March is National Colorectal Awareness Month. Colorectal cancers are the third most common type of cancer diagnosis, when you exclude skin cancers, and affect both men and women at nearly equal rates. As we dive into this topic, there is both good news and bad news to share. 

The good news first!

• According to the American Cancer Society, the death rate and the rate of diagnosis of colorectal cancer has been dropping for decades! This is likely due to better treatment options and an increase in preventative screenings.
• Although many in their early stages, more and more research is being conducted on developing alternative and effective colorectal cancer screening options (like blood tests). 
• The incidence of colorectal cancers for those over the age of 50 is decreasing.
• You have the choice to adopt healthy habits that may help reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
  

The heart is the workhorse of the body. Based on averages, most of our hearts will provide us with about 3 billion beats in a lifetime. The heart is one hard working muscle. Just as we take care of our muscles after a tough workout with ice, heat or a good stretch, there are also ways we can take care of our heart. In honor of February being American Heart Month, here are a few strategies that can help you take good care of that hard-working heart!