June is Men’s Health Month
Men, on average, die almost 5 years earlier than women. Encourage early detection.
The Urology Care Foundation, the world’s leading nonprofit urological health foundation, utilizes the month of June to educate and raise awareness of such urology-related conditions and disease as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), bladder cancer, prostate cancer and low testosterone, to name a few, men are most at risk for and can impact their overall health.
What is Men's Urology
The practice of urology is a vital component of men’s health care. This medical specialty focuses on the urinary tract system which encompasses the system responsible for creating and removing urine from the body, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureter, urethra, and the reproductive system of men.
It’s very likely that most men will at some point in their lives have a urological problem as a result of aging, injury, illness, or birth defect. When such an issue comes up, it is important for men to seek the advice and help from a urologist — doctors having specialized knowledge and skill regarding problems of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs.
General Upkeep
Did you know that certain healthy living tips could make an impact on male urologic health? Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1.
Drink plenty of fluids: 48 to 64 ounces of water daily helps the kidneys work well. This is also the best way to prevent kidney stones.
2.
Exercise: A healthy heart can lead to a healthy urologic system, so try for 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five or more days a week.
3.
Reduce Stress: Try to destress. Even relaxing for 10 minutes a day can lower blood pressure, which may help improve erectile dysfunction.
4.
Eat Healthy: Consider what you put in your body. Caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods can irritate your bladder and red meat and high-fat diets can increase the risk of kidney stones and prostate cancer. Try for “high-octane” foods like fruits, vegetables and fiber.
5.
Don’t Smoke:There are many urologic conditions impacted by smoking including bladder cancer, erectile dysfunction, infertility, kidney cancer, kidney stones, painful bladder syndrome and urine leakage.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Young Men between the ages of 18 and 40 should consider their basic care. Try to perform routine testicular self-exams. Also, find out if there is a family history of bladder, kidney or prostate cancer.
Middle-aged Men between the ages of 40 and 50 should always “watch your gauges.” It is of value to know that high blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol can cause kidney disease and erectile dysfunction. Certain men should get be screened for prostate cancer at this age. If you are African American or have a father, brother or son with prostate cancer, consider being screened for prostate cancer.
Older Men ages 50 to 70 and beyond should remember to get their bodies checked. All men at this age should talk to their doctor about whether prostate screening is right for them. Also, look for changes in bathroom patterns like urgency, frequency, decreased flow or frequent night time urination.
