Rise in Colon Cancer in Young Adults

Colon cancer is something we think of as prevalent in older individuals but in fact it is reported that colon cancer has a new face. The numbers have be on the decline in 50+ population and on an increase in the 20-49 age group. There are several suspected reason for seeing this increase in numbers, an inactive lifestyle, dietary factors and obesity which all are something which can all be modified.
There have been no new protocols for colonoscopy screening of younger individuals to date. However, it is important to note, if you are in the that age group and experiencing symptoms it is worth discussing this with your medical practitioner. Things that should be worth contacting your practitioner about are

• A persistent change in your bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
• Visible blood in your stool or rectal bleeding
• Persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas or pain)
• Lower abdominal fullness giving the feeling that bowel isn't emptying completely
• Unintentional weight loss

The important thing is to know your body, become comfortable with talking to your practitioner about this sensitive topic and making those lifestyle changes which can reduce your risk of not only colon cancer (eating to prevent colorectal cancer) but many other chronic health conditions. 

Not All Juicers Are the Same

It seems like almost everybody is talking about JUICING these days. I am certain as the New Year approaches and folks are about to embark on that New Year's resolution of weight loss the juicing machine will be a top item on the Christmas wish list. But before you make that final plunge to buy, you may want to do some research. Check out "What To Know Before You Buy A Juicer" to help make sure the machine will do what you desire for your new healthier living lifestyle plan.

Keep the Stress Levels Down During The Holiday

Stress is the body’s reaction to life events or physical threats which cause the arousal of the adrenal system which triggers changes in the body. In small doses, stress can be positive, motivating us to  give our best and stay focused. When demands exceed our ability to cope, stress creates a state that can become a threat to both our physical and emotional well-being. Stress not properly managed can lead to distress, where you begin to see some physical manifestations (body aches and pain, high blood pressure, and even heart attacks) .
Stress is like a crack in the foundation, what begins as something small, if ignored, can cause the whole building to collapse. The key to getting a handle on this is to be aware of process, the sources and effectively control.
One huge stressor for many is the holiday season. There always seem so much to do with very little time. Shopping, mailing of cards and gifts, a visit of family and friends are just a few that comes to mind. For some interesting suggestions to cut down on holiday stress, take time to read Margy Squires article "Holiday Nothing to Stress About" which I hope will help you all have a happy and healthier holiday season.