Mahaska Health Partnership Offers Healthy Colon Tips

Mahaska Health Partnership

Mahaska Health Partnership

MAHASKA COUNTY – Did you know there are actions you can take to help promote colon health? MHP General Surgeon Paul Riggs, MD, FACS, offers some tips on keeping your colon healthy.

According to the American Cancer Society, close to 100,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer every year. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women and usually starts as a growth or polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.

One of the best ways to protect your colon health is through regular screenings. “Colorectal cancer is usually slow-growing, which is why we recommend regular screenings to catch growths early,” Dr. Riggs explained. “Unless otherwise advised by your primary care provider, everyone should start getting screenings at least once per year, starting at age 50. We offer free fecal occult screenings each March at MHP, which are a great option and can be done in the comforts of your home.”

However, according to Dr. Riggs, there is much people can be doing between screenings to help keep their colon healthy and happy. “The colon is responsible for helping us digest food and retain the necessary nutrients our body needs to thrive. It’s important to assist our colons in their important job by eating a balanced diet and getting exercise. If waste gets trapped in the colon, there is risk of infection and abnormalities might develop.”

One key to regular digestion is a steady intake of fiber. “Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other fiber-packed foods help keep you regular, which promotes a healthy colon. Men need 38 grams of fiber per day until age 51, then they should aim for 30 grams. For women, 25 grams of fiber a day is good until age 51, then they need 21 grams.”

Along with more fiber, Dr. Riggs recommends limiting the amount of red meat, processed and high-fat foods you consume. “Two four-ounce servings of red meat per week is a good amount

to stick to if you’re trying to keep your colon healthy,” Dr. Riggs explained. “Don’t overdo it on the sugary foods and beverages and make sure to drink milk for calcium and vitamin D. All of these dietary practices can lower your risk of colorectal cancer while also helping to keep your weight in check.”

When it comes to alcohol consumption, moderation is best. “Try to stick to no more than two alcoholic beverages per day for men and one per day for women,” Dr. Riggs continued. “Also, quit smoking if at all possible and try to maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise of at least 30 minutes five days per week can also help ward off many diseases, including colon cancer.”

Though many people hesitate to schedule a colonoscopy for a number of reasons, Dr. Riggs encourages anyone with a family history of colorectal cancer or older than age 50 to begin regular screenings. “The procedure is painless and the prep work is not as scary as people make it out to be. Don’t let your nerves overcome the benefits of the best preventive measure you can take in the fight against colorectal cancer!”

General Surgeon Paul Riggs, MD, FACS, is an experienced, Board Certified Surgeon specializing in traditional, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgical treatments. Dr. Riggs commonly performs colonoscopies as well as operations on the gallbladder, colon and appendix. Dr. Riggs feels fortunate to serve in southeast Iowa, providing his surgical skills to patients needing treatment throughout the body’s torso, from the esophagus to the spleen. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Riggs, call 641.672.2455.

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.

Posted by on Sep 16 2016. Filed under Lifestyle, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Comments are closed

         

Search Archive

Search by Date
Search by Category
Search with Google
Log in | Copyright by Oskaloosa News