Are Your Seasonal Allergy Symptoms Caused by Something More Serious?

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Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever or seasonal allergies, affects between 10-30 percent of the population, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Seasonal allergies typically begin in February and can last well into the summer months, but common irritants like mold and dust can produce year-round symptoms.

Because seasonal allergies produce a wide variety of symptoms, it can be easy to mistake a more serious condition as simple allergies. Some conditions that share common symptoms with allergies include:

  • Flu – Allergy symptoms that begin suddenly and are accompanied by a fever could actually be symptoms of the flu.
  • The common cold – Allergies and colds both produce coughing, nasal drainage and watery eyes. However, if you develop body aches or pains, this is a sign that you probably have a cold.
  • Sinus infection – Inflammation of the sinus cavities can produce congestion and headache which may be mistaken for allergies. If these symptoms are accompanied by mucus buildup and facial tenderness, you may actually be experiencing a sinus infection.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – Also known as acid reflux, GERD is a digestive condition that produces symptoms similar to allergies. Hoarseness, sore throat and dry cough that is accompanied by heartburn is likely a sign that you’ve developed GERD (Source:

There are several treatment options to alleviate seasonal allergies, but they are not effective in treating other medical conditions. Whether this is your first time dealing with allergy symptoms or you experience them every year, it’s always wise to see an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) for diagnosis. They will evaluate your symptoms and collect other important pieces of information to understand what’s causing your health issues. Proper diagnosis is the first step towards finding relief, so schedule an appointment with your ENT today!

Healthy Lifestyle Changes to Ease Heartburn

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Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, a digestive disorder that allows gastric acids to escape from the stomach and irritate the esophagus. Unlike many other conditions, acid reflux can usually be prevented through small modifications to your diet and lifestyle. Try these preventive steps to keep your heartburn in check:

  • Identify your trigger foods – Many heartburn sufferers have trigger foods, certain foods that make their heartburn worse. Some of the most common trigger foods include onions, garlic, chocolate, tomatoes and peppermint. However, it’s important to identify which foods affect you personally. What causes heartburn in one person may not cause heartburn in another.
  • Alter your diet – Adhering to a low-fat, high-fiber diet is an effective way to curb heartburn. The majority of your meals should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Try to avoid foods that are fried, spicy or high in fat, as these are known to aggravate reflux.
  • Eat smaller meals – Overeating may cause the stomach to become distended, which can contribute to heartburn. Keep your portions small and eat slowly so your brain will have time to register when you are full.
  • Wear loose clothing – Snug waistbands, tight belts and shapewear place pressure on the midsection and encourage acid reflux. Opt for loose clothing that gives you plenty of room to breathe.
  • Give up smoking – Smoking relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, the ring of muscle that prevents stomach acid from seeping into the esophagus.
  • Change your sleep habits – Lying flat at night allows digestive acid to flow into the esophagus and cause irritation. Elevate your upper body by sleeping with a wedge-shaped pillow or by raising the head of your bed with six-inch blocks. If you’re a side sleeper, studies have shown that sleeping on your left side is better at preventing heartburn than sleeping on your right side.

Lifestyle changes are excellent ways to manage heartburn, but there are times when medication is necessary. If you have ongoing acid reflux symptoms that occur two or more times per week, schedule an appointment with your gastroenterologist. Further testing and stronger treatment may be necessary to help you find relief.

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Cataract Patients Getting Younger, Enjoying More Benefits of Surgery

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The prevalence of cataracts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cataracts affect one in every six Americans over the age of 40. This seems like an extremely large number, but many men and women may be completely unaware that they have a developing cataract. Over half of all Americans have cataracts by age 70, and the percentage continues to increase with age. Often, a cataract is detected during a comprehensive eye exam, but it could be years before it begins affecting vision.

Why people are developing cataracts at a younger age?

Although genetics plays a role in cataract development, environmental factors such as UV exposure and free radical damage can greatly influence when your vision is affected by cataracts. Not wearing sunglasses increases your risk of developing cataracts at an earlier age.  Antioxidants in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and eggs help to neutralize free radicals that can damage eye tissues, so an unhealthy diet can make your eyes vulnerable to cataracts as well.

New and improved cataract removal

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safe surgeries performed today. In the past, cataract surgery was delayed as long as possible and reserved for elderly patients. It was much more like an operation, requiring hospitalization and immobility for several days.  Today, cataract surgery can be an outpatient procedure performed at an ambulatory surgery center, and most patients may resume their normal activities rapidly. Thanks to technological advancement, we have the advantage of earlier detection, customized intraocular lenses (IOLs) and a variety of treatment options. Many monofocal IOLs are now covered under private insurance and Medicare, making cataract surgery more accessible than ever before.

Talk to your eye care professional

Regardless of your age, there is no reason to delay cataract surgery. In fact, choosing cataract surgery at an earlier age means that you will can enjoy clear, crisp vision right now. Your eye care professional can help you choose a lens that fits your needs and level of activity. Make an appointment today for a comprehensive eye exam and an informative discussion about cataract treatment options.

Early Signs of Arthritis

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Over 50 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with arthritis. This number is expected to reach more than 78 million by the year 2040. But despite the fact that arthritis is incredibly common, most people do not seek medical treatment until it has begun to interfere with their daily activities. By this time, patients may have already suffered significant joint damage.

While there is no cure for arthritis, early diagnosis and intervention can lead to more effective treatments and improved outcomes. Take some time to review these early warning signs of arthritis that you should discuss with your doctor:

  • Morning stiffness – It’s normal for joints to feel a little stiff upon waking, but this should dissipate quickly as you get up and move around. Stiffness that lingers for a few minutes could be an early sign of degenerative arthritis, while stiffness that lasts 30 minutes or more could indicate inflammatory arthritis.
  • Joint pain – Joint tenderness during movement or rest is a hallmark symptom of arthritis, but several other conditions can contribute to joint pain. Any symptoms that persist should be presented to your doctor for further investigation.
  • Swollen joints – Joints that appear larger than normal or are warm to the touch indicate joint inflammation, a symptom of arthritis. Inflammation can last for days or weeks and will increase in frequency over time.
  • Decreased range of motion – As joints become tender and inflamed, you may notice your movements become more restricted. While this might encourage you to become sedentary, your doctor will likely recommend that you begin a fitness regimen. Physical activity keeps joints limber and reduces stiffness.
  • Numbness or tingling – Pain and discomfort in the hands and wrists could be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome, but it could also indicate arthritis. Discuss these symptoms with your doctor for diagnosis and treatment options.
  • Fatigue – Fatigue is a hallmark symptom of arthritis. Tiredness and loss of appetite may occur alongside joint pain and stiffness, or it may even precede these symptoms (Source: Healthline).

Arthritis is not a curable condition, but it can be managed with medications, lifestyle modifications and natural therapies. If you’ve been experiencing problematic symptoms, don’t ignore them any longer. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns. The sooner you have a diagnosis, the sooner you’ll be on the path to relief.

Manage IBS to Improve Gut Health

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It’s understandable why many patients are reluctant to seek help for IBS. Some may feel that their condition is not serious enough to warrant medical attention, while others may be too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms with their doctor. IBS that goes untreated will not produce permanent complications such as rectal bleeding or colon cancer, but it can greatly interfere with quality of life.

In many cases, IBS can be alleviated through simple modifications to your diet and lifestyle. Try making some of these changes to help manage your symptoms and maintain a healthy gut.

  • Identify problem foods – Try to narrow down which foods aggravate your symptoms, and do your best to avoid them. Dairy, alcohol, caffeine and artificial sweeteners are often problematic for IBS sufferers. You may also be affected by foods that are fattening or cause gas.
  • Eat at regular times – Sticking to a meal schedule helps to promote bowel regularity. Try to eat your meals at the same time every day. Avoid skipping meals and keep snacking to a minimum.
  • Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water helps to prevent constipation, a common symptom of IBS. Limit intake of alcohol, caffeinated beverages and carbonated drinks, as these may cause gas or diarrhea.
  • Bulk up on fiber – Fiber acts as a bulking agent to help move stool through the colon, but it may cause gas or cramping in some individuals. Increase your fiber intake by consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If these foods cause you to experience gas or bloating, try taking a fiber supplement instead.

Limit usage of over-the-counter medications – Anti-diarrheals and laxatives can be helpful in managing IBS symptoms, but these medications should be used sparingly. Incorrect usage could lead to complications, including an increase in your symptoms (Source: The Mayo Clinic).

IBS is not curable, but it is a manageable condition. If lifestyle and diet changes alone are not enough to manage your IBS symptoms, talk to your doctor about additional treatment options. Getting the right kind of help will improve more than just gut health – it will improve your quality of life!

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Caring for Your Vision as You Age

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One in every six adults over the age of 45 is affected by a sight-threatening eye issue. As we age, this risk continues to increase. The life expectancy of an American is longer than ever before, so we must make even greater efforts to protect and preserve our vision.

Some leading causes of blindness and low vision are cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Keeping your eyesight healthy is quite simple, but it requires dedication and consistency. Here are some guidelines to maintain your vision:

 

  1. Know your risk. Are you over the age of 65? Are you African American? Do you have a family history or personal history of diabetes? Does hypertension run in your family? You could be at increased risk for eye diseases that can cause permanent vision loss.
  2. Eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly. Center your diet on colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins to give your eyes the nutrients they need. Physical exercise is also important because it helps prevent hypertension and diabetes, conditions that increase your risk for eye disease.
  3. Visit your primary care physician and eye doctor regularly. Hypertension and diabetes are precursors to exudative macular degeneration, eye strokes and diabetic retinopathy. Annual wellness checks and comprehensive eye exams will help you stay healthier and preserve your vision.
  4. Sport those shades. UV radiation exposes your eyes to free radicals that cause vision damage. Choose sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, and wear them whenever you are outdoors. It is important to also wear sunglasses on cloudy days and in the winter.
  5. Wear proper eye protection. Safety glasses and safety goggles should always be worn when you are using machinery, power tools or chemicals.
  6. Be aware of any changes in your vision. If you notice any warning signs such as double vision, blurred vision, eye pain, floaters, flashes of light, or swelling of the eye, contact your eye doctor immediately.

There is no escaping getting older, but there is no reason that you cannot have healthy vision that lasts a lifetime. These steps are not difficult, but they require discipline. If you are not sure of where to start, begin by making an appointment with your primary care physician and your eye doctor. At those appointments, you will receive specific feedback about eye health and targeted suggestions for improvement.

Get Back to Living – Benefits of Joint Replacements

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If conservative therapies such as medications, physical therapy, or hot and cold treatments have offered limited success, it may be time to talk to your doctor about joint replacement surgery.

More than one million joint replacement surgeries are performed in the United States every year. During these procedures, the surgeon removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with an artificial joint implant. Joint replacement surgery is incredibly successful in alleviating joint pain, and it can improve joint function in patients who suffer from limited mobility.

The main benefit of joint replacement surgery is pain relief, but patients report many other benefits as well. After recovering from joint replacement surgery, you will likely find that you are able to resume activities you once loved. Bike riding, swimming, golf and tennis are just a few activities you can enjoy after your recovery.

Patients also enjoy the long-term results that come from joint replacement surgery. An estimated 95 percent of hip replacements last 15 to 20 years, and 85 percent of knee replacements last up to 20 years. Research presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting also indicates that osteoarthritis patients who undergo hip replacement have a reduced risk of death, heart failure, depression and diabetes (Source: Everyday Health).

Only your doctor can determine whether you are a good candidate for joint replacement surgery. However, you may be recommended for surgery if you have:

  • High levels of pain that have not responded to other treatments
  • Limited range of motion
  • Joint pain caused by osteoarthritis
  • Overall good health

Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of joint replacement surgery to determine whether this treatment route is right for you. Finding answers to your questions will give you the confidence and comfort you need to move forward with surgery or explore other treatment options. Make your joint health a priority today and get back to the life you love!

Options for Relieving Heartburn

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If you suffer from frequent heartburn despite making efforts to relieve it naturally, it’s time to see your doctor to discuss more effective treatment options. The following are some therapies to consider at your next appointment:

  • Antacids – In mild cases of heartburn, over-the-counter antacids may be sufficient to control your symptoms. These medications are available in tablet and liquid form, and they work quickly to provide on-the-spot relief for surprise episodes of heartburn. Most over-the-counter antacids are safe to take during pregnancy, making them a great option for women dealing with pregnancy-related heartburn.
  • H2 Blockers – Commonly known by brand names such as Pepcid, Zantac and Tagamet, H2 blockers provide several hours of relief from acid reflux symptoms. These medications reduce acid production by inhibiting H2 receptors in the cells of the stomach. H2 blockers typically start to relieve heartburn symptoms within 30 minutes.
  • PPIs – Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are the strongest and most effective drugs for relieving severe acid reflux. Available under names like Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid, these drugs block enzymes in the stomach wall to reduce acid production. PPIs take longer than other heartburn medications to provide relief, taking up to four days to reach full effectiveness.
  • Natural remedies – Some patients find that homeopathic remedies greatly reduce their acid reflux symptoms. Ginger root, slippery elm, aloe vera, and apple cider vinegar are just a few all-natural treatments that are believed to alleviate heartburn.
  • Surgery – If your digestive symptoms are severe, or if they have not responded to medications and lifestyle modifications, your doctor may recommend surgery as a more permanent treatment option. Many anti-reflux surgeries are now available using minimally invasive technology, making these procedures incredibly safe with short recovery times.

Self-medicating chronic heartburn is never a good idea, even if medications are available over-the-counter. Many of these medications are only meant to be used for two-week course of treatment and can produce serious health complications if taken long-term. Talk to your doctor about your digestive symptoms and discuss a comprehensive treatment plan that will provide safe, effective relief.

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Eating for Optimal Eye Health

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Your vision is important to you, but it is probably safe to say that you place equal importance on heart health. So how do you choose between an eye-friendly diet or a heart-friendly diet? The good news is that you do not have to choose because the same foods that nourish your vision are also beneficial to your cardiovascular health.

Use these four foods as basic guidelines, and make selections within these food families for optimum eye (and heart) health.

Kale

Kale is one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that also reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. One study found that women who consumed high amounts of lutein were 23 percent less likely to develop cataracts than women who ate low amounts of lutein. Sauté kale in some olive oil and garlic as a side dish, or make a fresh kale salad with nuts, dried fruit and feta cheese.  Substitutes for kale include spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens, turnip greens, peas, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

Oranges

Of all the citrus fruits, the orange is probably the favorite. Tangy, yet sweet, the orange comes in countless varieties. Mandarins, tangerines, navels, or blood oranges offer plenty of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant for healthy vision. A diet that includes a full recommended allowance of vitamin C can help prevent or delay cataracts and macular degeneration. Other foods that are high in vitamin C are lemons, limes, grapefruit, strawberries, red and orange peppers, tomatoes, and peaches.

Salmon

Salmon, as well as tuna, mackerel, anchovies, and trout are rich in DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in the retina. DHA is essential to retinal health and is instrumental in preventing eye disease. A 2010 study from Johns Hopkins found that people who ate a diet that was high in omega-3 fatty acid were less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration.

Black-eyed peas

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in high concentration in the eyes, and it protects against the damaging effects of light. Black-eyed peas are some of the best sources of zinc in the legume family. If you are not a fan of black-eyed peas, try kidney beans, lima beans, split peas, or pinto beans. Other great sources of zinc include oysters, lean red meat and poultry.

A healthy diet is essential for vision health and heart health, but 87 percent of Americans fall short of their daily requirements of vegetables and 76 percent are not eating their recommended amounts of fruits. Maybe it’s time for a little self-assessment of your daily diet so you can protect your vision for years to come.

ASCs Offer Several Benefits to Patients Undergoing Joint Replacement Surgery

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For a long time, this depiction would have been accurate. However, thanks to ongoing advancements in surgical techniques and pain management, many patients now find themselves returning home the day after surgery and resuming normal activities sooner than ever. And best of all, they’re doing it at a fraction of the cost.

Ambulatory surgery centers, or ASCs, are outpatient healthcare facilities that provide a range of services, including diagnostic and preventive procedures. Not only do these facilities offer top-notch care in a convenient, personalized environment, but they provide these services at lower costs than traditional hospitals.

According to the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, the Medicare program and its beneficiaries share an average of $2.6 billion in savings through procedures performed at ASCs. These savings ultimately result in lower copays for patients. ASCs are also highly regulated to ensure that each patient receives quality care. Overall, patients report a 92 percent satisfaction rate with the care and service they receive at ASC facilities.

Nearly 40 percent of ASCs around the country now offer outpatient joint replacement surgeries. These numbers are expected to increase as patients see the opportunity to receive high-quality care with greater convenience and savings.

Patients who schedule procedures at ASCs can expect to enjoy:

  • Ease of scheduling
  • Convenient parking
  • Decreased wait times
  • Highly trained surgeons and medical staff
  • Fully equipped facilities
  • A commitment to patient satisfaction

If joint replacement surgery is in your future, talk to your doctor about whether your procedure is ASC eligible. There are several factors to consider when scheduling joint replacement surgery, including your age, health history and extent of the procedure. Discussing all options with your healthcare provider is the first step in finding a treatment facility that meets all your needs.