Through Crucial Academic and Behavioral Health Support
New Data Highlights Pace Palm Beach’sRole in Transforming Lives and Strengthening the Local Community
Palm Beach County, FL (March 5, 2025) – Pace Center for Girls, Palm Beach released annual impact data for the academic and behavioral health support it provides to middle and high school girls ages 11-17 across Palm Beach County School Districts. Pace is a safe and supportive environment where they know they will be cared for, and their needs will be met.
The girls and young women Pace Palm Beach supports receive academic instruction and work closely with counselors and therapists trained in trauma-based therapy. They also receive life coaching to learn essential life skills, such as personal hygiene, grocery shopping, and landing their first job. These resources are made available to girls at no cost to them.
“Many of the girls who come to Pace have faced significant obstacles in their lives,” said Mindy Hanken, Executive Director of Pace Palm Beach.“We firmly believe that strong education skills, coupled with positive mental health outcomes, are the cornerstone of our work with girls. What sets Pace apart is our holistic, girl-centered approach, which addresses each girl’s unique needs, and empowers them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
Pace has made a lasting impact on the local community by empowering girls to reach their full potential. Through its comprehensive services, Pace helps reduce juvenile justice involvement, increases high school graduation rates, and fosters long-term success for girls and their families. By creating a ripple effect of positive change, Pace strengthens the community by cultivating confident, educated, and engaged young women who are ready to contribute meaningfully to society.
Since its founding in 1996, Pace Palm Beach has successfully grown its program and impact on girls and the local community. To date, more than 3,048 girls in Palm Beach County have been served. Program highlights from fiscal year 2024 include:
9 out of 10 girls have experienced overall academic improvement.
8 out of 10 girls improved healthy social relationships with peers and family members
This year, the National Pace Center for Girls organization, based in Jacksonville, FL, is celebrating its 40th year of service, marking four decades of supporting over 40,000 girls and young women across Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
Enrollment is now open at Pace Palm Beach. To learn more about how Pace is finding the great in every girl, visit www.pacecenter.org.
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About Pace Center for Girls
Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, visit www.pacecenter.org.
March 5, 2025 (West Palm Beach, Fla.)— Spend an evening in Paris this April—without leaving South Florida. Starring Annie Royer, an internationally acclaimed French chanteuse, “Piaf! The Tribute” takes place at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m.
The show tells the story of Edith Piaf’s legendary musical career, accompanied by original scenography. Tickets start at $35 and are on sale now.
Each song will unveil a chapter of the little sparrow Edith Piaf’s tumultuous yet brilliant career. The iconic tribute was conceived in collaboration with and directed by actor and director Tangi Colombel.
Francopiles and cabaret fans alike will love stepping into the heart of Piaf’s world, where her haunting melodies, raw passion and unforgettable voice come to life.
“We cannot wait to share these beautiful songs with West Palm Beach,” says Royer, who has been singing Edith Piaf since her debut.“From ‘La vie en rose’ to ‘Non, je ne regrette rien’ and ‘Hymne à L’amour,’ guests will be immersed in Piaf’s life, music, and passion.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic, the tragedy, and the triumph of Edith Piaf—brought to life by Annie Royer with breathtaking authenticity through her evocative, lively vocals.
Tickets start at just $35. To save your seat, call the Kravis Center box office at (561) 832-7469 or visit kravis.org.
Calendar item: Piaf! The Tribute Starring Annie Royer Date: Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, Fla., 33401) Details: Tickets start at $35. Call the Kravis Center box office at (561) 832-7469 or visit kravis.org.
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About Annie Royer A native of Paris, France, Annie Royer settled in Boston for 10 years, and is now a resident of Palm Beach, Florida. She has been captivating audiences on both sides of the Atlantic with her musical and dramatic talents and Gallic charm. Her repertoire ranges from her specialty—soulful and haunting renditions of cabaret songs à la Edith Piaf—to other popular French tunes (Chevalier, Montant, Trenet, Mistinguette, Becaud, and Aznavour), and lively performances of Broadway and jazz favorites. Invariably, listeners of all ages respond with enthusiasm to her invitation for “request songs” in French and English. Annie Royer’s charismatic style is suited to and engages both small and large audiences. She is a sought-after entertainer at jazz clubs, concert stages, festivals, private parties and corporate functions. Annie performs all over the United States and in many other countries. Her talented band, “Les Garçons Musette,” accompanies her. For more information, visit annieroyer.com.
“What is love?” artists use this theme for visual art, dance, theater. While poets capture its essence in spoken word. Romance Novelists give us a picture of what life could look like in a different environment, giving us aspirations, fantasies, glimmers into someone else’s life. No matter the artistic expression, we can all agree that the concept of Love or being “in love” is prominent in our culture. Since March is National Book Month, what better time to discuss an amazing author who happens to write all about the subject of love.
I am pretty sure that I first met Sheila at one of author Heidi Hess’s “Read It Write It” Festivals a few years ago, and yet if feels like I have known her forever. The one thing I do recall from our first meeting (and every meeting after) is that she possesses the most magnetic, vivacious personality; others cannot help but smile when they are around her. Sheila is also very passionate about writing and creating unique characters that capture our attention in her books. I have several of her books and always look forward to new releases. Now it’s time for us delve into what Sheila describes as “ A Fowler Universe”.
AW: When did you first begin publishing books? What inspired you to begin this venture?
SF: I started writing mainly because of Covid. I needed an outlet because I was having really weird and vivid dreams. My first book, Meet Virginia was published in November of 2020; this book became a catalyst to keep writing. This was the start for me, and then I kept writing and ended up with 25 books!
AW: What are your main genres? How many books have you published currently?
SF: I write Cozy Mysteries and Contemporary Romance. I have twelve Cozy Mysteries in a series that take place in the Florida Keys. I love this series because you have to solve a mystery in 150 pages which is a very cool thing. I’ll have to get you one of those to read! I also have Contemporary Romance which are the first stories that I started writing; these are anything that takes place “today”. I don’t write any Historical Romances because I like to be “in the now.” Then, I do a series of Romantic Suspense Thrillers. I have three of them out right now and am writing a fourth one as we speak – my next BIG series! I also do a Sports Romance, which is a big deal right now. So, I have just hit 27 books in total.
AW: Are any of your books offered in Audio format?
SF: I have five books that are available in an Audio format. Three of which all have a sports focus: Instant Replay,Clear the Bases and Hearts of Ice. I also have one Contemporary Romance in audio form, Two Hearts Beating and my Romantic Thriller, Royal Entanglements.
AW: Are any of your stories autobiographical?
SF: Yes! Niagara Falling is autobiographical; it highlights my love story with George, my husband. George was married before and the main character, Michael was married before. George is older than me and that’s kind of the story line here. If you have an older man and a younger woman, it is called “age gap” romance. If you have a romance with a woman being older than a man, it is called “May/December” or “Reverse Age Gap.” I had to learn all of this for my book.
AW: Your Book Covers are quite interesting, especially the steamy ones with the models. How did this all come about? How did you meet the models?
SF: So, the first book, Instant Replay was Keith Manecke. I had seen Keith on the cover of a friend’s book. I thought it would be neat and cool to have him on a cover of one of my books, so I started following the photographer, Christopher John. I told him that I’d love for Keith to be on one of my book covers and I’ve never done that before. I asked, “what should I do here?” And, he went over everything with me. We actually became really good friends, and I’ve used four of his covers now. I am so excited that I have that because it truly brought “new life” to the book. If you look at it, it just makes it more real with a real person.
Sheila Fowler and her husband
AW: What is your favorite Contemporary Romance book that that you’ve written? Favorite Cozy Mystery?
SF: ohhh (excitedly)… Definitely Meet Virginia, as it is my first…So, you know how you feel about your “first”, right? As for the Cozy Mystery, it is . . .
One Way Out because that started that whole genre for me. I wrote it because my mom said, “Why don’t you write a book about the Keys?” And I was like, “I can do that!” So, I made up my own “Key” in the Lower Keys and I came up with the tagline for all of those books: “Mystery, Romance, and Key Lime Pie”. I make good Key Lime Pie. And also, Cheesecake. It started from the first book where the main character makes the Key Lime Pies. I just adore his character. There’s an interesting backstory – pure terror and pure love between him and the main female character. I really enjoy that he’s a single father and he’s also a chef. I have a chef in my first book too!
AW: Which books have been Bestsellers, so far?
SF: I’ve had two. My Baseball book, Clear the Bases and my Hockey book, Hearts of Ice.
AW: Where do you get the ideas for your books?
SF: I get a lot of stuff from my dreams, which are pretty vivid. George can attest to this as he is used to me getting up in the middle of the night, hearing me say, “I have an idea” and then charging up the computer to write. I have an outline of what the book is supposed to be, but I do stray from it, from time to time. It is definitely based on my dreams. I dream about those characters all the time. It’s kind of funny because once you write them down, you start to dream about the characters. I always say to people that I kind of have a “Fowler universe” – a lot of my characters are in the same universe. These characters come back in other books and its fun for me. I say, “so and so is from One Way Out or from the Sports series.”
AW: You are a big sports fan! You have mentioned on social media that you enjoy Hockey, Baseball, and Football, which obviously widens your demographics for readers. How have you incorporated these major moments and events in sports into the plot of your books?
SF: I absolutely love the Super Bowl! I wrote it into my first book for fun. The Miami Dolphins got incorporated into the World Series in my book because they are my favorite. I figured that if I “put it out into the universe” maybe they would win (laughing). It was all about Football. I did the same with the next book, Clear the Bases. It was about Baseball and people would say, “wow, I never knew that about Baseball…” I wrote about it because it was one of my first favorite sports. When I was a kid, I lived in Detroit during the 1980’s when the Detroit Tigers were HUGE and they won the World Series in 1984. But then I moved down here and I had to find a new team because I couldn’t root for Detroit when I’m all the way down here. So, I was lucky that in 1993, when the Marlins came here, I could root for them. So, George and I have been fans of the Marlins since then and we’ve been to a few games. We evenwent to the 2003 World Series. I wrote about two different World Series and that’s a big deal!
I remember what it was like being there at the World Series, so there are a whole bunch of stories in the book about that. In the book, there’s a guy watching the girl play because my story is about the first female pitcher in the Major Leagues.
I had some male fans who told me that because they loved Hockey, they bought the book, Hearts of Ice. In the book, the female lead is a figure skater and he’s the Hockey player. I also love Figure Skating! Men showed an interest, and so there were reviews on my book on Amazon and Good Reads. It is different to get a review from a man vs. a woman. I have observed that Women’s reviews are more emotional while men tend to be more analytical. I love hearing a different perspective on my books. I also love hearing men say, “That’s really cool about the Miami Dolphins or the Florida Panthers” because I wrote it from a Fan Perspective. And, if a male is reviewing it, they can also say, “I got to read a Romance book too”.
AW: What author events do you have coming up in the near future?
SF: I have a Spring Break Book Bash (see below) for the community I live in. I did it for the first time last year and I cannot wait to do it again. It is a lot of fun talking to people, sharing our writing with others and networking. I like to support other writers and make connections with different genres like Romance, Mystery, Paranormal, Memoir, Autobiographies, Children’s Books, etc.
AW: Do you have anything new book plans for the future?
SF: I’m working on a Summer Anthology; stories based on summer romances and that will be out in July. See the Anthology. I’m one of five authors on the project.
Sheila Fowler is an author to watch and follow. The act of writing and sharing stories is as instinctive to her as breathing. If you pick up one of her books, you will “feel” her vibrant imagination, enchanting characters, and dip into a wide variety of genres. With Spring around the corner, it’s time to dust off those Romance and Mystery novels or get some new ones from the “Fowler Universe”. I promise you that you won’t be disappointed! In conclusion, I hope that one day you will also have the honor of meeting this author, as it will be a day you won’t forget. What are you waiting for? It’s time to READ!
The Alliance of Women Executives (AWE) is now accepting applications for our 2025 Scholarships. These scholarships are open to young women graduating from any Palm Beach County high school who will be continuing their education at Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University, Palm Beach Atlantic University or Palm Beach State College.
Key Details:
Scholarship Amount: $1,500
Eligibility: Young women graduating from a Palm Beach County high school
To be considered, applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, a copy of the 1st page of their high school transcript, complete the AWE application and write a short essay.
The mission of AWE is to bring professional women together to share business experience and knowledge as well as promote higher education for the next generation of young women in Palm Beach County through academic scholarships.
********************************* The Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center is proud to host its 2nd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Okeeheelee Park.
The 5K will run/walk through beautiful Okeeheelee Park, starting and finishing at Micanopy Pavilion, and new for this year, passing by Okeeheelee Nature Center.
The event celebrates the gopher tortoise. Although gopher tortoises are not known for their speed, they play an integral role in the ecosystem. As a keystone species they create burrows that support the lives of more than 360 different types of animals, including the burrowing owl, opossum and pine snake.
The 5K is a chipped timed event and will provide awards to the top three overall (male and female) and top three in each age group plus an award for the largest group/team registered together.
Each participant will receive a personalized bib with RFID timing chip, event shirt, finisher medal, plus all the post-race activities.
Participants are encouraged to bring their families and friends. Following the award ceremony, race participants, friends and guests are invited to go to Okeeheelee Nature Center for additional activities and educational opportunities at their Gopher Tortoise Day Shell-a-Bration until 1 p.m. The Shell-a-Bration will be open to the general public at 10 a.m.
The Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center, South Florida Herpetological Society, Florida Trail Association, Palm Beach County Wood Turners and Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club will be on-site to share with the community their mission and the opportunities available within each organization.
Another very unique aspect of the event will be the amazing snakes and tortoises present for the community to interact with and learn about.
The race is sponsored by the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center with all proceeds going to support Okeeheelee Nature Center.
Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides support to Okeeheelee Nature Center, its staff, volunteers and animal ambassadors. It accomplishes this by raising funds to enhance exhibits, trails, facilities and educational programs to provide an enriching experience for Nature Center visitors.
Okeeheelee Nature Center features 2.5 miles of hiking trails winding through 90 acres of flatwood forest and wetlands. It promotes an appreciation of our natural world and fosters a deeper understanding of Palm Beach County’s ecosystems through hands-on-exhibits, animal encounters, educational programs and a nature themed gift shop.
For more information about the race, call the Okeeheelee Nature Center at 561-233-1407.
Friday, March 21, 2025 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Pre-Race Packet Pickup Buffalo Wild Wings 2837 South State Rd 7 Wellington, FL 33414
Note: You may pick up for friends and family as well. You will need a digital copy of your I.D. as confirmation of your approval.
Saturday, March 22, 2025 2nd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K Okeeheelee Park Micanopy Pavilion 7715 Forest Hill Blvd West Palm Beach, FL 33413
Note: Micanopy Pavilion is on the west side of the park. Arrive early for closer parking.6:30 a.m.: Park gates open Registration and Packet Pickup Open6:30 a. m.: Music and entertainment begin 6:45 a.m.: Meet the Race Ambassadors: Sparky, Okeeheelee Nature Center’s Gopher Tortoise ambassador, and Oakly, the PBC Parks and Recreation Department mascot
7:10 a,m,: 5K Fitness Warmup 7:25 a.m.: Announcements and National Anthem 7:30 a.m.: Start of the Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K 8:00 a.m.: Healthy snacks after you complete your 5K 8:25 a.m.: Dancing and Partying with DJ Petey 8:45 a.m.: Awards Ceremony 9:00 a.m.: Shell-A-Bration (Nature Center)
GOPHER TORTOISE DAY SHELL-A-BRATION
After the race, the Okeeheelee Nature Center will hold its Gopher Tortoise Day Shell-a-bration,
Activities will promote awareness of environmental protection and wildlife conservation.Here are the details:–Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
—FREE to participate (No reservations/registration required)
—Educational talks and tortoise habitat hike to view burrows
—Gopher Tortoise themed crafts, resources, and activities
—Meet-and-greets with “Sparky” — our ambassador gopher tortoise
EVENT SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE TO PROMOTE BUSINESSES
To learn more about event sponsorships, call the Okeeheelee Nature Center at 561-233-1400 and leave a message for Teresa Zabik, 5K Co-Chair and ONC volunteer.
Several businesses sponsors of the event, which supports the environmental efforts of Okeeheelee Nature Center. The early list of sponsors/in-kind donors include: Wellington Whole Foods, BnA Wellness, Ideal Nutrition, Celsius Energy Drinks, Body20, Trader Joe’s, College Admissions Counseling Group, PDQ, Bolay and the Florida Panthers.
ABOUT THE PALM BEACH COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department is recognized nationally for excellence in park and recreation management and provides organized recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities.
Residents and visitors can learn more at www.pbcparks.com and follow @PBCParks and #pbcparks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and WordPress
On February 15th the annual 40-Goal Polo Challenge took place at the USPA National Polo Center’s Stadium Field One.
This event is the premier fundraising event of the Polo Players Support Group, dedicated to aiding injured polo community members.
Of the eight players who participated, six were 10-goalers and two were 9-goalers.
The 10-goalers included Adolfo and Poroto Cambiaso, Barto and Jeta Castagnola, Hilario Ulloa and Tomas Panelo.
Facundo Pieres and Fran Elizalde both 9-goalers rounded out the teams.
The PPSG which is 501(c)3 organization has been in existence since its inception in 2002.
It is dedicated to providing financial support to ill and seriously injured players and grooms which has helped recipients in their network with donation of over $4 million.
On paper, this should have been a close game, but in reality Bientina took control immediately and never looked back.
At half-time the score had Bientina leading SD Farms 11-2.
Game MVP, Federico Panzillo along with his teammates Santiago Llavalol, Valentino Carlotti and Mariano Gonzalez never gave SD Farms a chance to get off the hook and finished the game ahead 18-6.
SD Farms team was made up of Sayyu Dantata, Harrison Azzaro, Mariano Obregon and Peco Polledo.
Jeannine Carr, Heidi Hess of “Mommy Moments” and Krista Martinelli, Editor
So, it’s March, which features St. Patty’s Day and all of the good luck & green beer that goes along with that tradition. But did you know March is also Women’s History Month? And National Reading Month?
Check out “Wild Succulent Books” by writer Heidi Hess this month in “Mommy Moments.” She highlights books by women authors in honor of both Women’s History Month and National Reading Month.
March is a busy month and it’s also Athletic Training Month. See “Dr. Hinson’s 8 Tips for Athletic Training Month” in “Health & Fitness” by Gianna Picard. From warming up properly to rest and recovery, there are some basic steps that will help your body in any workout routine.
In “Ask the Docs,” Jaime Joshi Elder gives a perspective from Dr. Kyle Eldredge on screening for colon cancer with “Five Things I Would Never Do as a Colorectal Surgeon.” Check yourself and make sure you are not doing these “must not do” steps!
In “Teen Talk” this month, our wonderful intern from Wellington High School Madi Mangoni explores the critical question “Should Students Have Limited Access to the Internet?” This is a great analysis and takes a look at both sides of the issue.
Welcome to our newest sponsor, Chakalaka Hot Sauce! Check out their hot sauce as well as their Garlic Vinaigrette!
As always, this is just the tip of the iceberg! Please do explore our many articles this month, as well as our new photo galleries and new events happening around Wellington. Thanks and have a wonderful month!
The Internet has become an essential aspect of modern life, transforming how we get information, interact, and study. It provides students with an abundance of tools, including access to educational resources. However, the Internet also provides various distractions and possible hazards.
Restricting students’ Internet access is crucial to protect them from dangerous content, cyberbullying, and online predators. The Internet is full of improper content, including violence and hate speech, which can harm children’s development and well-being.
Another reason for limiting students’ Internet access is because it might be a significant distraction from their academics. The Internet provides an abundance of entertainment options, including social media, video games, and streaming sites, which may quickly take up hours of a student’s time. This can result in procrastination, reduced attention, and, eventually, poor academic achievement. By limiting Internet access, students might be encouraged to devote more time to their academics, resulting in higher grades and a more pleasant educational experience.
Excessive Internet use has been related to eye strain, obesity, and sleep deprivation. In addition, social isolation, anxiety, and depression have all been connected to excessive Internet use. Students can be encouraged to participate in healthier activities like exercise, socializing with friends and family, and taking up hobbies by restricting their access to the Internet.
Although on the other hand, numerous educational resources, such as search engines, tutorials, and online courses, are accessible through the Internet. These tools can be used by students to improve their education outside of the classroom, pursue new interests, and acquire useful skills. Additionally, the Internet makes it easier for students to collaborate and communicate, connecting them with classmates. Restricting students’ access to the Internet may deny them these chances and affect their development both academically and personally.
Students’ freedom of expression and access to information may be restricted if Internet access is limited. The Internet provides a platform for exchanging thoughts, opinions, and ideas. Restricting access could discourage students’ curiosity and inventiveness and keep them from interacting with the world around them.
Additionally, the Internet is a great place to learn about a variety of subjects, including the latest news. Restricting access could interfere with students’ ability to stay informed and develop their critical thinking skills.
Both sides of limiting access to the Internet and not limiting access to the Internet have valid arguments, so to ensure responsible and efficient use, a balanced strategy is necessary. To keep students safe and make sure they aren’t neglecting their schoolwork, some limitations could be enforced. Although, it is just as important to recognize the educational and social aspects the Internet has to offer. Putting appropriate age limitations and parental controls in place is one potential solution. While older students can be granted more freedom as they get older and develop good Internet habits, younger children might need more restrictions.
So, to answer the question: “Should Students have limited access to the Internet?”, students should have limited access to the Internet but should still be able to freely express themselves and communicate with people.
He was fifty feet tall, portraying icons like Black Panther – a fictional hero made flesh or Jackie Robinson and Thurgood Marshall – flesh and blood heroes who walked among us.
No-one knew that Chadwick Boseman, barely in his 40s, was battling colon cancer and when he succumbed to the disease in 2020, shockwaves of grief ripped through Hollywood and the world at large.
He was so young. He seemed so strong. He was in the prime of his life. He seemed undefeatable and then, he was gone.
According to the National Cancer Institute, new cases of colorectal cancer in people under the age of 50 have been rising over the past several decades.
Kyle Eldredge, D.O.
“Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed each year in both men and women,” said Wellington-based colorectal surgeon and partner at Advanced Surgical Physicians Kyle Eldredge, D.O. “In people over 50 years old, the overall incidence of colorectal cancer has actually been dropping over the last three decades due to increased screening. However, in people younger than 50, the numbers are increasing by 1-2% per year since the 1990s and by 2030, early-onset colorectal cancer is expected to become the leading cancer related cause of death for people aged 20-to-49.”
He encourages people to be actively engaged in their health and wellness and has created a list of five things he would never do as a colorectal surgeon.
Ignore your family history.
While age is the most important risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer with over 90% of colorectal cancers diagnosed in men and women over the age of 45, family history is also important when it comes to diagnosis and prevention.
“Having a single first degree relative with colorectal cancer can increase your risk 2-3 fold,” said Dr. Eldredge.
Skip screenings.
Simply put, screenings save lives and Dr. Eldredge says screenings should start at the age of 45 for people without risk factors like a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
“Most early-stage colorectal cancers do not produce symptoms – they start as noncancerous
Polyps,” he said. “Through screening and removal of polyps, the risk of colorectal cancer can be reduced by as much as 75-85%.”
Underestimate your symptoms
Maintaining good health requires vigilance and knowing your body. Most colon and rectal cancers do not cause symptoms in the early stages but it is vital that people are aware of the warning signs so they can know when to solicit the advice of a medical professional.
“Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloody stool, fatigue, anemia due to blood loss and a change in bowel habits,” said Dr. Eldredge. “Symptoms vary from person to person which can make diagnosis challenging but if you notice you’re experiencing these symptoms, talk to your doctor.”
Refuse to modify your lifestyle.
The way you live your life has a huge impact on your health and Dr. Eldredge echoes advice dispensed by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy – alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States.
“Alcohol use has been linked to several different types of cancer, including colon cancer,” Dr. Eldredge said. “Ethanol, the type of alcohol found in commonly consumed drinks such as beer, wine and hard liquor acts as an irritant to mucosal linings of the GI tract, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestine.”
He recommends that in addition to drinking less and quitting smoking, people should eat less red meat and processed foods, add more fruits, vegetables and whole grains to their diets and get moving – walking, working out or any kind of exercise that gets you off the couch.
Refuse to talk about your bowel movements to your physician.
It might be an uncomfortable conversation but ultimately, it could be a conversation that saves your life. People might not like talking about it because they feel awkward or they don’t want to make a fuss – attributing changes in bowel movements to bad shrimp cocktail or indulging in too much spicy food – but it’s worth having the conversation if you have any concerns.
“If you have constipation or new-onset diarrhea, changes in the frequency, size or caliber of your bowel movements, your bowel doesn’t seem to empty completely or you have narrow stools – as thin as a pen, for example – and it lasts for several days, you should talk to your doctor,” said Dr. Eldredge. “If you’re experiencing abdominal pain which you think could be due to a bowel blockage, contact your doctor. If you have blood in your stool, talk to your doctor.”
Open and honest communication between yourself and your medical professional can make all the difference in an early diagnosis.
