It Might Be Time

PREVENTATIVE HEALTH

It might be time for a colonoscopy.

By Dr. Ralph Hall

Patients rarely look forward to a colonoscopy, but Ralph Hall, DO, General Surgeon for Allen County Regional Hospital, knows patients are always looking forward to good health. That’s why he stresses the importance of taking preventative measures at every opportunity. Dr. Hall strongly encourages anyone between 50 and 75 to call and schedule a colonoscopy. The American Cancer Society now even recommends people who are at average risk to start regular screenings at the age of 45.

Screening tests can find polyps that can be removed before turning into cancer and, in most cases, these precancerous polyps found during a colonoscopy can be completely removed during the procedure. “We’ve found that some people are falling behind the recommended schedule for their screenings,” Dr. Hall said. “It’s such an important preventative check, and I really like to see folks come in and get this taken care of.”

A colonoscopy is the most effective screening exam for

“Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death, and it’s such a treatable disease when caught early,” Dr. Hall said.

colon cancer, but if you’re holding off on screening because you dread getting a colonoscopy, there are other options. Talk to your provider about the best option for you.

See Preventative Health | Page 14

Expert Surgical Care Is Minutes Away

EXPERIENCE CLOSE TO HOME

Allen County Regional Hospital’s surgery team provides high-quality surgical care. With decades of experience, general surgeon Ralph Hall, DO, performs colonoscopies, gallbladder surgeries, appendectomies, hernia repairs, wound care, and other minimally invasive and open procedures. Plus, our team can connect you to the advanced surgical services at Saint Luke’s—one of the region’s best health systems.

Let our hometown surgical experts provide you with the high-quality care you deserve.

Schedule a consultation saintlukeskc.org/allen-surgery | 620-365-1320

Recommendations will vary based on age and other risk factors, including a family history of colorectal cancer or having an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s. Lifestyle factors such as a lack of regular physical exercise and a diet high in fats and processed meats also contribute to increased risk.

Dr. Hall has performed thousands of procedures and is known for taking extra time to educate his patients, breaking down medical terms, and often drawing sketches as he describes the process. “It’s important that my patients understand what their options are and what to expect with any procedure, whether it’s a routine screening or something more serious,” he said. “I want my patients to be actively involved in the decisions regarding their health.” Right now, patients can schedule most procedures within two weeks. Along-time resident of Fort Scott, Dr. Hall has been practicing medicine in southeast Kansas for nearly 30 years, and he has been seeing patients in Allen County for more than a decade.

In addition to surgical services at the hospital in Iola, Dr. Hall maintains a surgery clinic in Fort Scott, Kansas, and sees patients for pre- and post-op appointments on Fridays. Call 620-365-1320 to make an appointment in Iola or Fort Scott.

Dr. Hall has recently added Anderson County Hospital to his practice locations, providing surgical clinics and procedures at the specialty clinic in Garnett, Kansas,

“People don’t have to make multiple trips to the city,” Dr. Hall said. “We provide a great personal service right here and without delay.”

STAY HEALTHY EVERYONE!

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