Hernia Signs, Symptoms and Treatment
What is a Hernia? A hernia occurs when a body organ, usually a portion of the intestines, is pushed through a tear in the tissue or muscle, most often in the abdominal wall. Hernias are common...
Obesity Increases the Risk of Severe Illness and Death from COVID-19
We are in the midst of two clashing pandemics, both with dire consequences: COVID-19 and obesity. The negative health impacts of obesity are well known; however, as more data becomes available about COVID, the additional...
Can You Have Diabetes and Not Know?
In the United States, 21.4 percent of the population is living with undiagnosed diabetes, which equates to 7.3 million people. That is a rather large number compared to the 10.5 percent, or 34.2 million people...
What Does the Appendix Do, Really?
When most people think of the appendix, two things come to mind: unnecessary organ and appendicitis. The human appendix does have a reputation for becoming inflamed and requiring surgical removal. And the appendix has been...
Life After Adrenal Gland Removal
What do Adrenal Glands Do? Your adrenal glands are small glands located on the top of each kidney; they are also called suprarenal glands. The adrenal glands are part of your endocrine system, and they release different...
The Link Between Obesity and Reduced Drug Effectiveness
According to the American Heart Association, at least 2.7 million Americans are living with atrial fibrillation, or aFib. Americans also suffer from an obesity epidemic, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Heart...
What is General Surgery?
General surgery is a discipline of surgery requiring a surgeon to have essential and core knowledge common to all surgical specialties. General surgery requires a background in diagnosis, preoperative procedures, operative procedures and postoperative management,...
ALA Publishes Article In Obesity Surgery
Qualification for bariatric surgery is based upon strict medical guidelines; however, insurance companies may impose additional medical requirements before they will approve and cover the procedures. One common requirement is the patient attending a mandatory...
The Best and Worst Foods for GERD
What Is GERD/Acid Reflux? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when your stomach contents flow back up into your esophagus, throat and mouth. This acidic backwash, known as acid reflux, can cause a burning sensation in your...
Eating & Nutrition Tips During COVID-19: The Top 5 Things You Can Do
Living under the specter of COVID-19 causes a variety of feelings, including uncertainty, anxiety, fear, boredom, restlessness and even depression. Making healthy food choices isn’t always easy in the best of times. Making them under...