Baptist Healthy Communities

If you are interested in signing up for Baptist Healthy Communities and have not already done so, please visit baptistcommunities.org. For more information or to make sure your faith organization or community agency is on our list, please contact us at 901-227-3512 or annmarie.wallace@bmhcc.org.

March Roundup

Get Screened

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In the U.S., colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths for men and women combined. But it doesn’t have to be. Colon cancer is very treatable when it’s found early. In fact, about nine out of 10 people whose colorectal cancers are found and treated early are still alive five years later. The best way to detect colon cancer early is through regular screenings. The American Cancer Society recommends people of average risk start screenings at age 45. Your doctor can advise you on which screening to get and how often. Here is more information about colon cancer symptoms, risk factors, screening methods and preventive measures:

Colon Cancer Symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible.

• Change in bowel habits
• Persistent abdominal discomfort
• Rectal bleeding
• Weakness or fatigue accompanied by unexpected weight loss

Colon Cancer Risk Factors

Health screenings are your best line of defense against all cancers! Early detection will help your doctors come up with the best possible plan for treatment. If you fall into any of the risk factors listed below, you should get screened before age 45.

• You have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
• You have an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• You are physically inactive.
• You are a tobacco smoker.
• You have ovarian, breast or endometrial cancer.

Colon Cancer Screening Options

Colonoscopy is the preferred option for colon cancer screening. However, alternative methods include the following:

• Fecal immunochemical test
• Stool DNA
• Guaiac fecal occult blood test
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Virtual colonoscopy

Colon Cancer Preventive Measures

There are many things you can do to have a healthy colon. Below are just a few.

• Exercise regularly
• Monitor bathroom habits for any changes
• Increase your fiber intake
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Reduce excess sugar and fried foods
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit alcohol intake

Dr. Rande Smith with Baptist Medical Group-Gastrointestinal Specialists talks more about colon cancer here.

Watch Some Things Can't Wait — Colon Cancer Screenings Save Lives PSA.

Health News and Information

Pink Attic Sale

The 2021 Pink Attic sale offers donated items, such as furniture, home décor and Race for the Cure T-shirts, and patrons have the option of choosing which organization their purchase will benefit.

Since 1993, Susan G. Komen Memphis MidSouth-Mississippi affiliate has awarded nearly $4 million in grant funds to Baptist Memorial Health Care’s breast health programs in Mississippi and Tennessee. These funds have made a difference and saved women’s lives in the Mid-South. In the metro-Memphis area alone, Baptist has used Komen grant funding to perform 1,000-plus screening mammograms, provide more than 1,000 diagnostic services and diagnose numerous breast cancers.

2021 Shopping Days

Thursday, March 25, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday, March 26, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

CarreFour at Kirby Woods, 6685 Poplar Ave., Germantown, TN 38138

For more information, visit the Facebook event page. 

Dates for Your Calendar

Please visit baptistcommunities.org for a full schedule of events or for more information.

Diabetes Alert Day, March 23

Observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day “wake-up call” that focuses on the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk. We encourage you to find out if you—or someone you love—is at risk for Type 2 diabetes by taking this quick and simple Diabetes Risk Test. 

Shell Health & Wellness March Series

Baptist Memorial Health Care and Levitt Shell are offering an exciting series geared toward wellness, prevention and community health on the lawn of the Levitt Shell. All participants must wear a mask, social distance and provide their own water. Join us for these free, in-person programs by registering for each event.

March 20, 9 a.m. Cardi-O at the Shell 
March 22, 4:30 p.m.  Girls on the Run
March 22, 5:30 p.m. Twilight Yoga and Pilates
March 24, 4 p.m. Girls on the Run
March 29, 4:30 p.m. Girls on the Run
March 29, 5:30 p.m. Twilight Yoga and Pilates
March 31, 4 p.m. Girls on the Run

Health Resources

If you would like to order coronavirus (COVID-19) educational materials for your congregation or organization, please complete this order form.

Get Connected

For more information, or to make sure your faith organization is on our list, please call 901-227-3512 or email Ann Marie Wallace at annmarie.wallace@bmhcc.org.