TAC Health & Employee Benefits Pool

No one likes to talk about colon cancer. And that’s okay, as long as you take action. After all, colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. You can take steps to detect it early. Here are ways you can protect yourself.

The flyer Prevent, Treat and Beat Colon Cancer  provides key steps for members to protect their hearts everyday: 

Lower your risks. Stop smoking, lose weight if you need to, get plenty of exercise and eat foods rich in fiber. A healthy
lifestyle can help prevent cancer.

Know your family history. Find out if anyone in your family (parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers) have been diagnosed with colon cancer. If so, tell your doctor.

Watch for symptoms. Tell your doctor if you have cramping in your lower stomach, unexplained weight loss or a change in bowel habits. They can all be warning signs.

Get a colonoscopy. Talk with your doctor about when you should be screened and how often. Your age and family history will play a role in deciding what’s best for you.
 Heart disease includes several types of conditions. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease which affects blood flow to the heart, which can lead to heart attack. You can lower your risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke by understanding the risk factors and learning how to live a healthy lifestyle.