South Texas Health System and Prominence Health Plan Host Seminar Educating Seniors on Risks, Warning Signs of Cancer
More than 600,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer every year, according to the National Cancer Institute, and seniors make up more than two-thirds of these diagnoses. Though aging is a risk in itself that cannot be prevented, there are ways this population can improve their defenses against developing cancer.
As part of its outreach efforts aimed at improving the community’s health, South Texas Health System (STHS) welcomed seniors to its “Living with Cancer” seminar — the latest installment of a monthly series held in partnership with Prominence Health Plan dedicated to helping seniors live healthier as they age.
Join Us Next Time!
The next edition of the Senior Living Seminar Series will focus on Alzheimer’s. For more information and to register for this free event, please contact Veronica Galligan at 956-821-9569 or Veronica.Galligan@uhsinc.com.
During the event hosted at Calvary Baptist Church, STHS family medicine physician Dr. Francisco Garza Salinas shared the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the elderly, the warning signs, and practices that can help to prevent cancer from developing.
“As we get older and wiser, sometimes our risk for certain types of cancers increases exponentially,” said Dr. Garza Salinas. “Fortunately, adjusting our lifestyles by as little as 10% and being aware of certain warning signs of cancer is all it takes to increase our survival rate and beat cancer. If we detect it early, we can beat it together!”
Participants also enjoyed a cooking demonstration featuring cancer-fighting foods led by STHS’ dietary staff members, stability exercises led by STHS outpatient rehab therapists, and heard from a cancer survivor over how to continue to lead a vibrant, active life if diagnosed with cancer.
“It’s absolutely true — if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything,” said Veronica Galligan, Prominence Health Plan Texas Region Community Relations Representative. “That’s why it's so important for us to be out in the community educating our senior population on the importance of prioritizing their health and the common signs of diseases to look out for. Better health starts with small changes.”
Following the program, South Texas Health System clinicians and staff conducted free health screenings including blood pressure and blood glucose checks.