Category: Blog

African American Celebrity Deaths to Colon Cancer

In memory of Black History Month, we bring attention to some African American celebrities and public figures we have lost to colon cancer. Chadwick Boseman American actor Age 43 (1976-2020) Image from Richmond Free Press Natalie Desselle-Reid American actor Age 53 (1967-2020) Image from IMDb Donald M Payne Former United States Representative Age 77 (1934-2012) […]

African American Influences in Medicine

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the roles African Americans have played in shaping American history. At Digestive Health Specialists, we want to recognize the significant achievements and contributions African Americans have made and are currently making to the practice of medicine, many of whom also have ties to the great state […]

Do you have heartburn?

We all have a valve at the end of our esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter. This valve is supposed to stay closed to protect our esophagus from acid. For various reasons, this valve can become weakened and allow acid to backflow into the esophagus. It generally happens while the stomach is releasing acid and […]

What is NAFLD?

Healthy livers filter blood, regulate sugar levels and blood clotting, and perform hundreds of other vital functions. But, these functions can be affected when there is fat in the liver. When there is excess fat in the liver, this can lead to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease or NAFLD. NAFLD is a disease where there is excess […]

Reaching Out to Spanish-Speakers

Language barriers can lead to significant inequalities in healthcare access. This can be because they received worse-quality inpatient care and outpatient preventive services, had limitations accessing care, or forgo getting the much-needed care. Although having a phone interpreting service is helpful and economically viable for healthcare practices, it does not compare to having staff on […]

Healthy Aging from the National Institute on Aging

What factors influence healthy aging? Research has identified action steps we can take to maintain our health and function as we get older. From improving our diet and levels of physical activity to getting health screenings and managing risk factors for disease, these actions may influence different areas of health. Get moving: Exercise and physical […]

Digestive Health Specialists Teams Up With Roc Solid Foundation

Digestive Health Specialists teamed up with Roc Solid Foundation on Saturday, July 31, 2021, to provide a playset to a child fighting cancer in Lexington, NC. The sponsorship supports the nonprofit’s program, Play It Forward, which surprises kids fighting cancer with brand new playsets in their backyards. “Digestive Health Specialists is excited to sponsor and […]

Digestive Tract Paralysis Conditions

Have you heard of digestive tract paralysis? Digestive tract paralysis, known as DTP, is when your digestive tract stops functioning the way it is supposed to. Let’s talk about three specific digestive tract paralysis conditions: gastroparesis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and colonic inertia. Gastroparesis It is a condition where the stomach empties too slowly. Since the […]

Digestive Health Specialists, P.A. Achieves AAAHC Reaccreditation

Digestive Health Specialists, P.A. has been reaccredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation distinguishes this ambulatory procedure center from many other outpatient facilities through its adherence to rigorous standards of care and safety. Status as an accredited organization means Digestive Health Specialists, P.A. has met nationally recognized standards for the provision […]

Start Colon Cancer Screenings at 45

On May 18, 2021, it was announced that the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lowered the age to start colorectal cancer screenings at age 45. What does this mean? Below are answers from the Colorectal Cancer Alliance to some of the most common questions about this decision. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) […]