Sky Lakes Medical Center | Live Smart | Spring 2019

Information in Live Smart comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2019 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. LIVE smart SPRING INTO BETTER HEALTH The American Cancer Society will display a giant inflatable colon at the 21st annual Sky Lakes community health fair. There also will be a wide array of displays and screenings beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at the Klamath County Fairgrounds. Details at SkyLakes.org/HealthFair . Stay cancer-free Four habits that could save your life No one likes to think about cancer. But giving it some thought could be a lifesaver—especially when it comes to colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), regular screenings and some lifestyle changes can help prevent colorectal cancer. Here are four things you can do to reduce your risk: Eat the right kind of diet. A diet high in red meat and processed meats can increase colorectal cancer risk. On the other hand, diets high in fruits and vegetables have been linked with decreased risk. The ACS recommends eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily, limiting consumption of red and processed meats, and choosing whole grains whenever possible. SkyLakes.org | LIVE smart 3 Watch your weight. Obesity increases the risk of colorectal cancer, so try to get to and then maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Your health care provider can help you set appropriate goals. 4 If you smoke, stop. Long-term smokers are more likely to develop colorectal cancer, says the ACS. Quit smoking—for good—and get started on a healthier path. WELLNESS Get adequate exercise. Physical inactivity can increase your chance of developing colorectal cancer—but getting a move on can reverse that risk. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week, says the ACS. Research indicates that spreading your activity throughout the day—brisk 10-minute walks during breaks, for instance—can achieve the same results. Remember to check with your physician before starting an exercise program. On the cover: A rock climber pushes off the bluffs overlooking the Williamson River, north of Klamath Falls. Photo courtesy of Stewart Decker, MD, a Klamath Falls family practice physician. 2 1 3 Smart Spring 2019 Rockon 7ways toboost your resilience P.4 Happy trails Enjoy theperksof outdoorexerciseP.6