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Far less invasive than a standard colonoscopy, a virtual colonoscopy via CT scanning is a welcome, non-invasive procedure that also accomplishes the goal of detecting any signs of colon cancer or other abnormalities. You might want to schedule a virtual colonoscopy if you’re uncomfortable proceeding with a regular colonoscopy or there is a medical issue that would put you at risk in a standard colonoscopy (risk of excess bleeding).

Unfortunately, like many cancers, the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer can often be confused for those of other conditions. This is why it’s important that people the age of 50 and older get tested for colorectal cancer even if they don’t experience any of the common symptoms. Generally, people will often experience these symptoms after the cancer has progressed to a stage that is more difficult to treat than asymptomatic cancer that is found through early detection.

Age 50 is well known as the benchmark for when to get screened for colon cancer assuming normal health circumstances. This screening period generally starts at age 50 and then continues periodically until age 75. Needless to say, it’s highly recommended that people follow these general guidelines for screening to detect any abnormalities as a preventative method for colorectal cancer.

There is some mixed information about how impactful vitamin D is regarding heart health, and whether or not boosting your body’s vitamin D levels through supplements would be beneficial. We can say with confidence that there are certainly benefits to healthy levels of vitamin D, especially for bone health, but the story for the heart is a little more complex.

Cardiovascular disease is by far the leading cause of death among diabetics. According to the American Heart Association, at least 68 percent of people 65 or older with diabetes die from heart disease, and at least 16 percent die of stroke. In fact, diabetic adults are more than twice as likely to die from heart disease as adults without diabetes.

If you know you have a family history of high blood pressure before the age of 60, you’re not alone. Those with a family history of high blood pressure do have a higher risk of having high blood pressure themselves, one of the primary risk factors for heart disease.

The causes of heart disease can take many forms, which is why mental health - as much as any other form of wellness - is essential for a healthy heart. Regardless of whether or not you suffer from heart disease, it’s important to take the time you need to address your mental health needs. Whether you suffer from anxiety, depression, or both, finding the resources you need to help you achieve a healthier mental state will offer compounding benefits for your overall health.

Aside from not smoking and exercise, diet plays a significant role in overall cardiovascular health. Certainly, there are foods that are better than others both for the heart and overall wellness. Those foods which raise blood pressure or cholesterol, two important risk factors, can often facilitate heart disease.

The new year is here, which means another fresh start towards improving your heart health. Whether you’re planning to jump into a new exercise routine or eat smarter for overall wellness, there are plenty of opportunities to improve or maintain your health. Though aside from the habits you would like or need to form to keep your heart in the best shape possible, there are a few habits that you should also avoid with equal tenacity.