March March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

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1 March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month The Facts Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. This cancer of the colon or rectum is also the second leading cause of cancerrelated deaths, among cancers that affect both men and women, in the U.S. The risk of developing the disease increases with age. More than 90% of cases occur in people 50 or older. Lowering Your Risk Many people who are at risk for colon cancer are not being screened according to national guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that as many as 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely. In most cases, colorectal cancer develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Such tests can also find colon cancer early, when treatment works best. Some studies show that increased physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight may decrease the risk for colorectal cancer. Evidence is less clear about other ways to prevent colorectal cancer. According to the CDC, currently, there is no consensus on the role of diet in preventing colorectal cancer. Symptoms to Keep in Mind Colorectal cancer often has no symptoms until the disease has advanced. Some potential signs and symptoms include: A change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days Rectal bleeding, dark stools, or blood in the stool Cramping or stomach pain A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that doesn t go away after doing so Weakness and tiredness When Should You Start Getting Screened? Experts recommend screenings begin at age 50, then continue regularly. However, you may need to be tested earlier or more often if you: Have a history of colorectal polyps Have a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps Have inflammatory bowel disease Have cancer elsewhere in the body Are African American For African Americans, recent studies recommend they get tested starting at age 45 because they have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer of any racial or ethnic group. Research shows they may have a genetic predisposition to developing the disease earlier than other groups. If you are 50 or older, or think you may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about getting screened. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for colorectal cancer for all people until they reach 75 years old and for some people when they are older than 75. If you are in this age group, ask your doctor if you should be screened. Screening Tests for Colorectal Cancer Several tests are available. Some are used alone; others are used in combination with each other. These screening tests are recommended by the USPSTF: Colonoscopy (every 10 years) - A visual examination of the entire colon High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (every year) - This is a simple chemical test that can detect hidden blood in the stool Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years) - A visual examination of the rectum and lower portion of the colon, performed in a doctor s office In addition to these tests, some groups also recommend the double contrast barium enema as a screening test (every 5 years). Other tests are being evaluated and may be recommended by the USPSTF for use in colorectal cancer screening in the future, including CT colonography (also known as virtual colonoscopy ) and stool DNA testing. Medicare and most commercial health insurance plans cover colorectal cancer screenings, usually starting at age 50 for the most common tests. Discuss with your insurance provider which screening is right for you and how often you should be screened. With that said, remember Colon Cancer Screenings can save lives. The disease is preventable and often treatable and beatable. So do your part and make sure you and your loved ones get screened. To learn more, come to Dr. Steve Venturatos talk at Boomtown Casino, March 23 at Noon. RSVP required: Steve George Venturatos, MD Gastroenterologist at West Jefferson Medical Center

2 COMMUNITY REPORT Preventable, Treatable & Beatable Get the Facts Get the Test Get the Polyp Get the Cure Join Us for a Talk Friday March 23 Noon Boomtown Casino Light Lunc h Ser ved RSVP Required: W J M C. O R G

3 Diabetes Alert: Take the Test. Share It. Diabetes by the Numbers Diabetes is a serious disease that affects nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States, of which a quarter of them almost 7 million - do not even know they have it. An additional 79 million, or one in three American adults, have pre-diabetes which puts them at high risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have this disease in 2050 unless we help people recognize and learn how to prevent it. Are You at Risk? Everyone should become aware of the risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes. Those who are overweight, inactive (living a sedentary lifestyle) and over the age of 45 are at risk for developing the disease. African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and people who have a family history of Type 2 Diabetes are at an additional increased risk. Unfortunately, diagnosis often comes 7 to 10 years after the onset of the disease, when disabling and even deadly complications have had time to develop. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment, which can delay or prevent some of the complications that include heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death. Take the Test. Share It. The American Diabetes Association is making a strong commitment to primary prevention of Type 2 Diabetes by increasing awareness of pre-diabetes and actively engaging individuals in preventive behaviors like weight loss, physical activity and healthful eating. They started a program called Alert Day which was developed to raise awareness and prompt action among the general public particularly those at risk. This day is the fourth Tuesday in March and it encourages people to find out if they are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes by taking a Diabetes Risk Test. West Jefferson Medical Center (WJMC) has developed a risk assessment for this purpose called DiabetesAware. You can find the test on the home page (wjmc.org) and click on the icon that says What s Really Going on Inside on the right hand side of the page. Users can also go straight to the link by typing ( ly/yfgztw) in their web browser. This test helps determine if an individual is at risk for pre-diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes by asking simple questions about weight, age, family history and lifestyle risks. Preventative tips are also provided for everyone who takes the test. For example, studies have shown that Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented or delayed by losing just 7% of body weight (approximately 15 pounds for a 200 pound individual), through regular physical activity (30 minutes a day, five days a week) and by making healthy eating choices. Helpful hints such as these will be given following the test and it also encourages those found to be at high risk to make an appointment to talk with their health care provider. Take Charge of Your Health By understanding your risk, you can take the necessary steps to help prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. Please be a part of the movement to Stop Diabetes by taking this free risk assessment and encourage your friends and loved ones to take the test as well. Although Alert Day is a one-day event, the DiabetesAware Risk Test is available year-round. For more information about the diabetes services at WJMC, please call Check our website (wjmc.org) for details about our Drive-by Diabetes Day on March 27. Get a FREE Blood Sugar screening. Details will be posted on our website soon.. Megan Jones, DO Family Doctors - Lapalco Clinic Diabetes Services Outpatient Education Program A Team of Educators Available to Evaluate and Educate Patients on All Aspects of Diabetes Care For More Information, Call (504) Comprehensive Self Management Classes Include: Diabetes Overview Nutrition Management Gestational Diabetes Management Education Program Certified by the American Diabetes Association. Physician Referral is Required

4 March is National Nutrition Month This year s National Nutrition Month theme is Get Your Plate in Shape and encourages consumers to remember to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy on their plates every day. Here are a few ways to Get Your Plate in Shape from the food and nutrition experts at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables: Eat a variety of vegetables, especially dark-green, red and orange varieties. Add fresh, dried, frozen or canned fruits to meals and snacks. Make at least half your grains whole: Choose 100 percent whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers, pasta and brown rice. Check the ingredients list on food packages to find whole-grain foods. Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk: Fat-free and low-fat milk have the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but less fat and calories. For those who are lactose intolerant, try lactose-free milk or a calcium-fortified soy beverage. Vary your protein choices: Eat a variety of foods from the protein food group each week, such as seafood, nuts and beans, as well as lean meat, poultry and eggs. Keep meat and poultry portions small and lean. And be sure to choose seafood as the protein at least twice a week. Cut back on sodium and empty calories from solid fats and added sugars: Compare sodium in foods and choose those with lower numbers, and season your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Switch from solid fats to healthy oils like olive and canola oil. Replace sugary drinks with water and choose fruit for dessert. Enjoy your foods but eat less: Avoid oversized portions. Use a smaller plate, bowl and glass. Cook more often at home where you are in control of what s in your food. When eating out, choose lower calorie menu options. Be physically active your way: Adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of physical activity every week. Choose activities that you enjoy. Before starting a new exercise program, talk to your doctor if you have a serious health condition. Initiated in 1973 as a week-long event, National Nutrition Week became a monthlong observance in 1980 in response to growing public interest in nutrition. To schedule an appointment with a West Jefferson Medical Center dietician, call Brooke Conner Ritchie, RD, LDN, CDE Dietician, West Jefferson Fitness Center

5 COMMUNITY REPORT Thank You Students! Hundreds of students from several schools visited West Jefferson Medical Center in February, National Heart Awareness Month. The Dr. Benny and Micki Goldman Children s Day included week-long activities and tours through the world s largest, inflatable heart which came to West Jefferson Medical Center the week of February 13. In addition to taking part in heart-smart learning activities centered around good nutrition, physical fitness, empathy experiences and emergency medical services, the students made beautiful get-well card graphics. These will be used for patient e-cards at West Jeff throughout the year. Thank you, young artists and thank you teachers and parent chaperones for visiting West Jefferson Hospital! Jennifer Steel, RN For More Information, Call (504) Community Liaison Officer/ Exec. Dir. WJ Hospital Foundation The Services You Want, The Locations to Save Time. Gretna Marrero Har vey (2 locations) Lafitte CLINIC HOURS: NEWION T LOCA Appointmen t Center Lapalco Blvd. Suite 200 Harvey Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS WALK-INS WELCOME Other Convenient Locations: Marrero Harvey (2 locations) Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm Lafitte Monday 9 am to 1 pm Tuesday - Friday 9 am to Noon Gretna Monday - Friday 8 am to 8 pm Saturday (walk-in clinic) 8 am to Noon Scan for info rmation a to schedule an online ap nd pointment