Russell Dean Havranek, MD

03/01/2025

🌟 March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month 🌟

Did you know that colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it still claims thousands of lives every year? This month, we are shining a light on the importance of early detection, healthy lifestyle choices, and supporting those battling this disease. 💙

Here’s how you can get involved:
✅ Get Screened - Regular screenings can save lives. If you're 45+, it’s time to talk to your doctor.
✅ Know the Signs - Be aware of symptoms like changes in bowel habits, persistent stomach discomfort, or unexplained weight loss.
✅ Spread the Word - Share this post and raise awareness in your community.
✅ Support Fighters & Survivors - Offer your encouragement to those affected by colon cancer.
✅ National Dress in Blue Day – The national holiday was started to raise awareness about the causes of colon cancer and how to prevent it. This year, Dress in Blue Day is on Friday, March 7.
✅ San Antonio Event – Get Your Rear in Gear – San Antonio 5k Run/Walk: Sunday, April 06, 2025 | Morgan’s Wonderland Sports. I’m proud that my group, Gastroenterology Clinic of San Antonio, is the presenting sponsor this year. I encourage everyone to join us this April to help support local patients, survivors, and caregivers!

Let’s take action together. Early detection is key, and every bit of awareness helps! 💪

💙

03/17/2024

Don't push your luck! If you're 45 or older, or experiencing any signs and symptoms, get screened for colorectal cancer 🍀

03/07/2024

Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States. Yet it's one of the few cancers that's preventable thanks to screening. Schedule your Colonoscopy with Dr. Havranek today! No referral is needed, and we offer a time-saving scheduling option for qualifying patients. Call us at 210-615-8308.

03/01/2024

Each March, we bring awareness to colorectal cancer in an attempt to increase screening and promote prevention and research, while supporting those who are affected by this disease. The recommended age to begin colorectal cancer screening for those at average risk is age 45. Please join us in spreading the word and getting screened!

02/16/2024

I’m very proud of the care my team provides our patients, and it’s always gratifying when their efforts are acknowledged in our reviews. If you need a digestive health specialist for uncomfortable symptoms or need to get your colonoscopy… give us a call.

01/22/2024

If you are aware that there is a history of gastrointestinal illness in your family, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the same problems. Learn the role genetics can play in our digestive system and how you can be proactive in managing your health.

Do you have a family history of gastrointestinal issues? It’s important to know since some digestive and stomach conditions are hereditary, which means they can be passed to you. However, genetics are complicated, so it doesn’t definitively mean that one of your parents' conditions will be passe...

11/20/2023

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about living in San Antonio is the exposure to excellent Mexican cuisine. My family enjoys visiting several local restaurants and making traditional dishes at home. However, enjoying certain Mexican foods can lead to unwanted conditions like reflux and bloating. As a gastroenterologist, I wanted to provide some insight into many of the health benefits of Mexican foods and how they can positively benefit your gut health. Understanding how to select and prepare healthy Mexican dishes will help you to receive these digestive health benefits…

Growing up in rural Nebraska, I’m a little embarrassed that I used to equate Mexican food to the Taco Bell menu. Thankfully, after living in San Antonio for the past 20 years, I’ve been exposed to the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine. While this food tastes great, it is not always considered the...

09/14/2023

I often get asked by patients regarding the accuracy of things they read online that may help improve their digestive health. While abundant helpful information is available online, I always recommend that you find out who wrote it and their qualifications to assess how credible this advice may be. To help provide a baseline when evaluating digestive health recommendations online, I've created an article analyzing 10 common digestive health myths. Learn which are true or false and the science behind each one...

While the internet provides a wealth of information, it can be challenging to differentiate facts from falsehoods, especially healthcare-related ones. These myths can lead well-meaning people to engage in unnecessary practices that could harm their digestive health. Dr. Havranek will address many my...

07/18/2023

Did you know that the nutrients from the food you eat provide energy for cellular repair and growth? This keeps your intestinal cells healthy and prevents inflammation, which can reduce your risk of digestive conditions. Optimal digestion and nutrient absorption support your immune function and overall health. I encourage you to read my article on this topic and learn how to maximize nutrient absorption…

Eating a nutritious diet is essential to improve your gut health. But it’s not just what you eat that matters. To reap the benefits of a healthy diet, your body must be able to absorb nutrients from the foods you eat. Nutrient absorption is an essential part of digestion. The nutrients from your d...

06/06/2023

I’m often asked for suggestions on improving our gut health through dietary choices. With this topic in mind, I’ve created an article explaining how to select the best yogurt. This article will take you through the nutritional profiles of different types of yogurt, how they impact your gut health, and a few tips on picking the best yogurt to help support your health. Hopefully, you won’t be overwhelmed with the numerous yogurt choices at the grocery store after reading…

Yogurt is a delicious and nutritious food that can benefit your gut health. With endless potential mix-ins, it’s easy to get your daily intake of healthy fats, protein, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. There are numerous yogurt options in grocery stores, so it helps to know their di...

04/27/2023

We all know that our liver performs essential bodily functions, but few know how to protect this vital organ and the symptoms to look for that could indicate a possible issue. I encourage everyone to read my latest article that addresses these topics and gives a GI doctor's advice on preventing fatty liver disease. Learn how to reduce your risk...

Your liver is one of the most important organs in your body and plays a significant role in the digestive system. This large, reddish-brown organ rests beneath your ribcage in your upper right abdominal cavity. It removes toxins from your blood, regulates blood sugar levels and clotting, and makes b...