Oconee Valley Healthcare recognizes the importance of Colorectal Cancer Month, which is observed every March. This is a time to raise awareness about this type of cancer and encourage people to get screened for it.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, and it is also one of the most preventable. Screening tests can detect precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum before they turn into cancer. If detected early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable, with a five-year survival rate of over 90%.

Unfortunately, many people are hesitant to get screened for colorectal cancer. Some people may be embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing their bowel movements and rectal exams, while others may not realize the importance of early detection. This is where family doctors and practitioners can play a crucial role in educating and encouraging their patients to get screened.

At OVH, we make sure to discuss colorectal cancer screening with our patients, especially those who are over 45 years old or have a family history of the disease. We explain the different screening options, including but not limited to colonoscopies, stool tests, and virtual colonoscopies, and help our patients decide which test is right for them.

We also emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. This includes eating a balanced diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.

Throughout Colorectal Cancer Month, we make an extra effort to raise awareness about the disease through patient education and social media posts. We also encourage our patients to spread the word to their friends and family members.

Colorectal Cancer Month is an important time for doctors to remind their patients about the importance of colorectal cancer screening and early detection. By educating our patients and raising awareness about this preventable cancer, we can help save lives and improve the health of our communities.

February marks American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease and to encourage people to make positive changes to their heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and it’s important for everyone to take steps to prevent and treat it.

At Oconee Valley Healthcare, we understand the importance of heart health and are dedicated to providing our patients with the resources and care they need to maintain a healthy heart. Our team of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and Care Plan Coordinators, are trained to assess heart health and provide personalized care plans to help our patients lower their risk of heart disease.

One of the ways we encourage our patients to maintain a healthy heart is by promoting healthy lifestyle choices. This includes exercise, a balanced diet, and quitting smoking. We also educate our patients about the risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, and help them manage these conditions through medication and lifestyle changes.

We also offer screenings and tests to help diagnose heart disease in its early stages, when it is most treatable. This includes blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and electrocardiograms (ECGs). If a patient is diagnosed with heart disease, our team works with them to develop a treatment plan, which may include medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery.

In addition to our in-person services, we also offer telehealth appointments for those who are unable to come to our center. This allows our patients to receive heart health assessments and treatments from the comfort of their own homes. In addition to telemed services, if you meet specific qualifications, OVH is able to provide home visits or remote patient monitoring. For more information on these options, please contact our office.

Overall, American Heart Month is a crucial time to raise awareness about the importance of heart health and to encourage everyone to take steps to prevent heart disease. Oconee Valley Healthcare, we are committed to providing our patients with the resources and care they need to maintain a healthy heart and live a long, healthy life.

If you or someone you know is concerned about their heart health, we encourage you to make an appointment with one of our medical professionals today. Together, we can work to prevent and treat heart disease and improve the heart health of our community.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month! Cervical cancer is mainly caused by infection from certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Anyone with a cervix is at risk for developing cervical cancer, and it most often occurs in women over 30 years of age. HPV is a common virus and is passed from person to person during sex. While nearly half of women will have HPV at some point in their life, few cases will develop into cervical cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, 8 new cases of Cervical cancer were reported for every 100,oo0 women in the United States. 

When detected early, Cervical cancer is highly treatable. Ways to reduce your risk involve getting the HPV vaccine if you haven’t already and you are under the age of 26 and having screening tests done regularly. These screening tests include a Pap smear and HPV test. For more information, call your healthcare provider or visit the CDC’s Cervical Cancer page. Call us today or click here to schedule your Cervical cancer screening appointment!

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Cervical Cancer”, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/index.htm