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Bowel Health

The Complete Guide to Colonoscopy: Preparation, Side Effects, and Understanding Your Results

2025-05-22T15:49:50-04:00

Dr O’Connor recently spoke on In Focus with Cheryl Wills on Spectrum News NY1 about the long-term impact of delayed colonoscopies during the pandemic. Many people postponed screenings out of fear of COVID-19, and now, we’re seeing the consequences—more late-stage diagnoses, especially in younger adults. Colonoscopy is the most effective way to detect and prevent colorectal cancer. Whether you're scheduling your first screening or looking for guidance, this guide covers everything you need to know about preparing for your colonoscopy, managing side effects, and understanding your results. Preparing for a Colonoscopy: Do’s and Don’ts Proper preparation is essential for a [...]

The Complete Guide to Colonoscopy: Preparation, Side Effects, and Understanding Your Results2025-05-22T15:49:50-04:00

Tips for Optimal Patient Recovery and Aftercare Outcomes After Colorectal Surgery 

2023-07-13T17:03:12-04:00

Colorectal surgery is a significant medical procedure that requires careful, post-operative attention to ensure a successful recovery. In this blog post, I will discuss essential tips and advice for patient recovery and aftercare from colorectal surgery, focusing on post-operative care recommendations that lead to the best outcomes. Follow Your Surgeon's Instructions. First and foremost, it is crucial to adhere to the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. They will have specific guidelines tailored to your individual case and condition, including directions for wound care, medication management, dietary restrictions, and activity limitations. By following these instructions diligently, you will ensure optimal [...]

Tips for Optimal Patient Recovery and Aftercare Outcomes After Colorectal Surgery 2023-07-13T17:03:12-04:00

Why is Nutritional Counseling Important for Colorectal Cancer Patients?

2023-05-30T16:23:36-04:00

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious illness that affects millions of people around the world. According to the American Cancer Society, CRC is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States alone. While there are various treatments available for CRC patients, nutrition plays a crucial role in their overall health and recovery. Nutritional counseling can help CRC patients improve their nutritional status, quality of life, and even clinical outcomes! The importance of improving nutritional status One recent study published in June 2022 conducted on CRC patients found that nutritional counseling [...]

Why is Nutritional Counseling Important for Colorectal Cancer Patients?2023-05-30T16:23:36-04:00

4 Most Recent Studies on Colorectal Cancer

2023-05-15T16:00:25-04:00

In honor of May being National Cancer Research Month, I wanted to share with you some of the most recent studies and research being done in the field of colorectal cancer.  Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer, but it also has the highest likelihood of survival if detected early. The more preventative research that is done on this disease, the more lives will be saved. Here are four recent studies that I find fascinating: Colorectal Cancer Statistics by the American Cancer Society published on March 1st, 2023. The study suggests that there has been a change in the distribution [...]

4 Most Recent Studies on Colorectal Cancer2023-05-15T16:00:25-04:00

In the News: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Interview with Ruschell Boone of NY1

2023-04-19T18:34:08-04:00

  I had the pleasure of joining Ruschell Boone on NY1 to talk about colorectal cancer and the importance of getting screened.  During our interview, we discussed the colon, how it functions, and how early screenings can greatly improve survival rates.  Thank you to Ruschell and NY1 for having me to discuss this incredibly important topic during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!    Listen to our full conversation here or read a summary of our interview below. Interview Transcript Summary Ruschell Boone, NY1: March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and it comes at a time when studies show that [...]

In the News: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Interview with Ruschell Boone of NY12023-04-19T18:34:08-04:00

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month

2023-03-29T19:05:49-04:00

Did you know that April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month? I wanted to take a moment to talk about this condition and shed some light on its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. What causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome? While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, there are several factors that can contribute to it, such as:  Abnormalities in the muscles or nerves of the intestines Inflammation in the intestines Changes in the gut microbiome Food intolerances or sensitivities Genetic or environmental susceptibility Thankfully, there are ways to manage and improve the quality of life for those who struggle [...]

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month2023-03-29T19:05:49-04:00

Top 5 Cancer Awareness Facts & Recommendations From Doctors

2023-03-07T18:07:25-05:00

Did you know that March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month? Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death. Even though if it is caught early the survival rate is very high, it’s one of those diseases that tends to slip under the radar and go undetected until it is too late. So what are the things that you need to know about CRC?  Here are the top 5 cancer awareness facts and recommendations from doctors and researchers: Up to 30% of CRC patients have a family history [...]

Top 5 Cancer Awareness Facts & Recommendations From Doctors2023-03-07T18:07:25-05:00

What is IBS?

2023-01-03T14:57:45-05:00

IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a common disorder that can affect both the stomach and the intestines. Because IBS can affect people of all ages, it is estimated that between 25 to 45 million people in the United States struggle with it. That comes out to about 10-15% of the entire population! Since IBS is a fairly common disorder, I wanted to share about its most common symptoms, who is most likely to get it, and what are the top things that trigger it. What are the most common symptoms of IBS? A disorder that affects both the stomach [...]

What is IBS?2023-01-03T14:57:45-05:00

37-Year Old Colorectal Cancer Patient

2021-04-13T16:53:37-04:00

  Video courtesy of Catholic Health When 37-year old Dan first visited me with complaints of rectal bleeding, I suggested he get a colonoscopy due to his family medical history. Sure enough, I discovered a mass and promptly removed it during surgery. Unfortunately, it's not that uncommon to see someone like Dan checking for colorectal cancer anymore. Cases of colorectal cancer in patients under age 50 are continuing to rise. Dan didn't think someone his age needed a colonoscopy - he couldn't have colon cancer this young. Now, Dan is doing well. He has peace of mind knowing [...]

37-Year Old Colorectal Cancer Patient2021-04-13T16:53:37-04:00

What to Eat After Colon Surgery

2020-10-01T18:09:26-04:00

What types of foods should you eat after recovering from colon surgery? Your body goes through a lot during surgery, so the recovery period is important. Your body needs to heal. Soft foods that are easy to digest and swallow are going to be the best for after surgery. Foods that help boost your immune system are also great for recovery. Probiotics, which help restore your gut flora, can be helpful for after surgery. You can buy probiotics as a supplement or you can get it naturally from foods like yogurt. In this video, Dr. O'Connor discusses after-surgery diet and [...]

What to Eat After Colon Surgery2020-10-01T18:09:26-04:00
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