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FMC Hours Update

Starting March 6th, the FMC will open at 9:00AM on Wednesdays, instead of 8:30AM. This does not affect our Urgent Care Hours, which remain the same. To see a full list of our hours, select here.

Let’s Talk Health: Screening saves lives

Did you know that colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer of men and women in the United States? Colorectal Cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Most colorectal cancer starts as polyps, which are growths on the lining of the colon.

Importance of Screening

Precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. You could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why having a screening test is so important. Screening improves your chances of finding cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Many patients are hesitant to get screened, as it requires preparation. Some may fear finding cancer and some patients may feel embarrassed to get the test. On the whole, though, screening is a big step you can take to save a life: your own.

Who should get screened?

If you’re 50 to 75 years old, get screened for colorectal cancer regularly. If you’re younger than 50 and think you may be at high risk of getting colorectal cancer, or if you’re older than 75, ask your doctor if you should be screened.

Other risk factors include having:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
  • A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).

Screening Options

There are a couple of different options when it comes to screening for colorectal cancer. They include:

  • Colonoscopy – a procedure in which a provider uses a medical tube with a camera to see the inside of the colon. If normal, this test is repeated every 10 years.
  • Stool test – This is a screening test you can do right at home. Using the kit provided, you take a sample of your stool and send it back to the lab. The lab then tests for blood. If your test is normal, this is repeated every year.

Talk to your provider about which option might be right for you. Make an appointment on MyUNCChart.org or by calling 984-974-4989.

“A Success in Progress”: a Weight Management success story

When Bridget turned 40, she decided it was time for a lifestyle change and joined the UNC Weight Management Program (WMP).

Bridget calls herself a “success in progress” and notes sustainable weight loss takes time. She chose not to weigh herself regularly during the program, but knew she was losing weight because her clothes were looser. She credits WMP group as motivation during her most exhausting weeks. “Next week is a new week. We may fall off the wagon and remembering that helped me get back on,” she says.

To anyone considering joining the program, Bridget says, “Be patient and enjoy the ride.” Her favorite part of the program is attending group sessions to hear, share and learn from other people’s successes and challenges. She has also enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people, learn about nutrition labels, practice mindful eating, and try new recipes.

WMP includes both group and individual sessions covering a variety of topics related to diet, physical activity, stress management, and more. Participants report high satisfaction and appreciate the nonjudgmental support and accountability the program provides.

Interested in joining? Ask your Primary Care Provider for a referral, call us directly at 984-974-4971, or visit our website.

Physical Therapy at the Family Medicine Center

Injuries got you on the bench? The UNC Family Medicine Center is proud to offer on-site physical therapy using techniques such as massage, assistive therapy, and training exercises to restore and preserve your physical function. Our service is led by Jon Hacke, PT, DPT, MA, who is a board certified clinical specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and has been serving patients at the FMC for over ten years. Mike McMorris, a UNC board certified specialist in Orthopedics, also sees patients at Family Medicine several days a week. Mike and Jon are taking patients from adolescence through the lifespan for most orthopedic problems, chronic pain, sports related injuries and stable neurological conditions.

Jon Hacke, PT, DPT, MA
Mike McMorris, PT, DPT

Talk to your primary care provider about whether physical therapy might be right for you!

Living Healthy classes available in Orange, Wake, and Cumberland counties

Living Healthy is a free six-week workshop for people who live with chronic disease and/or their caregivers. It offers a menu of healthy ways to live with disease while balancing everyday life. Learn more on the website here.

Here’s a recent testimonial from Ramon E. Tristani-Pagán, a recent Living Healthy class graduate: “The course itself was very interesting and instructive. Your participation as leaders and teachers made it so much more appealing, enjoyable, and rewarding. The group experience made us feel like “family”, a very welcoming experience. However, nothing could have been achieved without your expertise and knowledge of the subject facilitated by your friendliness and openness towards us.”

Patients can enroll by calling 919-545-3440 or going online here.

Available classes:

Wednesdays

March 27 – May 1

10:00AM – 12:00PM

Rogers Road

Community Center

101 Edgar Street

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Mondays

April 29 – June 10

1:00PM-3:00PM

(Class will not meet on Memorial Day, May 27)

Garner Senior Center

205 East Garner Road

Garner, NC 27529