• Taking Action During Men’s Health Month

    In recent years, numerous studies have confirmed a disturbing trend: Men tend not to live as long as women. One of the reasons for this, unfortunately, is that men are far less likely than women to visit their doctors. June is Men’s Health Month, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to schedule a routine physical at your physician’s office. It’s also a time to be mindful of some of the most pressing health challenges that men face, including testicular cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression. Diagnosing cancer and other serious illnesses as early as possible is the best way to raise the chances of a good prognosis, so it’s important to be checked regularly for any conditions you are at risk for.

  • Prostate Cancer Awareness

    This September, you might notice blue ribbons around your town. These signify National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which is the second-most common cancer in American men, after skin cancer. Since prostate cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms until the disease is already advanced, it’s necessary for doctors to recommend screening tests as appropriate. Not all doctors stay on top of recommendations for screenings, which, in some cases, may form the basis for a medical malpractice lawsuit. However, you can protect your health by being proactive and asking your doctor about getting screened.

    There are two main screening tests. The first is the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which is a simple blood test. The second is a digital rectal exam (DRE), which involves feeling the prostate gland to check for abnormalities and assess its size. Confirming a diagnosis of prostate cancer requires more tests, including imaging scans and a biopsy.

    Pegalis & Erickson, LLC welcome requests for case reviews regarding medical malpractice on Long Island, New York. Call (516) 684-2900 if you think you or a loved one may have suffered ill effects from a delayed diagnosis of prostate cancer.

  • Spotlight on Men’s Health

    This month is the perfect time to boost your knowledge of men’s health matters! Being proactive to protect men from diagnostic medical errors could change their lives forever, and it starts by becoming better informed. Regular checkups and screenings can catch diseases before they worsen and cause complications. If it’s been a year or more since your last check-up, it’s time to see you’re your primary care physician. Start a health care journal. Be sure doctor visits include checking your weight, blood pressure and heart rate. Ask about health screenings that may be appropriate for you by discussing your age, family medical history, and personal medical history. You can benefit from having a cholesterol test, blood glucose test, and a prostate exam regularly. Inquire about updated or new vaccinations for the flu, pneumonia, and shingles. Jot down results and vaccines in your journal so you can compare later.

    Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of men’s death and delayed medical diagnosis happen too often. Men should learn the symptoms and not rely solely on their doctors to provide screening recommendations and lifestyle advice. Vascular disease like aortic disease can begin with high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, connective tissue disorders, and genetic conditions. When narrowed blood vessels cause a reduction of blood flow to the limbs, it is known as peripheral artery disease. PAD can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. Symptoms include leg pain while walking, cramping, and slow healing sores.

    One type of cancer that is overlooked is testicular cancer, although one the most treatable and curable kinds, when caught early. Testicular cancer more often affects younger men and those with a family history are at greater risk. Medical negligence can delay a diagnosis, resulting in costlier treatment and poorer outcomes. Symptoms can include dull pain in the back, groin, or abdomen, or the scrotum feeling “heavy.” If symptomatic see your doctor for an ultrasound and blood test.

    Take responsibility for being proactive about men’s health for yourself and the loved ones in your life. If you have concerns about any medical treatment you received, call Pegalis & Erickson Law toll-free for a no-cost consultation at (516) 684-2900.

  • Raising Awareness about Testicular Cancer

    September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and the goal is not just to raise awareness about prostate cancer, but men’s health issues overall. One type of cancer that is easily overlooked by the community is testicular cancer. Fortunately, testicular cancer is one of the most treatable and curable cancers. But, as with all cancers, it is easier to treat and cure when it is caught in its early stages—and medical negligence or medical malpractice can delay a diagnosis, resulting in costlier treatment and unfortunately, poorer outcomes. Here are some important facts you should know.

    Risk Factors
    or testicular cancer, though it is possible to get the disease without having any of these risks. Age is a significant risk factor; testicular cancer affects younger men (ages 15-35), although it may occur later in life as well. Men whose family members have had testicular cancer are also more at risk. Conditions that interfere with normal testicular development or an undescended testicle have also been linked to testicular cancer.

    Symptoms
    Symptoms of testicular cancer are generally mild and easy to miss. Some of the main symptoms are dull pain in the back, groin, or abdomen. The scrotum may be enlarged, and a lump may be present. Sometimes the scrotum may feel “heavy.” It is important to see your doctor if these symptoms persist longer than two weeks. If your doctor suspects cancer, he or she will likely order an ultrasound and blood test.

    Treatments
    Depending the stage, testicular cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and you and your doctor will be able to decide which treatment is best for your situation. Your doctor should inform you of all of your options and review the potential risks and side effects of each treatment with you.

    If you’re concerned about medical negligence in Long Island, New York, let Pegalis and Erickson, LLC fight for your rights. Talk to a medical malpractice attorney today by calling (516) 684-2900.

  • Spotlight on Men’s Health

    medical negligence in Long Island As Father’s Day approaches, many men are about to be in the limelight. Fathers are celebrated for their importance to the family, providing all kinds of support to partners and children, so it’s especially important for men to watch their health so they can continue their roles in the family.

    To prevent chronic and dangerous diseases like cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, it’s imperative for men to eat well and exercise regularly. Exercise also reduces stress, which is a factor in the many illness including cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease depression, gastrointestinal illness, and even Alzheimer’s.

    Men should see their doctors for regular checkups. According to the CDC, men are 80% less likely than women to see a doctor regularly. In fact, regular checkups can catch diseases in their early and asymptomatic forms before they worsen, and cause life-altering complications.

    At Pegalis & Erickson, LLC, we have devoted our lives to defending the legal rights of families who have been affected by medical malpractice in Long Island, New York and beyond. If you’re looking for answers about possible medical malpractice, call us today at (516) 684-2900.