Iowa Radiology Blog

If you’ve had X-ray imaging done in the past, you may remember having a lead shield laid over part of your body to prevent radiation from reaching areas that are not being imaged. In the 1950s, radiologists began shielding patients’ reproductive organs as well as the wombs of pregnant patients because they were unsure what long-term effects X-ray exposure may have on reproductive cells or a developing fetus.

If you’re feeling anxious about an upcoming colonoscopy, you’re far from alone. Studies indicate that up to 1 in 5 people undergoing colonoscopy report severe anxiety, often because they anticipate pain and discomfort. Not only is this unpleasant, but it can also lead to increased use of medication and make it more difficult to complete the procedure. Fortunately, there are proven ways to reduce this anxiety and feel more relaxed during the procedure. Here are six tips that can help you get through your next colonoscopy:

Many different types of illness and injury can cause joint pain. The underlying condition that causes it can be mild or severe, acute or chronic. If joint pain is mild, isn’t accompanied by other symptoms, and persists for less than three days, then home treatment may be all you need. Commonly recommended home treatments for joint pain include

Gastrointestinal problems are extremely common.

Gastrointestinal disorders affect millions of Americans each year. People can experience a wide range of digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, blockages, infections, and cancers. Most everyone experiences symptoms like nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and digestive pain from time to time. Often, minor gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms come and go without an obvious cause. However, when symptoms are persistent, severe, or unusual, it’s important to investigate what’s behind them.

Following a mastectomy to remove breast cancer, some women undergo reconstructive surgery, and some do not. The decision is very personal, and the right choice for each woman is the one that best supports her physical and mental health. Some women delay breast reconstruction surgery so they can take their time to decide. Sometimes, however, reconstruction isn’t possible due to health complications or cost barriers.

If you have had or are planning to have a mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis, you may decide to have reconstructive surgery to restore the shape of your breasts. To make the best choices for your body, mind, and lifestyle, you need information. Here are five things you should know about breast reconstruction.

What is MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technology that uses a powerful magnet to produce a strong magnetic field around the body. This magnetic field causes protons in the body to align with it. Then, radio waves are used to disrupt this effect; when the radio waves are turned off, the MRI sensors detect changes in the protons as they come back into alignment. This information can then be translated into images that depict various structures in the body. Doctors can examine these images in detail on a computer monitor.

When you visit a new health care provider, your new patient paperwork often includes questions about not just your medical history but also that of your close family members. Maybe you have sped past this section, filling in whatever happens to come to mind in the moment and perhaps inadvertently leaving out a few details. When your family medical history is incomplete, however, your providers could be missing important information that would empower them to better care for your health.

Benefits of Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Staying active can bring a host of physical and psychological benefits, including

• Stress reduction
• Improved energy, mood, and sleep
• Enhanced cognition
• Better weight control
• Stronger bones and muscles
• Reduced risk of falls
• Reduced risk of many cancers and chronic illnesses

In your 50s, your body changes in important ways. Staying healthy and strong takes more effort than it used to, but it’s well worth it! Follow these tips to feel your best and help your body carry you through this decade with grace.