Staff report

In connection with the first anniversary of the Heartburn Treatment Center at Obici Hospital, the health education series &uot;Obici Presents&uot; will address the topic &uot;Heartburn and Reflux: What’s New in Diagnosis and Treatment.&uot;

Dr. Paul Hogg, a general surgeon with Commonwealth Surgical Associates, and Karen Jennette, RN, coordinator of the center, will give a presentation and answer questions on Wednesday, July 16 at 7 p.m. in Garden Level Classroom A at the hospital.

Forty percent of Americans experience heartburn at least once a month. With the only Heartburn Treatment Center in Hampton Roads, Obici offers the most current equipment and procedures to find the cause of this frustrating condition and to ease or eliminate symptoms. In fact, its impedance manometry diagnostic system is so cutting edge that the nearest other one is in northern Virginia.

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the middle of the chest that moves up the throat. It usually occurs when the valve at the top of the stomach does not close the way it should, allowing stomach acid into the esophagus. If heartburn occurs two or more times a week, it can be a sign of a more serious problem called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Treatment for heartburn and GERD ranges from dietary and lifestyle changes, to medication and, in some cases, surgery.

Jennette works with each patient from the first visit for diagnostic testing to developing postoperative instructions, if necessary.

The public is invited to Hogg and Jennette’s free presentation. Refreshments will be served. To register, please call 934-4981.