Establishing a relationship with a primary care physician sooner rather than
later can allow for simpler, less invasive and more effective treatments. Many
diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, can be treated much more easily if
detected early. Left unchecked, they can be devastating.
Even chronic disorders, such as diabetes, can be better controlled if detected
sooner. Having extra time to implement lifestyle changes supports disease
management, because special diets, therapies and exercise regimens take
time to affect your health.
of the Night
CHECKING IN
Important Tests
Even when you feel fi ne, you may
have health problems. Certain
conditions, such as high blood
pressure, high cholesterol and
diabetes, can cause few noticeable
symptoms.
– Blood pressure readings should
be taken at least once every two
years starting at age 20.
– Cholesterol levels should be
checked every four to six years
starting at age 20.
– Diabetes testing should
occur consistently if you have
risk factors, such as a family
history of the disease, being
overweight, having heart
disease, or having high blood
pressure or cholesterol.
Reluctance to schedule routine checkups can prevent
early intervention for a number of conditions that
become more challenging to treat as they progress.
About half of men older than 45 wake
up at least once during the night to use
the bathroom.
Don't Skip Out on
IN THE STILL
FOR HIM
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TO FIND A PHYSICIAN NEAR YOU, CALL 1-888-321-DOCS.
Typically a benign if frustrating condition, nocturia
is defi ned as waking at least once in the middle
of the night to empty the bladder. The condition
becomes more common after age 60, but all ages
deal with it.
In men, nocturia is often caused by an enlarged
prostate or an overproduction of urine at night.
Drinking too much before bed and taking diuretic
medications can also prompt the condition. In
other cases, nocturia can be a symptom of a more
serious underlying condition, such as diabetes, high
blood pressure or kidney disease.
MANAGING NOCTURIA
The fi rst step to stopping nocturia is limiting fl uid
intake before bed. Try writing down how much you
drink and when. Keep track of the time you typically
get up to use the bathroom, and try setting an
alarm for 30 minutes before this time. Gradually set
earlier alarms until you have trained your body to
use the restroom at a more reasonable hour.
If you continue to experience nocturia, your
physician can help you determine the condition's
underlying cause as well as prescribe medications
to control it.
Need a primary care physician? Call 888-321-DOCS to fi nd one and start
establishing a relationship that could save your life.
15
Northwell.edu
15
TO FIND A PHYSICIAN NEAR YOU, CALL 1-888-321-DOCS.