Colon health is important to keep your digestive system on track. The main function of the colon is waste management. The large intestines job is to absorb water, electrolytes, and store the waste-products until eliminated. This process should take anywhere from a few hours up to 24 hours after a meal. Unfortunately, our body starts to absorb the toxins from the waste if it’s not eliminated properly.

How do you get a healthy colon, you ask?

1. Hydration:

Oral hydration is key to a healthy colon. We are naturally cleansing our body by drinking the recommended serving of water daily. When we are not hydrated properly we run the risk of fatigue, constipation, and toxins will start to accumulate in the colon.

2. Soluble Fiber

Fiber keeps our digestive track in motion. This is also a very important part of having a healthy colon. Some fiber rich foods include; flax seeds, fruit with skin, oats, barley, beans, asparagus, and avocado.

3. Exercise       

Simply walking for 10-15 minutes a day can be valuable for your colon health. During exercise you increase blood flow and circulation which provides more oxygen to your GI (gastrointestinal system.)

4. Colonoscopies

After the age of 50, a colonoscopy is imperative in maintaining colon health. A colonoscopy is the first step towards prevention and early detection of colon cancer.

As August wraps up we’d like to share with you something exciting about the month! National ASC week was noticed from August 8^th-12^th and DDEC is recognized as an accredited ASC (Ambulatory Surgery Center). There are only 122 Medicare-Certified ASCs in Illinois and we are honored to be one of them! Being an ASC allows for quality patient care and patient satisfaction.

What are the benefits of being an ASC you ask?

-ASCs have saved Medicare $2.3 billion each year by doing some of the most common procedures outside of the hospital setting

-Patient convenience 

-Ability to focus on each individual’s particular needs

-Lower health care cost

-Reduced stress for patients

-More efficient scheduling to enable shorter length of stay

-Comfortable and safe environment

ASCs continue to lead innovation in outpatient surgical care. The ASC industry has shown itself to be ahead of the curve in identifying promising avenues for improving delivery of health care.

Information provided by: https://www.ascassociation.org

DDEC business office staff

DDEC would like to thank all of our Volunteer staff. Our facility was honored to have a group of extraordinarily helpful Junior Volunteers from the Summer 2016 program. From clerical work to helping the nursing staff, your time is greatly appreciated!

Pictured above is DDEC staff with one of the Volunteers. Left to right: Chandal Gualandri-Business Office, Cindy Durham- RN, CGRN, Administrator/ Director of Nursing, Tana-Pre-Med Student/Volunteer, and Kayla Demlow LPN.

Pictured above is DDEC staff with one of the Volunteers. Left to right: Cindy Durham- RN, CGRN, Administrator/ Director of Nursing, Carrie Fannin- Business Office Supervisor, and Tana-Pre-Med Student/Volunteer.

Celiac disease is a digestive problem that some people have with foods that contain gluten. Gluten is a type of protein that’s found in the grains wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a wheat-rye cross). For people with Celiac disease not following a gluten free diet can create issues with the small intestine. When you have this disease and you eat food with gluten in it, the gluten triggers an immune response that can affect the absorption of nutrients.  

Browse these delicious gluten free recipes that will aid in better digestive health!     

Gluten-Free Carrot and Date Muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped

• 1 cup chopped pitted dates

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

• 1/4 cup melted virgin coconut or high-heat sunflower oil

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 3/4 cup amaranth flour or millet flour

• 3/4 cup ground almond flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Method:

Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners or oil with natural cooking spray and set aside. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place carrots and dates in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse and then blend until finely chopped. Add walnuts and pulse to finely chop. Transfer to a bowl; add oil, eggs and maple syrup, stir to combine completely. In a separate bowl, combine all remaining dry ingredients. Pour liquid ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tins and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Nutritional Info: Per Serving: 240 calories (110 from fat), 13g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 35mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 29g carbohydrates, (4 g dietary fiber, 16g sugar), 6g protein.

Recipe courtesy of:

Gluten-Free Pancakes Recipe Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice flour
• 1/2 cup potato starch
• 1/2 cup ground almonds
• 3 teaspoons sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips, optional

Method:

In a large bowl, combine the rice flour, potato starch, almonds, sugar, baking powder and salt.In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, butter and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Stir in chocolate chips if desired.Pour batter by 1/4 cupful’s onto a hot griddle coated with cooking spray; turn when bubbles form on top. Cook until the second side is golden brown. Yield: 12 pancakes.

Nutritional Facts : 2 each: 242 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 464mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein Diabetic Exchanges:2 starch, 2 fat

Recipe courtesy of:

Staff at DDEC are committed to spreading the word!

Colorectal cancer doesn’t usually have symptoms in its early stages and…

when discovered early is highly treatable and preventable.

Call your physician for:

• A change in bowel habits
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Abdominal discomfort or bloating

Screening Colonscopy Saves Lives! 

Read our article in the March 2016 edition of Healthy Cells Magazine.

Regular screening starting at age 50 is key in preventing colorectal cancer.

http://www.healthycellsmagazine.com/articles/some-things-in-life-are-free