June 9-15 is National Men’s Health Week. This week presents American men with a great opportunity to become more familiar with common diseases that affect men’s health. Prostate cancer, for example, is the second-most common type of cancer among American men, and claims the lives of about 30,000 men every year. This June, do yourself and your family a favor by learning more about prostate cancer, including its potential risk factors.  

Age

A man’s chance of developing prostate cancer increases as he ages. Prostate cancer most often develops in men who are 50 or older—however, prostate cancer can develop in younger men, too. If you’re older than 50, you should ask your doctor about regular prostate cancer screenings.  

Family History

Unfortunately, prostate cancer tends to run in the family. If your father, brother, or other male relative has or has had prostate cancer, there’s a greater chance that you may develop it, too. Doctors recommend that men with a family history of the disease consider going in for regular screenings beginning at age 45.

Hormones

Testosterone, the main male hormone, is important for your prostate’s normal function. However, the enzyme dihydrotestosterone, which is created by testosterone, can cause the prostate to expand in size and may contribute to the development of prostate cancer. For the sake of your health, ask your doctor to monitor your testosterone levels and make the appropriate recommendations.  

Lifestyle Habits

There are some prostate cancer risk factors that are well within your control. For example, smoking, drinking, eating a poor diet, and leading a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to the development of cancer. These risk factors can lead to a number of other significant health concerns as well.  

This June, work closely with your doctor to evaluate your risk of prostate cancer and other health concerns. You might also consider seeking a second opinion, as some doctors may not identify clear signs of cancer. Unfortunately prostate cancer sometimes goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. If you or someone you know were misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, consider speaking with a Long Island medical malpractice attorney at Pegalis & Erickson. You can reach our Long Island medical malpractice firm at (516) 684-2900.

In New York, if you sustained injuries or economic losses due to medical malpractice, the healthcare professional can be held liable for his or her mistakes. For example, if you suffer from complications as a result of surgery, your medical malpractice lawyer may be able to prove that the surgeon was negligent. Often, the lawyers for the defense try to prove that the patient is in fact responsible in some way for the medical injuries. This is known as culpable conduct. For example, a defense lawyer might claim that the patient failed to strictly follow post-operative instructions, leading to an infection.

The possibility of culpable conduct claims is one reason why it’s important to hire a medical malpractice lawyer with extensive experience. Your lawyer can disprove the possibility of negligence on the part of the patient altogether, or he or she might steer the jury toward finding comparative negligence. This means that in New York, a jury might find that the doctor is liable for 90 percent of the problem, while the patient is only at fault for 10 percent. In other words, you’ll still be able to collect compensation.

The medical malpractice attorneys of Pegalis & Erickson of Long Island have more than four decades of experience in providing aggressive legal representation to clients across the U.S. If you feel that you’re the victim of medical malpractice, contact us right away at (516) 684-2900.

Each year, Mother’s Day marks the beginning of National Women’s Health Week. This week is intended to raise awareness about critical women’s health issues, such as the importance of being proactive about your health. You can take control of your own healthcare by asking your doctor about preventive screenings you should have, such as how often you need a Pap test, when you should begin scheduling mammograms, and how often to check your blood pressure. Remember to schedule an annual well-woman exam with your doctor and discuss any concerns you may have.

For more helpful tips on being proactive about your healthcare, watch this video.

Long Island residents who have suffered from medical injuries as a result of medical malpractice have legal rights and options available to them. Call the medical malpractice lawyers of Pegalis & Erickson at (516) 684-2900 for your free consultation.

Many women are too busy caring for their children, aging parents, spouses, and friends to properly take care of themselves. However, it’s crucial for women to be their own advocates for their healthcare. Taking proactive measures for your health can help you avoid problems such as medical injuries and other forms of medical malpractice. This May, celebrate National Women’s Health Week May 11-17 by assessing your current health status and taking steps to live life well.

Be Your Own Advocate

Schedule a well-woman exam on an annual basis. Well-woman exams are excellent opportunities to ask your doctor questions about your health and medical conditions. Be proactive about asking your doctor if there are any preventive healthcare screenings you should have, such as tests for your cholesterol levels. If you feel that your doctor is rushing through your appointment, disregarding your concerns, or otherwise skimping on your healthcare, don’t hesitate to shop around for a new doctor. Many medical malpractice cases are born of the doctor’s failure to diagnose a problem.

Care for Your Mental Well-Being

Caring for your mental well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Be sure to get plenty of sleep each night. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation increases your risk of numerous health problems, including Alzheimer’s disease. Each day, schedule a little “me” time to relax. Enjoy a cup of coffee on the porch before the rest of the family wakes up or read a good book after dinner.

Enlist a Workout Buddy

You can multitask by enjoying physical activity while spending time with friends. Enlist a friend to be your workout buddy and find an activity the two of you enjoy. Play a game of tennis or head to the park for a morning jog.

For advice on avoiding diagnostic errors and other forms of medical malpractice, visit the website of Pegalis & Erickson. Our law firm has decades of experience representing the victims of birth injuries, medical injuries, and other types of medical malpractice. Call our law firm in Long Island at (516) 684-2900 to schedule a consultation.