More Screen Time Increases Dry Eye Incidence

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Do your eyes feel strained or irritated lately? More patients are making eye appointments during the pandemic due to increased screen time and subsequent dry eye syndrome.

Definition of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects 4.88 million Americans. It results when the tear glands do not make sufficient tears to moisten the eyes. Untreated dry eye can cause significant discomfort and vision problems, so if your eyes feel dry, visit an eye doctor as soon as possible for relief.

Dry Eye Cases Increasing in the United States

Eye doctors are citing increased numbers of patients during the pandemic. COVID-19 quarantines and social distancing measures have forced much of the American workforce and school systems to go remote, and eye health is suffering. Staring at computer and smartphone screens all day can decrease blink rate by 33 percent and cause eye fatigue, eye strain and dry eye (Medical Xpress).

It is essential to seek treatment for dry eye because it can lead to severe vision complications, including:

  1. Surface damage to the eyes. Severe dry eye can result in inflammation, corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers and loss of vision.
  2. Eye infections. Natural tears protect the eyes from infection. Inadequate tear production can put the eyes at risk for invasion from germs and bacteria.
  3. Decreased quality of life. Dry eye can make it challenging to perform daily tasks like reading and driving.

Women are More Susceptible to Dry Eye than Men

Of the almost five million Americans with dry eye syndrome, three million are women. The unequal distribution of dry eye among women is due to hormonal factors like pregnancy, birth control and menopause. Because women are more prone to dry eye syndrome, it is imperative that they schedule regular eye exams.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

How do you know if you have dry eye? Typical symptoms include:

  • Red eyes
  • Stinging or burning of the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • A scratchy feeling in the eye

Natural Treatments for Dry Eye

If you are experiencing dry eye syndrome symptoms, call your eye doctor to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. In the meantime, you can try some of these natural treatments:

  1. Take regular breaks from computers, tablets and phones. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from your screen and look at something at least 20 feet away to reset your eyes.
  2. Position your computer screen below eye level. You will not have to open your eyes as wide.
  3. Use a humidifier in your work area.
  4. Quit smoking or avoid areas where people smoke.
  5. Try over-the-counter rewetting drops.

5 Simple Tips to Enjoy Your Holiday Dinner Without Stomach Issues

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If you’re looking forward to a cornucopia of foods this holiday season, but not the aftermath of what overindulging means for your stomach, read on for 5 simple tips to enjoy your holiday dinner without stomach issues.

1. Smaller portions

If you feel a burning sensation in your chest area after you eat, you’re not alone. Heartburn and acid reflux happen when your stomach fills up and the acid goes up into your esophagus.

Eating smaller portions helps reduce those potential acid reflux triggers, since your stomach isn’t filled to the brim for so long, that way you’re not uncomfortable after your meal.

At a holiday meal, it’s not always easy to limit portions. But, you can build yourself a second plate and set it aside — or simply go back for round two (or three) later, once the food in your stomach has had a chance to digest.

Chronic heartburn, or GERD, can lead to potential serious long-term health concerns if not treated — so be sure to talk to your doctor about your concerns.

2. Drink water with your meal

Acidic and carbonated beverages (and alcohol) can trigger heartburn and acid reflux — so save the non-water beverages for before and after you eat, if at all.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re drinking water throughout the day since water keeps things flowing more smoothly throughout your gastrointestinal tract — and helps prevent waste from getting “stuck” and causing discomfort as it makes their way out.

3. Limit processed foods

Generally, families come together during the holidays and bring their dedicated homemade dishes to share. But there are often some processed foods mixed in with the buffet…which you’ll want to skip if there are tastier options.

Foods that don’t come in a box or package (read: fresh foods) are easier for your stomach to digest and will cause fewer issues going through your GI tract. It’s just one of the ways your diet can help colon issues.

4. Fiber

If you can incorporate food with fiber during your feast, it can help reduce constipation issues afterward. Soluble and insoluble fiber work to make waste softer and easier to pass through your intestinal system.

But this doesn’t mean you need to eat bran and prunes at a holiday dinner: Instead, think whole grains over white flour breads, and vegetables and nuts when you can.

Load up on sweet potatoes and broccoli. Toss almonds in salad; add crushed pecans to potato casserole; incorporate salads or dessert with fruit — like a fruit tart or fruit pies instead of cream pies; and swap hummus or guacamole for dairy-based dips.

5. Limit gluten

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat and rye, and for some people it can cause stomach issues — or other symptoms like fatigue, depression, seizures, infertility and more.

If you have or think you may have a gluten sensitivity, stay away from foods that likely contain gluten, such as:

  • Green bean casserole
  • Pie crusts
  • Stuffing
  • Gravy
  • Vegetable dips
  • Most pre-made salad dressings

Instead, stick to these foods, which are usually gluten-free:

  • Turkey
  • Sweet potatoes
  • White potatoes
  • Vegetables without sauce
  • Rice (without sauce or wheat-based seasoning)
  • Cranberries and cranberry sauce

Talk about your GI concerns

If you’re having stomach issues after eating, talk to a gastrointestinal specialist about how to make things better. We’re here for you at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Mich. Contact us to request an appointment today!

How Race Impacts Colon Cancer Incidence and Mortality

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African Americans, especially under 50, are at higher risk of being diagnosed with colon cancer and dying from the disease than Caucasian Americans, according to a new study from Colorectal Cancer.

The average lifetime risk of colon cancer is one in 20, but colon cancer risk varies among races and ethnicities. Race has a profound influence on colon cancer survival rates. African Americans are more likely to develop the disease and die from it.

African Americans Under 50 at Greatest Risk

In cooperation with the Medical University of South Carolina, Kristen Wallace et al. studied more than 1,000 patients diagnosed with colon cancer for survival based on race and risk of death in two age groups: patients under 50 and those over 50.

African Americans under 50 were more likely to die of colon cancer than Caucasian Americans under 50. In patients over the age of 50, race did not affect colon cancer survival rates. The study also discovered tumor location played an important role in colon cancer survival in younger African Americans.

The study’s authors hope the results will help doctors target patients who require aggressive treatment and monitoring. They also say they must do further research on how the location of colon tumors influences patients’ responses to treatment.

Young-Onset Colon Cancer Incidence is Rising

According to a 2019 article in Cancer, young-onset colon cancer in the United States is rising. One out of every three new cases of colorectal cancer at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is in a patient between the ages of 18 and 50. Young colorectal cancer patients are more likely to be diagnosed in stage 3 or 4 because they are unaware of the disease’s signs and symptoms (The Scientist).

Schedule Your Colonoscopy to Prevent Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States. In 2020, an estimated 104,610 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer and 43,340 will be diagnosed with rectal cancer (American Cancer Society).

Most cases of colon cancer are preventable through routine colonoscopies. Colonoscopy is the gold standard of colon cancer prevention because it can detect and prevent colon cancer in a single procedure. Your doctor can remove any suspicious polyps before they can develop into cancer, making a colonoscopy a life-saving screening.

The American Cancer Society’s colon cancer screening guidelines suggest adults begin screening at age 45. However, individuals with a family history of colon cancer should get screened earlier. Talk to your doctor about when you should get screened for colon cancer.

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COVID-19 Quarantine Worsens Bone, Muscular and Joint Pain

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New research suggests patients with joint, bone and muscle pain experienced a worsening of symptoms during COVID-related quarantine.

According to a recent study from the University of East Anglia, people with musculoskeletal pain cited intensified symptoms during government lockdown. The study, led by Dr. Toby Smith and Professor Alex MacGregor, reviewed online surveys of 678 citizens of the United Kingdom to assess how patients managed joint, bone and muscle pain during quarantine and how quarantine restrictions impacted their access to healthcare.

Dr. Smith and Professor MacGregor began the survey at the end of April 2020, just five weeks after the COVID lockdown. Traditionally, doctors prescribe medications and physical activity to manage bone, muscle and joint disease. The study found patients who experienced loneliness and social isolation were less likely to seek medical care.

The researchers also discovered:

  • 53 percent of surveyed patients said their bone, joint and muscle issues had worsened since lockdown
  • About 33 percent of the patients said they needed to visit their primary care physician or the rheumatology department at a hospital
  • More than 88 percent of patients said they could access their medication without difficulty, but 44 percent needed assistance from others to access it.

“Our results show that the coronavirus pandemic is a major challenge to people’s health and wellbeing, both to young and older people,” said Dr. Toby Smith. “We wanted to know how the new restrictions might be affecting pain, and better understand who is most at risk of experiencing flare-ups, or reduced wellbeing due to social isolation and loneliness.”

Call Your Orthopedist

If you have had to cancel an appointment or procedure because of the COVID-19 quarantine, you should reschedule it as soon as possible.

According to GlobalData, more than eight out of ten musculoskeletal procedures have been postponed, canceled or delayed because of COVID. However, almost all surgery centers and orthopedic practices have resumed appointments and procedures. Has the pandemic affected your bone, joint or muscle pain? The remaining weeks of the year could be the perfect opportunity to schedule your procedure.

Call your doctor today about rescheduling your appointment, surgery or procedure. You can experience pain relief, increased mobility and more independence to do the activities you enjoy.

4 Ways to Keep your GI Tract Running Smoothly

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Do you have stomach discomfort or pain more than you’d like? (Here’s a tip: It shouldn’t be hurting at all!) If you’re having some issues with your digestive system, know that you don’t have to suffer.

Our doctors can help you diagnose and treat any issues, and help you keep your GI tract running smoothly. Here are some of our top tips that will help lead you on the path to feeling better.

1. Get a colonoscopy by age 45

A colonoscopy is the trifecta of gastrointestinal tract examination tools. Your doctor can: See what’s going on in your intestines; remove certain polyps during the procedure; and diagnose issues in your GI tract (including colon cancer).

Every single person should have a colonoscopy by age 45 (or sooner, if you have other risk factors), for many reasons. If you experience digestive pain, a colonoscopy can evaluate possible GI causes that can be contributing to discomfort – including polyps, colon cancer, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease, bleeding, change in bowel habits, obstruction, and more.

And knowing the cause is half the battle – because then it can be treated.

2. Add more fiber in your diet

As we get older, our bodies often need to work harder for things that never used to seem as difficult. One of the ways it becomes obvious is in our digestive tract. What goes in must come out, but you may notice that process can become more challenging – often because of a lack of fiber.

This doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to a diet of boring bran flakes and prunes to keep things running smoothly. Simple changes to your diet can help, including by incorporating more fiber in the food choices you make.

Most Americans don’t regularly eat a lot of fiber, so you’ll want to gradually increase your fiber intake if that’s the case. Otherwise, you may end up with more gas and bloating than you’re used to and decide to stop the fiber altogether (which you shouldn’t!).

Some simple ways to incorporate more fiber into your diet include:

  • Swapping refined grains for whole grains when possible (in breads, cereals, popcorn, etc.)
  • Adding in fruits and vegetables – like apples, broccoli, berries, avocados – before meals
  • Read labels: When using processed foods, look for ones with higher fiber content

3. Drink More Water

So much of our health depends on our hydration, and that’s especially true when it comes to our digestive system. Water is vital to your GI tract because it breaks food down so that your body can absorb the nutrients better. But in addition, water helps you to be more comfortable because it helps digest fiber.

Think of the food going through your intestinal tract as a fallen branch going down a river. If the water levels are high, there are no problems and things can flow easily. But if the water levels are low, that stick going down the river is going to gather mud, get bigger and maybe get stuck.

Aim for eight 8 oz. glasses of water – plain or with fruit, but not carbonated – a day. A glass in the morning and following each meal gives you four glasses, so you’ll only need another 32 oz. of water throughout the day.

4. Talk to your doctor – even about the little things.

If you’ve always been told you have a “nervous stomach” or know that certain foods make your stomach not feel the greatest, it’s time to get to the root of the problem. Things don’t “just happen.” There’s a reason – and we can help you pinpoint the reason and treat it, so you can start feeling better! Questioning it? Check out these 5 Reasons You Need to See a GI Doctor.

There could be a growth or irritation in your gastrointestinal tract that, if diagnosed, can be taken care of so the issue isn’t something you have to “just deal with” anymore. Or, there could be a larger concern at hand that, once you know what it is, doctors can determine the best way to fix it – whether through medication, surgery, or another option.

Talk to your doctor. That’s what we’re here for!

Ask Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C.

Our team of doctors at Gastrointestinal Specialists P.C., in Troy, Michigan have the knowledge and experience finding and treating diseases in the gastrointestinal tract to ease your stomach issues. And we’re committed to making your experience at our facility as comfortable and convenient as possible.

New Study Reveals Ocular Hypertension Can Prevent Glaucoma

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A new study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine reveals ocular hypertension can have a protective effect against glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss.

What is Glaucoma?

More than three million Americans have glaucoma, a family of diseases that damage the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis and early intervention are necessary to protect the optic nerve and minimize eye damage.

The most common type of glaucoma is primary open-angle glaucoma. In this type, the channels that drain the eye’s fluid become gradually obstructed, causing the pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure) to rise. In angle-closure glaucoma, fluid builds up suddenly and causes dangerous pressure spikes.

Open-angle glaucoma has few symptoms, so it is essential to detect glaucoma in the early stages to prevent irreversible eye damage. Once symptoms are present, vision loss has already occurred.

Ocular Hypertension

For patients with glaucoma, elevated intraocular pressure is quite dangerous. However, according to a new study from LSU Health New Orleans Neuroscience Center of Excellence and the University of Copenhagen, some glaucoma patients do not have this same sensitivity: those with ocular hypertension.

Why do patients with ocular hypertension not have the optic nerve damage that is glaucoma? After all, ocular hypertension is when intraocular pressure is higher than “normal.”

The study suggests patients with ocular hypertension possess “increased antioxidant capacity and higher levels of anti-inflammatory, omega-3-derived chemical messengers involved in sustaining cell function in their plasma compared to patients with normal-tension glaucoma and age-matched controls.”

An increased amount of omega-3 fatty acid chemical messengers seems to lower oxidative stress in the eye and prevent the optic nerve from deteriorating.

This new research could result in innovative glaucoma treatments. “The study opens avenues of therapeutic exploration highlighting the significance of the omega-3 fatty acid chemical messengers’ antioxidant capacity as a potential diagnostic biomarker and as a novel treatment to prevent glaucomatous neurodegeneration,” notes Dr. Nicolas G. Bazan, Boyd Professor, Ernest C. and Ivette C. Villere Chair of Retinal Degeneration, and Director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine (Medical Xpress).

Facts about Glaucoma

The results of this study are promising, but the fact remains that glaucoma is a complex disease that can affect any person at any age. It is important to be aware of your own risk for glaucoma. Some risk factors include:

  • Being 60 or older
  • Being African American, Asian or Hispanic
  • Having a family history of glaucoma
  • Having a pre-existing medical condition like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease or sickle-cell anemia
  • Having thin corneas

Call Your Ophthalmologist

The best way to protect your eyesight is to schedule annual comprehensive eye exams. During the exam, your eye doctor can test your intraocular pressure and determine whether you have ocular hypertension or are at risk for glaucoma.

Call today to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. An eye exam offers a window into your overall health, and it is an important part of preventive care.

Coffee Consumption Could Increase Colon Cancer Survival Rate

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Drinking coffee could extend survival time in patients with colorectal cancer, according to a new study published in JAMA Oncology.

Fifty percent of Americans drink coffee, cappuccino, espresso or lattes, and 64 percent admit to drinking at least a daily cup of java. The National Coffee Association says coffee consumption is increasing, and new research suggests daily coffee could enhance colon health.

Coffee and Colon Cancer

Researchers at Harvard-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found drinking a few cups of coffee per day was associated with increased survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (colon cancer that spreads to other parts of the body). The study also associated coffee drinking with a decreased risk of cancer worsening.

Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee produced similar results, and patients who drank more than four cups of coffee per day experienced more significant benefits.

While the study establishes an association between coffee and reduced risk of colon cancer spreading and colon cancer death, it is not a cause-and-effect relationship. The good news is that drinking coffee is not detrimental to colon health.

Kimmie Ng, the senior author of the study, said, “Although it is premature to recommend a high intake of coffee as a potential treatment for colorectal cancer, our study suggests that drinking coffee is not harmful and may potentially be beneficial.”

How to Prevent Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about one in 20 or four or five percent.

There are many ways that you can prevent colon cancer:

  1. Know the risk factors for colon cancer, including your family history.
  2. Know the symptoms of colon cancer.
  3. Understand the screening methods for colon cancer. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon screening because it can detect and prevent cancer in a single procedure.
  4. Select a qualified gastroenterologist with a high adenoma detection rate (ADR).
  5. Get screened at recommended intervals.

The American Cancer Society recommends all adults who are at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. Individuals with a family history of the disease or who exhibit certain risk factors may need to get screened earlier.

Call your gastroenterologist today to schedule a colonoscopy exam. Preventing colon cancer is easier and less expensive than treating the disease, so call today.

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Focus on Choosing the Correct Implant for Joint Replacement

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Total hip replacements and total knee replacements are two of the most common and successful surgeries performed today, but they can still fail due to normal wear and tear, fracture or infection. Revision surgery is less effective and associated with more complications. Therefore, the goal is to make the first hip replacement last as long as possible.

If you are considering a total joint replacement procedure, your top priority is a positive outcome. A new study from the United Kingdom published in PLOS Medicine found that choosing the best hip implant was more critical than selecting the best surgeon.

Implant Choice is More Important Than a Surgeon’s Skill

Researchers at the Musculoskeletal Research Unit at the University of Bristol, the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, and the University of Exeter used data from the National Joint Registry to analyze 650,000 patients from England and Wales who had a hip replacement. One hospital had significantly better outcomes compared to others. The research team found the “outstanding hip implant survival results” from this hospital were linked to hip implant choice rather than the surgeon’s skill who performed the total hip replacement.

Jonathan Evans, Academic Clinical Lecturer at the Bristol Medical School Translational Health Sciences (THS) based at Southmead Hospital, Bristol, was the lead author. “We want patients…to feel empowered to ask their surgeon not only what implants they plan to use for their hip replacement but, more importantly, to ask for the long-term evidence that the implant works well,” he said. “If they do not feel happy with the answer, then patients should feel confident asking for another opinion or even vote with their feet and go to a different hospital” (University of Exeter).

Is Hip Replacement Right for You?

The best way to know whether you are a candidate for a hip replacement is to speak to your orthopedist. Many hip replacement patients experience some or all of the following:

  • Hip pain during the day and night
  • Hip pain that continues during resting
  • Stiffness in the hip that limits mobility in the leg or prevents lifting the leg
  • Hip pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending
  • Insufficient pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, walking supports or physical therapy

Call Your Doctor for an Evaluation

Do not let hip pain restrict your lifestyle and activities. One of our orthopedists can schedule a consultation to discuss the best hip implant for your specific goals. Your doctor will provide a full evaluation and a detailed treatment plan so you can resume your normal activities without pain. Call our office today to make an appointment.

Health Screening Safety During COVID-19

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Many people are choosing to put off health screenings like colonoscopies during COVID-19. Central Texas Endoscopy Center’s Dr. Joshua Sultz discusses the importance of not putting off health screenings and the additional measures they are taking at the center to provide a safe environment for patients during their procedure.

How to 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.