Will Smith, Colonoscopies and Colon Cancer Myths

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You may think you do not need a colonoscopy because you feel healthy. Will Smith made the same assumption, but he was wrong.

Will Smith Makes Colonoscopy Vlog for Fans

Smith, 51, was a little late in scheduling his first colonoscopy. The U.S. Preventative Services Task force recommends adults begin colon cancer screening at age 50, but African Americans should get screened earlier. In fact, the American Cancer Society suggests colon cancer screening for all adults at average risk for colon cancer should begin at age 45 because young onset colon cancer incidence has steadily increased each year.

As a joke, Smith decided to create a colonoscopy vlog for his YouTube channel. He felt perfectly healthy, and he thought his video would amuse his fans. “I’m 50,” he said, “so people need to look up my stuff.”

After the procedure, Smith thought everything was normal. A few days later, he received a phone call from his gastroenterologist, Dr. Ala Stanford, saying he had a “tubular adenoma with precancerous tissue.” The doctor explained to Smith that he had a type of precancerous colon polyp, a small abnormal growth in the colon. She said many people have the faulty assumption that colon disease always has noticeable symptoms.

“Had you not known, it continues to grow and grow and grow,” Dr. Stanford said. “And African American men in particular, the right colon is where cancer is high. … You would’ve had fewer typical symptoms. And by the time you presented, it could be full-blown and spread throughout your body.”

Smith said, “You know, when I decided I wanted to shoot this as a vlog, it was much more, ‘Hey, this will be cool. This will be fun.’ I didn’t realize that there would be a precancerous polyp that would get found out of it.”

Common Colon Cancer Myths

Today, colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. However, most cases of colon cancer are preventable with routine screening. Unfortunately, many Americans believe common myths about colon cancer like these:

Colon Cancer Myth Colon Cancer Truth
“Only older people get colon cancer.” No age is too young to develop colon cancer.
“All colon cancer screenings are the same.” Only colonoscopy can inspect the lining of the colon and remove precancerous polyps. It is the only screening that prevents colon cancer.
“Colon screening is too expensive.” Preventing colon cancer is less expensive than treating colon cancer, and most colon screenings are covered by insurance.
“Colonoscopies take too much time.” A colonoscopy appointment only takes a few hours.
“I feel fine. I do not have colon cancer.” Some colon cancer only shows symptoms in late stages.

Avoid falling prey to these colon cancer myths. Follow Will Smith’s example, call your gastroenterologist and get screened today.

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Ideal Blood Pressure Range and Glaucoma

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A 2018 study suggests blood pressure that is not too high or low could help reduce the risk of glaucoma, a common cause of vision loss and blindness.

Researchers have known that blood pressure and glaucoma are connected. Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a risk factor for open-angle glaucoma. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is another known glaucoma risk factor. A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension suggests maintaining a blood pressure that is somewhere in the middle is best for preventing glaucoma. Scientists refer to this optimum blood pressure range as the “Goldilocks scenario.”

What is the Optimum Blood Pressure Range?

The study included more than 4,000 participants ages 40 or over from the 2005 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Standard blood pressure readings are measured in milligrams of mercury (mmHg), with the diastolic blood pressure reading on top and the systolic blood pressure on the bottom.

Glaucoma incidence increased when the systolic blood pressure (the reading on bottom) was greater than or equal to 161 mmHg or less than or equal to 110 mmHg. In other words, having high or low blood pressure increased glaucoma incidence.

Patients with diastolic blood pressure between 81 mmHg and 90 mmHg and systolic blood pressure between 111 mmHg and 120 mmHg were the least likely to develop glaucoma. This blood pressure range is referred to as the “Goldilocks scenario.”

What is Your Glaucoma Risk?

Everyone has an ideal blood pressure, so your optimum blood pressure range may be too high or too low for someone else. The best way to prevent glaucoma is to schedule routine comprehensive eye exams with your eye doctor. Your doctor will perform many tests during your exam to evaluate your eye health, and one of these is a glaucoma test.

In the future, eye doctors may include blood pressure readings as part of glaucoma evaluation. This measure may prove to be a simple, quick method of determining one of many risk factors for glaucoma. Other glaucoma risk factors include:

  • Family history of the disease
  • Diabetes
  • Eye injury or eye surgery
  • Severe myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Steroid use

Most eye conditions do not show symptoms in early stages, so it is imperative to visit your eye doctor regularly for healthy vision. Along with having yearly eye exams, you should also have annual well visits with your primary care physician for routine checks, preventative screenings and lab work.

If it has been more than a year since your last comprehensive eye exam, call your ophthalmologist today to schedule an appointment.

Women Are More Likely to Develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Are you experiencing pain, burning or tingling in your hand? You could be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, one of the most common conditions among working adults. According to a recent article, women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Explained

The carpal tunnel is a thin channel made of bone and ligaments located along the bottom of the wrist. When this passage narrows or collapses, it squeezes the median nerve which helps control sensations and touch. Median nerve compression can cause symptoms of pain, burning or tingling in the thumb, fingers, hand and arm.

Why Are Women More Prone to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Anyone can develop carpal tunnel syndrome, but women are more likely to develop the condition than men. Perhaps this is due to hormonal changes that could affect fluid retention, especially during pregnancy or menopause. Swelling can reduce available space in the carpal tunnel and compress the median nerve.

An imbalance in the endocrine system like an underactive thyroid can also affect the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. According to American Thyroid Association, more than 12 percent of women will develop a thyroid disorder during their lifetimes. Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid issues, which could be a key factor in why more women have carpal tunnel syndrome.

Factors that Increase Your Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Besides hormonal imbalance, many factors can influence your risk for carpal tunnel syndrome including:

  • Heredity — some peoples’ genes make them more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Hypertension, diabetes or obesity — these conditions can increase fluid retention
  • Overuse of the wrist — small, repetitive movements like typing, using a mouse or working on an assembly line can strain ligaments in the hand
  • Mechanical problems in the wrist — rheumatoid arthritis and previous wrist injury can cause inflammation of the carpal tunnel
  • Cyst or tumor — a growth can impinge the carpal tunnel
  • Using vibrating hand tools

Call Your Doctor for a Carpal Tunnel Evaluation

Wrist and hand irritation can sometimes go away on its own. However, if you are experiencing these symptoms, it is time to call a doctor:

  • Burning, tingling or itchiness in the hand, palm or fingers (especially the thumb, index and middle finger)
  • Dropping objects
  • Decreased grip strength
  • Sensation of swollen fingers
  • Difficulty sensing hot and cold in the hand
  • Sleeping with your wrists flexed
  • Shaking your hands out after sleep

Do not let carpal tunnel restrict your lifestyle and schedule. One of our hand specialists can provide you a full evaluation and treatment plan so you can resume your normal activities without pain. Our doctors can prescribe a specific treatment catered to your unique needs, so call our office today to make an appointment.

Gather Social Support Before Total Joint Replacement Surgery

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If you are getting ready for a total hip or total knee replacement, you might want to assess your social support network. A new study from the University of Bristol suggests social support plays a crucial role in total hip or total knee replacement recovery.

Total joint replacement is one of the most common surgeries in the United States. Although most total hip and total knee replacement surgeries are successful, between 10 and 30 percent of patients experience long-term pain or long-term mobility challenges during recovery. Chronic pain and social isolation can cause feelings of loneliness and depression.

Friendships Aid in Total Joint Replacement Recovery

Vikki Wylde, Ph.D., of the University of Bristol, analyzed the effects of social support on total joint replacement. She and her colleagues examined more than 50 cohort studies and found strong social connections and friendships can help a recovering patient to:

  • Cope with stress
  • Reduce loneliness
  • Receive psychological support
  • Gather resources to facilitate recovery
  • Gain confidence to resume normal activities

Dr. Wylde and her colleagues suggest total joint replacement patients seek group-based physical therapy and educational sessions during the recovery period. Group rehabilitation increases social interaction and could improve recovery outcomes. Wylde also advises patients to share information about surgery and recovery with spouses and family members so they can provide necessary encouragement and support.

Assess Your Social Network

Are you considering a total hip or total knee replacement? Perhaps it is time to reassess your social network. Instead of relying solely on virtual support through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, ask a close-knit group of trusted family members and friends to visit you in person and assist you through the recovery process. Friends and loved ones will likely be happy to provide support, but might just need you to take the initiative and ask them for help.

Create a Wish List for Total Joint Replacement Recovery

Several weeks before your surgery, create a wish list for family and friends. On the list include specific tasks, services or gifts your loved ones can provide to encourage and help you throughout your recovery process. Your requests might include:

  • Visits to your home (for local friends)
  • FaceTime calls (for out-of-town friends and family)
  • Encouraging cards and emails
  • A Meal Train
  • Gift cards for take-out and delivery restaurants
  • Flower delivery
  • Grocery delivery
  • Care packages
  • Board games, movies and puzzles (through Amazon)

Give your family and friends the opportunity to help you. They will likely appreciate your guidance on how to best support you so you have a healthy and rapid recovery.

Talk to your doctor about more ways you can lean on your social network during total joint replacement recovery. Call today to make an appointment.

Cataract Surgery and Microstent Effectively Treat Glaucoma

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If you have cataracts and mild to moderate glaucoma, you may be a candidate for a microstent in conjunction with cataract surgery. According to an article published in Ophthalmology Times, intraocular pressure, or IOP, can often be reduced through this safe, routine procedure.

Cataracts and glaucoma are the leading causes of vision loss and blindness. Age is one of the most common risk factors for these diseases, so it is not uncommon for aging adults to develop both cataracts and glaucoma.

Although cataracts and glaucoma can develop simultaneously, they require different types of treatment. Cataracts are easily treatable through cataract surgery, a short procedure that replaces the deteriorated lens with a new one. Glaucoma, on the other hand, has no cure and rarely has symptoms until vision loss occurs. Your eye doctor’s goal is to use safe, efficient surgical methods to lower inner eye pressure and insert a new, clear lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

Some patients may benefit from the insertion of microstent in conjunction with cataract surgery. A microstent is not appropriate for all glaucoma patients, but it may be right for you.

What is a Microstent?

There are many brands of microstents, but most function in a similar way. A microstent is about the size of an eyelash, and patients cannot feel it or see it in the eye. The effects are quite remarkable because this tiny device opens up the drainage canal in the eye to lower eye pressure. When eye pressure remains in a safe range, there is less risk of optic nerve damage and vision loss.

A microstent often pairs well with cataract surgery because the surgeon can use the same incision for two procedures.  Randomized studies found stents can significantly lower patients’ eye pressure and reduce the need for medication and eye drops.

Call Your Ophthalmologist

Do you have cataracts and glaucoma? Talk to your ophthalmologist about whether you are a candidate for a microstent in conjunction with cataract surgery. One procedure could provide clear vision, reduced eye pressure and less dependence on glaucoma drops. Your eye doctor can create an individual treatment plan that is customized to your vision needs. There are many factors that will affect the type of surgery and timing of the surgery. These may include:

  • Your age
  • Your physical health
  • How active you are
  • The type of glaucoma you have and how aggressive it is
  • The progression of your cataract

Your eye doctor may prefer to manage your glaucoma with medication or laser treatment until the cataract matures. Sometimes, just having cataract surgery may be sufficient to lower intraocular pressure and relieve symptoms of glaucoma.

As with any eye procedure, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of cataract and microstent surgery with your eye doctor, so call today to make an appointment.

Colonoscopy Protects Against Colon Cancer for 10 Years

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A new study says colonoscopy offers at least ten years of protection against colon cancer mortality.

Colon cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death in the United States, but it is preventable with routine colon cancer screenings. According to the American Cancer society, about half of all colon cancer mortality in the U.S. could be prevented if all adults scheduled timely colon cancer screenings.

Colonoscopy Reduces Colon Cancer Risk

There are many types of colon cancer screenings, but colonoscopy is the most effective method because it is the only test that can detect and remove colon cancer in the same procedure. Under current guidelines, patients who have a colonoscopy with normal findings should get screened again in ten years. However, is this still the best method for preventing colon cancer?

According to Jeffery K. Lee, M.D., MAS, patients should feel confident about the current recommendation of a minimum ten-year interval between colonoscopies with normal findings. Dr. Lee and colleagues examined data from a large-scale study that included more than 1.2 million individuals to assess when patients should schedule their next screening following a normal colonoscopy.

For patients who declined colonoscopy, colon cancer incidence and colon cancer-related death increased proportionally with follow-up time. Patients who chose regular colonoscopies had very favorable results. Average risk patients with normal colonoscopy test results were 46 percent less likely to develop colon cancer and 88 percent less likely to die of colon cancer when screened at recommended ten-year intervals.

“A minimum colorectal rescreening interval should be conducted at 10 years or possibly longer after a normal colonoscopy,” said Dr. Lee (Physicians Weekly).

When Should I Get Screened for Colon Cancer?

Your colon cancer screening interval depends on your risk for colon cancer. In May 2018, the American Cancer Society revised its colon cancer screening recommendations, suggesting all adults at average risk for colorectal cancer should schedule an initial screening at age 45 instead of age 50. The ACS altered the guideline because young-onset colon cancer incidence continues to increase, and this type of cancer tends to be aggressive and difficult to diagnose among the young.

Certain risk factors may increase your risk for colon cancer. Some of these risk factors include:

  • Age
  • Polyps (growths inside the colon and rectum) that may become cancerous
  • A high-fat diet
  • Family history of colon cancer or polyps
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases involving the colon
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Radiation therapy for cancer

When and How Often Should I Get Screened?

The best way to prevent colon cancer is to stay in regular contact with your primary care physician and your gastroenterologist. Your risk for colon cancer is unique to you. Ethnicity, family history and lifestyle habits influence your colon cancer risk, and these factors could influence your recommended colonoscopy interval.

After making an appointment with your GI doctor, call your insurance provider. Many insurance plans will not pay for a colonoscopy until 50 years of age, so call your provider to get the most up-to-date information about your policy. If you are at higher risk for colon cancer, your doctor may encourage you to get screened earlier. Keep in mind that a colon cancer screening today can prevent your risk of expensive medical bills in the future.

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Body Fat Location Can Double Risk of Colon Cancer Death

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A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reports intriguiging findings regarding body composition and obesity. Although obesity is a major risk factor for colon cancer, body fat in specific locations increases colon cancer death risk. Body fat in “unhealthy” locations doubles colon cancer patients’ mortality risk within seven years of diagnosis.

Body Fat and Gender

Previous research led physicians to believe all stored body fat was dangerous. According to Justin C. Brown, Ph.D., Director of the Cancer Metabolism Program at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, the relationship between fat storage and health is complicated.

Dr. Brown and his team analyzed health outcomes of more than 3,200 colon cancer patients who had colon cancer in stages I, II and III, and they discovered the location of body fat influenced the risk of colon cancer mortality among men and women.

Surface abdominal fat was more dangerous for men. Male colon cancer patients with high percentages of abdominal fat just under the skin were twice as likely to die within seven years of diagnosis as men with small amounts of belly fat under the skin.

For women, visceral fat was more dangerous. Visceral fat is fat that is stored deep within the abdominal cavity and surrounds vital organs such as the pancreas, liver and intestines.

CT Scans and Colon Cancer Treatment

Dr. Brown says the new research could help doctors develop customized colon cancer treatment plans. Patients often undergo computed tomography (CT) scan before surgery to determine whether cancer has metastasized, or spread, to other organs. Dr. Brown suggests CT scans may serve another purpose:  determining the location and the amount of stored abdominal fat.

The team intends to conduct more research, but this study underscores the importance of regular doctor visits to evaluate overall health.

Know Your Risk of Colon Cancer

Are you aware of your risk for colon cancer? The odds of developing colon cancer are about five percent, or one in twenty. Certain factors can increase your risk for developing the disease. These include:

  • Age
  • High-fat diet
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol use
  • Family history of colon cancer or colon polyps
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

A common myth is that only older adults develop colon cancer, but young-onset colon cancer incidence is increasing every year. Unhealthy habits and poor lifestyle choices can put you at risk for digestive disease. However, you can take charge of your health and lower your risk for colon cancer by:

  • Eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet
  • Limiting fatty meats, red meats and processed meats
  • Eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  • Getting 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day
  • Visiting your doctor for annual well visits
  • Getting routine colon cancer screenings

Make an Appointment with Your Gastroenterologist

According to the American Cancer Society, adults who are at average risk for colon cancer should start getting screened at age 45. If you are at increased risk for colon cancer, you may need to get screened earlier. Call your GI doctor and ask if you need to schedule a colon cancer screening. Most preventive screenings are covered by Medicare and private insurance, so call today for an appointment.

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Video Helps Passengers With Joint Replacements Clear Security

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The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) produced a video to help patients with joint replacements navigate airport security checkpoints.

Total joint replacements are among the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. Surgeons complete more than 700,000 total knee replacements and 400,000 hip replacements per year across America (CNN). While artificial joints offer benefits such as restored mobility and pain relief, metal implants can create unique challenges for airline travel.

More than 90 percent of implanted total hip and knee arthroplasty devices will activate metal detectors at airports. This occurrence can cause frustration for TSA officers, embarrassment for patients and unnecessary delays for air passengers.

The new video is designed to inform joint replacement patients of strategies to communicate with TSA officers and streamline security screening areas of airports. In an interview with Healio.com/Orthopedics, Brett R. Levine, M.D., Chair, AAHKS Patient and Public Relations Committee, said the first thing patients should do is promptly inform the TSA officer about their metal implant.

Communicate Promptly With TSA

Patients may either inform the TSA member verbally or may present a TSA notification card if they wish to be discreet. There is no need to carry a note from a physician. Notification cards can be downloaded from TSA here.

TSA officers will offer patients the option of going through the body scan machine or undergoing a pat-down. The AAHKS suggests implant patients opt for the body scan machine, but a pat-down around the artificial joint may still be necessary.

Checklist to Quickly Get Through TSA

If you have just had total hip replacement or total knee replacement surgery, you can still travel with ease. Here is a quick summary of how to streamline your experience with TSA at the airport:

  1. Take a moment to watch the video and share it with a friend.
  2. Download the TSA Notification Card before you travel. Having the card allows you the option of discreet communication.
  3. Present your boarding pass and photo ID at the first security checkpoint as you normally do.
  4. After you send your carry-on and personal items through the scanner, inform the TSA officer that you have a metal implant.
  5. Opt to go through the body scanner. Alternatively, you may choose a pat-down.
  6. Be patient if the TSA officer asks to use a wand around your artificial joint (Healio).
  7. Enjoy your travel!

Talk to your doctor if you have a total joint replacement and have concerns about traveling. You can make an appointment before your trip and get answers to your questions.

Met Your Deductible? Schedule Cataract Surgery Before End of Year

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Cataract surgery is often most affordable at the end of the year once your healthcare deductible is met.

What is a Healthcare Deductible?

Your annual healthcare deductible is the amount you must pay for covered medical procedures before your insurance company begins to contribute. One of the best ways to stretch your healthcare dollars is to schedule elective procedures after you have met your annual deductible. It’s almost the end of the calendar year, so if you haven’t maximized your health insurance benefits, now is the time.

Most deductibles reset on January 1, so evaluate whether you should schedule cataract surgery before December 31. If you meet your deductible, your out-of-pocket responsibility for an elective cataract surgery could be considerably less.

Get the Most Out of Your Healthcare Plan

Here are five tips to help you get the most out of your health plan.

  1. Talk to your doctor about your cataract surgery and obtain the procedure codes.
  2. Call your health insurance provider. Ask if you have met your deductible or if you are close to meeting it. Using the procedure codes from your doctor, request an estimate of other associated costs, such as diagnostic tests, so you can prioritize your spending.
  3. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer, call the customer service number on the back of your card or log into your account to check your balance. FSA funds do not roll over into the following year, so plan to use your FSA money on a cataract procedure if you need one.
  4. Consider carefully before using Health Account Savings (HSA). HSA contributions do not expire like FSA contributions. You can accumulate HSA funds and save them for a future elective procedure, so use your HSA after you have depleted your FSA.
  5. Do not delay scheduling preventive screenings like comprehensive eye exams. Medicare Part B covers eye exams and other eye tests under certain situations.

Set aside a few hours to call your doctor, insurance provider and FSA or HSA account provider. These calls will not take as long as you might think, and they could save you thousands of dollars.

Trade Your Heartburn Pill for a Visit to an Expert GI Doctor

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Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) temporarily reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but a GI doctor can treat the root cause of heartburn.

Acid Reflux vs. GERD

Is your heartburn getting worse and not sure what to do next? If you are trying to control chronic heartburn with over-the-counter medication, you are only masking the symptoms. It’s time to consult a gastroenterologist.

Getting prompt treatment for heartburn is important because persistent acid reflux is a common symptom of GERD, a condition that can damage the esophagus and cause esophageal strictures, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.

Common symptoms of GERD include:

  • pain in the chest
  • burning throat
  • regurgitation
  • persistent cough
  • belching after meals
  • sore throat

What are PPIs?

Unlike antacids like Tums or Rolaids which neutralize stomach acid, PPIs block acid production in the stomach. Some of the most common over-the-counter PPIs include Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix, Aciphex and Dexilant. These medications are effective, inexpensive and available without a prescription, but recent studies link long-term PPI use with possible serious health risks like osteoporosis, low magnesium, low vitamin B12, stroke, pneumonia, dementia and C. difficile infections.

How Long is Too Long to Use Over-the-Counter PPIs?

Over-the-counter PPIs are generally considered safe for eight weeks to help you heal from acid-related complications like frequent heartburn. If you still need PPIs after eight weeks, you should see a gastroenterologist to determine whether the PPI is still necessary. A GI doctor is trained in diagnosing digestive disorders and diseases and can help you get to the root cause of acid reflux.

Some upper GI issues do not require PPIs and you may find more relief from natural, holistic approaches like dietary changes, weight loss, exercise and sleep modifications. Your gastroenterologist can perform necessary tests and suggest the best course of treatment for your specific condition.

Is Long-Term PPI Use Dangerous?

If you are currently under the care of a gastroenterologist who has prescribed a long-term PPI, you should take your medication as directed. Your GI specialist has determined the PPI is beneficial for healing, maintenance of healing and long-term control. Certain conditions like Barrett’s esophagus can benefit from long-term PPIs. However, you should see your GI doctor regularly so he or she can periodically reevaluate your PPI dosage. The goal is for you to be on the lowest possible dose that brings effective healing.

GI Doctor vs PCP

You may think going to your primary care physician (PCP) will be equally effective, but this is not the case. A gastroenterologist is better equipped to diagnose and treat upper GI problems and symptoms than a general practitioner. This is because gastroenterologists are required to complete a gastrointestinal medicine fellowship, meaning three additional years of training following a residency in internal medicine. GI doctors use diagnostic testing like an upper endoscopy to view the lining of the esophagus and even take a tissue biopsy if necessary. When you make an appointment with a GI doctor, you are putting your digestive health in the care of an expert.

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, more than 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a month and more than 15 million experience acid reflux daily. Are you one of these individuals? Call today to make an appointment with a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist so you can experience long-term relief.

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