National Health Observances help raise awareness about conditions and serve as a reminder to take charge of your health. Here are three happening in March:
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Colon cancer is the third most common cancer among U.S. adults, according to the American Cancer Society, and staying up to date on screenings is essential to your health. For those who are not at high risk for colon cancer, a colonoscopy is covered by your health plan once every 10 years (120 months) and as frequently as once every 24 months for high-risk patients following a colonoscopy or barium enema. There are several other types of colon cancer tests available. Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you. To learn more about screening options, visit bluecrossmn.com/colonoscopy.
National Sleep Awareness Week
National Sleep Awareness Week took place March 10–16 and is a reminder of how important rest is to your overall health. If you struggle with sleep habits, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers several tips including:
❑ Removing electronics from your bedroom
❑ Avoiding caffeine, alcohol and eating large meals before bed
❑ Discuss your medications with your primary care provider to see if they may be impacting your sleep. Steroids, stimulants and opioids, for example, are classes of drugs that may lead to insomnia, so finding alternatives might be helpful.
Nutrition Awareness Week
March is also Nutrition Awareness Month, and it is a perfect time to find new ways to improve your diet. This can be as simple as incorporating a variety of vegetables into your meals, consuming more whole grains, and reducing your sugar intake. Additional tips offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate program include:
❑ Drinking and eating low-fat and fat-free dairy products
❑ Decreasing the amount of sodium in your meals
❑ Varying the types of protein you consume regularly