Protect Your Gut This March

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Protect Your Gut: What You Need to Know About Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer, often referred to as colon cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. While the recommended age to start colon cancer screenings is 45, there has been a concerning surge in cases among young people. Detecting the early stages of colon cancer poses a unique challenge since many people do not experience symptoms, underscoring the critical importance of pursuing screening options. For those who identify cancer early and undergo appropriate treatment, around 9 out of 10 individuals survive five years later. Explore the signs and risk factors outlined below to stay informed.

» Understanding Colorectal Cancer: Like other cancers, colorectal cancer arises when cells in the colon (large intestine) or rectum grow uncontrollably. The development of abnormal growths called polyps in the colon can, over time, transform into cancer.

» Common Symptoms: indicators of colon cancer include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, diarrhea, constipation, a sensation of incomplete bowel emptying, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal pain, aches, or persistent cramps.

» Risk Factors: Several factors contribute to the risk of colorectal cancer, including aging, inflammatory bowel disease, a family history of colon cancer, and certain genetic syndromes.

Reducing Your Risk:

» Routine Screening: The most important action you can take is to undergo regular screening for precancerous polyps in the colon. The most common forms include a fecal occult blood test sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and DNA stool test.

» Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Ongoing research is exploring a possible correlation between diet and colon cancer. Some studies indicate that lifestyle choices such as increased physical activity, reduced alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco can potentially decrease the risk of developing colon cancer.

Click Here to Schedule a Colon Cancer Screening

WFHC Team Member of the Month: Emely Rodriguez

Congratulations to Emely Rodriguez, who was voted team member of the month for her outstanding performance as a Patient Care Coordinator.

Beginning as a WFHC patient herself, Emely takes the utmost care in advocating for patients' needs, understanding the importance of “providing them with unwavering support.” Whether she is navigating the intricacies of insurance or processing specialist referrals, Emely finds fulfillment in helping patients get the diagnosis and care they need.

“Knowing that your daily efforts contribute to the overall health and well-being of individuals and the community provides a profound sense of purpose. It is a powerful motivator and source of job satisfaction.”

Emely is better able to serve patients due to the collaborative spirit at WFHC.

“Collaboration is at the heart of healthcare. I am continually inspired by the dedication of our team members and the positive impact we collectively make on the well-being of our patients.”

Message from Debra Farmer, WFHC President & CEO

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” - William James, Philosopher and Father of American Psychology

This is a simple yet powerful thought. We often think that what we do in our everyday lives is insignificant. Many of us believe we must do remarkable things to make a difference, but we don’t. Practically everything we do makes a difference in our lives and someone else’s. There is an Emily Dickinson poem that means a lot to me, in fact, I’d like to think it has inspired me to do for others.

If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain.

If I can ease one life the aching or cool one pain, or help the fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not have lived in vain.

What we do doesn’t have to be all grand gestures. Small gestures and small kindnesses make a difference in lives. Every day practice a random act of kindness. It makes a difference.

Breathe,

Deb Farmer

Senior Oral Health Spotlight

Did you know that by 2030, the number of adults aged 65 or older in the U.S. is projected to comprise 20% of the total population? As the senior population continues to grow, so does the need for oral healthcare targeted to the unique challenges older adults encounter. Unfortunately, many seniors encounter obstacles in accessing quality dental care including being homebound, institutionalized, or lacking insurance. Additionally, those who rely on Medicare do not get coverage for routine dental care. This highlights the vital role played by accessible low-cost clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers like WFHC.

At WFHC, we recognize the imperative of prioritizing the oral health of seniors as a fundamental aspect of advancing health equity. Aging brings unique challenges, and seniors are more likely to grapple with untreated tooth decay, which not only weakens the immune system but also elevates the risk of heart disease and exacerbates existing health conditions. Shockingly, 68% of adults over 65 experience gum disease, and nearly 1 in 5 have lost all their teeth. It is crucial to address these issues proactively to prevent severe health complications, including oral cancer.

Our commitment to senior oral health goes beyond routine check-ups. We believe in empowering seniors with knowledge and resources to effectively maintain oral hygiene. Regular dental visits, combined with proper oral care practices such as thorough flossing and brushing, are essential components of preventing dental issues and promoting overall well-being.

Schedule Your Dental Visit Now

Health Equity Through Language Accessibility

One key aspect in combating social determinants of health is language accessibility. At WFHC we offer translation services in the following 11 languages- Spanish, Armenian, Cantonese, Farsi, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Punjabi, Tagalog, Thai, and Urdu. Please let us know if you will need interpretation services (other than Spanish) when you make your appointment.