You could save your life with a colonoscopy
In 2018, the American Cancer Society lowered the recommended age from 50 to 45 for colon cancer
screening. The change was made because more middle-age and young adults are getting colon cancer.
There are multiple colon cancer screening options. However, colonoscopies continue to be the best.
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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
The American Cancer Society has lowered the recommended age to 45 for colon cancer screening.
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Breast cancer screening can save your life
According to the American Cancer Society:
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers.
Every 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
5-year survival rates for breast cancer are:
- 99% if detected early before it spreads.
- 86% if it spreads to lymph nodes or nearby structures.
- 30% if it spreads to distant parts of the body, like lungs, liver or bones.
Screenings
National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend:
All women age 40 and older at average risk of breast cancer should have an annual screening mammogram.
All women should have a clinical breast examination by a physician every year, along with a monthly self-examination.
Women with higher-than-average risk of breast cancer should have a clinical breast examination by a physician every 6 to 12 months and should consider a high-risk screening of an annual breast MRI along with an annual mammogram.
Talk with your doctor
Discuss your risk for breast cancer and a plan for a screening mammogram with your Primary Care Physician or your OB/GYN.
For more information on breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer screenings, visit genesishcs.org/screenings.
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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers.
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Prediabetes is like a warning light
Some people tend to ignore check engine lights or put off changing a furnace filter when the sensor goes off. One warning you can’t afford to ignore is a prediabetic diagnosis.
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes is usually the result of an A1C test that indicates your blood sugar is higher than normal, between 5.7% and 6.4%. A result of 6.5% or higher is generally accepted as a diabetes diagnosis.
Blood sugar is measured through an A1C test that reveals your average blood sugar level over the previous three months, so you can’t cram for this test at the last minute by ignoring desserts for a week. Consider prediabetes as your last chance to make changes to keep from becoming diagnosed with diabetes.
What to do if you have prediabetes?
Hearing that you have prediabetes is similar to a rare do-over opportunity in life. Typically, if you are willing to change your lifestyle habits, you can often lower your A1C and prevent or at least delay diabetes. The best way to lower your A1C is to:
- Eat healthy foods.
- Be physically active each day.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Don’t smoke.
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol.
Risk factors
For optimal health, you should try to live a healthy life and avoid reaching prediabetes status, especially if you fit into a high-risk category. According to the Genesis Diabetes & Nutrition Education Department, diabetes risk factors include:
- Being overweight.
- Having increased amounts of stress.
- Certain ethnicities.
- Being over the age of 45.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Family history.
- Having diabetes during pregnancy.
Stay informed
Most insurance plans will cover an A1C test as part of an annual wellness visit. If you have any of the risk factors, talk to your doctor for a plan to prevent prediabetes or reverse your trend if you have been diagnosed with prediabetes.
Want to prevent diabetes? Indulge on our tips and not desserts.
For more information on staying healthy, especially avoiding a prediabetes or diabetes diagnosis, try our online content. We have several articles that provide health tips backed by research.
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Keys to preventing Type 2 diabetesSmall changes in diet, exercise and weight management can help prevent diabetes.
Read now -
Live the Sweet Life … Without SugarSugar typically makes things taste better and last longer. Continue to enjoy food and live healthier with these tips.
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Your body is the only workout equipment you needGrab your shoes, a space with room to move and use your bodyweight to get fit.
Read now
Ready to get healthy?
Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Prediabetes is usually the result of an A1C test that indicates your blood sugar is higher than normal. Learn about the risk factors and ways to prevent diabetes.
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“I thought I had the flu.”
You are probably familiar with numbness in your left arm and amcrushing feeling in your chest as heart attack warning signs. But what if you don’t feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest? Sometimes, the symptoms are subtle and people ignore them, thinking they have indigestion or are getting the flu. This is especially true for women.
Know the warning signs and call 911 immediately if you experience them.
Heart attack symptoms in women:
Chest pain, but not always
Pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen
Jaw, neck or upper back pain
Nausea or vomiting
Shortness of breath
Fainting
Indigestion
Extreme fatigue
Heart attack symptoms in men:
Squeezing chest pressure or pain
Jaw, neck or back pain
Nausea or vomiting
Shortness of breath
If you have heart attack symptoms:
Call 911 immediately.
The best treatment for a heart attack is to prevent one by taking care of your heart. Your Primary Care Physician can refer you to one of several Genesis heart care locations where you can learn more about diet, exercise and controlling your risk factors. Our Heart & Vascular Institute is at the Genesis main campus in Zanesville with additional offices are in Coshocton, Cambridge and Somerset.
To learn more, visit genesishcs.org/heart.
Ready to get healthy?
Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Sometimes, the symptoms of a heart attack are subtle and people ignore them, thinking they have indigestion or are getting the flu. This is especially true for women.
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Bone-a-fide
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder that occurs when a body loses too much bone or doesn’t make enough bone. Bone tissue deteriorates, leading to an increased risk of fracture. The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation states that 54 million Americans have osteoporosis, most of them elderly.
Osteoporosis is often called a “silent” disease since the first symptom is often a broken bone. However, if you experience any of the following, share your concerns with your primary provider. They may refer you to a orthopedic physician.
Symptoms
- Sloping shoulders
- Curvature of the back
- Height loss
- Back pain
Testing
Osteoporosis is confirmed with a bone density test. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women aged 65 and older and postmenopausal women with an increased risk of osteoporosis have a bone density test. A conversation with your doctor will help you decide when to have the testing done.
Thankfully, the test is painless. It’s like having an X-ray. The test will measure your bone density and compare it to the bones of an average, healthy adult. Your result is called a T-score. The T-score will let your doctor know whether you have healthy bones, osteoporosis or osteopenia, which is low bone density, but not as severe as osteoporosis.
Treatment
Based on your T-score, your doctor may propose a treatment plan.
- Possibly prescribe medications to build bone mass and prevent bone loss.
- Increase your calcium.
- Make sure you are getting enough vitamin D.
- Encourage physical activity.
The same things your doctor recommends for treatment are also ways to prevent osteoporosis.
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat foods that support bone health, like calcium, vitamin D and protein.
- Choose more low-impact activities like walking, swimming and biking over high-impact activities.
- Cut back on smoking and drinking. Chronic use of both is proven to weaken bones.
Talk to your primary care physician about the best ways to avoid this disease.
Learn more about the Genesis Orthopedic Center at Genesishcs.org/orthopedic.
Ready to get healthy?
Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Information on the symptoms, treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.
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Tips to help women stay healthy
Hey you, it’s me – your body. While I’m feeling pretty good right now, we can’t take things for granted. You and I need to get on the same page to make sure things don’t start going downhill. Can you help by following these tips? It’ll make my job so much easier – and more enjoyable for both of us.
Get regular checkups and screenings
Seeing your family doctor or OB/GYN on a regular basis is vitally important. Your doctor is your partner in keeping you on a healthy path or in managing chronic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Your doctor will also make sure you get the routine screenings essential for early detection of disease, like mammograms, Pap smears and blood work.
Get at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity
Exercise helps you feel your best – plus, it helps keep your weight in check. It can improve the quality of your sleep and helps prevent bone loss and osteoporosis, too.
Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep
A good night’s sleep helps you feel sharper, elevates your mood and can help prevent other health issues.
Eat healthy
Eating healthy and including more fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, promote strong bones and teeth, and reduce the risks of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and strokes. Plus, it improves your mood and memory.
Reach and maintain a healthy weight
When you’re at a healthy weight, you lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes, and also help reduce the risk of many different cancers.
Get help to quit smoking
If you quit smoking, nearly everything improves. You’ll have healthier blood, heart and lungs. Your bones, muscles and immune system will be stronger, too. Plus, you will have clearer skin and fresher breath.
Limit alcohol to one drink or less
Limiting alcohol to one drink or less per day helps reduce the risk of some cancers, liver disease, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Use drugs only as prescribed
Prescription or illegal drug use and misuse can damage your body and mind. If you think you may have a problem, get help sooner rather than later.
Drive safely
In the U.S., road crashes are the greatest killer of women and men under age 55. Wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces your risk. Also, texting and driving is six times more dangerous than driving while intoxicated. Pull over or wait until you get home.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Keep yourself healthy by following these tips to stay on top of women's health.
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Healthy homemade popsicles
Ingredients:
• 5 ounces of strawberries (about 6 medium strawberries)
• 6 ounces of blueberries (about 1 ¼ cups)
• 7 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1 ounce of ice cubes (about 3 ice cubes)
• 10 tablespoons of water
Instructions:
1. Red (strawberry) layer:
- Cut 5 ounces of strawberries and place them in a small saucepan with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Boil on medium-high heat, then simmer for 5 minutes. Blend until smooth, then add 1 tablespoon of lime juice and 1 ounce of ice cubes. Stir until the ice is melted and the mixture cools.
- Divide the puree among 6 popsicle molds, tapping them to remove air bubbles. Freeze for at least 1 hour and while that’s freezing, move on to the next layers.
2. White (lime) layer:
- Place 3 tablespoons of lime juice and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a liquid measuring cup and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add enough cold water to make 3/4 cup lime mixture.
3. Blue (blueberry) layer:
- Combine 6 ounces of blueberries, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a saucepan.
- Boil on medium heat, then simmer for 5 minutes. Blend until smooth, adding 1 tablespoon of lime juice. ° Chill until needed.
4. Combining the layers:
- When the red layer is completely solid, divide the white mixture evenly among the molds. Freeze until mostly frozen, about 45 minutes. Insert the popsicle sticks and freeze until completely solid, about 30 minutes.
- Divide the blue mixture evenly among the molds. Freeze until completely solid, at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, run lukewarm water over the outside of the molds so they release easily.
5. Enjoy.
Nutritional information:
• Calories: 85
• Total fat: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 2.1 mg
• Cholesterol: N/A
• Carbohydrates: 21.9 g
You will love this creative summertime treat.
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Keep the sneeze away year-round
If you suffer from allergies, you may think you only need to worry about flowers, pollen and pets. Did you know that dust mites are one of the most common allergy triggers? Dust mites are microscopic insect-like pests that are everywhere.
To reduce dust and dust mites follow these tips for the:
Air
- Don’t use window or attic fans, which bring pollen, mold spores and other allergens inside.
- Use air conditioning instead of opening windows.
- Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. This can help remove allergens and tobacco smoke from the air in your home.
Furniture and carpets
- Use dust-proof pillow and mattress covers made from a tight-weave fabric that keeps out dust and dust mites.
- Remove stuffed toys, wall hangings, books, knickknacks and artificial flowers.
- Avoid wool blankets and down quilts.
- Avoid carpet, rugs and upholstered furniture that collect dust.
- Occasionaly steam clean carpets.
Floors
- Damp-mop hard floors once a day.
- Dust and vacuum once or twice a week.
- Use a dry cloth to wipe hard surfaces such as countertops and tables weekly.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter or a double-thick bag.
- Wear a mask to avoid dust mites stirred up during cleaning.
- Keep humidity less than 50% in your home. Dust mites don’t do well in dry conditions.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
If you suffer from allergies, you may think you only need to worry about flowers, pollen and pets.
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Forgetfulness and aging: What’s normal and what’s not?
Everybody forgets things once in a while, but if you notice it happening more frequently, is it cause to worry? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there is growing evidence you can reduce the decline in cognitive skills, which include the process of remembering, reacting and understanding, with lifestyle habits such as:
- Regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate
- Formal education, at any stage of life, helps your mind
- Stop smoking
- A healthy diet, one low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables
- Plenty of sleep
- Involvement in social activities that are meaningful to you
- Activities that challenge your mind, like games, puzzles or a building project
What’s the difference between normal, age-related forgetfulness and a serious memory problem? There are signs to help determine the difference. Typical age-related changes include:
- Sometimes forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later.
- Sometimes having difficulty finding the right word.
- Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.
Signs to watch for that might go beyond the typical age-related changes include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life and repeating the same questions.
- Having trouble naming a familiar object, joining a conversation or repeating words.
- Placing items in unusual places or go so far as to accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.
If you, a family member or friend has problems remembering recent events or thinking clearly, talk with a doctor. He or she may suggest a thorough checkup to see what might be causing the symptoms.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Everybody forgets things once in a while, but if you notice it happening more frequently, is it cause to worry?
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Heart healthy chocolate pie
Ingredients:
13 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup coffee liqueur
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound silken tofu, drained
1 tablespoon honey
1 (9-inch) prepared chocolate wafer crust
Directions:
Place enough water in the bottom of a 4-quart saucepan to come 1 inch up the sides. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Melt the chocolate chips with the liqueur and vanilla in a medium metal bowl set over the simmering water, stirring often with a rubber or silicone spatula. Combine the tofu, chocolate mixture and honey in a blender or food processor and spin until smooth, about 1 minute.
Pour the filling into the crust and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until the filling sets firm.
Chocolate wafer crust
Ingredients:
• 6 1/2 ounces chocolate wafer cookies
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 ounces unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Nutrition facts:
• Calories 484
• Total Fat 24 g
• Sodium 363 mg
• Total Carbohydrates 62 g
• Fiber 1 g
• Sugar 14 g
• Protein 5 g
Find more recipes at genesishcs.org/eatwell.
Try this delicious and healthy option for homemade chocolate pie!
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