June - men's health month

June is touted “Men’s Health Month” and is celebrated across our country with health fairs, screenings and other health education and outreach programs.

Men’s Health Month heightens the awareness of preventable health problems and encourages early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

This month further gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.

In Kimball, Dr. James Broomfield is providing a new monthly dermatology clinic at Kimball Health Services. Skin cancer is always a concern, especially for men, according to Dr. James Broomfield.

He said he started this clinic after hearing from a number of his patients who told him that this is a service they’d like to see.

“One in five people will develop skin cancer at some point in their life,” Broomfield stated. “And if we can nip these precancerous lesions in the bud before they become cancer, we’ll save our patients a lot of pain and suffering later on.”

According to the U.S. Public Health Service, people should obey cancer’s danger signals and go to a physician if they have the following:

-Any sore that does not heal, particularly about the tongue, mouth or lips.

-Persistent hoarseness that lasts longer than two weeks.

-Any persistent lump or thickening, especially in the breast.

-Persistent indigestion developing suddenly in middle life.

-Any irregular bleeding or discharge from any body opening.

-Sudden changes in the form or rate of growth of a mole or wart.

Some suggestions from Dr. Broomfield and his staff to help proscribe most types of cancer are to stay away from tobacco, eat healthy with lots of fruits and veggies, and get moving; whether that is walking, weight lifting, swimming, tennis – basically any activity that you not only enjoy, but one that will keep you active a few times each week.

Having regular checkups is a must in staying healthy – know yourself, your family history, and your risks.