Why GI Fellowship, Surgical Residency is a Must in a GI Doctor

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Colon cancer affects one in 20 Americans, making it the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Most cases of colon cancer are preventable through routine colonoscopy, but one out of every three Americans is not up to date on their colon screenings.

Although colon cancer rates are decreasing among men and women who are 50 and older, colon cancer incidence is steadily increasing among younger Americans. For this reason, the American Cancer Society recommends that men and women who are at average risk for colon cancer begin preventative screenings at age 45.

A colonoscopy is a life-saving procedure, so it is important to make an educated decision when selecting your gastroenterologist. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the best GI doctor in your area:

  1. Call several gastroenterologists and take notes. Choosing a gastroenterologist requires as much time and attention as you would dedicate to making any major purchase. Research your options, read online physician reviews, call several endoscopy centers and take detailed notes.
  2. Select a gastroenterologist who is board certified by the American College of Gastroenterology.
  3. Inquire about each GI doctor’s area of specialty. All gastroenterologists are required to complete a fellowship in gastroenterology that trains them to examine, assess, diagnose and treat digestive disease. Most fellowships last anywhere from two to four years, and during that time, gastroenterologists select a few areas of specialty. These can include pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, celiac disease, gastroparesis or inflammatory bowel disease. When you’re seeking to schedule a colonoscopy, you will want to look for gastroenterologists who specialize in endoscopy.
  4. Ask the endoscopy center for the center’s ADR or an individual physician’s ADR. Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is the most important quality measure in colonoscopy. ADR is calculated by the percentage of patients in whom a physician detects one or more adenomas (precancerous polyps) during a screening colonoscopy. When choosing a gastroenterologist, keep in mind that the national average ADR is 30 percent in male patients and 20 percent in female patients.

If during your screening colonoscopy, your gastroenterologist suspects you may have a colon tumor, he or she will remove a segment for biopsy. If the growth is cancerous, you may need a surgeon who specializes in colorectal surgery to remove the tumor. 

You can follow many of the same guidelines above when qualifying a surgeon, but you may want to ask about the surgeon’s area of expertise, and how many years of experience he or she has had in colorectal surgery.

If you are at least 45 and have not yet had a baseline colonoscopy, it’s time to select a gastroenterologist for your procedure. As a patient, you have a right to ask qualifying questions and inquire about physicians’ areas of specialty and expertise.

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Associated Endoscopy Tops US Average in Quality Colonoscopy

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When selecting a GI doctor near you for a colonoscopy procedure, there’s no substitute for quality. If you’re at average risk for colon cancer, you may only need a screening colonoscopy once every 10 years, so you want a gastroenterologist with expertise and precision.

Associated Endoscopy, just east of Nashville, is an accredited ambulatory surgery center (ASC) with six board-certified gastroenterologists who exceed the national benchmarks for quality colonoscopy procedures.

When choosing a GI doctor for your screening colonoscopy, there are two qualifying criteria: adenoma detection rate (ADR) and cecal intubation rate. As one of Middle Tennessee’s premier GI specialty centers, Associated Endoscopy is proud to share its GIQuIC quality measures.

Poor Gut Health Increases Depression, Anxiety Risks

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For years, physicians and researchers sought to treat depression by treating the brain, but recent research is shifting our attention to the gut as the center of mental health.

The Gut, Our “Second Brain”

The nervous system transmits and interprets information from all parts of the body through an intricate network of neurons. Although we mostly associate neurons with the central nervous system and the brain, the gut serves as a secondary hub of neurological activity. Trillions of bacteria and over 100 million neurons line the digestive tract, and they communicate with the central nervous system, endocrine system and immune system. This complex network is called the enteric nervous system or the “second brain.”

“Gut Feeling” Isn’t Just a Saying

We’ve all had a “gut feeling” or “butterflies in our stomach,” but those expressions aren’t just idioms.  According to a study by E.M.M Quigley, the second brain strongly influences emotions, moods and behavior. The enteric nervous system and gut microbiome control 80 percent of the communication between the body and the brain.

Gut Inflammation Increases Depression, Anxiety Risk

Healthy emotions begin with a healthy gut. One study proposes that gut inflammation initiates chronic conditions like depression and anxiety. A healthy gut is comprised of a wide diversity of bacteria and high concentrations of beneficial strains of bacteria. Poor diet, illness or antibiotic use can disrupt the delicate balance of gut flora, and this imbalance can result in inflammation and increased risk for depression and anxiety disorders (Huffington Post).

Gut Health Diet: How to Maintain Healthy Gut

Eating many colorful varieties of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts and seeds is essential for a nutritious diet and healthy digestion. You can boost concentrations of beneficial bacteria in your gut by adding probiotics to your diet like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso and kombucha.

A GI Doctor Can Help

Depression and anxiety is a serious condition that requires a physician’s care. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss how improving your digestive health can boost your mental wellness. 

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Early Cataracts: Signs You May Need Cataract Surgery

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Cataracts are a degenerative eye condition usually associated with advanced age, but people of all ages can be treated for cataracts. June is Cataract Awareness Month, so let’s explore some of the most common questions about early cataract development and treatment.

What Causes Cataracts

Most people will eventually develop a cataract, but some cataracts form earlier or quicker. Certain environmental factors, health conditions and lifestyle habits can cause cataracts to form more rapidly. These include cigarette smoking, UV exposure, eye trauma, hypertension, diabetes, steroid use, or genetic predisposition to early cataracts.

How Do You Know If You Have Cataracts

Cataract development is a slow and progressive process. In fact, you probably won’t know you have a developing cataract until your ophthalmologist tells you. It may be years before the cataract begins to impair your vision and cause symptoms like double vision, blurred vision, muted colors, glares and halos.

When to Have Cataract Surgery

Over time, a cataract will impact your daily activities. You’ll find it difficult to drive at night, read street signs, decipher fine print, and do detailed crafts and hobbies like needlework. When cataracts affect your schedule or your independence, it’s time to talk to your ophthalmologist about scheduling cataract surgery.

Once your ophthalmologist determines that you’re a candidate, there’s no reason to put off the procedure. It’s time to make decisions about the type of intraocular lens (IOL) that would be best for your eye, and whether you should have traditional or laser-assisted surgery.

Benefits of Early Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is truly a cure for cataracts, and many people can experience 20/20 vision again.  It takes only about 15 minutes per eye, and most people can resume their normal activities within a few days. Cataract surgery improves quality of life, increases independence and reduces the risk of falls, hip fractures and automobile accidents (American Academy of Ophthalmology).

Talk to your ophthalmologist about whether you’re a candidate for cataract surgery. With over 3.6 million procedures performed each year, cataract surgery is one of the most common operations in the United States. Make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam today. 

Vitamin D Benefits: Avoid, Improve Arthritis Symptoms

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Did you know vitamin D can help improve arthritis symptoms? Here’s another fact: if someone does not already have arthritis, they may be able to avoid it by getting enough vitamin D.

Vitamin D is critical for overall health. For one, it helps with calcium absorption, which in turn helps the body develop and maintain healthy bones. It also reduces inflammation and plays a role in regulating the immune system, so the body is better able to ward off sickness and disease, including arthritis.

Getting the recommended allowance of vitamin D (800-1,000 IUs daily) can be challenging. In fact, an estimated three-fourths of Americans don’t get enough of it. Vitamin D deficiency symptoms include chronic pain, digestive issues, frequent infections and depression.

Vitamin D Impacts Arthritis

Researchers have different theories as to how vitamin D impacts arthritis. For instance, some think it has a direct impact on the joints, while others believe it is more about its effect on the immune system. A few others are still not convinced there is a solid link between the two.

Regardless of these differing opinions, many researchers agree that there is a connection between vitamin D and arthritis. There is substantial evidence to back up their claims. For example:

  • One study showed that patients with knee osteoarthritis had low blood levels of vitamin D.
  • Another study found that women who had the high levels of vitamin D were 30 percent less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than women with low levels.
  • A third study found that taking a medication such as an oral steroid — which is often prescribed to patients with arthritis — can cause a vitamin D deficiency. So, if you take an oral steroid, make sure your doctor checks your vitamin D levels regularly.

How to Boost Vitamin D Intake

Even though it can be hard to get enough vitamin D, the good news is there are three ways you can get it: through your skin, from certain foods and from supplements.

Whether you already have arthritis and want to reduce your symptoms or you want to take steps to prevent arthritis, here are some ways you can get more vitamin D:

  • Consume foods high in vitamin D. Vitamin D does not occur naturally in many foods. One exception is certain types of fish such as salmon and mackerel. Many foods are fortified with vitamin D, including breakfast cereals and milk. Just make sure to look for cereals low in sugar and high in fiber and choose low fat or skim milk instead of whole milk.
  • Expose your skin to small doses of sunlight. Our bodies naturally produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. It doesn’t take much sun to reap the health benefits of this phenomenon. Try to get a few minutes of exposure every day, but do not stay out too long. If you do, be sure to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin.
  • Consider a vitamin supplement. Check with your doctor about adding a supplement to boost your vitamin D levels. If you take a multivitamin, it may contain enough vitamin D, so check the label before you purchase anything new.

Why not move towards better health right now by getting your daily dose of vitamin D-induced sunshine, followed by a salmon dinner, with a side of your favorite vegetable? Next, make an appointment to talk with your doctor about whether a vitamin D supplement might be right for you.

Colorectal Cancer: Facts on 3rd Leading Cause of Death in US

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Colorectal Cancer: Facts on 3rd Leading Cause of Death in US

When you hear someone mention colorectal cancer, you probably don’t give it much thought. After all, colon cancer is rare and it only affects older people, right?

Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States, and it’s expected to cause 50,630 deaths in 2018.

Here are Colon Cancer Facts for Americans:

  1. The risk of developing colorectal cancer is one in 22 for males and one in 24 for females.
  2. In 2018, an estimated 97,220 Americans will develop colon cancer and an estimated 43,030 will develop rectal cancer.
  3. Obesity is a major risk factor of colorectal cancer, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, over 36.5 percent of U.S. adults are obese.
  4. Although overall colon cancer incidence is dropping in the U.S., young-onset colon cancer in the has increased over the past decade.
  5. One-third Americans between the ages of 50 and 75 are not being properly screened for colon cancer and are putting themselves at unnecessary risk. This includes men and women who are not up-to-date on colon screenings or have never been screened for colon cancer. 
  6. Having health insurance impacts colon cancer screening rates. Adults who carry health insurance are more likely to be current with their colon screenings (71.1 percent) than adults who don’t have health insurance (36.3 percent).
  7. Adults between the ages of 65 to 75 are more likely to be current with colon screenings (78.4 percent) than adults aged 50 to 65 (61.8 percent) (Source: Center for Disease Control).

Why Colon Cancer is Common in US

Colon cancer rates in the United States continue to be high because of unhealthy lifestyle choices. Our high-fat/low-fiber diet coupled with a sedentary lifestyle puts Americans at risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and colorectal cancer. Smoking and alcohol use also significantly increase cancer risk, as well as eating red and processed meats. 

How to Lower Colon Cancer Rates in US

We can reduce the number of new cases of colon cancer through education and screening. Americans need to know that colorectal cancer is a real threat and take active steps to prevent it.  Because young-onset colon cancer is increasing, the American Cancer Society now recommends baseline colon screenings at age 45 instead of 50  for men and women at average risk for colon cancer. If you are African American or have a family or personal history of colon polyps or colon cancer, you should get screened earlier.

Prevent Colon Cancer with Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon screening because it is the only test that can prevent colon cancer. During a colonoscopy, your gastroenterologist can remove precancerous polyps so they can’t develop into cancer.

A preventable cancer shouldn’t be the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Tell your family, friends and loved ones about the importance of getting a colonoscopy. It’s truly a life-saving exam.

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Patient Safety for Cataract Surgery

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All surgeries have associated risk, but your surgical team has specific safeguards in place to provide the best possible outcome.

June is Cataract Awareness Month, a good time to learn about ways that your surgeon and surgical team prioritize patient safety:

  1. Patient consent — Before your procedure, you must give written consent to have cataract surgery. All forms should be written clearly, but be sure to ask office staff for clarification if any of the information is confusing. Read the forms carefully for details concerning the correct operative eye, the type of surgery to be performed (traditional or laser-assisted) and the type of intraocular lens (IOL) to be inserted. We have drafted these forms for your safety.
  2. Lens management policy — On the day of surgery, your surgical team will mark the eye on which they will operate, as well as your customized IOL, to make sure they are placing the correct lens in the correct eye. Marking the lens and the operative eye prevents errors. 
  3. Time-outs — Before the procedure begins, your team will perform what is referred to as a “time-out” to verbally verify your name, date of birth, operative eye and IOL before beginning your procedure.
  4. Least invasive anesthesia — The anesthesia staff will use the least invasive form of anesthesia or sedative appropriate for your case. You may speak with the anesthesia team about your options.
  5. Infection prevention — You’ll be given prescription-strength antibiotic eye drops to administer during your recovery. Use these drops as directed to prevent inflammation and infection.

Talk to your ophthalmologist about patient safety measures during and after cataract surgery. We value your trust in our center, and we look forward to serving your vision needs.