Monmouth Ask The Doctor March-April 2019

continued from pg. 66 Daily Butt Workout: two different five- to 10-minute butt- and leg-toning workouts. Workouts were developed and are demonstrated by a personal trainer. The routine comes with a video and timer, so you can follow along and understand each exer- cise. Try the free version or check out the full version that features more workouts. Sworkit: provides easy-to-follow videos with adaptable workouts and plans that can fit into anyone's busy life. Choose your workout and how long you have to exercise. Then, Sworkit shows you exactly what to do. You'll find workouts like cardo, Pilates, stretching, yoga and strength training. Everything is equipment free and each workout offers video demos, verbal cues and instruc- tions. Freeletics Bodyeight: You first undergo a fitness test to customize a weekly workout plan that's tailored to your body type and physical needs. Also, tailors workouts to the space you have, it has a 2x2 mode that provides workouts to fit a 2 meters x 2 meters space Yoga Studio: 75-plus ready-made classes. Try Yoga for Back Pain, Yoga for Runners, the new Hip Hop Collection and more. Select your level (beginner, intermediate or advanced), time (15, 30 or 60 minutes) and focus (strength, flexibility, relaxation, bal- ance or combination) to help you find the right class for you. All classes come with an HD video and teacher commentary to teach you how to move from one pose to the next and learn the poses themselves in ways that are clear and easy to follow. Headspace: If you’re not ready to commit to an exercise routine just yet, start off your wellness journey by learning how to meditate. You can begin with a free 10-day beginner’s course that shows you the essentials of practicing mindfulness on a daily basis. Meditating is known to help battle insomnia and increase productivity at work. QUESTION: Why is it unwise to ignore symptoms of GERD? ANSWER: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and acid reflux have been used interchangeably. GERD affects about 10 to 20% of adult population. It is a condition where stomach contents enter the esophagus due to a weak lower esophageal sphincter. Common symptoms include heartburn and a sense of acid or sour taste in the back of the mouth. Nausea and vomiting including blood may be seen. Trigger factors for GERD include acidic foods like tomato sauce and orange juice.Also chocolate, peppermint, coffee, carbonated beverages, alcohol, smoking, fried foods, large meals and lying down soon after eating can cause GERD. Hiatal hernia (a part of the stomach is pushed up above the diaphragm), results in a weak lower esophageal sphincter and leads to GERD. It is important to pay attention to symptoms of GERD and seek medical help before complications develop. Complications of GERD include: 1. Reflux esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus leading to erosions or ulcers. 2. Difficulty with swallowing due to stenosis or narrowing of the esophagus. This is due to repeated inflammation with scar tissue formation. 3. Barrett’s esophagus where the lining of the esophagus changes to small intestinal lining. This can lead to a deadly form of esophageal cancer known as adenocarcinoma. 4. Atypical GERD which can cause hoarse voice, asthma attacks and esophageal spasm with chest pain. GERD can be effectively treated in a majority of the patients by lifestyle modifications and medications. This includes avoiding trigger foods, eating at least three hours before lying down and elevating head end of the bed. Medications include antacids, acid reducers such as H2 blockers and Proton pump inhibitors. Early diagnosis and treatment of GERD can avoid serious complications including cancer of the esophagus.

D I E T & F I T N E S S

PREMIER GASTROENTEROLOGY OF PRINCETON • PUNITHA SHIVAPRASAD, DO 5 PLAINSBORO RD, MEDICAL ARTS PAVILION • SUITE #360, PLAINSBORO, NJ 08536 CALL (609) 917-9917 or VISIT PREMIERGASTROENTEROLOGYOFPRINCETON.COM If you have GERD symptoms, please call (609)-917-9917 OR visit premiergastroenterologyofprinceton.com

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