Wellness & Health Management Solutions PROSTATE AWARENESS MONTH September 2011 Topics: Take a Loved One To The Doctor Prostate Health I.Q Anticancer Foods National Yoga Month Top 5 ‘Should Have’ Habits Additional Resources Quit, Quit, Quit Smoking has no health benefits. I am willing to bet most people know this. Most people know they need to workout...but don't. Smoking is even more detrimental if you have diagnosed or undiagnosed cancer. The Journal of The American Medical Association concluded that men with prostate cancer who smoke are much more likely to die of disease or experience recurrence. Please ‘kick the habit’ or you may ‘kick the can’. This Newsletter is sponsored by Fit Essentials. dbaxter@fitessentialspa.com “TAKE A LOVED ONE TO THE DOCTOR” PROSTATE EXAM Even in my early thirties I am acutely aware of ‘The Exam’. Like most men I will admit I am a bit intimidated and pray for technological advancement allowing me to receive this exam from my computer. But the reality is that it is unlikely to happen; at least not in the next month. So, our actions must exemplify proactivity and a desire to live life abundantly. If you are 40 years of age and older, you are at risk for prostate cancer. Like all cancers, there is no cure; prostate cancer does not have any definitive signs or symptoms. Our best weapon is awareness and prevention. Having a prostate exam is not a desirable procedure for most men. September 20th is take a “Take A Loved One To The Doctor’ day and many Americans will commit themselves to helping someone else. Can you think of a male relative or friend 40 years of age or older that has not had a prostate exam? If so, encourage and support them by taking them to receive a prostate exam. These are our grandfathers, fathers, brothers, uncles, friends, husbands, loved ones, and friends. Help to save a life. Prostate Health I.Q Think you know about prostate health and prostate cancer. Well, lets put your knowledge to the test. See if you know the answers to this 3 question quiz! 1. True or False: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among all men regardless of race or ethnicity? 2. True or False: A possible symptom of prostate cancer may be frequent urination, especially at night. 3. True or False: You should wait until your are 55 to have a prostate exam. Answers on page 2 PAGE 2 Wellness & Health Management Men’s Health Top 5 ‘Should Have’ Habits Downtime– Take at least 10-15 minutes to relax. Meditate, pray, take a yoga class, or close your eyes and just sit still. Regular Exercise– Notice I said regular. Establish a routine that consists of 3-5 days per week of regimented exercise. Beware of the weekend warrior syndrome. Regular Check Up– For some reason we men take better care of our cars than our bodies. When you schedule your 5,000 mile tune up, schedule your annual doctors visit too. Relationships– Maintain good relationships with family and friends. Relationships play a vital role in our wellbeing. Don’t grow old without company. National Yoga Month Try taking a yoga class at your local yoga studio, fitness center, or at work. Yoga is developed for all levels of fitness and helps to reduce stress, tension, and improve flexibility and strength. Anticancer Foods In addition to the various nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables many of them also posses cancerfighting potentials. Lycopene, a phytochemical found in tomato products, has been shown to reduce the progression of tumors in breast, lung, and endometrial cancer patients as well as reduce prostate, stomach, and pancreatic cancer risks. If you find it difficult or an inconvenience to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your daily dietary habits try these helpful tips: 1. Add strawberries, blueberries, peaches, or bananas to your cereal, pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or toast. 2. Replace your mid-day or desk snack with oranges, apples, carrots, strawberries, bananas, celery, tomatoes or any fruit or veggie you desire. 3. Place fruit on the table at home for more convenient access. 4. Juice your fruits or prepare a delicious smoothie. 5. Purchase bite-sized fruits and vegetables like baby carrots, grapes, and strawberries as convenient carry-around snacks. Additional Resources Available Prostate Cancer– www.cdc.gov Worksite Fitness & Exercise Equipment– www.fitessentialspa.com 1. True, 2. True, 3. False This message has been presented to you from your Gallagher Benefit Service, Inc. Consulting Team.