Donate to Fight Colon Cancer

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Each year, Raleigh Endoscopy Centers sponsor the Cancer Coalition’s “Get Your Rear In Gear” 5K run/walk. The effort is to create more colon cancer awareness and the importance of cancer screening for those aged 45+.

If you’re interested in registering for the May 6 race, click here. But, if you can’t make it to the race, you can still support the cause with donations through our team of “Bum Runners.”

Here’s How it Works

  1. Click This Link to Find Our Group’s Donation Page
  2. Enter in the amount you would like to donate. Even, $1 will help!
  3. You can choose if you want your donation to be shown on our group page.
  4. Enter your payment info
  5. Click “Donate Now”

Your donation will go toward the fight to end colon cancer, while showing support for our team.

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone Needs a Nurse Bonnie

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Bonnie Woodward, RN, affectionately known as “Nurse Bonnie,” lost her mother to colon cancer at a young age due to a misdiagnosis. She has since dedicated her life to helping save other people’s lives.

Nurse Bonnie cares for her community at the Endoscopy Center of Red Bank, an AMSURG-affiliated ambulatory surgery center in New Jersey. Through her work, she honors her mother and the countless patients she has helped prevent and overcome colorectal cancer diagnoses. One of those patients is Michele Battista, an 11-year Stage 3 colon cancer survivor who calls Nurse Bonnie her sister in blue.

“Everyone should have a Nurse Bonnie,” Michele said. Nurse Bonnie has helped care for Michele during her cancer journey, and in the process, they have become close friends.

“Colorectal cancer is beatable, treatable and preventable. Get your colonoscopy screening; it can save your life,” Bonnie said.

Colon Cancer Survivor Advocates for Timely Screenings

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With more people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) at a younger age, it is now recommended that those at average risk for CRC begin screening at age 45 instead of 50.

It’s possible that Michele Battista’s life could have been different had the recommended first-time screening age been lowered sooner. Still, her decision to be screened at 50 was lifesaving.

Without any CRC symptoms, Michele scheduled a screening colonoscopy at the Endoscopy Center of Red Bank in New Jersey. She followed her prep and arrived at the center on Valentine’s Day.

“I wasn’t expecting anything,” Michele said.

Her physician discovered a peach-sized tumor during her colonoscopy. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. Michele underwent surgery and 12 rounds of chemotherapy and is now celebrating her 11-year cancerversary®.

She has become a fierce advocate for early CRC detection, sharing her story and encouraging people to receive timely screenings.

“If I can get one person to go get their colonoscopy based on my story at 50, then I’m happy.”

Colon Cancer Survivor and Endoscopy Technician Urges People to Get Screened

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Second chances aren’t a given, which is why Keith Lyons is determined to make the most of his.

“I’m a survivor. I got a second chance at life, and I’m not going to sit on it,” said Keith, an endoscopy technician at the Endoscopy Center of Red Bank.

He is committed to helping others survive. In addition to raising awareness, he supports physicians in detecting and preventing colorectal cancer through colonoscopies at work.

As a teenager, he had an inflammatory bowel disease and didn’t like the thought of having to receive additional colonoscopies. Then, at 32, with the help of a trusted nurse and knowing the importance of his gastrointestinal health, he decided to get screened. That’s when he learned of his Stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis, which he has worked to overcome.

“It’s an everyday fight. I’m not going to lie. But I’m still here to fight because I chose to get myself checked out.”

Now 55, Keith continues to spread his message of survival, encouraging people to get screened and using his experience to break stigmas around colonoscopies.

“‘Colon cancer is preventable.’ That’s my slogan,” he said. “Please get checked.”

When to See an Orthopedist for Shoulder Pain

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Shoulder pain is one of the most common conditions people experience as they age. It is wise to call an orthopedist about shoulder problems because pain and injuries can impact your daily activities. Shoulder pain could indicate tendonitis, arthritis, a rotator cuff tear or shoulder instability.

How can you know when you should try to manage your pain at home or seek medical intervention? It may depend on the cause of the pain or injury. You may get some relief from adjusting your activities and doing shoulder stretches if you have mild pain. If your pain does not subside or you have any of these symptoms, you should call an orthopedist:

  • Limited range of motion
  • Increasing weakness of the shoulder
  • Pain in the shoulder when you are at rest
  • Numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm
  • Pain that is getting worse over time

Initial Treatment Options for Pain Management

At your visit, your doctor will perform a physical exam and may take an X-ray to determine the cause of your shoulder problem. In some instances, you may need an MRI as well.

After reviewing your results, your orthopedist will develop a customized treatment plan to relieve your pain and help you recover. Some initial treatment options may include the following:

  • Resting of the affected shoulder or arm
  • Icing the shoulder
  • Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
  • Modifying your activities to avoid further injury
  • Doing physical therapy to strengthen the muscles of the shoulder and arm
  • Undergoing steroid injections

If your discomfort persists, your doctor may recommend surgical intervention. Our surgery centers offer many procedures and treatments, such as a shoulder conditioning and recovery program, injection therapy for the shoulder or elbow, and shoulder surgery.

One of the most common causes of pain is a rotator cuff tear. If an MRI reveals a rotator cuff tear, you may require surgery. In most cases, shoulder surgery is an outpatient procedure that allows you to go home the same day. During the procedure, a surgeon will enter through a small incision and use a tiny camera and tools to reattach the torn rotator cuff to the bone.

Call Your Orthopedist if Shoulder Pain Persists

You don’t have to live with constant shoulder discomfort. Whatever the cause of your shoulder pain may be, an orthopedist can help you manage your pain and prevent further damage. Call your orthopedist to schedule an appointment and get relief so you can resume the activities you enjoy.

Many Seniors Are Visually Impaired, Even With Glasses

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Some vision impairment is a natural part of the aging process. Presbyopia often begins around age 45 but can be easily corrected with contacts or glasses. Recent research found that 28 percent of adults over 71 are visually impaired, even with the help of corrective lenses or visual aids.

Poor vision can be dangerous for older adults

The study used data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Olivia J. Killeen, MD, a Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Michigan Medicine, led the research, and the findings were published in JAMA Ophthalmology.

One of the main findings was that various types of visual impairment are linked to older age, lower income and less education. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults were likelier to have visual acuity and contrast sensitivity impairments than non-Hispanic White adults.

Many participants in the study needed an updated eyeglass prescription to treat their visual impairment, but some faced financial barriers. For example, many seniors have to pay for glasses because Medicare only provides eyeglass benefits after cataract surgery.

“These findings are important to address, as poor vision is associated with several adverse outcomes for older adults, including depression, dementia, falls, motor vehicle accidents and even death,” said Dr. Killeen.

Eye disease can cause vision impairment

The main cause of blindness and vision impairment in seniors is age-related eye disease. Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are three eye conditions that can develop as you age, and your risk increases after age 65.

Older adults with impaired vision also have a higher risk for the following:

  • Injuries
  • Social isolation
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Challenges with following instructions for medication

Comprehensive eye exams can prevent vision impairment

Has it been over a year since your last eye exam? Regular comprehensive eye exams with dilation can help detect vision problems and preserve your eyesight as you age. Eye conditions can develop slowly; therefore, you cannot rely on symptoms or warning signs, so call your ophthalmologist to make an appointment.

Be a Colon Cancer Awareness Advocate

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If you knew that you could help save more than 100,000 lives, would you do it? The American Cancer Society predicts that there will be 106,970 new cases of colon cancer along with 46,050 cases of rectal cancer this year, but many are preventable with screening.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This monthlong initiative focuses on colorectal cancer (CRC) and promotes research, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and hopefully, someday, a cure for this disease. Many Americans are at risk for colon cancer because they are unaware of the facts of the disease:

  1. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
  2. Researchers estimate 52,550 people will die from colon cancer this year.
  3. No one is too young to develop colorectal cancer.
  4. Adults at average risk for colon cancer should begin getting screened at 45.
  5. Risk factors like age, family history, smoking, high-fat diet, diabetes, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease and alcohol can increase the chances of developing colon cancer.
  6. If you have a family or personal history of colon cancer or polyps, you should get screened earlier than 45.

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon screening

Colonoscopy is the most effective colon cancer screening technique because it can not only detect colon cancer but also remove precancerous growths, called polyps, during a single procedure. Other tests can detect abnormal cells or blood in the stool, but patients must schedule a follow-up colonoscopy if they receive positive results. Colonoscopy uses a flexible tube with a camera to inspect the colon for abnormalities and remove or sample them for microscopic evaluation. Many people think colonoscopy is painful, but patients receive sedation and the procedure usually lasts less than 30 minutes.

Educate your community about colon cancer

Education is crucial for change, and that’s where you come in! You can do your part to get involved and spread the word about colon cancer awareness. Even children can be advocates for this life-saving cause. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Share on social media the importance of getting screened for colon cancer.
  • Donate money to a group that supports colorectal cancer awareness like Fight Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer Alliance or the Colorectal Cancer Coalition.
  • Wear a blue ribbon or a blue shirt on Mar. 3 — Dress in Blue Day.
  • Talk with friends and family members about the importance of getting their first screening at age 45 (or earlier, depending on their family history). Send them this quiz to learn how and when they should get screened.
  • Join a fundraiser for a nonprofit or charitable group focused on colorectal cancer education and research.
  • Host an educational seminar at your local church, office or nonprofit group.
  • Reach out to a local media outlet to discuss the disease and prevention on the air or in an article or editorial.

According to the American Cancer Society, colon screenings could prevent 60 percent of colon cancer deaths if people get screened starting at 45. Take the time to share with family and friends about the importance of getting screened and adopting healthy lifestyle habits that decrease colon cancer risk.

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Fitness Goal: Commit to Daily Strength Exercises

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Have you already given up your New Year’s Resolution to exercise more? If you have, you’re not alone. Almost two-thirds of people give up on their New Year’s goals within a month.

Long-term fitness habits must be reasonable and sustainable. The best way to incorporate exercise into your day is to commit to a few minutes of strength exercises each day.

The frequency of exercise can improve muscle strength

According to a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, people can improve muscle strength with just a single muscle contraction five days per week. Another study in the same journal found small amounts of exercise throughout the week produced better results than one extended workout, even if the overall duration of physical activity was the same.

The research team instructed participants to do 30 arm curls weekly for four weeks. One group did 30 curls once weekly, and another did six curls five days weekly. The group that did all the curls in one day did not increase their muscle strength, but the group that spread out their exercises improved muscle strength by 10 percent.

Exercise prevents chronic disease

Skeletal muscle tissue declines as we age, which affects our independence and function. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk for many chronic conditions:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Osteoporosis
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Dementia

Make daily activities into exercise

Experts suggest adults get 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week. Unfortunately, if you work a full-time job, finding time to be physically active can be challenging. Here are some easy ways to incorporate exercise at work:

  1. Take the stairs. Instead of waiting for the elevator, take the stairs. You can build leg muscle and increase your heart rate at the same time.
  2. Take a walk during lunch. Use your lunch hour to take a walk outside. In addition to the benefits of increased muscle mass, you will get a daily dose of vitamin D that will boost your mood.
  3. Do eccentric activities in your office. “Eccentric” movements lengthen and activate muscles in the body, and they can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Everyone sits down on a chair daily. By sitting down slowly in your chair, you will do at least 10 eccentric contractions that extend the knee joint.
  4. Use a headset. Instead of sitting during a conference call, you can move around your office or down the hallway using a headset or headphones.
  5. Keep weights at your desk. Purchase a set of hand weights that you can keep under your desk. Take breaks throughout the day and do some biceps curls, lateral raises or triceps kickbacks.
  6. Purchase an exercise ball and use it for stretching. Take breaks throughout the day and sit on the exercise ball to build core strength.

Talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine

Are you motivated to make small steps to bring about a change in your health? Before starting a new exercise regimen, talk to your doctor for recommendations and suggestions. Your doctor can customize your workouts to prevent injury or joint pain.