Page 9 - Seniorstoday October 2021 Issue
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the anus. This can be painful and you may the colon and the IC valve where the start of
bleed during, in some cases, one may also the small intestine ends and joins the large
fart blood. intestine and it also shows the last 10-20
Anal fissures are temporary and usually cms of the small intestine.
heal on their own within a few weeks.
Haemorrhoids – Also known as piles.
When one has haemorrhoids or piles, blood
may appear when you pass gas. This is
caused by swollen inflamed veins on the
inside or outside the anus.
Haemorrhoids, like anus fissures, are
temporary and can happen after a long
period of strained bowel movement.
However, some cases can be more severe A well-balanced diet can help you maintain a happy gut
than others. Healthy lifestyle is key
Diverticulitis – An infection or All we want is our gut to be happy. To make
inflammation of pouches formed in the that happen it is important to live a healthy,
intestines. Often cases of this condition clean and active lifestyle.
are minor however, it can be severe with Eating right – A well-balanced meal that
a massive infection that could lead to includes protein, carbohydrate, good fat,
rupturing of the bowel that leads to blood nutrient-rich vegetables and superfoods.
in the stool. Regular exercise – Walking at least 6000
Colon polyps – A small clump of cells steps a day will not only keep you active
that forms on the lining of the colon but will also improve digestion.
are called colon polyps. Colon polyps Quality sleep – Sleeping is essential when
often are asymptomatic and hence it is it comes to overall health. Our body repairs
important to have regular screening such and recovers during the sleep cycle.
as colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy will help remove colon Why is a healthy lifestyle important?
polyps at an early stage and avoid the risk Looking after your lifestyle with age helps
of colon cancer. Seniors are at a higher maintain the body’s metabolic rate. There
risk especially adults with weight issues, are several benefits of following an active,
smokers or family history of this condition. clean and healthy lifestyle that includes –
Colonoscopy is also a form of investigative Improved heart and gut health.
procedure where a slender tube with a Strengthens bone and dental health.
camera and source of light is introduced. Promotes a positive mindset.
The tube used in colonoscopy is much Boosts memory and brain health.
longer than the one used in endoscopy. Healthy weight management.
A colonoscopy helps us visualise the Regulated hormonal levels, resulting in a
whole of the colon which includes the maintained metabolic rate.
rectum, sigmoid colon, splenic flexure,
transverse colon, hepatic flexure, ascending Nutrition is the key to metabolism
colon and the caecum which is the start of A chemical reaction that processes
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #28 | OCTOBER 2021 9
