Ways to Avoid Exercise-Induced Heartburn

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If so, you’re certainly not alone. Studies show that approximately 25 percent of Americans never exercise, and this number is even higher among heartburn sufferers. According to a survey sponsored by Pepcid, two out of five weekly heartburn sufferers report that they stopped being active because of digestive symptoms (Source: Verywell).

We often think of acid reflux as a condition brought on by spicy foods or overindulging at the dinner table, but many heartburn sufferers find that their reflux symptoms are exacerbated by physical activity. Exercise that is intense or involves jarring movements can force stomach acid into the esophagus where it can cause burning and irritation.

Although exercise may produce digestive symptoms for some individuals, it is actually a great way to reduce or relieve the overall occurrence of heartburn. Researchers in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that losing 10 to 15 pounds can actually reduce heartburn symptoms by up to 40 percent (Source: Sepalika). If you’re prone to experiencing acid reflux during your exercise routine, try using these techniques to prevent the burn:

Time Meals Around Your Workout

Giving food adequate time to digest can greatly reduce the occurrence of heartburn. Try to wait at least one to two hours after eating before lacing up your cross-trainers.

Turn Down the Intensity

Exercises that are low-intensity and low-impact are less likely to trigger heartburn. Try swapping out that long distance run or cycling class for yoga or swimming.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water before, during and after your workout will help wash digestive acids out of the esophagus.

Dress Appropriately

Tight-fitting workout clothes place pressure on the midsection and may trigger heartburn. Opt for loose or flowy activewear that gives you plenty of room to breathe.

Save Protein For The Finish Line

Protein bars and shakes take longer to digest and may promote heartburn episodes during your workout. Save these supplements as a treat for after your cool down.

Exercise-induced heartburn can be a significant source of discouragement, but don’t let it stand in the way of reaching your fitness goals. Use these tips to keep reflux on the sidelines, and see a doctor if your symptoms persist. There are several treatments, prevention techniques and lifestyle changes that can keep you healthy, fit and heartburn-free!

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To Drive or Not to Drive? That is the Question

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Eye conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma can make driving difficult and even dangerous. It may be time to decide whether you should restrict your driving or retire your keys for good.

Degenerative eye disease develops slowly, so you might not realize the gradual changes in your vision. Over time, however, you may notice:

  1. Difficulty driving at night — When your vision is compromised, you need bright light to see clearly. The American Automobile Association says that a typical driver makes 20 decisions per mile and has less than a second to react quickly enough to avoid a collision. Driving at night puts you at higher risk for traffic accidents.
  2. Glare and halos — A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, and it can cause blurred vision. When light from bright headlights and street lamps enters the clouded lens of your eye, it causes intense glare and a distracting halo effect.
  3. Inability to read street signs — Failing eyesight can make it challenging to see street signs and highway markers. Delayed reaction on your part can put you or other motorists at risk.
  4. Reduced speed in your driving — Patrol officers are looking for motorists who are driving too fast, but they are also on the lookout for those who are driving too slow. Driving well below the speed limit can interrupt the flow of traffic and cause other motorists to change lanes more often, which increases the risk of accidents. (Source: All About Vision).

The best way to know whether you should take to the open road or have a designated driver is to talk with your ophthalmologist. He or she can discuss the specifics of your eye condition, and you can share your concerns that you are noticing while you are driving. It may be that you can still keep your driver’s license, but you may want to restrict your driving to daylight hours and leave nighttime driving to a friend or family member. Get a comprehensive eye exam soon so you can discuss this important topic with your
doctor.

Tips for Preventing and Managing Osteoporosis

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Often called “the silent disease,” osteoporosis can progress gradually over the years without producing any symptoms. However, the complications from this disease can be extremely painful and debilitating.

Most people who have osteoporosis do not even realize it until they suffer a fracture. An estimated 1 in 3 women worldwide will suffer an osteoporotic fracture, as well as 1 in 5 men over the age of 50. A patient who has suffered an osteoporosis-related fracture has a substantially higher risk of experiencing subsequent fractures in the future (Source: International Osteoporosis Foundation).

Everyone experiences gradual bone loss as they age, but there are several preventive steps you can take to protect yourself against osteoporosis. And the best news is you can start at any stage of life. Follow these tips to keep your bones healthy and strong throughout the years.

  • Eat a nutritious diet – Your body needs key nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D to build strong bones. Center your diet around lean meats, eggs, dairy, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables to keep your body fueled with the right vitamins and minerals.
    Exercise regularly – Weight-bearing exercise is best for preventing osteoporosis because it stresses the bones and forces them to grow stronger. Try walking, jogging, jumping rope, or step aerobics for a fun and challenging workout that will strengthen your whole body.
  • Cut out sodas – Caffeine and carbonation can be detrimental to bone health. Drink water or milk to strengthen bones and stay hydrated, and make sodas a rare treat.
  • Avoid falls – If you already have low bone density, preventing falls is the best way to avoid fractures. Keep high-traffic areas of your home well-lit and free from clutter. Wear supportive shoes with non-slip soles, and use a cane or walking aid if necessary.
  • Quit smoking – Cigarettes damage the entire body, including the skeletal system. Smoking accelerates bone loss by 1.5 to 2 times after the age of 30, placing you at much higher risk for osteoporosis.
  • Talk to your doctor – Hormonal changes, genetics and some medical conditions can greatly increase your odds of developing osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about any risk factors you may have and discuss whether supplements or medications may be necessary to preserve bone density (Source: Everyday Health).

Bone health is the result of a lifetime of choices, so start building healthier habits today. Diet, exercise, lifestyle modifications and risk management are just a few steps you can take to preserve bone health and keep osteoporosis at bay. Talk to your doctor about additional ways you can build strong, healthy bones that will last a lifetime.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Saves Lives

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A recent study by the American Cancer Society found that people born in 1990 have twice the risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer compared to people born in the 1950s.

If these figures prove one thing, it’s that you’re never too young to worry about colorectal cancer. With over 140,000 diagnoses and 50,000 deaths each year, it is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. When discovered in its earliest stages, colorectal cancer is considered one of the most treatable types of cancers. However, low screening rates and failure to recognize symptoms means that the disease is often not detected until it has reached advanced stages.

Current screening guidelines recommend that individuals of average risk begin screening colonoscopies at the age of 50. This means that younger patients are typically not covered for colonoscopies unless they display certain symptoms or risk factors. While colorectal cancer often does not produce symptoms in its earliest stages, some patients may experience:

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or narrow stools
  • Abdominal pain
  • Increased gas production
  • Stools that are bloody, black or tarry
  • Unexplained weight loss

In addition to these symptoms, there are certain risk factors that should prompt you to discuss colorectal cancer risk with your doctor. These include:

  • Age – Over 90 percent of all colon cancers develop in people over the age of 50
  • Family history – Having a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer places you at increased risk. Talk to your doctor about earlier screening times for added protection.
  • Obesity – People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of colorectal cancer incidence and morbidity.
  • Smoking and alcohol use – These lifestyle choices increase the risk of many cancers, including colorectal cancer.
  • Sedentary lifestyle – According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, sedentary behavior increases colon cancer risk by 24 percent.
  • Diet – High intake of red meat and processed meat is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

If you experience worrisome symptoms or if you are concerned about certain risk factors, schedule an appointment to talk to your doctor about colorectal cancer. While it’s possible that your symptoms can be attributed to less serious digestive issues, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Early detection and intervention gives you the best odds of treating – and beating – colorectal cancer.

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The New and Improved Cataract Surgery of Today

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Most procedures can be performed in an ambulatory surgery center, which offers convenience, comfort and usually a reduced cost (Source: Optometry Times).

If you were ever considering cataract surgery, there has never been a better time. Here are a few examples of how cataract surgery has advanced in technology over the years:

  1. Smaller incisions—No one likes the idea of an eye incision, but what if that incision was as small as 2.5 millimeters? Small incision cataract surgery allows for a single incision for cataract removal and IOL insertion.
  2. Shorter procedures and quicker recovery times—You may be surprised to know that cataract surgery can be as brief as 10 to 15 minutes. Gone are the days of extended recoveries and immobilization. You should expect to go home the same day, and under normal circumstances, you can resume your normal routine within just a few days.
  3. Customized IOLs—New IOLs are developed each year with improved technology and capabilities. Choose among monofocal, multifocal or astigmatism-correcting IOLs to suit your vision needs.
  4. Laser-assisted cataract surgery—This offers the perfect blend of a surgeon’s expertise and the precision of a machine. In laser-assisted cataract surgery, your surgeon will create a 3-D image of the eye with specifications for location, depth and length in all planes. The femtosecond laser uses the 3-D map to create the corneal incision without the use of a blade.

Make an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss your options for cataract surgery. Then you will be ready to call your insurance provider to discuss the benefits of your health plan. The last step is the easiest: schedule your procedure. Clear, healthy vision is just a few phone calls away, so don’t delay!

Are Your Seasonal Allergy Symptoms Caused by Something More Serious?

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Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever or seasonal allergies, affects between 10-30 percent of the population, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Seasonal allergies typically begin in February and can last well into the summer months, but common irritants like mold and dust can produce year-round symptoms.

Because seasonal allergies produce a wide variety of symptoms, it can be easy to mistake a more serious condition as simple allergies. Some conditions that share common symptoms with allergies include:

  • Flu – Allergy symptoms that begin suddenly and are accompanied by a fever could actually be symptoms of the flu.
  • The common cold – Allergies and colds both produce coughing, nasal drainage and watery eyes. However, if you develop body aches or pains, this is a sign that you probably have a cold.
  • Sinus infection – Inflammation of the sinus cavities can produce congestion and headache which may be mistaken for allergies. If these symptoms are accompanied by mucus buildup and facial tenderness, you may actually be experiencing a sinus infection.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – Also known as acid reflux, GERD is a digestive condition that produces symptoms similar to allergies. Hoarseness, sore throat and dry cough that is accompanied by heartburn is likely a sign that you’ve developed GERD (Source:

There are several treatment options to alleviate seasonal allergies, but they are not effective in treating other medical conditions. Whether this is your first time dealing with allergy symptoms or you experience them every year, it’s always wise to see an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) for diagnosis. They will evaluate your symptoms and collect other important pieces of information to understand what’s causing your health issues. Proper diagnosis is the first step towards finding relief, so schedule an appointment with your ENT today!

Healthy Lifestyle Changes to Ease Heartburn

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Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, a digestive disorder that allows gastric acids to escape from the stomach and irritate the esophagus. Unlike many other conditions, acid reflux can usually be prevented through small modifications to your diet and lifestyle. Try these preventive steps to keep your heartburn in check:

  • Identify your trigger foods – Many heartburn sufferers have trigger foods, certain foods that make their heartburn worse. Some of the most common trigger foods include onions, garlic, chocolate, tomatoes and peppermint. However, it’s important to identify which foods affect you personally. What causes heartburn in one person may not cause heartburn in another.
  • Alter your diet – Adhering to a low-fat, high-fiber diet is an effective way to curb heartburn. The majority of your meals should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Try to avoid foods that are fried, spicy or high in fat, as these are known to aggravate reflux.
  • Eat smaller meals – Overeating may cause the stomach to become distended, which can contribute to heartburn. Keep your portions small and eat slowly so your brain will have time to register when you are full.
  • Wear loose clothing – Snug waistbands, tight belts and shapewear place pressure on the midsection and encourage acid reflux. Opt for loose clothing that gives you plenty of room to breathe.
  • Give up smoking – Smoking relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, the ring of muscle that prevents stomach acid from seeping into the esophagus.
  • Change your sleep habits – Lying flat at night allows digestive acid to flow into the esophagus and cause irritation. Elevate your upper body by sleeping with a wedge-shaped pillow or by raising the head of your bed with six-inch blocks. If you’re a side sleeper, studies have shown that sleeping on your left side is better at preventing heartburn than sleeping on your right side.

Lifestyle changes are excellent ways to manage heartburn, but there are times when medication is necessary. If you have ongoing acid reflux symptoms that occur two or more times per week, schedule an appointment with your gastroenterologist. Further testing and stronger treatment may be necessary to help you find relief.

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Cataract Patients Getting Younger, Enjoying More Benefits of Surgery

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The prevalence of cataracts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cataracts affect one in every six Americans over the age of 40. This seems like an extremely large number, but many men and women may be completely unaware that they have a developing cataract. Over half of all Americans have cataracts by age 70, and the percentage continues to increase with age. Often, a cataract is detected during a comprehensive eye exam, but it could be years before it begins affecting vision.

Why people are developing cataracts at a younger age?

Although genetics plays a role in cataract development, environmental factors such as UV exposure and free radical damage can greatly influence when your vision is affected by cataracts. Not wearing sunglasses increases your risk of developing cataracts at an earlier age.  Antioxidants in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and eggs help to neutralize free radicals that can damage eye tissues, so an unhealthy diet can make your eyes vulnerable to cataracts as well.

New and improved cataract removal

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safe surgeries performed today. In the past, cataract surgery was delayed as long as possible and reserved for elderly patients. It was much more like an operation, requiring hospitalization and immobility for several days.  Today, cataract surgery can be an outpatient procedure performed at an ambulatory surgery center, and most patients may resume their normal activities rapidly. Thanks to technological advancement, we have the advantage of earlier detection, customized intraocular lenses (IOLs) and a variety of treatment options. Many monofocal IOLs are now covered under private insurance and Medicare, making cataract surgery more accessible than ever before.

Talk to your eye care professional

Regardless of your age, there is no reason to delay cataract surgery. In fact, choosing cataract surgery at an earlier age means that you will can enjoy clear, crisp vision right now. Your eye care professional can help you choose a lens that fits your needs and level of activity. Make an appointment today for a comprehensive eye exam and an informative discussion about cataract treatment options.

Early Signs of Arthritis

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Over 50 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with arthritis. This number is expected to reach more than 78 million by the year 2040. But despite the fact that arthritis is incredibly common, most people do not seek medical treatment until it has begun to interfere with their daily activities. By this time, patients may have already suffered significant joint damage.

While there is no cure for arthritis, early diagnosis and intervention can lead to more effective treatments and improved outcomes. Take some time to review these early warning signs of arthritis that you should discuss with your doctor:

  • Morning stiffness – It’s normal for joints to feel a little stiff upon waking, but this should dissipate quickly as you get up and move around. Stiffness that lingers for a few minutes could be an early sign of degenerative arthritis, while stiffness that lasts 30 minutes or more could indicate inflammatory arthritis.
  • Joint pain – Joint tenderness during movement or rest is a hallmark symptom of arthritis, but several other conditions can contribute to joint pain. Any symptoms that persist should be presented to your doctor for further investigation.
  • Swollen joints – Joints that appear larger than normal or are warm to the touch indicate joint inflammation, a symptom of arthritis. Inflammation can last for days or weeks and will increase in frequency over time.
  • Decreased range of motion – As joints become tender and inflamed, you may notice your movements become more restricted. While this might encourage you to become sedentary, your doctor will likely recommend that you begin a fitness regimen. Physical activity keeps joints limber and reduces stiffness.
  • Numbness or tingling – Pain and discomfort in the hands and wrists could be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome, but it could also indicate arthritis. Discuss these symptoms with your doctor for diagnosis and treatment options.
  • Fatigue – Fatigue is a hallmark symptom of arthritis. Tiredness and loss of appetite may occur alongside joint pain and stiffness, or it may even precede these symptoms (Source: Healthline).

Arthritis is not a curable condition, but it can be managed with medications, lifestyle modifications and natural therapies. If you’ve been experiencing problematic symptoms, don’t ignore them any longer. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns. The sooner you have a diagnosis, the sooner you’ll be on the path to relief.

Manage IBS to Improve Gut Health

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It’s understandable why many patients are reluctant to seek help for IBS. Some may feel that their condition is not serious enough to warrant medical attention, while others may be too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms with their doctor. IBS that goes untreated will not produce permanent complications such as rectal bleeding or colon cancer, but it can greatly interfere with quality of life.

In many cases, IBS can be alleviated through simple modifications to your diet and lifestyle. Try making some of these changes to help manage your symptoms and maintain a healthy gut.

  • Identify problem foods – Try to narrow down which foods aggravate your symptoms, and do your best to avoid them. Dairy, alcohol, caffeine and artificial sweeteners are often problematic for IBS sufferers. You may also be affected by foods that are fattening or cause gas.
  • Eat at regular times – Sticking to a meal schedule helps to promote bowel regularity. Try to eat your meals at the same time every day. Avoid skipping meals and keep snacking to a minimum.
  • Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water helps to prevent constipation, a common symptom of IBS. Limit intake of alcohol, caffeinated beverages and carbonated drinks, as these may cause gas or diarrhea.
  • Bulk up on fiber – Fiber acts as a bulking agent to help move stool through the colon, but it may cause gas or cramping in some individuals. Increase your fiber intake by consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If these foods cause you to experience gas or bloating, try taking a fiber supplement instead.

Limit usage of over-the-counter medications – Anti-diarrheals and laxatives can be helpful in managing IBS symptoms, but these medications should be used sparingly. Incorrect usage could lead to complications, including an increase in your symptoms (Source: The Mayo Clinic).

IBS is not curable, but it is a manageable condition. If lifestyle and diet changes alone are not enough to manage your IBS symptoms, talk to your doctor about additional treatment options. Getting the right kind of help will improve more than just gut health – it will improve your quality of life!

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