March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Were taking a closer look at how lifestyle choices like diet and exercise may influence risk.

As a gastroenterologist, colon health is something I focus on every day. One of the concerning trends were seeing is that more adults under age 50 are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Now, researchers are still working to understand exactly why, but lifestyle factors are getting a lot of attention.

 

Studies show that people who follow healthier eating patterns tend to have a lower risk of colorectal cancer. That means eating more fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.

 

On the other hand, diets high in red meat and processed meats like bacon, sausage and hot dogs are linked with a higher risk. Recent research also shows that eating a lot of ultraprocessed, ready-to-eat foods on average, about 10 servings per day may increase the risk of precancerous polyps in the colon. 

 

Ultraprocessed foods are often high in sugar, salt, unhealthy fats and additives. So, theyre very easy to overeat because theyre designed to taste good. That can contribute to weight gain and obesity, which also raises colorectal cancer risk. I often advise my patients to take the time to cook meals at home when possible and focus on nutrient-dense whole foods.

 

Getting regular physical activity is a key factor.  Even moderate exercise like brisk walking most days of the week can support overall health and help reduce risk.

Also, its important to avoid smoking and limit alcohol.  Alcohol breaks down into a potent carcinogen that can damage cells.   

Unfortunately, early-onset colorectal cancer cases are expected to more than double over the next 10 years. Many of these cancers are still being found at later, more advanced stages, when theyre harder to treat. 

As a gastroenterologist, one of the most powerful prevention tools I talk about with patients is screening. Colonoscopies help us detect and remove precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. Theyre the gold standard, but stool-based tests can also help catch colorectal issues early. Right now, screening is recommended starting at age 45 for people at average risk, and earlier if you have a family history or certain symptoms.

The encouraging news is that everyone can take proactive steps to curb colorectal cancer cases with healthy eating, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping up with recommended screening.

A new study looked at several popular healthy diets and found one may protect your brain the most.

Researchers say the DASH diet could significantly lower the risk of memory problems and cognitive decline.

 

See the story from Dr. Nandi in the video below

DASH diet could lower risk of dementia, study shows

The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It followed more than 159,000 people for nearly 20 years. And heres what the researchers found: people who most closely followed the DASH diet had about a 40% lower risk of reporting memory problems and cognitive decline compared to those who didnt.

Whats especially interesting is that adults who most closely followed the DASH diet in midlife - between ages 45 and 54 - experienced the biggest brain benefits with lower reports of cognitive decline later on. They also performed slightly better on formal cognitive testing. 

Now, why might the DASH diet - which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension - have this effect? As the name implies, it was originally designed to lower high blood pressure.

When you have high blood pressure, it can damage arteries in the body, including the smaller ones in your brain. The DASH diet focuses on limiting sodium. This helps lower blood pressure, which supports brain health. And while the study looked at several healthy diets, including Mediterranean and plant-forward patterns, DASH showed the strongest link to better cognitive aging.

The great thing about DASH is that its flexible and built around everyday foods.

You want to fill your plate with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. Fish and lean poultry are encouraged, and low-fat or fat-free dairy is part of the plan as well. These foods are low in sodium and naturally rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium and fiber.

On the flip side, you want to limit processed and fatty red meats like hot dogs, sausage and deli meats. Cut back on full-fat dairy, butter and solid oils, and be mindful of sugary foods and drinks. Processed and packaged foods are often loaded with hidden sodium, even if they dont taste salty.

Unfortunately, many Americans consume more than 3,300 milligrams of sodium a day on average. That is far above recommended levels. The standard DASH plan aims for 2,300 milligrams per day, or 1,500 if you need tighter control.

What I tell patients is this: protecting your brain isnt about a quick fix. Start with small, realistic changes that can grow into long-term healthy habits.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show

Dr. Partha Nandi, MD, takes on a difficult but important topic: preparing for death. He explains how to make hard decisions ahead of time, including whether you want aggressive treatment, the use of breathing machines and the role of advance directives. While many of us avoid thinking about these choices, planning ahead can ease the burden on loved ones. Caregiver Pam Lewis joins the conversation, sharing her experience caring for people at the end of life and why preparation can bring peace and clarity for everyone involved. Tune in this Monday,

 

March 2 at 2:30 a.m.

In todays Health Alert, if you think allergies disappear in the winter, think again. Many people struggle with sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes all season long. 

Winter allergies are usually triggered by indoor allergens. When its cold outside, we spend more time indoors with windows closed and the heat running. That not only traps allergens inside, but also keeps them circulating around your home.

Now, the most common triggers are dust, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. Dust mites live in bedding, furniture, and carpets. Mold thrives in damp places like bathrooms and basements. And pet dander builds up too, since animals are also spending more time inside. In people who are prone to allergies, ongoing exposure can cause the immune system to treat these triggers like invaders. You can develop symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, postnasal drip, and watery eyes.

That sounds like just a cold, right? So how do you know if its a cold or allergies? Well, a key difference is itching. Allergies often make your eyes, nose, or throat itchy. Colds usually do not. Also, colds tend to improve within seven to 10 days, while allergies can last for weeks. And thats because the allergen is still around, usually inside your house.

What can people do to relieve their symptoms and feel better during the winter months?

The first step is reducing exposure at home. Wash bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites. Vacuum and dust thoroughly, especially in bedrooms. Check damp places for mold. Use allergy-proof covers on pillows and mattresses, and high-quality filters in your heating system. Consider adding a separate air purifier for extra filtration to help capture dust and dander. Keep pets out of the bedroom and wash them and their bedding often.

As for treatment, over-the-counter antihistamines can reduce sneezing and itching. Nasal sprays and neti pot rinses help clear allergens and calm inflammation. Eye drops can help with dry, itchy eyes.

If symptoms are persistent, severe, or affect your breathing, talk with your doctor. Another option for longer-term relief is immunotherapy - such as allergy shots or tablets that help teach your body to tolerate allergens gradually. The good news is that with the right steps, winter allergies can absolutely be managed.

In todays health alert, new CDC data shows measles cases are climbing across the country. The U.S. has already seen roughly four times more cases in 2026 than we usually see in an entire year.

Why has the US already seen 4 times as many measles cases as we see in a year?

In just a few weeks, there have been at least 733 confirmed measles cases reported nationwide. To put that into perspective, the U.S. averaged about 180 measles cases a year since 2000, when measles was declared eliminated. That said, last year was different, with more than 2,200 cases across 45 states. 

Now, whats driving these outbreaks is where theyre happening. Around 97% are showing up in pockets of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated communities. According to the CDC, children and teens account for 85 percent of all cases, with 203 cases in kids under five and 417 among those ages five to nineteen. Adults make up 13 percent with 93 cases, and another 3%, or 21 cases, are in people of unknown age.

As for which state has the largest outbreak, its South Carolina.  An outbreak began in the fall, and since then, the state has reported 920 confirmed cases, including 44 new cases last week.

Where does Michigan stand right now, and what should families here be doing to protect themselves? The good news is that Michigan does not currently have any confirmed measles cases in 2026, according to the latest state health updates. But it's still early, and last year we had about 30 measles cases statewide. So, if numbers continue to rise nationwide, we could see more cases here. 

So what can we do for protection?

Well, it really comes down to vaccination. The MMR vaccine is about 97 percent effective at preventing measles. For kids, its given in two doses - the first after a child turns one, and the second between ages four and six.

Unfortunately, were seeing vaccination rates slip. Nationally, MMR coverage among kindergartners has dropped from 95 percent in 2019 to below 93 percent. Herd immunity usually requires about 95 percent coverage.

In my opinion, vaccines are safe, and Ive chosen to vaccinate my own kids. If parents have questions, please talk with your pediatrician. Adults should also check their immunization records to confirm theyre protected. And, if anyone develops symptoms - a high fever, a cough, a runny nose, red, watery eyes, or a flat red rash - call a healthcare provider before going in, to help avoid exposing others.

In todays Health Alert, a promising new type of pill dramatically lowered artery-clogging cholesterol in a study of patients at high risk for heart attacks. Early research suggests it may lower LDL cholesterol in patients who need more than statins alone.

Ask Dr. Nandi: Why Enlicitide may offer a new option for millions with high cholesterol

This new pill is called Enlicitide. Its still experimental, but the results are getting a lot of attention.

Now, most cholesterol medicines people are familiar with, like statins, work by blocking an enzyme the liver uses to make cholesterol. This helps the liver clear more cholesterol from the blood. But for some folks, statins are not enough to lower their LDL, or bad cholesterol. So, they may need PCSK9 inhibitors, which are injectable medications. These work by stopping a protein called PCSK9, which breaks down LDL receptors. Those receptors act like tiny catchers on liver cells that pull bad cholesterol out of the blood.

Thats where Enlicitide could help. It has the same effect as these PCSK9 inhibitors, but in pill form. In a large study of over 2,900 high-risk patients who were being treated for high cholesterol, researchers found that adding this daily pill lowered LDL cholesterol by as much as 60 percent in just six months. Not only is that a very significant drop, but if approved, it could become the first pill form of a PCSK9 inhibitor.

This pill would likely be aimed at people who are already taking statins and following medical advice - but still arent getting their LDL low enough. That includes folks whove had a heart attack or stroke.

Unfortunately, heart disease is the number one killer in this country, and high LDL cholesterol plays a big role. Thats why doctors focus so much on getting those numbers down.

As for side effects of Enlicitide, researchers didnt see safety differences between people taking the experimental pill and those taking a placebo over a year. The main drawback was that the pill needs to be taken on an empty stomach.

Its also important to note that while this pill lowers cholesterol very effectively, researchers are still studying whether that reduction translates into fewer heart attacks, strokes, or deaths. A much larger study is underway to answer that question, and those results take time.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show

Dr. Partha Nandi, MD explores the impact of bowel movements and how various conditions can affect your health. In this episode, he delves into the effects of constipation with registered dietitian Latrice Banks. Learn why women, the elderly, and children are at higher risk for this widespread issue and discover practical advice for managing and preventing constipation. Tune in this Saturday, February 7th at 1:30 PM.

In todays Health Alert, heart disease remains the number one killer of women in the United States, yet many women still dont see it as their biggest health threat. The warning signs can look different than mens, and they can be easy to miss.

Ask Dr. Nandi: What are the heart disease warning signs women should look for?

Heart disease is often thought of as a mans disease. But the reality is, heart disease causes about one in five deaths among women in the U.S., and it affects women of all ages.

Now, one big reason its so dangerous is awareness. The CDC found that only about 56 percent of women realize heart disease is their top health risk. Many women worry about cancer, especially breast cancer, when, statistically, heart disease is far more likely to be deadly.

Another issue is how symptoms show up. For years, womens symptoms were called atypical, but thats misleading. Women are more than half the population, and their symptoms can look different. While men often describe crushing chest pain, women are 30% less likely to report it. Instead, it may feel like chest discomfort or pain in the neck, jaw, upper back, or arms. They may also have nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue that wont go away.

Because of that, women often wait longer to seek help. And even then, unfortunately, its not uncommon to be told their symptoms have nothing to do with their heart.

The American Heart Association has something called Lifes Essential 8, which focuses on protecting heart health. What I like about Lifes Essential 8 is that theyre great for both women and men.

First is eating better. That means focusing on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils.

Second is physical activity. Adults should aim for about two and a half hours of moderate exercise each week, or 75 minutes of more intense activity.

Third is quitting tobacco. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and greatly increases the risk of heart disease.

Next is sleep. Adults need seven to nine hours a night. Poor sleep affects blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation - all major heart risks.

Then its about managing weight, controlling cholesterol, and keeping blood sugar and blood pressure in check. High blood pressure is especially dangerous for womens hearts and is often underdiagnosed.

So heres my advice. Women need to be strong advocates for their health. Bring questions to your doctor and discuss symptoms, even if they feel vague. If heart disease is a concern, ask about testing and follow-up.

In todays Health Alert, Americas Poison Centers says weather-related calls are rising nationwide, including carbon monoxide poisonings.  More than a quarter of the winter-related poison center calls involve children under the age of six.  The spike comes after last weekends winter storm, which led to power outages and unsafe heating conditions. 

What to know about keeping kids safe from carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is very dangerous. Since its colorless and odorless, people often dont realize its there until symptoms start. Poisoning happens when carbon monoxide builds up indoors, and too much is breathed in.

Children, especially babies and toddlers, are at higher risk because they breathe faster and absorb more carbon monoxide relative to their body weight.

Symptoms are often described as flu-like and include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, or confusion. People can pass out, lose consciousness, or even die from it.

Here in Michigan, roughly 800 people end up in emergency rooms every year because of carbon monoxide poisoning. Deaths can vary, but in 2023, 31 Michiganders died. Across the country, about 400 people die from CO poisoning each year.

Now, many cases happen between December and February, which makes sense. Exposure often happens during power outages or extreme cold, when people try to stay warm in unsafe ways. This includes running portable generators indoors or too close to the house, using grills or camp stoves inside, or relying on gas ovens and unvented space heaters for heat.

To treat carbon monoxide poisoning, doctors usually give pure oxygen through a mask at the hospital. In serious cases, patients may need a ventilator or an oxygen chamber.

As for prevention, every home should have carbon monoxide detectors on every level and near sleeping areas. If you can, choose a detector with a digital readout so you can see rising levels before they become dangerous. Test all detectors at least twice a year and change the batteries as needed. Replace the units according to the manufacturers instructions, or about every five years.

Also, have your heating systems, water heaters, and fuel-burning appliances serviced every year. And never use grills, camp stoves, or flameless heaters indoors. Portable generators should always be used outside never indoors, including inside garages, even with the garage door open. Generators should be at least 20 feet away from the home, with the exhaust directed away from all doors and windows.

If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, get to fresh air immediately and call 911 right away.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show

Join Dr. Partha Nandi, MD as he dives into hormone replacement therapy (HRT).  Discover how HRT can boost hormone levels and reduce bone fractures while also exploring the controversies and potential dangers.  Endocrinologist Dr. Abdul Al-Kassab joins Dr. Nandi to provide deeper insights and expert opinions on this hot topic.  Tune in this Sunday, February 1st, at 5 pm.

In todays Health Alert, if youve ever been told to bundle up or youll get sick, youre not alone. However, research shows that cold temperatures dont cause infections on their own. Instead, they influence factors that can make it easier to get infected.

Cold weather isn't the blame for making you sick, but here's how it plays a role

Its unfortunate, but cold and dry air does help germs live longer. Research shows viruses like the flu and coronaviruses stay infectious longer in colder, low-humidity conditions.

Its also very dry in winter, and that affects how respiratory droplets behave. When we talk, breathe, sneeze or cough, we release droplets, and these can quickly dry out and shrink. Smaller particles can hang in the air longer, leaving more chances for someone to breathe them in.

Plus, our defenses can be affected. Breathing in cold air cools the inside of your nose and airways, causing blood vessels to shrink. With less blood flow, immune cells dont work as well, making it easier for viruses to take hold before your body can fight them off.

On top of that, the mucus in our airways can also be affected by the cold. The job of mucus is to trap germs and move them out. But when it dries out, that system doesnt work as well.

So while cold air doesnt create viruses, it can give them an advantage once youre exposed.

In winter, with the cold temperatures and shorter days, people spend more time indoors and often close together. With windows closed and poor ventilation, virus-containing droplets can build up and linger longer in the air. We also get less sun exposure, which means less Vitamin D. This vitamin helps support the immune system, so low levels can make it harder to fight off germs.

So what can people do? Try improving indoor ventilation by opening windows for a few minutes each day. If its too cold, air purifiers with HEPA filters can help, or turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to keep air moving. Keeping indoor humidity at a healthy level also helps keep airways moist and makes it harder for viruses to linger.

Of course, dont forget to wash your hands often, avoid touching your face and stay home when youre sick. Be sure to take care of your immune health with good sleep, balanced nutrition and talking with your health care provider about vitamin D if youre concerned.

Cold weather doesnt make you sick by itself. But it can set the stage for viruses to survive, spread and slip past our defenses.