Blog Archives
When Do Hernias Become Dangerous?
Hernias in and of themselves aren’t dangerous – they are simply defects or holes in the fascia of the abdomen – thick tissue that keeps all of our abdominal contents in place. Hernias can occur for a number of reasons including genetics, age related wear and tear and excessive straining on the abdomen, whether due to pregnancy, excess weight or obesity, chronic coughing or lifting heavy weights.
Do I Need My Gallbladder?
The thought of removing an organ can make the strongest of us shiver. Luckily, however, not out all of our organs are necessary, and the gallbladder is one of them. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ attached to the liver, which acts as a repository for bile produced by the liver. When we consume large meals full of fatty, spicy foods or high sugar foods, the gallbladder contracts to push bile into the digestive system, improving the metabolization of fat and digestion in general.
Over time, however, the gallbladder can become diseased or can fill with large and/or small gallstones.
Is Undergoing a Prophylactic Mastectomy the Right Choice for Me?
A prophylactic mastectomy is the removal breast tissue proactively to avoid the potential of breast cancer in the future. Women who choose to undergo prophylactic mastectomy usually have a significant family history of the disease, have certain genetic markers or have experienced cancer previously themselves.
Avoiding an Incisional Hernia After Surgery
Incisional hernias are a relatively uncommon, but real concern after any surgical procedure. Anytime the skin, musculature and fascia of the abdomen is compromised – in this case due to the inevitable incisions needed for surgery, that area is inherently weaker than before. But how do we avoid incisional hernias in the abdomen?
The Obesity Double Whammy Connection to Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage within our joints around the body begins to degrade, increasing inflammation of the joint and reducing mobility – compromising lifestyle and even causing long-term disability. Osteoarthritis was once mostly limited to the elderly and those that played contact sports or experiencing repeated injury. However, over the past few decades, with the rise of obesity rates in the United States and around the world, osteoarthritis has affected younger and younger patients.
Bariatric Surgery Myth – Bariatric Surgery Is All I Need
Bariatric surgery is an incredibly effective and safe way to help you lose a significant amount of weight – in some cases up to 70 or even 80% of your excess bodyweight. However, the surgery itself does not make this happen – rather it is a catalyst for a new and improved lifestyle involving better diet and exercise habits that you can more easily maintain over the long term. And that’s where a bariatric surgery myth comes into play.
Many patients are concerned that they will be seen as taking the easy way out. It stands to reason when most people believe the bariatric surgery is all you need to lose the weight and keep it off. However, postop patients work very hard to lose that weight and maintain their goal weight over the long term. In fact. The long-term lifestyle change is the biggest determining factor of success.
Interesting Research into Inguinal Hernias
While new technology and technique is revolutionizing hernia repair surgery, the basic risk factors for hernias have been known for a long time and continue to hold true. So, when we come across research that sheds light on the potential causes of hernias and how they develop, it can be exciting.
Northwestern University researchers have found a potential link between increased estrogen levels, lower testosterone levels and development of groin hernias. The change in sex hormone levels, a common occurrence with age, may weaken muscle tissue in the groin area, creating a perfect environment for a hernia.
I’ve Heard About A Sports Hernia – Is That a Real Hernia?
A sports hernia (also known as athletic pubalgia) is an injury with symptoms very similar to an inguinal or groin hernia. Typically, participants in sports requiring quick direction changes or sudden twisting movements may develop a sports hernia. The most common sports that cause this condition are soccer, football, golf, hockey and sometimes basketball.
Dr. Ballard: The CORONADO Study on Outcomes for COVID Patients with Diabetes and Obesity
Early on in the coronavirus pandemic, the Center for Disease Control identified obesity and diabetes as characteristics that increased individual’s risk for severe complications from COVID-19. Now, new research is beginning to clearly demonstrate how these health conditions impact patient’s outcomes. Published in Diabetologia, “Phenotypic characteristics and prognosis of inpatients with COVID-19 and diabetes: the CORONADO study” followed hospitalized COVID-19 patients with diabetes in a nationwide observational study in France. Two important standouts from this research:
- Body Mass Index was independently correlated to severity of COVID-19
- Nearly 11% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with diabetes died within 7 day
Simple Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Lemon Dip
Cauliflower is a surprisingly versatile vegetable, easily standing in as a lower calorie option for rice, mashes potatoes, crusts, and much more. In this dish, we let the cauliflower shine! Roasting the cauliflower florets with a garlic seasoning creates a simple, but delicious, vehicle for a creamy sauce.
