Livingston County Michigan Senior Nutrition

From the Nurse Assessor

What are colon polyps? - Colon polyps are small growths that develop in the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum) and protrude into the intestinal passage. Most polyps remain small
and never cause a problem. Occasionally, however, they grow large and may cause cramping and intestinal obstruction or develop into cancer.

As you age, your likelihood of having polyps increases. About 40% of people aged 60 and older have a polyp or will develop one. A person who has had polyps is apt to develop more. The risk is also increased among those who have inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of polyps or colorectal cancer. Polyps also tend to occur more often among current or former smokers, persons who are overweight, and those who regularly eat a lot of animal fat. High alcohol consumption (more than 2 drinks a day) may also raise the risk of developing colon polyps.

On the other hand, several lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk of polyps - for example, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and engaging in regular physical activity. Taking a daily aspirin (with your doctor's approval) and a calcium supplement also appears to be helpful.

Small polyps usually don't produce telltale signs or symptoms. Occasionally, blood in the stool or a mucous discharge may signal the presence of a polyp.

More often, polyps are discovered through sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy. If a polyp is detected, it may be removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Early detection is key. Even if some cancer cells are present, removal of the polyp at an early stage is usually all the treatment that's needed.

So, when your doctor suggests the colon test, don't be afraid to have it!

FOR YOUR FUNNYBONE!

Reasons the English language is so hard to learn:

1.) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2.) The farm was used to produce produce.
3.) He could lead if he would get the lead out!
4.) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
5.) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
6.) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
7.) They were too close to the door to close it.
8.) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
9.) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
10.) After a number of injections, my jaw got number.

There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet are meat. Quicksand works slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig! And why is it that writers write but
fingers don't fmg, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham?

Livingston County Senior Nutrition
9525 Highland Rd. - (old Hartland High School Building)
Howell, MI 48843
Phone 810.632.2155 Toll Free 888.886.8971 FAX 810.632.2105

Senior Nutrition - Email