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March is Colorectal Screening Month

What Is Colorectal Cancer Screening?

screening test is used to look for a disease when a person doesn’t have symptoms. (When a person has symptoms, diagnostic tests are used to find out the cause of the symptoms.)

Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.

Screening Recommendations

Regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer and finding it early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. The Task Force recommends that adults age 76 to 85 talk to their doctor about screening.

The Task Force recommends several colorectal cancer screening strategies, including stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy). Learn about these screening tests. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Learn more at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/index.htm. and Munson Healthcare Blogsite: https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/blog/colon-cancer-are-you-at-risk

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Immediate mental health support and counseling is now available through a National 988 call network.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline, made up of a network of independently operated and funded local call centers (200+) across the country.

988 is the new three-digit dialing code connecting people to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL), where compassionate care and accessible support is available for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress—whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

Dr. Stefanko is accepting new patients

Congratulations Dr. LeBaron!

Northern Michigan's Red Hot List
Congratulations Dr. LeBaron for being honored this summer by the readers of Traverse the Magazine as one of the Best Primary Care Physicians in Northern Michigan.  Dr. LeBaron was nominated in our region of Cadillac, Ludington, and Manistee.  Here is what the fuss is all about directly from Traverse Northern Michigan Magazine and then republished in the My North publication:

“Wow! You love this place. More than 230,000 nominations and votes were cast in MyNorth’s sought-after 2023 Red Hot Best Awards, celebrating the people, places and experiences that make our region OURS. 
Head out to say hello to our Red Hot Besties in real life this summer … and a heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees!”

Cadillac Family Physicians has gone to optional masking

Effective 4/10/2023, Cadillac Family Physicians began optional masking for Providers, Patients, and Staff.  When scheduling an appointment, you will still be asked if you have any known upper respiratory symptoms.  If so, you will be scheduled with a Provider in our private entrance exam room or offered a virtual visit.  Masks are required in the private entrance exam rooms due to the possibility of contagious symptoms.  Thank you for your patience and cooperation.  Cadillac Family Physicians Team.

Dr. Lebaron presents to preschoolers

Dr Tania LeBaron addressed students at Little Wheels Preschool in March. She shared information about the importance of eating healthy to fuel our bodies. She brought in several great examples of what healthy options are and they all snacked on orange slices.

Advance Care Planning Workshops

Munson Healthcare announces Virtual Advanced Care Planning Workshops.

Medical issues sometimes arise that create confusion and uncertainty for patients, their families, and medical staff. Everyone wants to do the right thing – but in some cases, it’s not always clear what the right decision is. A little planning now will save those dearest to your heart unneeded stress later. Attend an advance care planning workshop to get your advance care planning process started.

90 minute workshops are offered and Include:

  1. The advance care planning workbook with step by step instructions for your advance care planning needs.
  2. Information about understand the importance of talking with loved ones about healthcare decisions.
  3. Guidance for choosing someone you trust to speak for you if you become too sick to speak for yourself.
  4. A page by page walk through of an advance directive so you know how to put your wishes in writing.
    Follow this LINK to register for a 90 minute Virtual Advance Care Planning Workshop.