MEADOWBROOK, PA, June 17, 2024 - The Redeemer Health Board of Trustees and the Redeemer Ministries Board announced today that Michael B. Laign will retire from his role as President and CEO, effective July 15, 2024, after a highly successful and distinguished 31-year tenure as Redeemer Health’s CEO. The Boards also announced the selection of Gregory T. Wozniak, an accomplished health care leader with deep expertise in leading integrated health care organizations, as Redeemer Health’s new President and CEO, beginning July 15. Laign will continue to serve in an advisory role during a transition period.

“Without a doubt, Mike is one of the most visionary leaders in our industry,” said William Sasso, Esq., Chairman of the Redeemer Health Board of Trustees. “He has guided Redeemer Health with an unrelenting commitment to its mission and a continuous focus on growth and innovation,” he added.

Laign’s accomplishments are numerous, including leading the partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper to bring access to expert physicians, innovative cancer treatment and clinical research to patients. He is credited with being on the forefront of population health management and establishing one of the premier accountable care organizations in the state. And, along with his world-class leadership team, Laign has established a culture of safety and reliability at Redeemer Health, which has led to recognition for quality in the industry, including Holy Redeemer Hospital earning an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for 10 consecutive scoring seasons, an accomplishment only a few Pennsylvania hospitals can claim.

“Mike has been a faithful and loyal friend and supporter of the Sisters of the Redeemer and our shared mission to care, comfort and heal,” said Sr. Ellen Marvel, CSR, Province Leader, Sisters of the Redeemer. “He has worked collaboratively with the Sisters to establish Redeemer Ministries to ensure that the Sisters maintain an enduring role as Founders of Redeemer Health, and that the System would remain committed to its Catholic teachings and charism,” she said.

Laign has also been an outstanding representative in the community by serving as chair of the Montgomery County Board of Health, a member of the THR Insurance Company, Ltd. board of directors, Vizient Mid-Atlantic CEO Executive board of directors, Gwynedd Mercy University board of directors and the MedicAlert Foundation board of directors.

“As Mike’s accomplished tenure comes to a close, we are confident Greg’s strategic leadership will successfully guide Redeemer Health through the next phase of its journey,” Sasso said.

Wozniak is an established health care innovator with extensive expertise leading and advising health care organizations to consistently achieve top national performance in quality, safety and delivery of care, along with high rates of satisfaction among patients, physicians and employees. An early leader in value-based care initiatives, Wozniak has a strong history of collaborating with academic and community health systems, nontraditional providers, payors and employers through community and private partnerships to improve care outcomes, accessibility and affordability and lower the cost of care. After two decades in executive leadership positions for health care systems, including the role of President and CEO of St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, Pa., Wozniak has advised health care organizations and emerging technology, product and services companies as Founder and CEO of Denali Health LLC since 2015.

“Greg has the proven expertise, vision, talent and passion to lead our mission-driven organization,” said Daniel Gallagher, President, Redeemer Ministries Board.

A highly trained, experienced nursing professional, Genevieve knew she chose the right place not only to heal, but to thrive: close to home, peaceful surroundings, and a team of oncology nurses who were also close friends.

Genevieve (Gen) Porrecca, was balancing life as a busy clinical nursing professor, devoted wife, and mother to a young son, when she discovered a lump in the lymph node of her armpit. 

She immediately called her gynecologist, who confirmed a lump in her breast upon closer examination. Shortly after, she had a mammogram and ultrasound and was scheduled for an appointment with Dr. Anna Mazor, Breast Surgeon at Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. The two had an instant connection, having trained together early in their careers. 

Gen had an ultrasound-guided biopsy that same week and received definitive results just two days later. She quickly met with the breast cancer care team to discuss next steps. This included Dr. Mazor along with the Medical Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, Plastic Surgeon, Nurse Navigator, Nurse Oncologist, Genetics Counselor, and others at Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson at Cooper.

Clinically trained with both an MSN and RN in Nursing along with certifications as a Progressive Care Knowledge Professional (PCCN-K), Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) and Certified Nurse Educator, Gen is someone who naturally does her homework. So, it was no surprise when she decided to seek a second opinion. 

In the end, Gen chose compassion, comfort, familiarity, and personal connections – knowing that she would receive advanced, multidisciplinary cancer care from an experienced and knowledgeable team with the leading-edge research, best practices, and protocols – all in her own backyard, close to home and close to family.

Gen Knew She Was in Good Hands

Plus, having completed her maternity rotation in nursing school and given birth to her son at Holy Redeemer Hospital, Gen knew she was in good hands. The decision was easy. 

Almost four months (to the day) on her 45th birthday, she completed an intensive 16-week course of targeted chemotherapy infusions, before undergoing a same-day double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery just one month later. 

With the help of her family, a visiting nurse arranged through Redeemer Health Home Care, and others in her support network, Gen recuperated at home for eight weeks post-surgery. But her path to recovery was far from over. Once her incisions had fully healed, she would need to undergo an additional 25 courses of radiation therapy within a 35-day period followed by an additional 44 weeks of immunotherapy. 

Gen recalls the moments lying still during her radiation treatments as the most mentally taxing part of her journey; giving her quiet time and space to reflect.

A little over a year after her last radiation treatment, Gen was informed of a clinical research trial for patients like her, at risk for recurrence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer.

A clinical professor by trade and excited about contributing to potentially life-saving research, Gen jumped at the opportunity. Her participation in the study is going well, and she anticipates completing the first portion of the trial by late summer followed by a less frequent regimen of five injections and follow-up visits over the next three years until the trial is completely finished.

Gen’s choice not only guided her to the right place to heal and thrive, but it also gave her an incredible opportunity to play a role in the advancement of cancer care and for this, she is deeply grateful.

Learn more about breast cancer services at Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.

Stroke is a serious and often life-threatening medical emergency that happens when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer from a stroke every year, and every 3.25 minutes, one person dies from a stroke.

Approximately 80% of all strokes are caused by lifestyle choices.

Keep reading to learn more about the warning signs and risk factors for stroke, as well as dietary changes and other steps you can take to help reduce your risk.

Know the Warning Signs

Every second counts when it comes to treating a stroke. Early intervention can prevent permanent brain damage and other complications. If you suspect a stroke is happening to you or someone you love, call 911 immediately.

Look at the time of onset and use the B.E.F.A.S.T. test (below) to help remember the warning signs of stroke:

Know the Risk Factors

Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, obesity, physical inactivity, family history of stroke, and age (those over age 55 have a higher risk).

Other factors that may increase the likelihood of stroke include atrial fibrillation, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), certain medical conditions such as sickle cell disease, and the use of certain medications.*

*The benefits of certain medications may outweigh the potential risks. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding medication changes or adjustments.

A Healthy Diet and Physical Activity Can Lower Your Risk

Eating a healthy diet and making healthy choices, such as choosing fruits and vegetables, limiting processed and high-fat foods, and limiting alcohol consumption, can help lower your risk of stroke.

In addition, being active for a minimum of 30 minutes every day can help control blood pressure, increase good cholesterol, and make your heart stronger. Physical activity also makes your blood vessels more flexible and reduces the chance of having a stroke.

Making Small Changes Now is Worth it for a Lifetime of Better Health Later!

Not only during Stroke Awareness Month, but all year long - make your health a priority. A healthy lifestyle not only promotes overall well-being and improves quality of life, but it can also be life-saving.

Talk to your doctor about lifestyle choices that can help prevent stroke from happening in the future.

To find a family doctor or primary care physician that is right for you, visit our provider directory or call the Redeemer Health Physician Referral Service at 1-800-818-4747.

Every mother's pregnancy journey is different. Casey, a mother of four, recalls the births of each of her children fondly, even amidst the complications she experienced. Yet none of her deliveries was scarier than the birth of her youngest son Jax last November.

Casey remained vigilant throughout her pregnancy with Jax, having experienced preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and complications with Type 1 diabetes while pregnant with her first three children. Despite fluctuating insulin-related challenges, she considers her pregnancy with Jax to have been more "normal."

Casey had a history of giving birth prematurely, almost always at 37 weeks, but with each baby already weighing between eight and ten pounds! Jax made his entrance on November 22, 2023 at 36 weeks and 8.6 pounds. Following his birth, Casey's journey took a turn, leaving her and her family to face a whirlwind of emotions and concerns for her own well-being and that of Jax.

After delivery, Casey experienced an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), a rare but potentially life-threatening complication where material from the womb gets into the mother's bloodstream and can cause serious complications. At the same time, she also experienced several other grave complications, including renal failure and DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation).

Almost immediately, Casey went into cardiac arrest and needed to be resuscitated and intubated for over 24 hours in the ICU. In the days that followed, Casey was transferred to and from the Maternity Unit and ICU, having received a blood transfusion, a battery of diagnostic tests, and dialysis.

While Casey was facing her own challenges, Jax received care in the NICU. Drawing upon her maternal instinct, she was able to see Jax for a few brief moments, though she barely remembers meeting him, given her state at the time. Thankfully, both Casey and Jax received incredible care - from the nurses in Labor, Delivery, and Recovery to the ICU and the NICU, to her Obstetrician, Dr. Lauren Matsnev, who delivered Jax, and the assistance of Dr. Lev Belder and Dr. Jared Tepper in the operating room, along with a team of other physicians, anesthesiologists, technicians, and others who were involved in this life-saving experience.

Looking back on her journey, Casey recalls "I woke up on Thanksgiving in the ICU. I had absolutely no recollection of being prepped or giving birth. You never think going in to deliver a baby that you're going to experience the worst possible scenario; you go in thinking, this is going to be the best day of my life. Above all, I've learned not to take a single thing for granted because you never know what tomorrow will bring," said Casey.

Coincidentally, just one week before baby Jax entered the world, Casey's aunt passed suddenly. To this day, Casey believes that she and baby Jax were being looked after in many ways, not only with the amazing, life-saving medical care they both received at Holy Redeemer Hospital.

Thankfully, the future has brought much brighter days for Casey and her husband Keith and their four children, namely Jax. At five months, Jax is "the best baby ever," he already has his first tooth and he's rolling over. He wants to be just like his older sister and brothers, Pippa, Bo, and Ace.

As for Casey, she is doing well. Following discharge, she continued to have her blood levels monitored for six weeks to make sure they were moving in the right direction. She continues to see a nephrologist who monitors her kidney function, which has also greatly improved.

In addition to reveling in her role as a loving mother and wife, Casey is committed to raising awareness about AFE. The quick actions taken by the Labor and Delivery, ICU, and NICU nurses and doctors at Holy Redeemer Hospital are a true testament to their skill and expertise, with AFE affecting roughly one in 40,000 women with dire mortality rates for both mom and baby.

"I really do take it in when people tell Jax and I that we are literal miracles," said Casey.

To find an OB/GYN near you, click here. If you're expecting a new baby, be sure to visit RedeemerHealth.org/MaternityCare to take a virtual tour of Holy Redeemer Hospital's Labor and Delivery unit, access helpful educational resources and videos, and join our Redeemer Baby Online Community.

Redeemer Health Maternity is here with you throughout your most precious journey. From planning to become pregnant, to post-delivery, and beyond - our team of dedicated, experienced professionals are ready to assist.

Hear from a few moms who shared their experiences and offered words of advice with expectant moms!

Lilly, Mom and baby girl Kyla

"My experience at Holy Redeemer Hospital was amazing! I loved meeting all the doctors and my nurse practitioner. The doctors always put my peace of mind and health first," said Lilly.

"I would advise expectant moms to be honest and open with their doctor always! When I struggled with post-partum depression, I felt ashamed. The doctors at Holy Redeemer Hospital made me feel comfortable enough to voice my concerns with them. It made it so that I was able to finally enjoy motherhood and my new baby!"

Elise, Mom and baby girl Anna

"I had the absolute best experience at Holy Redeemer Hospital. The doctors and nurses were absolutely phenomenal and made my whole delivery experience amazing. They knew how anxious I was, understanding that this was my first delivery. In spite of that, the room was filled with laughter and excitement the entire time. Everyone cheered me on as I was pushing - I loved it!" said Elise.

Casey, Mom and baby boy Jax

"My experience overall at Holy Redeemer Hospital was absolutely amazing. I delivered my son via C-section and immediately after, I experienced an AFE (amniotic fluid embolism), DIC, kidney failure, and had to be intubated for over 24 hours. But with the amazing doctors and nurses at Holy Redeemer Hospital, I was given a second chance at life, and both myself and baby Jax are doing great!" said Casey.

"Being a Redeemer Mom is knowing that Jax and I were in the best hands possible for our care. Between the maternity doctors and nurses, ICU doctors and nurses, and the NICU doctors and nurses, everyone was absolutely amazing! The experience at Holy Redeemer Hospital is honestly the best!"

To find an OB/GYN near you, please click here. If you are expecting a new baby, be sure to visit RedeemerHealth.org/MaternityCare to take a virtual tour of Holy Redeemer Hospital's Labor and Delivery unit, access helpful educational resources and videos, and join our Redeemer Baby Online Community.

Effectively managing stress is key to a healthy lifestyle. Stress isn't just a mental state. In fact, constant stress can lead to increased levels of cortisol - the "stress hormone" - which in turn, can affect almost every system in your body.

Below are just some of the ways stress can be harmful to your health:

• Weight gain and obesity - Stress often triggers cravings for high-calorie, high-sugar comfort foods, which can lead to more stress on our bodies. Instead, choose a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It's also a good idea to restrict caffeine and alcohol consumption and to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
• Weakened immune system - Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making it less effective at protecting the body from diseases. It can also worsen existing immune issues and contribute to inflammation, which impacts overall immunity.
• Cardiovascular issues - Stress can contribute to cardiovascular diseases such as increased levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Chronic stress can also lead to unhealthy habits like smoking, overeating, and lack of physical activity, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
• Mental health issues - When left unmanaged or chronic, stress can lead to anxiety and depression, irritability, fatigue and emotional exhaustion, affecting mental health and overall well-being.

Physical Activity and Stress Management:

Exercise helps burn off stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, while at the same time triggering the release of endorphins, or natural mood enhancers. For the best results, try to schedule regular workouts such as a daily walk or a morning yoga routine. Adding variety to your workouts also helps, by keeping your body and mind engaged.

Restorative Sleep Helps Reduce Stress:

Getting enough quality sleep plays an important role in reducing stress. Establishing good sleeping habits like sticking to a consistent bedtime routine and eliminating distractions like light, noise, and other stimulating activities before bedtime can lead to better sleep quality and reduced stress.

The Power of Mindfulness in Stress Management:

Engaging in activities like yoga or tai chi can improve strength and flexibility while promoting mindfulness by focusing on breathing and movements. Deep breathing exercises, along with mindfulness meditation, can also aid in relaxation. Calming activities can help ease stress too. Examples include: keeping a stress journal, setting aside leisure time to yourself (e.g., taking a warm bath or getting a pedicure), taking a walk outside in nature, reading a book, or listening to relaxing music.

While these suggestions are all positive steps in the right direction, change can be overwhelming and often leaves us wondering how and where to start.

Click here for helpful suggestions on setting reasonable goals toward making important lifestyle changes.

Effectively managing stress through a combination of healthy nutrition, exercise, mindfulness activities, and quality sleep can benefit your overall health and well-being.

And remember, when it comes to making positive changes, diligence and patience are key! Take the time to write down your goals and review them regularly to help make long-term positive changes and create a healthier, stronger, happier you!

To find a doctor who is right for you, visit our provider directory or call the Redeemer Health Physician Referral Service at 1-800-818-4747.

Did you know, nutritional counseling services are available through a partnership with Simplex Health? To learn more, visit simplexhealth.com or call 1-877-842-2425. 

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Redeemer Health’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) program has been part of its mission for years. Maleita M. Olson, LCSW, is the executive director of Redeemer Health’s I/DD services, which currently houses five residents. Here, Maleita answers our questions and teaches us more about I/DD.

Redeemer Health: What does Developmental Disabilities Awareness month mean to you and/or your team?

Maleita: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month represents an opportunity to share the many contributions that individuals with developmental disabilities (those with disabilities obtained before the age of 22) make in our community and to raise awareness about how the concept of disability has evolved over time. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was to the disability community what the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was to communities of color. For the first time, people began to understand that persons with disabilities deserved to have equal rights and equal access to everything everyone else has. 

Pennsylvania turned that value into a philosophy, known as Everyday Lives, informing how we all approach the movement toward further inclusion of persons with disabilities into society. Kristen Ehrens, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Developmental Programs, said, “Everyday Lives guides us in our commitment to help create a world that embraces and celebrates human differences, a world in which everyone can experience belonging.” I appreciate the opportunity to partner and interact with the staff and individuals on a regular basis to help make that vision a reality.

To me this month is about helping others recognize that those individuals in our community with developmental disabilities may have special needs, but they have ordinary, “everyday” dreams and desires.

As the Everyday Lives philosophy emphasizes, “an everyday life is about opportunities, relationships, rights, and responsibilities. It is about being a member of the community, having a valued role, making a contribution to society, and having one's rights as a citizen fully respected. It is a vision that we should all be working toward together.”

Redeemer Health: How do your residents celebrate this month?

Maleita: We mark the end of the month with a party, inviting family, friends and members of the community. We take time to reflect on the many accomplishments each person we support has made in the last year and celebrate people that have chosen to work in this field, not just as a job, but as a career.

Redeemer Health: Please tell us more about Redeemer Health’s I/DD program.

Maleita: The Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) program emerged from the hearts of the Sisters of the Redeemer, who were asked repeatedly to support this vulnerable population. In 2017, Redeemer Health opened its first licensed home, Reilly House, serving three individuals with intellectual disabilities. In 2021, we opened our second licensed home, serving an additional three individuals.  Both homes are in close proximity to the main Redeemer Health campus in Huntingdon Valley.

In 2022, we launched a day program to provide structure and community integration activities for the individuals we serve, with a plan for further outreach. These efforts have been supported by a generous grant from Senator Maria Collette, which recently gave us the opportunity to purchase a handicapped accessible van, a specialized interactive learning system, furniture and specialized training for our staff.

Redeemer Health is uniquely situated with health care resources to support this population, maintaining healthy lives and working toward fulfilling their potential. We are working to expand our support to all families touched by disability, including those with loved ones still living at home.

Redeemer Health: What about your work makes you most proud?

Maleita: It is a privilege to journey with people with disabilities and to increase opportunities for them to grow. They encourage me, our team, and those they come in contact with every day to become the very best versions of ourselves. They have so much to teach us about humility, resilience and focusing on the aspects of life that are really important. Many of them have a beautiful love of and faith in God and Jesus, which is contagious. I am proud of seeing the mutual growth that our residents and team inspire in each other.

One of the proudest accomplishments in the last year was creating volunteer opportunities for our individuals to work at Spark and Redeemer Valley Farm. The goal is not for them to just be “in” the community, but “of” the community. The way the community at Spark have embraced and welcomed them truly embodies Redeemer values.

Maleita M. Olson, LCSW, has been executive director of Redeemer Health’s I/DD program since 2020. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work, both from Boston College. Maleita is a behavioral specialist, social worker, therapist and consultant.
 

In just under 60 seconds, a simple device with electrodes made it possible for Danni to avoid lifelong lymphedema after her double mastectomy.

Danni Blauser, an active nurse, wife, and mother, discovered a lump in her armpit. Having had a mammogram six months earlier, she wasn't immediately concerned. But when the lump grew, she sought medical attention and was sent for a subsequent mammogram and ultrasound.

Just two days later, Danni underwent a breast biopsy, performed by Dr. Stacy Krisher, Medical Director of the Breast Health Program at Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.

The diagnosis revealed breast cancer, leading to a treatment plan that included a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Following her mastectomy, Danni developed cording (or banding) in her lymph nodes, restricting movement in her left arm.

A common concern after breast surgery, lymphedema, or abnormal swelling, occurs when the natural flow of lymphatic drainage is disrupted, leading to the buildup of protein-rich fluid. It usually occurs in the arm or hand on the side where the breast surgery was performed.

Thanks to early intervention and vigilant monitoring, a standard that differentiates the Breast Health Program, Danni's journey took a fortunate turn. With the use of a non-invasive digital tool that detects lymphedema before fluid builds up and symptoms become recognizable, Danni's condition was identified at its earliest stage - while it was still reversible.

Danni wore a compression sleeve every day for a month and also went for lymphedema therapy, which improved her range of motion. She still keeps up with stretch exercises at home and continues to get regular assessments to make sure her numbers remain at pre-surgery levels.

Without the proactive monitoring and detection of lymphedema when reversal was still possible, Danni's story could have taken quite a different path.

She continues to improve every day, occasionally wearing the compression sleeve for support and being extra careful not to get cuts, scratches, or injections in that arm.

Danni is grateful for the vigilance and continuous monitoring she received throughout her breast health journey. Even more important, she is thankful for the simple, non-invasive device that saved her from experiencing life-long chronic lymphedema.

With hope in her heart and a positive outlook toward the future, Danni remains the best mom, wife, and nurse to all who need her!

Learn more about breast cancer services at Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.

MEADOWBROOK, Pa. - March 20, 2024 - Holy Redeemer Hospital has been awarded a PSQH Innovation Award for its study on quality improvement and infection prevention to overcome patient safety challenges, particularly in the field of antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP). ASPs are critical initiatives designed to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and reduce antibiotic resistance.

Hardik H. Patel (HH), PharmD, MHA, BCPS, senior pharmacy clinical coordinator at Redeemer Health, led the study focused on evaluating the impact of antimicrobial stewardship practices in treating Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteremia in both non-ICU and ICU settings. It was conducted at Holy Redeemer Hospital between July 2021 and July 2022 and involved patients aged 18 and older, admitted to the hospital with positive blood cultures for E. coli.

The post-implementation initiatives made an impactful difference in improving patient care at the hospital. Key achievements include:

• Reduced Hospital Stays: Patients benefited from shorter hospital stays, with notable differences between ICU and non-ICU settings, underscoring the effectiveness of targeted interventions.
• Smart Antibiotic Use: Through strategic antibiotic de-escalation, the hospital has demonstrated a commitment to combating antibiotic resistance, with a 61% success rate in reducing the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• Advanced Diagnostic Tools Improve Patient Care: By using procalcitonin monitoring to figure out how serious a bacterial infection is and blood tests to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, doctors at Holy Redeemer Hospital made timely and precise adjustments to treatment plans, ensuring patients receive the most effective care promptly.

These accomplishments highlight Redeemer Health's dedication to pioneering patient care and antibiotic stewardship. The study not only presents a blueprint for managing infectious diseases during challenging times but also sets a new standard for hospitals in the region.

"By harnessing the collective expertise and passion of health care professionals from various disciplines, this project certainly inspired me to unlock possibilities in patient care, ultimately transforming lives beyond the walls of the pharmacy through research," said Dr. Patel. "Leading meaningful projects in the field of infectious diseases and prioritizing what matters to patients, providers, and payers - such as decreasing length of stays at the hospital - makes me proud to showcase our robust clinical leadership and the value of our health system in the community."

For more information about Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare (PSQH), and Dr. Patel's findings, visit the PSQH site here.

By Leigh Gerson, DO, Colorectal Surgeon at Redeemer Health in partnership with
MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper

Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in both men and women over 45? Knowing the facts about early diagnosis and treatment, as well as having conversations with your family or primary care doctor about screenings, are two important steps you can take to help reduce risk.

Tips to Lower Your Risk

Living a healthy lifestyle can help decrease your chances of developing colorectal cancer. This includes taking steps like:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Maintaining a balanced diet that includes lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while limiting processed meats

Additionally, if you have family members diagnosed with colorectal cancer or certain inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (especially over age 45), be aware that this could put you at greater risk - so take extra care!

Know the Signs and Symptoms

Some common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

• Feeling tired
• Having a change in weight
• Bloating/gas/constipation/diarrhea lasting more than 4 weeks
• Blood in your stool (which may look like black tarry stools)
• Rectal bleeding

If you have any of these symptoms that last more than 4 weeks, it is important to consult your family doctor or primary care physician.

Screenings Play an Important Role in the Detection of Colorectal Cancer

Talk with your doctor about which is the best colorectal cancer screening for you. Tests that are used to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon) and rectum, tests that can detect hidden blood in the stool, or screenings that can identify genetic changes in the cells of the colon could all be possibilities, depending on your age and individual risk factors.

Take Control of Your Colorectal Health

Your family doctor or primary care physician can help you understand your risk factors and what you can do to protect yourself from colorectal cancer. They can also provide guidance on when you should get screened. Don't wait until something is wrong to see your doctor - make sure you stay on top of your colorectal health and get the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're doing everything you can to protect yourself.

To find a Redeemer Health family doctor or primary care physician, call 800-818-4747 or visit the Redeemer Health website.

Watch Our Webinar - The Power of Prevention: Colorectal Health and Wellness

In this webinar, Leigh Gerson, DO will share the latest screening guidelines, risk factors, and other useful tips and strategies for improving colorectal health. Watch here.

About the Author: Dr. Leigh Gerson is a colorectal surgeon, focusing on the treatment of colon and rectal cancer. She is experienced in both traditional colorectal surgery and minimally invasive surgery, including robotic-assisted techniques. She also performs colonoscopies and other anorectal procedures. Dr. Gerson takes time to answer questions so those in her care can be comfortable with their treatment. Dr. Gerson sees patients at both Redeemer Health Surgical Associates and Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.