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Wildfire smoke is impacting the air quality around Wisconsin. We've put together tips and resources to help you and your family stay healthy and safe.
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Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and women in the United States (American Cancer Society). It begins in the colon or rectum and often develops precancerous growths, called polyps, that can be detected and removed before they become cancerous.

Early detection saves lives. Keep reading to learn why colorectal cancer screening is important, what screening options are available and the steps you can take to lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Who Can Get Colorectal Cancer?

Anyone can develop colorectal cancer, but some people have a higher risk than others. While the risk increases with age, colorectal cancer is being diagnosed more frequently in younger adults, making awareness and screening especially important.

Certain health conditions and factors can increase your risk, including:

If you have any of these risk factors, talk with your health care provider about when and how often you should be screened.

Why is Screening Important?

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers through regular screening. It often develops without symptoms in its early stages. Screening can detect precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer and can identify cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

Most adults at average risk should begin screening at age 45 and continue through age 75, based on their provider’s recommended intervals. People with increased risk factors may need to start screening earlier.

What Screening Options Are There?

There are several effective screening methods available. Talk with your health care provider to determine which option would be the best fit for you.

  1. Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy allows a health care provider to examine the entire colon and rectum using a thin, flexible tube with a camera. Prior to the procedure, you will need to drink a bowel prep solution to clear the colon of stool. During the procedure, polyps can be removed, helping prevent cancer from developing. For people at average risk, a colonoscopy is usually recommended every 10 years. If polyps are found, more frequent screenings may be needed.
  2. Stool-Based Tests: Stool-based tests are convenient, non-invasive screening options that can often be completed at home. These tests check blood or abnormal DNA in the stool that may indicate colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps. The currently recommended test type is needed every three years. If a stool-based test returns a positive result for blood or abnormal DNA in your stool, a follow-up colonoscopy is needed to complete the screening process. A positive stool-based test can suggest the possible presence of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps, but it does not confirm a cancer diagnosis.
  3. Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonography): A virtual colonoscopy uses specialized CT imaging to create detailed pictures of the colon and rectum. Prior to the procedure, you will need to drink a bowel prep solution to clear the colon of stool. This screening option is typically recommended every five years for eligible individuals. If abnormalities are found, a traditional colonoscopy is required for further evaluation and usually available on the same day.

Tips for Preventing Colorectal Cancer

While not all cases of colorectal cancer can be prevented, many are linked to lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, poor nutrition, excess body weight, tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk.

Consider these steps:

Take Action Today

Screening saves lives. If you are 45 or older or have increased risk factors, talk with your primary care provider about colorectal cancer screening. Choosing a screening test and staying up to date with recommended screenings can help detect problems early, when they are most treatable.

GHC-SCW is committed to providing preventive health services. Learn more about our offerings on our website:

Additional Resources:

Summer heat calls for nutritious foods to fuel your outdoor activities. 

With warmer temperatures and time spent in the sun, it’s important to focus on the food that fuels our bodies to help us stay cool, hydrated and energized. Foods high in nutrients, water and protein protect your immune system, keep you hydrated and support your energy levels as you’re spending more time outside. Making small changes to your meals and snacks can help you stay healthy all summer long. 

Read the tips below for a healthy, energy-filled summer. 

Drink lots of water.

If you are active outdoors or sitting in the sun, it’s important to stay hydrated. You lose more water through sweat, so be sure to drink water before, during and after outside activities. Aim to drink 8 to 10 glasses per day if you are active. If you begin feeling thirsty, tired or dizzy, it may be a sign that you need more fluids.  

Add electrolytes to your water. Electrolytes, are minerals in your body and supplements you can take that carry an electrical charge through your body that help maintain fluid balance in the body, nerve function and muscle contraction. Adding electrolyte packets to water or adding beverages such as Gatorade helps avoid muscle cramps, fatigue and dehydration. 

Add hydrating fruits and vegetables to your meals.

Simple fruits and veggies rich in water and nutrients, such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers and tomatoes, can make meals extra hydrating. Add them as a side dish or healthy snack or find recipes that include them in the main dish. 

Eat lighter, cooler meals.

Avoid hot meals in the summer, especially when you spend a lot of time out in the heat. Avoid meals that might make you sluggish, such as deep-fried, greasy or super sugary foods. Instead, add in “lighter” dishes such as salads, sandwiches, lean, grilled protein and smoothies. These foods can help you feel energized without weighing you down during hot summer days. 

Avoid dehydration triggers.

Food and beverages such as sugary drinks, energy drinks, high-sodium foods and overly spicy food can make you dehydrated. Try to limit these when spending a lot of time outdoors. If you choose to have these on hot days, be sure to balance them with plenty of water throughout the day. 

Plan ahead.

If you’re spending all day outside doing activities such as hiking, biking, swimming or spending time in the sun, be sure to pack healthy snacks such as trail mix, fruits and vegetables, yogurt or granola bars. Be sure to bring water wherever you go. 

Eating well and staying hydrated can help you safely enjoy everything summer has to offer. Instead of changing your plans because of the heat, add these healthy habits into your day to help you stay cool, energized and hydrated.

Summer is when we can enjoy the warmth of the sunshine on lazy, hazy days. But what happens when the air gets a little too hazy? You may have recently noticed less visibility in the air, along with warnings about air quality issues from local meteorologists and on your weather app.

 

What causes air quality issues? Common sources of air quality problems are pollution, including, as we’ve seen more recently, smoke from wildfires, such as in Canada or the western United States. Breathing in this type of air is dangerous, as it can contain harmful substances that can negatively affect our bodies. People at the greatest risk for health problems during this time are older adults, pregnant persons, infants and children and individuals with lung or heart issues.

 

When there are problems with the air quality in your area, you may notice yourself coughing more, having trouble breathing or having a scratchy throat. Your eyes might sting or water due to the smoke in the air. Experiencing these physical symptoms due to poor air quality raises an important question: How can you stay informed and monitor the air quality in your area? There are many resources you can use to check the local air quality, including visiting airnow.gov. You can also sign up for air quality alerts from the Wisconsin DNR.

 

If an air quality alert is issued for your location, there are steps you can take to keep yourself healthy and safe. Avoid going outdoors, especially at peak negative air quality levels. Make sure all the windows and doors are closed. Have an air purifier running in your home to filter out the harmful substances in the air. Avoid exercising outdoors, as breathing in smoky air during physical activity can put additional strain on your body.

 

But what can you do to protect yourself if you need to be outside, such as for work or running necessary errands? You can wear a KN95 or N95 mask to protect against breathing harmful particles in the air. If you are driving, ensure your climate settings are on recirculating air, not the fresh air setting, as this will prevent more problematic air from being pulled into your vehicle.

 

We can’t stop the Canadian wildfires, but we can improve air quality with these tips below:

 

While we may not have control over the air quality in our area, prioritizing our health and taking proactive measures during periods of poor air quality is essential. By staying informed about air quality updates and following guidelines, we can make informed decisions and minimize our exposure to harmful substances in the air.