An Update On Colon Cancer And Polyps

The majority of colorectal polyps are adenomas. These growths are usually benign and the majority will never progress to cancer; nevertheless, it  is estimated that about 5% will eventually develop into cancer if not removed. Colon cancer is the second largest cancer killer in the U.S. causing about 50,000 deaths a year.

About 25% of people  have at least one adenoma by age 50. This incidence increases with age, and about 50% of us will develop at least one in our lifetime. Talk to your physician to get his recommendations for regular screening. These growths need to be found and removed before they become cancerous.

Where Did All Of The Sugar Go

Where did all of the sugar go? Well it went into our mouths. Several hundred years ago most people consumed only a few pounds of concentrated sugars a year. That is about 1/5 of a pound or about 22 teaspoons or about 350 empty calories a day

The new dietary guidelines recommend a limit on sugar to no more 10% of a person's daily calories. This would equate to about 12 teaspoons a day for the average person.

The World Health Organization advises an even stricter goal. The new goal is getting less than 5% of daily calories a day from added sugars.

Have you set your personal goal?

Is Your Deli Sliced Meat Safe To Eat?

Did you know that deli meats are a major source of serious food borne illness? Did you also know that the FDA recommends that all deli slicers should be disassembled, cleaned and sanitized every four hours?

These guidelines are frequently ignored. The slicer cutting your meat or cheese may not be safe. How do you know? That is a terrific question. You can ask the employee at the counter. Chances are that if you are shopping at a major chain the guidelines are being followed. Small independent stores may not.

If in doubt about the hygiene at the deli counter it would be prudent to buy packaged meats.