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Homeempowering women

Women’s Health

Staying healthy and well is one of the most important things women can do for themselves and for their loved ones, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some ways women can put their health first:

 

Stay Active

Regular exercise can help women boost their mood, maintain a healthy weight, and improve sleep. It also lowers risk for heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Women should speak with their doctor about what type of exercise is right for them.

Eat Healthy
Eating healthy can help women improve their health and prevent diseases. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Avoid having too much sodium, sugar, cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats.
Get Regular Checkups
Regular checkups and wellness exams help women increase their chances of living a longer, healthier life. Women should check with their primary care provider about the care and screenings they need, and whether they should schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment.

Follow Recommended Screenings

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Maintain Healthy Levels
A well-rounded diet and regular exercise can help keep women’s blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar at healthy levels. Women should talk to their primary care provider or heart specialist about safely reducing their risk and setting goals for a healthier heart.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking or using tobacco products greatly increases women’s risk of heart disease. Women who want to quit should speak to their primary care provider for help and to see if there are medications or nicotine replacement products that are right for them. Non-smokers who have high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol also have a greater risk of developing heart disease when they’re exposed to secondhand smoke.

More on Women's Health


March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
3/1/2024 • Posted by Dr. Alan J. Wieder, Fidelis Care Medical Director and Internist

Colorectal cancer awareness month

Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Almost 3,000 New Yorkers die from the disease every year. The risk is higher after age 50.

Screening is important and can save lives. When found early, treatment is more likely to be successful. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about colorectal cancer and screening tests.

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

There are often no signs of colorectal cancer at first. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

  • A change in bowel habits
  • Blood in your bowel movements
  • Diarrhea and/or constipation
  • Pain, aches, or cramps in the abdominal area
  • Unintentional weight loss

When should I get screened?

Early detection and removal of colorectal polyps can decrease the risk of developing cancer. Most individuals should get screened for colorectal cancer regularly, starting at age 45. Your provider may recommend that you get tested earlier than 45, or more often, if you have any of these risk factors:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  • A personal or family history of colorectal cancer
  • Certain genetic conditions, such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
  • Lifestyle factors, such as:
    • Lack of exercise
    • Diets low in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
    • Diets high in fat
    • Obesity (overweight)
    • Alcohol consumption
    • Smoking
       

What types of tests are used to screen for colorectal cancer?

Tests are used to screen for different types of cancer when a person does not have symptoms. Your PCP may suggest one of the following tests to screen for colorectal cancer:

  • Fecal occult blood test, which checks for hidden blood in stool. 
  • Sigmoidoscopy, which looks at the lower part of your colon or large intestine.
  • Colonoscopy, a test that looks at the inside of the large bowel (colon).
  • Virtual colonoscopy, which uses special X-rays to look at the colon.
  • DNA stool test, which uses a stool sample to look for signs of colorectal cancer.

Ask your PCP about which test is right for you, and any other screenings you may need.

Sources

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20colorectal,men%20and%20women%20are%20combined.

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/what-is-colorectal-cancer.htm

https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/colorectal-screening-pdq#_13

https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/colorectal-cancer-awareness-month/

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