Men’s Health: Thinking Inside the Box
By Scott D. Miller, MD, MBA
When it comes to men’s health, the focus often falls on heart health, diet and exercise. However, your urological health is equally crucial and often overlooked. As a urologist, I’m here to emphasize why it’s essential to start “thinking inside the box” for your overall well-being.
Understanding Urological Health
Urological health encompasses a variety of functions and organs, including your kidneys, bladder, prostate and the reproductive system. These organs play a crucial role in your day-to-day life, affecting everything from urination and sexual function to hormone production and fertility.
Prostate Health: A Key Player
Your prostate is a small gland that can cause significant issues if neglected. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, especially those over 50. Regular screenings, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, can help detect any abnormalities early. Early detection is key to effective treatment. If you’re over 50, or over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer, discuss screening options with your doctor.
ED: More Than Just an Inconvenience
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than you might think and can be an early warning sign of serious health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. If you’re experiencing ED, seek medical advice. Treatments are available, but addressing the underlying causes is crucial for your overall health.
Kidney Health: The SilentGuardian
Your kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from your blood. Conditions like kidney stones, chronic kidney disease and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can impact your health and quality of life. Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet and regular check-ups can help keep your kidneys functioning optimally.
Lifestyle Choices Matter
Lifestyle plays a pivotal role in your urological health. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet and lack of exercise can all contribute to urological issues. A balanced diet, physical activity and avoiding tobacco can significantly reduce your risk of urological problems.
Take Charge of Your Health
Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major health problems. If you experience changes in urinary habits, pain or other unusual symptoms, seek medical advice from a urologist. Thinking inside the box means prioritizing your urological health as part of your overall wellness strategy. Taking care of your urological health isn’t just about avoiding problems – it’s about ensuring your overall quality of life.Your future self will thank you.
Look for my article on“Men’s Health Spotlight: Testosterone Truths Every Man Should Know”in the next issue.
Scott D. Miller, MD, MBA, is Wellstar’s Medical Director of Urology and of Robotic Surgery. He has practiced in Atlanta for over 20 years and sees patients at Wellstar Urology in Roswell, Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center and Wellstar Avalon Health Park. Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center offers the Know Your Heart Screening that can determine your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions. Call 770-956-STAR (7827) to learn more or schedule an appointment.
