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.

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.

Honoring Patient Safety: Infection Prevention Day

In honor of GI Nurses and Associates Appreciation Week, are observing and honoring today being all about patient safety. Granite Peaks goes above and beyond to ensure each and every patient is safe before, during and after their procedure and office consultation. The Granite Peaks Endoscopy Center is state-of-the-art and fully equipped with the latest equipment.  This facility is one of Salt Lake’s most modern state-licensed, freestanding endoscopy facilities with five board-certified Gastroenterologists. The endoscopy center is also Medicare-certified and accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which gave us its highest recommendation. Most importantly, our endoscopy center is designed not just for quality care but also for your safety, convenience, privacy, and comfort.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment at Granite Peaks Endoscopy Center and other locations, please call (801) 619-9000 or click here to request and appointment.

Happy Colon Cancer Awareness Month!

Welcome to March, National Colon Cancer Awareness Month!

  • Colon Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.
  • On average, your risk is about 1 in 20 (varies according to individual risk factors, i.e., family history)
  • 90% of new cases occur in people 50 or older, however, colon cancer does not discriminate and can happen to men and women at any age. Colonoscopy screening at this age is crucial.
  • People with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or offspring) who has colon cancer have two to three times the risk of developing the disease.
  • Currently, there are more than one million colon cancer survivors in the U.S.

Upcoming Events:

Granite Peaks Gastroenterologist, Dr. Kyle Barnett will be doing interviews on throughout March to raise awareness for colon cancer.

  • March 11th: Channel 4 mid-day
  • March 13th: Channel 2 afternoon
  • March 19th: Channel 5 afternoon

Granite Peaks Gastroenterology accepts all insurance plans and performs screening colonoscopies at the following locations:

Schedule your life-saving procedure by calling (801) 619-9000, then press number 1 when prompted. You can also request an appointment by clicking here. Someone will contact you within 24 hours of submitting your request. Schedule an appointment today, if not for you, do it for those you love. 

Learn about our Endoscopy Center by clicking here.

Myth or Fact, Stress Causes Ulcers…

For years, people have believed that stress caused ulcers. While stress does contribute to a number of gastrointestinal issues (i.e., Irritable Bowel Syndrome), it is not the cause of ulcers. There are two main causes of ulcers: (1) Medications, primarily non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which includes both over-the-counter and prescription medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and others; and, (2) a chronic bacterial infection known as H. Pylori– which has been identified in 65-85 percent of those found to have stomach and duodenal ulcers. (Excessive alcohol use and smoking exacerbate and may promote the development of ulcers.)

Now that doctors know the two main causes of ulcers- NSAIDs and H. Pylori infection- they are able to detect them, treat them, and cure patients of their ulcer disease. Whereas in the past, a patient might have had to undergo surgery for their ulcer, now doctors can manipulate the medications or treat the H. Pylori with antibiotics. Surgery is a rare option.

H. Pylori is the most common infectious agent in the world and is especially prevalent in under-developed countries. Scientists are not sure how the H. Pylori infection is spread, but suspect it is contracted through food and water.

“There are different strains of H. Pylori,” explains Granite Peaks Gastroenterologist Kyle Barnett, MD. “You may get the bacterial infection when you are young, but it might not cause symptoms for many years. If the strain is non-aggressive, you may never even know you have the infection.” When it does present itself, it is important to treat the infection as it can lead to serious diseases. “When we see stomach cancer, this bacteria is often present,” confirms Dr. Barnett, who has been treating patients for more than 20 years.

Detecting the bacteria can be done through a variety of noninvasive tests. One of the easiest, quickest tests is the breath test method done during an office visit. A blood test identifies antibodies, signaling prior exposure to the bacteria- it doesn’t necessarily mean you are still infected. Like the blood test, a stool test can also show whether the bacteria is present.

Another method of detecting H. Pylori is to do a biopsy. “Generally, we do a biopsy if we’re performing an upper endoscopy on a patient who has exhibited ulcer symptoms,” explains Dr. Barnett. There are factors that can influence the sensitivity of all the tests (i.e., if the patient has been taking acid blockers or antibiotics).

“Providing your doctor with a detailed account of what you are taking and your symptoms will help determine what tests and steps should be taken next,” advises Dr. Barnett. He points out that it is common to see the bacteria in groups who have emigrated together or in families, since they have shared space, food, and similar habits. This means if your siblings or parents have tested positive for H. Pylori, you could carry it too.

While abdominal pain is one of the symptoms of ulcers (see sidebar), it could also be a result of a number of gastrointestinal issues, such as acid reflux, pancreatitis or gall bladder issues. Testing for H. Pylori will help determine if an ulcer may be involved in the patient’s discomfort. Immediate evaluation is necessary when gastrointestinal bleeding is the presenting symptom, such as passing black or bloody stools. When blood mixes with acid in the stomach, it turns black.

The good news about ulcers? They are very treatable. “Twenty years ago we knew very little about the role H. Pylori played in the development of ulcers. Oftentimes, ulcers were a chronic problem in people; they would require surgery, sometimes removing a portion of their stomach as their ulcer treatment,” recalls Dr. Barnett. “Now, it is a rare patient that requires surgery. We can treat them medically.”

If a patient comes in with symptoms of burning abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or any symptoms that suggest a more aggressive process, (i.e., bleeding, weight loss, trouble swallowing) or is elderly, they should be evaluated as soon as possible. Recognizing the symptoms and causes of ulcers can lead to earlier detection, specific non-surgical ulcer treatment, and hopefully prevention of complications of ulcers.

Pinpoint the cause of your gastrointestinal symptoms. Schedule an appointment with your Granite Peaks gastroenterology specialist today to begin the healing process.

 

‘A Journey into my colon- and yours’ by Dave Barry

Dave Barry is a writer for the Miami Herald and wrote a cometic piece about his experience having a colonoscopy.  Not only is the following column informative, but it sheds light on a reality that happens more often than not.  Click here to link to the Miami Herald website, where this article was originally published February 22, 2008.    

“OK. You turned 50. You know you’re supposed to get a colonoscopy. But you haven’t. Here are your reasons:

1. You’ve been busy.

2. You don’t have a history of cancer in your family.

3. You haven’t noticed any problems.

4. You don’t want a doctor to stick a tube 17,000 feet up your butt.

Let’s examine these reasons one at a time. No, wait, let’s not. Because you and I both know that the only real reason is No. 4. This is natural. The idea of having another human, even a medical human, becoming deeply involved in what is technically known as your ”behindular zone” gives you the creeping willies.

I know this because I am like you, except worse. I yield to nobody in the field of being a pathetic weenie medical coward. I become faint and nauseous during even very minor medical procedures, such as making an appointment by phone. It’s much worse when I come into physical contact with the medical profession. More than one doctor’s office has a dent in the floor caused by my forehead striking it seconds after I got a shot.

In 1997, when I turned 50, everybody told me I should get a colonoscopy. I agreed that I definitely should, but not right away. By following this policy, I reached age 55 without having had a colonoscopy. Then I did something so pathetic and embarrassing that I am frankly ashamed to tell you about it.

What happened was, a giant 40-foot replica of a human colon came to Miami Beach. Really. It’s an educational exhibit called the Colossal Colon, and it was on a nationwide tour to promote awareness of colo-rectal cancer. The idea is, you crawl through the Colossal Colon, and you encounter various educational items in there, such as polyps, cancer and hemorrhoids the size of regulation volleyballs, and you go, ”Whoa, I better find out if I contain any of these things,” and you get a colonoscopy.

If you are as a professional humor writer, and there is a giant colon within a 200-mile radius, you are legally obligated to go see it. So I went to Miami Beach and crawled through the Colossal Colon. I wrote a column about it, making tasteless colon jokes. But I also urged everyone to get a colonoscopy. I even, when I emerged from the Colossal Colon, signed a pledge stating that I would get one.

But I didn’t get one. I was a fraud, a hypocrite, a liar. I was practically a member of Congress.

Five more years passed. I turned 60, and I still hadn’t gotten a colonoscopy. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I got an e-mail from my brother Sam, who is 10 years younger than I am, but more mature. The email was addressed to me and my middle brother, Phil. It said:

“Dear Brothers,

“I went in for a routine colonoscopy and got the dreaded diagnosis: cancer. We’re told it’s early and that there is a good prognosis that they can get it all out, so, fingers crossed, knock on wood, and all that. And of course they told me to tell my siblings to get screened. I imagine you both have.”

Um. Well.

First I called Sam. He was hopeful, but scared. We talked for a while, and when we hung up, I called my friend Andy Sable, a gastroenterologist, to make an appointment for a colonoscopy. A few days later, in his office, Andy showed me a color diagram of the colon, a lengthy organ that appears to go all over the place, at one point passing briefly through Minneapolis. Then Andy explained the colonoscopy procedure to me in a thorough, reassuring and patient manner. I nodded thoughtfully, but I didn’t really hear anything he said, because my brain was shrieking, quote, “HE’S GOING TO STICK A TUBE 17,000 FEET UP YOUR BUTT!”

I left Andy’s office with some written instructions, and a prescription for a product called ”MoviPrep,” which comes in a box large enough to hold a microwave oven. I will discuss MoviPrep in detail later; for now suffice it to say that we must never allow it to fall into the hands of America’s enemies.

I spent the next several days productively sitting around being nervous. Then, on the day before my colonoscopy, I began my preparation. In accordance with my instructions, I didn’t eat any solid food that day; all I had was chicken broth, which is basically water, only with less flavor. Then, in the evening, I took the MoviPrep. You mix two packets of powder together in a one-liter plastic jug, then you fill it with lukewarm water. (For those unfamiliar with the metric system, a liter is about 32 gallons.) Then you have to drink the whole jug. This takes about an hour, because MoviPrep tastes — and here I am being kind — like a mixture of goat spit and urinal cleanser, with just a hint of lemon.

The instructions for MoviPrep, clearly written by somebody with a great sense of humor, state that after you drink it, ”a loose watery bowel movement may result.” This is kind of like saying that after you jump off your roof, you may experience contact with the ground.

MoviPrep is a nuclear laxative. I don’t want to be too graphic, here, but: Have you ever seen a space shuttle launch? This is pretty much the MoviPrep experience, with you as the shuttle. There are times when you wish the commode had a seat belt. You spend several hours pretty much confined to the bathroom, spurting violently. You eliminate everything. And then, when you figure you must be totally empty, you have to drink another liter of MoviPrep, at which point, as far as I can tell, your bowels travel into the future and start eliminating food that you have not even eaten yet.

After an action-packed evening, I finally got to sleep. The next morning my wife drove me to the clinic. I was very nervous. Not only was I worried about the procedure, but I had been experiencing occasional return bouts of MoviPrep spurtage. I was thinking, ”What if I spurt on Andy?” How do you apologize to a friend for something like that? Flowers would not be enough.

At the clinic I had to sign many forms acknowledging that I understood and totally agreed with whatever the hell the forms said. Then they led me to a room full of other colonoscopy people, where I went inside a little curtained space and took off my clothes and put on one of those hospital garments designed by sadist perverts, the kind that, when you put it on, makes you feel even more naked than when you are actually naked.

Then a nurse named Eddie put a little needle in a vein in my left hand. Ordinarily I would have fainted, but Eddie was very good, and I was already lying down. Eddie also told me that some people put vodka in their MoviPrep. At first I was ticked off that I hadn’t thought of this, but then I pondered what would happen if you got yourself too tipsy to make it to the bathroom, so you were staggering around in full Fire Hose Mode. You would have no choice but to burn your house.

When everything was ready, Eddie wheeled me into the procedure room, where Andy was waiting with a nurse and an anesthesiologist. I did not see the 17,000-foot tube, but I knew Andy had it hidden around there somewhere. I was seriously nervous at this point. Andy had me roll over on my left side, and the anesthesiologist began hooking something up to the needle in my hand. There was music playing in the room, and I realized that the song was Dancing Queen by Abba. I remarked to Andy that, of all the songs that could be playing during this particular procedure, Dancing Queen has to be the least appropriate.

”You want me to turn it up?” said Andy, from somewhere behind me.

”Ha ha,” I said.

And then it was time, the moment I had been dreading for more than a decade. If you are squeamish, prepare yourself, because I am going to tell you, in explicit detail, exactly what it was like.

I have no idea. Really. I slept through it. One moment, Abba was shrieking “Dancing Queen! Feel the beat from the tambourine . . .”

. . . and the next moment, I was back in the other room, waking up in a very mellow mood. Andy was looking down at me and asking me how I felt. I felt excellent. I felt even more excellent when Andy told me that it was all over, and that my colon had passed with flying colors. I have never been prouder of an internal organ.

But my point is this: In addition to being a pathetic medical weenie, I was a complete moron. For more than a decade I avoided getting a procedure that was, essentially, nothing. There was no pain and, except for the MoviPrep, no discomfort. I was risking my life for nothing.

If my brother Sam had been as stupid as I was — if, when he turned 50, he had ignored all the medical advice and avoided getting screened — he still would have had cancer. He just wouldn’t have known. And by the time he did know — by the time he felt symptoms — his situation would have been much, much more serious. But because he was a grown-up, the doctors caught the cancer early, and they operated and took it out. Sam is now recovering and eating what he describes as ”really, really boring food.” His prognosis is good, and everybody is optimistic, fingers crossed, knock on wood, and all that.

Which brings us to you, Mr. or Mrs. or Miss or Ms. Over-50-And-Hasn’t-Had-a-Colonoscopy. Here’s the deal: You either have colo-rectal cancer, or you don’t. If you do, a colonoscopy will enable doctors to find it and do something about it. And if you don’t have cancer, believe me, it’s very reassuring to know you don’t. There is no sane reason for you not to have it done.

I am so eager for you to do this that I am going to induce you with an Exclusive Limited Time Offer. If you, after reading this, get a colonoscopy, let me know by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to Dave Barry Colonoscopy Inducement, The Miami Herald, 1 Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132. I will send you back a certificate, signed by me and suitable for framing if you don’t mind framing a cheesy certificate, stating that you are a grown-up who got a colonoscopy. Accompanying this certificate will be a square of limited-edition custom-printed toilet paper with an image of Miss Paris Hilton on it. You may frame this also, or use it in whatever other way you deem fit.

But even if you don’t want this inducement, please get a colonoscopy. If I can do it, you can do it. Don’t put it off. Just do it.

Be sure to stress that you want the non-Abba version.

©2008 Dave Barry

This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Electronic or print reproduction, adaptation, or distribution without permission is prohibited. Ordinary links to this column at www.miamiherald.com may be posted or distributed without written permission.”

GI Preventative Care & Insurance

According to a study, “Americans with health insurance are more likely than uninsured people to use preventive services…”, reports Health Day News.  However, insurance status had no effect on risky behaviors such as smoking, weight gain and not using a seat belt, according to the Journal of American Board of Family Medicine.

As the year-end approaches, be sure you have your colonoscopy screening as soon as possible.  Granite Peaks Gastroenterology physicians and are able to see patients within one week and there are still openings before January!  Call (801) 619-9000 or click here to schedule an appointment!

Thanksgiving calories, substitutes and gluten-free options

According to the Calorie Control Council, “the average American may consume more than 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat from snacking and feasting.”

The following are some tips to help decrease the caloric increase, according to Toby Amidor, from US News:

  • Turkey: “Smaller birds are usually more tender than larger birds in which could lead to over eating.”  Also, dark meat has less calories and fewer grams of fat than white meat.
  • Stuffing: “Stuffing can average 425 calories per serving.” Wild rice, veggies, nuts and dried fruit is a healthier alternative.
  • Green Bean Casserole: “Heavy cream and cream-based soups drive the calories in this dish to 500 calories and 35 grams of fat per serving.” There are other alternatives when making this dish that could help the calorie counters.
  • Apple Pie: “To cut calories, make an open-faced pie.  For a lighter filling, aim for half to three quarters of a medium apple and use less butter.”

To read more, click here to get the full article.

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving: 

According to celiac.com, the following are helpful tips to make your Thanksgiving gluten-free:

  • “Make sure your turkey is gluten-free. Numerous brands use gluten when processing their turkeys, so be sure to read the label, and make sure there is no hidden gluten in any of the ingredients.”
  • “Brining is a great way to prepare your gluten-free turkey that will leave your guests quizzing you about your secrets to such a moist, savory turkey.”
  • “Thicken homemade gravy with either corn starch, tapioca or arrowroot flour. Be careful, Bouillon cubes often contain wheat or gluten, so make sure to use only gluten-free bouillon cubes. Vegetarian Bouillon is also an option.”

To get recipes and other gluten-free tips, click here.

Health Insurance Choices: The Affordable Care Act

A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that slightly more than half of all Americans are still not sure what the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) means for them. About 4 in 10 people aren’t sure if the law is still in effect. (It is).

Starting October 1, 2013, this health-care reform will implement an online Health Insurance Marketplace (also called Exchanges) for those looking for health coverage or more affordable and comprehensive health coverage. Participants will be able to gain coverage as soon as January 1, 2014.

You should know, that under the Affordable Care Act, insurance must cover certain preventative measures such as cancer screenings (i.e. colonoscopies, mammograms, pap smears and pelvic exams), bone scans for osteoporosis, and tests for heart disease and diabetes. Also, starting in January, a woman can’t be charged more than a man for health insurance.

For more information regarding enrollment and what it covers, visit www.healthcare.gov.

 

Going the Extra Mile

Patient Perspective:
Going the Extra Mile & Finding a Doctor that Does the Same

Last May, Dixie Williams recalls being scared and sick. Arriving at Alta View Hospital and admitted with a bleeding ulcer, her hands and feet were swollen and breathing was difficult. It wasn’t the first time her ulcer had acted up and she dreaded the impending treatment. “I have a horrible gag reflex and I knew I was going to have to drink this horrible chalky fluid and probably throw up.”

Explaining her concerns to Granite Peaks gastroenterologist Dr. Kyle Barnett, the doctor on call, she calmed down as he quickly and efficiently came up with another method that was “a thousand times more pleasant than before,” says Williams.

Her bleeding ulcer turned out to be one of several gastrointestinal issues that needed attention and treatment. “It was such a relief when Dr. Barnett came to the room,” says Williams, recalling not just his smile and upbeat attitude but his patient way of carefully explaining everything to her. Requiring on-going care, outside the hospital, Williams became one of Dr. Barnett’s patients.

When she needed a polyp removed in a difficult area near her bile duct, Dr. Barnett arranged for her to see one of the few surgical specialists in the state who focus on this area. Unfortunately, she suffered an uncomfortable and swollen abdomen following the surgery. “I was miserable and figured there was nothing they could do about it,” recalls Williams.

A week later, on her birthday, Williams followed-up with Dr. Barnett at Granite Peaks. Noticing it was her birthday, he said, “Well Happy Birthday Dixie, what can I give you?” An unhappy Williams pointed at her stomach, “You can get rid of this.” Dr. Barnett took a closer look, and stated, “I can do that.” Later that day, six pounds and six ounces of fluid was removed from William’s stomach. “I think it was the best birthday gift I’ve ever had,” admits Williams with a laugh, “I was finally able to sleep through the night and my quality of life dramatically improved.”

Williams, a mother and grandmother, is getting back to the things she loves doing best, including spending time with her family, reading, and cooking. She always prepares extras for those who may want a home-cooked meal. “Today, I’m making a six-pound meatloaf- we’ll freeze some and then give some to our neighbors, who are widowers.”

She likes making that extra effort for others and that is also what she appreciates about the Granite Peaks’ staff. “When it seems like it is getting time to needing something, Becky [Medical Assistant] calls and says, “Dixie, it is time for you to come in.”

What is Williams’ advice to other patients and their families? When they find themselves in the hospital or meeting with new doctors, ask a lot of questions and get informed. “Don’t assume nothing can be done. If something does not seem of feel right, then speak up, there might be a solution that will make you feel a whole lot better.”

 

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