Holiday Foods for Strengthening Bones

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Eating for bone health can help you feel healthier and happier. You can also take it one step further and make it a family affair.

Over the holidays, teach your family members about foods that support strong and healthy bones. Most children do not get the calcium they need to strengthen their bones and build optimal peak bone mass. Starting on a good dietary path now could help them avoid issues related to bone health later in life.

Why Strong Bones Matter

As we age, our bones lose density and weaken. We can even develop osteoporosis, a disease that causes the bones to become porous and brittle. Women have a higher risk of osteoporosis, and one out of every two women 50 and older will likely break a bone because of the disease.

There are a variety of factors that increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Some factors cannot be changed, such as age, gender, medical history and genetics. However, there are other lifestyle factors you can control. You are at higher risk for osteoporosis if you:

  • Smoke
  • Are inactive
  • Have obesity
  • Drink alcohol frequently
  • Do not get enough bone-healthy foods or nutrients, such as calcium

Holiday Foods for Strong Bones

Fortunately, there are holiday foods that taste good and are also good for bone health. This year why not challenge yourself to enjoy traditional favorites as well as some dishes you haven’t had before. Here are a few choices to consider this holiday season:

Holiday Snacks and Appetizers

  • Cheese Platter: Cheese is high in calcium, which is key to bone health. Look for hard cheeses, which tend to have higher levels of calcium. Don’t eat too much though, since cheese can also be high in fat and calories.
  • Nuts: Nuts are surprisingly high in calcium. Choose almonds over other varieties; they offer twice as much calcium as walnuts and other nuts. Like with cheese, enjoy in moderation, since nuts are also high in fat and calories.

Main Courses and Side Dishes

  • Salmon: Consider preparing salmon, a high-calcium rich food, for a holiday main course. Red meat, in contrast, is low in calcium, so skip the rib roast this year and start a new holiday main course tradition.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Calcium is not the only important nutrient for bone health — potassium and magnesium are too. Fortunately, sweet potatoes contain a healthy dose of both. Try swapping out a baked potato with a baked sweet potato. Top it with a dollop of calcium-rich, plain, low-fat yogurt, and you’ve just made it even better for your bone health.

Dessert

  • Figs: Ever heard the holiday song about figgy pudding? Traditional figgy pudding is made with ingredients like flour, beef fat, figs and dried fruit — not a healthy option. This year keep the “figgy” but forget the “pudding” since figs are high in calcium, potassium and magnesium. If you can’t find fresh figs, dried figs are just as bone-healthy.

After-Holiday Energy Breakfast

  • Yogurt Parfait: The day after a holiday celebration, no one wants to prepare or eat a big breakfast. Why not try a simple yogurt parfait by combing plain yogurt with calcium-fortified granola, your favorite berries and some toasted nuts?

Enjoy these delicious options and quality time with your family this season. Have a happy (and bone-healthy) holiday!

Eye Exams Detect Cataracts, Glaucoma and Other Eye Problems

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Comprehensive Eye Exams

As you bustle around town for gifts this season, add making an appointment for an eye exam to your to-do list. During your annual, comprehensive eye exam, your ophthalmologist can catch eye diseases in the early stages when they are most treatable. When you get your eyes examined, your eye doctor will test for:

  • Visual acuity
  • Refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism
  • Focusing issues like presbyopia, a common eye problem that develops around age 40
  • Eye problems like amblyopia, strabismus or binocular vision
  • Glaucoma
  • Issues with the retina and optic nerve

Eye Exams Prevent Vision Loss

Regular eye exams are especially crucial if you have a chronic condition like diabetes or hypertension which can lead to diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma. These diseases can develop slowly and without symptoms. By the time you notice changes in your vision, you may have permanent eye damage.

Eye Exams Detect Cataracts

Is your vision cloudy or blurry? At your exam, your eye doctor may discover that you have a developing cataract. Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss, affecting more than 25 million Americans.

Common symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, double vision, the appearance of glares and halos and faded colors. If you think you might have a cataract, click here to take a Cataract Symptoms Quiz. Your ophthalmologist can talk with you about cataract surgery, a short procedure that can reverse cataract-related vision loss.

Eye Exams Detect Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. More than 3 million Americans have glaucoma but only about half know it.

There are two main types of glaucoma, and the most common type has no initial symptoms — the pressure in the eye builds up gradually. Eventually, if glaucoma is not treated, the optic nerve can become damaged to the point that peripheral vision is lost. Without treatment, total blindness can occur.

The only way to accurately diagnose glaucoma is for an eye doctor to check your optic nerve during a comprehensive eye examination.

Call an Eye Doctor Near You

In the midst of holiday parties and family gatherings this season, call your ophthalmologist to get your eyes examined. One hour could save your vision and prevent eye disease.

Family History is Biggest Risk for Crohn’s and Colitis

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Talking about irritable bowel disease (IBD) isn’t easy, especially at a family gathering. There’s no better setting in which to have this conversation though, because IBD runs in families. If your family has a medical history of IBD, make it a point to discuss facts about the disease and explain the importance of treatment.

Here are some answers to questions your family members may ask:

What are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most common types of irritable bowel disease, a group of conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease can form anywhere along the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. However, ulcerative colitis only affects the colon and the rectum.

How do my genes affect my risk of IBD?

Family history of inflammatory bowel disease is the most influential risk factor for developing IBD. About 12 percent of people with Crohn’s disease and about 9 percent of people with ulcerative colitis have a confirmed family history.

Can I calculate my own risk for IBD?

Your risk for IBD depends on which family member is affected. Having a first-degree relative (a mother, father, brother, sister or child) with IBD increases your risk more than having a second-degree relative (uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, grandparent, grandchild or half-sibling) with the disease. If your mother and your father have IBD, you have a one in three chance of being affected. Your risk for IBD is highest if you have three or more relatives who are affected.

Make an Appointment with a Gastroenterologist

Remind your family that anyone can develop IBD, even if they don’t have a family history of the disease. Both conditions can share symptoms of abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, weight loss and urgency to move bowels. Encourage your family members to call a gastroenterologist if they have any of these ongoing symptoms or experience changes in bathroom habits. IBD can also increase the risk of colon cancer, so certain family members may need to get a colonoscopy at a younger age. 

By opening up a conversation about family history and IBD, you can contribute to making this season a happy and healthy one for your loved ones.

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8 Tips to Avoid GERD Symptoms this Holiday Season

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GERD is an ongoing condition in which acid from the stomach flows into the esophagus. While many people have occasional bouts of acid reflux and heartburn, individuals with GERD experience it several times a week or more.

Over time, GERD not only impacts quality of life, it can also be damaging to the body: when stomach acid continually washes into the esophagus, it can cause tissue damage that can lead to esophageal cancer. GERD can also cause ear, nose and throat (ENT) and respiratory problems such as coughing and chronic sore throat.

What Causes GERD

GERD can be caused by the improper functioning or weakening of a sphincter (valve) either at the top of the stomach or the bottom of the esophagus. When this happens, acid is released into the esophagus. Symptoms can include heartburn, belching, bad breath, nausea, difficulty swallowing and more.

Sometimes people can develop GERD by practicing unhealthy nutrition or lifestyle habits — which also means, by changing these habits, they can reduce their risk of developing GERD. GERD occurs more commonly in people who:

  • Are overweight, which puts pressure on the abdomen and can cause a valve to leak
  • Smoke or are frequently exposed to secondhand smoke
  • Take medications such as antihistamines, some asthma drugs and antidepressants

8 Tips to Avoid GERD, Acid Reflux Symptoms

Many of the habits that lead to GERD happen during the winter holidays when food and sweet treats are abundant, making it easier to overeat. Here are some tips to help you avoid GERD symptoms over the holidays:

  1. Wear loose clothes and avoid belts or anything that is tight around your abdomen.
  2. Sit up straight when eating. If you hunch over, it may cause the esophageal valve to open, releasing burning acid into your food pipe.
  3. Mentally prepare yourself before you face the dinner table. Decide what and how much you will eat.
  4. Chew your food well, eat slowly and stop when you’re full.
  5. Before taking a second helping at a holiday feast, pause for a few minutes. This will give your digestive system a chance to process the food you have already consumed. You may even realize you are too full for seconds.
  6. Avoid foods known to cause reflux, such as those that are fatty or fried. Also, avoid eating foods you know are problematic for you personally. Don’t give yourself permission to eat them as a special treat since it is a holiday, or you may just regret it later.
  7. Take a walk after your meal and invite a family member to join you. You’ll be helping them avoid GERD, too.
  8. Avoid lying down for at least 2-3 hours after eating. Symptoms will worsen if you lie down or bend over.

If you believe you have GERD now, don’t pop just another antacid — schedule an appointment with a doctor. Your doctor can prescribe medications and other therapies that can help you feel better.

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Dangerous Toys That Can Harm Your Children’s Vision

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According to the eye health and safety organization, Prevent Blindness, American children incur an estimated 11,000 toy-related injuries each year. While a minor corneal abrasion may heal quickly, a retinal detachment or corneal ulcer from a toy injury can cause severe eye damage.

Here is a list of some of the types of toys that pose the greatest threat to your child’s vision and how you can keep your child safe when using them:

Sporting Equipment

Problem:

Baseball bats, tennis racquets and lacrosse sticks can cause blunt or penetrating injuries.

Solution:

If you buy sports gear or equipment for your child, ensure that he or she is using proper eye protection and head protection. Always supervise your child outside during practice and play time, and do not allow sporting equipment indoors.

Toy Weapons

Problem:

Light sabers, wands and swords can have sharp edges and cause eye trauma. Dart guns, paintball guns, BB guns and airsoft rifles launch objects that can cause lacerations, increased eye pressure, cataracts and vision loss.

Solution:

Projectile toys are never safe, so avoid purchasing toy guns for children. If you buy any toy that could be used as a weapon, accompany the gift with proper eye protection and require that your child wear the safety glasses when using the toy.

Laser Pointers

Problem:

Laser pointers seem harmless, but eye specialists warn against allowing children to use them. Staring at a laser beam directly or through a mirror can injure the retina and permanently limit central vision.

Solution:

A flashlight is a safer alternative to a laser pointer and poses less risk to the eyes. Remind kids never to shine any type of light into the eyes.

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month, so commit to purchasing safe, age-appropriate toys for your children this holiday season. If you have a question about the safety of a specific toy, call your ophthalmologist. It is also wise to schedule comprehensive eye exams for the whole family before the year ends. An eye exam with dilation is crucial for optimum eye health because it can detect refraction errors, focusing problems and degenerative eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. Call your eye doctor today to make an appointment.

Wrist Tendonitis vs. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Recognizing the Difference

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Wrist Tendonitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Risk Factors

Many cases of wrist tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome develop from strain due to repetitive motions or using power tools. These risk factors can be limited by taking regular breaks, using better posture or purchasing ergonomic office equipment.

Other risk factors for tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome cannot be controlled. These include:

  • Gender — Women are more likely to develop tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome than men, possibly due to hormones
  • Age — As we age, tendons become less elastic, and nerves are more susceptible to degeneration
  • Arthritis — Arthritis increases risk for both conditions
  • Genetics — Tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome can run in families
  • Injury — A fall or sudden injury could cause tendon or nerve injury

A doctor can diagnose which condition you have, but here’s how to recognize some of the similarities and differences:

Metro Gastroenterology Associates Tops U.S. Average in Colonoscopy Quality

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Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates is the top provider of quality colon cancer screening in the Crescent City and one of the leading centers in the United States. Our centers in Metairie, Westbank and Uptown are nationally renowned for our highly-trained specialists who deliver premier digestive care.

Why can we use these elite terms? When it comes to colonoscopy, the truth is in the numbers. 

We use the premier GI quality registry, GIQuIC, to track three quality colonoscopy measures and compare them to the benchmarks established by the American College of Gastroenterology. MGA’s 2017 quality measures exceed national standards and far surpass other GI centers in southeastern Louisiana. Our numbers are some of the most competitive in the country.

Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates is proud to share our GIQuIC measures to prove our expertise in colon cancer detection and prevention.

Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) Matters

The goal of a colonoscopy is to examine the colon for precancerous polyps called adenomas and remove them. Your physician’s level of proficiency in adenoma detection and removal is paramount because adenomas have the potential to be cancerous. A removed adenoma, however, is no longer a cancer threat.

Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) refers to the percentage of patients in whom a GI doctor detects one or more adenomas in screening colonoscopies. Therefore, adenoma detection rate (ADR) is the premier quality indicator in colonoscopies.

The national benchmark for ADR is 25 percent (30 percent for men and 20 percent for women). The MGA centers have an overall average ADR of 39.49 percent.

How ADR Affects Your Risk for Colon Cancer

Choosing an MGA physician with a high ADR lowers your risk of colon cancer. Studies show that for every percentage point increase in your doctor’s adenoma detection rate, your chance of developing colon cancer during the next twelve months decreases by three percent.

Gastro Doctor’s Cecal Intubation Rate Matters

Cecal intubation rate is the second qualifying measure of colonoscopy quality. The cecum is the small pouch connected to the junction of the small intestine and the colon. Cecal intubation rate is the percentage of procedures during which a gastroenterologist can visualize the cecum during the screening.

MGA centers have an average cecal intubation rate of 97.80 percent, compared to the national average of 90 percent.

How Cecal Intubation Rate Affects Colon Cancer Risk

A high cecal intubation rate indicates that, in most colonoscopy patients, the gastroenterologist can examine the entire colon for precancerous polyps, from the cecum to rectum. Choosing an MGA physician for your colonoscopy means you will have a thorough, comprehensive screening and a reduced risk of missed adenomas. 

GI Doctor’s Withdrawal Time Matters

The third quality measure is withdrawal time, the amount of time it takes for your doctor to withdraw the colonoscope from the cecum (the farthest region of the colon) to the rectum (the end of the colon). A meticulous physician who is attentive to detail usually has a longer average withdrawal time.

The national benchmark for withdrawal time is six minutes, but MGA centers have an average withdrawal time of 7.1 minutes.

How GI Specialist’s Withdrawal Time Affects Colon Cancer Risk

Some adenomas are flat, which makes them difficult to detect. MGA specialists are methodical and exacting, meaning they are less likely to miss a small or hidden polyp. Longer withdrawal times are associated with higher adenoma detection rates, which reduces your risk for colon disease.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy with a GI Doctor Near You

MGA is dedicated to providing you with a quality colonoscopy with compassionate, personalized care. We have Gastrointestinal Diagnostic and Therapeutic Centers conveniently located in Metairie, Westbank and Uptown, and all centers are accepting new patients in the Greater New Orleans region. Each outpatient facility is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and utilizes the most advanced GI technology in the industry.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that a colonoscopy is a life-saving procedure. After all, it’s the only type of colon cancer screening that can prevent colon cancer. If you are not considered high-risk, you may only need a colonoscopy once every ten years. Call Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates and put your digestive health in the hands of our experts.

Exercises for Arthritis in the Hands, Fingers

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While doctors can help patients by offering treatments ranging from medications to surgical procedures, patients themselves can also help relieve this pain by performing certain exercises.

Hand exercises can help with strength, flexibility and range of motion in the joints, as well as the supportive ligaments and tendons of the hands and fingers. This can also help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Before beginning, it’s important to know that it is normal to experience some mild aching after exercising. However, if discomfort lasts for more than a few hours, you should perform fewer repetitions next time. If the exercises make your symptoms worse, stop doing them and go see your doctor.

5 Daily Hand Exercises for Arthritis

Although these exercises are quite simple, they can make a noticeable difference in joint pain and inflammation. However, if you only do them occasionally, you may not notice an effect. Therefore, we recommend you make hand exercises a habit by doing them at the same time each day, as well as in the same order.

  1. Finger Lifts: Rest the palm of your hand on a flat surface, spreading your fingers apart. One by one, slowly lift each finger off the surface, hold it briefly, then lower it.
  2. Slow Bends: Use slow and gentle movements, bend one finger at a time, then slowly straighten it out again. Repeat with all fingers.
  3. Form an “O”: With your hand stretched out and fingers straight, slowly curve the tips of your fingers inward until they touch and form an “O” shape. Then straighten your fingers again. Repeat on each hand several times daily.
  4. Finger Curls: Turn your palm so it is facing you. Hold your hand in a loose fist, then slowly uncurl your fingers and extend them. Hold for a few seconds before curling them back into a loose fist. Repeat on each hand several times daily.
  5. Show the Love: End your hand exercise session by forming a heart shape with your thumbs and fingers several times. With your palms facing each other, bend the fingers inward, so the tips touch each other. Then, join the tips of the thumbs below, forming a heart shape. Hold for several seconds. Then release the pose and begin again.

The wrist is directly connected to the hands: that means exercising the wrist can also help reduce hand pain. Once you have mastered the hand exercises described above, trying adding these wrist exercises into your daily routine:

  1. Fist-Wrist Bends: Form a loose fist, then lower your hand onto a table. Next, gently bend the fist inward so it faces you. Hold for several seconds, then return to the original position.
  2. The Side-to-Side: Place your palm on a table, with wrist and hand straight. Next, turn your wrist, so your fingers twist away from you as far as you can, while remaining comfortable. Hold for several seconds, then turn your wrist back to the original position. Repeat, but this time turn your wrist inward, so your fingers face the other direction. Do this exercise several times each day, using both hands.
  3. Hand Turn: Rest the palm of your hand on a flat surface. Hold the wrist and hand straight, then lift all fingers up at once, flexing the wrist. Hold for several seconds then return to the starting position.

In addition to these exercises, you may benefit from working with a hand therapy ball. These balls are available in different thicknesses and can help you build hand strength and flexibility.

Why Caregiver Support is Necessary After Colonoscopies, GI Procedures

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November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize family members who help support loved ones. It also provides an opportunity for the aging and physically challenged to ask for caregiving help.    

Why a Colonoscopy Requires a Caregiver

Even if you are in good health, you’ll need to ask for a caregiver for your colonoscopy. Most colonoscopy procedures include sedation or anesthesia to provide comfort and prevent pain. Sedation can make you groggy, uncoordinated and weak. It can feel similar to having too much alcohol because it impairs your ability to react quickly or even stay awake.

Doctors do not recommend patients drive, use power tools, sign legal documents, conduct business or make important decisions until at least one day after sedation. In fact, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) revised their guidelines for monitored sedation to say pre-op assessment must include verification of a caregiver over 18 to drive the patient home.

In our busy society, it isn’t easy to ask for help, even from a family member. However, you should plan to ask a relative or loved one to come with you to your colonoscopy, remain in the facility and drive you home afterward.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers Can Help Coordinate a Caregiver

If you are not able to secure a caregiver for your procedure, you can call your ambulatory surgery center (ASC) to reschedule your appointment for a day that someone can accompany you. This is for your safety and wellbeing. In the instance that you do not have a relative or friend to assist you, call the surgery center and ask for a list of reliable transportation companies who can serve you.

Sometimes it takes courage and humility to request caregiving assistance but be bold and ask a family member or friend to accompany you. A colonoscopy is an essential part of preventative care, so allow your relative to give you the gift of time this month.

Call Your Gastroenterologist

The American Cancer Society recommends all adults who are at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. If you are at increased risk for colon cancer, you may need to get tested earlier, so talk to your gastroenterologist.

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4 Tips to Manage Diabetes for Better Eye Health

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Excess glucose in the blood can cause damage to blood vessels in the eyes, causing them to swell and leak fluid. This condition is known as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes can also increase the risk of cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic macular edema.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 90 percent of diabetes-related vision loss is preventable through early detection, but 60 percent of people with diabetes are not seeing their eye doctors regularly.

You can protect your vision by following these four tips:

Quit Smoking

Smoking can cause diabetic retinopathy to develop faster and make it more difficult to regulate blood glucose levels. Cigarettes and tobacco also increase your chances of having a stroke or a heart attack.

Wear Sunglasses

Protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation by wearing sunglasses that offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Diabetes increases your risk for cataracts by 60 percent, so it is imperative to wear sunglasses whenever you are outdoors.

Exercise Daily and Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

Daily exercise helps manage your weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Hypertension can accelerate leakage in retinal blood vessels, so exercise regularly and get regular blood pressure checks. As for your diet, choose high-protein, low-sugar foods that include plenty of leafy greens and an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids.

Make Regular Appointments with Your Physician Care Team

Good communication with your doctors, dentist and ophthalmologist is essential to properly manage your diabetes. Schedule annual comprehensive eye exams so your eye doctor can provide you with a complete evaluation of your vision health. If you are exhibiting signs of diabetic eye disease, your doctor can detect the problem and intervene early to help protect your vision.

Diabetic eye disease can develop without symptoms or warning signs, so call your eye doctor to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.