If you feel ill with fever, flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness, please call us to reschedule your appointment. Please Do Not Bring Children Under age 16 to Appointments.

Granite Peaks Gastroenterology Celebrates 15 Years of Healthcare Excellence

Granite Peaks Gastroenterology plaque celebrating 15 years

 

In the summer of 2007 three gastroenterologists, Andrew Heiner, MD, Steven Desautels, MD, Christopher Cutler, MD Granite Peaks established Gastroenterology and Endoscopy. Their vision was to provide exceptional patient care in a compassionate environment. With the support of their nursing and medical staff, they opened their own private gastroenterology and endoscopy practice.

Soon after, J. David Schmidt, MD, R. Kyle Barnett, MD, and James M. Stewart, MD joined the partnership with their common goal to practice medicine that is focused on excellence and personalized care.

As we have grown, adding new providers and locations, Granite Peaks now offers services in both Sandy and Lehi, with even our newest office expanding to accommodate our growth and our 14 providers.

 

Progress in Colon Cancer Screening

In March 2000, The National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance, established by Katie Couric and in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation, harnessed the power of Couric’s celebrity status to shine a spotlight on the importance of colon cancer screening at age 50. With the latest research, we now know age 45 is the age to start screening for average-risk individuals and earlier for those with a family history of colon cancer.

In 2000, the percentage of adults of screening age who were up to date with their colon cancer screening was around 38% of adults 50 and older. As of 2020, we average 70%, nationwide.

Granite Peaks educates and screens patients for this preventable, treatable, and beatable disease, the second most common cancer killer of men and women in the United States. As screening numbers increase, colorectal cancer mortality rates decrease. Early detection and removal of polyps have been a literal lifesaver for many people. That is why Granite Peaks employs a “recall” program, contacting our patients to remind them when they are due for their colon cancer screening or any other important gastrointestinal healthcare appointments.

 

New Technology and Treatment Options

As a gastroenterology group, Granite Peaks provides care and services for a variety of digestive health issues. The advances made in digestive medicine in the past 15 years are significant. We stay abreast of new technologies and treatment techniques, and our participation in research for our specialty keeps us at the forefront of emerging digestive health treatments.

  • Heartburn and acid reflux measurement and treatment. Our Bravo pH monitor helps people for whom acid reflux medications have been ineffective.
  • Granite Peaks participates in several research studies to investigate various gastrointestinal conditions including NASH, celiac disease, erosive esophagitis, non-erosive reflux and others, to help develop new treatment options.
  • Research has found that botulinum A toxin injections can be used to aid healing of rectal fissures and calm spasms. We offer this service at our endoscopy center.
  • Capsule endoscopies capture pictures of the small intestine to help with accurate diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting this normally difficult-to-see organ.
  • We are now able to determine the level of liver health in patients with a simple, external imaging procedure done in our office. Our FibroScan® liver test shows the presence and extent of liver damage in moments. There is no biopsy required, as in years past.
  • Hemorrhoid treatment became a simple, in-office procedure for many people, with the help of a unique banding device and technique.

Many more advancements are improving patient care and treatment, providing the information needed to make accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions. Our knowledge of proven advancements in medical treatment helps us offer the best options for our patients. At Granite Peaks Gastroenterology, we share information and encourage our patients’ engagement in their healthcare to achieve their best digestive health.

 

We look forward to the next 15 years of medical advances and treatments for gastrointestinal conditions with constant focus on improving our patients’ lives.

The Facts About Constipation and How to Treat It

by James M Stewart, MD

The gastrointestinal tract is designed to break apart food so that we absorb the nutrients we need while leaving behind the material in food we don’t need. To do this, our body secretes digestive enzymes from the pancreas and water from the body to liquefy the food we eat so that it can mix around in the intestines. Once the nutrients are absorbed, the remaining liquid with the non-absorbed food material enters the large intestine.

The role of the large intestine is to remove as much of the remaining liquid that was added to the food so that we don’t waste water. It is a very slow process and usually takes about 24 hours. Through very slow movements, the liquid waste is slowly turned into solid waste until enough has accumulated. At this point, most of us will feel the need to have a bowel movement and push the solid waste out of the body.

Constipation is when that process takes too long or there is something not functioning correctly with the muscles that coordinate bowel movements. When one meets with a physician, it is important to be very clear what one means by constipation because there are multiple symptoms that are called constipation. Constipation can mean that you have very infrequent bowel movements (less than 3 per week) or that it can very difficult to pass stool (straining while having a bowel movement). For the purposes of this article we will discuss infrequent bowel movements.

Most constipation in the United States is related to slow movement through the large intestine which results in infrequent bowel movements or hard bowel movements. There are many things that slow down the movement through the large intestine and most of them are harmless and do not impact one’s health but can affect one’s wellbeing. Pain medications containing opiates are one of the most common causes of drug-induced constipation. Stress, anxiety, and depression can also alter the function of the large intestine causing things to slow down. Certain diets, particularly those that are low in fiber, can cause temporary constipation. In some cases, the large intestine just doesn’t move as quickly as we would like.

Discussing symptoms with a physician can usually uncover some of the causes of constipation. Blood testing can sometimes help. Colonoscopy can sometimes be useful if there is any suspicion for narrowing in the intestines causing a blockage which can sometimes occur with colon cancer or large polyps.

Once the dangerous causes of constipation have been ruled out, treatment for constipation usually consists of increasing physical activity, dietary changes to increase fiber, using fiber supplements, and sometimes medications. Light to moderate exercise has been shown in multiple studies to help stimulate bowel function to have more regular bowel movements. Fiber supplements like psyllium husk (Metamucil) contains natural fibers which are non-digestible plant products. Other fibers include bran as well as semi-synthetic fibers such as Benefiber and Citracel.

Medications, or laxatives, can be divided into four categories.

• Osmotic laxatives, such as Miralax and lactulose, function much like fiber and help hold more water in the large intestines. These are extraordinarily safe medications because they do not alter any chemical receptors or nerves in the body but just change the osmotic gradient in the large intestine. These medications are not absorbed into the body and are eliminated with a bowel movement.

• Stimulant laxatives, such as Senna or bisacodyl, stimulate the large intestine to have a bowel movement. These medications are available over the counter and are safe for short-term and long-term use. Older versions of these medications were found to be unsafe and were removed from the market many decades ago, but the current medications are safe for long-term use.

• Secretory laxatives, such as Linzess, Amitiza, and Trulance, encourage the body to secrete more fluid into the small intestine to act as a “flush” and push the bowel movement out. These are available as a prescription and are very well tolerated and safe for long-term use.

• Opiate blockers, such as Relistor and Movantik, are only indicated for those using opiate containing pain medications. These medications will block the opiate effect in the intestines while still allowing the anti-pain effect of the opiates.

In summary, most constipation in the United States is caused by a variety of things that can slow down the large intestines. Discussing these symptoms with a gastrointestinal expert can help identify some of the causes of constipation and find ways to reverse them. Also, some constipation can be caused by serious conditions such as colon cancer so further testing may be required. Once the causes of have been identified, there are many safe and sensible therapies to treat constipation and improve one’s quality of life.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

By Dr. J. David Schmidt

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic condition of the esophagus that affects both children and adults. Initially described in the 1960 and 1970s, the incidence rate has increased dramatically. Regional variations across the United States and globally show a higher prevalence of EoE in cold and arid climates compared to tropical climates. There is also a strong association between EoE and allergic conditions such as food and environmental allergies, asthma, and allergic/atopic dermatitis.

EoE Symptoms and Diagnosis
Adults with Eosinophilic Esophagitis frequently report chest pain, difficulty swallowing food, getting food stuck in the throat/esophagus while eating, heartburn, or upper abdominal pain. The condition is suggested by these symptoms; however, in order for the correct diagnosis to be established, an upper GI endoscopy is required. This procedure, known as an EGD or esophagogastroduodenoscopy, is a safe and short procedure performed under sedation where the esophagus and stomach are examined visually and biopsies can be taken. During the procedure, scar tissue rings that can form as a result of the allergy can be stretched or dilated. This is one of the treatments for the condition. It is also recommended that patients with eosinophilic esophagitis be evaluated/treated by an allergist or immunologist.

EoE Treatment
Treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis includes dietary modifications, medication trials, and endoscopic dilation. Traditionally, a six-food elimination diet (SFED) has been recommended. Foods to be eliminated include milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanuts/treatments, and fish/shellfish. Recent reports have suggested a four-food elimination diet is highly successful for most patients who opt for dietary management. This diet eliminates milk, egg, wheat, and legumes. Medical therapy includes treatment with topical corticosteroids either liquid or aerosolized preparations that deliver medication directly to the esophagus. This approach is reserved for patients after a two-month trial of acid-reducing medication with a PPI such as omeprazole. Endoscopic dilation of strictures or scar tissue is effective for relieving difficulty swallowing but has no effect on the underlying inflammation.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic condition that requires either continued diet restrictions or medical and endoscopic management. For further information, please discuss your symptoms and concerns with your gastroenterologist.

Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Barrett’s Esophagus

by Dr. Christopher Cutler

In 2015, the American College of Gastroenterology published clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Barrett’s esophagus (BE). The following is a summary of this guideline which the physicians at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology would like to share with you:

  • —Screening of the general population for BE is not recommended.
  • —Screening for BE may be considered in men with chronic (>5 years) and/or frequent (weekly or more) symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn or acid regurgitation) and two or more risk factors for BE. These risk factors include: age >50 years, Caucasian race, central obesity, current or past history of smoking, and a confirmed family history of BE or esophageal cancer (in a first degree relative).
  • —Screening for BE in females is not recommended. However, individualized screening could be considered in a woman with multiple risk factors for BE including: age>50, Caucasian race, chronic and/or frequent reflux symptoms, central obesity, current or past history of smoking, and a confirmed family history of BE or esophageal cancer (in a first degree relative).
  • —If the initial endoscopy is negative for BE, repeating an endoscopy to look for BE is not recommended. If the endoscopy reveals significant esophagitis, a repeat endoscopy after PPI (Prilosec) therapy for 8-12 weeks is recommended to ensure healing of esophagitis and exclude the presence of underlying BE.
  • —For BE patients without dysplasia (pre-cancerous cells), endoscopic surveillance should be performed every 3-5 years.
  • —For BE patients with dysplasia of any grade, the biopsies should be read by two pathologists, at least one of whom has expertise in GI pathology.
  • —For patients whose biopsies are indefinite for dysplasia, a repeat endoscopy after 3-6 months of optimized PPI therapy should be performed. If this endoscopy confirms the diagnosis of indefinite for dysplasia, a surveillance interval of 12 months is recommended.
  • —For patients with BE and confirmed low-grade dysplasia, endoscopic therapy (radiofrequency ablation) is considered the preferred treatment, although endoscopic surveillance every 12 months is an acceptable alternative.

—Patients with BE and confirmed high-grade dysplasia should be managed with endoscopic therapy (radiofrequency ablation +/- endoscopic mucosal resection).

—Endoscopic ablative therapies should not be routinely applied to patients with nondysplastic BE because of their low risk of progression to esophageal cancer.

—Patients with BE should receive once-daily PPI therapy. Routine use of twice-daily dosing is not recommended, unless necessitated because of poor control of reflux symptoms or esophagitis.

—Anti-reflux surgery should not be pursued in patient with BE to prevent cancer. However this surgery should be considered in those with incomplete control of reflux symptoms on optimized medical therapy.

—Endoscopic surveillance following elimination of BE for patients with low-grade dysplasia is recommended every 6 months for the first year, and annually thereafter.

—Endoscopic surveillance following elimination of BE for patients with high-grade dysplasia or intramucosal carcinoma is recommended every 3 months for the first year, every 6 months for the second year, and annually thereafter.

If you have any questions about Barrett’s esophagus or your reflux symptoms, please contact your physician at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology.

The World’s Emergency Room

By Dr. Christopher Cutler

As a doctor here at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology, I reflect on Humanitarianism: the promotion of human welfare; making other people’s lives better, regardless of their gender, race or religion. Dr. Michael VanRooyen personifies humanitarianism. For him, providing for the health and welfare of the world’s oppressed and suffering is not a political issue, it is an international imperative. In his captivating new book, The World’s Emergency Room: The Growing Threat to Doctors, Nurses, and Humanitarian Workers, Dr. VanRooyen takes readers on his journeys from the Rwandan genocide to earthquake-ravaged Haiti to the Syrian refugee crisis. As an emergency physician and leader in the relatively new field of humanitarian medicine, Dr. VanRooyen has helped thousands of people worldwide who have been displaced by war, natural disasters, and disease. His riveting personal account of these public health emergencies, and the humanitarians who put themselves in harm’s way to help, provides a fresh, new perspective on global health crises and the challenges faced by aid workers and non-governmental organizations.

The breadth of Dr. VanRooyen’s credentials is impressive. He is a professor at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health, the chairman of Emergency Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and the co-founder and director of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative. Full disclosure: he was my roommate during our medical residencies in Chicago and a groomsman in my wedding, and he remains one of my closest friends.

Long before my days at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology, I first met Mike during medical school, and even then his altruism was evident. After the fourth year of medical school, many students take time off before commencing the grueling schedule of residency. But not Mike. He used the time to work with the Indian Red Cross in Delhi, help priests in war-torn El Salvador, and travel to Geneva to learn the intricacies of the international relief agencies located there. Over the past 25 years, Mike and his wife Julie, a prominent gynecologic surgeon herself, have provided care in over 30 countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Bosnia, Chad, Sudan, and Iraq. Mike also travelled to NYC to offer his assistance in the aftermath of 9/11. The atrocities that Mike has witnessed are incomprehensible to the average American. In The World’s Emergency Room, Dr. VanRooyen takes us into these disaster zones with a gripping narrative, and proposes solutions on how to better serve people and populations in need, while safeguarding the lives of aid workers and humanitarians faced with increasing threats while working in the field.

The World’s Emergency Room is a truly inspirational book. The humanitarian work being carried out by Dr. VanRooyen and his colleagues brings to mind the famous quote by Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

To learn more about the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, please visit hhi.harvard.edu.

How Safe Are Proton Pump Inhibitors?

By Dr. Christopher Cutler

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medications used to treat acid-peptic disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, and peptic ulcer disease. There are several PPIs on the market including Prilosec (omeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), Nexium (esomeprazole), Aciphex (rabeprazole), Protonix (pantoprazole), Dexilant (dexlansoprazole), and Zegerid (omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate). While PPIs overall are very safe, several recent studies have raised safety concerns over their long-term use. The following is a list of possible PPI side effects that have recently raised concerns with my patients:

Clostridium difficile infection (C diff). There is a concern that decreasing gastric acid increases the risk of GI infections such as C diff. Multiple studies have indeed shown a 1.4-2.8X increased risk of C diff in patients treated with PPIs, even in patients who have not received antibiotics. The risk seems to be greater than in patients taking H2 blockers such as Zantac. C diff should definitely be considered in patients taking PPIs who develop persistent diarrhea.

Pneumonia. It is possible that decreasing gastric acid may permit bacteria to grow in the stomach, thereby increasing the risk of pneumonia. In fact, there does appear to be an association between PPI use and both community-acquired pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia. This does not necessarily mean that PPI use causes pneumonia, since patients prescribed proton pump inhibitors may be more likely to have other health problems that predispose them to pneumonia.

Hypomagnesemia. PPIs cause decreased absorption of magnesium, especially in patients on therapy for more than one year. The FDA suggests checking a magnesium level prior to starting PPIs in patients expected to be on therapy for a long time, and periodically thereafter. This is especially important in patients taking other medications such as diuretics, which can lower magnesium levels as well. Low magnesium levels can usually be corrected by high dose oral supplementation.

Bone fractures. Insoluble calcium, such as calcium carbonate, requires an acid environment in the stomach for optimal absorption. Long-term use of PPIs, which decrease gastric acid, may decrease calcium absorption thereby decreasing bone density and increasing the risk of fractures. The relative risk is 1.30. This mostly occurs in people over the age of 50, current and former smokers, and those taking a large dose of PPIs for an extended period of time. These patients should consider increasing their dietary calcium and taking a calcium supplement that does not require acid for absorption, such as calcium citrate.

Decreased vitamin B12 absorption. Patients who are on long-term PPIs should have their vitamin B12 levels checked annually.

Decreased iron absorption. This is not usually clinically significant, and there are no formal recommendations to check iron levels.

Kidney disease. Long-term PPI use may be associated with chronic kidney disease. This doesn’t necessarily mean there is a causal relationship. Many patients taking proton pump inhibitors are also on NSAIDs which themselves may damage the kidneys. More studies are needed.

Dementia. There have been at least 2 studies showing an association between dementia and long-term PPI use, but it is unknown if this relationship is causal. More studies are needed.

Heart disease. One study estimated that patients taking PPIs were 16-21% more likely to suffer a heart attack than people not taking a PPI. More studies are needed.

Most of the above data is from observational studies, which have limitations because they can only suggest an association, not establish a cause and effect. There is currently a lack of randomized controlled trials on long-term PPI use and their adverse effects. The current recommendation is to use the lowest dose of PPI needed, for the shortest duration of time, and to taper off the medication after being free of symptoms for at least three months. Certainly there are situations where a patient needs to be on a long-term proton pump inhibitors, such as Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal strictures, and gastroprotection from NSAIDs. If you are currently taking a long-term PPI for acid reflux or any other issues discussed, I strongly suggest that you follow up with your physician at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology to discuss the benefits and various risks.

 

Granite Peaks Welcomes James M. Stewart, MD

James M. Stewart, MD:  “As a gastroenterologist, I believe that gastrointestinal health and well-being are critical to enjoying a healthy lifestyle, and all that Utah has to offer. After completing my gastroenterology training at Banner Good Samaritan/ VA program in Phoenix, Arizona, I am pleased to start practicing at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology in Sandy, Utah and will be serving patients from across the Wasatch Front. My special interests include colorectal cancer prevention, GERD, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and I’ve done research in obesity-related liver disease and other gastrointestinal cancers. After losing family to gastrointestinal cancers, I am dedicated to promoting screenings for early detection of colorectal and esophageal cancer.”

James M. Stewart, MD will be accepting new patients and provides same and next day availability. Stewart sees patients in our Sandy office, and has procedure time every week. Visit Dr. Stewart’s bio on our Meet the Team page by clicking here.

Fellowship: Gastroenterology, Banner Good Samaritan/ VA Hospital-Phoenix, AZ
Residency: Internal Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA
Internship: Internal Medicine, Residency Program, University of California, San Diego, CA
Doctor of Medicine: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

 

Get to know your doctors!

At Granite Peaks, we believe it’s very important to learn about your provider, and their goals that are aimed at creating the best patient care possible.

Granite Peaks Gastroenterology brings a new dimension to healthcare in Utah. Formed in Sandy, Utah, Granite Peaks brings together a team of well-established physicians and staff with the common goal of creating a fully integrated digestive health center of excellence. The physicians are board-certified in gastroenterology and fully trained in all modalities of GI care. Granite Peaks Gastroenterology is committed to providing exceptional quality of care through medical excellence, impeccable service, compassion and the use of state-of-the-art technology in a welcoming environment.

Dr. R. Kyle Barnett

Dr. Barnett attended Texas Tech University for his undergraduate studies and then graduated from Texas Tech University School of Medicine with his medical degree in 1987. He completed his internship and residency with board certification in the field of internal medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine in 1990. He is involved in GI research as well as the inpatient and outpatient practice of gastroenterology- including gastrointestinal, biliary, liver and pancreatic disorders. He is on the active staff at Alta View and Lone Peak hospital and is on all insurance panels in Utah. “Gastroenterologists face a number of challenges in their daily routine, and that certainly contributed to my wanting to become a GI specialist. I enjoy a good challenge… and the rewards of being able to have a direct and positive impact on how people feel and on the quality of the lives they lead. For more than a decade and a half, I’ve enjoyed what I do. A big part of this is knowing that it is important and does make a difference, which is why I strive always to provide the very highest level of care of each and every person I see. I try to understand what each individual is dealing with. Then I start building a relationship of trust and genuine compassion.  The best care and outcomes depend on both physician and patient being personally invested in making sure things are done thoroughly, conscientiously an correctly.”

Dr. Christopher Cutler

Dr. Cutler received a B.S. in psychology from the University of Michigan in 1984. He completed his gastroenterology fellowship in 1995 at Indiana University of Indianapolis. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Cutler has been practicing gastroenterology in Utah since 1995 and is experienced in all aspects of gastroenterology, digestive diseases and digestive health. He is on the staff at Alta View Hospital, Lone Peak Hospital, and is a participating physician on all insurance panels in Utah. “Your digestive health is a vital component of your overall health, comfort, and physical and mental well-being. Whether a patient feels perfectly healthy and visits me for a screening colonoscopy or has digestive difficulties, as a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist, I apply my extensive experience, training, and expertise and the most recent advances in my field to a thoughtful assessment and diagnosis of each individual. We will discuss “conventional” medical approaches and complementary “alternative” approaches to determine the best options for you. In many cases- as in colon disease screening with colonoscopy- early intervention and treatment can prevent the development of disease. Gastroenterology is especially rewarding because my patients benefit from my knowledge, experience, and use of the latest research and technology in this quickly-evolving medical specialty. For my patients with digestive disorders, I can prescribe a course of action which provides immediate relief, often restoring patients to symptom-free, normal lives. It is gratifying for me when, several times each day, patients say to me, “If only I had known the exam (or treatment) would be this easy, I would have made an appointment with you a long time ago.”

Dr. Steven Desautels

Dr. Steven Desautels received his bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Florida in 1986. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. He has been participating in GI research, as well as the inpatient and outpatient practice of gastroenterology in Utah since 1997. He is highly experienced in all aspects of gastroenterology and liver disease. He is active on the staff of Alta View Hospital, Riverton Hospital, and is a participating physician on all insurance panels in Utah. “I became a physician for the simple reason that I wanted to do something for others, to make a difference in their lives. With disorders of the digestive tract, people’s lives are changed in a very fundamental way. Pain. Discomfort. Irregular habits. And a wide variety of symptoms that range from unpleasant and embarrassing to disruptive and debilitating. These are people who truly need help… and an improved quality of life. This is my motivation as a physician, and it’s the commitment I make to everyone in my care.”

Dr. Andrew Heiner

Dr. Heiner attended UCLA and BYU, receiving a B.S. in zoology in 1983. In 1987, he earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He then completed his internal medicine training at the University of Utah and stayed here to complete his gastroenterology and has been practicing gastroenterology in Salt Lake City since 1992. He is active on the staff of Alta View Hospital, and Lone Peak Hospital, and is a participating physician on all insurance panels in Utah. “After nearly 20 years of practicing GI medicine, what I enjoy most is that I’m able to achieve my goal of providing meaningful help to people in need. Quite often, people are surprised that relief and improvement in significant improvement in their GI symptoms. But providing that difference means being dedicated to doing things as well as they can be done. I approach every person who puts their trust in me as I would a loved one. I pay attention to the details. I help put them at east. And I truly listen. Experience has shown me that patients will almost always tell me enough to make an accurate diagnosis, which is where medical excellence- and appropriate and successful care- begin.”

Dr. J. David Schmidt

Dr. Schmidt received his B.A. in biology from the University of Vermont in 1996. In 2000, he received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He completed his internship and residency at the Lankenau Hospital in 2004 in Wynnewood, PA, where he also served as chief medical resident. He is active on the staff of Lone Peak Hospital, Riverton Hospital, and is a participating physician on all insurance panels in Utah. “My goal as a physician is to provide the highest quality of care to every one of my patients. There is, of course, much that goes into achieving this objective. Skill. Knowledge. Capability. And dedication. I believe the best care is that which is delivered with a genuine compassion for each person’s individual needs, health and life. For me, this starts by listening. I need to know what’s going on, how it affects you, what your concerns and sensibilities are and all the other things that are intertwined with your gastrointestinal problems. But it’s also key to being truly present and involved in your care and to being a partner in helping you get back to what’s important: living- and enjoying- your life.”

May Marschner, PA-C

“As a PA working in Gastroenterology, my goal is to work with the doctors, medical staff, and our patients to help deliver the best care possible. I think there is a lot of overlap between GI and other areas of medicine, so while I focus on GI complaints, I still try to keep the big picture in mind for overall health and wellness. I strive to educate patients, answering their questions, and make sure they are up to date on preventative screenings, like colonoscopies. I also consult with my supervising physicians on a daily basis, and as a team; we work together to come up with individual plans for each patient. Lastly, I like to connect with our patients to make sure they are happier when they leave, than when they arrived.”

May has an undergraduate degree from Rhodes College in Memphis Tennessee, Post-Bachelor Study from University of New Orleans, in Louisiana,  and a Graduate Degree from the University of Utah in Physician Assistant Studies. May is accepting new patients and can be seen at the Granite Peaks clinic at 9829 South 1300 East in Sandy, Utah.

Is Gluten-Free a Fad?

An estimated 3 million Americans are living with Celiac Disease, and 83% don’t even know they have the disease. That’s a staggering statistic, especially with all of the noise on the market promoting gluten-free foods and beverages.  According to an article from Food Navigator, “Mintel, which has one of the broadest definitions [of gluten-free], pegs the market at a whopping $10.5 billion in 2013” and anticipates an increase to $15.6 billion by 2016.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food (see image). The consumption of gluten also aggravates the small intestines creating chronic inflammation. Gluten is found primarily in wheat, barley, and rye. (Gluten may show up in unlikely places like salad dressings, Ketchup, BBQ Sauce, etc.) If left untreated, people can develop further complications such as anemia, vitamin deficiencies, osteoporosis, and cancer. Villi, minuscule finger-like projections, get worn down or blunted and become ineffective in absorbing nutrients.

There’s a genetic component to developing celiac disease, but it isn’t always the case. If you’re unsure about how your dietary habits could be related to a possible gluten intolerance, review these symptoms of Celiac Disease.  For some people, the disease shows up early in life, while others don’t experience symptoms until they are well into adulthood. Then there are asymptomatic people who show no symptoms despite having the disease.

May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month and a great time to inquire about your own health. Links are posted below for your convenience in researching additional information.

Testing for Celiac Disease

Testing for Celiac involves two blood tests that measure antibodies and the immune response to gluten. These tests have a track record of being over 95% accurate. If test results are positive, an upper endoscopy procedure will follow to secure a small biopsy of the villi in the small intestines to confirm the diagnosis and the extent of damage and severity of the disease. An accurate diagnosis is very important as patients will be changing their eating habits for the rest of their lives.

Schedule

If you or someone you know has Celiac Disease, or would like to be tested, you can call our offices at (801) 619-9000, or visit our website for more information: www.GranitePeaksGI.com. You can also book an appointment by clicking here. We are able to see patients within just a few days, no referral is necessary! Granite Peaks also takes all insurance plans, and self-pay patients.

Additional Resources:

Celiac Disease Foundation

National Foundation for Celiac Awareness

Granite Peaks Celiac Disease Page 

April & May Health Observance

As you know, March was Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, AKA the Blue Campaign. Granite Peaks Gastroenterology had a great campaign with several interviews on Channels 2, 4, and 5. Granite Peaks knows the importance of raising colon cancer awareness because a simple screening procedure could save your life, and the lives of those you love.

The following are some health observances in April and May:

  • April 1-30: Hepatitis Awareness Month- ‘The Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI) provides information and educational material to providers and the public. The HFI is dedicated to promoting liver wellness and reducing the incidence of preventable, liver-related, chronic diseases and lifestyle choices that negatively impact the liver.
  • May 1-30: Employee Health & Fitness Month- Granite Peaks promotes a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and exercise. Several employees participate in half and full marathons, and others love hiking, bicycling, swimming, and participate in many activities. A healthy lifestyle can also translate into a healthy Gastrointestinal tract.
  • May 1-30: ‘Liver Awareness Month: Liver Awareness Month focuses attention on the need to maintain a healthy liver through a healthy lifestyle, the types of seriousness of liver disease, and the urgency to be tested for liver disease.’ Follow these links to learn more about Liver Health: www.liverfoundation.org, HepC123.liverfoundation.org 
  • May 11-17: Food Allergy Awareness Week: ‘In 1997, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) created Food Allergy Awareness Week, including gluten allergy awareness, to educate others about food allergies, which include potentially life-threatening medical conditions affecting 15 million Americans.’ Food allergies can forever change one’s lifestyle. Whether it be a nut allergy, which is one of the most common food allergies, gluten, diary, etc. it’s very important to read food labels. For more information, select the following links: www.foodallergy.org; if you or someone you know feels they may have a gluten intolerance, call (801) 619-9000 to schedule an appointment, or click here to book an appointment.
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