Coronavirus May Alter Depth Perception and Eyesight

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Loss of taste and smell are common complaints of COVID-19, but these are not the only complications. Because the virus deprives organs of the oxygen they need, people can experience vision changes.

Research shows that about 10 percent of people who contracted COVID-19 developed symptoms of the eyes or ears, which were the most persistent symptoms of the illness. A new study published in Nature Communications explores whether the COVID-19 virus may affect the vision and depth perception of people who have contracted the virus.

COVID can infect through the eyes

The study was co-led by Griffith University’s Menzies Health Institute and South Korea’s Center for Convergent Research for Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology.

Using animal models, the research team found the eyes and specific nerves attached to the brain are susceptible to the virus, and SARS-CoV-2 can infect the eye through the respiratory tract by way of the brain.

Principal Research Leader and co-lead author Suresh Mahalingam said the COVID-19 virus could cause the retina to get thicker by:

  • Accumulation of fluid
  • Optic nerve inflammation
  • Immune cell infiltration

“The virus can infect the eye through nerve tissues at the back of the eye that play a role in the visual aspects of the eye and sending signals for visual purposes,” said Professor Mahalingam.

Griffith University Ph.D. student Ng Weng Hann said much research has been done on the lungs and nasal region but not so much on the eye.

“We found the virus can indeed infect the eye through a normal intranasal approach, but also if droplets of the virus make direct contact with the eye,” he said.

An inflamed retina can cause blurred vision and a reduction in depth perception. Fortunately, blurred vision does not indicate vision damage; it seems to be only a symptom that is likely temporary.

Visit your eye doctor if you experience these eye symptoms

You should make an appointment with your ophthalmologist if you experience symptoms such as the following:

  • Headaches
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Reading challenges
  • Blurry vision
  • Poor depth perception

Annual comprehensive eye exams prevent eye disease

Preventing eye disease is always more manageable and less expensive than treatment. Because eye diseases develop slowly, they often don’t have warning signs in the early stages.

An annual comprehensive eye exam with dilation can help prevent eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration. These conditions can permanently affect your vision if you do not seek treatment. Your ophthalmologist can also recommend treatment for dry eye, diabetic retinopathy and droopy eyelids..

How long has it been since your last eye exam? Call today to make an appointment.

Are You Aware Alcohol Increases Your Risk for Colon Cancer?

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A new study finds that many Americans are unaware that alcoholic beverages increase the risk for several types of cancer, including colon cancer.

Alcohol is a well-established carcinogen that increases cancer risk and cancer recurrence. Alcohol use can increase the risk for mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, breast and colon cancer. Even someone who drinks only one alcoholic beverage daily displays an elevated risk for cancer, and the risk increases as a person consumes more alcohol over time.

According to Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, many adults are unaware that alcohol influences cancer risk. In fact, many Americans believe wine and even liquor have health benefits.

“Alcohol is a leading modifiable risk factor for cancer in the United States, and previous research has shown that most Americans don’t know this,” said the study’s lead author, Andrew Seidenberg, PhD, MPH, who conducted the study during a fellowship at the National Cancer Institute.

According to Dr. Seidenberg, alcohol contributed to more than 75,000 cases of cancer and 19,000 cancer deaths per year between 2013 and 2016.

Americans lack awareness of alcohol’s link to cancer

Dr. Seidenberg and his research team analyzed survey responses from a 2020 study of almost 4,000 adults. Participants answered the following question: “In your opinion, how much does drinking the following types of alcohol affect the risk for getting cancer?” The study recorded responses for beer, wine and liquor.

Some of the findings included the following:

  • Less than half of Americans are aware that alcohol affects cancer risk.
  • 2 percent of Americans were aware that liquor increased cancer risk, followed by beer (24.9 percent) and then wine (20.3 percent).
  • Ten percent of American adults thought wine decreased cancer risk, while 2.2 percent thought beer reduced cancer risk, and 1.7 percent thought liquor reduced cancer risk.

The study found older adults had lower awareness than younger adults that alcohol use can cause cancer. Dr. Seidenberg believes this disparity may be due to long-standing drinking habits in the older generation.

Alcohol puts you at risk for colon or rectal cancer

While some claim resveratrol (a plant compound found in grapes) has health benefits, researchers have no evidence that consuming red wine can decrease colon cancer risk. Many studies have analyzed whether stopping alcohol use can lower cancer risk, but research shows it may take years for cancer risk to decline.

Moderate to heavy drinkers increase their colon cancer risk 1.2- to 1.5-fold compared to non-drinkers. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest men drink no more than two drinks per day and women drink no more than one drink per day. However, it is best for your health to only drink on special occasions.

Prevent colon cancer with routine colonoscopy

Colon cancer is one of the only preventable cancers because screening can be diagnostic and therapeutic. Colonoscopy is the best colon cancer method because your doctor can view the entire colon and remove abnormal tissue, called polyps, during the exam. If left intact, polyps may develop into cancer. Thus, you can prevent colon cancer by getting screened.

Are you current with your colon cancer screening? The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests adults at average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age 45, but those with a family or personal history of colon polyps or cancer should get screened earlier. You may also require evaluation for possible colon cancer if you have digestive symptoms. Call your gastroenterologist and make an appointment for a colonoscopy.

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The Best (Simple and Tasty) Ways to Sneak Fiber into your Diet

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You know you need fiber in your diet to keep things running smoothly…But what if you can’t stomach the idea of forcing down some bland bran muffins? Good news: You don’t have to eat bran muffins. Adding fiber to your diet is tasty and not boring — when you know how to sneak it in!

Fiber-fortified foods are a good way to get more fiber, but they aren’t the most ideal way to add fiber because your body wants the actual foods filled with fiber. And if you have IBD or other digestive concerns, fiber may affect you differently so talk to your doctor.)

Check out these simple and tasty ways to add in more fiber to your daily food intake:

Popcorn

You want a crunchy snack at night, or even midday while working. Instead of grabbing some chips, have some popcorn! It’s full of fiber and satisfying for your snack tooth. (Just refrain from dousing it with salt and butter to keep it healthy!)

Chia Seeds

You’ve heard of them, but not sure how to use them, right? They’re packed with fiber and go well adding them to your cereal or oatmeal, tossing in a smoothie, or in your muffins and cookies (they can even sometimes be substituted for eggs in those recipes!).

Apples

An apple a day does help keep the doctor away! Bored with snacking on an entire apple? Top your salad with them, or make a chicken and cheese quesadilla with slices of apples in it! Make your own baked cinnamon apple slices to snack on, or just cut them up to snack on while you’re making dinner. Bonus: Keep the skin on when you can for more nutrients!

Nuts

Sure, snacking on a handful or two of nuts throughout the day is simple and tasty — but try tossing some into a stir fry for dinner, or get in the habit of throwing them on your salad.

Veggies

Eating your vegetables doesn’t have to be boring: Grill high-fiber vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, artichokes and red potatoes and brush them with seasonings for a fun twist on getting your veggies in (and keep their skins on!).

Smoothies

Get your daily servings of fruit AND your fiber in by tossing a bunch of fruits (and chia seeds) into a morning smoothie to get you going — or at midday for a healthy boost.

Flaxseed

The next time you see flaxseed when you’re grocery shopping, grab some: And simply add some into your next sandwich spread or stir it into your yogurt for a fiber punch without bland flavor.

Whole Grain Foods

Whenever possible, swap out processed white flour foods for whole grain ones…like noodles, breads, and rice. Their fiber helps you feel full more quickly, and for longer. And the fiber helps your digestive system. (Find out 5 Easy Ways to Swap out Processed Foods for a Healthier Gut)

Talk to your GI Doctor

Always remember to talk to your doctor before changing your diet. Got questions? Contact Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. and we’ll help you with all your digestive health! (Check out these other ways to promote better digestive health besides eating more fiber.)

Exercise More in the New Year But Protect Your Joints

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Welcome to a new year! This is a perfect time to evaluate your physical activity and resolve to make some changes in your workout plan. Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining strength, balance and flexibility in older age and can help you remain independent.

Get Your Body Moving Every Day

Exercise is not just for the young. In fact, you may experience more benefits by staying active in later life. Physical activity can help delay or prevent chronic conditions like stroke, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer.

Most experts recommend that older adults do various exercises that incorporate strength, balance, endurance and flexibility. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should have 150 minutes of moderately intense physical activity per week and two days of muscle strengthening.

Adults With Arthritis Need Joint-friendly Activities

No one wants to do exercises that cause pain. If you have arthritis, you need to find low-impact activities that will be gentle on your joints. Try to do exercises that do not cause pain higher than a five on a scale of 1 to 10. Some exercises will get easier as you become more accustomed to them, but you should stop if they cause inflammation or joint pain.

Here are some examples of low-impact activities that will help you stay fit and maintain independence:

  • Swimming — Known as the “no impact” workout, swimming is ideal for all age groups. Adults with arthritis and back pain can swim without straining their muscles and joints.
  • Walking — Experts agree that walking may be the best activity for older adults. Daily walking can help prevent chronic conditions and help people lose weight. Walking can also improve mental health, so get outside and walk daily.
  • Yoga — Combining balance, flexibility and strength, yoga focuses on coordination and stabilizing the core. Improving stability can prevent falls and fractures in older age.
  • Strength training — Whether you use dumbbells, resistance bands or just your body weight, strength training is essential for maintaining and building muscle mass.

Physical Activity Reduces the Risk of Hip Fractures

Hip fractures can be a disabling or even fatal injury for older adults. More than 300,000 Americans over 65 are hospitalized for hip fractures every year. More than 95 percent of hip fractures occur when people fall, and women are three times more likely to fracture a hip than men.

Hip fracture risk increases with age, but you can lower your risk by exercising regularly. For example, one study found that active adults can reduce their risk of hip fracture by 20-60 percent compared to inactive adults.

Make an Appointment With Your Orthopedist

One of the keys to overall health is to move more and sit less. You know your body better than anyone else. If you have chronic joint pain, it may be time to visit an orthopedist.

Your orthopedist can help you select activities that are safe and enjoyable for you. If you have a variety of fun exercises, you are more likely to do them regularly. An active lifestyle will help you remain independent and self-sufficient for years to come.

People Who Sleep Poorly May Have Higher Glaucoma Risk

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New research suggests people who sleep poorly could be more susceptible to glaucoma and permanent vision loss.

January Is Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma is a family of diseases that damage the optic nerve and can cause irreversible vision loss. The optic nerve is located in the back of the eye and transmits information to the brain. Elevated intraocular (inner eye) pressure creates stress on the optic nerve, and if it is damaged, vision loss occurs.

More than three million Americans have glaucoma; by 2030, the National Eye Institute expects that number to reach 4.2 million.

Glaucoma often has no warning signs in the early stages, and a comprehensive eye exam is the only way to detect glaucoma. Because it develops without notice, glaucoma is called the “sneak thief of sight.” If left untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible sight loss.

Sleep Quality and Glaucoma Risk

Snoring, daytime sleepiness or sleeping too much or too little can increase the risk for glaucoma, according to a study by UK Biobank. A research team analyzed data from 409,053 participants between the ages of 40 and 69 who provided information about their sleep.

All three of these factors influenced glaucoma risk (Medical Xpress):

  • Those who slept too long (more than nine hours) or too short (less than seven hours) had an 8 percent increased risk for glaucoma.
  • Snorers had a 12 percent increased risk.
  • Those with frequent daytime sleepiness had a 20 percent increased risk for glaucoma.

Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery With Cataract Surgery

Although there is no cure for glaucoma, early treatment can prevent permanent eye damage and protect your vision. Specific innovative procedures, like Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), can treat glaucoma and cataracts. Some MIGS procedures are stand-alone, but other MIGS operations can be performed in conjunction with cataract surgery so surgeons can treat both conditions simultaneously. Another benefit of MIGS is that it targets eye tissues that are not utilized by traditional surgeries, allowing for a more comprehensive array of treatment options in the future.

Make an Appointment for an Eye Exam

If you have glaucoma, it is crucial to schedule regular eye exams and take all prescribed medication. African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos are even more at risk of having glaucoma, but anyone can develop the disease. Other risk factors include the following:

  • Being 45 or older
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • History of injury to the eye
  • History of steroid use
  • Diabetes
  • Nearsighted (myopic)
  • Farsighted (hyperopic)
  • History of elevated intraocular pressure

Let your ophthalmologist know if you are at risk for glaucoma. Many treatments available can help preserve your vision and delay the progression of the disease.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Increase Risk of Cancer Death

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Consuming sugary beverages like soda, flavored coffees and energy drinks could increase your risk of cancer death.

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are any liquids that are sweetened with types of added sugars like corn syrup, brown sugar, fructose, molasses, honey, raw sugar and malt syrup. Beverages sweetened with sugar are among the leading sources of added sugars in the United States.

People who regularly consume sugary drinks are more likely to be overweight or obese. Drinking SSBs on a regular basis is also associated with:

  • Heart disease
  • Type II diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Non-alcoholic liver disease
  • Gout

New Study Finds Link Between SSBs and Cancer Risk

Researchers looked at data from 1982, where 934,000 cancer-free participants provided information about beverages they consumed over the next 34 years. By 2016, about 135,000 participants had died from cancer.

People who drank SSBs were associated with an increased risk of obesity-related cancers and an increased risk for kidney and colon cancer. Artificially sweetened beverages also increased patients’ cancer risk. Participants who drank beverages with artificial sweeteners were more likely to develop pancreatic cancers.

“Unfortunately, Americans exceed recommended limits on sugar consumption by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, and sugar-sweetened beverages are known risk factors for weight gain, being overweight and obesity,” said Marjorie McCullough, lead study author. McCullough is senior scientific director of epidemiology research at the American Cancer Society.

SSBs Are Linked to Other Unhealthy Habits

Drinking SSBs is associated with other unhealthy behaviors. Frequent consumers of sugary drinks are more likely to …

  • eat more fast food,
  • get inadequate sleep,
  • be more sedentary and
  • have more screen time with phones, computers and video games.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices Reduce Colon Cancer Risk

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but healthy habits can reduce your risk of developing the disease. Regular exercise and a well-balanced diet can reduce inflammation and prevent toxins from accumulating in the colon.

Instead of sugar-sweetened beverages and high-fat foods, eat a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to limit your alcohol intake and avoid smoking.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy at 45

Although there are many colon cancer screening methods, colonoscopy is the most effective because it allows your gastroenterologist to examine the entire colon and remove precancerous growths called polyps.

Most cases of colon cancer are preventable with routine screenings. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, adults at average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age 45. However, it’s vital to know colon cancer affects people of all ages. You should begin screening earlier if you have a family or personal history of colon cancer or colon polyps.

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5 Simple Resolutions to Make for Better Digestive Health (Other Than Eating More Fiber)

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When you’re thinking of making New Year’s Resolutions, getting healthier is often on the list — and with these simple changes you can implement, you can get your digestive tract healthier and feeling better:

1. Drink more water.

Water is an easy way to help smooth the digestive process and get things flowing. Try marking a water bottle into increments, to have half of it gone by a certain time of day to provide visual evidence of meeting your goals (or these tips). Bored with plain water? Add lemon. Or cucumber, or other infused fruits.

2. Limit red meat and processed meats.

Processed meats have a lot of unhealthy additives to them (like sodium, fat, and nitrates) that don’t absorb well in your stomach…and may potentially increase your risk of colon cancer. In general, the fewer processed and packaged foods you eat, the better your gut will feel.

3. Find an outlet to relieve stress.

Your entire body works together – and if you’re stressed about something, your stomach feels that. Your body focuses on handling that stress, so some other areas of your body may be affected: Including your digestive tract, potentially leading to constipation, diarrhea, or other stomach upset.

4. Move.

We all know we need to exercise to be healthier, but sometimes that’s easier said than done. For your digestive health, moving around helps to keep things flowing smoothly. Light exercise — like a walk around the block, even – is a great way to start moving so that all the food you’re digesting doesn’t get “stuck” sitting too long while it’s going through your digestive system.

5. Visit a Gastrointestinal Doctor.

If you are avoiding going to a gastrointestinal doctor because you “know” your digestive issues stem from a less-than-ideal diet, you may be missing out on the bigger picture: Something may be able to help. Sure, you may think you eat too much fried food…but what if your discomfort is the result of IBD, Crohn’s, or some other stomach issue? Having a GI doctor in your phone contacts is a good idea to have on hand.

Call Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. for better digestive health!

We’re here to help diagnose and treat all your digestive concerns to get you on the path to feeling better. Call us today at (248) 273-9930 or visit us online to schedule your appointment!

Schedule your colonoscopy and maximize your insurance benefits!

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It’s almost the end of the year and if you have met your deductible – or if you have FSA money – one of the best things you can do is invest in your health and schedule a colonoscopy.

If you are over the age of 45, this important, life-saving screening is the best way to screen for colon cancer.

Booking a colonoscopy is an action you can take that can save your life – and it’s fairly easy to do. A colonoscopy can not only look for colon cancer but it can also allow your doctor to look at the overall health of your colon – and check for and remove polyps.

While there no perfect time to have a colonoscopy, the end of the year might mean you’ve met your insurance deductible or you might have FSA money to spend. Afterall, those funds won’t roll over to 2023!

In addition, scheduling a colonoscopy means you can head confidently into 2023, knowing you’ve done something amazing for your health and family – you are taking care of your wellness!

Colonoscopies are a safe and relatively simple procedure done at a hospital, surgical center or doctor’s office. You will be sedated and comfortable during the procedure and your doctor will examine your colon through a scope with a camera placed in your rectum. It usually takes about a half hour and you will need someone to drive you.

Each year, more than 50,000 people die of colon cancer but if it is caught early, it is highly treatable.

Make this the year you stay on top of your health and wellbeing. Book your colonoscopy today!

Have questions? Our team of doctors at Gastrointestinal Specialists, PC in Troy, Michigan have the knowledge and experience finding and treating diseases in the gastrointestinal tract to ease your stomach issues. Give us a call at (248) 273-9930 or request an appointment today.

Dr. George Wandling Chosen As Investigator for the Ivantis Hydrus FDA Clinical Trial

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Congratulations to Dr. George Wandling, who was chosen as an investigator for the Ivantis Hydrus FDA clinical trial. Dr. Wandling’s selection makes North Metro Surgery Center one of only 15 sites across the United States active in this prospective, post-approval FDA study, designed to determine the ongoing safety of the device. It will soon be wrapping up its 24-month study results.

The Hydrus is a MIGS (Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery) device implanted at the time of cataract surgery and is used to treat mild to moderate open angle glaucoma.

Dr. Wandling is a leading expert on cataract and cataract/MIGS surgery and we’re proud of his accomplishments, research, and contributions to the field of ocular surgery.

Certain Types of Fiber Affect IBD Patients Differently

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New research suggests a stool test could help doctors create customized nutrition plans for patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis to reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Two Types of IBD: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Certain types of dietary fiber can cause inflammation in the intestines for people who suffer from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). About 3.1 million Americans have IBD, and many people are unaware that they have the condition.

Many people do not fully understand Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week is Dec. 1-7. Created in 2011, this initiative seeks to educate Americans and raise awareness of IBD in hopes to eventually eliminate these diseases.

The first step in awareness is knowing the warning signs of IBD. Chronic symptoms include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, persistent diarrhea, fever and weight loss. In children and adolescents, IBD may lead to growth retardation and delayed puberty. IBD can also impact the bones, eyes, skin, kidneys, liver and joints.

Diet and Its Impact on Crohn’s and Colitis

According to new research in the journal Gastroenterology, people who have IBD may soon receive personalized nutrition suggestions. Most adults should consume 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber per day, but fiber can affect people with IBD differently. Some types of dietary fiber can cause inflammation and exacerbate IBD symptoms.

The team performing the study is working to create a stool test that analyzes microbes in patients’ guts to predict who may respond negatively to certain types of fiber.

They discovered certain kinds of fibers found in specific foods are difficult to ferment if some microbes are malfunctioning or absent, as can be the case for Crohn’s and colitis patients. Some examples are artichokes, garlic, asparagus and bananas.

According to the study, between 20 and 40 percent of IBD patients have sensitivity to certain foods, but other patients benefit from dietary fibers. The research team developed a stool test to advise patients on how to make changes to their diets to prevent IBD flares. In some instances, patients can introduce foods back into their diets after avoiding them for a period of time.

“By creating this stool test, we are hoping to be able to tell you how to adjust your diet to prevent flares or further worsening,” said Eytan Wine, a professor in the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. “It’s a dynamic situation, so it’s possible that a certain food you should avoid now, in a few months you’ll be okay to eat that again.” (Medical Xpress).

Colon Cancer and IBD

Having Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis can significantly increase your risk of developing colon cancer. Chronic inflammation of the colon can cause rapid turnover of cells in the lining of the large intestine, and this increases the chance of cancerous cells developing. Therefore, patients with IBD should communicate with their doctors about regular colon cancer screenings.

When was the last time you visited your gastroenterologist? Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening, so it is essential to stay current with your preventive exams. Call today to make an appointment.

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