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Click on a link for more information:

• GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
  • Antibiotics
  • Ahh-Choo (The Common Cold)
  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • Erectile (Sexual) Dysfunction
  • Fibromyalgia
  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol
  • Kidney Disease
  • Laboratory Tests (What do they mean?)
  • Migraine Headaches
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Vitamins
  • Womens Health
  • Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cervical Dysplasia
  • Uterine Fibroids
  • Menstrual Irregularity
  • Ovarian Cysts
  • PreMenstrual Syndrome
  
  
  
• GASTROENTEROLOGY LINKS
  • Gastrointestinal Procedures
    • Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
    • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
    • Colonoscopy
    • ERCP
  • GI Cancer Information
    • CancerNet
    • Colon Cancer
    • Esophageal Cancer
    • Pancreatic Cancer
  • General Interest
    • Intestinal Gas
    • Lactose Intolerance
    • Pancreatitis
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
    • Crohn's Disease
    • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders
    • Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)
    • Barrett's Esophagus
    • Peptic Ulcer Disease (H. pylori)
  • Liver Disease
    • Your Liver - A Vital Organ
    • Hepatitis B Information
    • Hepatitis C
    • Hemochromatosis
    • Interferon Therapy



• PULMONARY MEDICINE LINKS
  • COPD
  • Asthma
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Cough
  • Guide to Pulmonary Rehabilitation
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Pulmonary fibrosis



• IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER -- PLEASE READ

General Medicine/Health:

Antibiotics

Facts You Should Know
Antibiotics are a very important part of modern medicine. These drugs are used to fight many infections caused by bacteria. The following facts about antibiotics will help you understand how these drugs work, possible side effects, and the importance of taking antibiotics as directed by your doctor.

http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/ZZZPT86928C.html&soc=AMA&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH

Ahh-chooo

Coping With the Coughing, Aching, Sniffling of a Cold

http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/ZZZOLSYWMAC.html&soc=JAMA/Archives&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH

Alzheimer's Disease

This site is by the American Medical Association and is very helpful in understanding this common disorder.

http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/ZZZLZQKE67C.html&soc=APA&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction

This site by the American Medical Association provides information about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of erectile dysfunction.

http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZKV6W3NAC&sub_cat=322

Fibromyalgia

The authors of this site describe the site as: Excellent patient education material on fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Fibromyalgia pain is real!

http://www.fmnetnews.com/

What is high blood pressure, and how is it treated?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, has been called "the silent killer" because it often causes no symptoms, but can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. In many cases, the cause of high blood pressure is unknown.

http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/ZZZPGJ9J97C.html&soc=NIH&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH

Take Control of High Cholesterol

Useful site by the drug company Parke-Davis that gives information on high cholesterol including healthy diet guidelines and a cholesterol worksheet.

http://www.forcholessterol.com

Kidney Disease

This link provides the most comprehensive source of reliable data on kidney diseases available on the internet. Whatever kidney disease you may be interested in, you should be able to find a wealth of information here.

http://www.nephron.com

Common Laboratory Tests: What They Are and Why Your Doctor Ordered Them

http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZ0DH4QVKC&sub_cat=191

Migraine Headaches

Helpful information on headaches from the National Women's Health Information Center

http://www.4woman.gov/faq/migraine.htm

This site by the AMA provides information on new migraine treatments as well as a variety of helpful migraine related links.

http://www.medem.com/medlb/sub_detaillb.cfm?parent_id=504&act=disp

Prostate Cancer

Useful source of prostate cancer information from "Cancerfacts.gov"

http://www.cancer.gov/cancer_information/cancer_type/prostate/

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals perform many vital functions in the body. These substances are essential to normal metabolism, growth and development, and regulation of the functioning of your body's cells.

http://www.sf.med.va.gov/Nutrition/vitamin.htm

Health Issues for Women:

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding is defined as any uterine bleeding that doesn't fit the definition of "normal" described above.

http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/ZZZOQCEN97C.html&soc=ACOG&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH

Know Your Options For Breast Cancer

http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/ZZZXPRMWMAC.html&soc=JAMA/Archives&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH

Cervical Dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia means that there is abnormal cell growth (dysplasia) in the cervix.

http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/ZZZIY13X59C.html&soc=AMA&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH

Fibroids

Fibroids, which are also known as uterine myomas, leiomyomas, or fibromas, are tumors of the female reproductive system.

http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/ZZZ1K0CM97C.html&soc=ACOG&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH

Case History: Menstrual Irregularity

Real Patient Cases From JAMA "Clinical Crossroads"
http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZMQ7XN2BC&sub_cat=328

Premenstrual Syndrome

http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZDO6IC87C&sub_cat=328

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries. The ovaries are the 2 almond-shaped organs in the female reproductive system where ova (eggs) grow, mature, and are released in monthly cycles during the childbearing years.
http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/ZZZEB8EN97C.html&soc=ACOG&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH

Gastroenterology:

What is a gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterologists, medical specialists with extensive training in diseases of the digestive tract, are equipped to answer your questions, to perform tests in making a diagnosis and to prescribe the best course of treatment to help you feel better. People with complicated conditions often benefit from being treated by a specialist who has handled a large number of similar cases.

Information for Patients about Digestive Diseases from the NIH

Publications Online:  http://health.nih.gov/

Digestive Health Resource Center

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Basics from EverydayHealth.com:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/ibs/index.aspx

Fecal Occult blood testing

Good page to review importance and significance of fecal occult blood testing:

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/343/22/1603

Gastroenterology Procedures

What is Upper Endoscopy?

Upper endoscopy (also known as an upper GI endoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD], or panendoscopy) is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, i.e., the esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine) using a thin flexible tube with its own lens and light source.

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/upperendoscopy/

What is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of the rectum and a portion of the colon (large bowel) by inserting a flexible tube that is about the thickness of your finger into the anus and advancing it slowly into the rectum and lower part of the colon.

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/sigmoidoscopy/

What is a Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of the colon (large bowel) for abnormalities by inserting a flexible tube that is about the thickness of your finger into the anus and advancing it slowly into the rectum and colon.

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonoscopy/index.htm

What is ERCP?

ERCP is a specialized technique used to study the ducts (drainage routes) of the gallbladder, pancreas, and liver (the drainage channels from the liver are called bile ducts or biliary ducts). An endoscope (flexible thin tube that allows the physician to see inside the bowel) is passed through the mouth, esophagus, and stomach into the duodenum (first part of the small intestine). After the common opening to ducts from the liver and pancreas is visually identified, a catheter (narrow plastic tube) is passed through the endoscope into the ducts. Contrast material ("dye") is then injected gently into the ducts (pancreatic or biliary) and x-ray films are taken.
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ercp/index.htm

Gastroenterology Cancer Information:

CANCERNET

Credible, Current and Comprehensive Information About Cancer

http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/
A service of the National Cancer Institute

Colon Cancer

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal

It provides information on the symptoms, detection and diagnosis, and treatment, in addition to information on possible causes and prevention of cancers of the colon and rectum.

Esophageal Cancer

http://www.cancer.gov/cancer_information/cancer_type/esophageal/

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has prepared this booklet to help patients and their families and friends better understand this type of cancer. We also hope it will encourage others to learn more about this disease.

Stomach Cancer

http://www.cancer.gov/cancer_information/cancer_type/stomach/

Pancreatic Cancer

http://www.cancer.gov/cancer_information/cancer_type/pancreatic/

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has written this booklet to help people with cancer of the pancreas and their families and friends. We hope others will read it as well to learn about this disease.

Gastroenterology Articles of General Interest:

Intestinal Gas

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/gas/gas.htm

Although having gas is common, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Understanding causes, ways to reduce symptoms, and treatment will help most people find relief.

Lactose Intolerance

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/lactose/lactose.htm

Common symptoms include nausea, cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, which begin about 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose.

Pancreatitis

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/pancreas/pancreas.htm#whatis

Site from the National Institutes of Health describing what pancreatitis is, how it is treated, etc.

Inflammatory Bowel Disorders

Crohn's Disease

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/crohns/crohns.htm
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the general name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines.

All medical information on this site has been reviewed by members of CCFA's National Scientific Advisory Committee. Medical Central is where you'll find comprehensive, up-to-the-minute information about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Several new articles are added each month. http://www.ccfa.org: This is the home page of the CCFA organization. Medications: For Inflammatory Bowel Disease This is a great site for information regarding the medications used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. Specific references to anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators, anti-diarrheal agents, antibiotics and general medications. http://www.ccfa.org/info/treatment/medications

Ulcerative Colitis

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/colitis/colitis.htm
Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the top layers of the lining of the large intestine. The inflammation usually occurs in the rectum and lower part of the colon, but it may affect the entire colon.

Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)--the muscle connecting the esophagus with the stomach. Gastroesophageal reflux is the return of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus.

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/heartbrn/heartbrn.htm

Barrett's Esophagus

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/barretts/barretts.htm
In Barrett's esophagus, the normal cells that line the esophagus, called squamous cells, turn into a type of cell not usually found in humans, called specialized columnar cells.

A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, which is the beginning of the small intestine.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria. Researchers recently discovered that H. pylori causes almost all peptic ulcers, accounting for 80 percent of stomach ulcers and more than 90 percent of duodenal ulcers.

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/hpylori/hpylori.htm

Liver Disease

Your liver, a vital organ

Your liver, the largest organ in your body, plays a vital role in regulating life processes. This complex organ performs many functions essential to life. You simply cannot live without it.

http://64.227.163.135/cgi-bin/dbs/articles.cgi?db=articles&uid=default&ID=1004&view_records=1

Hepatitis B Information

A useful page of information on Hepatitis B from the American Liver Foundation.

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepb_ez/

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most important causes of chronic liver disease in the United States. It accounts for about 20 percent of acute viral hepatitis, 60 to 70 percent of chronic hepatitis, and 30 percent of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and liver cancer.

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/chrnhepc/chrnhepc.htm

Hemochromatosis

http://www.liverfoundation.org/db/articles/1013

Interferon Therapy

http://www.liverfoundation.org/db/articles/1028

American College of Gastroenterology

This site includes a wide variety of reliable and useful information in regards to liver disease.

http://www.acg.gi.org/

Pulmonary Medicine Links

Living well with COPD

This is an excellent site by the American College of Chest Physicians is a good informational guide on COPD, its management and how to live with it.

http://www.chestnet.org/downloads/patients/guides/COPDbrochure.pdf

Asthma

This is another excellent effort by the patient education committee of the American College of Chest Physicians.

http://www.chestnet.org/downloads/patients/guides/controllingYourAsthma_eng.pdf

Getting Your Asthma Under Control - A Self Evaluation

http://www.chestnet.org/patients/guides/asthma/index.php

Bronchoscopy

A patient guide to bronchoscopy

http://www.chestnet.org/downloads/patients/guides/Bronchoscopy.pdf

Cough

Mangaging cough as a Defense Mechanism and as a Symptom

http://www.chestnet.org/patients/guides/cough/p8.php

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

A Patient Guide to Pulmonary Rehabilitiation - A Team Approach to Improving Your Quality of Life

http://www.chestnet.org/patients/guides/pulmonary/p4.php

Sarcoidosis

http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35766

Pulmonary Fibrosis

http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35436

Tobacco Use/Smoking Cessation

http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22931

Disclaimer:

Care has been taken to ensure that the information in these links is generally reliable, however we cannot assume responsibility for verifying the absolute accuracy of the information on any of our links. The information in these links is intended for general guidance only. Grand Valley Medical Specialists disclaims for itself for all responsibility for any mis-statements or for consequences of actions taken by any person while acting on information contained herein.

Physicians and patients must make their own decisions about therapy according to the individual circumstances of each case.