Monthly Archives: September 2023

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

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Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and the second leading cancer-related cause of death among people assigned male at birth. The specific causes of prostate cancer are unknown, but certain factors can increase your risk of developing it, such as:

  • Age (prostate cancer is most common over the age of 50)
  • Race (prostate cancer is more common and more likely to be aggressive among Black men)
  • Family history (having a father, brother, or child with prostate cancer may increase your risk)
  • Obesity (prostate cancer is more likely to be aggressive and to return after treatment among people who are obese)

Prostate cancer may not present any symptoms, particularly in its early stages. When symptoms are present, they may include:

  • Difficult, painful, and/or more frequent urination
  • Blood in urine or semen
  • Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvis, and upper thighs
  • Unintended weight loss

There are two screening tests available for prostate cancer: a digital rectal exam (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.  To perform a digital rectal exam, your doctor inserts a gloved finger a few inches into your rectum to check your prostate gland.  A prostate-specific antigen test is a blood test that checks for elevated levels of PSA in your blood; aside from prostate cancer, this test can also indicate less serious issues such as prostate enlargement or infection.

Your doctor may recommend additional tests to diagnose cancer, such as an ultrasound and/or biopsy of the prostate.  A prostate ultrasound involves a small probing device, approximately the size of a finger, being placed into your rectum; this device creates sound waves that bounce off of your organs and create an image that allows your doctor to view the size, shape, and location of your prostate gland. A prostate biopsy involves removing a small piece of the prostate to look for abnormal cells.

Treatment of prostate cancer depends factors such as your age, your overall health, and the growth and spread of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. Common treatment options include watchful waiting or expectant management (regularly checking for new signs or symptoms), radiation therapy (high-energy x-rays used to kill cancer cells), chemotherapy, surgery (having the prostate gland removed), and hormone therapy.

You can schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for a prostate cancer screening or to discuss treatment options. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

How Qigong and Tai Chi Can Benefit Your Health

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Qigong and tai chi are exercises originating in ancient China that focus on promoting the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Both have long been known to offer a variety of health benefits such as improved energy, resilience, and calmness for people who are aging, as they typically consist of postures and gentle movements that are not physically strenuous to perform. However, according to Dr. Martin Ehrlich, an integrative health specialist who teaches patients qigong and tai chi techniques, they can be beneficial for people of any age and with any health condition, acting as an effective supplement to other forms of treatment.

Dr. Ehrlich has previously hosted in-person workshops with patients that incorporated qigong and tai chi. “Those patients are still following the practices we introduced to them last year,” said Dr. Ehrlich. “All of them report that those techniques continue to make them feel healthier and have actually reduced their need for pain medication to improve their symptoms.”

Qigong and tai chi can improve symptoms caused by physical wear and tear, which often affects people who are aging, have chronic pain due to conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis, or frequently perform physically demanding tasks. According to Dr. Ehrlich, these improvements occur because qigong and tai chi exercises cultivate qi, a form of energy that supports the body’s self-healing functions.

“If you cut yourself, your body is going to close the wound and heal. If you have an infection, your body is going to fight it,” said Dr. Ehrlich. “What qigong and tai chi do, along with other integrative health approaches, is teach people how to elicit and improve this inner healing capacity.”

Qigong and tai chi can also improve symptoms of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress. To maximize their benefits, Dr. Ehrlich recommends having access to fresh air, sunlight, and plants while performing these exercises; if you are indoors, look for a naturally well-lit area, such as near an open window. It also helps to participate in a group setting with a teacher, where participants can receive clear guidance for their exercises and support one another through the learning process.

Dr. Ehrlich will be hosting a series of virtual qigong and tai chi sessions starting on September 12th and running through October 24th. Joining these sessions will require access to a computer and the Internet. They will take place on Tuesday evenings from 7 P.M. to 8 P.M. If you would like to join or receive more information about these virtual sessions, please call (718) 206-6914.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.