Page 3 - Hobe Sound Reflections - March '25

Hobe Sound, Page 3

Cleveland CliniC Martin HealtH news

Colon Cancer Screenings – at 45. The current recommendation is mainly for average-risk • A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
And for most people, the colon cancer screening age starts
• Having a hereditary cancer syndrome like Lynch syndrome
When To Start individuals, meaning those who don’t have a family history or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
of colorectal cancer or symptoms. With colorectal cancer, • Your race or ethnic background
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer there are a number of risk factors. Some can be reduced while • Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes
is the third most common cancer in the U.S. others are beyond your control. If you have a strong family history of colorectal cancer,
While the number of overall colorectal cancer-related Risk factors that you can manage include: inflammatory bowel disease or a hereditary cancer syndrome,
deaths has actually been dropping for several decades thanks • Being overweight you’d be considered higher risk and might need to be screened
to more people getting regular colon cancer screenings and • Not exercising regularly before the age of 45.
advances in treatments, colorectal cancer for people under • Too much red or processed meats in your diet Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer
50 has been increasing. Why? Researchers aren’t sure and • Not enough vitamin D in your diet is about 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women. The hope is
are investigating. • Smoking that these newer guidelines will increase screenings and help
So, when should you get a colonoscopy? • Heavy alcohol use identify health issues before they become severe, allowing
Since 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an You should watch out for rectal bleeding, changes in for more effective treatment and better outcomes.
independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention bowel movements (meaning going from having frequent ones You may be able to schedule a colonoscopy at Cleveland
and evidence-based medicine, recommends that colorectal to being constipated or having diarrhea), abdominal pain and Clinic in Stuart or Port St. Lucie without an office visit. Visit
cancer screenings start at age 45, as compared to the prior weight loss. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Colonoscopy to learn more.
recommendation of age 50. a healthcare provider immediately for a diagnosis.
A colonoscopy screening doesn’t only detect cancer but What About People Who Are At Higher Risk Of Colon
it can also help prevent cancer by finding polyps that can be Cancer?
removed before they have a chance to turn into cancer. What makes you high risk? Risk factors that are beyond
At What Age Should You Get Your First Colonoscopy? your control include:
What exactly is a colonoscopy? • Being older
During the procedure, healthcare providers use a flexible • A history of colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer or
camera to look inside your colon and rectum. inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

VIM Gala from page 1 with excitement and joy. Their support makes a lasting County residents. Volunteers in Medicine Clinic is located
impact on the health and well-being of our community, at 417 S.E. Balboa Avenue in Stuart. For more information,
Travis, a patient at the clinic, highlighted how the and for that, we are deeply grateful.” please call (772) 463-4128 or visit Volunteers in Medicine
clinic has impacted his life and the lives of many others Thanks to the generous supporters of this event, VIM Clinic online at www.vimclinic.net.
in the community. His story reminds us that every Clinic can continue to give the gift of health, ensuring that all
contribution at VIM eligible Martin County residents receive the highest quality
makes a real, personal of compassionate care.
impact. About VIM Clinic
Ninety-eight percent Since 1995 Volunteers in Medicine Clinic has been
of all funds raised go providing free health care to qualified, uninsured Martin
directly to patient
services. That’s possible
because VIM Clinic
is staffed primarily
by volunteers and
receives support from Renee and Mike Ciferri
community partners
such as Cleveland
Clinic Martin Health
which donates nearly
$4 million worth of lab
tests and other services.
Executive Director Mark and Donna Cocorullo Nicole and Brandon Clark
Mary Fields shared,
“Our guests truly
embraced this year’s
theme, filling the night Kathy and Gary McClain Ron and Debbie Duell with Ann MacMillan and Bob Massey

EVERY SUNDAY | FLAGLER PARK
9AM-2PM

Live Music

Fresh Local Produce

Artisanal Foods Bob Truckenmiller and Judi
Unique Handcrafted Goods Powell Ruth and Bob Cea

Monthy FREE Yoga

& Wellness Activities

Kids Market - Every 3rd Sunday

SCAN TO
LEARN
MORE Operated by Stuart Main Street Nick and Dee Blount, Cindi Hobbs-deMoya, Wayne Klick,
Marlene Filer and Ralph Davino

A market for growers, crafters, artists & other creators