Free Heartburn/Acid Reflux seminars offered

Jan. 6, 2009

GOSHEN, Ind. -- Almost everyone has heartburn sometimes, suffering from the painful, uncomfortable feeling it causes in the chest or throat. But persistent heartburn may be due to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, often called GERD or acid reflux.

If neglected or not treated properly, acid reflux can lead to more serious conditions such as esophageal ulcers, esophagitis and cancer. Even for those taking over-the-counter or prescription medications to control their symptoms may still be at risk for these conditions.

The most common symptom of acid reflux is persistent heartburn, associated with a burning feeling in the chest just behind the breastbone that occurs after eating and lasts a few minutes to several hours. Regurgitation, the involuntary return of partly digested food from the stomach to the mouth, is also a relatively common complaint. Other symptoms include difficulty or painful swallowing; sour taste in mouth; feeling of food "sticking" in chest or throat; chronic cough, sore throat or hoarseness; frequent belching; inflammation of gums; erosion of tooth enamel and asthma.

Goshen Health System has developed a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach for the diagnosis and treatment of acid reflux, combining highly skilled physicians and the latest technology--- and is proud to introduce Goshen Acid Reflux Center, the region's only comprehensive program for the treatment of acid reflux. It is the only center in the area to offer not only minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, but also a new incisionless surgical procedure called Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication, or TIF.

To help community members asses whether or not they could be suffering from acid reflux, or GERD, Goshen Acid Reflux Center is offering free seminars in both Mishawaka and Goshen. Join featured speaker Dr. Norbert Schwer of Gerig Surgical Group at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 28 at The Hyatt Place, 215 West Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545 and Dr. Mark Ranzinger from the Gerig Surgical Group and Dr. Gary Cornette from Goshen Gastroenterology at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 at Goshen General Hospital. To register for one of these free seminars or learn more about Goshen Acid Reflux Center, call 877-886-4373 or visit www.goshenacidreflux.org.

About Goshen Health System:
Goshen Health System is a not-for-profit provider of health care that includes Goshen General Hospital, The Goshen Center for Cancer Care, Park Home Medical Equipment, PrimeCare Physician Network, Team:Bariatrics, The Retreat Women's Health Center and Indiana Lakes Managed Care Organization. For more information about Goshen Health System, contact Bridget Levitz, Public Relations Coordinator at 574-535-2776 or visit www.goshenhealth.org.