CONDITIONS
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Gastroenterology Stories and Local Doctors
Eating Disorders
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Understanding Changes in Overeating As We Age
Key appetite control cells in the human brain degenerate over time, causing increased hunger and potentially weight-gain as we grow older, according to a Monash University scientist. Dr. Zane Andrews has found that appetite-suppressing cells are damaged by free radicals after eating and said the degeneration is more significant following meals rich in carbohydrates and sugars. Dr. Andrews claims, "The more carbs and sugars you eat, the more your appetite-control cells are damaged, and potentially you consume more." (Read more about Understanding Changes in Overeating As We Age)
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What is Gastroenterology?
Video: Dr. Jonathan Cohen of the Concorde Medical Group discusses Gastroenterology.
Gastroenterology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the digestive tract - from the mouth to the anus. Gastroenterolgy studies the functioning and disorders of the esophagus, stomach and intestines, as well as its associated organs such as the liver, pancreas and gall bladder.
There is documented evidence that some forms of Gastroenterolgy were practiced in ancient Egypt. Greek, Roman and Arab practitioners studied the digestive tracts of the human body with specially designed spatula and mirrors illuminated by candles or oil lamps. More complex tools for examining the rectum with dilating specula were found in the ruins of Pompeii. (Read more about What is Gastroenterology?)
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Women, Obesity Rates, and the Fountain of Youth
The fattening of America is so out there, so obvious, the question has become how do we get the message that we need to reverse the trend?
Perhaps, the message is sinking in, at least among women.
New research released by the CDC shows, among women, no significant increase in obesity was observed between 1999 and 2004…roughly a third of females remain obese (Read more about Women, Obesity Rates, and the Fountain of Youth)
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Night Eating Syndrome
Pediatrician, Dr. Jana Dehovitz , spends a good portion of her day counseling parents on how to make sure their children are getting proper nutrition. Ironically, for Dr. Dehovitz, the tables turned…she became the patient in desperate need of guidance on her eating habits. Jana is battling night eating syndrome. “I started having a new life, I had to find a new apartment, buy everything that I have, take care of my children and with all the stress I was able to work during the day and take care of everything, but I lost sleep, I was so stressed I couldn’t fall asleep,” says Jana. (Read more about Night Eating Syndrome)
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The Thyroid
The thyroid gland lies in front of the neck and has two lobes connected by an isthmus. It is an endocrine organ whose responsibility is to secrete a hormone that controls the body's growth and metabolism. (Read more about The Thyroid)
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OBESITY AND RACE
Recent studies have uncovered new links between obesity and race, showing that body fat distribution varies between different races.
We’ve all been told that America’s bulging waistline is increasing our risk for serious diseases like hypertension, stroke, diabetes and heart disease. But, what you may not know is that body fat distribution varies among individuals, thus varying individual susceptibility for developing heart disease. (Read more about OBESITY AND RACE)
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OBESITY AND DIABETES RISK
Scientists have been warning that diabetes will be the next medical crisis in this country. Now – a new study may give us a better warning of who its next victims will be, showing that diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes and obesity may be linked.
For years, doctors have been weighing patients, and then determining their likelihood of developing type-2 diabetes. They did so by calculating their “body mass index”—a ratio of their weight to their height. (Read more about OBESITY AND DIABETES RISK)
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ULCERATIVE COLITIS TREATMENT
There is new hope for patients suffering from the gastrointestinal condition known as ulcerative colitis.
The disease can be severe, and often, treatment does not completely relieve the symptoms. Sometimes surgery is the only recourse for patients who suffer from ulcerative colitis. (Read more about ULCERATIVE COLITIS TREATMENT)
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LACK OF SLEEP AND HUNGER
“I really found that one effect of sleep deprivation was that my appetite grew. I was so hungry I wanted to eat my pillow,” says Matthew Tierney.
Matthew Tierney participated in a study conducted by the University of Chicago which put sleep deprivation and the effects of sleep deprivation on appetite to the test. (Read more about LACK OF SLEEP AND HUNGER)
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SHAPING AMERICAN YOUTH
While it’s just kid stuff, playtime is one of the keys to keeping in check the problem of child obesity in America.
Today, the U.S. Surgeon General announced a new nationwide action plan to address the problem of overweight and obese children in America today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of overweight children more than doubled between 1980 and 2000. One in every seven kids is obese. (Read more about SHAPING AMERICAN YOUTH)
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