Within the realm of diseases and ailments that one can experience in their lifetime, cancer seems to be the one most people are concerned with; we don’t blame them. In fact, new data suggests the number of annual cancer diagnoses has surpassed 1.5 million. With statistics like this rearing their ugly head, now is the perfect time to turn inward and examine your own health.

1. Prostate Cancer

Most individuals have been misinformed about this type of cancer. As a result, many patients don’t take prostate cancer screening guidelines as seriously as they should. One way for men to take care of themselves and be proactive about this is through  Prompt PGS, a major advancement in evaluating genetic predisposition to prostate cancer. Prompt PGS empowers men with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health. The test is for any man who wants to better understand his lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer, enabling him to personalize his own respective approach to screening.

When asked about prostate health, many men feel as though prostate cancer is a slow-growing issue that never spreads to the surrounding area. Contrary to this belief, prostate cancer has the tendency to thrive in one of two states: slow and benign, or fast and deadly. Located below is a brief list of symptoms associated with this form of cancer:

• Increased bathroom breaks
• Inability to hold urine
• Blood within the urine Colorectal

If you’ve heard the terms “colon cancer”, “rectal cancer” or “bowel cancer”, you’re well aware of the havoc that colorectal cancer can cause in one’s life. This form of cancer begins to show itself when frequent constipation becomes part of everyday life for a patient. From here, individuals may find dark blood in their stool, a full feeling in their stomach even when they haven’t eaten and extreme fatigue.

The most important factor to address when a doctor diagnosis colorectal cancer is to make sure tumors and cysts have not formed near the lymph nodes. Should they be found, immediate surgery will be performed to try and prevent cancerous growths from spreading. From here, the doctor will customize a treatment plan to give the patient their best chance at survival.

3. Lung Cancer

To find out if a patient may have lung cancer, they first need to address the most common side effects. When lung cancer first begins to form, the individual may notice a large amount of rust-colored phlegm in their system. From here, a patient will notice extreme bouts of coughing accompanied by unwavering chest pain.

The causes of lung cancer vary, from heavy smoking to taking medication that could be a possible human carcinogen.

Treating lung cancer can range anywhere from small surgery, radiation or even chemotherapy. As always, consult with your healthcare physician to plan a course of treatment in the following months.

4. Skin Cancer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer within the United States. Here is a brief list of things to watch form when examining yourself for potential areas with skin cancer:

• Moles that are adjacent to other moles of a different color.
• Moles and marks that have a dark, undefined border.
• Areas that are discolored and painful to touch.
• Marks that have multiple colors

5. Breast Cancer

While breast cancer is mostly found within the female population, men are at risk too, making breast cancer awareness important for everyone. Always be aware of hard, non-moving lumps found within your breast tissue. The best way to screen yourself in these areas is to run your fingers and lightly squeeze using medium pressure over the breast on a regular basis. If found, consult with a physician immediately as the cancer may spread to the lymph nodes located within close proximity of the breast.

In our fast-moving society, families across the country are losing the ability to sit together and have a chance to really connect with one another through conversation.  With classes, sports, jobs, and workouts, each family member may be operating on their own program for the majority of the day— which turns into a majority of the week, and so the vicious cycle continues.  Having a family dinner together is a great way to create a familial connection on a daily basis, which cultivates the closeness and bond that we all long for with those we love most.  

So how does a family on the go stop dead in their tracks for a meal together? One way to get all those agents of chaos to fall in line for dinner time is to make sure that the meal you all share is as delicious as much as it is nutritious.  There are so many delicious meal ideas that are quick, convenient, and centered around one of the most versatile and widely available meats on the market today…Pork!  

Pork is a red meat that is derived from pigs, and it’s the most commonly consumed red meat worldwide.  It is high-protein meat that is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids that all play a huge role in overall health.  Lean pork (that is trimmed of visible fat) is nutrient-dense, satisfying, and good for you. Pork cuts like that of tenderloin, loin chops, and sirloin roast are made from lean cuts and are more healthy than chicken.  

Flavorful and inexpensive, pork is the underrated, jack-of-all-meats that works in all kinds of dishes— from “Taco Tuesday” to “Stir Fry-day,” it couldn’t be easier to be the culinary dynamo your family has always wanted you to be, and create fresh dinner ideas with all of the different types of pork cuts at your fingertips.  Here are 3 quick and easy ways to get a little bit more pork on your fork, and spread more joy around your family’s dinner table.

PULLED PORK TACOS

We all love the taste of pulled pork tacos.  Having a taco bar with some delicious pulled pork in the spotlight will have your family coming back to the table time and time again.  With a recipe that is as simple as it is delicious, your family won’t be able to say no to taco night!

HOT ‘N’ SPICY PORK NOODLES

Standard spaghetti and meat sauce is always a crowd-pleaser, but….snooze.  Try, instead, a savory asian twist on a family favorite to create a bowl of goodness that is way more exciting and just as easy to throw together.  Sometimes, all it takes it an innovative, spicy pork twist on a classic red sauce to create to bring the family together week after week.

Pork Salad Wraps

For those who are more health-conscious, and looking for a healthier way to serve the ones they love, look no further than a fresh lettuce wrap stuffed with savory pork tenderloin!  What better way to take the “bad rap” away from salad than by creating a finger-lickin’ fresh way to get some veggies on the table for your family. No one will bat an eye at the fresh veggies they’re scarfing, as long as the pork is juicy, savory, and as delicious as family dinner should be.

Although none of us can keep life from charging us at what seems like warp-speed, all of us can make the choice to slow down, connect with one another, and create the connection we all long for over the pork we all share with our fork.

A comprehensive healthcare plan is something that every person needs. When you are younger you may need it for a pregnancy or for basic procedures such as dental checkups and annual health physicals. However, as you grow older, its importance grows, too. 

Deciding on the Right Plan 

Most employers present an extensive healthcare package that contains an abundance of information regarding several different companies and plan options. This in itself can be overwhelming, especially if you are uncertain as to what your needs going forward may be. In order to make a decision that benefits you, a good approach may be to write down what you would like to have in your healthcare plan, such as the ability to continue to see your current doctor and to have the ability to go out of network to see a specialist. Another important aspect is the deductible. Some plans may cost less, however, they will more than likely have a much higher deductible for procedures like surgery, emergency room visits and prescriptions. 

Finding the Right Doctor 

If you don’t currently have a primary care provider, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. One way to narrow the search is to check their credentials and their rate of client satisfaction, which you can usually find on the doctor’s website. Another thing to look for is how they protect their client’s personal information. Today, unlike just a generation earlier, hackers are constantly looking at small businesses as their payday for a wealth of personal information they can use. When you are in the healthcare industry it’s a requirement by law that you take specific necessary steps to protect your patient’s private information. A doctor’s office that is HIPAA HITECH compliant is doing everything they can to achieve that goal. Trusting your healthcare provider is more than liking the doctor, it means keeping your private health information safe; not breached, not for sale, and not available for product development. 

Convenience

The workday today can begin at 8:00 A.M. or 2:00 P.M. There is no one-size-fits-all for office hours anymore. Selecting a doctor’s office that understands that not everyone can make it to their office prior to 4 or 5:00 P.M. is important. Many doctors today have a more flexible schedule wherein they have at least one evening where they remain open until 8 or 9:00 P.M. and some even have hours on Saturday. Additionally, you should find a doctor within your local area. It makes it convenient for regular visits and, if you or your child becomes very sick, you can get there in short order. 

Cater to Their Clients

Not all doctors put their focus on their clients’ needs ahead of their own wallets. You may find a doctor within your location and one that accepts your insurance; however, they might be lacking in customer service. For instance, some doctors, in order to make more money, schedule several appointments for the same time slot. You walk into the doctor’s office and see a room full of people seated and waiting and suddenly find out that they all have the same scheduled appointment. This can cost you valuable time and, if you took time off from work, it means you’ll spend the entire day in the office versus at home getting rest.

A Formal Meeting

While liking your doctor isn’t the most important issue if they provide quality care, it helps. When you like a person you are more apt to strike up a conversation which, in many cases, can include things that trouble you either emotionally or physically. So, in the end, it can help you maintain better health.

Healthcare is something every person in your family needs. Throughout your lifetime you will, from time to time, have difficult decisions to make when it comes to healthcare. Finding a qualified physician with excellent credentials, a superb reputation and protections in place to preserve the integrity of your personal information are key factors you should weigh carefully before making your final decision.

Thanks to home improvement reality shows and blogs DIY has caught on everywhere. Homeowners are learning just how easy and cost-effective it can be to complete home maintenance and repairs on their own. While it can seem like a win-win (maintain your asset and save money), that’s not the case for all home improvement projects. 

If you were to do a quick online search of DIY mistakes or disasters, you’d find a ton of stories of homeowners who attempted to complete projects on their own that backfired big time. It ended up costing them more money to have a professional come out and fix what they damaged while also taking care of the original repair. 

Not to discourage you from doing your own home repairs and improvements, but there are some things that really should not be done without professional assistance. How do you know which projects are safe and which you should hire a contractor? Check out this list below: 

Electrical Projects

Electricity is dangerous to anyone that doesn’t have adequate education and training. You should never try to work with electrical wiring on your own. You run the risk of getting electrocuted or starting a house fire. As electrical wiring runs throughout the home, you should hire an electrician when doing everything from installing a ceiling fan to a kitchen or bathroom remodel. You can visit sites like PacmanElectric.com to find certified electricians servicing your area. 

Significant Structural Changes

You don’t know how many DIY disaster stories there are from homeowners who tried to make structural changes on their own. They suddenly decide that they want an open-concept kitchen and knock down a wall. Only the wall they knocked down happens to be load-bearing which causes a ton of mess. 

There’s more to a wall than meets the eye. Behind many of them, you can find everything from plumbing to electrical wires. If it is also a wall that serves to support the weight of the property, removing it can result in significant structural damage. So, any time you want to tear down a wall, it is best to at least hire a contractor to advise you on whether or not tearing it down would cause an issue. 

Roof Repairs

Cleaning your gutters is one thing, but trying to install a roof, repair damage, or any other roofing repair without assistance is an accident waiting to happen. Without the proper safety gear and equipment, you increase your chances of falling and getting seriously hurt. Not to mention, if you damage the roof while trying to repair it, it will most certainly cause other issues around the house like leaks and water damage. It is a safer bet to contact a reputable company offering commercial roofing (or elsewhere more relevant) and have the job done properly first time round.

Tree Removal

Dead trees can become a serious issue for homeowners fairly quickly. They need to be properly removed to prevent them from falling and causing damage to your property, your neighbor’s property, or hurt someone passing by. While it might seem simple enough to grab a chainsaw and begin hacking away, cutting trees is a lot more complex than you think. Cutting the wrong way could lead to property damage or injury. It is best to contact an arborist or landscaping company to have them come and cut the tree safely for you. 

Other Factors to Consider

These aren’t the only home improvement projects you probably shouldn’t complete on your own. Before deciding to do any project yourself, consider these factors: 

• Knowledge – how much do you know about what you’re trying to accomplish? If you don’t have much comprehension on the topic, chances are you shouldn’t be doing it yourself. 
• Tools – While some home repairs and maintenance projects require nothing more than a hammer and a few nails, there are others that require more advanced tools and equipment. If you cannot afford or do not have these tools readily available, you do not want to complete the job yourself. 
• Permits – Each locality has its own rules and regulations as it pertains to getting home improvement projects permitted. These permits are to ensure that the work is done up to code and also means that your work will be evaluated by a city or county inspector. Unless you want the headache of going through all the red tape, it is probably best to hire a contractor to ensure the work is done appropriately. 

No one is against saving a few bucks while also maintaining your property, but it is important to play it safe. Trying to complete a home improvement project that you’re not skilled enough in or is very risky can cause you more harm than good. If you’re not sure you should be completing it on your own, it is best to start searching for the best-qualified contractor to get it done for you.