Gastrointestinal Associates is committed to providing our patients with top quality medical care, whether you are coming in for an office visit or are a patient at one of our Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs). But how do you measure quality? Read the rest of this entry »
We are proud to be a national leader in research and technology in the field of gastrointestinal disease. At GIA, our goal is to advance the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal illness and provide the best state-of-the-art health care for our patients. Read the rest of this entry »
Good news for southern women: reduced risk of inflammatory bowel disease
November 29th, 2011by Dr. Maria B. Newman
A recent study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology suggests that in the United States southern women are less likely than their northern counterparts to suffer from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Researchers believe this is attributable to the extra time that southern women spend in the sun’s ultraviolet rays, thereby increasing their Vitamin D levels. Read the rest of this entry »
With gallstone disease affecting well over 25 million people in the United States, chances are that you or someone close to you has either already suffered from gallstone disease or will face it in their lifetime. Read the rest of this entry »
September 13 has been declared National Celiac Disease Awareness Day, and we hope everyone takes the opportunity to raise support and awareness for people living with Celiac disease every day. Almost 3 million Americans live with Celiac disease, and 97 percent of them go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Because celiac is a disease that can go undiagnosed for years, we should take every opportunity to raise awareness about the condition. Read the rest of this entry »
Brachytherapy is our newest tool in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Recently, Gastrointestinal Associates teamed up with Thompson Cancer Survival Center to make this advanced treatment available to gastrointestinal patients in East Tennessee. Two patients have already benefitted from brachytherapy in our first month of offering the treatment. Read the rest of this entry »
The pancreas, an organ in your upper abdomen, has several important functions. It secretes fluids into the bowel to help you digest your food. It also secretes hormones into the blood, one being insulin which regulates blood sugar levels. When the pancreas becomes inflamed for any reason, it is called pancreatitis. Read the rest of this entry »
Osteoporosis Medications Can Cause Gastrointestinal Discomfort
May 23rd, 2011by Dr. Maria B. Newman
Fifty-four percent of postmenopausal women in the United States have a low bone mass density, increasing their risk for hip and vertebral fractures. To combat this risk, a growing number of physicians are prescribing osteoporosis medications.
Bisphosphonate, an ingredient in medications such as Boniva, Actonel and Fosamax, has been linked to stomach pain, heartburn and ulcers. A recent Oxford University Study has revealed that taking these drugs could possibly double your chances of esophageal cancer, indicating that the risk of esophageal cancer increases slightly after just one dose of a bisphosphonate-containing medicine. Read the rest of this entry »
Recently I was privileged to be a part of a national GI Roundtable held here in Knoxville. During the course of two days, 130 invited leaders of gastrointestinal practices from across the country came together to discuss health care reform and the future of gastroenterology. Read the rest of this entry »
Receiving a diagnosis of Celiac disease means a complete lifestyle change. The only accepted treatment of Celiac disease is a 100-percent gluten-free diet. Until recently, gluten-free products were sold only in specialty stores, and dietary options were extremely limited. Read the rest of this entry »
