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June is Mens Health Awareness Month, making it the perfect time for men to take stock of their health and prioritize getting the necessary preventive screenings. While nobody enjoys going to the doctor more than necessary, routine screenings are crucial for detecting issues early when theyre most treatable. Over 90 percent of the premature deaths among men from unintentional injuries, cardiovascular disease, and suicide could potentially be prevented. One-third of men (33 percent) dont think they need annual health screenings, and almost two-thirds (65 percent) believe they are naturally healthier than others. Prevention is your strongest weapon against becoming a statistic, says Dr. Ravi Ramaswami, a family care physician with Lee Health/Lee Physician Group. Even if youre feeling fine, visit your doctor for an annual wellness exam. The same holds true with getting annual preventive screenings for heart disease, depression, and cancers. By prioritizing these regular screenings, you invest in your future well-being because its not just about being healthy; its about staying healthy. So, dont be one of the statistics take charge of your health by getting the following recommended preventive screenings: Mental health screening Taking care of yourself isnt only physicalcheck in with your doctor about your mental and emotional health, too. Its important because men are far less likely than women to be clinically diagnosed with depression. Thats because men are less likely to discuss or report symptoms associated with depression, according to the National Institutes of Health.The toll of avoiding help has proved enormously tragic. Undiagnosed and untreated depression in men carries a substantially higher risk of substance abuse, violence, and suicide. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that in 2021, men died by suicide at a rate 3.88 times higher than women. Middle-aged and older men were at increased risk, with white males accounting for nearly 70 percent of all suicides that year. But theres hope and help. Depression and other mental illnesses are highly treatable when identified and when men are connected to appropriate support and care. But it begins with having a talk with your doctor and/or reaching out to a mental health professional when the going gets rough mentally and emotionally. Early intervention, support, and open conversations around mens mental and emotional well-being can be life-saving endeavors. If youve experienced any concerning behavioral changes, mood disturbances, or emotional difficulties, dont tough it out alone reach out to an experienced, compassionate professional at Lee Health Behavioral Services at 239-343-9180.Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Blood pressure screening High blood pressure or hypertension increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions but rarely causes obvious symptoms initially. Thats why getting your blood pressure checked regularly is so important, says Dr. Ramaswami. Men should get screened for hypertension at least once per year if their levels are in the healthy range, he says. More frequent monitoring is needed if your levels are high or borderline high. If theres a concern, your doctor can help you manage it and suggest lifestyle changes to help you stay healthier. Cholesterol screening High cholesterol leads to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing heart attack and stroke risk. Like hypertension, high cholesterol often doesnt cause noticeable symptoms until significant cardiovascular issues arise. Get your cholesterol levels checked every 4-6 years if theyre in the healthy range, Dr. Ramaswami advises. Testing may be needed more often if your levels are elevated, or you have other cardiac risk factors. Colorectal cancer screening Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and cause of cancer deaths in American men. The good news is it is highly preventable through routine screening. Men at average risk should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 via colonoscopy, stool tests, or other approved methods. Earlier and more frequent screening is recommended for those at higher risk. Prostate cancer screening The goal of screening for prostate cancer is to find cancers that may be at high risk for spreading if not treated and to find them early before they spread, according to Dr. Joseph Klink, a board-certified urologic oncologist with Lee Health Cancer Institute.He says most prostate cancers develop slowly or not at all. Prostate cancer typically grows slowly, so many cases dont require immediate treatment and arent life-threatening, Dr. Klink says. Prostate cancer can be serious, but most men diagnosed with it dont die from prostate cancer. In fact, in the United States, there are more than 3.1 million men diagnosed with prostate cancer who are still alive today. The takeaway message is that the earlier prostate cancer is caught, the easier it can be contained. While screening requirements vary, the American Cancer Society recommends men discuss the potential benefits and risks of PSA testing with their doctor starting at: Age 50 for men at average risk Age 45 for men at high risk (African American/ Black or with a close male relative diagnosed with prostate cancer) Age 40 for men at higher risk (more than one close relative diagnosed at an early age) Diabetes screening Men with obesity or other risk factors should get screened for diabetes every three years starting at age 45 if levels are normal. Those with high blood sugar readings indicating prediabetes may need more frequent screening. Lung cancer screening Annual lung cancer screening is recommended for men ages 50-80 who are at high risk for lung cancer due to a history of chronic smoking. Early detection of lung cancer greatly improves treatment outcomes. Screening is done using a low-dose CT scan. Skin cancer screening While screening recommendations vary, men should regularly examine their skin for suspicious moles or growths. Report any concerns to their doctor immediately. Those at higher risk, such as outdoor workers or fair-skinned individuals, may benefit from periodic total-body skin exams by a dermatologist. While this list covers some key preventative screenings for men, its not exhaustive. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and the most appropriate screening recommendations. The bottom line is being proactive about preventive care gives you the best chance at identifying issues early and enjoying better health at every age.Find a Lee Physician Group doctor here. LEE HEALTHleehealth.org   

For many women, the demands of work, family, and a busy life often leave them with little time to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Thats why in 1999, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health inaugurated National Womens Health Week (NWHW), which officially ran from May 11 -17. Many organizations also officially recognize National Womens Health Awareness Month throughout May. And, of course, womens health issues are important year-round.According to Dr. Cherrie Morris, Chief Physician Executive and Vice President for Lee Health Womens Services and Specialties, these observances serve as an important reminder for women to prioritize their well-being and embrace a proactive approach to their health. The observance highlights the unique health challenges women face and encourages them to take charge toward improving their physical, mental, and emotional health, Dr. Morris says. What challenges do women face in healthcare? Women face specific health challenges that are different from men, including issues related to reproductive health, pregnancy, and menopause, Dr. Morris notes. Also, women have a higher susceptibility to certain diseases, like autoimmune disorders. These gender specific conditions can lead to delays in diagnosis, symptoms being dismissed or undertreated, and situations being misunderstood, she says. For example, womens physical health symptoms are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as stemming from mental health issues when they are actually symptomatic of an underlying chronic condition. Women face various stigmas in healthcare, including weight-related biases that can negatively impact communication with providers, potentially leading to overlooked concerns or inadequate preventive screenings. Additionally, womenparticularly women of colorface healthcare disparities that can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatments, and poorer health outcomes. What is Lee Health doing to address these issues? Dr. Morris says Lee Health is currently positioning itself as an educational resource platform specifically for womens health issues. The goal, she says, is to provide reliable information on topics like cardiac health, endometriosis, pelvic pain, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, mental health, and postpartum depression. Lee Health is also working to improve access to affordable healthcare services, including preventive screenings and mental health services. Dr. Morris acknowledges that women use more outpatient services than men, but often have less time for appointments. As such, she intends to make healthcare more convenient through expanded telemedicine services and virtual visit capabilities, easier appointment scheduling, and ensuring affordability for all women regardless of economic status.Streamlining patient access, particularly through digital tools like MyChart, can significantly enhance convenience as well, Dr. Morris notes. Finally, the nurses with Lee Health Womens Services partner with local organizations to provide women in underserved communities with essential healthcare services and resources. As an example, she says, our prenatal clinics in these areas are staffed by certified nurse-midwives so that all pregnant women and their babies receive the care they deserve. What role do community partnerships play? Community partnerships are essential for providing comprehensive care, according to Dr. Morris. She highlights organizations like Healthy Start, which builds trust with underserved communities and provides resources like prenatal services, postpartum care, newborn services, car seats, and diapers to those in need. Beyond operational improvements, fostering community connections is crucial, Dr. Morris notes. Healthcare organizations should strive to make patients aware of local resources, mentorship programs, emotional support networks, and assistance for families in crisis.Programs like Better Together, which help single mothers and families in need, demonstrate the importance of integrating community partnerships into healthcare planning, she says. Partnering with and promoting community programs like Healthy Start and Better Together helps address social determinants of health and provide support beyond clinical care, says Dr. Morris. These are valuable community partnership resources that can further improve outreach and patient support. Ultimately, comprehensive healthcare access requires a balance between digital efficiency, provider availability, and strong community engagement. Looking ahead: Lee Healths vision for womens healthcare? Dr. Morris believes a multifaceted approach to womens healthcare should encompass education, access to care, and community resources. As Lee Health Womens Service Line continues to expand its comprehensive care and personalized treatment options, she envisions: A centralized platform for reliable health information Improved scheduling systems for convenient, coordinated care Better access to affordable services Integration with community resources Enhanced digital access with provider resources to support it Ultimately, we want to provide comprehensive care for women across generations, working past biases, disparities, and stigmas to help women be active participants in their healthcare journey, she says. Lee Health Womens Service Line Lee Health provides comprehensive womens health services, encompassing obstetrics and gynecology, maternity care, and breast health services, delivered with compassion and personalized attention. Our specialists deliver comprehensive womens healthcare services, incorporating preventative medicine, routine examinations, and advanced diagnostic testing to ensure optimal care across all life stages. We invite you to read more about our programs, essential tests, resources, and everything you need to stay informed and healthy.Find a Womens Care Location Close to You.LEE HEALTH leehealth.org  

Outdoor family gatherings and activities bring us closer together, but statistics show that heat, floods, lightning, boating, swimming accidents and fireworks can change lives instantly. Pay attention to your surroundings during all that fun under the sun so you will have a summer to remember and cherish. Going Outdoors: Heat, Dehydration, and Sun Safety Extreme Florida heat can be lethal, causing illness, dehydration, and even death. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. The sun works fast and has no mercy. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Encourage guests and family members to drink lots of water at gatherings. Remember that ultraviolet (UV) rays bounce off sand, concrete, and water. Sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen for all members of the family, especially infants and children and the elderly. Apply and reapply often.  Use at least 30 SPF to protect your skin. Sensitive to sunburn? Wear a hat and try to stay in the shade. Remember: If your urine is yellow or dark yellow, you are likely dehydrated and need to drink more water. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the suns rays. Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. Postpone outdoor games and activities. Sun Protection Tips As temperatures begin reaching well into the 90s, remember to apply sunscreen, limit your exposure to the sun, and protect your eyes with sunglasses. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Wear clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect as much skin as possible. Seek shade when possible, and remember that the suns ultraviolet rays are strongest between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lightning Safety Hear thunder? Move your feet! Most people are struck by lightning before it starts raining or after it stops raining. Dont stay outside just because the rain hasnt come down yet. As the National Weather Service advises: When it roars, go indoors. Find a safe, enclosed shelter such as a home, office, shopping center, or hard-top vehicle with the windows rolled up. Be aware. Check the weather forecast before participating in outdoor activities. If the forecast calls for thunderstorms, postpone your event or make sure adequate safe shelter is readily available.  Caught in the open? Leave elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks. Never lie flat on the ground. Crouch down in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears so that you are down low with minimal contact with the ground. Never shelter under an isolated tree. Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, etc.). Water Safety is Everyones Responsibility Drowning is 100 percent preventable! And drowning happens quickly and quietly. Unless rescued, a drowning person will last only 20 to 60 seconds before submerging, reports the Red Cross. Rule No. 1: Never swim alone! Watch kids when they are in or around water without being distracted. Keep young children within arms reach of an adult. Make sure older children swim with a partner. Close toilet lids and use toilet seat locks to prevent drowning. Keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed. Teach children how to swim. Every child is different, so enroll children in swim lessons when they are ready. Consider their age, development, and how often they are around water. What if youre caught in a rip current? Relax, rip currents dont pull you under. Dont swim against the current. You may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach. You may be able to escape by floating or treading water if the current circulates back toward shore. If you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself. If you need help, yell and wave for assistance. Boating Safety Your children should always wear a life jacket when playing water sports and while on any type of watercraft, around open bodies of water, and even while on docks. Make sure the life jackets are approved by the U. S. Coast Guard. Other helpful boating safety tips: Explain some basic rules and have everyone follow them. Enroll older kids in a boating safety course. Better yet, enroll with them. Get a free safety check every year from the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for U. S. Power Squadrons. Find a location. Just like on the road, have a designated driver for the boat. In many states, no one under 14 years of age may operate any personal watercraft at any time, even if such a person possesses a Boating Safety Education ID Card. LEE HEALTH leehealth.org