March is colorectal cancer month

I (Jen)  keep seeing PSAs from the Iowa Department of Public Health calling March National Colorectal Cancer month.  Previous trainings I have attended discussed the fact that Poweshiek county has a higher than average instance of this cancer.  So please, read below.   

A colonoscopy isn’t recommended until you reach middle age, but there are plenty of things you can do before then to lower your risk of colon cancer, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Colonoscopy — a video inspection of your colon — is recommended for most people at age 50, and age 45 if you are African-American. It can detect colon cancers and polyps that may become cancerous, but to avoid these growths in the first place, you should:

§ Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet, along with fiber-rich whole grains, cereals, nuts, and beans

§ Limit your consumption of red meat, fatty food, and processed food

§ Avoid becoming overweight or obese

§ Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days per week

§ Limit your alcohol consumption to no more than one drink daily for women, two for men

§ If you smoke, quit