By Kim Lane of Virginia Beach, VA.
November 2022 marked a one-year anniversary that nobody should have.
After a two-year hiatus from regular screenings, due to the pandemic and an insurance-related switch in physicians, I scheduled a routine pap smear in November 2021. It was obvious to my new obstetrician/gynecologist that something was unusual from the start. As she was collecting cells from my cervix for further examination, I began bleeding, and the bleeding would not stop.
This is the second part of a two-part story.
After some time being very private about my diagnosis, I have learned that it is healthy to talk about my experience. Perhaps that’s why I am still here– to help even just one other person stay positive through their cancer journey.
In the last 30 years cases of colon and rectal cancer have steadily increased in American adults under age 50. An uptick in the number of colorectal-related deaths in those 20-49 has also been recorded.
Hop into health with “cake” for breakfast
Spring is a great time to jumpstart your diet. Refresh your breakfast plate with a recipe full of fiber, protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid.
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Ingredients:
1 cup milk of choice (use nonfat, unsweetened soy or unsweetened almond)
½ cup rolled oats
1 tablespoon ground chia or 1 tbsp ground flaxseed 3 tablespoon finely grated carrots
½ teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste)
Most wounds heal on their own, but medical complications can hinder the process. Whether you have a laceration, ulcer or surgical wound, you can avoid infection and speed your recovery by keeping the site clean and covered.
If your wound continues to aggravate, or seems to be healing slowly, I recommend that you call your primary care provider. You should also seek medical care if you are experiencing any of the following:
If you have ever smoked, a lung cancer screening may be right for you.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends early lung cancer screening for all current and former smokers who:
If you know what to look for, a heart attack can signal its impending arrival. Certain symptoms may begin up to a few weeks in advance of a heart event. By keeping a close eye on your health, you can help prevent death, or life-altering damage, from a heart attack.
We often take our ability to heal for granted, but the science behind skin repair is actually quite complex. Wound healing involves the synchronization of many processes within the body. If one of those mechanisms is off, healing is impacted.
Sugar-sweetened sodas, coffees and teas are some of the biggest sources of added sugars and excess calories in the American diet. Tasty, zero-calorie fluids can help you to stay hydrated and substitute for unwanted calories and sugars.
If you are frequently rushing to the toilet, unable to hold your bowel movements, soiling yourself unexpectedly, or passing gas without notice, you have fecal incontinence.