Last updated 3 months ago
Physical activity has many health benefits, including preventing the spread of prostate cancer. This video explains the link between exercise and the occurrence of prostate cancer.
Some men with prostate cancer decide against surgery or other forms of treatment. However, cancer care specialists have found that consistent and vigorous exercise can prevent the growth of prostate cancer in those diagnosed with the disease. Even without medical intervention, men who engage in physical activity on a regular basis are less likely to die from prostate cancer or see the disease spread further.
Would you like to learn more about what you can do to prevent prostate cancer? Call West Hills Hospital & Medical Center at (818) 676-4321. Our cancer care facility can help West Hills residents protect themselves against this disease with prevention information and comprehensive treatment options.
Last updated 3 months ago
Though heart disease is the single-most widespread health condition among American men and women, it is completely preventable. As many cardiovascular experts can attest, maintaining heart healthy habits can significantly decrease the risk of heart disease in all people. To safeguard your cardiovascular wellness, consider these components to a healthy heart:
Nutritious Diet
What you put into your body largely determines how well it can function. The foods you eat not only provide fuel to sustain bodily functions, but also influence cardiovascular health. Meals with high sodium or fat content can quickly result in high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels. To make sure that your diet leads to a healthy heart, include a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Healthy Weight
Your diet directly affects your weight, too. If you consume more calories than you expend, you will add pounds. Extra weight forces the heart to work harder to ensure that blood flows to every part of the body. Over time, this added burden could cause the heart and arteries to weaken. In some cases, excessive weight can lead to heart attack or stroke. If you suspect that you may weigh more than is healthy for your heart, ask a cardiovascular expert how you can reduce your weight. For the clinically obese, bariatric surgery may be the best option for weight loss.
Consistent Exercise Regimen
To maintain a healthy weight, cardiovascular specialists recommend regular and rigorous exercise. Physical activity can help you expend those additional calories and strengthen the heart muscles. As a result, the heart will pump more easily and efficiently. Exercises like running, biking, swimming, and even walking can get you on your way to a consistent physical fitness routine.
West Hills Hospital & Medical Center wants you to enjoy a lifetime of heart wellness. To speak with a cardiovascular expert about your heart concerns, contact our West Hills facility at (818) 676-4321. To learn more about how to maintain your cardiovascular strength, we encourage you to take advantage of our Consult-A-Nurse referral system.
Last updated 3 months ago
On Saturday, March 16th, West Hills Hospital will be hosting the next free seminar in the West Hills Hospital Seminar Series: Spotlight on Erectile Dysfunction & Male and Female Incontinence. To find out more information, check out the flyer above, or call us at (818) 676-4321.
Last updated 3 months ago
Colorectal cancer is a disease that can affect both men and women. Like most cancers, this condition develops when cells in the colon tract grow abnormally and form tumors. Cancer care specialists are still researching the causes of colorectal cancer, and have found links between the disease and certain demographics. If you fall into one or more of the following groups, be sure to consult a cancer care facility for further help.
Older Individuals
Studies have shown that the highest occurrence of colorectal cancer is among those who are 50 years old and above. No matter a person’s current state of health, all individuals who are 50 or older should undergo a fecal occult blood test a minimum of every five years. Cancer care specialists also recommend that older patients receive a double-contrast barium enema twice each decade past 50 and a colonoscopy every 10 years.
Gastrointestinal Inflammation Sufferers
Doctors have also determined a relationship between gastrointestinal inflammation and colorectal cancer. Though you may never suffer the onset of colorectal cancer, you are at a higher risk for the disease if you have either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. For this reason, cancer care experts advise individuals with either condition to see a colorectal cancer specialist for the appropriate screenings as soon as possible.
Genetically Predisposed Persons
Many cancers run in families, and colorectal cancer is no exception. If you have an immediate family member who suffers from this disease, your chances of contracting it are higher than normal. Be sure to discuss family history with your loved ones to determine if you are at risk for colorectal cancer—if so, see a cancer care professional for consultation and screening.
The earlier you catch colorectal cancer, the better chance you have of surviving it. The colorectal cancer care facilities at West Hills Hospital & Medical Center offer comprehensive screening services for patients. If you live in the greater West Hills area and would like to set up a screening appointment, call (818) 676-4321.
Last updated 3 months ago
Even though you may be taking all the required precautions to avoid heart disease, you can’t truly know your heart health unless you know your numbers. What are these numbers? To have peace of mind that your heart is free from heart disease, you have to know your blood pressure, cholesterol level, and body mass index. While you can determine your BMI on your own, only a qualified physician can accurately gauge your blood pressure and cholesterol. If you have not recently been tested for them, make an appointment to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Your Blood Pressure
Your blood pressure indicates just how hard your heart is working to pump blood through your arteries. The higher the number, the more force is being exerted against the arteries, which can result in multiple heart health issues. Your blood pressure number is actually comprised of two figures. The first determines the force against the arteries as blood rushes through them. The second assesses the pressure against the arteries in the rest period between heart contractions. Blood pressure higher than 120/80 may indicate a heart health problem.
Your Cholesterol Level
Cholesterol is another factor that can impact your heart health. In general, cholesterol is not a bad substance; the body requires it for many functions. However, too much of it can negatively affect the heart. Any cholesterol not made by your body results from your food choices. Only animal products contain cholesterol, which is why you may want to reevaluate your meals and consider exchanging fatty meats for lean proteins such as fish and chicken. In addition to these dietary changes, see a doctor to have your cholesterol levels checked.
Your Body Mass Index
You may not think your weight is a problem, but knowing your body mass index may shed some light on whether you need to modify it. Even a few extra pounds can increase your risk for heart disease, so be sure to monitor your weight to make sure that you aren’t incurring any unnecessary heart disease risks.
West Hills Hospital & Medical Center provides thorough cardiovascular examinations for patients in the greater West Hills region. We also offer an iTriage service for those who may be experiencing a heart emergency. For more information, call (818) 676-4321.
