Take a Google 360 Virtual Tour of River Drive Surgery & Laser Center

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Step inside the River Drive Surgery & Laser Center and explore our state-of-the-art facility from the comfort of your home with our new 360° virtual tour. Renowned for our commitment to high-quality healthcare, we take pride in maintaining a welcoming and serene environment that ensures our patients’ peace of mind.

Take the Google 360 Tour

Get a closer look at the exceptional care we provide with our interactive 360° tour, captured by a certified Google photographer. Journey through our inviting reception area, advanced procedure rooms, and peaceful recovery spaces—all designed with patient comfort as a top priority. At River Drive Surgery & Laser Center, transparency is key. We believe that by offering a full view of our facility, you can feel confident and at ease even before stepping through our doors. This virtual tour aims to reduce any pre-visit worries and build trust by showcasing our commitment to patient care.

Why Choose the River Drive Surgery & Laser Center?

  • Welcoming and Comfortable Environment: Our facility is meticulously maintained to provide a clean, comfortable space that enhances your experience from the moment you arrive.
  • Personalized, Compassionate Care: We prioritize patient-centered care, tailoring each treatment to your unique needs while making you feel valued and cared for.
  • Get Familiar Before You Visit: Our virtual tour and photo gallery allow you to see our center in advance, helping you feel more confident and informed about your upcoming visit.

At River Drive Surgery & Laser Center, we combine leading-edge medical care with a peaceful, comfortable atmosphere, ensuring a positive experience at every stage. Take the tour today and see firsthand how we are dedicated to supporting your well-being.

Take a Google 360 Virtual Tour of Main Line Endoscopy Center – Broomall

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Step inside the Main Line Endoscopy Center – Broomall and explore our state-of-the-art facility from the comfort of your home with our new 360° virtual tour. Renowned for our commitment to high-quality healthcare, we take pride in maintaining a welcoming and serene environment that ensures our patients’ peace of mind.

Take the Google 360 Tour

Get a closer look at the exceptional care we provide with our interactive 360° tour, captured by a certified Google photographer. Journey through our inviting reception area, advanced procedure rooms, and peaceful recovery spaces—all designed with patient comfort as a top priority. At Main Line Endoscopy Center – Broomall, transparency is key. We believe that by offering a full view of our facility, you can feel confident and at ease even before stepping through our doors. This virtual tour aims to reduce any pre-visit worries and build trust by showcasing our commitment to patient care.

Why Choose the Main Line Endoscopy Center – Broomall?

  • Welcoming and Comfortable Environment: Our facility is meticulously maintained to provide a clean, comfortable space that enhances your experience from the moment you arrive.
  • Personalized, Compassionate Care: We prioritize patient-centered care, tailoring each treatment to your unique needs while making you feel valued and cared for.
  • Get Familiar Before You Visit: Our virtual tour and photo gallery allow you to see our center in advance, helping you feel more confident and informed about your upcoming visit.

At Main Line Endoscopy Center – Broomall, we combine leading-edge medical care with a peaceful, comfortable atmosphere, ensuring a positive experience at every stage. Take the tour today and see firsthand how we are dedicated to supporting your well-being.

Exclusive Interview with Dr. Ritu Nahar: Leading Gastroenterologist on ITV Gold

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In a recent episode of Face to Face, ITV Gold sits down with Dr. Ritu Nahar, an esteemed gastroenterologist, for a candid conversation about digestive health, the latest in gastroenterology, and her approach to patient care. Dr. Nahar shares valuable insights into the importance of gut health and practical advice for maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Dr. Nahar!

Thanksgiving Fitness Activities Can Boost Joint Health

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Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday have something in common. They are the two days that Americans consume the most calories. Overeating on holidays can lead to weight gain, which puts additional stress on knee, hip and ankle joints. Incorporating exercise into Thanksgiving Day can improve your energy levels, prevent overeating, reduce joint pain and create healthy habits for the New Year.

Say “No” to the Turkey Day Nap!

A survey of 2,000 Americans found that almost 60 percent took a nap on Thanksgiving. That’s no surprise because turkey contains considerable amounts of tryptophan, an amino acid that produces melatonin and serotonin, which affects mood and sleep.

Instead of snoozing on the couch after your big meal, make a commitment to get active. Going outside and getting exercise will help you work off some of those Thanksgiving calories, and you’ll feel energized instead of groggy.

One of the best activities on Thanksgiving is to take a family walk. You can spend quality time with your relatives while strengthening your heart and joints.

“A walk around the neighborhood can be especially beneficial after the Thanksgiving meal to help with digestion and improve blood sugar levels,” said Stequita Jackson, MD, MS, a primary care physician at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Exercising Before the Meal Could Help Manage Your Appetite

Exercise doesn’t have to be isolated to a post-meal activity. You can choose to exercise before your holiday meal as well. Physical activity can curb hunger, so a game of pickleball or a community 5k can prevent you from overindulging.

“If you’re ravenous when the main event begins, you’re even more likely to overeat,” said Amy Keating, RD, a nutritionist at Consumer Reports. “And keep in mind that eating an extra few hundred calories on this festive day is okay as long as you resume a healthful diet the next day.”

If you plan and prep most of the Thanksgiving meal beforehand, you can maintain your regular daily schedule. There’s no reason you can’t work out at the gym on Thanksgiving morning or take your usual bike ride.

While many believe that fasting before a major celebration will reduce calorie intake, it frequently leads to increased consumption instead. Eating a sensible breakfast will keep you from being ravenous during the family meal.

Managing Your Weight Can Reduce Joint Pain

According to Consumer Reports, the average person eats between 3,000 and 4,000 calories during a Thanksgiving celebration. Most people should consume between 1,600 and 2,800 calories per day, so Thanksgiving dinner far exceeds the recommended calorie allowance.

“Be mindful of how much you serve yourself,” Keating said. “If you double or triple your portions — which is easy to do — you could consume a sky-high number of calories.”

Every pound of additional body weight places four pounds of additional pressure on your knees. The opposite is also true. Losing 10 pounds removes 40 pounds of pressure from your knees. This is especially important if you suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or any other type of arthritis that causes wear and tear on your joints.

Losing weight can also reduce joint inflammation, ease pain and reduce cartilage deterioration around the joints.

Don’t Wait Until Jan. 1 To Start Your New Year’s Resolution

It may be tempting to ditch the exercise routine and diet until the New Year, but why wait? You can get a head start on healthy habits by maintaining your fitness and eating moderately during the holidays.

You may need to add some variety to your workouts. Adults need a minimum of 150 minutes of moderately intense physical activity per week, but that can be any activity that increases your heart rate. You can choose from the following:

  • Walking
  • Racquet sports
  • Cycling
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Hiking
  • Water aerobics

You should also do strength training exercises twice per week, and older adults should incorporate exercises to increase balance and flexibility.

Losing balance causes falls, and falls are a leading cause of hip fractures, broken bones and head injuries. Each year, emergency departments treat about three million cases of older people falling, and one-third require hospitalization.

 Make an Appointment with Your Orthopedist

If you have experienced joint damage or are living with chronic joint pain and inflammation, it may be time to visit your orthopedist. Whether you feel the throb of hip bursitis or you feel stiffness in your rotator cuff, we can help.

You may need something minor, like a heating pad or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It’s possible you need physical therapy or a cortisone shot to get relief, or you might require surgery. Your doctor will thoroughly review your symptoms and medical history before giving a recommendation. Call today to make an appointment before the end of the year. Once you’ve reached your healthcare deductible, your treatment could be included.

Get active this Thanksgiving, and make exercising a long-term habit in the New Year.

Lower CRC Risk with Healthy Eating This Thanksgiving

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Healthy food substitutions on your Thanksgiving table can lower your risk for reflux and GERD as well as help prevent colon and rectal cancer.

Thanksgiving Follows GERD Awareness Week

Do your favorite holiday foods often cause you heartburn and indigestion? Approximately 20 percent of Americans have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a chronic condition where your stomach’s contents flow back into your esophagus.

Common symptoms of GERD include a painful burning in the chest, regurgitation, nausea, problems swallowing, chronic cough and hoarseness.

GERD Awareness Week takes place Nov. 17-23. Overindulgence in rich foods can cause bloating and reflux. However, some people experience GERD symptoms when they are eating normally.

Untreated GERD can lead to long-term complications such as the following:

  • Narrowing of the esophagus
  • Damage to the esophagus
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Breathing problems

Some of the same foods that aggravate GERD can also increase the risk of colorectal cancer. This Thanksgiving, you can make healthy changes to your holiday menu and lower your risk for GERD and colon cancer.

Move Over, Turkey. Salmon Is a Healthier Protein Choice

Lean turkey is high in protein, but adding gravy and stuffing can increase your intake of saturated fats. A high-fat diet can alter your gut bacteria, cause inflammation and increase your risk for cancer of the rectum or colon.

It might sound odd to substitute salmon for poultry on your Thanksgiving table, but your colon will thank you for it! Wild-caught salmon contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation.

If your Thanksgiving happiness depends on serving turkey, consider purchasing an organic, free-range turkey from a local farm.

Make Your Own Salad Dressing

Making your own salad dressing is easier and healthier than you think! Store-bought salad dressings contain added sugar, low-quality oils and emulsifiers that may irritate your gut lining. You can make salad dressing at home using extra virgin olive oil, an acid like citrus juice or balsamic vinegar, crushed garlic, Dijon mustard and seasonings.

You can also substitute the Dijon mustard for tahini, a sesame seed paste. The quality of your spices makes a difference, so buy sea salt and whole peppercorns for the best flavor. Adding fresh herbs can also add pizzazz to your dressing, so feel free to experiment.

Choose Cruciferous Vegetables for Side Dishes

Popular side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner include green bean casserole, brown sugar carrots and candied sweet potatoes. Although they’re tasty, they may aggravate your digestive symptoms.

Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, kale, radish, turnip and cauliflower contain bioactive chemicals that reduce cancer incidence, especially colon cancer. These vegetables are like natural medicines, containing two to five grams of fiber per cup. Fiber feeds the healthy bacteria in the gut and helps prevent constipation.

Instead of using butter to season cruciferous vegetables, try steaming them and adding a drizzle of olive oil.

Add Whole Grains to Your Meal

White rolls and stuffing made with white bread are two main staples of the Thanksgiving table, but they are nutrient-poor. How about slicing a loaf of 12-grain bread and using that same loaf to make stuffing or croutons for your salad?

You could even make a quinoa and wild rice stuffing for added fiber, protein and vitamins.

Swap Sweet Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes

We’ve all salivated over creamy mashed potatoes with cream cheese, sour cream and butter, but heartburn often follows. Sweet potatoes contain high amounts of fiber, carotenoids and vitamin A. They also have a lower glycemic index, which means they won’t make your blood sugar spike like a white potato.

Sweet potatoes have endless possibilities. You can bake them and serve them with olive oil and salt and pepper, or you can roast them with other winter root vegetables.

Serve Fresh Fruit Instead of Pie

Perhaps you think Thanksgiving requires pumpkin pie, but you might be more satisfied with fresh fruit for dessert. When nutritious food fills your stomach, you won’t want to end the meal with heartburn from eating rich pecan pie or apple cobbler.

Fruit can have distinct healing properties. Try these colorful fruits on your holiday dessert platter:

  • Antioxidant — pomegranates, red grapes and figs
  • Anti-inflammatory — blueberries, pineapples and cherries
  • Detoxifying — watermelon and Goji berries
  • Immune boosting — strawberries, kiwis and grapefruit

Don’t Wait Until Jan. 1 to Begin Healthy Eating

You can get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions by eating healthier today. If you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner, make healthy substitutions. Your guests will be grateful that you are keeping their health in mind.

If you are a guest this year at someone else’s table, offer to make a few nutrient-dense dishes to contribute to the meal.

“When people think about ‘going on a diet,’ they really should be thinking about what they want to accomplish with their eating habits, like losing weight, reducing cholesterol levels or adjusting what they eat for chronic conditions, then changing [their] current eating habits to meet those goals,” said Luis Rustveld, PhD, RD, LD, an assistant professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Call Your GI Center to Schedule a Colon Cancer Screening

Healthy eating cannot substitute for colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Because young-onset colon cancer is on the rise, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended age for colon cancer screening to 45 in asymptomatic patients at average risk.

You have many choices when it comes to colon and rectal cancer screening. Doctors recognize colonoscopy as the most effective screening test for colon cancer because it can detect and treat in the same procedure. Other colon cancer screening tests can detect cancer, but colonoscopy can remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer.

Stay Healthy and Cancer-Free

Call your gastroenterologist and make an appointment for a colon cancer screening. If you have relatives who have had colorectal cancer or are at an increased risk for colon cancer, consider undergoing screening prior to age 45.

Colon cancer is highly treatable when a doctor detects it at an early stage, so don’t delay in scheduling your preventive care.

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Nourish Your Eyes With Vitamin-rich Veggies on Thanksgiving

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When you are shopping for your Thanksgiving meal, remind yourself to “eat the rainbow.” Certain fruits and vegetables can help maintain eye health and reduce the risk of eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

How Do Phytonutrients Benefit Your Body?

Plants get their color from pigments called phytonutrients. Also known as phytochemicals or antioxidants, phytonutrients can help protect the body from damage and disease.

“In general, most Americans can and should get enough nutrients through their diet without needing to take supplements,” Rebecca Taylor, MD, an ophthalmologist in Nashville, Tennessee.

Plants of specific colors have higher levels of vitamins, minerals and health benefits. More than 10,000 types of phytonutrients exist, but examples include the following:

  • Carotenoids
  • Flavonoids
  • Phytoestrogens
  • Glucosinolates

Think Carrots When You Want to Consume Carotenoids

Carrots are a primary source of carotenoids, the phytonutrient that gives carrots their orange or yellow hue. Carotenoids are antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, harmful chemicals that damage the body’s DNA.

Although the carrot is a staple of the western diet, the orange variety of carrot was not common in Europe until the 15th century. Packed with vitamins A, B, K and potassium, carrots strengthen the immune system, lungs, heart and eyes. Yellow carrots are just as nutritious as orange because they provide lutein, which supports eye and brain health.

Although carrots won’t make your eyesight stronger, vitamin A can help your night vision. Vitamin A deficiency causes thousands of cases of night blindness every year, so indulge in carrots to preserve your night vision.

Carrots are one of the few foods that may have more nutritional benefits when cooked. Increasing the temperature of carrots boosts carotenoid levels, meaning you can steam, roast or braise carrots for maximum nutritional benefit. You can still put raw carrots on your crudités platter as an appetizer, but you need to pair them with a fat source to properly absorb the nutrients. Add hummus or low-fat ranch dip and your eyes will thank you.

Other reliable sources of carotenoids include bell peppers, tomatoes, yams and cantaloupe. A sweet potato contains more than 200 percent of the daily recommended vitamin A!

Vitamin C Helps You “See” More Clearly

Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that repairs and regenerates cells. Because the concentration of vitamin C decreases with age, a healthy diet can help maintain sufficient levels of this powerful phytonutrient.

Your body cannot store vitamin C, so you must obtain it through foods. Vitamin C supports many bodily processes like wound healing, heart health, neurotransmitter production, immune function and collagen synthesis.

Fruits and vegetables with vitamin C prevent oxidative damage that causes nuclear and cortical cataracts. Nuclear cataracts form in the center of the lens, and cortical cataracts develop around the edges of the lens.

Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss in the United States. About one in six Americans older than 40 has a cataract. Half of all Americans will develop cataracts by age 75. Unlike many other eye diseases, cataract-related vision loss is reversible with cataract surgery. Both safe and effective, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed today and has restored clear vision to millions of people.

Shop with a purpose this year for Thanksgiving, and purchase foods that contain high amounts of vitamin C. The kakadu plum contains more vitamin C than any other food, with 2,907 mg. A single plum delivers almost 500 percent of the daily value of vitamin C. Other excellent sources of vitamin C are rose hips, chili peppers, guavas, sweet yellow peppers, black currents, parsley, kale and kiwi fruit.

There’s Nothing Fishy About Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are located in the membranes of cells. The body cannot synthesize them, so they must come from foods. Sufficient levels of omega-3s can improve visual acuity and delay the progression of retinal disease.

Your eyes will benefit most from a diet high in the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA. Eating cold-water fish like tuna, salmon, sardines, trout and halibut can lower your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, as well as eye floaters.

Dry eye is a condition that becomes more common as we age. Without proper lubrication, the eyes can feel scratchy and irritable. Sun exposure, tobacco smoke or allergy medications can also contribute to dry eye.

Eating a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can help with the symptoms of dry eye. Although you can take fish oil supplements, they will not be as effective as food to provide the omega-3s your body needs.

Why not consider substituting salmon for turkey this year? Cold-water fish is healthier for your heart and your eyes, and you won’t feel as heavy and tired after the meal. You may find you want to make this a permanent substitution if it benefits your vision.

Eat the Rainbow for Your Thanksgiving Meal

You can follow this general guideline when shopping for colorful vegetables and fruits:

  • Red — Produce with red pigment is anti-inflammatory, and it can reduce your risk of cancers and heart disease. It can also prevent skin damage from the sun’s UV rays.
  • Orange and yellow — Fruits and vegetables in orange and yellow hues contain antioxidants that support eye health.
  • Green — Green vegetables reduce inflammation. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts lower the risk of cancer and heart disease.
  • Blue and purple — Fruits and vegetables containing blue and indigo pigments can improve brain function and lower your risk of neurological problems, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.

Annual Eye Care Benefits Your Overall Health

Have you had a comprehensive eye exam this year? A yearly eye exam is essential for preventive care and lifelong health. Research suggests that early detection and intervention could prevent half of all vision impairments.

Age is the greatest risk factor for cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration, especially in adults older than 60.

If you suffer from a long-term health issue such as diabetes, it’s important to discuss with your eye specialist the frequency of your eye screenings. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing eye disease.

In this season of thanks, be grateful for your eye health and take the steps to preserve your vision. Call today to make an appointment for an eye exam with dilation.

Job Opening: Center Administrator

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We’re hiring a Center Administrator for our Endoscopy Center in Panama City!
Key Responsibilities:
  • Oversee daily operations and staff management
  • Ensure compliance with regulations
  • Enhance patient care and satisfaction
Qualifications:
  • BSN or Associate in Science of Nursing with experience
  • Active RN license required
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
Apply Now! Send your resume to Laura Smith at LSmith@amsurg.com or call 727.742.7317.
Join us in providing exceptional care!

Raleigh Endoscopy Center, Johnston Endoscopy Center Donate to Hurricane Helene Victims

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In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Raleigh Endoscopy Center and Johnston Endoscopy Center stepped forward to support impacted communities in West North Carolina. Rallying together, the center’s locations collected and donated essential items, including baby supplies, pet food, cleaning products, and other necessities for those affected by the storm.

The donations were gathered through staff and community efforts, with items ranging from diapers, wipes, baby formula, and bottled water to pet food, plastic utensils, trash bags, gloves, and an assortment of non-perishable goods.

“Our team’s response to this crisis really demonstrates how much we care for our community, and not just the patients who walk through our doors,” said Michael Miller, administrator at Raleigh Endoscopy Center and Johnston Endoscopy Center. “Our hope was that these supplies provided a bit of comfort and relief to those who are struggling to rebuild.”

The centers expressed their gratitude for the community’s generosity and emphasized their commitment to helping families and individuals recover from this natural disaster. The centers offer outpatient endoscopic facilities specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. Serving the greater Triangle area with three convenient locations in Raleigh, North Raleigh, and Cary, the gastroenterology team frequently sees patients for colorectal cancer screening and issues related to the digestive tract. Johnston Endoscopy Center is part of a collaborative partnership between UNC REX Healthcare and Raleigh Endoscopy Centers. From the waiting room to the recovery room, Raleigh Endoscopy Centers aim to ensure that patients and their families feel at ease during every visit.

Take a Google 360 Virtual Tour of The Endo Center at Voorhees

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Step inside the Endo Center at Voorhees and explore our state-of-the-art facility from the comfort of your home with our new 360° virtual tour. Renowned for our commitment to high-quality healthcare, we take pride in maintaining a welcoming and serene environment that ensures our patients’ peace of mind.

Take the Google 360 Tour

Get a closer look at the exceptional care we provide with our interactive 360° tour, captured by a certified Google photographer. Journey through our inviting reception area, advanced procedure rooms, and peaceful recovery spaces—all designed with patient comfort as a top priority. At the Endo Center at Voorhees, transparency is key. We believe that by offering a full view of our facility, you can feel confident and at ease even before stepping through our doors. This virtual tour aims to reduce any pre-visit worries and build trust by showcasing our commitment to patient care.

Why Choose the Endo Center at Voorhees?

  • Welcoming and Comfortable Environment: Our facility is meticulously maintained to provide a clean, comfortable space that enhances your experience from the moment you arrive.
  • Personalized, Compassionate Care: We prioritize patient-centered care, tailoring each treatment to your unique needs while making you feel valued and cared for.
  • Get Familiar Before You Visit: Our virtual tour and photo gallery allow you to see our center in advance, helping you feel more confident and informed about your upcoming visit.

At the Endo Center at Voorhees, we combine leading-edge medical care with a peaceful, comfortable atmosphere, ensuring a positive experience at every stage. Take the tour today and see firsthand how we are dedicated to supporting your well-being.

Take a Google 360 Virtual Tour of Springfield Ambulatory Surgery Center

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Step inside the Springfield Ambulatory Surgery Center and explore our state-of-the-art facility from the comfort of your home with our new 360° virtual tour. Renowned for our commitment to high-quality healthcare, we take pride in maintaining a welcoming and serene environment that ensures our patients’ peace of mind.

Take the Google 360 Tour

Get a closer look at the exceptional care we provide with our interactive 360° tour, captured by a certified Google photographer. Journey through our inviting reception area, advanced procedure rooms, and peaceful recovery spaces—all designed with patient comfort as a top priority. At Springfield Ambulatory Surgery Center transparency is key. We believe that by offering a full view of our facility, you can feel confident and at ease even before stepping through our doors. This virtual tour aims to reduce any pre-visit worries and build trust by showcasing our commitment to patient care.

Why Choose Springfield Ambulatory Surgery Center?

  • Welcoming and Comfortable Environment: Our facility is meticulously maintained to provide a clean, comfortable space that enhances your experience from the moment you arrive.
  • Personalized, Compassionate Care: We prioritize patient-centered care, tailoring each treatment to your unique needs while making you feel valued and cared for.
  • Get Familiar Before You Visit: Our virtual tour and photo gallery allow you to see our center in advance, helping you feel more confident and informed about your upcoming visit.

At Springfield Ambulatory Surgery Center, we combine leading-edge medical care with a peaceful, comfortable atmosphere, ensuring a positive experience at every stage. Take the tour today and see firsthand how we are dedicated to supporting your well-being.