TIPS FOR A HEALTHY AND HAPPY COLON
Hello everyone and welcome to another FACTUAL FRIDAY.
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and accordingly, today’s Blog is dedicated to the discussion of this cancer and the ways we can protect ourselves.
To begin, colon cancer is the third most common cancer among women and the fourth among men around the world. Indeed, this is one of the three cancers that I have fought and survived.
When I was diagnosed, I was an athletic, slim, healthy vegetarian who was half the age of the typical colon cancer patient. The diagnosis came as a complete surprise to me – and my doctor! And, surprise is the one thing no one wants to experience when it comes to this disease.
The good news is that we don’t have to be surprised. The available information combined with the proper screening procedures go a long way in protecting us from colon cancer. In fact, this cancer is almost entirely preventable. So, let’s review a few tips and topics to help keep you safe from this disease.
KNOW YOUR FAMILY MEDICAL HISTORY. Colon cancer is greatly influenced by heredity. If you have a first-degree relative, which is a parent, sibling or child who has had colon cancer, your risk for developing the disease greatly increases. This was the situation in my case. I was unaware that two maternal uncles had been diagnosed with colon cancer in their lifetime. My mother also had a history of colon polyps, which can indicate a risk for colon cancer. Knowing your family history can help you determine your personal risk so that you can take the proper precautions.
AGE IS A FACTOR. Typically, this cancer is found in older individuals, with an average age of around sixty or seventy. It’s not common in individuals under fifty unless there is a family history of the disease. If this is the case, colon cancer can develop much earlier — even in one’s twenties or thirties.
DIET PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE. We need to keep our digestive tract in good working order. Drinking plenty of water will help us stay hydrated and help flush our system of toxins and waste. Fruits and veggies provide fiber to promote regularity. Many also contain an abundance of antioxidants, which help fight cancer cells and free radicals in our bodies. And, don’t overdo the red meat. Lean proteins like fish and chicken will add less fat to you diet and keep your digestive tract running smoothing.
DON’T FORGET TO EXERCISE. Think of it this way. When we move, all our internal organs are gently massaged. When the intestinal tract is massaged — by walking, stretching, bicycling or any other movement — it is encouraged to work properly. Material is gently “pushed along” the tract, which allows us to eliminate harmful bacteria and waste that otherwise may contribute to a “breeding ground” for illness, disease and cancer cells.
LIFE-SAVING SCREENING PROCEDURES. The most common and effective screening procedure for colon cancer is the colonoscopy. This procedure is recommended for individuals who are fifty years of age. They are usually repeated every five years or so. However, if colon cancer runs in your family and your risk is greater, then screening should begin earlier and be repeated more often. Always check with your doctor to determine a screening schedule that is right for you. A colonoscopy not only detects cancer, it also removes polyps before they become cancerous. And, in this remarkable way, colon cancer can actually be prevented.
DIY COLON CANCER TESTING. Kits that we can use at home to test for colon cancer also are available and have become very popular. They are considered to be quite accurate and easy to use. You simply spend a little time on the toilet, collect a small sample of stool and mail it to the lab. Yet, if you’re like me and have a high risk for the disease, you should by-pass the DIY kits and always see your doctor instead.
It’s true. A clean colon is a happy and healthy colon. Honor COLON CANCER AWARENESS MONTH by taking care of yourself. Know your Risk. Get Screened. Take Action. And, be Prepared, so you’ll never be Surprised.
Thanks again for joining me everyone. Until next time, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
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