The Millstone Times August 2019

HEALTH   WELLNESS Men Can Make Their Health a Priority by Taking Daily Steps to be Healthier and Stronger By Dr. Michael Steinberg, MD, MPH &

Understanding your health risks is the first step in maximizing your health, but taking action to reduce those risks is another critical step that needs to follow. According to studies, men are far less likely than women to seek routine preventive health services. First and foremost, get routine exams and screenings. Ask your doctor how often you need to be examined and explore the options for a range of assessments: Heart health screenings – Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol and tobacco use are all key risk factors. Regular visits to your doctor for cholesterol and blood pressure screenings will help you detect any heart health issues early on, allowing for preventive measures. Reducing your chances for heart disease include quitting smoking, being active and managing your stress. Consuming a diet rich in plant-based foods while limiting salt and sugar will also be to your advantage. Prostate screenings – Regular physician examinations and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) screenings can be critical in the early detection of prostate cancer, the second most common cause of cancer death in men. A PSA screening involves a simple blood test that measures the PSA level in the bloodstream. It is recommended that men over the age of 50 discuss with their physician whether PSA screening would be right for them. Preventive measures include maintaining a low-fat, low- dairy diet and exercising regularly. Research also suggests that drinking a glass of red wine occasionally may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer due to an antioxidant found in grapes known as resveratrol. Skin cancer screenings – Men over the age of 50 are twice as likely to develop and die from skin cancer than women, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Regular visits to your dermatologist and monthly self-exams of your skin are strongly recommended. If you find any suspicious moles, new or old, visit your physician for further examination and care. Be sure to apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every time you go outside to decrease your risk for skin cancer. It is also important to avoid tanning and to wear sport UV-blocking sunglasses, hats and lip balm with an SPF to further protect yourself.

Colon screening s – Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in American men. Colorectal cancer screening exams detect the disease early on, when treatment is most effective. For men over the age of 50, a colonoscopy every 10 years is strongly recommended to screen for colon cancer. There are other ways to reduce your risk of colon cancer, including limiting your intake of red meat as well as heavily- processed meats, steering clear of binge drinking and maintaining a healthy weight with exercise. Lung cancer screenings – If you are a smoker or former smoker in the age bracket of 55 to 77 or have 30 or more pack years of cigarette smoking, I urge you to get a lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT) every year. Screenings help increase the number of lung cancers diagnosed at an early stage and reduce the time between lung cancer diagnosis and the start of treatment. When identified early enough, lung cancer has been shown to be up to 90 percent curable. RWJ offers low-dose CT scans, and is currently offering at-risk patients with free screenings for a limited time at the Somerville campus. Learn more athttp:// bit.ly/1GaABpk. You can reduce your risk of developing lung cancer by not smoking or quitting smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, avoiding carcinogens at work, testing your home for radon, eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables and exercising. Taking action towards a healthier lifestyle is in your hands. Vital steps include eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, quitting smoking, and an annual visit to your doctor for a physical exam. Depending upon your family history and other potential risk factors, you may be more likely to develop certain conditions. As part ofMen’s HealthMonth, I encourage you to take steps towards an improved lifestyle and seek regular medical advice and attention, especially if you notice any abnormalities. Contact your local hospital for information on various screenings and educational events available to you and your loved ones.

50 The Millstone Times

August 2019