Having a healthy diet is a vital part in living a healthy life. However, most people don’t start considering their colon health until they reach their 50’s. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women. One in 22 men and one in 24 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime.
The good news? Colorectal cancer can be detected early and also can be curable. Use these tips to help lower your chances for colorectal cancer.
Focus on fiber
Increasing your soluble and insoluble fiber intake assists your colon with a wide range of gastral problems, including colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, and constipation. Great foods to help increase your fiber intake include whole grains, bran, oatmeal, almonds and more. The average person consumes around 15 grams of fiber a day, but 25 to 30 grams is ideal.
Reduce sugar
Lowering your sugar intake can make a vast change in your colon health. While sugar has not been directly linked with the development of colon cancer, foods high in sugar are often high in calories and can lead to weight gain and obesity.
Limit alcohol and red meat
A little alcohol can occasionally be okay, but studies have shown that excessive drinking has been linked to colon cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women are a suitable amount.
Limiting your red meat and processed meats can help with reducing saturated fat intake. Fatty cuts of meat high in saturated fat have been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. Processed foods such as hot dogs, bacon, salami, and deli meats are also high in saturated fat and should only be consumed in limited quantities.
Focus on omega-3s
Salmon is a great way to receive nutrients you need for a healthy colon. You’ll get omega-3s as well as vitamin D in 3-ounces of salmon. Omega-3s found in many types of fish can reduce inflammation and improve the function of colon cells.
Most doctors agree that adults should have a colonoscopy at age 50 and, if normal results, a follow-up colonoscopy every 10 years annually. However, doctors have recognized several risk factors that are believed to make some individuals more susceptible to developing colon cancer, and therefore may consider testing at a younger age. These risk factors include:
Having a first-degree relative whose been previously diagnosed
Being of African-American descent
Having certain hereditary conditions
If it’s time for your colonoscopy or you think you may be at risk because of the above factors, your primary care doctor can help. If you need a physician, our team is here for you. Reach out to find a doctor.
As temperatures warm up this spring and we spend more time outdoors, simple daily habits can help protect your skin from cancer.
Decisions on whether you wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen or choose to sit in the shade all make a difference in how much you expose your skin to ultraviolet light – a risk factor for skin cancer.
It doesn’t matter what color your skin is or whether you never get a sunburn. Skin cancer can affect anyone. It’s the most common type of cancer nationwide. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lifetime. More than 9,000 people are expected to die this year from melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Despite widespread media campaigns about skin cancer prevention, many people do not practice daily sun safety precautions. And millions of Americans continue to use indoor tanning, which can increase the risk of melanoma.
The good news is that it’s never too late to start protecting your skin. Once you get into the habit of wearing sunscreen and seeking shade, it becomes second nature. Parents can help protect their children from developing skin cancer by encouraging healthy habits early on.
Follow these four tips from federal health authorities to lower your risk for skin cancer:
Wear sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy outside.
Choosing the right sunscreen can help you lower your risk of skin cancer. Make sure your sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Select a water-resistant sunscreen that has a sun protection factor of 15 or higher. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outdoors.
While creams work well for your arms, legs and face, you may find it easier to use a sunscreen stick around your eyes. Don’t forget to wear lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 and to apply sunscreen on the tops of your feet, your ears and the back of your neck.
You should reapply sunscreen about every two hours or sooner if you go swimming or are sweating. Remember, a higher SPF does not mean it provides longer protection.
If you use a sunscreen spray, make sure you don’t breathe it in. Never spray sunscreen directly on your face. Sunscreen sprays should not be used if the person is going to be near an open flame or another source that may give off sparks, according to the Food and Drug Administration. This includes people lighting cigarettes, grilling and burning candles. In the past, people wearing sunscreen sprays who got close to sources of flame suffered significant burns.
Avoid indoor tanning.
Embrace your skin’s natural color. Don’t use tanning beds because they increase your risk for skin cancer. Using an indoor tanning bed before age 35 can increase your risk for melanoma by 59 percent, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get sunburns either. Indoor tanning will still raise your risk of melanoma, research shows. Women younger than 30 are six times more likely to develop melanoma if they tan indoors.
Cover up, seek shade.
If it seems like you always get sunburned in the late spring or early summer, it’s because UV rays from sunlight are the greatest during this time. As a general rule, the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are the most hazardous for UV exposure outdoors in the United States, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
One of the easiest ways to protect your skin is to wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, long sleeves and pants and seek the shade. Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block both UVA and UVB rays. You can also wear sun-protective clothing that’s lightweight and breathable.
Talk to your health provider about your skin cancer risk.
Some people have a greater risk for skin cancer. Getting sunburned as a kid and having blond or red hair, blue or green eyes, a history of indoor tanning or a personal or family history of skin cancer are considered risk factors for skin cancer.
If you’re worried about a new mole or changes in your skin, see your health provider. Melanomas can grow for a long time under the top layer of skin, which allows them to be detected early, according to the National Cancer Institute. It’s easier for doctors to treat melanoma if it’s found before it spreads.
Easily schedule an appointment online with healthcare provider near you by going to BonSecours.com/Schedule on your phone, tablet, or computer.
A stroke is an interruption to the blood flow in the brain. Strokes can cause disability, confusion, and death, and getting appropriate, immediate treatment is key for saving lives and quality of life.
The acronym BE FAST is a simple way to recognize when a loved one starts exhibiting symptoms that while separately might not be a major health issue, but when many happen at the same time, are a major sign that that person is having a stroke. It’s important to remember than when a stroke strikes, seconds count. Without blood and oxygen, brain cells can become damaged and may die in just minutes. Each minute that it takes to get appropriate emergency care may mean months of independent activity for stroke victims.
Balance: Has the person lost their balance? Are they dizzy? Do they have a headache? Eyes: Is vision blurry? Face: Is one side of the face drooped or not responding? Arms: Are any arms or legs weak, numb, or not responding? Speech: Is it hard for the person to speak? Is what they are saying not making any sense? Time: Time to call an ambulance immediately.
If you’re not sure if someone has suffered a stroke, call 911 anyway.
Stroke is the top cause of long-term disability and the 5th largest cause of death in the United States, but up to 80% of strokes are preventable. Many risk factors, such as age, gender, race, and family history, cannot be controlled, but others such as smoking, lack of exercise, and blood pressure can be addressed with your doctor.Find a primary care doctorto assess your risk of stroke and what lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk.
