Health

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed in the United States. Approximately 147,950 cases will be diagnosed in 2020, with a rising incidence being found among younger adults. This is one group of cancer that can be prevented with a screening colonoscopy. Early stages are typically cured with surgery. In…

Most of the 11 UT Health East Texas cardiopulmonary rehabilitation clinics offer both pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation on-site. However, each rehab program has distinct differences from the other. Registered respiratory therapist Jordan Allen, RRT, explains the similarities and differences between the two programs. While both programs combine exercise and education with improving a patient’s quality of life,…

Knee pain can keep you from living your fullest life. But how do you know when it’s time to consider a knee replacement? Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Kevin Fain, MD, gives those suffering from chronic knee pain the need-to-know facts about knee replacement. What is a knee replacement? A knee replacement is a surgical procedure used…

Ok ladies— let’s talk breastfeeding. Have you ever thought to yourself, “I hate breastfeeding”? I have. After giving birth, did you feel unprepared or intimidated by the thought of breastfeeding? I did. Have you suffered through sore and cracked nipples while feeling the pressure (largely self-imposed) to “produce” while you fight off exhaustion and frustration?…

Is a chocolate allergy possible? Is it certainly possible, but being allergic to chocolate is very rare, according to Dr. Jonathan Buttram, board-certified allergist and immunologist with UT Health East Texas. It is more common to have an allergy to one of the ingredients. Chocolate preparations usually contain milk, soy, peanuts or tree nuts, all of…

Did you know… Cardiovascular disease is the most common complication of diabetes? People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have cardiovascular disease? 65 percent of those with diabetes die of a heart attack or stroke? The good news is that complications of diabetes, including cardiovascular complications, are preventable by seeing your primary…

I am frequently asked whether nasal symptoms are consistent with an infection or allergies. Frequently, patients with colds or ongoing sinus infections are referred to my office for “allergies.” Both often result in stuffy and runny noses, as well as sneezing and coughing. Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference, especially if symptoms are…

January has been designated at Cervical Cancer Awareness Month by the United States Congress. According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, more than 11,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, but the disease is totally preventable with appropriate screening tests (Pap and HPV tests) and vaccinations. What can you do to prevent cervical…

There are an untold amount of articles full of advice on how to eat healthy during the holidays. While it is very important to formulate a plan on how to approach a buffet during this season of sugar, fat and salt, it is also a time to focus on keeping up with other aspects of…

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and as an internist and a wound care specialist, much of my day-to-day routine is treating people with diabetes. Many people are aware of what diabetes is and are affected by it, but most do not know about the major complications associated with it or what to do about them.…