The opportunity was taken to thank the out going
Executives and to welcome the newly elected
Executives.
Tokens of appreciation were also presented to
outgoing members.
8
9
The new Santa Cruz executives were sworn in by Executive Board member Mr. Cecil
Paul on 28th October 2016.
Front Row (left to right) : Naomi Mc Lean- Trustee, Joan Davis - Asst Treasurer,
Brenda Sydney - Treasurer.
Back Row (left to right) : Yvette Wright - Chairperson,
Charmain Maule - Secretary, Euphemia Durant - Trustee and
Loama Warner - Communication Officer.
Missing are: Mrs. Cynthia Sifonis - Vice Chairperson and
Ms. Brenda Agard - Asst. Secretary.
SANTA CRUZ
The Cruzers hosted their annual Christmas Dinner on 9th December 2016,
which was very well patronized. Members enjoyed a delicious meal with great
music supplied by member Mr. Martin Bazil.
Mrs. Irma Gialta, the outgoing Secretary received her
token from member Mrs. Rebecca Edmond.
CHRISTMAS CHEER
ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING
Mr. Martin Bazil, former Assistant Secretary was
presented with a token of appreciation from member
Ms. Berna John.
HOWYOUCANPREVENT
COLORECTALCANCER
By Dr Alan A. De Freitas, Endoscopist and General Surgeon –
Laparoscopic, Vascular, Wound Care
Centra Med Surgical & Endoscopy Center Ltd
(285-4650/285-4651
)
C
olorectal cancer is a highly preventable cancer! It is also the second leading cause of death by cancer.
Prevention of Colorectal Cancer is as easy as having a Screening Colonoscopy every 5-10 years, which
according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), should be done by all of us, once we are
50 years and older. If, however, you have had a family member who has been diagnosed with Colorectal
Cancer or has died because of it, your screening age may be even earlier, as in 5 years before the age at
diagnosis of your relative (if this relative was younger than 50), since you may have a genetic predisposition
to the Cancer. A
Colonoscopy is an internal view in real time of your large intestines (Caecum, Colon and Rectum). The
doctor who specializes in this field is called an Endoscopist, and is specially trained. During your Colonos-
copy, the Endoscopies' will have views of the condition of your intestines, be able to accurately diagnose
Haemorrhoids (Piles), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS), Diverticular disease and most importantly Colo-
rectal Cancer.
Once your Colonoscopy is in progress, the Endoscopist will also be looking for polyps. A polyp is a pre-
cancerous bulbous growth which over time may mature to become Cancer. So that during your Colonosco-
py, the Endoscopist is able to remove these polyps with a special tool and prevent them from growing to
Cancer. If however the polyp is too large to be removed during the procedure, the Endoscopist will refer
you to a General Surgeon who will consult with you for removal by Surgical Intervention at a later time. The
advantages of having a Colonoscopy far outweigh the stigma associated with it.
Having your Screening Colonoscopies can prevent you from developing Colorectal Cancer.
Colonoscopies are also needed to diagnose conditions associated with the following signs or symptoms:
Rectal bleeding, bright red or very dark blood in stool
Change in bowel habits, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
Constipation
Unexplained Diarrhoea
Unexplained Weight Loss
Bloating
Tel: 285-4650/51
