Excess Weight is a Significant Arthritis Risk Factor

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A recent study finds excess weight is responsible for almost 25 percent of arthritis cases in the United States.

Are you suffering from joint pain and considering a total hip replacement or total knee replacement? According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 23 percent of all Americans have arthritis, and one in four adults with arthritis experience acute joint pain. New research reveals body weight as a significant arthritis risk factor.

Healthy Body Weight Lowers Risk for Arthritis

Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) published a new study that found excess weight causes nearly one-quarter of all arthritis cases in the United States, affecting 2.7 million people. Weight loss between early adulthood and middle age lowered the risk for arthritis. The study also showed that people who were overweight in early life and then lost weight were not at elevated risk for arthritis.

The study examined data on adults between the ages of 40 and 69, taken from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Researchers categorized adults based on variations in their body mass indices between early adulthood to mid-life, and they examined the link between BMI and the risk of developing osteoarthritis within the next decade.

Overweight and obese adults, as well as adults who initially had a normal BMI and became overweight or obese, were all more likely to develop arthritis compared to adults whose BMI remained in the normal weight zone.

Kaitlyn Berry was the lead author of the study while she was a research fellow at BUSPH. Berry said weight loss was extremely effective in reducing individual arthritis risk, but preventing weight gain was a more beneficial goal on a national level.

“These findings highlight the need for lifelong public health measures to prevent obesity at younger ages as an important step to curb later life musculoskeletal and joint health problems such as osteoarthritis. This is particularly important as musculoskeletal pain is a leading cause of disability globally,” said Dr. Tuhina Neogi, study co-author and professor of epidemiology at BUSPH, professor of medicine at the Boston University School of Medicine, and chief of rheumatology at Boston Medical Center (Medical Express).

Call your Orthopedist

If you are suffering from chronic pain and are considering a total joint replacement, make an appointment with your orthopedist. Bodyweight is a significant arthritis risk factor, and your doctor can discuss various treatment options with you. Total hip replacement and total knee replacement may be the right course of treatment for you, but weight loss could be beneficial for your joints and your overall health.

How You Can Prevent Colon Cancer

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Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women in the United States — but prevention or early detection is key to increased survival rate. You can take simple steps to prevent (and detect) colon cancer.

It could save your life.

Pay attention to what your body is telling you.

We all have aches and pains, and they’re there for a reason: Your body is giving you warning signs that something isn’t quite right. Whether it’s a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, or intermittent or persistent abdominal pain/bloating, these are signs that you may need to see a gastrointestinal doctor.

Your doctor can determine the cause of the symptoms that could signify colon cancer — and work to prevent and treat it.

Get screened.

Colon cancer can be prevented with screenings like a colonoscopy. The point of these screenings is to detect polyps or growths in the colon that could potentially turn into cancer. Through the colonoscopy screening, these potentially serious growths can be removed before they have a chance to become cancerous.

The American Cancer Society recommends that EVERYONE be screened for colon cancer with a colonoscopy by age 45 — or sooner, if your health care provider, risk factors or symptoms indicate a need.

Know your risk factors.

While cancer can develop without any prior indications, there are factors that can increase your risk of developing colon cancer. Being aware of those risk factors means you can detect colon cancer in its earliest stages, for the best survival rate — or prevent it altogether.

Know your:

  • Family history. Know if your direct blood relatives (parents, siblings, children) or multiple second-degree relatives (grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins) have had colon cancer OR precancerous polyps, or other hereditary cancer syndromes.
  • Personal history. If you had pre-cancerous polyps in the past, or other health conditions (Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease), your risk for colon cancer can also be increased.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

As with many health conditions, how you take care of your body plays a large part in how your body treats you. The same can be said for colon cancer prevention. The diet we consume can help keep our GI tract healthy and the exercise we partake in works on keeping our bodies healthy and reducing our cancer risk.

Such as:

  • Less red meat and processed meats
  • More fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  • Regular physical activity (as permitted by your doctor)
  • Not smoking

Prevent Colon Cancer Now

Call Gastrointestinal Specialists P.C. in Troy, Michigan to prevent and detect colon cancer. Request an appointment online so our team can help you save time and money with your colonoscopy screening today.

Middlesex Digestive Continues to Protect Patients from COVID-19

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Here at Middlesex Endoscopy Center, we are taking every COVID-19 precaution to ensure that patient safety is our top priority. We have implemented social distancing and are only allowing a certain number of people in the building at any given time. We have also spaced out the chairs in the waiting area so they are at least 6-feet apart. Our staff both, medical and business, will wear masks during all interactions. Medical staff will also be wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) that will be changed after every patient.

Our Patients Journey During COVID-19

To ensure that we are keeping everyone safe, we have implemented new extensive precautions, which can impact your wait time. Please be aware that you could be here for up to 3 ½ hours.

  • You will receive a call from Emerson COVID-19 scheduling as we are requiring all patients to have COVID-19 testing 72 hours prior to your procedure. You will ONLY receive a call with your results if you are positive.
  • Please wear a mask if you have one. If you do not, we will supply you with one once you get to our facility.
  • Once you arrive for your appointment please come through the double doors, and someone will be there to greet you. That is when we will perform a final health screening before entering the building.

How We Disinfect Our Facility

All procedure rooms will have a deep cleaning after every procedure, we also have Beyond Guardian Air, air purifiers in every procedure room. This air purifier captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.1 micron, it has a five-stage filter and uses ActivePure Technology, which is used on the International Space Station. We are also spraying the entire building weekly with an Electrostatic Sprayer, which is effective against SARS-CoV2, staph, E coli and Salmonella enterica.

Unfortunately, no rides are allowed into the building. Your ride will receive a call from a nurse when you are almost ready to go.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call 978-429-2000.

Boseman’s Death Marks Importance of Colon Cancer Screening at 45

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‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman’s death from colon cancer at age 43 has underlined the importance of colon cancer screening at age 45, according to a New York Times article.

Colon Cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. for both men and women. Yes, most colon cancer cases still arise in a majority of older people, but young onset colon cancer continues to rise 2 percent annually in people under age 50, according to the American Cancer Society.

Several risk factors determine each person’s susceptibility to colon cancer, such as obesity, diabetes, smoking or a family history. Rates of colorectal cancer are also higher in Black communities. From 2012 to 2016, the rate of new cases in non-Hispanic Black people was 45.7 per 100,000, about 20 percent higher than the rate among non-Hispanic white people and 50 percent higher than the rate among Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. However, risk factors are not an indicator of whether someone has or will have colon cancer, thus colon cancer screenings should be a priority for everyone.

The American Cancer Society recommends screenings at age 45 for those at average risk of colon cancer. For those at high risk, the ACS recommends screening at age 40, or 10 years before the age of diagnosis of the youngest relative who had the disease.

The ACS reported that only 58 percent of adults aged 50 to 64 from are undergoing colon cancer screenings in 2017 to 2019, and that was before COVID-19 wreaked havoc on U.S. communities. According to a publication by the Epic Heath Research Network, screening appointments for breast cancer, cervical cancer and colon cancer decreased by 86 to 94 percent in March 2020, compared to screening rates between January 2017 and January 2020.

Schedule a Colonoscopy, Pandemic or Not

Colonoscopy is the only procedure that can detect and prevent colon cancer. Some people are choosing Cologuard or other at-home colon cancer screening tests, but this test misses 8 percent of all colon cancer instances and may produce false positives.

Many people assume that health insurance will cover both the at-home colon cancer screening test and any subsequent colonoscopy needed if a positive result arises, but that’s not the case.  Health insurance will either cover the at-home test or a colonoscopy. If the person who chooses an at-home test receives a positive result, they will need a diagnostic colonoscopy, which will not be covered by their plan since they chose the at-home test as their original screening choice. Thus, bypassing the at-home test and scheduling a colonoscopy is the best way to save time, money and prevent colon cancer.

If caught early, younger people have a 94 percent five-year survival rate.  For people with late stages of the disease, the survival rate can be as low as 20 percent. Early diagnosis, is the difference between life and death.

Colon Cancer Symptoms:

  • bloody stool or bleeding from the rectum
  • constipation, diarrhea or a change in bowel habits
  • dark sticky feces
  • feeling anemic
  • abdominal pain or cramps
  • nausea or vomiting
  • unexplained weight loss

Whether you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us and schedule a colonoscopy if you are aged 45 or older or meet any of the aforementioned risk factors.  It could mean the difference between life or death.

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5 Signs You Need to See a GI Doctor

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Everyone endures some stomach pain or trouble once in a while — but how do you know if it’s something that will pass, or if you should bring your concerns to a gastrointestinal specialist? Recurring pain is a telltale sign of something amiss…and sudden pain is a warning sign, too. So, don’t ignore your body telling you when things are wrong!

See a gastrointestinal doctor if:

1. Your abdomen hurts

Whether it’s a sudden, intense pain or gradual pain, upper and lower abdominal pain can signify a myriad of ailments, so it’s best to check with your GI doctor to determine the cause before things potentially get worse. Anything from appendicitis to colon cancer to inflammatory bowel disease can all present with abdominal pain.

2. Your bowel movements change

You may think it’s because of something you ate — and you may be right. But a change in bowel movements can signify a larger problem that needs to be treated. Any signs of bloody stool, diarrhea, gas, bloat, and constipation can be symptoms of your intestinal system having problems — and we can help determine why.

3. You have a family history or risk factors for colon cancer (or are 45+)

It’s there in the back of your mind, so let’s get a jump on taking preventive measures to screen you for colon cancer: Including scheduling your colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a virtually painless 30-minute procedure to look at your colon and see any potential growth, abnormalities or concerns — including pre-cancerous polyps, which can later be removed. Colon cancer is highly preventable, and regular colonoscopies can reduce the risk.

4. You have consistent heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD (Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease)

It’s just because you ate something spicy, or sour, or something, you tell yourself. But, really — WHY is your body reacting that way? It’s not normal, so your body is trying to tell you that something is wrong. GERD and that constant burning sensation you feel can damage your esophagus…which can eventually lead to difficulty swallowing.

5. You suspect lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, or Celiac disease

We all know that what we eat (or don’t eat) can impact our health and how we feel. Sometimes, our bodies can’t process things like lactose or gluten — which are in many foods (and even medicines and lip balm). And it’s difficult to conclusively determine that on our own without some testing to find out exactly what the issue is. In addition, Celiac disease can lead to malnutrition, and cause symptoms like seizures, infertility and more.

“As gastrointestinal specialists, we know that many of the symptoms our patients have are indicative of a treatable issue,” said Dr. Gehad Ghaith at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy Michigan. “There is no need to suffer in silence. We can help and you can live a happy, healthy life!”

Schedule now with Gastrointestinal Specialists, PC and Endoscopy Center

We’re ready to determine what’s wrong and help you feel better. You can request an appointment at Gastrointestinal Specialists, PC and Endoscopy Center today!

Low Carbohydrate, Plant-Based Diet Could Prevent Glaucoma

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A new study suggests a diet rich in plant-based fats and proteins and low in carbohydrates could reduce the risk for glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness.

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve and affects more than 60.5 million people globally. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of the disease and is associated with abnormally high eye pressure due to a reduced ability of the eye to regulate fluid drainage.

According to new research from the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing plant-based proteins and fats can lower the risk of POAG with early central vision loss by 20 percent.

Plant-Based Diet Helps Prevent POAG

Researchers analyzed data from more than 185,000 participants of three cohort studies between 1976 and 2017. The researchers hypothesized that substituting protein and fat for carbohydrates would help maintain optic nerve function.

The participants answered health-related questions and completed food frequency questionnaires every two to four years. The team looked for patterns in carbohydrate intake across plant-based and animal-based fats and proteins, as well as other sources.

Plant-based sources gave more favorable results in preventing POAG than animal-based sources for a low-carbohydrate diet.

Diet Cannot Reverse Glaucoma

Dr. Louis R. Pasquale, co-corresponding author and deputy chair for ophthalmology research for the Mount Sinai Health System, said, “It’s important to note that a low-carbohydrate diet won’t stop glaucoma progression if you already have it, but it may be a means to preventing glaucoma in high-risk groups. If more patients in these high-risk categories—including those with a family history of glaucoma—adhered to this diet, there might be fewer cases of vision loss.”

Dr. Pasquale asserts a low carbohydrate diet is therapeutic for many other conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. However, more research is necessary as this was the first study looking at how diet relates to POAG development, and it was an observational study and not a clinical trial.

What is Your Glaucoma Risk?

Did you know certain individuals are at increased risk for glaucoma? Here are some of the risk factors for glaucoma:

  • Family history of glaucoma
  • 45 years of age or older
  • History of elevated inner eye pressure
  • African American
  • Diabetes
  • Nearsighted
  • Farsighted
  • History of steroid use

Take a moment to complete the Glaucoma Risk Assessment to determine if you are at elevated risk for glaucoma.

Call Your Ophthalmologist for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

There is no cure for POAG, but your eye doctor can detect glaucoma early if you stay current with your annual comprehensive eye exams.

Glaucoma rarely presents symptoms in the early stages, so schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor to discuss your vision health. Make annual eye exams a part of your preventive care so you can enjoy clear vision for years to come.

In Many Cases, Hip Replacement Eases Back Pain

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A new study published in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests total hip replacement surgery could remedy hip pain as well as lower back pain.

Back Pain and Hip Pain in America

Back pain and hip pain are two of the most common complaints in adults. Back pain is the leading cause of disability and prevents millions of Americans from going to work and taking part in daily activities. According to the American Chiropractic Association, 31 million Americans experience lower back pain at any given time.

More than 450,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States. A hip replacement is a procedure in which a surgeon removes a worn-out, painful hip joint and replaces it with an artificial joint often made from plastic and metal components. Total hip replacement has an extremely high success rate, and 95 percent of patients report experiencing relief.

Total Hip Replacement May Have Additional Benefit

There may be a solution to solve hip pain and back pain simultaneously. A research team at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City analyzed 500 patients who had total hip replacement surgery and followed up with the patients the following year.

More than 40 percent of patients said they experienced lower back pain before their total hip replacement surgery. Within that group, 82 percent stated their lower back pain disappeared after surgery. In fact, the pain was “completely gone,” said Dr. Jonathan Vigdorchik, a hip and knee surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Dr. Vigdorchik found the highest success rates for eliminating hip and back pain were among patients whose spines were healthy and flexible. When a person’s spine is flexible, a weak or stiff hip can cause the spine to move more than usual, which can be painful. If the hip problem directly caused the back pain, the total hip replacement often solved both issues.

Patients whose spines had stiffened due to arthritis did not experience the same relief. Dr. Vigdorchik said since these patients already had arthritis of the spine, total hip replacement surgery was unlikely to alleviate back pain.

A thorough exam and a full panel of X-rays can be instrumental in helping physicians know whether back pain can be resolved with total hip replacement.

“Anytime [doctors are] looking at the hip, they should also look at the back, and anytime they’re looking at the knee, they should also look at the hip,” Vigdorchik said.

Make an Appointment with Your Orthopedist

Are you experiencing lower back pain in conjunction with hip pain? Call your orthopedist to make an appointment for a consultation and X-rays. A total hip replacement may provide relief for your back as well as your hip. You do not have to accept chronic pain as a way of life. One procedure could provide double benefits, so call today.

Middlesex Digestive Patients to Check In Via Clearwave Mobile App

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Middlesex Digestive is moving into the future with an online check in kiosk, which will help patients check in for their appointment from their mobile or tablet device.

This new system, Clearwave, will not only help our efforts with limiting person-to-person contact in our center during the COVID-19 pandemic but will also save patients time.

How it Works:

  • Step 1: Patient receives a text or email reminder in advance of their appointment, or a real-time text message if scheduled the same day.
  • Step 2: Patient completes the pre-check process and is informed about the virtual waiting room option.
  • Step 3: Our staff verifies patient information, reviews COVID-19 screening process and flags.
  • Step 4: Upon arrival to our parking lot, the patient calls or texts provided number to alert us or their arrival.
  • Step 5: Our staff checks the patient into Clearwave, which automatically checks patient in to the system. Staff updates the patient status when the doctor is ready.
  • Step 6: Real-time text is sent to the patient alerting them that it is time to come inside, and the appointment occurs.

We are confident our new check-in system will delight our patients.  To read more about Clearwave, please visit clearwaveinc.com.  If you have any questions, please call us at (978) 226-1351.

Reschedule Your Orthopedic Procedure Delayed by COVID-19

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If your surgery center had to cancel your total knee or total hip replacement surgery due to COVID-19, you should reschedule it as soon as possible.

Almost 84 percent of elective orthopedic procedures in the U.S. have been delayed or canceled because of coronavirus. However, most surgery centers are performing procedures at this time. Did the pandemic affect your hip, knee or shoulder replacement or spinal fusion? These next few weeks could be the perfect opportunity to schedule your procedure.

Will My Surgery Center Close Again?

There are many uncertainties related to COVID-19, and it is impossible to predict the course the virus will take. Because surgery centers are open now, you should call today to schedule your procedure. Delaying that call could mean you may have to wait much longer.

How Can I Reach My Doctor?

Your surgery center may be seeing fewer patients, but you can still contact the office to leave a message for your surgeon. If you have a routine orthopedic problem, you may call the office and speak to a nurse. Some surgeons may offer telehealth, where you can talk to your physician virtually and describe your symptoms.

What Can I Do While I am Waiting for Surgery?

If you are waiting for total joint replacement surgery for your knee, hip or shoulder, you can try some of these treatments at home:

  1. Alter your activities to avoid putting stress or strain on the affected joint.
  2. Limit climbing stairs, walking long distances or lifting heavy objects.
  3. Apply heat or ice to the joint.
  4. Take anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain.
  5. Try to do light exercise to preserve movement in the affected joint.
  6. Talk to your doctor about getting an injection of corticosteroid into the sore joint to control pain until you can reschedule your procedure.

Call your doctor today about rescheduling your total joint replacement surgery or orthopedic procedure. You will benefit from increased mobility and better quality of life, so do not delay in contacting your surgery center.

Eye Exams and Procedures Delayed by COVID-19 Could Result in Vision Loss

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If you had to cancel your eye procedure or eye exam due to COVID-19, you should reschedule your appointment as soon as possible. Delaying annual eye exams can result in later diagnoses of glaucoma, which causes blindness, and cataracts, which can be easily treated by undergoing cataract surgery.

A recent U.S. study revealed that during the initial months of the pandemic, of all medical service lines, ophthalmology had the greatest patient volume loss. In an analysis of more than 2 million patient visits and encounters from 228 hospitals in 40 states, the study, released by Strata Decision Technology, showed ophthalmology lost 81 percent of patient volume year-over-year when comparing two-week volumes in March and April 2020 versus the same period in 2019.

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. About 3.6 million cataract surgeries take place annually. The study found cataract surgery volume decreased by 97 percent, the largest reduction of any surgical procedure. Glaucoma procedures dropped by 88 percent for inpatient and outpatient procedures.

Many Americans have also had their comprehensive eye exams canceled in the past several months. If you missed an eye exam and have had to reschedule, it is important to keep the rescheduled appointment. Millions of patients will be calling to make appointments for comprehensive eye exams this month, so it will only get more difficult to see your eye doctor.

What Can I Do While I am Waiting for Surgery?

If you are waiting for your eye procedure to be rescheduled, you may have to ask for help from family members and friends, while taking precautions to protect against COVID-19. It is easier for loved ones to help you if you provide them with specific requests. You may want to ask people to help you with:

  • Shopping
  • House cleaning
  • Lawn and yard care
  • Driving you to and from your eye appointments and doctor appointments

Call your eye doctor today to reschedule your eye procedure or eye exam.