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Working
adults and retirees may be far removed from school and the stresses that come
with high-stakes testing.
No matter
our age, though, we’re not done taking tests. Unlike the pop quiz in English
literature, algebra or world history, the tests we take as older adults are
some of the most important exams in our lives.
Colorectal
cancer is one of the most common cancers and the second-most common cause of
cancer death in the U.S. and worldwide. The
American Cancer Society estimates that two-thirds of colorectal cancer deaths
occur in patients over 65. However, if caught early, cancer of the colon is
highly treatable and often curable.
In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended
testing age for colorectal cancer from 50 to 45 due to an increase in its
incidence among younger individuals.
Gen Xers,
Baby Boomers and older generations who are up to date on their testing likely have
already completed a colonoscopy, the gold standard of testing for this
dangerous cancer. This screening test is highly important because colorectal
cancer often doesn’t have symptoms in the initial stages.
The
screening uses a scope to look for polyps, a small clump of cells that forms on
the lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are harmless, but some can become
cancerous. When cancer forms in a polyp, it grows into the wall of the colon
and eventually can spread to distant parts of the body. During a colonoscopy,
the doctor can remove colorectal polyps to help prevent cancer.
While the
test itself is done under general anesthesia, the preparation for a colonoscopy
is often what people dislike. To make sure doctors can see polyps, the colon must
be clean and empty before the procedure. That means everything in your bowel
must go, which is accomplished by drinking large volumes of water mixed with a
laxative the day before, and sometimes the morning before, the procedure. The liquid
results in diarrhea and considerable time in the bathroom as your colon is
cleared. You will also be on a clear-liquid diet the day of the procedure.
The
preparation can be unpleasant. Perhaps that is why four in 10 Americans aged 45
and older are not up to date on their colorectal cancer screenings, according
to the American Cancer Society.
But there is
good news. People who don’t have other risk factors generally
only need to have a colonoscopy every 10 years. Also, a lot has changed in
recent years. Today, the preparation liquid (often a gallon) does not need to
be consumed in one sitting and may be taken the night before and the next
morning, making it more tolerable. The solutions are also better-tasting than
they once were.
Also, there
are some alternatives, including lower-volume solutions and a pill prep
involving 12 tablets taken twice with large amounts
of water. In addition, the FDA has approved three
types of stool tests to screen for colorectal cancer at home. They should be
completed every one to three years. If a stool test is positive, which doesn’t
always mean cancer is present, a follow up colonoscopy is necessary.
There are
things we can do to prepare for a colonoscopy to make the preparation less
unpleasant:
·
The
less you have in your stomach before colonoscopy preparation, the easier it
will be. Start eating smaller portions and reducing fiber five to seven days in
advance.
·
The
week before a colonoscopy, avoid nuts and seeds, popcorn, red meat, raw
vegetables, corn, peas, broccoli, cabbage, dried beans, whole grain bread and pasta,
brown or wild rice, fruit with skins, fried foods and cereals like oatmeal, shredded
wheat and granola.
·
Chill
any liquid preparation, as it is often easier to drink when it’s cold.
·
Use
a straw to bypass the tastebuds in your mouth as you drink the preparation.
·
Suck
on lemon slices or sugar-free menthol candy while you drink or after each sip
to help with the taste.
·
Mix
in sugar-free water flavorings that are clear, not red, blue
or purple.
·
If
nausea was an issue during a previous preparation, ask your doctor for anti-nausea
medicine in advance.
While age is
a risk factor for developing colorectal cancer, increasing physical activity, maintaining
a healthy weight, not smoking and limiting alcohol can
reduce the risk of developing colorectal and other cancers. Even if you were
inactive in your younger years, becoming active when you are older can lower
your risk.
Your primary
care doctor can help you keep track of preventive services, like screening
tests and vaccines, as well as help make lifestyle recommendations such as diet
and exercise to help reduce risk for illness.
About the
Author
Jaimenee “Jaime” Khemraj is chief medical officer for Healthcare Network, which has practices throughout Collier County offering family care, dental care and pharmacy as well as behavioral health counseling. For more information, visit HealthcareSWFL.org, or to schedule an appointment, please call 239-658-3000.
Help contribute to CAA RESEARCHIntroducing the cAPPricorn-1 clinical trial for people living with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)cAPPricorn-1 is researching an investigational medication called mivelsiran to see if it could be safe and effective. Participating in this trial may be an opportunity to contribute to CAA research.WHO CAN JOIN?Participants with sporadic CAA: 50 years of age or older Have received a diagnosis of CAA from their doctor Participants with Dutch-type CAA: 30 years of age or older Have a known gene mutation for Dutch-type CAA Additional criteria will be assessed by the study team to determine your eligibility.For more information, visit www.AqualaneResearch.com or reach out to the study team: Aqualane Clinical Research 3200 Bailey Ln, Suite 250, Naples FL 34105 (239) 529 - 6780
By Sarah RichardThe calm ocean waves along the shore of our beloved Southwest Florida beaches are a sight that stirs the soul its a reminder of the peace and tranquility that makes our region feel like home. Its even apparent where the Caloosahatchee meets the Gulf, the two waterways connecting and forming an even greater world of life. Similar to life, the beloved river doesnt just form a straight line it spreads throughout neighborhoods, dipping into creeks and canals. In a way, water is an art form. Take Southwest Florida, for example. Just like the Caloosahatchee, art flows through our region in so many ways, from murals depicting the areas history, to weekly art walks in beautiful downtown Fort Myers. The art that surrounds us and the virtuosos holding the paintbrushes deserves a chance in the spotlight.Art galleries are just one of many ways to celebrate and pay respect to the talented artists that flood Southwest Florida. Presented by Gulf Coast Village and the North Fort Myers Arts Association (NFMAA), the Gulf Coast Gallery, serves to connect artists and community members through rotating art exhibits. Its upcoming installation, The Essence of Water, will celebrate water in all of its forms calm, powerful and lifegiving. The exhibit launches on Wednesday, Aug. 13, and features Jasmine, owner of Jasmines Art n Designz Studio, an acclaimed artist of more than five decades.Jasmine, a Quebec native, first picked up a paintbrush at the tender age of six and was an award-winning artist throughout her adolescent years. Her artwork could be found hanging in the halls of her primary school, a reflection of her hard work and artistic intelligence. Her love and motivation to continue creating has persevered over the last several decades, even when taking a decade-long hiatus to live in Haiti as a missionary, where she met and adopted her daughter. Her time in the Caribbean inspired her to dive deeper into her passion for art, but also to further explore her philanthropic side.I dont want my art to just be some pretty pictures on a canvas, said Jasmine. With every purchase made through her studio, 5% of proceeds are donated directly to impoverished children through her connections with missionaries across the world, including those in South America, the Middle East, Haiti and more. Wherever help is needed, Jasmine wants to provide it. And what better way than to connect her two passions?Art is more than just a passion for Jasmine. Its her life. For more than 30 years, shes been a full-time artist who explores all mediums. She finds the most joy and fulfillment in the creative process, which speaks to her true love for the talent she recognizes as a gift. Her creative process is a journey. Its detailed, but there's a freedom to it that resembles lifes journeys. Jasmine writes poetry to go with each work of art sometimes the poem is written before the art is created, or the art comes first. It all depends on where the process takes her. The same applies to the medium she chooses and the amount of time it takes her to complete a project. Her varied process results in artwork that covers all aspects of life, from nature and water to portraits and real-life scenes. Jasmine describes her work as eclectic, soulful and emotional. Through each piece, she invites the viewer on a personal journey, one that she hopes will stir and spark a meaningful connection.I hope that people feel seen when they see my art, shared Jasmine. I want people to feel inspired. Everyone has different successes, different failures and different memories, and my deepest desire is that when they stand in front of my art, one of those pieces will stir a feeling inside of them and make them happy.Jasmine will be displaying several paintings at The Essence of Water this August, some of which will be available for purchase. Attendees can enjoy wine, cheese and the beautiful artwork that Jasmine, the NFMAA and Gulf Coast Village resident artists have created. The exhibits grand opening is from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, at Gulf Coast Village, located at 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. in Cape Coral. The exhibit will be available to view from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sept. 28.To register for The Essence of Water, visit GulfCoastVillage.org/Event/Artist-Meet-and-Greet-The-Essence-of-Water-Art-Exhibit. To view Jasmines artwork, visit JasminesArtNDesignz.com.About the author Sarah Richard is the executive director of Gulf Coast Village, Cape Corals only life plan community. Visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712 to learn more.