should you be screened for colorectal cancer?
Less than 50% of colorectal cancers in
Mesa County are diagnosed early. What can you do?
SCREEN:
Regular screening, beginning at age 50, is key to detecting colorectal
cancer early – even if you don’t have symptoms.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer include
blood in or on your stool, losing weight without knowing why and experiencing
stomach pain, aches or cramps that won’t go away.
UNDERSTAND
THE RISK FACTORS:

LIFESTYLE:
You can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by exercising regularly,
eating a high-fiber and low-fat diet, limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding
tobacco.
Talk to your health care provider
about screening. Early detection is key in beating colorectal cancer.
Cooking healthy meals as a family forms good
eating habits
  • Almost 25% of Mesa County children are
    overweight or obese, putting them at higher risk for heart disease, type 2
    diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea and social discrimination, which can affect
    mental health.
  • A healthy diet can reduce the risk of
    childhood obesity.
  • Eating healthy doesn’t have to be
    difficult or expensive and it can be fun!
    • Instead of thinking about foods you can’t eat, focus on all of the new
      foods you can eat!
    • Get creative. Use different colors and
      shapes to make nutritious meals more exciting.
    • Introduce one new fruit or vegetable
      to your family every day.
    • Involve your kids in planning meals.
      Make the grocery list together and cook together!
  • When looking for healthy options to
    cook with your children, look for recipes that:
    • Include vegetables, fruits and
      whole-grain food products.
    • Use low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy
      products.
    • Call for lean meats, poultry, fish,
      lentils and beans for protein.
    • Do
      not include
      large quantities of sugar and/or saturated fat.
  • Healthy meals don’t always have to be
    hot or home-cooked.
    • Try this dinner menu on your next
      hectic night: whole-grain crackers, string cheese, apple slices, low-fat yogurt
      and baby carrots.
  • Ready to find healthy recipes that work
    for your family?
  • Visit Choosemyplate.gov for more information
    about balanced diets for your family.