b'EDITORSDOSE Word SearchColorectal Cancer On theSolution for puzzle on page 18.Rise in Younger Adults B A N C H P E D I A T R I C S E I OC I P O S O C I A L W O R K I S T MJESSICA McDONALD,EDITOR I O N O I T A T U P M A S B M R E [email protected] C N B N T K S M B I N R O I N G RF O B I T I R A L U O G A K E T T W Tebruary brought a harsh dose of reality as the nation mourned the loss of Dawsons Creek actor James Van Der Beek to colorectal cancer. TheI P E N A O N L T I B I Y A N H I Cactor, who was 48 when he died, announced his diagnosis in 2024 and publicly shared his journey on social media as he came to grips with it. HisT M A H G C L I U K N I L P F E T Edeath has brought the disease back into the spotlight as more younger peo- A I W T A Y T K I G D H L E L R S Pple understand they are still at risk. C E O I I V I S L I E I I I A A N SWhile the majority of colorectal diagnoses occur in people ages 50 and older, the number of diagnoses and deaths in individuals younger than 50I R V N N E I R P A H R F U T P O Dhas been on the rise. F U G I DI I N O L I G I M O I Y I PA study published in late January by the American Cancer Society listsI T M U T I C T R S O A R E P I T Ocolorectal cancers as the top cause of cancer deaths in people younger than 50. Alarmingly, the study found that colorectal deaths have increasedT A P S Y C H O L O G Y T I S D I A1.1% each year from 2005 to 2023, according to Moffitt Cancer Center.R I B A I G I M T L S D N U O W N TThis year alone, the Society estimates about 3,890 people younger thanE N I N V T I D H I N E I G H I G E50 will die of colorectal cancer.Screening guidelines were recently modified to begin at age 45 with a co- C I O G R O U N D I N G Y D N U O Slonoscopy every 10 years or a stool test every one to three years. DoctorsG M H I E C N A L A B E S A B E C Nhope the revised recommendations will help to catch the disease earlier. In addition, they advise anyoneregardless of agewho has a family his-tory or is showing symptoms to discuss screening with their doctor. Com-mon symptoms can include ongoing diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleed-ing, sudden changes in bowel movements, and iron deficiencies.HNStrength in Every StrideCONTINUED FROM PAGE 11hoping she can advance to that one day.For Schwartz, the experience has also grounded Charlies enthusiasm for being outdoors with an animal she trusts.Charlie loves being outside and is a big animal lover, Schwartz says. She instantly connected with one of the horses at Aprils Acres named Romeo. He greets Charlie with a nuzzle to her face at the beginning ofKarl Duceeach session. President, AAIWHY FAMILIES KEEP COMING BACKWhile equine-assisted therapy is not a complete replacement for physical therapy or occupational therapy, families often describe it as an additional method that motivates movement through relationship and routine. Cell: (863) 412-8229For Houston, the goal at Aprils Acres is to meet children where they areEmail: [email protected] reinforce what families are already working on. www.ebdins.comWhen I first meet the families, I talk to them about the types of therapies and things that theyre currently doing so that we can kind of reinforce whatever theyre looking to work on, Houston says. She often hears feedback from parents, doctors, and therapists about progress they are seeing. O\x1fce: (863) 293-2838Schwartz says that for Charlie, the benefits extend beyond strength andFax: (863) 299-6723coordination.Its like PT, OT, speech therapy, and mental health therapy all rolled into one, she says. Honestly, its therapy for me too, to see my girl so happy and being able to enjoy a therapy that doesnt feel quite so clinical as her1330 Havendale Blvd.Winter Haven, FL 33881other therapies do.HN22 | CFHN centralfloridahealthnews.com'