Boston Magazine has recognized Dr. Raj Devarajan, Dr. Mark Epstein, Dr. Gail Herzig, Dr. Benjamin Hyatt and Dr. Peter Krims as “Top Doctors” on their 2021 list. All five physicians were designated in both 2020 and 2021! Congratulations! Click here for the full article.
Call Your Doctor to Discuss How Stress Affects Arthritis
May is National Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis, a condition caused by joint inflammation, affects 50 million Americans and 350 million individuals worldwide. Women are slightly more prone to arthritis than men, but the disease can affect anyone, even children.
What are the Types of Arthritis?
There are three main types of arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis—This is the most common type of arthritis. It forms when the cartilage at the end of a joint deteriorates and bone nerve fibers become exposed.
- Rheumatoid—This type of arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system targets the joints and causes joint inflammation and pain.
- Psoriatic—This kind of arthritis affects people with psoriasis. The immune system not only attacks the joint but also the ligaments and tendons near the joint.
Chronic Stress Linked to Arthritis
Many factors can cause arthritis to develop, including age, injury and inflammation. A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research suggests stress can play a significant role in arthritis. The researchers found a strong association between chronic stress and the development of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Very few studies have explored the effects of “chronic stress-related physiological burden on musculoskeletal health,” but stress is a major contributor to arthritis, said Sarah N. Schwetlik, BPhysio, MMuscsklSportPhysio, of the University of South Australia. She and her colleagues examined 54 studies, and 41 of the studies showed associations between chronic stress and arthritis.
Scwetlik also discovered an “increased prevalence of both [osteoarthritis] and [rheumatoid arthritis] with increasing degrees of childhood difficulty” (Healio).
COVID-19 and Increased Stress Levels
Stress is not just a risk factor in arthritis development. Being under stress can also make arthritis symptoms worse. Pandemic-related job loss, financial strain and mental health pressure due to COVID-19 have caused millions of Americans to experience more anxiety than ever before. Although more Americans are receiving COVID-19 vaccinations daily, the pandemic’s effects will continue for several years.
Stress response triggers chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol, increasing muscle tension and setting off an inflammatory response in the immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and lupus are all fueled by inflammation. As the duration of stress increases, inflammation levels increase as well and become more destructive.
Ways to Manage Stress and Get Joint Pain Relief
One of the best ways to prevent arthritis or manage your arthritic complications is to manage your stress. By implementing stress-management techniques, you can reduce joint pain and improve your quality of life. Here are three ways to manage your stress and get joint pain relief:
- Exercise every day—Regular exercise like walking, swimming, biking and aerobic exercise can help release endorphins, chemicals that boost your mood and decrease feelings of anxiety and depression.
- Yoga and meditation—Deep breathing, movement and mindfulness help slow the pulse and quiet the body to a calm state.
- Find a licensed therapist—Counseling can help you implement cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a technique that allows you to view your worries from a different perspective (Arthritis Foundation).
Call Your Orthopedist
Are you suffering from chronic joint pain? Your orthopedist can help you get your arthritis under control by providing you with a treatment plan that may include de-stressing methods, medication, daily exercise and diet modifications. Call today to schedule an appointment so you can discuss your symptoms and get relief.
Call Your Ophthalmologist: Your Vision Affects Your Health
Have you canceled or delayed your eye exam due to COVID-19? Healthy vision is not just a luxury. It is a medical necessity.
The leading causes of vision loss in the world are cataracts and refractive errors, or the need for glasses. Eighty percent of vision problems are correctable; however, millions of adults and children experience vision impairment.
Your Vision Affects Your Health
A recent study in The Lancet Global Health, showed a link between vision impairment and mortality. After studying 48,000 people from 17 different studies, a meta-analysis found that patients with severe vision impairment experienced a higher risk of mortality than patients with normal vision or mild vision impairment.
The mortality risk for those with mildly impaired vision and severely impaired vision was 29 percent and 89 percent, respectively, compared to those with normal vision.
Eye Diseases Require Consistent Treatment
Since the beginning of the pandemic, people of all ages have canceled or delayed comprehensive eye exams and eye procedures. Although COVID-19 is still a serious threat, it is essential to stay current with your eye appointments.
Ophthalmologists are reporting that many of their patients with chronic eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration are skipping important treatment appointments. Without regular treatment, these diseases can progress and cause permanent vision impairment or vision loss.
Do Not Ignore These Eye Symptoms
There are also many reasons you may have to call your eye doctor to make an appointment for an eye emergency (The Conversation). Call your ophthalmologist right away if you experience:
- Eye pain
- Eye injury
- Red eye
- Blank or wavy spots
- New floaters or flashes of light
- A sudden change in vision
Comprehensive Eye Exams are Essential for Wellbeing
Even if you do not have an eye disease or an eye emergency, a comprehensive eye exam is an important part of preventive care. Don’t wait for an eye problem to arise before calling your ophthalmologist to make an appointment.
You can feel confident knowing your eye center is making great effort to ensure your safety during this time. Your eye center is putting you first by spacing out appointments and implementing social distancing and rigorous sanitation procedures. Call today to make an appointment.
Central California Endoscopy Center Physician Performs Life-Saving Surgery
A routine colonoscopy led to an unexpected diagnosis – and a life-saving surgery – for a Fresno, California man and his physician.
In November 2020, Dr. John Garry of Central California Endoscopy Center reviewed the findings from a colonoscopy performed on Tony Capozzi, an attorney in the Fresno area. The scope, Dr. Garry said, uncovered benign polyps, but it was markers of something much less common that caught the long-time colon and rectal surgeon’s attention.
“Interestingly in the upper rectum sigmoid colon and descending colon there were some really large, unusual blood vessels,” Dr. Garry said.
Capozzi was diagnosed with having an arteriovenous malformation (AMV) in his lower abdomen. An abnormal tangle of blood vessels connecting the arteries and veins, AMV disrupts normal blood flow and oxygen circulation.
Surprised by his “highly unusual” findings, Dr. Garry referred the case to his colleagues at Stanford Health Care, who also expressed shock over the diagnosis. It was decided that Capozzi continue his care locally with Dr. Garry and a team at Community Regional Medical Center, where Dr. Garry performed a nine-hour surgery to remove the mass of vessels.
“As soon as we opened the abdomen, we had an encounter of this massive abnormal appearing mesentery and tissue that just filled our entire incision,” Dr. Garry said.
The surgery was a success, as Capozzi spent 11 days recovering in the hospital before returning home and to his legal work defending clients in the Fresno area.
Speaking to KSEE, Fresno’s NBC affiliate, Capozzi said the trust he put in Dr. Garry and his team was rewarded with a new lease on life.
“As the days went on, (Dr. Garry) said, ‘It’s working. It’s just going to take time.’ And it did. I said, ‘I put my trust in you,’ and as the days went on, it got better and better, and the tubes started coming out, and I felt 100-percent better,” Capozzi said.
The ABCs of Celiac Disease
The words “You have celiac disease,” may bring about many emotions – stress, sadness, and even grief over the loss of favorite foods.
While diving into the world of celiac disease may feel overwhelming at first, we’re here to remind you that while it is completely normal to feel a wide range of feelings, it is also important to know it is possible to have a happy and full life!
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a genetic digestive and autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine, interfering with nutrient absorption from food. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others may have a range of physical and digestive symptoms.
It is important to schedule a visit with us if you suspect you may have celiac disease since it can cause malnutrition and other health issues.
Once diagnosed, there is a world of language you will be introduced to. Below, we breakdown those words and facts to simplify what life is like for those with celiac disease.
ABC’s of Celiac Disease
Autoimmune disease. Contrary to popular belief, celiac disease is not an allergy, it’s actually an autoimmune disease.
Bloating, cramping, constipation and diarrhea can be symptoms for those who are diagnosed.
Currently the only treatment of celiac disease is a lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet.
Development. Celiac disease can develop at any age after people start eating foods or medicines that contain gluten.
Estimated to affect 1 in 133 Americans, celiac disease happens in approximately 1 percent of the population in the U.S.
Finding foods that work for your body is key with celiac disease.
Gastroenterologist. The type of doctor that can diagnose celiac disease.
Hereditary. Celiac disease is hereditary, meaning that it runs in families. People with a first-degree relative with celiac disease (parent, child, sibling) have a 1 in 10 risk of developing celiac disease.
Immune response is what happens when people with celiac disease eat gluten.
Just read labels or ask questions. Products should be certified gluten-free to ensure no cross contamination occurred when making the food you plan to consume.
Knowledge is power! The more you know about what it means to have celiac, the better your quality of life will be.
Lip balm, medicine, and even envelope glue are a few examples of everyday items where gluten may pop up, though it is mainly found in food.
Malnutrition can be a symptom of celiac disease, so it is important to visit a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Nutrient absorption is an issue for those with celiac disease and without proper care, it can cause damage to the small intestine.
Oats are a tricky food for those with celiac disease. While they do not contain gluten naturally, often times they are grown and harvested with wheat, which contains gluten.
People with celiac disease have twice the risk of developing coronary artery disease, and a 4 times greater risk of developing small bowel cancers.
Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and generally well tolerated by those with gluten sensitivity. Other gluten-free grains can be found here.
Re-invent. Eating a strict gluten-free diet can feel like a challenge at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to re-invent favorite meals to be compliant.
Symptoms can come in a variety of ailments. While some may be depressed, tired and irritable, others may experience seizures, missed periods and infertility, in addition to digestive issues.
Testing. Many people with celiac disease don’t know they have it. Two blood tests can help diagnose it as well as further investigations with an endoscopy or a capsule endoscopy.
Untreated, celiac disease can lead to additional serious health problems.
Villi are small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine. They work to promote nutrient absorption. When the villi get damaged through things like ingesting gluten, nutrients cannot be absorbed properly into the body.
Wheat, rye and barley are three ingredient triggers for people with gluten sensitivity.
Xanthan gum is a gluten-free ingredient for those who enjoy baking.
Your mental health is important, too. Being newly diagnosed with celiac disease can feel scary. Please give yourself grace as you start your journey.
Zillions of websites, recipes, and stores cater to living a gluten-free lifestyle, so there’s no shortage of resources available.
Overall, nothing can prepare you to chart the waters of celiac disease like visiting a doctor. Visit Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan, to receive a true diagnosis of what’s causing your stomach issues so we can help you. Request an appointment with us today.
Before your visit: 15 things to track in a wellness journal
Your stomach hurts, and you’re not sure why. Is it something you ate? Food poisoning? Cramps? If you are experiencing pain or other gastro symptoms on a regular basis – and it’s affecting your everyday life — it may be time to see a gastroenterologist.
Prior to your visit, consider writing in a wellness journal, which can be just a plain notebook. This simple tool can be a major help to the doctors diagnosing your condition. Taking some time in the weeks leading up to an appointment to track symptoms can be key for proper diagnosing. Not only will a wellness journal help you bring more awareness to things like the foods you eat and how often you move your body, but it can also help uncover patterns of when problematic symptoms occur.
For anyone looking to improve their digestive health, here are 15 things to track in a wellness journal and the questions to consider:
1. Food
What did you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner? What about snacks?
2. Water intake
How many ounces of water did you consume throughout the day? Aim for eight 8 oz. glasses of water each day.
3. Beverages
Besides water, what beverages are you consuming? Are they carbonated? Fruit juices with citrus? Caffeine? Take note!
4. Change to routine
Did you recently change jobs or add a child to the family? Are you waking or going to bed at a different time than usual?
5. Fasting
If you have a habit of intermittent fasting daily, note it.
6. Medications and supplements
Do you take a prescription medication or vitamins daily?
7. Mood
Do you find yourself more stressed and irritable lately? Note how that fluctuates from day-to-day.
8. Exercise
Do you take daily walks, or hit the gym on a regular basis?
9. Bloating
If you’re feeling bloat, make sure to indicate at what point in the day you feel it, and after which foods in particular.
10. Bowel movements, diarrhea and constipation
Make note of your daily bathroom habits, or lack thereof.
11. Gas
If you’re experiencing more than your daily amount of gas, take note.
12. Fatigue
Track your sleeping habits and what time you wake-up and go to bed on a daily basis.
13. Skin issues
Note any skin issues or abnormal rashes, as this can indicate a food or gluten sensitivity.
14. Weight
Make a note if you’ve recently gained or lost an excessive amount of weight.
15. Alcohol and tobacco consumption
During the day, did you drink a glass of wine or smoke a cigarette? These can trigger acid reflux/GERD.
If you do happen to have a diagnosis following your initial appointment, make sure to continue your wellness journal to look for additional patterns or foods that may trigger uncomfortable symptoms. You can also try these tips for keeping your GI tract running smoothly to see if that helps lessen symptoms you’re feeling.
Visit a gastroenterologist today
Visit Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan, to receive a true diagnosis of what’s causing your stomach issues so we can help you treat it. Contact us today!
Medical Director and Nurses Serve as Volunteer Vaccinators
The medical director and two members of the nursing staff from Surgical Center at Millburn in Millburn, New Jersey, have been giving back to the community by serving as volunteer vaccinators.
Dr. Andrew Levy, Medical Director, Jorge Sidron, Director of Nursing, and Melinda Colon, RN, have been volunteering at the Livingston Mall to help administer the initial COVID-19 vaccine to 1A healthcare and first responders. They began the initiative in December as part of an Essex County collaboration, and they have not stopped since.
“In these difficult times, it has been a special experience and an honor to help be a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Dr. Levy. “Few things are as rewarding as watching the effect of a vaccination on someone who has been unable to see their grandchildren in a year. The tears of joy and watching someone dance with their walker are not easily forgotten.”
Jorge Sidron said he is thankful to be able to serve the community and be a part of the vaccination effort. “As a nurse, volunteering to be among the first to administer the COVID vaccine to my fellow healthcare workers and first responders was both an honor and a privilege.”
Melinda Colon found that being part of the vaccination effort brought her back to the core of her profession. “Volunteering made me realize why I became an RN in the first place,” she said.
Get a Screening Colonoscopy for the Sake of Your Health and Your Family
Staying well during the coronavirus pandemic is important, but are you sacrificing your colon health by delaying what could be a life-saving colonoscopy? You may think staying at home is a way you can do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but having a colonoscopy is a basic form of preventive care that could save your life. Getting screened for colon cancer is a gift you can give your family because it means you will be present for years to come.
Colonoscopies and Colon Cancer Prevention
Your lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about one in five, but most colon cancer cases are preventable with regular colonoscopies. A colonoscopy allows your doctor to examine the entire colon and remove any suspicious polyps before they can develop into cancer. Therefore, a colonoscopy is both diagnostic and therapeutic; it can detect and prevent colon cancer. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, removing cancer-causing polyps during a colonoscopy can lower the risk of death from colorectal cancer by 53 percent.
Even though research proves colonoscopies save lives, millions of Americans are not getting screened at proper intervals. As a result of COVID-19, colorectal screenings dropped significantly in 2020, with an 86 percent decline compared to averages before February 2020. This screening disruption translates to more undiagnosed cases of colorectal cancer for longer periods. Up to 10,000 more deaths are projected over the next decade as a consequence of postponed screenings.
Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines
The American Cancer Society suggests all adults who are at average risk for colon cancer have an initial colon cancer screening at 45 years of age. Some individuals are at higher risk for colon cancer due to family history, so talk with your GI doctor about whether you should begin screening earlier than this. It is also essential to be aware of the risk factors associated with colon cancer, including:
- 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
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Obesity
Don’t Delay in Scheduling Your Screening Colonoscopy
Although many surgery centers were closed during COVID, most have resumed regular hours. Surgery centers must follow rigorous safety standards and protocols. You can feel confident that your center will take the necessary precautions to sanitize the facility and all equipment.
We all have loved ones who need us in their lives – those who rely on us and can’t wait until we can all safely gather together again once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. You owe it to your family to prioritize your health.
Give those who love you peace of mind by scheduling a screening colonoscopy today.
Prioritize Healthy Vision for the Sake of Your Family
We all have loved ones who need us in their lives – those who rely on us and can’t wait until we can all safely gather together again once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. You owe it to your friends and family to care for your eye health so you can enjoy quality time together.
While it is important to avoid exposure to COVID-19, it is imperative to take care of your eyesight. Comprehensive eye exams are crucial for diagnosing eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. If you had to cancel an eye procedure or surgery due to COVID-19, you should call today to reschedule it. Delaying an eye procedure could put you at risk for vision impairment or vision loss.
Cataract Surgery Restores Clear Vision
One of the most common vision problems is cataracts, a condition that affects 20.5 million Americans. A cataract is the clouding of the eye lens, and it can cause significant vision loss if left untreated.
Cataracts are treatable with cataract surgery. During this simple, painless procedure, a surgeon removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a clear, customized lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). There are many types of IOLs, and if you have cataracts, you and your surgeon can decide which IOL is best for your vision needs.
Although COVID has caused many delays and cancellations of cataract surgery, now is the time to reschedule. Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States, with a 98 percent success rate.
Most cataract surgeries are outpatient procedures, which means you can go home in a matter of hours. In a few days, you can resume your normal activities.
Comprehensive Eye Exams Detect and Prevent Disease
One of the best gifts you can give your family is getting a yearly eye exam. Through a comprehensive eye exam, your provider can evaluate your vision as well as your overall eye health.
COVID has caused many people to cancel their eye exams, but now is the time to reschedule. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 3.3 million Americans over 40 are legally blind, and 11 million Americans 12 years and older could improve their vision through proper correction.
A comprehensive eye exam can diagnose cataracts as well as glaucoma, a disease that affects the optic nerve. About three million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are aware they have the disease. Because the disease usually develops without pain or symptoms, it requires a comprehensive eye exam for diagnosis.
Your vision health is worth an hour of your time every year. You want to see the faces of your family and loved ones for years to come, so call to schedule a comprehensive eye exam or cataract surgery. You may not consider an eye appointment to be a priority during this already stressful time, but it’s the only way to keep your vision healthy. An eye exam isn’t only for you; it’s for your family.
Get Joint Pain Relief for the Sake of Your Family
If you have persistent joint pain, getting treatment may not have been a priority for you during this stressful time; however, delaying treatment will only worsen joint problems. We all have loved ones who need us in their lives – those who rely on us and who can’t wait until we can all safely gather together again once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. Getting treatment for your joint pain can help ensure you’re healthy and available to begin reconnecting with your loved ones.
Chronic Joint Pain is a Common Problem for Americans
If you’re struggling with pain in your knee, hip, shoulder or hand, you’re not alone? Orthopedic issues are the most common reason people seek medical attention. In fact, one in every seven Americans has had an orthopedic problem.
Although millions of Americans suffer from chronic joint pain, nearly 84 percent of all orthopedic procedures are expected to be delayed, postponed or canceled due to COVID-19. Because of the pandemic, many people have had to delay procedures including:
- Knee replacement
- Hip replacement
- Shoulder and rotator cuff surgery
- ACL surgery
- Hand surgery
- Wrist surgery
Total Joint Replacement: A Safe, Successful Procedure
Total joint replacement, also called total joint arthroplasty (TJA), is among the most common and successful surgeries performed today. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged or arthritic joint and replaces it with a metal, plastic or ceramic prosthetic joint.
Surgeons perform nearly one million total joint arthroplasty procedures in the United States annually, giving patients years of pain relief and restored mobility. According to a 2019 study published in The Lancet, 82 percent of knee replacements still function after 25 years.
Do Not Delay Your Orthopedic Procedure
Make your joint health a priority so you can enjoy reconnecting with your family. If your surgery center had to cancel your hip, knee or shoulder replacement or hand or wrist surgery, this could be the ideal time to reschedule your procedure. Your surgery center may have shortened hours, but you can still call the office to schedule a surgery, speak to a nurse or leave a message for your doctor.
You don’t have to continue to live with joint pain. Call an orthopedic specialist to schedule an appointment today and begin your journey toward relief!
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