Living Well Insights for health & well-being

For years, journalist Katie Couric advocated for colonoscopies for colon cancer screening, even undergoing a colonoscopy on live TV in 2000.  But it was a mammogram that may have saved her life. In September, Couric announced on her blog that she was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. Thanks to a routine mammogram and ultrasound, the tumor was caught early. In her announcement, Couric also revealed that she has dense breast tissue. [1] Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, Couric’s experience highlighted two key issues: the importance of regular breast cancer screening, and the need for special consideration for women with dense breast tissue, who are at higher-than-average risk for developing breast cancer.…

A smaller incision. Less post-operative pain. Shorter recovery time.  These are just a few advantages of endoscopic spine surgery, an ultra-minimally invasive procedure for alleviating sciatica.…

Many women contend with pelvic discomfort or irregular menstrual bleeding from time to time. It’s always important to discuss these concerns with your primary care provider. However, if pain or abnormal bleeding become severe, chronic or recurrent, consider consulting a specialist in gynecology. A gynecologist can help determine the right diagnosis and offer an array of treatment options – including many new medications and minimally invasive surgical techniques that weren’t available just a few years ago.…

If you’re considering surgery for back pain or degenerative disc disease, likely you’ve heard of two key treatment options: artificial disc replacement and spinal fusion surgery. Which may lead you to ask: Which is better, disc replacement or spinal fusion?…

When considering artificial disc replacement surgery, patients have lots of questions. Read through this blog and learn more about disc replacement surgery and if if could be right for you!…

Hip replacement surgery involves replacing portions of the hip joint with prostheses (implants). Most people undergo hip replacement surgery so they can move and walk without excruciating and chronic pain and stiffness often associated with degenerative issues such as arthritis.…

Surgical techniques for treating sciatica are constantly evolving and advancing. The state-of-the-art in spine care is endoscopic spine surgery (ESS), an ultra-minimally invasive procedure for treating pinched nerves in the spine. Here's what you need to know about endoscopic spine surgery as an option for relieving sciatica.…

Arthritis is inflammation that causes pain and stiffness in any joint in the body. When arthritis affects the foot and ankle, the pain and discomfort can limit the patient’s ability to function in day-to-day activities. The good news: you don't have to live with this chronic pain.…

Ear infections aren’t life-threatening when treated with antibiotics. But when a child has recurring ear infections, that can make life difficult for the whole family. Ongoing ear infections and persistent ear fluid can even affect a child’s development. A specialist can help find the right treatment and identify any underlying causes.…

Dr. Jessica Shellock, a spine surgeon on the medical staff at Texas Health Center for Diagnostics and Surgery, talks about the common spine condition, spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis can be treated in a variety of ways including physical therapy, medication, and surgical intervention like artificial disc replacement, endoscopic spine surgery or spinal fusion.…