QUESTION: At what age should men be screened for prostate cancer?

ANSWER: It’s important to learn about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer and screenings, and discuss with your doctor before making a decision on getting screened. For men at average risk of prostate cancer, those discussions with

your doctor should begin at age 50. For men at higher than average risk, discuss with your doctor beginning at age 40. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, call 844.GO.SOVAH to get connected with one today.

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Making Communities

Healthier®

SOVAH HEALTH – MARTINSVILLE NEWS SUMMER 2018

SovahMartinsville.com

Dr. Lyne Aigner, MD, is an expert in family

medicine at Sovah Occupational Medicine.

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Men, Take Action for Your HealthIt’s probably no surprise to anyone that, on average, women take a more proactive approach to their health than men do. In fact, men die an average of almost five years earlier than women, and at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death.*There are a number of factors contributing to this startling statistic, but one important – and preventable – one is simply

lack of awareness. Research shows that men are less in tune with their overall health than women. Observed each June, Men’s Health Month provides an important opportunity to talk about men’s health and encourage men to focus on their own wellness.

Men, Take Action for Your Health“It is important for men to make their health a priority and understand the negative impact that ignoring health concerns can have, not only on their lives, but on the lives of their loved ones,” says Lyne Aigner, MD of Sovah Occupational Medicine. “Since June is Men’s Health Month, now is the perfect time for men to take an active role in their health by scheduling wellness exams and screenings, discussing their health with loved ones and making necessary lifestyle changes.”

In celebration of Men’s Health Month, here are some simple things that men can do to achieve a higher quality of life and ensure their overall health and wellness.

Schedule regular check-ups and exams

While many men may not see a pressing need to proactively visit the doctor, a number of medical conditions common in men may not have obvious symptoms. Having regular check-ups with a primary care physician, as well as recommended screenings – including blood pressure and cholesterol checks, prostate exams and colonoscopies – can help you stay on top of your health and flag any issues before they become a real problem. Have your doctor help you assess your risk factors for heart disease and vascular problems and work to keep them low. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, call 844.GO.SOVAH and get connected with one today.

Commit to an exercise routine and keep it fresh

Regular exercise can help lead to longer life expectancy; lower the risk for many common health issues; promote healthier muscles, bones and joints; ensure better work performance; support mental health and provide more energy. Men typically need three types of exercise at least three times per week, including resistance training to strengthen and tone muscles; stretching to enhance flexibility, balance and coordination; and aerobic exercise to improve heart and lung health. Try a variety of activities that you enjoy so your exercise routine doesn’t get stuck in a rut.

Eat smart

A healthy and balanced diet leads to optimum performance and health. Veggies and fruits should be your primary sources for vitamins, minerals and fiber. Foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat and alcohol should be limited. And don’t forget to jumpstart your metabolism with a healthy breakfast in the morning.

Get enough sleep

Getting the right amount of sleep is essential to being your best, both physically and mentally. Sleep deprivation is associated with a number of medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and depression, and it increases your risk of accidents in the workplace and on the road. Take stock of your sleep habits and ensure that you’re getting the right amount. When you sleep better, you live better.

Find balance

Strive to create a healthy work/life balance. Take time to organize your priorities, decide what’s really important to you and focus on effectively managing your stress. Your mental well-being directly impacts your physical health.

More information about men’s health issues and Men’s Health Month can be found at www.menshealthmonth.org. For more information about Sovah Health – Martinsville and the services it provides for men, visit SovahMartinsville.com.

*Men’s Health Network

C O M M U N I T Y C A L E N D A R

June06/21: Men’s Health

Join us in learning and discussing men’s health topics such as heart health, prostate screening and colorectal screening. Contact Elizabeth Harris for more information at 276.666.7604.

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A note from the CEOOne of our greatest privileges at Sovah Health – Martinsville is being able to serve this wonderful community we call home. While our most important contribution is providing high quality care close to home, we are also honored to be an economic and philanthropic leader in the region.

We’re proud to be able to support our community in a number of ways, including creating excellent workplaces and fulfilling jobs for our employees, the taxes we pay, delivering healthcare services to all of our neighbors – regardless of their ability to pay – and supporting local organizations and events.

Each year, we publish a Community Benefit Report that tells the story of the positive impact we’re making every day in our community. I encourage you to visit SovahMartinsville.com and discover how we are improving the overall well-being of our region – both inside and outside our hospital walls.

You are at the core of our commitment to Making Communities Healthier, and on behalf of everyone at Sovah Health, thank you for continuing to choose us for your healthcare needs.

May you have a safe and healthy summer.

Michael Ehrat, CEO

C O M M U N I T Y C A L E N D A R

August07/1-30: Blue Ridge Duck Race at Smith River Fest

The Blue Ridge Duck Race will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge. Adopt a duck at www.duckrace.com/blueridge.

National Breastfeeding Awareness Month

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and it’s a great time to remember the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies. Call the Women’s Center at 276.666.7332 to sign up for breastfeeding classes.

July07/1-30: Summer Safety

Remember to be safe this summer by beating the heat! Anybody can be at risk for a heat-related illness. Follow summer safety tips like taking extra breaks and drinking lots of water to stay safe.

Meet Richard Galos, MD As an otolaryngologist, Dr. Galos is specially trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat. Dr. Galos joined Sovah ENT & Allergy – Martinville in September of 2012. He was raised in Rochester, New York and is married, with three grown children. He enjoys baking, shooting sporting clays, wood working and is crazy about his two Boston Terriers, Beans and Bohnen (pronounced “bone-in,” which translates to “beans” in German). If you would like to make an appointment, call 276.666.6673 and speak with the receptionist.

Spotlight on QualityWe are incredibly proud to share the news that LifePoint Health was recently named the 2017 recipient of the prestigious John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award for the LifePoint National Quality Program, in which Sovah Health is currently enrolled. The LifePoint National Quality Program was developed

in partnership with Duke University Health System to help ensure consistent, high standards of quality and patient safety in the care we provide to our community.

Receiving the Eisenberg Award is a major achievement in the world of healthcare quality and patient safety – akin to winning an Academy Award® or Olympic gold medal for quality – and we couldn’t be more proud to be part of LifePoint Health’s commitment to constantly improving quality and safety for you, our neighbors.

Mission Moment Kiki Martin 2 0 1 8 M E R C Y

A W A R D W I N N E R

Sovah Health – Martinsville recently announced that Kiki Martin has been recognized as the hospital’s 2018 Mercy Award winner. Kiki has worked

at the hospital for over 25 years, beginning part-time in the housekeeping department when she was still in high school. Over the years, she has worked in the Critical Care Unit and Ravenel Cancer Center before recently moving to Cardiopulmonary Neurodiagnostics (CPNS). Kiki is active in the community, volunteering her time to visit and deliver baked goods to patients at local nursing homes and is known for dressing up as Disney characters and traveling to neighboring health systems to visit pediatric patients.

Welcome, Summer!Cucumber & Black Bean Salsa SaladStart summer off in style with a fresh and tasty salad to welcome the season.

1 large cucumber (diced)

1 cup sweet grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes (halved)

1 15 oz can black beans (drained, rinsed)

¼ cup chopped red onion

1 medium green bell pepper (seeded, finely chopped)

1 medium jalapeno pepper (seeded, minced, optional)

¼ cup chopped, fresh cilantro leaves

1 medium lime (zested, juiced)

2 tsp cider vinegar

1 tbsp canola oil

¼ tsp black pepper

In medium bowl, combine cucumber, tomatoes, beans, onion, peppers, cilantro, lime zest and juice, vinegar, canola oil and pepper. Toss gently, yet thoroughly, to blend. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours to blend flavors. Makes 10 servings.

Nutrition InformationPer serving size: 70 calories; 1.5 g fat (0 g sat fat); 3 g protein; 11 g carbohydrates; 2 g sugar; 0 mg cholesterol; 10 mg sodium

* Recipe from the American Heart Association and CanolaInfo.

DISCLAIMER: The information and practices described in this newsletter are not intended as substitutes for a diagnosis or clinical or medical advice prescribed by a medical provider for an individual patient that is based on the individual’s history, condition and current medical assessment. This information is not intended to be comprehensive about the subjects addressed and may include information that is time-sensitive and subject to change.

QUESTION: What can men do at home to stay vigilant about their health in between regular visits and screenings with their doctor?

ANSWER: In addition to eating a healthy, balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting the proper amount of sleep each night and working to maintain a healthy work/life balance, all men over 20 years of age should perform self-exams – skin, oral and testicle – at home on a regular basis. It’s a good idea to speak with your doctor about the best techniques for performing these self-exams. Finally, it’s important to note that self-exams should not be a substitute for in-office checkups and exams, but rather should serve as a supplement to regularly scheduled visits with your doctor.

142 S Main StreetDanville, VA 24541

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