11 Common Winter Allergies
Where Do Winter Allergies Come From? When you think about seasonal allergies, do you focus on the high-pollen counts of spring and fall? While cooler temperatures often mean relief from outdoor allergies, some individuals face increased exposure to the indoor allergens that plague them. More Time Indoors In the winter, we spend more time indoors, where dust mites, insect particles, mold and pet shedding become more concentrated in the air. The dust you see on your furniture will make anyone sneeze, but some of the component parts can also cause ongoing problems for those with allergic sensitivity. Dust mites. These…
The Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System
Robotic surgery is transforming the range of surgeries that can be done as minimally invasive procedures. Many surgeries that used to require large incisions—and long recovery times—can now be performed through tiny incisions. Robotic tools actually make some delicate procedures possible for the first time. The da Vinci Surgical System, which is used by JSC surgeons including urology specialist Dr. Chris Reynolds, gives the surgeon highly magnified images, precise control and a range of motions that actually surpasses that of the human hand. Among the procedures that Dr. Reynolds performs using the da Vinci system are partial and radical…
Breast Cancer Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a great time to remind yourself, friends and family about the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer. More women are surviving breast cancer than ever before. Why? Because more women are taking care of themselves and taking advantage of improvements in screening techniques. Early detection of breast cancer leads to more treatment options, less extensive surgery and better outcomes. Screenings find cancer early Screening tests and exams can detect cancer before it causes symptoms. The mammogram is the main test recommended by the American Cancer Society to find breast cancer. Treatment is…
Minimally invasive surgery with da Vinci Surgical System
A new world of treatment possibilities has been created by the da Vinci Surgical System now being used by doctors at Jefferson Surgical Clinic. While it is called a “robotic” device, the surgeon controls every action of the surgical instruments. Like traditional laparoscopic methods, the da Vinci system allows surgery to be performed through small incisions, reducing trauma and improving recovery times. The system surpasses older laparoscopic equipment because it offers significant improvements in vision, precision and control. Da Vinci Advantages The da Vinci advantages include superior vision—using 3D, high definition images—and instruments that bend and rotate better than the…
Hearing Aid Open House
Better hearing starts here, with Jefferson Surgical and Starkey Hearing. Join us for a Starkey Hearing Aid Open House on November 12, 2015 at 5:00pm in Roanoke to learn about new hearing aid technology that can improve your life. Light refreshments will be served and you’ll have an opportunity to speak with a Starkey representative and the Jefferson Surgical Audiologists to discuss any questions you may have. Click here to reserve your seat, or call 540-283-6000 to RSVP.
Welcome Dr. Reynolds
You could say medicine runs in the family of Dr. Chris Reynolds, the new urologic surgeon at Jefferson Surgical Clinic. His twin brother Austin is an emergency room doctor in northern Virginia and his sister Erin is a VP for a children’s hospital. Dr. Reynolds knew early in life that he wanted to combine his love of science with a career helping people. It was during work at the V.A. Hospital in Salem as a medical student that he first got to know the Roanoke area and “loved the vibe of the region.” A surgical opening a JSC brought…
Prostate Cancer Screenings
Early detection of prostate cancer—even before an individual shows any symptoms—allows for earlier treatment and easier cure of the disease. Diagnosis of prostate cancer is done using simple procedures that allow your condition to be rated and assessed by a pathologist and your physician. ScreeningEarly detection tests look for warning signs of cancer. One way is to conduct blood tests of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. A digital rectal exam (DRE) can also reveal signs of prostate cancer. In this test, the doctor inserts a gloved finger in the rectum to feel for bumps or hard areas on the prostate. Whether…
Facial Rejuvenation: Is It Right For You?
You’ve tried the magic skin creams and facial exercise gizmos, and you’re still struggling with tired, sagging skin. But you don’t have to! Our facial rejuvenation services can tighten the skin on your face and take years off your look, with very little downtime. Learn more about our minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedures, including our Mini Facelift and Browlift, at our Open House on October 1st at the new Jefferson Surgical Clinic location – 1924 Braeburn Circle in Salem, VA. Dr. Steven Harris, our board-certified plastic surgeon, will review our facial rejuvenation services in detail, and answer any questions you…
Ureteral Stones
You are probably familiar with the painful condition known as kidney stones. When a kidney stone is stuck in the ureter, it is called a ureteral stone. The ureters are tubes leading from the kidneys to the bladder. The kidneys can form stones when high levels of dissolved minerals and salts are present in the urine. When stones are small they can pass through the ureter and bladder with no symptoms. If a stone is trapped in the ureter, it can block urine flow and cause great discomfort and pain. Fortunately, updated imaging methods, medications and treatments are improving our…
Your Food and Your Colon
Wouldn’t it be great if you could do something to reduce your risk of colon cancer? A recent study published in the March 9, 2015 online edition of JAMA Internal Medicine indicates that a vegetarian diet, especially one including fish, can significantly reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. While researchers aren’t able to pinpoint whether eating meat is harmful or if eating vegetables is protective, the study of 77,000 adults shows that a healthy vegetarian diet is associated with a 22 percent lower risk of colon and rectal cancers. The vegetarians also ate less sugar and junk food, and consumed…
The Link Between Breast and Prostate Cancer
Breast and prostate cancers would seem to be unrelated. Different anatomy, different functions. However, both are known to be affected by hormones. Estrogen can stimulate breast cancer growth and androgens can stimulate prostate cancer. Now a study indicates that family medical histories link the two cancers. The study, published in March 2015 in the journal Cancer, investigated whether a woman’s risk of breast cancer was related to a family history of prostate cancer. Using data from more than 78 thousand women in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study (1993-1998), the study showed that a woman’s risk of breast cancer increased 14%…
Colonoscopy
Has your doctor recommended a colonoscopy? This procedure is used as both a screening tool for colon cancer and as a diagnostic tool for conditions like diverticulitis. In this safe procedure, the doctor uses a small, flexible tube with a light and miniature camera to look inside the colon. If necessary, material is collected for biopsy and potentially precancerous polyps can be removed and evaluated. Colonoscopy can also be used for surveillance after colon surgery. Before the Procedure Preparation for colonoscopy begins 1-2 days before the procedure. Your doctor will prescribe a diet of clear liquids and special cleansing solutions…
Hearing Aid Styles
A variety of hearing aid types have been developed to suit individual needs and preferences. While all hearing aids use the same essential components—a microphone, amplifier, receiver and battery chamber—they vary in size and effectiveness. The four types of hearing aids are in the canal (ITC), completely in the canal (CIC), behind the ear (BTE) and in the ear (ITE) instruments. Understanding how each type functions will help you work with hearing and audiology specialists to select and fit the type that will give you the best results. ITC: In the canal This is the smallest type of hearing aid.…
Hearling Loss and Dementia
Recent studies show a link between hearing loss and cognitive impairment in older adults, according to the AARP. In one study, participants were tracked for 12 to 18 years. Those with moderate hearing loss were shown to have a three times greater risk of dementia than those with normal hearing. There are several possible reasons for this link, says researcher Frank Lin, an otologist and epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University. Common physiological factors, cognitive overload and brain structure changes due to hearing loss are three possible mechanisms. The social isolation created by hearing loss is also believed to be a…
May Cardiology Open House
Learn to love your heart! Join us at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14th for a free presentation about congestive heart failure. Dr. Molly Rutherford, MD, FACC, will lead the discussion, explaining what congestive heart failure is and why it happens. Dr. Rutherford, our board certified cardiologist, will explain how medications can be used to prevent congestive heart failure and discuss ways to keep yourself out of the hospital. The open house will be at Jefferson Surgical Clinic’s main office in Roanoke, Virginia, at 1234 Franklin Rd. SW. Please RSVP using this form or call 540-283-6000 to make your reservation. Our…