BLOG 497 COLONOSCOPY

BLOG 497 COLONOSCOPY

The dreaded colonoscopy that makes its way into life as we age. The colon is a key player in our digestive tract that helps remove stool and keep our fluids and electrolytes balanced. This examination of the large intestine (colon) and rectum is used to look for changes/alterations in the body that possibly have developed/evolved with age. These changes could be cancer related; therefore, the American Cancer Association (ACS) recommends having a colonoscopy beginning at age 45 and then every 10 years after.

There’s good reason to be proactive and have this screening done. The major reason is to check for colon cancer. Another major reason is to look at the intestines, especially if the person has been experiencing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or other digestion issues. If a person has had polyps, a colonoscopy can be useful for monitoring these and checking on changes. Polyps are a clump of cells that develop on the lining of the colon. They’re usually harmless but can turn into cancer.

The preparation for this procedure is what most people don’t look forward to. The preparation takes place the day before the exam and that means not eating sold foods, just having a liquid diet. A doctor will also recommend taking a laxative in large volume either as a pill or more commonly, in liquid form. Depending on what medications you take, you may also have to pause them the day/night before. When a colonoscopy is done, usually the person is put under sedation or anesthesia and/or given pain medication to help with discomfort. When the procedure is done, a colonoscope is put into the rectum and is long enough to reach the colon. The scope has a light, and the doctor can pump water, air, and carbon dioxide into the colon. This inflates the colon so the doctor can see into the area better. The scope also has a tiny video camera at the tip so the doctor can examine further. The doctor can also insert tools on the scope to take tissue for biopsy.

Overall, the exam takes about an hour. You do need a ride home after because of the sedation. Feeling bloated or having gas after is normal. Sometimes the first bowel movement after can have some traces of blood. The doctor will then review the results A negative result means the colonoscopy won’t need to be repeated for another 10 years unless otherwise advised. However, a positive result could mean the doctor found polyps or abnormal tissue. In more detail, if a doctor finds one or two polyps that are less than 0.4 inch (1 centimeter) in diameter, they might recommend a repeat. The doctor might recommend a colonoscopy sooner if more than two polyps are found, a very large polyp larger than 0.4-inch, differing structures/characteristics with the polyps that pose health risks, and most certainly if there are cancerous polyps.

Having a colonoscopy is a proactive approach to health. Being reactive can sometimes be too late. A day or two of discomfort is worth experiencing versus a cancer diagnosis. Ongoing digestive issues are disruptive to daily life. Getting older has its cons, but we can ease the process by being more aware and involved with what are bodies need from us.

BLOG 496 CAKES

BLOG 496 CAKES

Celebrations call for cake being served. Gatherings usually have food and dessert often includes cake. Indulging in cake every now and then and sticking to one moderate portion-sized slice won’t take too much of a toll on your waistline. Some types of cakes do less damage than others. That might mean less shame as well. Baking is a creative activity and between icing, coloring, and design, cakes can be a masterpiece of their own. So which cakes are better diet-wise than others. Here’s the slice on this……

Healthier Cakes

Strawberry shortcake – If you use egg whites and less sugar, one slice is about 250 calories.

Flourless chocolate cake – This may not sound appealing, but one slice is about 150 calories and is gluten free and paleo.

Protein mug cake – This single serving concept is a great way to get your protein in. Add banana, protein powder, cinnamon, and egg whites, and in 250 calories you will fulfill your taste buds.

Unhealthier Cakes

Carrot cake: Even though it has vegetables in it, being healthy is not its forte. There are nuts too. However, carrot cake can have anywhere from 300 to 600 calories per slice plus lots of sugar and lots of fat.

Cheesecake – No kidding one slice can have up to 1,000 calories depending on type and where you get it from.

Red velvet cake – It has a lot of sugar and fat because of the icing and there is a lot of artificial coloring in it. One slice can have nearly 500 calories.

Pineapple upside down cake – Just because it has a fruit in its name doesn’t mean it is healthy. One slice can have 350 calories.

Swapping out certain ingredients for healthier options is one way to keep cake within reason. You can use yogurt, egg whites, and of course less sugar or add whole fruits for sweetness. A lot of us don’t ask questions when cake in on the table. We let our will power falter and then say it’s only one slice before we pick a little frosting off another piece. If it isn’t cake, well then, it’s cookies, cupcakes, or ice cream. Life is sweet and cake just makes it feel even sweeter.