March 2002 edition
FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Now that March is here, I am looking forward to warm weather and fun outdoor activities. The winter Olympics certainly inspired me to get out and be active! Spring is officially in the air, not to mention pollen and other allergens. But this doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying warm weather. Here in Washington DC, we especially look forward to March because it means that our cherry blossoms will soon bloom, providing a beautiful display of white and pink flowers around the Tidal Basin which houses the Jefferson Memorial. Remember that complete avoidance of pollen is not necessary to enjoy beautiful weather. Simply watch for when pollen levels are at their highest. The following publication from the National Institute on Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) provides helpful tips on dealing with pollen and other airborne allergens (http://www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/allergens/title.htm).
Spring is also the time to load up on freshly picked fruits and vegetables. Researchers are now looking into the relationship between the reduced risk of colorectal cancer and high-fiber foods. You can find exciting new high-fiber, low-fat recipes below in our "Cooking Healthy is Easy" section, just in time for National Nutrition Month®. This initiative, sponsored by the National Dietetic Association (www.eatright.org), focuses on the importance of making healthy food choices and physical activity a part of your life. The National Cancer Institute also provides additional information on nutrition through their "5 A Day" Campaign (http://www.5aday.gov). Finding fresh fruits and vegetables isn’t difficult, and you can include your whole family by making it a habit to go to your weekly farmer’s market, and let each member of your family pick out a fruit or vegetable.
Springtime is also time to implement more caution on the road. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated March 17th this year, which is a time that we should all take steps to prevent drunk driving. Should someone you know drink more than she or he can handle, and become unable to drive home, contact your local taxicab company to find out about organized free rides, and be sure to take their keys from them.
We seem to be getting a head start on spring this year, which is giving us all an early opportunity to prepare for bathing suit season, wearing a tank top, or just feeling good about ourselves. You can take advantage of this weather by taking a walk on your lunch break, or before you go to work – this will help you stay energized all day.
Carol Krause
Director of Communications, Office on Women's Health, DHHS
MARCH NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES
Mental Retardation Awareness Month
National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
National Eye Donor Month
National Kidney Month
National Nutrition Month
Workplace Eye Health & Safety Month
Save Your Vision Week (3-9)
National School Breakfast Week (4-8)
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week (8-16)
Brain Awareness Week (11-17)
National Poison Prevention Week (17-23)
National Inhalants & Poisons Awareness Week (17-23)
World Tuberculosis Day (24)
American Diabetes Alert (27)
IMPORTANT NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
2002 DAYBOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON CD-ROM - Looking to order the "Women Living Long, Living Well 2002 Daybook" in bulk for your organization, clients or an upcoming health fair? Did you know the 2002 Women’s Health Daybook is available on a free CD-ROM to be mass-produced by a commercial printing facility?
You would raise awareness of monthly health events, provide an excellent incentive for patients attending health screenings and health fairs, as well as receive credit for sponsoring the 2002 Women’s Health Daybook. Please note that the CD-ROM is a professional print document, and cannot be printed from office printers. To print the daybook from your home or office computer, please go to the following URL: http://www.4woman.gov/faq/2002Daybook.pdf.
To learn more about this offer please call our information center at: 1-800-994-9662.This year, Women’s Health Week is celebrated the week of Mother’s Day (May 12th-18th). Look for a listing of National Women’s Health Week (May 12th -18th ) activities on the www.4woman.gov web site. Women’s Health Week is a national initiative, supported by an alliance of women’s health organizations in an effort to raise awareness of basic preventative steps women, can take and incorporate into their everyday lives.
Do you write for a nationally respected newsletter or magazine? The National Women’s Health Information Center is looking to place a previously published article on our web site, accompanied by a photo of the author each month in our monthly "Guest Editor" feature, which will be placed front and center on the NWHIC home page (http://www.4woman.gov/editor/index.htm).
The benefits of this include exceptional web site visibility, as well as a link to the author’s home page from our site. Anyone interested may contact us on our toll-free information line at: 1-800-994-9662, or visit our web page (http://www.4woman.gov/editor/proginfo.htm) for application materials and instructions.- Endometriosis Pelvic Pain Relief Study
The National Institutes of Health invites women with endometriosis to take part in a pain relief study of the drug Raloxifene (EvistaT). Call 1-800-411-1222 (TTY# 1-866-411-1010). Learn more by going to the following URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/w1b/show/NCT00001848?order=1&JServSes
MARCH FEATURED HEALTH ARTICLE
Frequently Asked Questions - Colorectal Cancer
What is colorectal cancer, or cancer of the colon or rectum?
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. The colon and the rectum are part of the body's digestive system, which removes nutrients from food and stores waste until it passes out of the body. The colon and rectum form an almost 7 foot long muscular tube called the large intestine (also called the large bowel).
Most types of colorectal cancer begin with polyps (or grape-like growths on the lining of the colon and rectum). Polyps are very common in people over age 50 and usually are benign (not cancerous). But some polyps do develop slowly over the years into cancer, often causing no symptoms. Screening tests can find polyps that can be removed, preventing cancer. Screening tests can also pick up colorectal cancer at an early stage, when it can be cured.
Why should I worry about colorectal cancer - I thought it affects mostly men?
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States for both men and women. It is found most often in people aged 50 and older. It is a myth that this cancer affects mostly men. Women get colorectal cancer as often as men do (about a 1 in 20 chance).
Colorectal cancer is sometimes called a silent killer. This is because a person can have no symptoms at all at the start of the illness. As the cancer worsens, symptoms start to appear. The good news is that this cancer, if caught early, can be treated and often cured. The even better news is that it can be prevented with screening tests and a healthy lifestyle.
Who is at risk for colorectal cancer? What causes it?
No one knows for sure what causes colorectal cancer. But there are certain risk factors that can increase a person's chances of getting or dying from this type of cancer:
Ethnicity/Race - People of African-American and Hispanic descent are often diagnosed at a later stage of disease and have a higher death rate.
Age - People over the age of 50 tend to get this cancer more often than younger persons do. But, it can happen at any age.
Diet - Colorectal cancer appears to be linked to diets high in fat and calories and low in fiber. Researchers are looking at how diet plays a role in colorectal cancer.
Polyps - are benign (not cancerous) growths on the inner wall of the colon and rectum. Many people over age 50 have polyps. Some types of polyps, called adenomatous polyps, can become cancers. Between 5 and 10% of adenomatous polyps will become cancer if not removed.
A rare form of polyps that runs in families, called familial polyposis, almost always becomes cancer. This condition causes hundreds of polyps to form in the colon and rectum. In these cases, there are treatments that can be done at a young age to prevent cancer from developing.Personal medical history - Women who have had cancer of the ovary, uterus, or breast have a somewhat greater chance of getting colorectal cancer. A person who has had colorectal cancer once can get it again. A person who has had polyps in the colon or rectum is also at increased risk for this cancer.
Family medical history - "First-degree" relatives (parents, sisters, brothers, children) of a person who has had colorectal cancer are somewhat more likely to get this type of cancer. The risk is even greater if the relative had the cancer at a young age. Risk is increased even more if many family members have had colorectal cancer. There are genetic tests available for people whose family has a certain pattern of cancer.
Inflammatory bowel disease - is a condition in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed, or irritated. Having this condition increases a person's chances of getting colorectal cancer. The most common kinds of inflammatory bowel disease are Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis.
Lifestyle - The couch potato lifestyle (no exercise), being overweight (obesity), drinking alcohol, and smoking may increase a person's chances for getting colorectal cancer.
Long-term exposure to environmental or occupational toxins (poisons) may increase a person's risk for colorectal cancer.
Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that you will develop colorectal cancer. It just increases your chances. Talk with your health care provider about what you can do to lower your risk for colorectal cancer.
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
There are often no symptoms for colorectal cancer in its early stages, which is why screening tests are important. People who do have symptoms can have:
A change in bowel habits
Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel doesn't empty completely
Bright red or very dark blood in the stool
Stools that are narrower than normal
Discomfort in the abdomen - frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, and/or cramps
Weight loss with no known reason
Constant and extreme tiredness
Vomiting
Anemia (low iron in the blood) with no known reason
Some of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. Talk with your health care provider right away if you think you are having any of these symptoms.
What can I do to prevent colorectal cancer? What are the screening tests for this type of cancer?
Colorectal cancer can be prevented by getting screening tests once you reach age 50. These tests look for polyps and early signs of cancer. Some of the tests can remove polyps at the same time. Talk with your health care provider about what tests are best for you and how often you should get them. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other special conditions, your doctor may suggest starting screening tests before age 50.
Screening tests and recommendations for how often you should have each test include:
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) - checks for hidden blood in the stool. Sometimes cancers or polyps can bleed and this test is used to pick up small amounts of bleeding. Have this test every year.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy - an exam where a health care provider looks at the rectum and the lower part of the colon using a sigmoidoscope, a tube with a light on the end. Have this test every 5 years.
Colonoscopy - an exam when a health care provider looks at the rectum and the entire colon using a colonoscope, an instrument with a light on the end. If polyps are found, they can be removed. Have this test every 5 to 10 years.
Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) - a series of x-rays of the colon and rectum. You are first given an enema with barium in it, which outlines the colon and rectum on the x-rays. Have this test every 5 to 10 years (only if not having a colonoscopy every 10 years).
Digital rectal exam - a health care provider inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any problem areas. Have this test every 5 to 10 years at the time of other screening tests (flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or DCBE).
Other things you can do to help prevent colorectal cancer include:
Have a healthy diet low in fat and high in fiber, with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Researchers are looking at foods rich in folate (the natural form of folic acid), such as leafy green vegetables and fortified cereals, for how they may help reduce a person's risk for colorectal cancer. Adding these foods to your diet or taking a daily multivitamin with 0.4 mg of folic acid may help.
Get regular exercise (30 minutes per day most days of the week).
Lose weight if you are overweight (obese).
Limit alcohol intake and do not smoke or use tobacco products.
Some studies have shown that using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce a person's risk for colorectal cancer. For women, using hormones after menopause may decrease the risk for colon (but not rectal) cancer. New research shows that some pain medications called COX-2 inhibitors may also help to prevent colon cancer. Other studies are looking at stopping smoking, taking aspirin each day, decreased alcohol intake, and increased physical activity to see if they can prevent colorectal cancer.
Are there any new screening tests for colorectal cancer?
Researchers are looking at two new screening tests for colorectal cancer, both of which detect polyps and cancers early. One test is called a virtual colonoscopy. A small tube is placed inside the rectum for less than 5 minutes (with a traditional colonoscopy, this process takes longer). Images are recorded and put into a computer using computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI or MR). The technician then looks at these recorded images to explore the rectum and colon for polyps and cancers. The other test is a stool test (like the FOBT), that looks for DNA, or genetic material, in the stool. Early data suggest that this stool test may be very accurate in picking up any problems, polyps, and cancers.
How is colorectal cancer treated?
Treatment for colorectal cancer depends mostly on the size, location, and extent of the tumor, as well as a person's overall health. Surgery to remove the tumor is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be used to kill cancer cells. With new surgical techniques, treatment rarely requires a colostomy (an opening into a "bag" for passage of bowel movements). There is research being done to look at new ways to treat colon cancer.
You can find out more about colorectal cancer by contacting the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) at (800) 994-WOMAN (9662) or the following organizations:
SPANISH LANGUAGE MATERIALS
Did you know you can order Spanish Language Materials from NWHIC? Call our toll-free information center at: (800) 994-9662 and speak to a Spanish Information Specialist to learn how. Mention the "Healthy Women Today" newsletter and receive a free magnet as well as Spanish Language Material!
GUEST EDITOR FEATURE FOR MARCH 2002
"Building a Healthy Body for a Healthy Baby"
from Haywood L. Brown, M.D., President, Society for Maternal – Fetal Medicine.
"Are you taking your daily vitamin? If you are, you are in the minority. Of the 60 million women of childbearing age in the United States, only one third takes a daily vitamin…."
To read this article, please go to: http://www.4woman.gov/editor/mar02/
NEW AND UPDATED SECTIONS
NWHIC has recently added new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to our publication list. They are:
Frequently Asked Questions About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/ibs.htmFrequently Asked Questions About Colorectal Cancer:
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/colon.htmFrequently Asked Questions About Heart and Cardiovascular Disease:
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/heartdis.htm
COOKING HEALTHY IS EASY - START EATING RIGHT TODAY!
Now that spring is in the air, meal choices usually tend to those of lighter fare. The American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org) is the perfect on-line source for mouth-watering, low calorie, low sodium meals and rich, decadent desserts that are on the healthy side. Begin eating healthier today by trying one of these no hassle recipes.
Breakfast:
Bran Muffin Breakfast Trifle:
http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=923French Toast:
http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4824
Lunch:
Cajun Tortilla Wrap:
http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=786Pasghetti Spaghetti:
http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=821Pizza Hero:
http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11281
Dinner:
Country-Style Vegetable Soup:
http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=553Chicken Vegetable Stir-Fry:
http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=793Crispy Oven Fried Chicken:
http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=754
Desserts/ Snacks:
POP Snack:
http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=885Milk Chocolate Cooler:
http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4827Denver Chocolate Pudding Cake:
http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=522Espresso Ice Cream Cookie Wrap-ups:
http://216.185.112.5/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4819
OWH NEWS, INITIATIVES and CAMPAIGNS
National Town Hall Meeting on Menopause
The Office of Women’s Health (OWH), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with other government and private sector organizations focused on women’s health will present the National Town Hall Meeting on Menopause on March 20, 2002. This meeting will be the first of a series that will discuss topics such as current research on the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of menopausal symptoms and related health conditions. Learn more by going to the following URL: http://www.4woman.gov/Menopause
A web cast of the event will be made possible through www.kaisernetwork.org, a free service of the Kaiser Family Foundation at: http://www.kaisernetwork.org/health_cast/hcast_index.cfm?display=detail&hc=438
NWHIC Prevention Guide
COMING SOON – The Prevention Guide: This attractive, easy to read, comprehensive guide offers information that every adult woman should know in order to lead a healthier life. It is chock full of recommended screening and immunization charts and provides additional tips on topics such as maintaining a healthy pregnancy, healthy lungs and healthy eyes, just to name a few. You can order your copy now by calling NWHIC at 1-800-994-9662, and we will mail your copy as soon as it is available.
Pick Your Path to Health (http://www.4woman.gov/PYPTH/)
This initiative is designed to help women like you take simple and time-sensitive steps to improve your health. It also provides tools for local communities to promote practical, culturally relevant action steps to wellness. It’s never too late to develop a healthy lifestyle. Start with a few easy steps! The new Pick Your Path to Health Pocket Planners are available by calling NWHIC now at 1-800-994-9662. These are free, and there are two versions available: Asian American/Pacific Islander and African American.
MARCH’S PICK YOUR PATH TO HEALTH THEME – Overweight & Obesity: Aim for a Healthy Weight
- Eat 5 servings of fruit and veggies a day.
- Say no to sweets this month.
- Read the labels – Know what is in the foods you are eating.
- Switch to whole grain breads.
Links for additional information on maintaining a healthy weight:
Embrace Your Health!!! Lose Weight if You Are Overweight:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/chdblack/embrace1.htmEating for a Healthy Heart:
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/hlyheart.htmlDiet and Exercise: Healthy Balance for a Healthy Heart (Copyright © AAFP):
http://www.familydoctor.org/handouts/288.html
Call our Information Center at: 1-800-994-9662 to place your order for the free PYPTH Community Action Kit, Pocket Planners and Posters, while supplies last! You can also join the PYPTH listserv for regular updates and community action steps. Visit our home page for details: http://www.4woman.gov/PYPTH/index.htm
THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS FOR YOUR HEALTH
-
General Information about Mental Retardation:
http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs8txt.htm -
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/index.htm -
What You Need to Know About™ Cancer of the Colon and Rectum:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancer_information/doc_wyntk.aspx?viewid=b5ecd606-69f5-4e0b-87a7-20c8b9d8172d -
Facts About: Cornea and Corneal Disease:
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cornealdisease/index.htm -
Action Guide for Healthy Eating:
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/food/guideeat/Actiongd.html -
Are You at risk for Glaucoma:
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_risk.htm -
Why Milk Matters Now for Children and Teens:
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/milk/milk_facts.htm -
Tips for Teens About Inhalants:
http://www.health.org/govpubs/phd631/ -
Questions and Answers About TB (2001):
http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/tb/faqs/qa.htm -
Blood Sugar Testing – The Power to Control Your Diabetes:
http://ndep.nih.gov/materials/2001campaign/englishbrochure.pdf
For publications on over 800 health topics, check out our health topic search at: http://www.4woman.gov/search/search.cfm or call 1-800-994-9662!
WHO IS USING NWHIC's SERVICES?
The turn of the New Year has resulted in NWHIC’s receiving 6,624,914 hits to the site, 331,853 web-visitors and 2,815 calls! The most ever in NWHIC’s history! Help us keep our numbers rising by calling for FREE health information today.
New York begins our New Year with the most calls to our toll-free Information and Referral line. Help your state become our "number one" state by encouraging your friends, colleagues and family members to call our toll-free services if they need information on women's health topics!
The most popular NWHIC web pages in January were:
On-line Medical Dictionaries and Journals -
http://www.4woman.gov/nwhic/references/dictionary.htmFrequently Asked Questions About Women's Health -
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/Healthy Pregnancy -
http://www.4woman.gov/Pregnancy/Women's Body Image and Health -- body image, nutrition, exercise, eating disorders -
http://www.4woman.gov/BodyImageThe First Trimester -
http://www.4woman.gov/pregnancy/first.htmDaily Women's Health News -
http://www.4woman.gov/nwhic/news/
A Breath of Fresh Air! Independence from Smoking -
http://www.4woman.gov/QuitSmoking/PAP Smear
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/pap.htmWomen with Disabilities -
http://www.4woman.gov/wwd/Insomnia –
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/insomnia.htm
Our most frequently asked topics were requests for information on: Our Daybook (Women Living Well, Living Long), Menopause, Breast Cancer, Aging/Elderly and Nutrition
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