PROSTATE CANCER

Men, did you know that prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer in men in the United States. Lung cancer is the number one. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 333,830 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed this year. They also say that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Prostate cancer often has few or no warning signs when in its earliest stages. However, because the prostate surrounds the urethra, urinary problems such as difficulty or pain during urination, needing to urinate more frequently, incontinence or blood in the urine, can be common first symptoms. Other symptoms can include a decrease in ejaculation, pain during ejaculation, unexplained pressure or pain in the rectum and pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvis or thighs. 

Men, it is important to report any symptoms to your doctor and follow your doctor's advice if he recommends prostate cancer screening.

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DO YOU HAVE A 'JOY LIST'?

We all have things that make us happy or joyful, but sometimes those things get buried beneath our worries, doubts, and fears. Or perhaps we don't take time to dwell on them because of busyness. A University of Michigan study has found that jotting down the things that make one happy or thankful can lower one's blood pressure. They credit the fact that feeling grateful quiets artery-squeezing rumination by shifting one's focus to the positives in their life, both big things and small ones. Such an easy thing and it requires no medication.

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