Vitality - Summer 2013 - (Page 9)

Symptom: Constipation POSSIBLE CULPRITS: Not drinking enough fluid, being inactive, not eating enough fiber and taking certain medications. CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF … you notice blood in your stools, lose weight without reason or feel fatigued, which are red flags for colon cancer. Also, call your doctor if constipation is new and unusual for you or has lasted three weeks or more, despite in-home treatment. Find O if You M ut i Have IBght S Irritable mon in bowel syndr om w ognize omen than m e is more co its sym m en. Wo pt uld you the no recnproﬁt oms? Take th is qu Nat Resou rce Ce ional Women iz from nter to ’s Healt citizen ﬁnd h smem orial.c out. Go to om/vit and cli ality ck “IBS quiz.” Symptom: Diarrhea POSSIBLE CULPRITS: A virus or bacteria from contaminated food can cause diarrhea for one to three days, Stortz says. On the more serious side, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer or an intestinal blockage can trigger diarrhea and demand the immediate attention of your doctor or an emergency room physician. CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF … “it’s been more than a couple of days,” says Stortz. “It’s time to seek help.” Symptom: Heartburn Colorectal cancer is the secondleading cause of cancer death in the U.S. (when men and women are combined). The good news? It’s one of the most detectable cancers and responds well to early treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 50 and older be screened. Having your doctor test for blood in your stool or getting a colonoscopy can prevent up to 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths. Most people who get the disease do not have known risk factors. Others have a personal or family history of colon polyps or inﬂammatory bowel disease, a history of other cancers (such as breast or ovarian) or diabetes. And age increases risk. SUMMER 2013 | 9 POSSIBLE CULPRITS: When chronic or severe, heartburn is a common symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). But a peptic ulcer or gastric or esophageal cancer can cause it, too. CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF … you’re not getting relief from overthe-counter or prescription medications. If you’re getting only partial relief, don’t wait more than two weeks to tell your physician, Stortz advises. Detect Cancer Early http://www.citizensmemorial.com/vitality

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vitality - Summer 2013

Vitality - Summer 2013
Contents
CMH News
Health Beat
Ace Your Exams
Sleep Savings
Heart Smart
Q+A
Expanding Care
Calendar of Events

Vitality - Summer 2013