antibiotics, even though antibiotics are rarely necessary. In addition, about 20 percent receive antibiotic steroid drops, which can worsen the infection and cause antibiotic resistance.

Call Your Eye Doctor if Your Child Has Pink Eye Symptoms.

You may be tempted to take your child to a walk-in clinic and ask for an antibiotic, but call your eye doctor first. Your eye doctor can suggest ways to help your child stay comfortable and prevent infection from spreading to other family members.

Celebrate Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month by scheduling a yearly comprehensive eye exam for your family. Consider making the appointment around the time school begins so that it will become an annual tradition! Clear vision is essential for children to be successful in school, so call today.

Tips to Prevent Fall Sports Injuries, Protect Joints

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An active lifestyle is key for physical and mental health. Ways to stay active may include participating in sports and recreational activities.

As the fall season kicks off, athletes should take precautions to prevent injuries to their muscles, bones and joints.

Athletes between the ages of 5 and 24 sustain more than half of the seven million sports and recreational injuries each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Common injuries include the following:

  • Acute injuries where players are hit by something (like a ball), fall or run into another player. These can be minor (like a scratch or bruise) or more serious (like an eye injury or broken bone).
  • Overuse injuries (also called repetitive stress injuries) that happen from doing the same action over and over. They can cause problems with bone growth. Overuse injuries often happen in the feet, knees, elbows and shoulders.
  • Reinjuries that happen when an athlete returns to the sport before an earlier injury fully heals.

Proper Warm-up, Workout Prevents Injuries

Football and volleyball players are at risk for elbow and shoulder injuries as well as knee, hip, ankle, hand and lower back pain problems.

Hip and hamstring injuries, tendinitis, knee problems or foot strains can be an issue for cross-country runners.

Golfers may experience golfer’s elbow, tendinitis, lower back pain or rotator cuff conditions.

Pain and swelling can occur in many types of joints and muscles during practices or games, so knowing risks and preventive measures may reduce further injury.

Physical therapist Marcus Knox, DPT, told Medical Xpress proper warm-up and recovery are important in preventing spring sports injuries. These tips also apply year round.

Athletes also should follow an “off-season program to work on mobility and stability limitations or impairments,” said Dr. Knox, who works at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

“If you’re in a sport that requires you to have a lot of overhead motions like throwing, make sure that you have the right stability and mobility of the shoulder and shoulder blade, and you want to make sure the spine is moving correctly,” he said.

“There are lots of little things that you’d want to find out about your form before the season starts so you can work on that in the off-season,” Dr. Knox added.

The CDC offers a few tips for players to protect their muscles, bones and joints:

  • Use protective gear, such as helmets, wrist guards and knee and elbow pads — in addition to any other sports gear appropriate to your activity or player position.
  • Be sure that sports protective equipment is maintained correctly and is in good condition — without missing or broken buckles or compressed or worn padding.
  • Have players learn and practice skill sets relevant to their chosen activity. Be sure to safely and slowly increase activities to improve physical fitness; being in good condition can protect participants from injury.
  • Allow time for athletes to gradually adjust to hot or humid environments to prevent heat-related injuries or illness. Parents and coaches should pay close attention to make sure that players are hydrated and appropriately dressed.
  • Communicate positive messages about safety and serve as role models for safe behavior, including wearing a helmet and following the rules.

Don’t Delay Treatment

If you suffer a sports or recreational injury, do not overdo your training routine for recovery. Follow a doctor’s instructions on when to go back to playing after an injury.

“There has to be the perfect combination of rest and stress in order to recover from an injury quickly and safely,” Dr. Knox said.

Sometimes rest and stress are not enough for a full recovery. If you suffer from chronic pain in the knee, hip, shoulder or back, do not ignore these symptoms, or your condition may worsen.

Do not delay your diagnosis or treatment. Our orthopedists can develop a treatment plan to manage your joint pain. In many cases, surgery is not necessary, but your doctor may recommend it if you would benefit from a procedure. Schedule an appointment for an exam today.

Which Tests can be Used to Identify and Treat Esophageal Disorders?

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In the event you or a loved one experience a problem involving your esophagus, it’s imperative to have it evaluated so that the appropriate diagnosis and treatment approach can be carried out. But what does that involve? At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our GI providers carry out an array of tests to diagnose esophageal disorders that could be interfering with your health. Please do not let an esophageal problem continue to negatively affect your life. To hear more about the types of evaluations and treatments for esophageal disorders in New Orleans, LA, request a visit with one of our GI providers. Read below to learn more about how each test work.

When is an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) recommended?

Commonly referred to as an EGD, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a test that is conducted to assess the upper part of your digestive tract. Additionally called an upper endoscopy, it uses a small camera fitted on the end of the endoscope, or tube.

During the exam, the tube is passed down through your throat to help our doctors see the esophagus, stomach, and upper portion of the small intestine, or duodenum. The camera transfers the pictures that are taken to a computer screen so that your gastroenterologists can assess them. When the pictures have been reviewed, our team of GI providers can determine a diagnosis and explain the appropriate treatment plan necessary for your health. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedure might be advised if you’ve noticed the following symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Heartburn
  • Anemia
  • Persistent acid reflux
  • Non-cardiac chest pain
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Vomiting blood
  • Frequent nausea or vomiting
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Functional indigestion (dyspepsia)

The team at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can provide more information about this approach and if it can be beneficial to your health.

How does a CT scan detect and treat esophageal disorders?

A CT or computed tomography scan is a helpful tool for your digestive health physician when it pertains to esophageal conditions. These images function as the first step in the process of examining the esophagus. As radiographic procedures, CT scans generate a clear image of the area in question. The images are then provided to your doctor, who examines them and can determine the next steps to take to help ease your esophageal disorder.

Our New Orleans, LA digestive health specialists may order a CT to accurately diagnose esophageal conditions. These x-ray images can assist with:

  • Detecting inflammation or irritation
  • Detecting esophageal cancer
  • Detecting abnormalities in the esophagus
  • Determining if esophageal cancer has metastasized

When would a barium x-ray be needed?

A barium x-ray is scheduled when a radiographic assessment of your digestive tract is warranted. These procedures are commonly used to detect concerns, like tumors, polyps, ulcers, hernias, inflammatory conditions, and strictures.

The barium utilized in the exam is a dry and white chalky powder-like consistency. This powder is mixed with liquid so that it can be swallowed. Following ingestion, it will spread over the inner lining of your esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. The clarity of the barium permits our gastroenterology specialists to evaluate for irregularities that might not be seen when conventional x-rays are captured.

There are different types of barium x-ray tests in use. These include a barium enema to look at the lower gastrointestinal tract, a small-bowel follow-through, and a barium swallow to assess the upper gastrointestinal tract. If you or someone you love needs an esophageal evaluation, request an appointment with us without delay.

Find advanced esophageal treatment in New Orleans, LA

When you need treatment for esophageal issues, you can rely on the experts at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our staff will work closely with you to design a treatment plan that addresses your condition. Call us today to request a visit with one of our esophageal specialists in New Orleans, LA. We look forward to helping you get the care you deserve.