Office Hours : M-F, 9am to 5pm
  Phone : 610.375.0500

All posts by admin

Fresh produce representing examples of a high-fiber diet

The Skinny on a High-Fiber Diet

Understanding the Big Picture of a High-Fiber Diet

Usually at some point in our lives, whether asked during a routine physical exam or some other health event, the subject of following a high-fiber diet might come into the picture. Sure, eating the occasional bowl of bran cereal is a great small step in promoting digestive health. But to really understand why high-fiber diets are so important to health and general well being, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the fundamentals.

High-Fiber Diets in a Nutshell

Dietary fiber consists of plant-based foods, such as fruits, nuts, vegetables, whole grains and legumes that the body cannot absorb or break down.  These powerhouse foods help you maintain a healthy weight and promote good digestive health by providing two types of fiber the digestive tract needs for optimal functioning:

Insoluble fiber foods remain mostly intact throughout the digestive tract, and therefore promote the movement of waste material through the stomach, intestine and colon, until it is expelled from the body. Benefits of consuming this type of fiber include prevention of constipation, as well as possibly reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. Insoluble fiber is found in whole grains, cereals, and fruits and vegetables that are eaten skin-on (think apples, peaches, and corn).

Just as important to digestive health is soluble fiber. This type of fiber absorbs water as it passes through the digestive system, bulking up waste material to help prevent constipation and diarrhea. Consuming soluble fiber can reduce cholesterol, as well as prevent blood sugar spikes. Oats, thin-skinned fruits and vegetables (think strawberries and baby peas) are examples of foods offering soluble fiber.

Just How Much Fiber Is Enough?

Now that you know what fiber is and what foods to incorporate into your diet, it’s important to understand how much you need on a daily basis. According to mayoclinic.org, the daily recommendation for adult males age 50 or younger is 38 grams. For adult males age 51 or older, the recommendation is 30 grams of fiber per day. For adult females age 50 or younger, 25 grams of fiber is a good goal. For adult females age 51 or older, 21 grams is sufficient.

Adding Up Dietary Fiber and Its Benefits

Reading nutrition labels on packaged foods is a great way to start to understand how many grams of dietary fiber certain foods contribute to daily intake goals. It’s best to slowly introduce increased amounts of fiber into your diet to allow the digestive system to adjust. Consult your doctor when you have additional questions about the digestive health benefits of a high fiber diet. Most importantly, have fun trying a variety of foods that add up to great high fiber health!

– Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists

Read More
Computer tablet with the words "Acid Reflux" appearing on screen

Barrett’s Esophagitis: A Condition Caused by GERD

GERD and its Impact on the Esophagus

As we shared in other posts, GERD (short for “gastroesophageal reflux disease”) is the culprit in creating heartburn, the painful burning sensation felt in the throat and chest after eating certain foods.  It is estimated that approximately seven million people in the United States, from adults to infants, suffer from the symptoms of GERD at some point in their lives. For many people, the affects of GERD are felt only occasionally such as after a very large meal (think Thanksgiving). But for some who suffer from heartburn on a regular basis, GERD can cause other conditions if left untreated. One such condition this post will discuss is Barrett’s Esophagitis.

When GERD occurs, acidic fluids from the stomach flow backwards, or reflux, up into the esophagus. These caustic fluids irritate the lining of the esophagus, creating the burning sensation commonly referred to as heartburn. Repeated bouts of GERD over an extended period of time can damage the lining of the esophagus, creating a condition called Barrett’s Esophagitis. Although not cancerous itself, the presence of Barrett’s Esophagitis indicates the lining of the esophagus has been changed enough that cancerous cells could develop.

How Barrett’s Esophagitis is Detected

In many cases, Barrett’s Esophagitis is detected during routine diagnostic evaluation for GERD via an upper endoscopy. During this minimally invasive procedure, a small flexible tube with a video camera is used so the surgeon can perform a visual analysis of the affected area.   In a healthy esophagus, the lining is pink and uniform in color. With an esophagus affected by Barrett’s Esophagitis, the lining appears uneven in color and pattern, as seen in this side by side comparison:

Barretts comparison

If Barrett’s Esophagitis is present, your surgeon may need to perform additional testing such as biopsies to detect the presence of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells within the esophagus.

Preventing Further Damage from Barrett’s Esophagitis

Your surgeon will keep track of any changes in your esophagus through regular testing. The good news is that controlling the symptoms and potential esophageal damage from GERD is often achievable with lifestyle changes your surgeon can suggest specifically for your condition. These can include losing weight, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and eliminating greasy and high-fat foods that create reflux.

Dr. Thomas Beetel, Dr. Robert Howard, and Dr. Joseph Levan of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists each provide evaluation of GERD and Barrett’s Esophagitis. With offices located at 2758 Century Boulevard, Suite 1, Wyomissing, PA., many procedures are performed at the adjacent Surgical Institute of Reading. To make an appointment to see Dr. Beetel, Dr. Howard, or Dr. Levan, please call 610.375.0500.

– Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists

Read More
Illustration of Reflux Aggravating Foods - pasta, citrus, chocolate and wine

Best Foods to Eliminate If Suffering From Reflux

Summertime Foods Often Aggravate Reflux

With summer cookouts in full swing, Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists would like to share some insight into what might cause that post-barbeque digestive discomfort.

As we shared in a previous post Evaluation of Reflux: Providing Best Treatment by Targeting the Cause, reflux occurs when digestive acids in the stomach flow backwards – or “reflux” – up into the esophagus. Unfortunately, some of the season’s favorite foods can cause that uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest that is hard to ignore.   The good news, however, is relieving the discomfort of reflux may be as easy as cutting back on or avoiding foods that aggravate the digestive tract.

Identifying and Eliminating Aggravating Foods a Great First Step

Generally, highly acidic or difficult to digest foods are the main offenders contributing to reflux. Tomato sauces, fatty or greasy foods, wine/liquor, chocolate and citrus juices are particularly prone to creating painful bouts of reflux.  Reducing the intake of these foods is a great way to proactively manage the discomfort of reflux without the use of medication.

If you still experience the pain of reflux even after eliminating certain foods, you may want to be evaluated for reflux by a physician. Dr. Thomas Beetel, Dr. Robert Howard and Dr. Joseph Levan of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists each provide evaluation and surgical treatment for reflux disease. To contact our office, please call 610.375.0500.

Read More
Picture of Dr. Robert Howard, Dr. Joseph Levan and Dr. Thomas Beetel of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists

The Three Best Questions to Ask Your General Surgeon Before Surgery

Taking An Active Role in Planning For General Surgery

As consumers, it’s very much second nature for us to gather and sort through masses of information on countless products and services, choosing the one we think will work best.   When taking on the role of patient, however, sometimes there is a hesitancy to ask questions about concerns that could have a major impact on our health. If you can relate to the feeling of “I should’ve asked”, Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists would like to offer three of the best questions to ask your surgeon prior to general surgery.

Discussing General Surgery’s Surgical Methods

First, of course, is asking about the type of surgery and surgical method that will be utilized. Used to treat many conditions within the abdomen, including the colon and hiatal hernias, minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery uses keyhole-sized incisions to access and address areas of concern. As we shared in a previous post, What Is Minimally Invasive Surgery?, the advantage of minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery is a much quicker recovery period when compared to traditional open surgery with its large incision and lengthy recovery.

Become Familiar with Your Hospital

The second question to ask your general surgeon prior to surgery is equally important. Just as you select a surgeon based on comfort level and expertise, it’s best to become familiar with the surgical hospital where your surgeon will perform your procedure. Typically, surgeons are affiliated with specific surgical hospitals, so when you choose your surgeon, you are in effect also choosing the surgical hospital where your procedure will occur. Ask your surgeon what advantages the surgical hospital offers, compared to others in the area, so you have confidence in where your surgery will occur. In our practice, surgeons Dr. Thomas Beetel, Dr. Robert Howard, and Dr. Joseph Levan perform minimally invasive endoscopic, laparoscopic and robotic procedures at Surgical Institute of Reading, including laparoscopic treatment of incisional and inguinal hernias, reflux, as well as conditions of the colon and gallbladder.   Our practice is also affiliated with and performs procedures at Penn State Health St. Joseph and Reading Health, respectively.

For Your Health’s Sake, Ask Away!

Lastly, ask questions about what you can expect during your recovery period after surgery. How long will you stay in the hospital after surgery? Will you need to be driven home by a friend or family member after surgery? Will someone need to assist you with your personal care during recovery? How soon will you be able resume regular activities, including returning to work? Knowing the answer to these and other questions prior to surgery can make all the difference in having a positive surgical experience and outcome.

To Your Best Health,

Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists
2758 Century Boulevard, Suite 1
Wyomissing, PA 19610
610.375.0500

Read More
Dr. Thomas Beetle of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists

Dr. Thomas Beetel to speak at Surgical Institute of Reading

 

Questions about GERD (Heartburn), Hiatal Hernias and Anti-Reflux Surgery?

Join Dr. Thomas Beetel at Surgical Institute of Reading as he presents:

“The Truth About Heartburn and Hiatal Hernia: When Do You Need Surgery?”.

When: Wednesday, March 30th at 5:30pm

Where:  Surgical Institute of Reading   2752 Century Boulevard  Wyomissing, PA  19610

To RSVP:  Please call 610.375.0500 by March 29th.  Reserve your seat by calling today!

There will be plenty of opportunities for questions during the presentation.

About Dr. Thomas Beetel
Dr. Thomas Beetel of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists specializes in minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic procedures of the colon, esophagus and gallbladder, as well as laparoscopic hernia repair. His practice offices are conveniently located next to Surgical Institute of Reading in Wyomissing, PA.

 

Read More
Reflux as shown in healthy stomach, and stomach affected by GERD

Evaluation of Reflux: Providing Best Treatment by Targeting the Cause

Reflux, also referred to as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), affects millions of people in the United States today. Its most widely known symptom is heartburn, a burning sensation in the throat or chest. But to clarify, “heartburn” has nothing to do with the heart. The problem, in fact, lies in the digestive tract.

Clearing Up the Confusion about Reflux 

As we’ve shared in a previous post Reflux Disease: Helpful Measures for a Common Condition, reflux indicates digestive acid has been allowed to escape through a weakened one-way valve at the top of the stomach and travel upwards through the esophagus and into the throat. Most people suffer from an occasional bout of reflux, particularly after a large meal or lying down right after eating. But when an occasional bout turns into a regular occurrence, it may indicate a larger – yet very common – condition requiring diagnosis.

Evaluation Key to Diagnosis 

A thorough discussion about your symptoms with your physician will aid in the best diagnosis and treatment. For the occasional “heartburn” sufferer, over-the-counter medications or lifestyle changes may be all that is needed. If suffering from regular, ongoing occurrences, however, your physician may suggest a physical exam and diagnostic testing to pinpoint the cause and provide diagnosis of reflux. Your physician will order testing most appropriate for your symptoms, but they can include any of the following:

  • An upper gastrointestinal (GI), which produces x-rays of the digestive tract. After swallowing a barium shake, the x-ray monitors the barium dye as it moves along the tract to the stomach, capturing images of any reflux as it occurs.
  • An esophageal endoscopy, which sends images of the esophagus and stomach to a video monitor enabling the surgeon to evaluate the esophagus for signs or acute or chronic damage caused by stomach acid.
  • An esophageal manometry, measuring the muscle tone of the one-way valve at the top of the stomach. This is performed if your physician believes you are a candidate for surgical correction of reflux.

Dr. Robert Howard, Dr. Thomas Beetel and Dr. Joseph Levan of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists each provide thorough evaluation and surgical treatment of reflux disease. Surgical treatment is performed at Surgical Institute of Reading, conveniently located in the same complex as the Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists practice offices. To make an appointment to see Dr. Howard, Dr. Beetel or Dr. Levan at Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists, please call 610.375.0500.

Read More
Dr. Thomas Beetle of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists

Listen to Dr. Thomas Beetel’s WEEU interview

Thanks for calling in to WEEU with your general surgery questions for Dr. Thomas Beetel on February 3rd!  If you would like to listen to the program again, you can visit the Berks County Medical Society’s website at www.berkscms.org, click the “Health Talk” tab and click on the audio for the February 3rd show.  Our thanks to the Berks County Medical Society and Dr. John Dethoff for inviting Dr. Beetel onto the show.

Read More
Picture of Dr. Robert Howard, Dr. Joseph Levan and Dr. Thomas Beetel of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists

Reflux Disease: Relief for a Common Condition

Reflux disease, also referred to as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), is a common condition affecting millions of people regardless of age. As we shared in a previous post, A Burning Issue: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, reflux is caused by acid escaping from the top of the stomach and travelling as far up as the throat, creating a very uncomfortable burning sensation many refer to as heartburn.

Making Sense of Reflux Symptoms

Besides heartburn, many people suffering from reflux experience other painful symptoms that can sometimes be confused with other conditions. The symptoms can include belching, chronic cough and hoarseness, pain in the upper abdomen or worsening of symptoms when bending over or lying down. Left untreated, reflux can worsen and in some instances, develop into cancer. With all of these factors in mind, it is vitally important to seek physician evaluation to properly diagnose and treat reflux as early as possible.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Reflux Disease

Relieving the pain associated with reflux is of course a physician’s first priority. In doing so, your physician will work with you to find the right treatment appropriate for your symptoms. Lifestyle changes, use of over-the-counter medications or simply raising the head of the bed may be sufficient in providing relief. In some cases, your physician may recommend use of medication to reduce stomach acid or speed up digestion to alleviate symptoms.

When Reflux Persists

If still bothersome, your physician may recommend surgical treatment to ultimately correct reflux. With reflux, the one-way valve between the esophagus and stomach is weakened, allowing stomach acids to travel back up into the throat. To effectively treat the condition, the surgeons at Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists utilize minimally invasive surgery to perform laparoscopic fundoplication to correct the one-way valve as needed.

Dr. Robert Howard, Dr. Thomas Beetel and Dr. Joseph Levan of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists each provides non-surgical and surgical treatment of reflux disease. Surgical treatment is performed at Surgical Institute of Reading, conveniently located in the same complex as the Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists practice offices. To make an appointment to see Dr. Howard, Dr. Beetel or Dr. Levan at Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists, please call 610.375.0500.

Read More
Dr. Beetel

Dr. Thomas Beetel on WEEU’s “Health Talk” call-in show this Wednesday February 3rd from 6pm to 7pm

Have questions about common general surgical issues?  Here’s a great opportunity to speak directly with our own Dr. Thomas Beetel this Wednesday, February 3rd during WEEU’s “Health Talk” live call-in program from 6pm to 7pm.  Presented by the Berks County Medical Society, the show will feature Dr. Beetel taking your calls about common general surgery issues and problems.  To call in during the show, call WEEU at (610) 374-8800 or (800) 323-8800.

Read More

Olga and Zuleica earn their CCMA!

A big congratulations to Olga Rivera (left) and Zuleica Gonzalez-Ortiz (right) of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists, who recently completed intensive training and testing to earn their Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification! Also pictured is Dr. Thomas Beetel (middle), who along with Dr. Robert Howard and Dr. Joseph Levan of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists, fully sponsored Olga’s and Zuleica’s studies.

Having previously earned their Medical Assistant credential, Olga and Zuleica’s new CCMA certification qualifies them both to expand their patient care responsibilities.  As multi-skilled healthcare providers, Olga and Zuleica are now certified to perform patient interviews, measure and record vital signs, prepare exam rooms, clean and sterilize medical equipment, administer injections, perform venipuncture and assist with EKG’s, all under physician supervision.

Our thanks to Olga and Zuleica for all the hard work to earn the CCMA! Congratulations!

 

 

 

Read More