Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia

07/30/2025

📅 We’re halfway through the year; when was your last GI check-in?

Whether you’ve been managing a chronic condition or are due for a screening, July is a great time to prioritize your health.

✅ Stay on top of colon cancer screenings
✅ Reassess your treatment plans
✅ Address any new digestive symptoms

Your gut health is key to your overall wellness. Call us today to schedule your next appointment: 800.245.0043

07/24/2025

🍉 Fresh fruit, summer salads, and backyard BBQs — July is full of delicious moments. But sudden changes in diet can cause digestive distress, especially if you have IBS, GERD, or other GI conditions.

To keep your gut happy this season:
✔️ Add new foods gradually
✔️ Avoid overeating, especially in the heat
✔️ Balance indulgences with fiber-rich options

Your GI provider can help you enjoy summer without discomfort. If you’re noticing new or worsening symptoms, we’re here to help.

07/18/2025

🌡️ Hot weather can impact more than your energy levels — it can affect your digestion, too.

High temps combined with dehydration, heavy meals, or outdoor activity can lead to:

🔹 Bloating
🔹 Constipation
🔹 Acid reflux

To stay on track:
✔️ Eat smaller, lighter meals
✔️ Sip water steadily throughout the day
✔️ Avoid lying down right after eating

If your digestive system seems off this summer, don’t ignore it. Our team is here to help you feel your best.

06/26/2025

💧 Did you know water is one of the most underrated tools for digestive health?

Staying hydrated:
✔️ Supports regular bowel movements
✔️ Helps break down food for absorption
✔️ Keeps your gut lining healthy

As temperatures climb, so should your water intake — especially if you’re outside or active. Aiming for at least 8 cups a day is a good start, but your needs may vary based on your health or medications. If you’re unsure, your GI provider can help guide you.

06/18/2025

✈️ Summer is for travel — but for those with IBS or other digestive conditions, new routines and unfamiliar foods can bring unwanted symptoms.

Before your next trip:
🔹 Stick to known-safe foods a few days before traveling
🔹 Pack any medications or probiotics you rely on
🔹 Stay hydrated and keep a regular meal schedule

Gut health doesn’t take a vacation — but with the right prep, you can enjoy yours.

Reach out to your provider if you need a pre-travel check-in or a symptom management plan.

06/12/2025

🩺 June is Men’s Health Month, and it’s a timely reminder that taking charge of your digestive health is just as important as hitting the gym.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable — and treatable — forms of cancer when caught early. If you’re 45 or older, or have a family history of colon cancer, it’s time to schedule a screening.

✅ A simple test could save your life.

📞 Call us today to book your colonoscopy or talk to your provider about next steps: 800.245.0043

05/29/2025

Occasional bloating is normal — but if it happens often, your gut might be trying to tell you something. Common culprits?

🥛 Lactose intolerance
🌾 Gluten sensitivity
🧠 Stress
🥬 High-FODMAP foods

Recurring symptoms aren’t something to ignore — schedule a visit to get answers.

05/23/2025

From acid reflux and IBS to Crohn’s and colon cancer, digestive disorders affect millions every year. Early detection, proper screening, and daily habits all play a role in protecting your digestive system.

If something feels off, don’t wait. We’re here to help.

04/30/2025

🧬 April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month

While it's one of the less common cancers, esophageal cancer is on the rise—especially among men over 50 with chronic acid reflux or GERD.

Persistent heartburn isn’t just uncomfortable — over time, it can damage the lining of the esophagus and increase your risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus, a known precursor to esophageal cancer.

Know the signs:
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unintended weight loss
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Persistent heartburn or regurgitation

Early detection can make all the difference. If you’ve been dealing with chronic reflux or any of these symptoms, don’t wait — schedule an appointment today to get screened.

🩺 Prevention starts with awareness.

04/23/2025

🌿 April is IBS Awareness Month—but spring brings more than just flowers and sunshine. It also brings ticks... and with them, a lesser-known condition that can look a lot like IBS.

Have you heard of Alpha-gal syndrome?

Transmitted by tick bites, Alpha-gal is a growing concern in the southeastern U.S. It causes an allergic reaction to mammalian meat (think beef, pork, lamb), and its symptoms can closely resemble IBS:
✅ Nausea
✅ Diarrhea
✅ Abdominal cramping
✅ Heartburn

But here’s the twist—Alpha-gal can also trigger:
❗ Itching
❗ Hives
❗ In rare cases, anaphylaxis

The only known treatment? A strict avoidance of all mammalian meats.

So—is it IBS, or something else entirely?

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, especially after eating red meat, talk to your doctor. Early detection can make all the difference.

🩺 We're here to help you find answers.

03/27/2025

Gastroenterology Associates is proud to support the Free Clinic Of Central Virginia and its mission to serve our community.

Don't miss your chance to be part of the Rise and Rebuild 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, March 29! Register today and save $5 before the price increases tomorrow.

Let’s show up, give back, and move forward—together. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

https://runsignup.com/race/va/lynchburg/freeclinic5krunwalk?fbclid=IwY2xjawJRB8VleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTzwMjD8CvY1c9JZ6cUnK335gxN2z1oCH45XlvxYk0ZIPHixmcAMHo6okQ_aem_sul2u30Gu19Px9I1pkCEAA

The Rise and Rebuild 5K Run / Walk is on Saturday March 29, 2025. It includes the following events: 5K Run / Walk and Youth 5K Run / Walk (12 & Under).

03/19/2025

Thank you to Living in the Heart of Virginia-LHOV for featuring Dr. Hickman in a recent segment to discuss the importance of screenings during Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection saves lives—schedule your screening today!

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s never too early to focus on prevention. Emily meets a new doctor from Gastroenterology Associates of Central Vir