Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Did you know that your body has a "super-highway" inside of it called the colon? It’s a very important part of your tummy that helps turn the food you eat into the energy you use to run, jump, and play! Sometimes, people can get a sickness there called colorectal cancer. It’s a serious "glitch" in the body that doctors work very hard to fix. The good news is that we can be "Body Bosses" and help protect our tummies from this glitch by building a Super Shield starting right now!

To build your shield, you need two secret weapons: Fiber and Movement.

Fiber is like a tiny broom found in fruits, veggies, and whole grains, like crunchy apples or oatmeal. It travels through your system and "sweeps" everything clean to keep your colon happy.

Active Play, like soccer, dancing, or even just tag, keeps your body’s engine running perfectly and lowers the risk of health glitches.

When we eat colorful rainbow foods and keep moving, we are making it much harder for sickness to take hold. Even though scientists and doctors are the experts, you are the leader of your own health team! By choosing a salad over a bag of chips or choosing a bike ride over a video game, you are doing something incredibly brave and smart. Taking care of your body is the best way to make sure you stay strong for all the adventures you have ahead.

Let’s use this month to celebrate our healthy habits and keep our "super-highways" clear and strong!

-Jude R.

Sources:

American Cancer Society. "What Is Colorectal Cancer?" Cancer.org, 2024.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Physical Activity for Different Groups." CDC.gov, 2023.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "Fiber." The Nutrition Source, 2024.

Mayo Clinic. "Chart of High-Fiber Foods." MayoClinic.org, 2023.