Ulcerative Colitis

Dickson suffered a heart attack just before the 2003-04 season but was coaching the Bearcats again within two weeks.

All of his health issues have made Dickson stronger and more aware.

He's not sure he is cancer-free, but he thinks he's got it beat for now.

"I asked my doctor the last time I saw him, and I asked, 'What about this two to five years to live?

' " Dickson said.

"He said, 'I think we're more like 20 years.' And, I said, 'Can we go with 25?

' I'm more comfortable with that.' "So, I don't know if I'd call it cancer-free.

But I felt like I was healed, and I wanted to show it by coming back." At this time last year, Dickson was dealing with myriad emotions.

During the district and state tournaments, he faced his cancer diagnosis, the suspension of center Kirsten Thompson for perceived dirty play and the death of his brother-in-law.

Dickson considered him his best friend.

Dickson is a changed man in many ways because of that roller-coaster 2004-05 season.

"I can't jump as high or run as fast, but other than that, I feel better than I ever have," he said.

Saturday will mark the one-year anniversary of Dickson's cancer diagnosis.

"He's taught us to stay strong no matter what happens," said Sarah Morton, Monroe's highly recruited point guard, who was lost for the season Jan.

27 because of a knee injury.

"He's showed us that staying positive has helped him overcome this.

...

He's...

The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women at average risk for the disease should begin screening at age 50, and test for blood in their stool each year.

A sigmoidoscopy should be scheduled every 5 years and without additional risk factors, a colonoscopy every 10 years.Paramus residents may receive a free home-test kit by calling the Board of Health at 201-265-2100, Extension 615 or 618.

The hemoccult kit, a simple at-home procedure, checks for blood hidden in the stool which may be a sign of cancer or other internal disorders.

After following instructions, the kit is returned to the Board of Health office and the results are mailed to your home.Board of Health member John Brunner urges all Paramus residents over the age of 50 to take advantage of the free test kits. Contact: John HopperPhone: (201) 265-2100, Ext.

755  those with a family history of colorectal Story Options Mail Story to a Friend Printable Story Format What's Related More by Mel Fabrikant More from Neighborhood News March colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Create New Account Newest First Oldest First Flat Nested No Comments Threaded The following comments are owned by whomever posted them.

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A wide range of disorders can produce pain in the vicinity of joints without actual arthritis.

Examples include bursitis, tendinitis, sprained ligaments, and muscles that are stretched, torn, or in spasm.

A pinched nerve can cause pain that is referred to a joint.

Fibromyalgia produces muscle and joint aches without any inflammatory or structural abnormalities.

Polymyalgia rheumatica causes stiffness and pain, especially in older adults, and is often mistaken for arthritis of the shoulder, neck, or hips.

And the list goes on — which is why rheumatology is a separate specialty of internal medicine.

l Osteoporosis is a disease of bones, not joints.

It’s caused by a deficiency of bone calcium (“thin bones”).

It increases the risk of fractures but is painless until a fracture occurs.

The only reason to confuse it with OA is the similarity of the two names.

Causes and risk factors Until recently, doctors blamed OA on “wear and tear,” implying that simple overuse causes the cartilage to wear away.

It’s a logical theory, but it’s wrong.

Time and mechanical stress do contribute to OA, but the process is really much more complex.

In fact, scientists still don’t understand all the mechanisms involved, but they have identified the major OA risk factors, including: l Age.

Time takes a toll on the whole body, and joints are no exception.

In fact, age is the strongest risk factor for OA.

Although the disease can s...