THE HEALTHY CORNER

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Month

Colorectal cancer (colon cancer) is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. Abnormal growths, called polyps, can form in the colon or rectum. Over time some of the polyps can turn into cancer.

What are some symptoms of colon cancer? A change in bowel habits, blood in stool, diarrhea, constipation or a feeling that you’re not emptying your bowel, abdominal pain, aches and cramps that don’t go away and unexpected weight loss.

Risk factors are family history, inflammatory bowel disease, tobacco use and alcohol consumption to name a few.

You can you prevent colon cancer by getting screened with any of the following tests: stool test that checks for blood in your stool, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or a CT colonography.

If you are 45 years or older, talk to your doctor to see which test is most appropriate for you. Be sure to get lots of fiber, fruits and veggies in your diet, cut back on red meat, limit alcohol intake and stop smoking.

Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal (oatmeal is a

high fiber food)

1 ½ cups of water

¾ cup quick-cooking oats

1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Bring water to a boil in small pot. Add oats and cook, stirring for 1 minute.

Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar and maple syrup. Let sit until desired thickness is reached. You can also add fruit or nuts as desired.

Exercise: using resistance bands

Core strengthening: Lie on your back with the band wrapped around the upper thighs and open and close your legs.

Seated row: Sit on the floor with your legs extended and the band wrapped around your feet. Pull the band towards your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades