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. (more…)
Archive for the ‘Prevention’ Category
Heed the warning signs of Pancreatitis
Thursday, June 9th, 2011
New Medicare Benefits Focus on Prevention
Monday, December 20th, 2010
Beginning January 1, Medicare recipients will no longer be required to pay a co-pay or deductible to receive screening colonoscopies as part of the Medicare Preventive Services program.
The best way to control rising health care costs is through prevention. If we can catch something early, before it requires surgery or becomes life-threatening, we can generally avoid large medical bills down the road. (more…)
Divert-a-what?
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
The Facts about Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
If you’re struggling with abdominal cramps, gas and diarrhea alternating with constipation, you may be one of many people suffering from diverticulosis. (more…)
Act Now! Colorectal Cancer Can be Prevented
Thursday, April 8th, 2010
There is no time like the present to schedule your colonoscopy. Did you know that colorectal cancer is a largely preventable, treatable and beatable disease? It’s true — but you have to take the first step. (more…)
Is Heartburn Becoming a Problem?
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
Here comes the burn: You have just finished a great meal or you lay down to rest and you are hit with that uncomfortable, burning sensation in your chest. Although commonly called heartburn, it really doesn’t involve the heart.
Heartburn affects many of us. In fact the American Gastroenterological Association reports that more than 60 million Americans experience symptoms at least once each month. (more…)
Your Gallbladder Can Be a Pain
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009
The pear-shaped organ known as the gallbladder may only be three to four inches long, but it can be a large pain if it is not working properly, causing damage to pancreas, liver or even resulting in death if left untreated.
The gallbladder is a storage tank for bile produced in the liver until the body needs it for digestion. Problems occur when the bile hardens into little pebble-like substances called gallstones and block the release of bile into the digestive system. Gallstones can be as big as a golf ball or as small as a grain of sand. Many people with gallstones don’t even know they are there. (more…)
GIA Screening Colonoscopy Day Huge Success
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
GIA Screening Colonoscopy Day on Oct. 17 was a huge success.
A total of 48 persons referred by The InterFaith Health Clinic and The Free Medical Clinic of America received free screenings from the physicians and staff of Gastrointestinal Associates and The Endoscopy Center.
I believe I speak for my fellow physicians and the staff when I say that we feel privileged to have helped make the day a success. It was gratifying to all of us to receive the hugs of support and thanks from the patients.
Colonoscopies for the Worthy, and a Message for All
Monday, October 12th, 2009
On Saturday, Oct. 17, the physicians and staff of Gastrointestinal Associates (GIA) will gather at The Endoscopy Center for a very important mission.
With colon cancer ranked as the second-deadliest cancer, GIA is making free colonoscopy exams available to a group of people in the Knoxville area who are less able to afford the vital screening procedure.
Is Colon Cleansing Helpful or Balderdash?
Thursday, October 1st, 2009
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal brought to the forefront a long-standing debate between practitioners of conventional and alternative medicine over the value of colon cleansing.
