Northside Lifetime of Care - Winter 2015 - (Page 7)

5 WAYS TO LOWER YOUR CANCER RISK Dramatically reduce your risk of getting colorectal cancer by following these ﬁve simple rules: 1 2 WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: If you're reaching for over-the-counter antacids more than twice a week, you may have gastroesophageal reﬂux disease. Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes that could help prevent heartburn. If you experience chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 immediately. HEARTBURN The Advanced Center for GI Therapeutics at Northside Hospital offers the latest technology and the most comprehensive preventive care to diagnose digestive problems and treat early colorectal cancer. Check with your physician to see if it's time to schedule your next screening. For more information, go to northside.com/gicenters. WHAT IT IS: A burning sensation caused by the reﬂux of gastric acid into the esophagus. WHAT IT COULD MEAN: Certain foods can trigger heartburn, including spicy dishes, tomatoes and dairy products, as can smoking, being overweight, lying down too soon after eating and eating large meals. Eat nutritious foods. Adhere to a healthy, low-fat diet with plenty of ﬁber and at least ﬁve servings of fruits and veggies each day. Also, limit red and processed meats- they are linked to an increased cancer risk. 3 viruses or bacterial infections. Food intolerances, certain medications, intestinal diseases and parasites also can cause diarrhea. Certain foods and drinks such as alcohol, caffeine and dairy products, and even stress, produce diarrhea in some people. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: It's normal to experience diarrhea occasionally, but if you have loose bowel movements for longer than two days, or if you have pain, fever or blood in your stool, don't wait to call your doctor. Exercise. Physical activity is a powerful weapon against colorectal cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity ﬁve days a week. Get screened. Your recovery largely depends on the stage of your cancer, which is why early detection is so important. Stage 1 colorectal cancer has a 74 percent ﬁve-year survival rate whereas stage 4 only has a 6 percent ﬁveyear rate. Beginning at age 50, schedule routine colonoscopies at least every 10 years. 4 Manage vices. Smoking and drinking radically contribute to your risk of developing colorectal cancer. People who consume more than seven alcoholic beverages a week have a 72 percent increased risk, whereas long-term smokers have up to a 164 percent increased risk. 5 Keep your weight in check. Obese people (those with a BMI over 29) have a 20 percent increased risk of developing colorectal cancer compared with those of normal weight. SCHEDULE YOUR SCREENING TODAY Visit northside.com for more articles, videos and healthy recipes. 7 http://www.northside.com/gicenters http://www.northside.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Northside Lifetime of Care - Winter 2015

Northside Lifetime of Care - Winter 2015
Contents
Northside News
Healthy Living
Gut Feelings
Live Well with COPD
Weighing Your Options
Winter Warmers
What’s Your Sleep Personality?
Northside Directory

Northside Lifetime of Care - Winter 2015