WELLNESS TIP OF THE WEEK

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

By Dr. Jason Hemming, Gastroenterologist of Merrimack Valley Endoscopy Center/ Pentucket Medical

For the past 20 years, March has been designated as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. During this time, great progress has been made in improving disease awareness and prevention. Despite this, colorectal cancer remains the third most common cancer diagnosis among men and women in the United States.

The American Cancer Society estimates 140,000 cases this year, along with 50,000 deaths. Colorectal cancer is unique in that 90% of these cases are treatable if detected early and therefore largely preventable.

It is universally recommended that colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 50 or earlier in those with a family history. Several different screening options are currently available with colonoscopy being the most well known and utilized. Colonoscopy has the advantage of being able to not only detect early-stage disease but also prevents its development by removing precancerous polyps if found.

There is no one “best screening test for all” as each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Patients should discuss the available options with their PCP and make an educated decision as to which works best for them. Ultimately, the most important takeaway is to be screened for colorectal cancer with whatever test is most appropriate.

More information can be found online at Screen4ColonCancer.org or Cancer.org. If you have further questions or are looking to schedule a colonoscopy at Merrimack Valley Endoscopy Center, we can be reached at 1-(888) 227-3762 and located at 1 Park Way, Haverhill, Mass.

 

Is Your Child Ready for a Smartphone?

Parents of today’s time are faced with a difficult question; when is it the right time to purchase your child’s first smartphone? GreenChildMagazine.com looks to help parents with this predicament in a recent online article.

In short, your answer really depends on the maturity of your child; are they trustworthy, safe online and prepared for the responsibility that comes with a mobile device? Think about how you use your phone in front of your child, and what purpose having a phone should serve them.

GreenChildMagazine.com dives into all of these questions and more here.

Coronavirus Myths Busted By Science

As the coronavirus continues to spread, articles and social media posts about the outbreak continue to spread too. Unfortunately, this relentless flood of information can make it difficult to separate fact from fiction — and during a viral outbreak, rumors and misinformation can be dangerous.

LiveScience.com took the time to dispel some of the most popular Coronavirous myths in a recent article. Some of the myths include “face masks can protect you from the virus,” “pets can spread the virus” and “getting COVID-19 is a death sentence.”

Be sure to take the time to familiarize yourself with theses and other myths at LiveScience.com’s article here.