Plus, Crave Artisan Market is expanding.
 
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Prisma Health On Call: Your colon health and screening questions, answered
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From leading risk factors to home screening kits, Prisma Health’s providers answer readers’ questions about colon health and screening questions. | Photo provided by Prisma Health
Just because Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (read: March) is over doesn’t mean it’s out of our minds — after all, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is ~1 in 23 for men and ~1 in 25 for women.

Because of these statistics, it’s highly recommended to begin screenings at age 45 (if not before, depending on your personal risk). The good news? There are a number of screening options available.

We recently asked Greenvillians/Soda Citizens to send us their colon health and screening questions for this month’s installment of Prisma Health On Call. And here with the answers are Drs. Balbir Singh Minhas, gastroenterologist, and Melissa Ann Hite, colon and rectal surgeon.

What is the leading risk factor for colon cancer?

“There is not one single greatest risk factor for colon cancer. Instead, multiple factors contribute to raising or lowering your risk. Some of these risk factors can’t be changed, such as genetics, family history, and medical problems such as inflammatory bowel disease. There are some risk factors that up your chances of developing colon cancer that are based off your health and lifestyle, however. These include a diet low in fiber and high in red and processed meat, alcohol intake, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.”

If you’re not 45 and insurance does not cover the screening, are there any home screening kits you recommend?

“Cologuard is the most frequently used home kit. Other older tests like Guaiac/FIT tests for occult blood are no longer recommended or used by most. Learn more about why colonoscopies are usually considered more effective than at-home colon cancer tests here.”

Are there less invasive colonoscopies that can still be as thorough and effective as the current standard?

“No. Optical colonoscopy is the gold standard as it has ability to remove polyps, the precursors for colon cancer. Nervous about the procedure? Find more information that may ease your mind, here on Flourish.”

What are the three best preventative measures that research has shown to lower your risk and help prevent colon cancer?

“To keep your risk of colon cancer as low as possible, it’s important to eat healthy, avoid smoking or using any kind of tobacco products, and exercise regularly. About 70% of colorectal cancer can be avoided by making these lifestyle changes. Learn more about colon health here.”
 
Prisma Health
 
Events
 
Wednesday, April 24
  • 2024 Columbia Food and Wine Festival | Wednesday, April 24-Sunday, April 28 | 6 p.m. | Columbia | Prices vary | Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of vibrant cultures, performances, and unforgettable food events.
  • Nom Nom Namaste — a Celebration of Health and Wellness | Wednesday, April 24-Wednesday, May 29 | 12:30 p.m. | Good Life Cafe, 1216 Taylor St., Columbia | $10 | Guests will receive a complimentary small smoothie and a bite to enjoy.
  • Read to a Therapy Dog | Wednesday, April 10-Wednesday, May 22 | 4-5 p.m. | Richland Library North Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Free | Join Susanne and her certified therapy dog to practice reading with a furry friend.
  • Columbia Fireflies vs. Augusta GreenJackets | Wednesday, April 24 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $6-$18 | It’s HBCU Night and White Claw Wednesday: 12oz White Claws are just $5 today.*
Thursday, April 25
  • Irmo Library Book Sale | Thursday, April 25-Saturday, April 27 | Times vary | Irmo Branch Library, 6251 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia | Free | Most books are priced from 50 cents to $2, and you can save even more by purchasing a bag to fill at a fixed price.
  • Broadway in Columbia — Mean Girls | Tuesday, April 23-Thursday, April 25 | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $22.50-$75 | Direct from Broadway, “Mean Girls” is the hit musical from book writer Tina Fey.
Friday, April 26
  • The Night Shift at ReFind | Friday, April 26 | 6-9 p.m. | ReFind, 718 S. Edisto Ave., Columbia | Free | A monthly night market hosted at the new Re•Find location in the Rosewood neighborhood, featuring local goods, antiques, food, music, and more.
  • Gamecock Baseball vs. Kentucky Wildcats | Friday, April 26-Sunday, April 28 | Times vary | Founders Park, 431 Williams St., Columbia | $15-$20 | Root root root for the home team as the Gamecocks take on the Wildcats.
  • Live Music by Paisley Marie | Friday, April 26, Friday, May 24 | 6-9 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | Free | Grab a cold drink from the bar and start the weekend off right.
Saturday, April 27
  • Festival of Gardens | Saturday, April 27-Sunday, April 28 | Times vary | Woodland Park, 6500 Olde Knight Pkwy., Columbia | $30-$40 | This garden event features 8-10 private gardens in the Hampton Ridge neighborhood.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Rosewood Crawfish Festival c/o Solid Entertainment
 
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Finance
 
Is it better to take RMDs monthly or annually?
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RMDs can be taken annually, quarterly, or monthly — which is best? | Photo provided by SmartAsset
If you have tax-deferred retirement accounts, you’ll need to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) eventually. This amount is usually taken annually, quarterly, or monthly. But which makes the most sense? Learn more here.

Consulting a fiduciary financial advisor can help when considering RMDs and the potential tax repercussions. Pro tip: Try SmartAsset’s free quiz to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area, who can help you plan to work toward a comfortable retirement.
 
News Notes
 
Traffic
  • Phase 2 of the South Main Street Streetscape Project has altered traffic flow behind the State House. Vehicles are now redirected west toward Assembly Street + construction for medians, curbs, sidewalks, and more will begin soon. (WLTX)
Development
  • Prisma Health broke ground on a new 15-acre Medical Park coming to 1120 Robert Branch Parkway to help serve residents in Northeast Columbia and nearby areas. It is scheduled to open next fall and hopes to expand outpatient care. (WISTV)
Opening
  • Mission BBQ is set to open a new location at 275 Harbison Blvd. next to the recently opened First Watch on Tuesday, April 30. It will feature various barbecue staples like ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and southern sides like mac and cheese + baked beans. (The State)
Sports
  • Changes may be coming to college football. USC utilized in-game communication technology during the Spring Game, like headsets and tablets that are common in the NFL to communicate or analyze plays. This move helps to enhance gameplay + adhere to NFL practices. (The Post and Courier)
Biz
  • Crave Artisan Market, a beloved Cola sandwich shop + market, will be opening a new location at 725 Meeting St. in West Columbia. Formerly Primal Gourmet, the new shop will offer the same menu favorites and have seating for 30 people. An opening date hasn’t been announced. (The Post and Courier)
Listen
  • Can the Panthers address all of their needs? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
Show
  • “UnFramed Art: The Spit Hits the Fan” is coming to the Columbia Museum of Art for one day only this Saturday, April 28. The short, original, adult comedy from the Stars of Politically Incorrect Theatre (SPIT) Players contains some mature language and themes, so discretion is advised. Learn more and get tickets.*
 
TEGNA
 
Traffic
 
🚧 Safer streets coming to Cayce
Knox Abbott Dr & 12th St Cayce
The intersection of Knox Abbott Drive + 12th Street. | Photo via Google Maps
The City of Cayce hopes to address and enhance pedestrian safety through a comprehensive Safety Action Plan + a $160,000 grant from the Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The initiative, approved by City Council on April 17, aims to curb accidents at four hazardous intersections.

Intersections

  • The 321 and 3000 block
  • Knox Abbott Drive and 12th Street
  • Frink Street and Julius Felder Street
  • 12th Street and Frink Street
The City will solicit a consultant to help with the development of the strategic plan, which will address also promoting emission-friendly transportation solutions like walking paths + expanded bike lanes.

During the council meeting, City Council approved the grant award and allocated matching funds of up to $40,000 from the General Fund Balance. As reported by The Post and Courier, “the city estimates it will take six months to a year to create the action plans for the intersections.”
 
The Buy
 
A two-in-one wine stopper and pourer. We love: The drip-proof pour and how easy it is to flip the lever down for air-tight storage.
 
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The Wrap
 
Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest Today’s edition by:
Sam
From the editor
In case you missed it — The One Book, One Community initiative in Columbia announced “Beaver Girl” by Cassie Premo Steele as this year’s selected book over the weekend. Centered around Congaree National Park, it explores themes of climate change and community. Head to All Good Books to grab your copy and get to reading, Cola.
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