Northwell Health - Plainview & Syosset Hospitals

Spring 2016

Look North is a magazine published by the Northwell Health System. This publication features health and wellness information geared toward healthcare consumers in the Long Island and New York City region.

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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 Northwell.edu 15 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.

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