March is National Nutrition Month (NNM)
NNM is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. In addition, National Nutrition Month promotes the Academy and its members to the public and the media as the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically-based food and nutrition information.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Day, also celebrated in March, increases awareness of registered dietitian nutritionists as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and recognizes RDNs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives. Marshall County Health Department has 4 Registered Dietitians on staff who meet the needs of the community with a variety of services. For more information on these services, call 270-527-1496.
2016 NNM Theme
The theme for 2016 is “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right,” which encourages everyone to take time to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, great flavors and social experiences food can add to our lives. How, when, why and where we eat are just as important as what we eat. Develop a mindful eating pattern that includes nutritious and flavorful foods — that’s the best way to savor the flavor of eating right!
Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated — simply begin to shift to healthier food and beverage choices. These recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans can help get you started.
- Emphasize fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products.
- Include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts.
- Make sure your diet is low in saturated fats, trans fats, salt (sodium) and added sugars.
Make Your Calories Count
Think nutrient rich rather than “good” or “bad” foods. The majority of your food choices should be packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients, and lower in calories. Making smart food choices can help you stay healthy, manage your weight and be physically active.
Focus on Variety
Eat a variety of foods from all the food groups to get the nutrients your body needs. Fruits and vegetables can be fresh, frozen or canned. Eat more dark green vegetables such as leafy greens and broccoli and orange vegetables including carrots and sweet potatoes. Vary your protein choices with more fish, beans and peas. Eat at least 3 ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice or pasta every day.
Know Your Fats
Look for foods low in saturated fats and trans fats to help reduce your risk of heart disease. Most of the fats you eat should be monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils. Check the Nutrition Facts Panel on food labels for total fat and saturated fat.
Source www.eatright.org
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that this year 136,830 people will be diagnosed and 50,310 will die from this disease. On average, the lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about one in 20 (5%), however, this varies widely according to individual risk factors. About 72% of cases arise in the colon and about 28% in the rectum.
With regular screening, colon cancer can be found early, when treatment is most effective. In many cases, screening can prevent colon cancer by finding and removing polyps before they become cancer. And if cancer is present, earlier detection means a chance at a longer life. Generally, the more advanced colon cancer is at detection, the lower the five-year survival rates are.
Since the mid-1980s, the colon cancer survival rate has been increasing, due in part to increased awareness and screening. By finding polyps and cancer in the earlier stages, it is easiest to treat. Improved treatment options have also contributed to a rise in survival rates.
Research has shown people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop colon cancer. Although no one knows the exact cause of colon cancer, we do know this disease is not contagious.
Pay particular attention to these factors that may increase your risk:
Age over 50: Colon cancer becomes more common as people get older. In fact, more than 90% of people with this disease are diagnosed after age 50. The average age at diagnosis is 72.
Family history of polyps: If you or a family member has a history of polyps, you should be screened more frequently as this puts you at a higher risk for colon cancer.
Family history of colon cancer: First degree relatives (parents, brothers, sisters or children) of a person with a history of colon cancer are more likely to develop this disease, especially if the relative was diagnosed at a young age. If many close relatives have a history of colon cancer, the risk is even greater.
Genetic alterations: Changes in certain genes increase the risk of colon cancer.
Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease: If you have a condition that causes inflammation of the colon (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), you may be at increased risk of developing colon cancer.
Personal history of cancer: If you have already had colon cancer, you may be at increased risk for developing the disease a second time. Also, women with a history of ovarian, breast or uterine cancer are at a somewhat higher risk of developing colon cancer.
Diet and Lifestyle: Studies suggest that diets high in red meat and fat (especially animal fat) and low in calcium, folate and fiber may increase risk of colon cancer. Also, some studies suggest people who eat a diet very low in fruits and vegetables may have a higher risk of colon cancer. However, results from diet studies do not always agree, and more research is needed to better understand how diet affects the risk of colon cancer. Inactivity and obesity have also been linked to higher risk of colon cancer. Studies have shown that daily physical activity can decrease colon cancer risk by as much as 50 percent.
Cigarette smoking: A person who smokes cigarettes may be at increased risk of developing polyps and colon cancer.
Because people who have colon cancer are at an increased risk of developing the disease again, it is important to have regular checkups. It is also important to talk to your family about their increased risk and screening.
Symptoms
Colon cancer first develops with few, if any, symptoms. Be proactive and talk to your doctor. If symptoms are present, they may include:
A change in bowel habits: Including diarrhea, constipation, a change in the consistency of your stool or finding your stools are narrower than usual
Persistent abdominal discomfort: Such as cramps, gas, or pain and/or feeling full, bloated or that your bowel does not empty completely
Rectal bleeding: Finding blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool
Weakness or fatigue: Can also accompany losing weight for no known reason, nausea or vomiting
These symptoms can also be associated with many other health conditions. Only a medical professional can determine the cause of your symptoms. Early signs of cancer often do not include pain. It is important not to wait before seeing a doctor. Early detection can save your life.
Remember, the most common symptom is NO symptom, which is why we call it the silent killer.
Annually on the first Friday of March, the entire colon cancer community nationwide unites around the color BLUE! Similar to breast cancer’s pink ribbon, the nationally-recognized blue star represents the eternal memory of the people whose lives have been lost to the disease and the shining hope for a future free of colon cancer. Dress in Blue Day is March 4, 2016. Show your support by dressing in BLUE!
Source www.ccalliance.org