You might be done with school, but you still need to take some tests
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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.
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Healthcare Network
Parkinsons and MS TherapyHealthcare Network is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare to everyone in Collier County, regardless of job, income, or insurance status. Our comprehensive services include children's care, pediatric convenient care, family care, women's care, senior care, dental care, behavioral health, pharmacy, and specialty services.As Southwest Floridas premier patient-centered medical and dental home, our providers work collaboratively as a care team to deliver the highest level of coordinated care for patients of all ages. Since 1977, our private, not-for-profit model has been effective in meeting the healthcare needs of the community. We rely on philanthropic support to ensure we continue to achieve our vision of a community where every person has access to affordable and appropriate healthcare.Healthcare Network is committed to delivering culturally competent care, addressing health disparities, and supporting the overall wellness of our patients. Join us on our mission to make healthcare more accessible and to create a healthier community for all.All Locations:1265 Creekside Pkwy. #206, Naples 34108 1090 6th Ave N. Naples 34102 1845 Veterans Park Dr., Naples 34109 5450 YMCA Rd. #102, Naples 34109 6350 Davis Blvd. #1001, Naples 34104 1749 Heritage Trl. #801 Naples 34104 2355 Stanford Ct., Naples 34112 1454 Madison Ave. W., Immokalee 34142 1441 Heritage Blvd., Immokalee 34142 508 N. 9th St. #142, Immokalee 34142 12655 Collier Blvd. Naples 34116
Healthcare Network
Dental ServicesAbout Healthcare NetworkHealthcare Network provides high-quality, accessible healthcare for every stage of life with specialized services tailored to help seniors maintain their health, independence, and lifestyle.Our Senior Care teams address the unique and often complex needs of adults 65+ through coordinated, compassionate healthcare that supports overall wellbeing. Our collaborative approach integrates physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs to promote the best possible outcomes.Senior Care Services* Include: Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions Medication management Coordinated care for multiple conditions Wellness check-ups Balance and memory screening Immunizations Behavioral health counseling Dental care Infusion treatments X-ray and lab Optometry On-site pharmacy Telehealth*Services vary by locationCaring for the Whole FamilyIn addition to Senior Care, Healthcare Network provides a wide range of services for the entire family, from pediatric care and womens health to walk-in and specialty services.Since 1977, our compassionate care model has been serving the community with a unique, collaborative approach. Your personal healthcare team works together to deliver seamless, comprehensive careregardless of your insurance, income, or job status.We are committed to addressing health disparities and making healthcare more accessible, creating a healthier community for us all. Locations Throughout Collier County: Healthcare Network at Veterans Park1845 Veterans Park Dr., Naples 34109 Healthcare Network Dental Care East1749 Heritage Trl. #801, Naples 34112 Healthcare Network at Friendship Health2355 Stanford Ct., Naples 34112 Healthcare Network at Nichols Community Health Center12655 Collier Blvd., Naples 34116 Healthcare Network at Marion E. Fether Medical Center1454 Madison Ave. W., Immokalee 34142 Healthcare Network at Family Care at iTech508 N. 9th St. #142, Immokalee 34142 Healthcare Network at Community Medical Care Center125 Boston Ave., Immokalee 34142
Healthcare Network
PhysiciansAbout Healthcare NetworkHealthcare Network provides high-quality, accessible healthcare for every stage of life with specialized services tailored to help seniors maintain their health, independence, and lifestyle.Our Senior Care teams address the unique and often complex needs of adults 65+ through coordinated, compassionate healthcare that supports overall wellbeing. Our collaborative approach integrates physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs to promote the best possible outcomes.Senior Care Services* Include: Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions Medication management Coordinated care for multiple conditions Wellness check-ups Balance and memory screening Immunizations Behavioral health counseling Dental care Infusion treatments X-ray and lab Optometry On-site pharmacy Telehealth*Services vary by locationCaring for the Whole FamilyIn addition to Senior Care, Healthcare Network provides a wide range of services for the entire family, from pediatric care and womens health to walk-in and specialty services.Since 1977, our compassionate care model has been serving the community with a unique, collaborative approach. Your personal healthcare team works together to deliver seamless, comprehensive careregardless of your insurance, income, or job status.We are committed to addressing health disparities and making healthcare more accessible, creating a healthier community for us all. Locations Throughout Collier County: Healthcare Network at Veterans Park1845 Veterans Park Dr., Naples 34109 Healthcare Network Dental Care East1749 Heritage Trl. #801, Naples 34112 Healthcare Network at Friendship Health2355 Stanford Ct., Naples 34112 Healthcare Network at Nichols Community Health Center12655 Collier Blvd., Naples 34116 Healthcare Network at Marion E. Fether Medical Center1454 Madison Ave. W., Immokalee 34142 Healthcare Network at Family Care at iTech508 N. 9th St. #142, Immokalee 34142 Healthcare Network at Community Medical Care Center125 Boston Ave., Immokalee 34142