Reviewed by Donald Hetzel, M.D., Board-Certified Gastroenterologist at Galen Digestive Health Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common ailment that affects about 20% of the U.S. population. It can occur in anyone at any age. It is a condition where your stomach acid persistently flows back up into your esophagus and can irritate the lining. While acid reflux can happen to everyone at some point, GERD can be persistent. GERD can range from mild acid reflux that occurs a few times a week or moderate to severe acid reflux that occurs daily.   Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Certain factors increase

Reviewed by Heather Dunn, FNP-C   According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America approximately 40 million adults are affected by anxiety disorders. Anxiety is a feeling of worry, unease, or fear about something. Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life and doesn’t last long. However, an anxiety disorder is when anxiety lasts for long periods of time and can interfere with your day-to-day life. There are many different types of anxiety disorders.   Individuals who suffer from anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns and constant worry. They might also show physical symptoms such as sweating,

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Do I Have it, How Do I Get Diagnosed, and How Do I Manage It?  Dr. Kathryn Dinh, a board-eligible Endocrinologist at Galen Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology According to the CDC, approximately 5 million women are currently affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal disorder that is primarily associated with a female having infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods. It is one of the most common causes of infertility in women and is a lifelong health condition. What causes PCOS? Although the exact cause of PCOS is not presently known, excess weight and a

Camille Sommer, M.D. Galen Digestive Health The symptoms of abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits are not uncommon, but people who experience frequent episodes may have what is known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a relatively common disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Approximately 10-15% of Americans are affected by IBS. The signs and symptoms of IBS vary based on the individual. The most common signs and symptoms experienced are the following: Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating that is related to defecation Constipation, diarrhea, or bloating Changes in the caliber or consistency of the stool Changes in frequency

Laura Truelove, M.D. Galen North Pediatrics As summer ends and school starts back, there are always several things to complete before your child’s first day. A back-to-school physical or an annual wellness exam is something you should add to your back-to-school checklist. Yearly physicals are a great time to have your child checked out to make sure they are growing and developing at the appropriate rate. What to expect during an annual wellness exam? During the wellness exam, your pediatrician will: Complete a physical exam, including height and weight. Check blood pressure, vision, and hearing. Ask about your child’s development (speech,

In the United States, approximately 1.9 million Americans are elderly and confined to their residence. Those Americans typically have one or more chronic diseases and find it hard to manage them. Americans who are unable to control their illnesses are admitted and released from the hospital frequently. The days following the return from the hospital are critical to the overall health of the patient. Here at Galen Medical Group, we recognize patients who have chronic medical conditions and are homebound need access to quality healthcare. Dr. Galina Rader, a Licensed specialist in Family Medicine and Palliative Care, is here to