Chester Clinic P.C.
2319 Old Plank Road
Chester, Illinois  62233
Phone:  618-826-2388
Clinical Fax:  618-826-5139
Administrative Fax:  
618-826-3350
Steeleville Family Practice
602 Shawneetown Trail
Steeleville, IL  62288

618-965-3382
We Care About Your Health
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Chantix Patient Information

Colorectal Cancer - The #3 Cancer Killer - Is Largely
Preventable

American Cancer Society Encourages Women and Men 50 and Older to
Get Tested
As the nation marks the eighth annual National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, the American
Cancer society (ACS) is raising awareness that this third most common cause of cancer and cancer death in both
men and women in the United States is largely preventable.  About 30,000 lives a year could be saved if everyone
over 50 got screened for colorectal cancer.

Despite overwhelming evidence that screening tests can save lives, many Americans still are not following
recommendations from the ACS and others for early detection.  Perhaps the least understood and most compelling
aspect of colon cancer is the fact that colon cancer can be stopped before it starts if precancerous polyps are found
and removed, there-by avoiding the disease completely.

Early colon cancer often has no symptoms, which is why testing is so important.  Getting tested is especially critical
for Americans age 50 and over as more than 90 percent of colon cancer cases are diagnosed in people over the age
of 50.

When colon cancer is detected at an early stage, it has a 90 percent survival rate.  Still, fewer than four in 10 (39
percent) of these cancers are discovered at this stage.  According to the ACS, increasing colon cancer screening
among adults 50 and over represents the single greatest opportunity to decrease colon cancer death rates in this
country.

The reasons for low testing rates include many misconceptions.  Many people assume only those with a family
history of the disease are at increased risk, the majority of cases occur in people whose only risk factor is their age,
so everyone over 50 should b tested.  Others think testing is necessary only once symptoms arise.  Yet symptoms
are often a sign that the disease has progressed into more advanced stages.  Testing is most effective when a
patient has no signs of illness.  There are several colorectal cancer early detection tests, so talk to your doctor
about your family history and screening options.

The ACS is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering, and
preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.  For more information call (800) ACS-2345
or visit www.cancer.org

February/March 2007    St. Louis Women's Journal
Vaccinations for Adults
You're NEVER too old to get immunized!

Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting job.  Don't leave your health care provider's office
without making sure you've had all the vaccinations you need.
                    Age  

Vaccine  
19 - 49 years old
50 - 64 years old
65 years old & older
Influenza
Pneumococcal
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis
(Td, Tdap)
Hepatitis B
(Hep B)
Hepatitis A
(Hep A)
Human papillomavirus
(HPV)
Measles, mumps, rubella
(MMR)
Varicella
(Chickenpox)
Meningococcal
Zoster (Shingles)
You need a dose yearly if you
have a chronic health
problem, * are a health care
worker, have close contact
with certain individuals, * or
you simply want to avoid
getting influenza or
spreading it to others.
You need a dose every fall (or winter).
You need 1-2 doses if you have certain chronic medical
conditions. *
You need 1 dose at age 65 (or
older) if you've never been
vaccinated.  You may also
need a 2nd dose. *
If you haven't had at least 3 tetanus-and-diphtheria-containing shots sometime in your life,
you need to get them now.  Start with dose #1, followed by dose #2 in 1 month, and dose #3 in
6 months.  All adults need Td booster doses every 10 years.  If you're younger than age 65
years and haven't had pertussis-containing vaccine as an adult, one of the doses that you
receive should have pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine in it - know at Tdap.  Be sure to
consult your health care provider if you have a deep or dirty wound.
You need this vaccine if you have a specific risk factor for hepatitis B virus infection * or you
simply wish to be protected from this disease.  The vaccine is given as a 3-dose series (dose
#1 now, followed by dose #2 in 1 month, and dose #3, usually given 5 months later).
You need this vaccine if you have a specific risk factor for hepatitis A virus infection * or you
simply wish to be protected from this disease.  The vaccine is usually give as 2 doses, 6 - 18
months apart.
You need this vaccine if you
are a woman who is age 26
years or younger.  The
vaccine is given as a 3-dose
series (dose #1 now, followed
by dose #2 in 2 months, and
dose #3 , usually given 4
months later.)
   
You need at  least 1 dose of
MMR if you were born in 1957
or later.  You may also need a
2 dose. *
   
If you've never had chickenpox or you were vaccinated but only received 1 dose, talk to
your health care provider about whether you need this vaccine.
If you are a young adult going to college and plan to live in a dormitory, you need to get
vaccinated against meningococcal disease.  People with certain medical conditions should
also receive this vaccine. *
    If you are age 60 years or
older, you should get this
vaccine now.
* Consult your health care provider to determine your level of risk for infection and your need for this vaccine.

Do you travel outside the United States?  If so, you may need additional vaccines.  The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) operates an international traveler's health information line.  Call (877) 394-8747 or visit CDC's website at
www.cdc. gov/travel for information about your destination.  You may also consult a travel clinic or your health care provider.