Digestive Health Supports Gilda’s On The Go in Tacoma

Posted on November 17, 2011 by DigestiveDR

Dr. William Holderman

Digestive Health Specialists’ Tacoma gastroenterologist, Dr. William Holderman and his wife Lisa are the event Co-Chairs of the Surviving with Style Fashion Show & Luncheon that has been held in Tacoma every year since 2009. The luncheon continues to raise funds for the Tacoma satellite location of Gilda’s Club Seattle. Thank you to Dr. William & Lisa Holderman for your continued support and enthusiasm for our community and this worthwhile organization!  

Gilda’s Club Seattle offers a long list of programs that give emotional, social and educational support for cancer survivors and their families. The Gilda’s Club mission:

Digestive Health Specialist' staff at the luncheon on November 15th, 2011.

Gilda’s Club Seattle offers a broad, community-based program of social, emotional, and educational support for cancer survivors, their loved ones and friends that provides sustained support, education and resources on-site in the Seattle Clubhouse and off-site with collaborating partners. Free of charge to participants, and nonprofit, we offer a Five Core Component program that includes a variety of support services, educational opportunities, classes and workshops, social events, and resources and referral. Our program serves anyone touched by cancer across the cancer continuum — from diagnosis, through treatment and post-treatment, survivorship, and bereavement, including children, teens, and whole families.

 

 

 

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What is Celiac Disease?

Posted on October 28, 2011 by DigestiveDR

Celiac disease (also known as gluten intolerance) is an under diagnosed disease affecting

Post by Dr. Kevin Leung, board certified gastroenterologist at Digestive Health Specialists in Federal Way, Auburn & Covington, Washington.

about 1% of the population. The disease is caused by eating gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, and barley.  Celiac disease can be seen at any age, in both children and adults.  It is important to know that Celiac disease is considered an autoimmune disease, not a food allergy, and people do not “outgrow it”.

The symptoms of Celiac disease can be very different, depending on the person. Common symptoms include diarrhea, bloating, greasy stool, low blood count (anemia), abdominal pain/discomfort, vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, and weak bones (osteoporosis). Occasionally, people are misdiagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) because their symptoms often overlap with Celiac disease symptoms. For unknown reasons, it is estimated that two to three times as many women have Celiac disease compared to men. The number of people being diagnosed with this condition is increasing, likely from more people being tested.

The most accurate method to diagnose Celiac disease is to detect characteristic abnormalities on the biopsy of the small intestine and improvement of symptoms with avoiding gluten in the diet. Blood testing is a common to evaluate for Celiac disease in someone with symptoms. If the blood test is abnormal, then a biopsy of the small intestine is done by performing an upper endoscopy if necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Accurate diagnosis is extremely important because treatment means avoiding gluten-containing foods for life. This strict diet change is difficult for people to maintain because gluten-containing foods are found in many common foods.  Meats, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables are naturally gluten-free. Certain grains, such as rice, buckwheat, corn, and oats are also well tolerated. Unfortunately there are no medications available for the treatment of Celiac disease.

Please refer to the Celiac Disease Foundation website at www.celiac.org for more information.

 

Posted in Digestive Symptoms & Treatment, Endoscopy, Irritable Bowel Disease, Women's Health | Tagged , | 1 Comment

8 Tips to Prevent Heartburn

Posted on October 10, 2011 by DigestiveDR

We are full swing into football season and the holidays are just around the corner. This party season is full of foods that heartburn sufferers may be anxious about.

Use these eight tips to curb heartburn before it starts.

1. Avoid eating late, about three hours before bedtime.
2. Quit smoking.
3. Avoid fatty foods which include milk, chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits and juices. Tomato bases products, ETOH (particularly red wine), spearmint, peppermint and pepper seasoning are also a heartburn culprit.
4. Eat smaller portions.
5. Avoid tight clothing and avoid bending over after meals.
6. Lose weight if  you are overweight. Talk to your physician about a weight-loss plan.
7. Elevate the head of your bed about six to eight inches.
8. Review your medications with your physician. Certain medications can worsen reflux.

Reviewed by Dr. Oussama Moussan, board-certified gastroenterologist at Digestive Health Specialists in Puyallup, WA.

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Women, You Need to Think About Your Colon, Not Just Your Breasts When Preventing Cancer.

Posted on October 4, 2011 by DigestiveDR

October is breast health month. While mammograms and breast health are important, so is keeping your colon healthy. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in US.  Age is a major risk factor. The incidence begins to increase significantly between the ages of 40 and 50 for men and women, and increase in each succeeding decade thereafter. Environmental and genetic factors may affect the risk of developing colorectal cancer as well.

Most colorectal cancer arise from colon polyps, so removal of polyps potentially reduces the risk of colon cancer. Screening for colorectal cancer has been shown to decrease mortality from CRC. Still, only about 60 percent of adults >50 years old receive colorectal screening.

Tests available for screening include stool-based tests, radiologic tests (Barium enema, CT colonography) and endoscopic tests (colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy). However, the only test that allows visualization of entire colon along with removal of polyps is the colonoscopy.

Reviewed by Dr. Shaily Jain,  a female board-certified gastroenterologist at Digestive Health Specialists seeing patients in Federal Way, Covington and Kent, Washington.

Posted in Colon Cancer, Colonoscopy, Women's Health | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Dr. Klaus Mergener named one of Top 125 leading Gastroenterologists

Posted on September 27, 2011 by DigestiveDR

Becker’s ASC Review chose 125 gastroenterologists as their choice for the leading gastroenterologists in the country. Digestive Health Specialist’s Director of GI Hospital Services,  Dr. Klaus Mergener, was chosen for the list. Each physician was selected for this list based on the awards they received from major organizations in the field, leadership in those organizations, work on professional publications and distinguished service in a GI ambulatory surgery center. You can find the list HERE. Congratulations on your achievements Dr. Mergener!

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How long will my colonoscopy take?

Posted on August 30, 2011 by DigestiveDR

It is important to get your screening colonoscopy to test for colon cancer once you are 45-50 years of age or older since there are usually no symptoms. The purpose of a colonoscopy is to look inside your colon for polyps, cancers, and other conditions.

Each exam will vary in time, the average exam is between 30-60 minutes. The sedative may take up to 1-2 hours to wear off so you will need to remain at our endoscopy center during this time. You may feel some gas during your recovery caused by the air used to inflate your colon. Our facilities require that you have someone to take you home afterwards.

 

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Puyallup Gastroenterologist Dr. Lin Huang Awards Stolen medal to Doolittle Tokyo Raider

Posted on August 24, 2011 by DigestiveDR

Charlotte Anderson, Dr. Lin Huang, Lt. Col. Edward Saylor

Dr. Lin Huang, Digestive Health Specialists Puyallup gastroenterologist, heard about an employee’s father who was a Doolittle Tokyo Raider in World War II. The Lt. Col Edward Saylor received the highest Medal of Honor from the Chinese Government. The medal was stolen years ago. Dr. Huang researched the story and asked the Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan to replace the medal. Dr. Huang was then notified they would in fact replace the medal and send it to Dr. Huang’s employee & daughter of Lt. Col Saylor, Charlotte Anderson. Ms. Anderson asked Dr Huang to present the new medal to her Father. Dr. Huang said he would love to shake the hand of an American war hero and awarded him the medal on August 23rd, 2011. Watch the video! 

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Dr. Huang awards Puyallup Doolittle Raider Replacement Medal After Theft

Posted on August 18, 2011 by DigestiveDR

MEDIA ADVISORY: Lieutenant Colonel Edward J. Saylor, of Puyallup, is one of the last five surviving Doolittle Raiders. Lieutenant Colonel Saylor was awarded a medal from the Chinese General Chiang Kai-shek during World War II after his mission to bomb Tokyo and his courageous journey through China. The history begins after the Pearl Harbor attack. A group headed by General Jimmy Doolittle took off on an aircraft carrier on a secret mission to bomb Tokyo. The plane had only enough gas for a one way trip. Lieutenant Colonel Saylor was one of the men enlisted on this mission. The plane crashed and he awoke clinging to rocks on the beach, along with the other members on the mission. A Chinese boy helped him and his team sneak through the land and avoid the Japanese military. He was then awarded the medal from General Chiang Kei-shek. Years later while living in Graham Washington, someone broke into the Lieutenant Colonel’s house and stole all of his medals. Lieutenant Colonel Saylor was able to have all the medals replaced except one, the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders medal from the Chinese General. Lieutenant Colonel Saylor’s daughter, Charlotte Anderson, works at Digestive Health Specialists in Puyallup with Dr. Lin Huang, who is originally from China. Dr. Huang heard about the medal and began to read the book about the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders. Dr. Huang contacted the Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan and asked them to replace the medal unbeknownst to Ms. Anderson. The Ministry asked Dr. Huang for the history and a photograph of the medal. Dr. Huang was then notified they would in fact replace the medal and send it to Lieutenant Colonel Saylor’s daughter. Ms. Anderson asked Dr Huang to present it back to her Father. Dr. Huang said he would love to shake the hand of an American war hero. Dr. Huang and Ms. Anderson will present the medal to her Father on Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011 at his home in Puyallup, Washington.

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The 2nd Annual Tacoma Undy 5000 is only 22 days away!

Posted on July 29, 2011 by DigestiveDR

If you came to the Tacoma 5k walk/run Undy 5000 last year, you KNOW you do not want to miss this year’s event! The 2nd Annual Tacoma undy 5000 5k is at Cheney Stadium on Saturday, August 20th. Runners and walkers alike will come out in their boxers, shorts, undies and yoga pants to draw attention to their bottoms. Why you ask? Not because they love their derriere, but because they have a serious passion for stopping colon cancer in it’s tracks. We will be at Cheney Stadium on Aug. 20th, in fact, we here at Digestive Health Specialists already have 4 employee led teams! The entire Puget Sound area has already raised over $57,000 and counting. Help us promote colon cancer by raising the screening rate in the South Sound and register for the 2nd Annual Tacoma Undy 5000 5k walk/run.

http://support.ccalliance.org/site/TR?fr_id=1420&pg=entry

Posted in Colon Cancer, Colon Cancer Alliance, Events, Tacoma Undy 5000, Women's Health | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tacoma Gastroenterologist Named Counselor on the ASGE Governing Board.

Posted on June 21, 2011 by admin

Link: Tacoma Gastroenterologist Named Counselor on the ASGE Governing Board.

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) announces its 2011-2012 Governing Board. One of our Gastroenterologist’s, Dr. Klaus Mergener, has recently been named a member of the ASGE governing board.

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