Connecticut Eye Surgery Center South Volunteers with Operation International

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At Connecticut Eye Surgery Center South, our commitment to compassionate care extends far beyond our local community. We’re proud to highlight the humanitarian efforts of ophthalmologist Dr. Seth Meskin and certified surgical technologist (CST) Diane Van Etten, who recently volunteered with Operation International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free medical care in underserved regions around the world.

Dr. Seth MeskinDuring a two-week mission, Dr. Meskin and CST Van Etten joined a skilled multidisciplinary team to deliver life-changing care to more than 400 patients. Their work included essential procedures that restored vision and improved quality of life for individuals who otherwise lacked access to specialized medical services.

This mission reflects the values we uphold every day—clinical excellence, service, and a deep commitment to making a difference. We are honored to have such dedicated professionals on our team and grateful for the global impact of their work.

To learn more about their experience and the broader mission, please visit the full story: Read More

Watch more about Uganda (13:03)

Watch more about Kenya (13:50)

The Benefits of Ozone Therapy for Arthritis and Joint Injuries

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Dr. Warren Bleiweiss, a leading expert in regenerative pain management, explains the benefits of injecting ozone into joints in his latest article. This innovative, minimally invasive treatment may help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and improve mobility for conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and joint injuries.

Read the full article here: Top Conditions Treated by Injecting Ozone Into Joints

Busy Life? Consider Direct Access Colonoscopy

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Life is busy and your plate is full, but taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for others. A colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test is a simple step that could make a big difference in your future. Direct Access Colonoscopy makes scheduling your procedure easier.

Colon Cancer is Preventable

In adults younger than 50, colorectal cancer is the No. 1 cause of cancer death in men and the second in women.

The good news is CRC is both preventable and highly treatable when detected early. Experts recommend starting CRC screenings at age 45, if you are at average risk. If you have digestive symptoms, you should see your health care provider regardless of age.

A colonoscopy is the most efficient way to detect the disease early or even prevent cancer. If you choose other colon cancer screening methods and receive an abnormal result, you must follow up with a colonoscopy to determine the cause of the positive test.

What is Direct Access?

Career, family and the nonstop pace of life demands your full attention. Direct Access Colonoscopy is a simple and convenient way to schedule your colon cancer screening.

If you qualify, you don’t need to have a formal pre-procedure visit with a gastroenterologist or endoscopist. In fact, you do not meet the doctor until the day of the procedure.

Additionally, Direct Access Colonoscopy is covered by most health insurance plans.

How does Direct Access Work?

Prior to being scheduled for a colonoscopy, you will have a call with our center staff to review your medical history in detail.

If you have an uncomplicated medical history, are between 45 and 75 years old, and are in generally good health, you may be eligible for Direct Access.

Also, if you require a colonoscopy to evaluate a positive screening stool test, you may be eligible for Direct Access.

If certain health conditions are identified during the call with our center, an office visit will be required prior to the procedure.

Schedule Your Screening at Our ASC

For a colonoscopy, our Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) makes it easy to get the care you need:

  • Timely, efficient outpatient care
  • Less waiting, more one-on-one attention
  • Often more affordable than hospital procedures
  • A safe, welcoming space designed with your comfort in mind

Find out if you are eligible for a Direct Access Colonoscopy.

Early detection saves lives. If you’re due for a colonoscopy or need a follow-up, don’t wait. Protect your health and schedule your screening today.

Dr. Raphael Longobardi Featured in Prevention

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We’re proud to share that Dr. Raphael Longobardi of The Livingston Surgery Center was recently quoted in Prevention’s article, “How Long Do Shin Splints Last?”

In the article, Dr. Longobardi offers expert insight into the causes, recovery time, and treatment options for shin splints — a common condition affecting runners and active individuals. His contribution highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and care in orthopedic sports medicine.

We’re honored to see our physicians recognized for their expertise in national health publications.

Read the full article here.

Hudson Crossing Surgery Center Becomes First in New Jersey to Achieve Prestigious Certification

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FORT LEE, New Jersey, November 6, 2025 — Hudson Crossing Surgery Center is honored to announce that it is the first center in the state of New Jersey to receive the Advanced Orthopaedic Certification (AOC) from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). The national distinction recognizes excellence in orthopedic surgical care and a commitment to higher level quality expectations set by experts within the field.

Advanced Orthopaedic Certification is only awarded to AAAHC-accredited organizations that meet rigorous standards in clinical practice, ongoing performance improvement strategies, patient outcomes and organizational infrastructure.

“This certification is a testament to the hard work, dedication and collaboration of our entire team at Hudson Crossing Surgery Center,” said Medical Director Oscar Vazquez, MD. “Achieving this milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and to providing the highest quality care for our patients.”

The certification process includes an onsite survey conducted by experienced clinical surveyors and reflects input from a multidisciplinary panel of orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, physical therapists and quality experts. Receiving this distinction places Hudson Crossing Surgery Center among a select group of facilities nationwide that have demonstrated superior performance in orthopedic surgical care.

For more information about Hudson Crossing Surgery Center, please visit www.hudsoncrossingsc.com.

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About AAAHC

Founded in 1979, AAAHC is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation, with more than 6,800 organizations accredited. We accredit a wide range of outpatient settings, including ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery facilities, endoscopy centers, student health centers, medical and dental group practices, community health centers, employer-based health clinics, retail clinics, and Indian/Tribal health centers, among others.

AAAHC advocates for the provision of high-quality health care through the development and adoption of nationally recognized standards. We provide a valuable survey experience founded on a peer-based, educational approach to onsite review. The AAAHC Certificate of Accreditation, along with specialized programs including Advanced Orthopaedic Certification and Patient-Centered Medical Home Certification, demonstrates an organization’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality services to its patients—every day of the 1,095-day accreditation cycle. AAAHC Accreditation and Certification Programs are recognized by third-party payors, medical professional associations, liability insurance companies, state and federal agencies, and the public. For more information on AAAHC, please visit www.aaahc.org.

Dr. Jamil Alexis Featured in Everyday Health

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Dr. Jamil AlexisWe’re proud to share that Dr. Jamil Alexis of Wilton Surgery Center was recently quoted in Everyday Health‘s article, “Should You Limit NSAIDs With Crohn’s Disease?”.

In the article, Dr. Alexis offers expert insight into the potential risks of using NSAIDs for individuals living with Crohn’s disease. His contribution helps raise awareness about how certain medications can impact digestive health and underscores the importance of personalized care.

We’re honored to see our physicians recognized for their expertise in national health publications.

Read the full article here.

Dr. Mark Epstein Featured in Everyday Health

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We’re proud to highlight that Dr. Mark Epstein of Middlesex Digestive Health & Endoscopy Center was recently featured in Everyday Health’s article, “11 Best Natural Remedies for Upset Stomach Relief.”

In the article, Dr. Epstein shares expert insights on natural approaches to managing digestive discomfort, including the benefits of peppermint and the BRAT diet. His contribution reflects our center’s commitment to providing trusted, patient-centered care backed by clinical expertise.

This recognition reinforces the value of our team’s work in digestive health and our dedication to educating patients on safe, effective treatment options.

Read the full article here.

Take a Google 360 Virtual Tour of North Shore Endoscopy Center

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

Take the Google 360 Tour

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

Why Choose Us?

  • Modern, Welcoming Environment: Our facility is carefully maintained to ensure cleanliness and comfort, offering a positive experience from the moment you enter.
  • Tailored, Compassionate Care: Our dedicated team is focused on providing personalized, patient-centered care to meet your individual healthcare needs.
  • See Before You Arrive: Through our virtual tour and photo gallery, you can get a feel for our center before your visit, promoting confidence and informed decision-making.

At North Shore Endoscopy Center, we blend top-tier medical care with a calm, comfortable atmosphere designed to ease your experience. We invite you to take the tour and discover how we’re committed to your well-being at every step.

Why Waiting Until You Have Symptoms Could Be Risky: Silent Signs of Colon Cancer Everyone Should Know

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“I feel fine. Why would I need a colonoscopy?”

We hear it all the time. And we get it; No one wants to think about cancer, especially when you’re not feeling sick.

But here’s the truth: colon cancer can grow quietly, with few or no symptoms until it’s in a more advanced (and harder to treat) stage.

That’s why regular screening (with a colonoscopy) is so powerful…and potentially life-saving. Catching precancerous polyps during a colonoscopy before they turn into cancer is one of the best tools we have, yet many people delay screening simply because they feel fine.

At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Mich., we want to change that.

Colon Cancer: The Silent Invader

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., yet you can prevent colon cancer. How? With a colonoscopy that helps us find and remove polyps before they become a problem.

But what makes it tricky is that colon cancer often develops without major warning signs, so you may not think you have to get a colonoscopy. Then when symptoms do appear, the disease is usually more advanced. That’s why waiting for symptoms is a risk you shouldn’t take.

The best attack? Have a colonoscopy by age 45, or sooner if you have family history or risk factors. (Learn about what your first colonoscopy is like here)

7 Silent (or Easy-to-Miss) Signs of Colon Cancer

While many people won’t have symptoms at all in the early stages, some reasons you may need a colonoscopy can include:

  1. Unexplained fatigue: Feeling unusually tired, even after rest.
  2. Changes in bowel habits: Ongoing constipation, diarrhea, or a change in stool shape or frequency.
  3. Blood in stool:  Sometimes visible, sometimes microscopic. Either way, it’s a red flag.
  4. Abdominal cramping or discomfort:  Especially if persistent or unexplained.
  5. Unintended weight loss: Losing weight without trying should never be ignored.
  6. Feeling like your bowel doesn’t empty completely: A sense of incomplete evacuation can be a subtle sign.
  7. Low iron levels or anemia: Often discovered during routine bloodwork; may signal chronic bleeding in the colon.

Remember: These signs don’t always mean cancer. But they do mean you should speak with a GI specialist now and not wait.

The Power of Prevention: Get Screened at 45 (or Sooner If You’re High Risk)

If you’re 45 or older, the time to schedule your first colonoscopy is now…even if you feel great.

You may also need earlier or more frequent screenings if you have a family history of colon cancer or risk factors.

Not sure what your risk is? We’re here to help assess and guide you.

Our On-Site Surgical Center: Easier, Faster, and More Comfortable

We know “hospital” is not everyone’s favorite word — so here’s good news. You don’t HAVE to have a colonoscopy at a hospital.

At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., our on-site surgical center offers:

  • Lower costs than hospital-based procedures
  • Shorter wait times
  • Quieter, more private experience
  • Procedures performed by board-certified gastroenterologists you already know

It’s colonoscopy, made convenient…and personalized.

The Bottom Line: Schedule Your Colonoscopy Now

Colon cancer doesn’t always make a dramatic entrance. That’s why waiting for symptoms is a gamble you don’t have to take.

A 45-minute screening could give you years of peace of mind or even save your life.

Let’s stop colon cancer before it starts. Schedule your colonoscopy today.

Patient Finds Answers Through Timely GI Evaluation at ASC

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Ohio University student Madi Brown leads an active lifestyle. She stays busy studying communications, working in tourism and caring for her cherished 10-year-old beagle mix, Smoke.

Behind her bright smile and cheerful outlook lives a story of resilience. Growing up, Brown faced chronic health challenges, including autoimmune disorders and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

This past spring, Brown, 21, started vomiting unexplainably and for extended periods of time. Her doctors proposed causes like stress, a virus or even food sensitivities but offered no definitive diagnosis.

“They tested me for everything. I did so much blood work, but nobody could really figure out why I was throwing up,” she said.

GI Procedure Recommended for Diagnosis

Jigna Thakore, M.D. After months of uncertainty about her health, Brown scheduled a visit with her board-certified gastroenterologist Jigna Thakore, M.D.

“When she came in May, she was having a lot of nausea, vomiting, heartburn-type symptoms and just pain in her upper abdomen,” Dr. Thakore said. “We needed to figure out whether it’s food allergy related versus acid reflux, versus if there’s an infection in her stomach, a gluten allergy.”

Brown underwent an ultrasound and a HIDA (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid) scan to evaluate her gallbladder and bile duct function. Her results were normal.

To diagnose other conditions of the upper digestive tract, Dr. Thakore recommended Brown undergo an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD.

“There’s no CT scan or ultrasound or MRI or any imaging test that can give you the same information as an EGD for the upper gastrointestinal tract because it’s a camera inside you. It’s physically helping us see the actual tissue,” Dr. Thakore said. “When the imaging test is done, it shows pictures in shades of gray. Whereas with the EGD, we see the tissue and can biopsy it to test its health.”

Brown scheduled the procedure at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) near her parents’ Dayton, Ohio, home. Although anxious about her initial endoscopy, Brown said the medical team detailed the process and offered encouragement.

“I don’t like to surrender control … So, being put to sleep and just not being aware and the idea of just complete oblivion freaks me out unnecessarily,” she said. “The care team … picked up on that, and they made it so easy.”

During Brown’s sedation, Dr. Thakore used a slender, flexible instrument known as an endoscope to inspect the lining of her esophagus, stomach and the upper section of the small intestine.

Biopsies of the esophagus revealed gastritis, indicating inflammation in the lining of the stomach.

“The biopsies didn’t show any infection, so that would show that that’s all acid related,” Dr. Thakore said. “Biopsies in the small intestine were negative for gluten allergy or celiac disease. So, we’ve been working on her acid-related symptoms as the cause of what she was experiencing.”

Dr. Thakore also discovered a minor hiatal hernia, where Brown’s stomach extends slightly into her chest area.

“By itself, it’s not dangerous, especially when it is small, but she will have more reflux from it,” Dr. Thakore said. “That is part of her issue with nausea, vomiting.”

To heal Brown’s gastritis and lower her stomach acid would take about five to six weeks. Dr. Thakore prescribed medications for heartburn and nausea for her to take as needed until her next appointment.

Managing IBS Symptoms; Improving Gut Health

IBS affects up to 45 million Americans like Brown, who endure frequent stomach pain with diarrhea, constipation or both. To reduce IBS symptoms, Dr. Thakore recommended Brown focus on improving her gut health.

“Often, these symptoms can be improved, and these conditions can be improved with fiber alone,” Dr. Thakore said. “Over-the-counter fiber, such as psyllium husk or guar gum, … or even a high-fiber diet is helpful. Up to 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day is what the gut bacteria need to do their job.”

Gut bacteria (microbiomes) reside in the gastrointestinal tract. They assist the body with digestion, nutrient production, immune system regulation, metabolic health and more.

“I don’t know if young people understand how important your gut health really is and how impactful that is for your entire body,” Brown said. “The gut says a lot, and when you start to care for that, you’ll notice other parts of your life improving.”

ASCs Care for Patients First

Ambulatory surgery centers offer patients same-day procedures using advanced technology in a comfortable setting with shorter waiting times, often at lower out-of-pocket costs. Patients have the convenience of recovering at home.

“This is a teamwork effort. We are very fortunate to have a fantastic staff,” Dr. Thakore said. “There’s just a culture of the patient coming first and making [them] better. That’s why we exist. So, that’s what we carry through.”

Following her positive experience, Brown said she would recommend ASCs to others.

“There were so many good things that were happening during my experience before, during and after the procedure,” she said. “The little moments of Dr. Thakore holding my hand or the anesthesiologist being just so kind and attentive or the nurse answering my questions in the beginning, all of these little things added up to a really good experience that could so easily have just been mediocre or bad.”

Doctors determine whether patients are suitable for outpatient surgery based on their age, existing medical conditions and the support they receive at home.

“If you’re safe enough to have an outpatient procedure, that’s the best option,” Dr. Thakore said. “We’re very timely; we’re efficient.”

Schedule an Appointment to Discuss GI Issues

You can make positive choices to benefit your digestive health. Schedule an appointment to talk to your doctor about any GI issues you may be experiencing. Your doctor may suggest that you schedule a procedure, like an EGD or colonoscopy, to determine the cause.

Discuss whether lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, improving diet and exercising, can alleviate symptoms or decrease disease risk.

“Don’t ignore your symptoms,” Dr. Thakore said. “We care. You’re important. If you’re not taking care of yourself, who will, right? So, just make time to do that.”

As she adjusts to her healthier lifestyle, Brown encourages her peers to examine their life choices, too.

“Being a young person, it’s important to prioritize your health, but you also have to prioritize other parts of your life and your well-being and balance those things,” she said. “I really encourage them to find that balance and ride that fine line, … and eventually, things will fall into place.”

Dr. Thakore praised Brown for prioritizing her health for a better quality of life.

“Madi’s a fantastic, bright young lady, and I’m so proud of her for reaching out and not ignoring her symptoms,” she said. “It’s good for her to come in and work with us. And as a team, we can get her better.”

This article is designed for educational purposes only. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health concern or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health concern, you should consult your healthcare provider.

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