Well, things have slowed down a bit for GCCCF after the Rump Run and the MoParty events. We are still participating in health fairs here and there, but those events slack off during the summer months as well. Those will begin picking back up soon, starting with the annual Minority Health Fair in August (see below for more information). We will kick off our planning for the 2019 Rump Run in September, and we welcome new faces to our planning committee! Please contact us if you are interested in helping plan this fun event!
In good health,
Kayse Rigsby
Executive Director
|
|
|
|
A Note from GCCCF About Screenings at Age 50
We are aware of the American Cancer Society's (ACS) recommendation to lower the age to begin screening from 50 to 45. However, since all colorectal societies have not also lowered their recommendation, nor have the US government screening guidelines changed at this point, GCCCF will continue to advocate screening beginning at age 50 for most Americans - and age 45 if you are an African American. However, we would also like to stress that you should know your body, and if you experience any changes or colon cancer symptoms, go see your doctor.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Change in bowel habits
Feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so
Rectal bleeding
Dark stools
Blood in stool
|
|
|
GCCCF at the Lookouts
It was a great night at the Chattanooga Lookouts on Sunday, June 3rd! The Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation had a booth at the game, and we were able to speak with lots of baseball enthusiasts about symptoms of colon cancer and the importance of screening. As one of the highlights of the evening, our very own Captain Colon got to throw out the first pitch! Special thanks to colon cancer survivor Kermit Hester and his wife, Deborah, who volunteered at the GCCCF booth and handed out pamphlets, along with board members Melissa Pendergrass, Alison Sexter, and Dr. Tom Brien.
|
|
|
Minority Health Fair
The Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation is a proud supporter of the 16th annual Minority Health Fair, organized by the Southeast Tennessee Health Consortium (SETHC). This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, August 18th at the Eastgate Town Center. Be on the lookout for more information and volunteer requests. With over 5,500 attendees and volunteers present at last year's event, this is by far the largest health fair in which we participate, and help will be needed.
|
|
|
|
We had another great turnout for the annual Southeast MoParty Picnic, held the weekend of May 12th at Camp Jordan. Thank you to the volunteers who came out and helped serve food, hand out waters, and spread the message that colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable! Pictured below are GCCCF VP Dr. Marshall Horton, volunteer Deborah Hester, MoPar Man, volunteer Joe Lombardo, Captain Colon, and survivors Amy Lombardo and Kermit Hester. Not pictured are volunteer Jane Horton, GCCCF board member Helen Pinkerton, and survivor Debra Davis.
|
|
|
|
We are planning to launch a Facebook ad campaign to increase awareness of the importance of colon cancer screenings, and we are looking for survivors to help. If you would be willing to participate, please record a short video of yourself, explaining why you feel colonoscopies are important. You can send us the video by clicking here, and we will include it in the campaign. Thank you!!
|
|
Let's Eat!!
Summer is officially upon us, and with the heat comes a favorite pastime - grilling. But, how healthy is grilling for your colon? Check out the link below for an article posted on StopColonCancerNow.com about how you can optimize your colon health when you grill, along with links for some other summertime, colon healthy recipes. Enjoy!
Colon Healthy Grilling
Watermelon is a Colon Friendly Option
Watercress Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
|
|
|
|
Are you willing to share how colon cancer has impacted your life? Please contact us and let us know!
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
