INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Age is the leading factor when it comes to risk, as the majority of people who get colon cancer are over the age of fifty. However, there are several other factors that can play a part. They include: Being African American. African Americans are at greater risk than other races. Having a personal history of colon cancer or polyps. Having an inherited syndrome that can lead to colon cancer, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome). Leading a sedentary lifestyle. Getting more exercise can help reduce your risk. Eating a low-fiber, high fat diet. Changing your diet to include more fruits and vegetables and less fat and meat can help reduce your risk. Having diabetes or obesity can increase your risk. Smoking and drinking alcohol can increase your risk. More than 95% of colorectal cancers come from adenocarcinoma polyps. These cancers start in cells that form mucus glands, which lubricate the colon and rectum. Carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors and lymphomas also occur in 5% of colon cancers. The best way to prevent colon cancer is to undergo regular screening tests after the age of 50 to determine whether cancerous or precancerous growths are present. The doctor will perform one or more of the following procedures to determine whether you have colon cancer: A fecal occult blood test (FOBT), to check for hidden blood in the stools. A sigmoidoscopy, in which a lighted instrument called a sigmoidoscope is used to check for polyps and growths in the rectum and lower colon. A colonoscopy, in which a colonoscope is used to examine the entire colon for cancerous or precancerous growths, which are removed and biopsied if found. A virtual colonoscopy or double contrast barium enema (DCBE), which are different types of x-rays that show polyps and growths on the colon.

SUMMARY: Know if you are at risk for colon cancer. Get regular screenings.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The holidays are one of the few times each year when most people have lots of free time. If you have no pressing commitments with family or friends, consider using your time to finish duties that you've been putting off for a long time. For instance, if you've neglected cleaning your room for ages, devote your entire afternoon to doing so. Other good ideas include filing your taxes, running errands, paying bills, re-organizing your closet, and servicing your car.

SUMMARY: Get chores and tasks out of the way.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: It's not just what you say that is important, it's also how you say it. The tone and volume of your voice can have a big impact on how people respond to you, and whether or not they listen to you. Try to speak at a normal conversational volume, not too loud, and not too quiet. Use a tone that is firm but not aggressive. This will make you sound more confident and assured. Don't mumble your words, and pay attention to the responses of your interlocutors to judge their reactions. If they are leaning forwards, it might be because you are talking a little too quietly and they are struggling to hear you. Eye contact is an essential part of non-verbal communication. Just by looking at somebody you are inviting a certain level of interaction and engagement. Research shows that somebody returning eye contact is generally indicative of the acceptance of an invitation, and averting the eyes can suggest a rejection. People who seek eye contact with their interlocutors are generally perceived as more believable and earnest. Try to maintain eye contact with the person you are talking to, but be sure to do so in a non-aggressive way and don't stare. Try to maintain eye contact for around 50% of the time you are talking, and 70% of the time you are listening. Once you establish eye contact, hold it for around five seconds. When you look away, do it slowly. Don't suddenly look in another direction. Try to establish eye contact before you start speaking to someone to make a strong initial impression. Good body language can really help you create a strong impression when talking. It's important to consider your body language and how well it matches up with what you are saying. For example, you will be sending mixed and confusing messages if you speaking firmly, but looking down at floor. Try to maintain good eye contact, stand tall and straight, and relax your face while talking. Body language is thought to give an honest expression of how you are feeling. Try to look appropriately relaxed for the situation, but don't try too hard and look overly relaxed. This might signal that you are disinterested.

SUMMARY: Adjust your tone and volume. Maintain eye contact. Think about body language.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: All snakes may bite if provoked, but some pack more of a punch and are venomous. It can be hard for someone without an expertise in snakes to tell from only looking at a snake, so proceed with caution. If you suspect that a snake is venomous, do not try to catch it with your hands. Some of the most common U.S. based venomous snakes are: Copperhead snakes. These are found most commonly in the eastern and mid-southern states. They get their name from unique copper colored scales on their head that slowly fade throughout the rest of their body.Their markings are often triangular in shape. Cottonmouth snake.These are usually four to seven feet in length. They are generally a dark shade of brown or a dull black. They have pupils that are shaped like slits and have a bulky body. They are found predominantly in the southern U.S., throughout Florida and the Mississippi River region. Diamondback Rattlesnake. These can grow up ten feet long. They are recognized by their distinctive black or brown diamond patterns down their bodies outlined in a light shade of yellow. They are a rattlesnake, and as that name implies, they have a series of hollow segments on the end of their tale that create a rattle sound when its shook. They live in the southern and south western parts of the U.S. and some of Mexico. Coral snake. These snakes can be difficult to recognize since it resembles other similar species. They are found in the eastern, southwestern, and southeastern portions of the U.S. They can grow to be around thirty inches. They are universally a red-yellow-black-yellow pattern with black heads. They are venomous, so you should be very careful if you think you spot one. Catching a snake by hand is a little trickier, and should be done with caution. However, if you do not have any tools or nets handy, you can catch a snake using your hands. Use an object to distract the snake's head, like a stick. Firmly grasp its tail and lift the snake upwards, leaving the front part of its body on the ground, but keeping your legs and body as far away as possible. Place the snake in a pillow case or sack immediately. If you know how to safely approach a snake, you can also grab the snake by the back of head to neutralize its chances of biting you. However, getting so close to the snake's head can be risky. If you use this method, it may be best to have a tool, such as a snake fork, that can pin the head down before you reach for it. Besides the risk of biting, snakes can also carry harmful bacteria. Make sure to use gloves to prevent your risk of catching a bacterial infection from the snake. If you do not have gloves, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after touching the snake. Do not handle food or touch anyone else before you have washed your hands thoroughly.

SUMMARY:
Make sure the snake is safe for handling. Grab a snake with caution. Use gloves to handle snakes.