Monday, April 18, 2011

Health Tips for April 18

Health Tip: Managing Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis occurs when there's nerve and muscle damage that slows the process that empties the stomach.

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse suggests how to help manage gastroparesis:

  • By taking medication, including drugs that encourage the stomach muscles to contract.
  • By eating several small meals a day, in place of three big meals.
  • By eliminating foods high in fat and or fiber from your diet. Those ingredients can be tougher to digest.
  • In more severe cases, by sticking to a liquid or pureed diet.

Health Tip: Screening Early for Colorectal Cancer

The general rule is that most people don't need to be screened for colorectal cancer until the age of 50. But for some who meet certain criteria, earlier screening is recommended.

The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests you may be a candidate for earlier colorectal cancer screening if:

  • You have a previous history of polyps or colorectal cancer.
  • Other people in your family have had colorectal cancer or polyps.
  • You've had Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • You have an inherited colon cancer syndrome.
  • Your diet largely consists of foods that are high in fat and low in fiber.

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