Health

(*For additional Health information - visit our current monthly newsletter under the Worship tab on this website.)       Health Professionals – Donna Palmer RN  March 2007       March was Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and since last month I was unable to give you that information, due to family concerns, I would like to put it in the April River Spirit.     The colon, or the large intestine, is at the end of the digestive system. Its primary function is to dry, package and store the waste left over after food is digested and absorbed by the small intestine.      The colon very efficiently absorbs water and reduces the volume of waste that needs to be eliminated in the stool in a convenient form at a convenient time.      Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the USA. If colon cancer is detected early it can be cured. Early screening and recognizing the symptoms can detect cancerous growths.     Risks of CRC ·         Are age 50 or older and have no other risk factors ·         Have a personal history of CRC or adenomatous polyps ·         Have a family history – parents, brothers, sisters, of children with CRC or adenomatous polyps ·         Have a family history of multiple cancers, involving the breast, ovary, uterus and other organs ·         Have a family history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s Disease Symptoms of CRC ·         Blood in your stool (bright red, black or very black (tarry) ·         Change in your bowel movements, especially shape (narrow like pencil) ·         Cramping pain in your lower abdomen ·         Frequent gas pains ·         Discomfort in or the urge to move your bowels when there is no need. ·         Weight loss without dieting ·         Constant fatigue ·         Rectal bleeding       Screening is important for two reasons. The early stage of CRC – which is when it is most curable – frequently does not cause any symptoms. If a polyp is removed, it cannot develop into cancer.        If these symptoms occur notify you primary doctor and he can refer you to a Gastrenterologist who is a GI (Gastroenterologly  Specialist).        Screening Tests ·         Digital Rectal Exam – the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities ·         Fecal Occult Blood Test – collection of stool samples at home to detect blood in the stool ·         Sigmoidoscopy – the doctor inserts a flexible tube into the rectum and lower part of the colon to look for polyps or cancer. ·         Colonoscopy – gastroenterologist insert a long, flexible, lighted tube into the rectum to view the entire colon and rectum for polyps or cancer.     HEALTH PROFESSIONAL COMMITTEE                               JANUARY 2007   UPCOMING EVENTS IN OUR COMMUNITY Rush-Copley Medical Center (1-866-426-7539) or visit www.rushcopley,com for upcoming events such as: Look Good…Feel Better for women with appearance-related changes from cancer treatment Balance Disorders Freedom from Smoking Diabetes & Stroke: A Recipe for Trouble Non-Invasive Procedures and Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments Nutritional Nirvana: The Living Workshops Red Hot Mamas – a menopause education program The Smart Heart: Healthy Eating for a Healthy Heart HPV-What You Should Know – learn more about the disease and the vaccine New Advances in Infertility Renal Artery Disease: Prevention, Diagnosis & Treatment From Girl to Young Women – for teens and their mothers A New Life Begins – Childbirth education Thinking About Having a Baby – learn to care for your baby And many other classes   Dreyer Medical Clinic (630-859-6898) or visit www.dreyermed.com ·         Freedom From Smoking ·         Advance Directives-Living wills and Durable Power of Attorney ·         Living Well with Congestive Heart Failure ·         Living Well with Diabetes ·         Asthma Management for Adults ·         Asthma Management for Youth ·         Parenting Class ·         Cancer Support Group         And many more classes Provena Mercy Medical Center www.provenamercy.com Therapeutic Tai-Chi Ask the Pharmacist-Drug Interactions Fall Proof Class Senior Aerobics Does My Child Have ADHD/LD What parents should know CPR Updates and Infant/Child CPR What You Should Know About PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease) Mercy also offers many ongoing classes on addiction anonymous, exercise classes, and self- improvement