I don't think I'm going out on a limb here to say that most of us would like to be "Fit, Fun & Fabulous!" And that's exactly what St. Mary Parish is striving for, in part thanks to a LHCC mini-grant that helped fund its "Healthy St. Mary Parish" event at Centerville High this summer.
One major focus of the event was to help people learn about smoke-free policies, especially important in a state like Louisiana where we have such high rates of tobacco use. Not surprisingly, that means there are also high rates of cancer, since tobacco causes at least 12 kinds of cancer (and you thought it was just lung!)
One of those tobacco-caused cancers is colorectal, so it's a good thing that Louisiana Cancer Prevention's giant, inflatable, walk-through colon was on hand to show people what happens when cells get out of control down there. What's more, colorectal cancer is an especially big problem in Louisiana, because Cajuns (probably due to genetic factors) and African Americans are more vulnerable to colorectal cancer. The good news is that regular screening, starting at age 50 for most people, can prevent colorectal cancer or catch it early. And if it's caught early, it's 90% survivable. So it's really great to see people from all over St. Mary Parish, including Franklin Councilman Larry Guilbeau and Morgan City Mayor Frank "Boo" Grizzaffia, check it out!
There was also plenty of fun to be had with a cook-off and poster contest, and a whole lot of people showing up. LHCC is thrilled to be a part of this home-grown event that is helping the people of St. Mary Parish live longer, healthier lives!