Menorah Medical Center

Service Profile: Colon Cancer Screenings

If you are over the age of 50, or if you haven’t had a colonoscopy for 10 years, it may be time to talk to your doctor about which testing procedure is most appropriate for you. Colon cancer screening is one of the most effective types of cancer screening because it can spot potentially harmful polyps early in their growth; Colonoscopy is the most thorough screening procedure used to spot colon cancer. People who are overweight, diabetic, or addicted to nicotine are especially at risk of developing colon cancer.

To schedule an appointment with one of our specialists and discuss your need for colon cancer screening, contact Menorah Medical Center at (913) 236-8003.  Routine colorectal cancer screenings are one of the most powerful tools for prevention.  But too often, people don’t make this important screening a priority.  Above is our colon cancer screening information, so be sure to give us a call, or visit us online, today to find more information about colorectal cancer screenings.

Signs of Anoxic Brain Damage

Traumatic brain injuries can cause lifelong damage and permanent disability, so it is important to be aware of the types of trauma that may occur and their symptoms. Anoxic brain damage is one potentially fatal type of brain injury that can occur as the result of stroke, cardiac arrest, severe anemia, drug use, or oxygen deprivation. Initially, symptoms of this injury may be mild, but they can rapidly worsen as brain cells begin to die due to a lack of oxygen. Below are the most common signs of anoxic brain damage:

Headache
There are a number of causes for headaches, but unusually painful headaches that occur suddenly may indicate a serious problem. Anoxic brain damage related headaches most often occur when the damage is mild to moderate; however, the pain tends to be fairly severe.

Confusion and decreased concentration
Sudden confusion, difficulty concentrating, and dramatic mood swings are all signs of anoxic brain damage. These rapid changes in behavior and cognitive awareness may also be accompanied by dizziness.

Seizures
A seizure occurs when part of the brain sends a burst of electrical impulses, and this can be the result of a low oxygen supply to the brain. During a seizure, a person will typically remain conscious, but may be unresponsive while experiencing muscle spasms, strange physical sensations, and emotional outbursts.

Loss of consciousness
If oxygen is cut off from the brain long enough, consciousness may be lost intermittently or for an extended period. Patients who have suffered severe anoxic brain damage can enter a coma or vegetative state, and the chances of successful recovery diminish as time passes without oxygen flowing to the brain.

For more information about brain injuries and how to prevent them, contact Menorah Medical Center. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, so we’re eager to share all sorts of important information this time of year. You can learn more about brain and nervous system conditions, as well as explore our neurological services by visiting us online, or call (913) 871-8457 for updated ER wait times.

Redesigning Your Diet During National Nutrition Month

The month of March is dedicated to improving health through better eating habits, so it is a great time to think about areas where you can add more nutrition to your diet. At Menorah Medical Center, you can find the guidance and support you need to transform your eating habits and take control of your health. Here are a few basic steps to get you started on the path to better nutrition:

Include more fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are necessary for a balanced diet because they provide your body with vitamins, minerals, and cleansing antioxidants. You should consume a variety of fruits and veggies to get a complete spectrum of the nutrients you need as you supplement your diet with these fiber-rich, low-calorie foods. Research has indicated that those who eat more fresh produce have a lower risk for colorectal cancer.

Cut out processed foods
Processed foods are often high in calories, salt, and sugar, but they do not offer much nutritional value. Therefore, a diet that primarily consists of processed foods can promote obesity, leading to a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and several types of cancer. Fast food in particular can cause difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, so you might focus on cooking more meals at home once you start trying to eat better.

Opt for good fats and oils
While fatty foods are generally considered unhealthy, there are some good fats that can actually lower your cholesterol, help reduce blood pressure, and nourish your heart. This type of fat can be found in fish, nuts, avocados, and olive oil. When you have a craving for fatty foods, reach for one of these options instead of fried foods or other high-fat snacks.

For more help rethinking the way you eat, visit Menorah Medical Center online, or call us at (913) 871-8457.   We’ll be happy to provide answers to your health questions or schedule healthcare services. 

Take a Few Minutes to See How Healthy Your Lungs Really Are

Lung cancer is the most deadly type of cancer in the U.S., but it is also the most preventable. The Lung Institute of Menorah is committed to bringing awareness and accessibility to all people at high risk of Lung Cancer by offering a low-dose Computer Tomography (CT) lung screening to current and former smokers who have no symptoms of lung cancer.  Lung cancer screening eligibility is determined by smoking habits, age and other lung cancer risk factors. 

Are you at risk for lung cancer?

• If you smoke or have smoked for a significant period of your life
• If you are over the age of 50
• If you have other risk factors such as radon exposure, occupational exposure, cancer history, family history of lung cancer or disease history (COPD or pulmonary fibrosis 

Here are some questions that can help you get a more complete picture of your risk for lung cancer, and more information about lung cancer screenings.

At Menorah Medical Center, we are dedicated to lung cancer prevention through the latest techniques in CT scanning and patient education for better health in the whole community. To find out if you are eligible, call us at (913) 498-7800.  Our medical team will pre-screen you over the phone to determine if you fit into one of the two groups eligible for lung cancer screenings.  If you do, they will schedule your lung screening and get your physician’s order as required by law.  The Lung Institute of Menorah offers lung cancer screenings at a discounted rate of $240.

Understanding Medication Use for Heart Disease Patients

Whether you have previously suffered a heart attack or you are at high risk for heart disease, medication is probably a key component of your everyday health. Managing the medication you take may include regular visits to your cardiologist along with tracking your daily use of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs. This video from the American Heart Association explains some ways to make your heart disease medication management easier for both you and your doctor so that you are getting the best possible care for your particular case.

At Menorah Medical Center, you can find comprehensive cardiac care including emergency medicine for heart attack and an accredited Cardiac Rehabilitation Program offered on site. You can learn more about our heart care services on our website or you can call (888) 429-8153 to schedule a checkup for your heart health.