Varicose veins—visibly swollen, twisted veins under the skin—are very common, affecting nearly 25 percent of all adults. These blue- and dark purple-colored veins typically appear in the legs, but they can also develop in other areas, too. Generally, varicose veins aren’t cause for concern. For many people living with them, they’re often a cosmetic issue or nuisance and not a health issue. However, there are times when varicose veins require treatment for health reasons. Read on →

Can you believe it’s January? This month is brings so many wonderful new opportunities—including the chance to help spread awareness of prevention, treatment and cure of thyroid cancer and related diseases. The Surgical Associates of Cleveland team performs a number of thyroidectomies each year for members in the community, and we’d like to answer some of your top questions about the thyroid. Let’s take a look. Question 1: Where is the thyroid located, and what does it do? Read on →

There are several factors that come into play when someone is having surgery, but our team at Surgical Associates of Cleveland has come up with a few tips to help you prepare well not only for surgery, but for recovery, too. ##Focus on Nutrition Good post-operational recovery starts well before the surgery by eating well. Nutrition is important all of the time, but allowing your body to function at its optimal nutritional levels before surgery will set a body up for success when it comes time to recover. Read on →

The holidays are undoubtedly the most food-forward time of the year. However, for folks with gallbladder issues, a special diet is important for proper digestion and preventing conditions such as gallstones and cancer. Surgical Associates of Cleveland have gathered some information you’ll need to consider with gallbladder disease or after surgery. Related: What is gallbladder disease? A gallbladder diet is just a set of dietary guidelines to help you keep your gallbladder healthy and fully functioning. Read on →

We know the holidays and Christmas season are an exciting time of the year for kids and families. It is also a common time of the year for parents to schedule needed surgery for year-end savings on insurance. Your friends at Surgical Associates of Cleveland have some tips to help your whole family get through winter surgery with minimal anxiety. Maintain a positive attitude. Remember that children take cues from their parents; so it is especially important to remain calm and reassuring. Read on →

Do you suffer from GERD? If so, you might want to consider Nissen fundoplication–a surgical procedure with a long track record of great results. Surgical Associates of Cleveland want you to know about the benefits of this procedure that can be performed on nearly every severe GERD patient. During the fundoplication procedure, the surgeon wraps the top part of the stomach around the esophagus to prevent the backflow of acids. Read on →

Thanksgiving Day is right around the corner and it’s easy to get off track of our healthy goals. Surgical Associates of Cleveland have done helpful tips to keep you on track during the holidays. Be sure to visit us on Facebook and let us know how you’re doing this holiday season! After Thanksgiving, get back to healthy portions as soon as possible. Not sure what makes a health portion size? Read on →

Is anyone in your family dealing with the pain of IBS? If so, it’s good to remember that no one needs to be left out of the Halloween fun! Surgical Associates of Cleveland has rounded up some tips to help you this holiday. Pick low-FODMAP foods earlier in the day. Since the effects of FODMAPs are cumulative, and usually delayed by a few hours, the FODMAPs that you’ve consumed earlier in the day are still in your intestines by the evening. Read on →

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Surgical Associates of Cleveland would like to cover the best prep tips for a diagnostic mammogram. As always, please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have questions. When having a mammogram, consider these tips: It’s best to schedule your mammogram when your breasts aren’t swollen or tender. That will help reduce your discomfort and obtain better pictures. Always try to avoid the week just before your period. Read on →

Here at Surgical Associates of Cleveland, we help patients through a wide variety of health conditions, including skin cancer. As we head into that cold and flu season, we’d like to give you some tips to better care for your skin through the sick season. As you know, when you get the flu, there’s not a whole lot that you can do beyond getting plenty of bed rest, taking some pain reliever, and sipping on fluids. Read on →