GERD This month’s newsletter is on GERD or heartburn. Here is an overview that I hope is helpful. I hope you all are enjoying this holiday season! Overview Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux from [...]
Dementia Dementia describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with your daily life. It isn't a specific disease, but several different diseases may cause dementia. Though dementia generally involves memory loss, memory loss has different causes. Having memory loss alone doesn't mean you have dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of a progressive dementia in [...]
Overview of Heart Arrythmias (including Atrial Fibrillation) This topic is quite technical, but I thought it worthwhile since so many patients suffer from arrythmias of the heart. Heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias) occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate your heartbeats don't work properly, causing your heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregularly. Heart arrhythmias (uh-RITH-me-uhs) may feel like a fluttering or racing [...]
Regular health check-ups are important for everyone, regardless of their age. This is especially true for young children and aging people. To maintain a healthy body, it is vital to have regular visits to the doctor. Many times, people have issues, which are hard to spot, and going through regular medical screenings can bring them to notice. It is ideal to have a healthcare plan, [...]
Overview of Colon Cancer Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon). The colon is the final part of the digestive tract (see diagram above). Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Over [...]
Dear Patients, Hope everyone is enjoying the longer days of summer; here is a short newsletter that may be helpful to help prepare before your TRAVELS. Here are some helpful tips. If you are planning a trip abroad, you may need to make an appointment at our local “travel medicine clinic” located in Sonoma Valley Hospital. According to Mayo Clinic infectious disease expert, Dr. Stacey [...]
Dear Patients, Hope everyone is enjoying the longer days and good health. This month’s newsletter is about high blood pressure (hypertension), the effects on your body and it’s dangers. High blood pressure is a risk factor for more than heart disease, read on to discover what complications high blood pressure can cause. High blood pressure complications High blood pressure (hypertension) can quietly damage your body [...]
Dear Patients, Hope everyone is enjoying the change in seasons and fulfilling those New Year’s resolutions. Take advantage of the nicer weather and longer days to get some exercise in every day. This month’s newsletter is about INSOMNIA. Overview Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or cause you to wake up too early [...]
Dear Patients, This month’s newsletter is about THE HEART. It is quite lengthy, but thorough and informative. Overview Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect your heart. Diseases under the heart disease umbrella include blood vessel diseases, such as coronary artery disease; heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias); and heart defects you're born with (congenital heart defects) or acquire, among others. The term "heart disease" [...]
Dear Patients, Hope everyone had a great holiday. This month’s newsletter is about diverticulosis, diverticulitis and the appropriate diet for each. DEAR DR. GUY: After my last colonoscopy, I was told I have diverticulosis. Will this lead to diverticulitis? I currently have no symptoms but wonder if I should do anything to prevent it from progressing. ANSWER: Although the two conditions are related, and diverticulosis [...]
