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Don’t get burned by heartburn

Everyone loves to indulge in fast food, processed snacks and carbonated beverages from time to time. We know that they aren’t the best for us health wise, but did you know that they can also trigger heartburn? Heartburn is the burning feeling in your chest, up to the back of your throat, ...

UPMC welcomes new podiatrist to Williamsport

WILLIAMSPORT — UPMC welcomes David Troutman, D.P.M, to the UPMC Orthopaedic Care team in Williamsport. Dr. Troutman earned his doctoral degree in Podiatric Medicine at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia. He also completed a Podiatric Orthopaedic residency with the Veterans Administration Hospital, Lebanon, Pa. Most recently, Dr. Troutman practiced as a staff podiatrist with Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. “Focusing on the intricate needs of diabetic patients and individuals requiring wound care, Dr. Troutman joins us with a dedication to ...

The top 10 excuses for not buying a hearing aid

I last wrote on this topic about five years ago. Here are some of the more common ways people avoid getting help, and how you, as the patient or the caregiver, can address them. 1. “I can hear just fine.” This is the excuse that leads all others. Unless you and your loved one can agree that there’s a problem, you’ll never get past this starting point in the discussion. Realize that, as a caregiver, you may be fueling the fantasy by repeating things not heard clearly, speaking louder yourself and otherwise acting as a human hearing aid. The best way to open a dialog about the ...

Understanding endometriosis

Cramps and uncomfortableness are considered as a normal part of every menstruating person’s life. However, some people experience debilitating pain that leaves them unable to function for one week every month. When this happens, among other symptoms, a diagnosis of endometriosis might be in ...

Colon and rectal cancers are on the rise in young adults

About 90 percent of people diagnosed are age 50 and older, so it may be hard to believe that cases of colorectal cancer are on the rise among young and middle-aged adults — but they are, and at an alarming rate. According to a study conducted by American Cancer Society researchers, cases ...

Is a hysterectomy necessary for a woman with a low cancer risk?

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 66-year old post-menopausal woman who is scheduled next month for a hysterectomy to correct a pelvic organ prolapse. There is no history of ovarian cancer in my family. My first period was at age 12, and menopause happened for me at age 51. I used birth control pills. My gynecologist is leaving the decision up to me. I have read that ovaries still produce important hormones after menopause. What are your thoughts on keeping my ovaries or going through with this procedure? — D.F. ANSWER: I recommend prophylactically removing the ovaries during a hysterectomy ...