Employer Health Services News for September 2025

1 – Colorectal Cancer Awareness

45 is the New 50 for Colorectal Cancer Screening!

The newest guidelines from the American Cancer Society recommend people of average risk of colorectal cancer should start regular screenings at age 45, from the previous screening guidelines of age 50. This change is based on the trend of growing cases among younger adults.

Early detection is important, giving treatment the best possible chance of effectiveness. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard in colorectal cancer screening because it is the only test that both finds AND removes precancerous polyps during the exam. This is important because most colorectal cancers arise from precancerous growths in the colon (called polyps).

Here are some additional facts about Colorectal Cancer Screenings:

• Colorectal cancer is the 2^nd leading cause of cancer deaths in North Carolina
• Each year, more than 140,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the United States, and over 50,000 die from it.
• It is critical that the screening exam be of the highest quality, or there is risk of “interval cancers” to occur before the next exam
• Both men and women are affected equally
• Even those leading a healthy lifestyle can still develop polyps and cancer
• Popular stool-based tests are poor at detecting colon polyps, do not provide the same degree of protection, and are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for high-risk patients. To learn more about the difference between a colonoscopy and a stool-based test (such as Cologuard®), click here.

How to lower your risk of colorectal cancer:

• Get regular colorectal screenings beginning at age 45
• Know your family history of colorectal cancer
• Eat a healthy low-fat diet rich in antioxidants
• Do not use tobacco products
• Exercise regularly: 30 minutes at least 3-4 days a week
• Reduce weight: obesity is now a well-established risk factor for colon cancer and other chronic diseases

“It is more important than ever to remind patients of the importance of screening early for colorectal cancer. With routine screening with colonoscopy, colorectal cancer can be potentially prevented, saving lives,” said Dr. Caroll Koscheski with Gastroenterology Associates of Catawba Valley.

HOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR COLONOSCOPY:

Gastroenterology Associates of Catawba Valley are now a part of our Catawba Valley Health System network! Call the Fast Track Access Line at 828-624-1358. A registered nurse will review your medical history and schedule your procedure.

2 – Ergonomics

When evaluating a job, our physical therapist is looking for several characteristics known as ergonomic stressors:

• Forceful exertion required to complete a task
• Static or awkward postures
• Repetitive movements of a task
• Contact stress from tools or surfaces
• Vibration

Any of these factors, or any combination of these factors, may place someone at greater risk for discomfort or injury.

Catawba Valley Health System’s Industrial Rehabilitation program is a Quality Provider for the nationally recognized WorkWell Systems.  An ergonomic assessment or Job Site Analysis (JSA) is performed on location to assist with injury prevention and/or reduction by identifying potential injury-producing tasks or conditions. Ergonomic modifications can be recommended. JSA may also be used to develop specific functional job descriptions and to assist in establishing a client’s work conditioning or exercise program.

If you’d like more information about having an ergonomics-trained CVHS physical therapist come evaluate a job task or workstation, please contact Matt O’Neill at 828.326.2131 or moneill@cvmc.us

3 – Hand and Wrist Warm-Up

Keep your hands healthy. Try adding these quick exercises to your daily routine!

1. Wrist Circles

• Extend your arm in front of you.
• Slowly rotate your wrist clockwise 10 times, then counterclockwise 10 times.
• Repeat on the other hand.

2. Prayer Stretch

• Place your palms together in front of your chest (like in prayer).
• Keep your palms together and gently lower your hands towards your waist until you feel a gentle stretch in your wrists and forearms.
• Hold for 10–15 seconds, relax, and repeat 2–3 times.

3. Reverse Prayer Stretch

• Place the back of your hands together in front of your chest (fingers facing down).
• Gently press them together, lifting upwards to feel a stretch on the top of your wrists.
• Hold for 10–15 seconds, repeat 2–3 times.

4. Finger Stretches

• Spread your fingers as wide as you can, hold for 3–5 seconds, then relax.
• Repeat 10–15 times.

5. Fist Clenches

• Make a tight fist with each hand.
• Hold for 3–5 seconds, then open and stretch your fingers as wide as possible.
• Repeat 10 times per hand.

6. Thumb Flex

• Hold your hand out, palm up.
• Touch your thumb to the base of your pinky finger (if possible), then stretch it out as far as possible.
• Repeat 8–10 times per hand.

7. Tendon Glides

• Start with your fingers extended straight.
• Bend the top and middle joints of your fingers to make a hook (keep knuckles straight).
• Then make a full fist.
• Reverse the motion back to straight fingers.
• Do 5–10 cycles per hand.

8. Wrist Flexor Stretch

• Extend your arm in front, palm up.
• With your other hand, gently pull back on your fingers and palm until you feel a stretch on the underside of your forearm.
• Hold for 10–15 seconds, then switch hands. Repeat 2–3 times.

9. Wrist Extensor Stretch

• Extend your arm, palm down.
• Use the other hand to gently press your fingers down and back towards your body to stretch the top of your forearm and wrist.
• Hold for 10–15 seconds, then switch. Repeat 2–3 times.

10. Shake It Out

• Gently shake your hands as if you’re trying to air-dry them.
• Do this for 10–20 seconds to relax the muscles.

Keys to success:

• Move slowly and stop if you feel any sharp pain.
• Aim to do the routine once in the morning, at midday, and whenever you notice stiffness or fatigue.

If you’d like information about injury prevention activities for your employees, contact Marcus Osborne, Director of Wellness Services at mosborne@cvmc.us.