Have a look at the Spring Edition of our newsletter in the link below, where you will: Learn more about our providers Be reminded that March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month Read up on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Enjoy! Newsletter, Spring Edition
What-biotics? Prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates that act as food for probiotics. When probiotics and prebiotics are combined, they form a synbiotic. Fermented dairy products, such as yogurt and kefir, are considered synbiotic because they contain live bacteria and the fuel they need to thrive. Probiotics are found in foods such as yogurt, while prebiotics are found in whole grains, bananas, onions, garlic, honey and artichokes. In addition, probiotics and prebiotics are added to some foods and available as dietary supplements. Although more research is needed, there’s encouraging evidence that probiotics may help: Treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics… Continue Reading →
The physicians and employees at Digestive Health Specialists participated in the 2013 Phoenix Undy 5000 this past weekend. The Undy 5000 is a family-friendly 5K run/walk that was created by the Colon Cancer Alliance. It is unique because participants are encouraged to run in their boxers to bring attention to the area affected by colon cancer. We have found that by getting people talking about this disease, we can save lives! The Undy 5000 is one of the Colon Cancer Alliance’s signature fundraising events and is an important revenue source for furthering its mission of knocking colon cancer out of the… Continue Reading →
Jill Metzler, NP-C is no stranger to Digestive Health Specialists (DHS). Metzler began her career at DHS in 2008 as a Registered Nurse. in 2011, she became the Nurse Manager. We are thrilled she is now a Nurse Practitioner seeing patients in our clinic. Ms. Metzler graduated from Grand Canyon University in May 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She graduated from Grand Canyon University in May 2011 with a Master of Science degree in Nursing. Jill is an Advance Registered Nurse Practitioner and board certified as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Jill is… Continue Reading →
When we eat, food is carried from the mouth to the stomach through the esophagus, a tube-like structure that is approximately 10 inches long and 1 inch wide in adults. The esophagus is made of tissue and muscle layers that expand and contract to propel food to the stomach through a series of wave-like movements called peristalsis. At the lower end of the esophagus, where it joins the stomach, there is a circular ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). After swallowing, the LES relaxes to allow food to enter the stomach and then contracts to prevent the… Continue Reading →