June is Men’s Health Awareness month. Studies show that men are far less likely to get an annual checkup or seek medical attention when they need it. Take charge of your health Take this month to make sure you’re in top shape for the things you enjoy—golfing, swimming, fishing, boating, travel, and family time. Schedule your checkup before the summer season kicks off.
Many of the major health risks men face can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle:
- Keep moving, regular exercise
- Healthy food choices
- Moderate alcohol consumption (no more than two drinks per day)
- Quit smoking (the average cost of a pack of cigarettes in North Carolina is $5.32. How much money are you burning each month?)
- Stress management
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. Prostate cancer can be cured, when detected and treated early, so don’t delay!
Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer may include:
- Frequent urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow or the need to strain to empty the bladder
- The urge to urinate frequently at night
- Blood in the urine
- New onset of erectile dysfunction
- Pain or burning during urination, which is much less common
- Discomfort or pain when sitting, caused by an enlarged prostate
Other noncancerous conditions of the prostate, such as BPH or an enlarged prostate, can cause similar symptoms. Or the cause of a symptom may be a different medical condition that’s also not related to cancer. Urinary symptoms also can be caused by an infection of the bladder or other conditions. This is why it’s so important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
