Phillips Health Care Newsletter

June is Men's Health Awareness Month

by Phillips Clinic on 05/29/26

JUNE IS MEN’S HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

WHAT BETTER TIME FOR A MEN’S PHYSICAL?

According to Harvard Health, “Men are less likely than women to get routine physical exams and screenings. A survey by the American Academy of Family Physicians found that 55% of men surveyed had not seen their doctor for a physical exam in the previous year, even though 40% of them had at least one chronic condition.

Nearly one-fifth of men ages 55 and over said they had never undergone screening for colon cancer, and almost 30% said they "wait as long as possible" to seek medical attention when they are feeling sick or in pain.”

For all adults, scheduling regular check ups and physicals, can help catch health problems when they are manageable, to address and teat them at their earliest stages.

How Often Should You Get a Physical

If you’re in your 20’s… every five years.

If you’re in your 30’s… every three years.

If you’re in your 40’s... every two years.

50 and above… every year

Recommended Screenings for Men

Blood Pressure

Every man should have their blood pressure checked regularly, and patients with other cardiovascular risk factors should check their blood pressure more frequently. This can be performed at your doctor’s office. High blood pressure is the biggest risk for heart disease and a significant risk for other serious health conditions

Blood Cholesterol

All men 35 or older should get their blood cholesterol levels checked regularly. Men who use tobacco; are overweight or obese; have a relative who had a heart attack before the age of 50; or have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of heart disease should get their cholesterol checked much earlier, at the age of 20. There are several measures of cholesterol, and all are important in determining heart disease risk.

Colon Cancer

All men should get screened for colorectal (colon or rectal) cancer by age 50. People with a family history of colorectal cancer should get a colonoscopy even sooner.

Diabetes

Men who have high blood pressure or take medication to control their high blood pressure should get screened for diabetes (high blood sugar). Anyone experiencing symptoms of persistently severe thirst, frequent urination, unexpected weight loss, increased hunger, and tingling in the hands or feet also should talk to their doctor about getting tested. The preferred screening for diabetes is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar over the last three months.

Weight

Using a BMI calculator to determine your body mass index (BMI) is usually a reliable, but not conclusive, indicator of whether you’re at a healthy weight. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 I

s considered healthy, a BMI above 25 is overweight, and a BMI greater than 30 is obese.

Prostate Exam

Because PSA screenings recommendation vary widely among health care professionals, talk to your provider about the benefits and risks of screening to determine what is best for you.

Other Tests Include

EKG, STD, HIV & Hepatitis, blood tests and urinalysis. Some additional testing may be recommended for men 50 or over, or with family history of chronic disease.

May Is National Allergies & Ashma Awareness Month

by Phillips Clinic on 04/30/26

What Is An Allergy

Nearly 20% of Americans have allergies. Allergies are an abnormal response of your immune system. Your body's defenses react to a usually harmless substance, such as pollen, animal dander, or food. Almost anything can trigger an allergic reaction, which can range from mild and annoying to sudden and life-threatening.

Some of the most common triggers include:

Pollen

Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds can trigger hay fever or seasonal allergies. You might have symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.

Animal Dander

Proteins secreted by oil glands in an animal's skin and present in their saliva can cause allergic reactions for some people. The allergy can take two or more years to develop and symptoms may not go away until months after being away from the animal. If your pet is causing allergies, make your bedroom a pet-free zone, avoid carpets, and wash him regularly. A HEPA filter and frequent vacuuming may also help

Dust Mites

Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in

house dust. Help prevent dust mite allergies by

covering mattresses, pillows, and box springs,

sing hypoallergenic pillows, washing sheets weekly in hot water, and keeping the house free of dust collecting-items.

Bug Bites & Insect Stings

Symptoms include extensive swelling and redness from the sting or bite that may last a week or more, nausea, fatigue, and low-grade fever. In rare cases when insect bites cause a severe reaction (anaphylaxis), symptoms may include difficulty breathing, swelling around the face, throat, or mouth, racing pulse, an itchy rash or hives, dizziness, or a sharp drop in blood pressure.

Molds

Molds make allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in some people.

There are many types of mold. They all need moisture to grow.

They can be found in damp areas such as basements or bathrooms, as well as in grass or mulch.

Avoid activities that trigger symptoms, such as raking leaves. Ventilate moist areas in your home

Food

Milk, shellfish, eggs, and nuts are among the most common foods that cause allergies. An allergic reaction usually happens within minutes of eating he offending food. Symptoms, which can include breathing problems, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling around the mouth, can be severe. Avoid all foods that you are allergic to.

Relieving Your Allergy Symptoms

Your Phillips Clinic Family Practice Provider Can Perform a simple Allergy Skin Test.

Symptoms which usually prompt an allergy test include:

Respiratory: itchy eyes, nose or throat; nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, chest congestion, cough or wheezing

Skin: itchiness or eczema

Abdominal: vomiting or cramping and diarrhea consistently after eating certain foods

Severe reactions to stinging insect stings

Skin tests can be performed in the office to determine what’s cause your symptoms. A very small amount of certain allergens is put into your skin by making a small indentation or “prick” on the surface of your skin. Your skin will react to the substances that trigger your allergies.

A personalized serum is then made up for you. You take this serum home, use a few drops under your tongue every day. You return every 12 weeks for a refill and follow-up. Within months, you should notice a significant reduction in your symptoms and the need for allergy medications. And in time, your allergies will disappear

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

by Phillips Clinic on 03/31/26

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness for the most common cancer in men aged 15–44. It focuses on promoting early detection, encouraging self-exams, and supporting survivors, with purple being the official awareness color. Despite being highly treatable—often with a over 95% survival rate—early diagnosis is critical

Testicular cancer is highly curable, with an overall 5-year survival rate of over 95%. Most men diagnosed, even at later stages, can live for 10, 30, or 50+ years after treatment, often with a life expectancy only slightly lower than those without cancer. Early detection, often while localized, brings survival rates to over 99%.

Testicular cancer is most commonly diagnosed in young and middle-aged men, with an average age of 33 years old. While it can occur at any age, it is most prevalent between the ages of 15 and 35, with about half of all cases occurring in men aged 20 to 34

Key Facts & Awareness Goals

Target Demographic: Primarily affects young and middle-aged men (15–44), though it can occur at any age.

Early Detection Saves Lives: Testicular cancer is highly treatable, but awareness and prompt action when symptoms arise are crucial for better outcomes.

Key Symptoms: A painless lump, swelling, or a change in how a testicle feels are common indicators.

Key Risk Factors

Family History: A family history of the disease increases risk.

Undescended Testicle: Being born with an undescended testicle is a significant risk factor.

Abnormal Development: Conditions affecting testicular development can increase risk.

Key Demographic and Risk Factors:

Age: While it can occur at any age, the peak incidence is between 15 and 35 years. It is rare in children (<6% of cases) and men over 55 (<8% of cases).

Race/Ethnicity: Highest incidence is found in white (Caucasian) men. While historically lower in other groups, studies from 2001-2016 show rising incidence among Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic men in the U.S..

Geography: Incidence is highest in Western and Northern Europe and North America, and lowest in Asia and Africa.

Take Action During April

Perform Monthly Self-Exams: Men should be familiar with their bodies to notice changes early.

Spread the Word: Educate peers, friends, and family about the risks and symptoms.

See a Doctor: Promptly report any concerns to a healthcare professional rather than waiting.

March is National Nutrition Month

by Phillips Clinic on 02/27/26

Benefits of Eating Nutrient-Dense Food

National Nutrition Month is the perfect time to focus on the advantages of eating nutrient-dense foods. Nutrient-dense foods provide an impressive range of essential vitamins, minerals, macronutrients, and antioxidants. Eating these foods regularly can encourage a healthy diet, boost immunity, and help prevent disease and ailments.

Foods that are high in nutrients but relatively low in calories. Nutrient-dense foods contain vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats.

Examples of nutrient-dense foods include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free milk products, seafood, lean meats, eggs, peas, beans, and nuts.

Nutrient-dense foods are usually low in calories yet packed full of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids our bodies need for normal growth and development.

They can even help us achieve ideal body weight goals because they take longer to digest than more processed options. So this National Nutrition Month, make sure you’re eating nutrient-dense food as part of a balanced diet for optimal health!

Tips to Incorporate Nutrient-Dense Foods into Your Diet

National Nutrition Month is also a great reminder that it’s important to ensure we get the right combination of nutrient-dense foods when we eat.

reminder that it’s important to ensure we get the right combination of nutrient-dense foods when we eat. Eating a variety of foods from each food category will help you get all the essential nutrients your body needs for optimal health.

Start by stocking up on items like:

whole grains
fruits and vegetables
nuts and seeds
low-fat dairy products
lean proteins & healthy fats

When grocery shopping, look for items with fewer additives and more vitamins and minerals, such as fortified breakfast cereals or tuna in water instead of oil.

Also, swap out processed snacks for fresh veggies and hummus or cut-up fruit with a few nuts on top. With everything from sandwiches to tacos to smoothies — there are endless ways to incorporate healthy choices into your diet!

Maintaining aa active and healthy lifestyle that includes physical exercise and healthy eating has a positive effect mentally as well,

including better concentration and overall mood.

February is Heart Health Month!

by Phillips Clinic on 01/30/26

FEBRUARY IS HEART HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Phillips Clinic is a team of professionals dedicated to providing the very best in medical treatment to ensure patient well-being.

Our staff’s commitment to continuing professional education is evident as the Clinic strives to stay on the cutting edge of new traditional and non-traditional medical techniques and new practices in the health care field.

Our professional staff is proud to offer the following comprehensive heart health testing services at one convenient location:

EKG

An EKG is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart through small electrode patches that are

attached to the skin of your chest, arms, and legs.

EKGs are quick, safe, and painless. With this test, your doctor will be able to:

Check your heart rhythm

See if you have poor blood flow to your heart muscle (this is called ischemia)

Diagnose a heart attack

Check on things that are abnormal, such as thickened heart muscle

ECHOCARDIOGRAM

An echocardiogram (echo=sound + card=heart + gram=drawing) is an ultrasound test that can evaluate the structures of the heart, as well as the direction of blood flow within it.

Technicians specially trained in echocardiography produce the images and videos, often using a special probe or transducer that is placed in various places on the chest wall, to view the heart from different directions.

Cardiologists, or heart specialists, are trained to evaluate these images to assess heart function and provide a report of the results. The echocardiogram is one of the many tests that can be done to evaluate heart anatomy and function.

PERIPHERAL

VASCULAR TESTING

These are non-invasive tests that check the blood flow in your arteries and veins. Vascular studies use high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to measure the amount of blood flow in your blood vessels. Treadmill tests are also done at Phillips Clinic Family Practice

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The DASH diet is a lifelongapproach to healthy eating that's designed to help treat or prevent high blood pressure (hypertension).

The DASH diet plan was developed to lower blood pressure without medication in research sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.

The DASH diet encourages you to reduce the sodium in your diet and eat a variety of

foods rich in nutrients that help lower blood pressure, such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.

The DASH Diet

Because the DASH diet is a healthy way of eating, it offers health benefits besides just lowering blood pressure. The DASH diet is also in line with dietary recommendations to prevent osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

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