6 TexasHealthMansfield.org 4 ways to care for your colon It may not be glamorous work, but your colon has an important job to do for you. Why not give your hardworking colon the care it deserves? Here, gastroenterologist Abdullah Abdussalam, M.D., offers four ways to help you maintain a healthy colon. Meet Abdullah Abdussalam, M.D. 4Get moving! Regular exercise (like brisk walking) may reduce your colon cancer risk. If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), staying active may help ease some of your symptoms. 1Plate up more produce! Eating fiber-rich fresh fruits and vegetables helps prevent constipation and possibly diverticulosis, a condition in which pockets form in the colon and may become inflamed or infected. While studies are ongoing, it appears that diets rich in fruits, veggies and whole grains and low in red, processed meats may cut the risk of colon cancer. 2Crush your smoking habit. “Smoking increases the risk of stomach and colon cancers,” Dr. Abdussalam notes. Ask your doctor about medicines and programs that can help you quit for good. 3 Get screened for colon cancer. Screening can help prevent colon cancer or find it early. Everyone ages 45 and older needs regular colon cancer screening. (Earlier screening is needed if you’re at high risk due to your personal or family health history.) Talk with your doctor about which tests are right for you. Talk with an expert Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera to learn more about Dr. Abdussalam and how to make an appointment. Abdullah Abdussalam, M.D., grew up in the Chicago area. After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami, he completed his medical degree and residency at Saint Louis University and his fellowship at Creighton University. Dr. Abdussalam specializes in the management of the health of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Here are some of the concerns he can help with: ● Acid reflux ● Diverticulosis/ diverticulitis ● IBS ● Hemorrhoids ● Swallowing difficulty ● Ulcerative colitis ● Crohn’s disease ● Liver disease In his free time, Dr. Abdussalam likes to spend time with his wife (pediatrician Maha Haroon, M.D.), exercise and watch sports.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzIxMDA=