Main Line Endoscopy Centers Implement AI-Powered Solution for Colon Cancer Screening

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Main Line Endoscopy Centers, a renowned provider of exceptional patient care, has integrated revolutionary AI technology that improves colon cancer screening efficiencies. This cutting-edge system underscores the center’s commitment to improving health outcomes and delivering superior care to patients.

By leveraging advanced AI technology, the endoscopy center enhances the precision and effectiveness of colonoscopies. The intelligent system collaborates with medical professionals, providing an additional layer of analysis during the procedure. It diligently analyzes real-time video feeds from the endoscope, assisting physicians in identifying potential abnormalities like polyps that can lead to colon cancer.

One of the significant benefits of this breakthrough AI technology is its ability to facilitate early detection of colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. Detecting polyps at their nascent stages empowers patients to receive timely interventions, leading to more successful treatment outcomes and improved long-term survival rates. Additionally, the AI-assisted approach allows for the removal of precancerous polyps during the same procedure, reducing the risk of cancer development and minimizing the need for subsequent invasive interventions.

How Patients Benefit from AI

The integration of AI technology into colon cancer screenings at the endoscopy center offers several advantages to patients. By enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of the procedure, the technology reduces examination time, minimizing patient discomfort and promoting a more comfortable experience. Furthermore, the AI system acts as a second set of eyes, ensuring a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of the colon, which contributes to improved detection rates and more effective preventive measures.

Alongside the integration of AI technology, the endoscopy center is dedicated to delivering compassionate care and exceptional support to patients throughout the screening process. The experienced staff strives to create a supportive environment, addressing patient concerns, and ensuring a positive experience at every step.

Through the utilization of this groundbreaking AI technology, the endoscopy center establishes itself as a leader in revolutionizing colon cancer screenings. By embracing innovative approaches and advancements in medical technology, the center remains at the forefront of the fight against colorectal cancer, emphasizing its commitment to patient well-being and improved health outcomes.

Schedule Your Colon Cancer Screening

Individuals aged 45 and above are strongly encouraged to schedule a colon cancer screening at the endoscopy center. By taking this proactive step, patients can benefit from the precision, efficiency, and enhanced detection capabilities provided by AI technology.

West Chester Endoscopy Implements AI-Powered Solution for Colon Cancer Screening

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West Chester Endoscopy, a renowned provider of exceptional patient care, has integrated revolutionary AI technology that improves colon cancer screening efficiencies. This cutting-edge system underscores the center’s commitment to improving health outcomes and delivering superior care to patients.

By leveraging advanced AI technology, the endoscopy center enhances the precision and effectiveness of colonoscopies. The intelligent system collaborates with medical professionals, providing an additional layer of analysis during the procedure. It diligently analyzes real-time video feeds from the endoscope, assisting physicians in identifying potential abnormalities like polyps that can lead to colon cancer.

One of the significant benefits of this breakthrough AI technology is its ability to facilitate early detection of colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. Detecting polyps at their nascent stages empowers patients to receive timely interventions, leading to more successful treatment outcomes and improved long-term survival rates. Additionally, the AI-assisted approach allows for the removal of precancerous polyps during the same procedure, reducing the risk of cancer development and minimizing the need for subsequent invasive interventions.

How Patients Benefit from AI

The integration of AI technology into colon cancer screenings at the endoscopy center offers several advantages to patients. By enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of the procedure, the technology reduces examination time, minimizing patient discomfort and promoting a more comfortable experience. Furthermore, the AI system acts as a second set of eyes, ensuring a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of the colon, which contributes to improved detection rates and more effective preventive measures.

Alongside the integration of AI technology, the endoscopy center is dedicated to delivering compassionate care and exceptional support to patients throughout the screening process. The experienced staff strives to create a supportive environment, addressing patient concerns, and ensuring a positive experience at every step.

Through the utilization of this groundbreaking AI technology, the endoscopy center establishes itself as a leader in revolutionizing colon cancer screenings. By embracing innovative approaches and advancements in medical technology, the center remains at the forefront of the fight against colorectal cancer, emphasizing its commitment to patient well-being and improved health outcomes.

Schedule Your Colon Cancer Screening

Individuals aged 45 and above are strongly encouraged to schedule a colon cancer screening at the endoscopy center. By taking this proactive step, patients can benefit from the precision, efficiency, and enhanced detection capabilities provided by AI technology.

Endoscopy Center of Delaware Implements AI-Powered Solution for Colon Cancer Screening

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Endoscopy Center of Delaware, a renowned provider of exceptional patient care, has integrated revolutionary AI technology that improves colon cancer screening efficiencies. This cutting-edge system underscores the center’s commitment to improving health outcomes and delivering superior care to patients.

By leveraging advanced AI technology, the endoscopy center enhances the precision and effectiveness of colonoscopies. The intelligent system collaborates with medical professionals, providing an additional layer of analysis during the procedure. It diligently analyzes real-time video feeds from the endoscope, assisting physicians in identifying potential abnormalities like polyps that can lead to colon cancer.

One of the significant benefits of this breakthrough AI technology is its ability to facilitate early detection of colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. Detecting polyps at their nascent stages empowers patients to receive timely interventions, leading to more successful treatment outcomes and improved long-term survival rates. Additionally, the AI-assisted approach allows for the removal of precancerous polyps during the same procedure, reducing the risk of cancer development and minimizing the need for subsequent invasive interventions.

How Patients Benefit from AI

The integration of AI technology into colon cancer screenings at the endoscopy center offers several advantages to patients. By enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of the procedure, the technology reduces examination time, minimizing patient discomfort and promoting a more comfortable experience. Furthermore, the AI system acts as a second set of eyes, ensuring a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of the colon, which contributes to improved detection rates and more effective preventive measures.

Alongside the integration of AI technology, the endoscopy center is dedicated to delivering compassionate care and exceptional support to patients throughout the screening process. The experienced staff strives to create a supportive environment, addressing patient concerns, and ensuring a positive experience at every step.

Through the utilization of this groundbreaking AI technology, the endoscopy center establishes itself as a leader in revolutionizing colon cancer screenings. By embracing innovative approaches and advancements in medical technology, the center remains at the forefront of the fight against colorectal cancer, emphasizing its commitment to patient well-being and improved health outcomes.

Schedule Your Colon Cancer Screening

Individuals aged 45 and above are strongly encouraged to schedule a colon cancer screening at the endoscopy center. By taking this proactive step, patients can benefit from the precision, efficiency, and enhanced detection capabilities provided by AI technology.

Mid-Atlantic Endoscopy Center Implements AI-Powered Solution for Colon Cancer Screening

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Mid-Atlantic Endoscopy Center, a renowned provider of exceptional patient care, has integrated revolutionary AI technology that improves colon cancer screening efficiencies. This cutting-edge system underscores the center’s commitment to improving health outcomes and delivering superior care to patients.

By leveraging advanced AI technology, the endoscopy center enhances the precision and effectiveness of colonoscopies. The intelligent system collaborates with medical professionals, providing an additional layer of analysis during the procedure. It diligently analyzes real-time video feeds from the endoscope, assisting physicians in identifying potential abnormalities like polyps that can lead to colon cancer.

One of the significant benefits of this breakthrough AI technology is its ability to facilitate early detection of colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. Detecting polyps at their nascent stages empowers patients to receive timely interventions, leading to more successful treatment outcomes and improved long-term survival rates. Additionally, the AI-assisted approach allows for the removal of precancerous polyps during the same procedure, reducing the risk of cancer development and minimizing the need for subsequent invasive interventions.

How Patients Benefit from AI

The integration of AI technology into colon cancer screenings at the endoscopy center offers several advantages to patients. By enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of the procedure, the technology reduces examination time, minimizing patient discomfort and promoting a more comfortable experience. Furthermore, the AI system acts as a second set of eyes, ensuring a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of the colon, which contributes to improved detection rates and more effective preventive measures.

Alongside the integration of AI technology, the endoscopy center is dedicated to delivering compassionate care and exceptional support to patients throughout the screening process. The experienced staff strives to create a supportive environment, addressing patient concerns, and ensuring a positive experience at every step.

Through the utilization of this groundbreaking AI technology, the endoscopy center establishes itself as a leader in revolutionizing colon cancer screenings. By embracing innovative approaches and advancements in medical technology, the center remains at the forefront of the fight against colorectal cancer, emphasizing its commitment to patient well-being and improved health outcomes.

Schedule Your Colon Cancer Screening

Individuals aged 45 and above are strongly encouraged to schedule a colon cancer screening at the endoscopy center. By taking this proactive step, patients can benefit from the precision, efficiency, and enhanced detection capabilities provided by AI technology.

Mobility Improves After Robotic-assisted Knee Replacement

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Outdoorsman Craig Moody enjoys whitewater kayaking and hunting with his family near his home in Port Huron, Michigan.

In recent years, the 78-year-old struggled with these activities because of pain and irritation in his left knee.

Moody stopped kayaking because it was difficult to get in and out of the boat. His knee problems also disrupted turkey and deer hunting excursions with his son and grandsons.

“Usually, I have to go [hunt] in a different place [than] where they are [hunting] because I make so much noise getting down on a stool or sitting on a cushion,” he said. “And then it’s comical to watch me try and get up after that.”

As his knee discomfort increased, his daily two-mile walks with his wife, Gaye, decreased in distance.

“It was slowing him down a lot,” Gaye said about her husband’s knee pain. “There was so much that he used to do.”

Over a five-year period, Moody tried nonsurgical treatments, including cortisone injections, physical therapy, weight loss and activity modification. These methods failed to sustain pain relief or improve his mobility.

“His knee was very stiff and very painful, and it interfered with his activities of daily living,” said Moody’s orthopedic surgeon, Raj B. Makim, MD. “He couldn’t enjoy the things that he wanted to do.”

X-rays verified that Moody’s knee was in the advanced stage of arthritis. After reviewing treatment options, he underwent robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery this past summer at an ambulatory surgery center.

“My knee wasn’t going to get any better,” he said. “Even with physical therapy before, it was just bone-on-bone. I just couldn’t move.”

Robotics and Knee Replacement

Approximately 790,000 knee replacement procedures are performed annually in the United States. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that the number of these surgeries will increase to 3.5 million annually by 2030.

In traditional and robotic-assisted surgery, surgeons replace the knee’s damaged bone and cartilage with prosthetic joint components called implants.

For Moody’s procedure, Dr. Makim used a robotics platform. The system uses a CT scan of a patient’s joint to develop a personalized surgical plan. During the surgery, the surgeon guides a robotic arm to remove arthritic bone and cartilage from the knee.

Orthopedic surgeon William Braaksma, MD, said robotics is a “very sophisticated tool” used under the guidance of the surgeon.

“It is not a substitute for judgment or skill in the operating room,” he said. “It requires skill, and the surgeon has to know what they’re doing to make it work.”

According to Dr. Braaksma, the use of robotic technology helps improve precision and accuracy in medical procedures, leading to reduced pain and swelling and faster patient recovery.

Craig Moody and wife kayakingSurgery Yields Positive Results

Moody was released from the center to begin his home recovery hours after his knee replacement surgery. Two days later, he returned for a post-operative exam with his surgeon. He also scheduled physical therapy sessions as part of his rehabilitation to strengthen his knee.

Two weeks after surgery, Moody had regained his range of motion and his strength in his knee. He transitioned from using a walker to a cane and then to walking unassisted.

Four to six weeks after knee replacement surgery, patients generally resume daily household activities, including walking, sitting, standing and climbing stairs.

Other low-impact activities patients may enjoy include golf, biking, swimming, hiking and even some dancing. Patients should avoid high-impact activities like jogging, skiing, tennis and other sports that involve contact or jumping.

Within an eight-week period post-surgery, Moody had resumed day-to-day activities, started driving again and returned to mowing his lawn. He said he was “100 percent better” after his knee replacement.

“I’m ahead of the curve of rehabbing,” Moody said. “I’m doing more things […] than I did a year ago.”

Most people who have knee replacement surgery experience significant pain relief, improved mobility and a better overall quality of life.

“That’s one thing about knee replacement — it’s basically one of the most successful operations in orthopedics, and it’s one of the most life changing for people,” Dr. Makim said.

Months after her husband’s surgery, Gaye celebrates his recovery.

“I’m excited because it’s good to see him excited and not hurting,” she said. “He’s back, and it’s wonderful.”

As his activity level increases, Moody said he views the prominent scar on his knee as “a success story.”

“This knee was shot, and now it’s not,” he said, smiling.

Don’t Delay Your Diagnosis

During Bone and Joint Health Awareness Month, it is important to evaluate your quality of life. If you experience any chronic pain, stiffness or tenderness in your knee, hip, shoulder or back, don’t ignore your symptoms.

Contact your orthopedist, who will evaluate your symptoms and make suggestions for the best treatment options. Treatments may include at-home remedies like hot or cold therapies and massage, physical therapy or even surgery.

If you are advised to have surgery, opt for an ambulatory surgery center for your orthopedic treatment. ASCs offer patients a more comfortable environment at a lower expense, convenient parking, shorter wait times and a decreased ratio of patients to nurses. Patients are sent home on the same day as the procedure to recuperate.

Before deciding on any treatment plan for your chronic pain, request an appointment today for an evaluation.

This article is designed for educational purposes only. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health concern or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health concern, you should consult your healthcare provider.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Can Prevent Fractures and Falls

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Vision is our most powerful sense. We perceive 80 percent of our impressions through our eyes. World Sight Day is Oct. 12, and it emphasizes protecting your eyesight. Reducing hazards and getting annual eye exams can protect your vision and decrease the risk of falls, fractures and other injuries.

More Elderly Americans Are Falling

More than 25 percent of senior adults fall every year, but fewer than half tell their physicians. The rate of falls in the United States has risen consistently over the past 10 years and is likely to continue increasing as life expectancy lengthens.

Between 2001 and 2014, almost one million inpatient hospital admissions had eye injury as the primary or secondary diagnosis. According to a 2021 study, patients with a secondary diagnosis of an eye injury rose 31 percent, and 82 percent of the increase in secondary eye injuries was due to falls among older individuals.

The study found that more than half of fall-related eye trauma occurred at home. Falls were more likely to occur during the winter, and women were more at risk than men. For patients whose primary diagnosis was an eye injury, orbital fracture from blunt trauma was the most common type.

Vision Problems Can Increase the Risk of Falls

Seniors with low vision are more at risk for falls and injuries compared to seniors with unobstructed vision. Eye disease can increase the likelihood of tripping, stumbling or bumping into furniture.

  • Cataracts — A cataract is the clouding of the eye lens, which can cause blurry vision and make patients more susceptible to falling. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common surgeries. One study found cataract surgery can significantly decrease the risk of a hip fracture.
  • Glaucoma — This family of eye diseases deteriorates the optic nerve. Patients with glaucoma often lose their peripheral vision, which can cause them to collide with an object outside their visual field.
  • Macular degeneration — This condition affects central vision. Patients with macular degeneration can easily trip over objects because they cannot see something in front of them.

Ways to Prevent Falls and Protect Your Eyes

Older adults with low vision or who are at risk for vision impairment often have other chronic conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, which can also increase the chance of falling. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control makes the following suggestions to keep your home safe and prevent falls:

  1. Remove clutter from your home. Keep your floors clear to prevent tripping.
  2. Wear sturdy, nonslip footwear.
  3. Make sure all rooms and hallways are well-lit.
  4. Avoid using small throw rugs that can shift underneath you.
  5. Use non-slip mats in the shower.
  6. Install grab bars next to your toilets and showers.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Preserve Vision and Prevent Injury

Celebrate World Sight Day by calling your ophthalmologist and making an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam with dilation. More than 12 million Americans aged 40 years and older experience vision impairment. Are you taking active steps to keep your eyes healthy?

At your eye appointment, your ophthalmologist will screen you for eye diseases, evaluate your visual acuity and update your eyeglass prescription. Your doctor can also detect and diagnose vision problems during your eye exam and suggest customized treatments for your eyesight needs. Call today to get on the schedule.

Accurate Diagnosis Important for Hemorrhoids and Colon Cancer

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Since hemorrhoids and colon cancer may have similar symptoms, it’s important to know the facts about each condition and to get an accurate diagnosis from a physician.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen blood vessels around the anus or lower rectum. When the surrounding tissues become inflamed, they can enlarge, protrude and bleed. Hemorrhoids are common ­— about half of all adults older than 50 are affected.

Common symptoms of hemorrhoids may include the following:

  • Blood in the stool, on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
  • Inflammation or a hard lump around the anus
  • Pain, itching or burning around the anus

Hemorrhoids can be internal or external, and both types can bleed. Untreated hemorrhoids can cause infection, anal spasm, ulceration and anemia.

“Hemorrhoids are common, and it’s easy to assume they could be the cause of rectal bleeding. But don’t take a chance — see your doctor and be sure,” said AMSURG Medical Staff Lead Jay Popp, MD.

Many people can treat mild cases of hemorrhoids efficiently and inexpensively at home. Sitz baths, over-the-counter creams and pain relievers can help reduce symptoms and provide comfort. If you cannot get relief from over-the-counter medication, you should visit a doctor.

If you are prone to hemorrhoids, there are several things you can do to prevent future flare-ups:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Eat high-fiber foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Take a stool softener or fiber supplement
  • Avoid straining when having a bowel movement
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine that forms in the colon’s lining. Most cases of colon cancer begin as an abnormal growth of cells called a polyp. All polyps start as benign; however, if not discovered and removed, polyps can become cancerous.

Symptoms of colon cancer include the following:

  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Fatigue
  • Thin, pencil-like stools
  • Changes in bowel habits like constipation, diarrhea or both
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • A feeling of incomplete evacuation
  • Anal urgency, or feeling a constant need to pass stool
  • Weight loss

Differences Between Colon Cancer and Hemorrhoids

Only a physician can accurately diagnose hemorrhoids or colon cancer, so it is essential to avoid self-diagnosis. Certain activities and conditions often can cause hemorrhoids. Some of these include the following:

  • Pregnancy
  • Constipation
  • Straining to have a bowel movement
  • Lifting too much weight frequently
  • Sedentary lifestyle

With colon cancer, diagnosis can be complicated. Some people do not experience any symptoms. Also, many colon cancer symptoms are commonly experienced with non-cancerous conditions other than hemorrhoids, such as infection, irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.

Most importantly, colon cancer has more severe health implications, as it is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. An estimated 153,020 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed this year, and 52,550 Americans are expected to die from the disease.

You’re Never Too Young for Colon Cancer

Colon cancer incidence is steadily decreasing among adults over 65, but rates are increasing in adults younger than 50 as well. The number of new cases of colon cancer in adults younger than 55 has doubled from 11 percent in 1995 to 20 percent in 2019. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, “The incidence rate of colorectal cancer is rising by about 2 percent annually in young people. By 2030, researchers predict that colorectal cancer will be the leading cause of cancer death in people ages 20-49.”

Because colon cancer is rising in younger adults, it is essential to know the warning signs of the disease and get screened at recommended intervals.

Make an Appointment for a Colonoscopy

If you are experiencing colon cancer symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Colon cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed early, and colonoscopy is the most effective test. A colonoscopy allows your doctor to view the entire colon and remove polyps before they become cancerous.

The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. You may need to get screened earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or a personal history of polyps. If you have digestive complaints, talk to your doctor regardless of your age. It is important you have troublesome symptoms evaluated.

Genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer can also contribute to colon cancer risk, so talk to your doctor about when and how often you should get screened.

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Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Gastrointestinal Doctor

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When you come to see us at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., we want to get to the bottom of what’s going on, and we will do everything we can to make you feel comfortable and get all the answers you need. Don’t forget to ask all these questions to make sure you have a firm understanding of how to best take charge of your gastrointestinal health!

1.What tests do I need?

To properly diagnose your symptoms and get you on the path to feeling better, we’ll probably need to run tests. Depending on your symptoms, medical history, and concerns, we’ll discuss which tests are appropriate. From endoscopies to imaging, we’ll tailor the approach to your unique situation.

2.What lifestyle changes should I make?

Your gut health is intricately tied to your lifestyle (and things like ultra-processed foods affect your gut). We’ll talk about dietary tweaks, exercise routines, stress management, and even sleep patterns that can have a positive impact on your gastrointestinal well-being.

3.What do my symptoms mean?

That gurgling, bloating, or discomfort you’ve been feeling isn’t fun, and means that something is making your gut unhappy. We will figure it out together, and then we can explain what those symptoms could signify and how we can address them head-on.

4.What is my exact diagnosis?

Clear communication is key, so we will break down your diagnosis in simple terms so have a thorough knowledge of what your exact condition means and completely understand what’s going on – like the difference between IBS and colon cancer.

5.What is the cause of my diagnosis?

Understanding the “why” is just as crucial as knowing the “what.” We’ll delve into the underlying causes of your diagnosis, whether it’s an infection, inflammation, or something else, so that you know how to best alleviate the cause if possible – and how to prevent it from happening again if it’s acute.

6.What other symptoms should I look out for?

Sometimes you’ll have additional symptoms, and you’ll need to be aware of anything new going on that may mean you have something else going on, or potentially if things are progressing.

7.What should I expect with my diagnosis?

It’s important to know what’s ahead, so you can know how to take care of yourself property – and when to come back in for further testing or treatments. Knowledge is power, so make sure you know what’s ahead.

8.What are my best treatment options?

Depending on your diagnosis, there may be varying treatment options we can come up with to make you feel better and have your digestive tract running more smoothly. Know all your options.

9.What are the risks, benefits, and side effects associated with each treatment option?

Because you may have several options for treatment for your gastrointestinal distress, it’s important to discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks to each of them, that way you can work with us to make the best decision for you and your health.

10.When should I schedule my colonoscopy?

If you’re in the gastrointestinal office and haven’t had a colonoscopy yet, your answer may be now. Even if you’re younger than 45, it may be time to get a scope in your gastrointestinal tract to fully see what’s going on, and do our best to prevent colon cancer.

Schedule your appointment now

If your abdomen is in any sort of distress, schedule your office visit now with Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Mich., so we can take care of things before they potentially get worse.

Vote for Nurse Laura Curtis to Win HeroesFIRST Award

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In a momentous development, Nurse Laura Curtis from the Center for Digestive Endoscopy has been selected as one of the final 10 candidates for the distinguished Annual HeroesFIRST Campaign by ImageFIRST. With the nationwide voting process already underway—lasting from September 25 to October 13, 2023—community members and patients are being called upon to actively participate.

Vote for Laura Curtis

From Over 400 Nominees to Top 10: The Remarkable Journey

The Center for Digestive Endoscopy is bursting with pride as Nurse Laura Curtis moves from being a nominee to a finalist in this prestigious campaign. This rapid ascent highlights her unwavering commitment to patient care and exemplifies the values that the Center stands for: Being Respectful, Being Safe, Being Honest, and most significantly, Being Remarkable.

Contextualizing the Achievement: A Look at the Numbers

Data lends weight to this momentous occasion. Out of a competitive field that included more than 400 nominees from across the nation, Curtis secured a spot among the top 2.5%, affirming her standout performance in healthc

are.

The Impact of Your Vote: Beyond Individual Recognition

Winning the HeroesFIRST Campaign comes with a total prize fund of $15,000 aimed at enhancing patient care and healthcare services. Your vote for Nurse Laura Curtis is not just an endorsement for an individual healthcare worker; it is a strong statement in support of the caliber of healthcare services offered at the Center for Digestive Endoscopy.

Community Engagement: Why Your Participation Matters

As a vital healthcare facility in the Orlando area, the Center for Digestive Endoscopy emphasizes the significance of community involvement. Your vote in this critical stage of the HeroesFIRST Campaign can materially influence the continuing standard of care and service that the Center aims to provide.

Study: Healthy Eating Impacts Colon Health, Planet Earth

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Leading health agencies recommend people eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains for their health.

Studies have shown consuming plant-based foods may reduce the risk of colon or rectal cancer and have other health benefits.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), eating healthy has several benefits. It helps you live longer and lowers your chances of developing serious health problems. These health problems include heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

According to recent research, individuals who followed a diet that prioritized environmental sustainability had a 25 percent lower risk of mortality throughout a follow-up period exceeding three decades.

Diet Plan May Reduce Cancer Deaths

Several trendy eating plans promote consuming plant-based foods. This new research references the Planetary Health Diet as beneficial to both the body and the planet.

The EAT-Lancet Commission developed the Planetary Health Diet in 2019. This plan recommends filling your plate with more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. The plan also emphasizes eating smaller portions of meat, fish, eggs, refined cereals and tubers in your diet.

“We proposed a new diet score that incorporates the best current scientific evidence of food effects on both health and the environment,” Linh Bui, MD, said in an American Society for Nutrition news release. “The results confirmed our hypothesis that a higher Planetary Health Diet score was associated with a lower risk of mortality.”

Dr. Bui is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Based on this diet, researchers created their own Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI). Researchers used the index to analyze outcomes in two large cohort studies in the U.S. featuring more than 100,000 participants.

People with higher index scores had lower risks of death from cancer or cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disease and respiratory diseases.

More research is needed to understand how people with different health conditions, religious restrictions and limited access to food are affected.

In addition to lowering mortality risks, consumption of the recommended foods also may reduce impacts to the environment.

“A sustainable dietary pattern should not only be healthy but also consistent within planetary boundaries for greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental parameters,” Dr. Bui said.

Screening Key to Colon Health

Everyone is at risk for colorectal cancer (CRC), regardless of age. You can protect your colorectal health with a healthy diet plan, exercise, avoiding alcohol and not smoking.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Undergoing screening may help avoid numerous instances of CRC.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends anyone at average risk start screening for colorectal cancer at 45. If there is a record of the disease in your family or you have had precancerous polyps, consider getting screened sooner. If you have digestive complaints, talk to your doctor regardless of your age. It is important you have troublesome symptoms evaluated.

Although there are several colon cancer screening options, colonoscopy is the preferred method. During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist examines the entire length of the colon for polyps or abnormalities. A doctor can find and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure.

If you’re 45 or have symptoms, talk to your doctor and schedule a colonoscopy to protect your colon health.

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