March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we emphasize the importance of early detection and screening. Colorectal cancer is highly treatable if caught in the early stages.

Colon cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for both men and women, yet it is very preventable. Unfortunately, many people with colorectal cancer may experience no symptoms, which is why regular screenings are so important. Finding cancer early, when it’s small and hasn’t spread, often allows for more treatment options. It has been shown that the average person is at risk of developing polyps beginning at 45 years of age; however, removing polyps during screening colonoscopies significantly reduces colon cancer development later in life. And, the only reliable way to detect polyps is through a screening colonoscopy.

Certain risk factors, such as a diet high in red and processed meats, obesity, smoking and lack of exercise can be attributed to certain cancers, although having risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will get the disease.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:

• A persistent change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
• A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

Please discuss colorectal cancer screening with your physician.  

This month Heritage Valley is proud to shine our spotlight on Jess, a nurse who works for Heritage Valley Pediatrics!

Jess was once told that “There is never a bad day in Pediatrics.” At Heritage Valley Pediatrics, this is definitely true! She is approaching her one-year anniversary with the practice, and couldn’t be happier. In fact, at one point she left to work for a larger healthcare institution. Within one week, she called her director and asked for her job back! Because Jess is so great with our pediatric patients, we were happy to welcome her back. Jess realized that the close-knit bond that exists among her co-workers and providers is truly special, and very much like a family. She quickly saw that this type of relationship does not always exist at other facilities.

Jess states that what sets Heritage Valley Pediatrics apart is that, without exception, children are the number one priority. The entire practice, from the front office staff to the clinical staff to the providers, is dedicated to the health and well-being of each child. She states that the providers are top-notch, respectful, and spend time teaching the clinical staff. Now that Jess’ own children are in college, she is grateful to again have the opportunity to be around young children. Their innocence and laughter really brighten her day! 

Jess worked previously as a hospice nurse and as a school nurse. Upon joining Heritage Valley Pediatrics, she soon realized that Pediatrics is her love, and that this is where she will spend the rest of her career. When asked what she likes best about her job, Jess was quick to reply that it is her awesome co-workers, manager, director and providers! 

Join Jess and the rest of Heritage Valley’s talented team by applying online at https://www.heritagevalley.org/careers/. Here you will find the opportunities available in our hospitals, physician offices, Senior Living Community and NorthWest EMS. Advanced Practice Provider opportunities are also available. 

Heritage Valley Pediatrics welcomes you and your child to experience the best in pediatric care! Our compassionate Pediatricians provide comprehensive health care to newborns through late adolescence. We offer physicians on-call 24 hours/day, 365 days/year; same-day sick visits for acute illnesses Monday through Friday in all office locations and in Chippewa on Saturdays; well-child care; and prenatal and “Meet the Practice” sessions. 

Annual check-ups (well-child care) for established patients ages 5 - 18 years may now be self-scheduled through the Heritage Valley app. Please note that, for well-care visits, only one child in a family may be scheduled per day, due to limited appointment times. (We ask that you call the office if you have more than one child needing to be seen on the same day.) 

Sick visits for established patients ages 6 months and older may also be self-scheduled through the iHVHS/aHVHS app.  Please schedule a separate appointment for each child in a family.  If your child has a chronic illness or if you have concerns, please call the office so that we can schedule a longer appointment time.

In addition to our daytime hours, we offer evening hours for acute illness issues in our Edgeworth/Sewickley and Chippewa offices. Monday and Wednesday evening hours are available in Chippewa from 5:00 – 7:00 pm; Tuesday and Thursday evening hours are available in our Edgeworth/Sewickley office from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.

New patients are always welcome at any of our five convenient locations: Hopewell/Aliquippa, Beaver, Chippewa, Sewickley and Calcutta, Ohio. Please click here to visit our website, which includes many informative links. Click here to self-schedule an appointment.

When it comes to your children, you want the best. That’s what you’ll find with Heritage Valley Pediatrics.

National Nutrition Month is celebrated during March to call attention to the importance of a balanced diet and exercise. Everyone is encouraged to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. According to eatright.org, below are some suggestions for observing National Nutrition Month. 

• As a family, commit to trying a new fruit or vegetable each week.
• Eat more meals together as a family.
• Take breaks during TV watching. Get some exercise during commercials!
• Try more meatless meals. Beans, peas and lentils work in a variety of dishes.
• Allow family members to select new recipes to try.
• Experiment with new herbs and spices to bring out flavors.

The Community Health Services Department at Heritage Valley Health System offers outpatient medical nutrition therapy, including individualized nutritional counseling. A Registered Dietitian will help you design a healthful eating plan that fits into your schedule.

To schedule an appointment, please call 866-328-8389. Before scheduling an appointment, be sure to obtain a referral from your Heritage Valley Primary Care Physician.