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PROTECTING OURSELVES FROM COLON CANCER
By Assemblyman Brian M. Kolb
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Our health care needs change as we age, so we need to ensure that we're taking care of ourselves by adhering to a healthy diet and exercising. Just as importantly, we need to be sure that we're proactive in monitoring our personal physical and mental conditions.
Let's discuss colon cancer as an example.
Like all cancers, colon cancer can be deadly, but in most cases, if caught early, it can be successfully treated. That is why I recently completed a colonoscopy and, fortunately, I received a clean bill of health. Unfortunately all too often that is not the case.
A colonoscopy is necessary to detect as early as possible the presence of colon cancer. This potentially life-saving procedure is recommended for everyone age 50 and older, and sooner for those who are deemed at risk of contracting the disease. At-risk individuals include:
" People 50 years of age and older - studies show that 90 percent of all patients diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50
" Sufferers of colorectal polyps, or growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum
" People with a family history of colon cancer
" Persons with genetic alterations because changes in certain genes increases the risk
" Previous colon cancer patients
" People who have suffered from ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
" People whose diets are high in fat
" Cigarette smokers.
In the United States, colon cancer is the fourth-most common type of cancer in men and women - it truly represents a threat to everyone. But by living a healthy lifestyle and monitoring the state of our health, we are doing all that we can to prevent this disease.
More information about colon cancer and other forms of cancer is available by visiting the National Cancer Institute Web site at www.cancer.gov. As always, if you have any questions about this or any other matter of state importance, please feel free to contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, or you can reach me by e-mail at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.
KOLB SECURES FUNDS FOR 'THREE BEARS'
Assemblyman Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) announced today that he has secured a $5,000 state grant for the "Three Bears," three historic buildings in downtown Ovid, Seneca County, that stand as monuments to the county's past, present and future.
The structures originally served as a courthouse ("Papa Bear"), the county clerk's building ("Mama Bear") and the county surrogate's office ("Baby Bear"). The three buildings have housed various other operations for more than 100 years. Today, local officials say, the buildings' futures are on hold as the county, concerned citizens and the business community struggle to make them - once again - the center of attraction in Ovid.
"Like many people, I have been to Ovid and seen the 'Three Bears,' so I understand the concern with their future and preservation. In small villages like Ovid, buildings such as these represent much more to its residents than old brick structures. They help form their identities and showcase their past," Kolb noted.
To help ensure a future for the structures, local residents formed the Friends of the Three Bears, a nonprofit organization that can own, lease and manage buildings and properties. The group wants to help Seneca County obtain the funds necessary to restore and explore uses for the buildings.
"The Friends of the Three Bears are truly a catalyst for re-energizing these beautiful buildings in one of New York's unique small towns. It brings me great joy to be able to help these individuals and this town with a grant to preserve a part of its past for its future," Kolb concluded.
For more information about this or any other matter of state importance, contact Assemblyman Kolb at
(315) 781-2030 or e-mail him at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.
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