National Hernia Awareness Month is observed each June. Hernias can be described as abnormal bulges created by a weakness or a hole, usually in the abdominal wall or groin. It occurs when an internal organ, such as the bowel or bladder, extends through the wall of the muscle or tissue where it normally resides.

A bulge in the abdomen or groin caused by a hernia is a common condition in both men and women and can range from pain-free to painful. Nearly 1 million hernia operations are performed each year in the United States.

There are a number of places and types of hernias that can occur within the body.

• Abdominal Hernia – Also referred to as a ventral hernia, abdominal hernias are generally a protrusion that occurs above the belt. This happens due to a weakness in the abdominal wall.
• Hiatal Hernia – This type of hernia is closely connected & can coincide with a Paraesophageal Hernia, with the main symptom being gastric reflux or GERD. A hiatal hernia can commonly reoccur after surgery to repair it.
• Umbilical Hernia – Occurs around or in your belly button. If your belly button typically is pushed in, leaving an indent, and suddenly it appears to have a something bulging out then you most likely have an umbilical hernia.
• Incisional Hernia – Occurs at the incision line of a previous surgery, due to the cutting of the skin, tissue, & muscles in that particular area creating a weakened site.
• Femoral Hernia – Occurs at the top of the leg or groin area. These types of hernias are more common in women and tend to be recurrent after a hernia has been repaired.
• Inguinal Hernia –Occurs below the belt and on either side or both sides of the groin and/or the scrotum area. This particular hernia is more common in men and can also be recurrent, even after surgery.

Hernias can be congenital, which means they were present at the time of birth. They can also develop due to tissue weakness in the abdominal wall or groin, usually from overexertion and straining. Long-term constipation issues or urinating, persistent cough, heavy lifting and physical exertion can all contribute to the development of hernias. Other factors that can increase your risk for hernias include poor nutrition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, pregnancy, previous surgeries (specifically open surgeries) and smoking.

When hernias become painful or symptomatic it may prevent patients from participating in work, exercise or other activities that they love to do. When a hernia becomes symptomatic it is important to see your primary care physician to discuss repair before the hernia becomes very large or turns into a very serious complication. When organs are stuck in a hernia, they can lose their blood supply, which may result in an emergency that requires immediate attention.

Many times, your physician will be able to diagnosis a hernia by physical exam. However, sometimes a hernia may be difficult to see or feel due to its location or a person’s body size and shape. In those instances, radiologic tests like a CT (computerized tomography) scan or ultrasound may be ordered to help with the diagnosis.

There are different options for surgical repair, including both open surgery and minimally invasive laparoscopic (using small incisions with a laparoscope) approaches. Many times, we utilize mesh to help repair the hernia to lower the recurrence risk. Hernia repair is usually performed under general anesthesia or on an outpatient basis, so patients may be able to go home on the same day of surgery.

“This June, like every other, is filled with talk of graduations, the scent of bar-b-q, and Fathers’ Day sales. But amidst all the hype, we need to remember that June is also Men’s Health Month – a vital, often overlooked, opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unique health challenges and preventative care needs of men. More than that, it’s a critical time to urge men to prioritize their health and encourage their loved ones to support them in doing so.

Many men, thanks to societal expectations, lack of awareness, or both, are about half as likely as women to have a regular healthcare provider, less likely to have regular screenings, and are far more likely to delay seeking medical attention until symptoms become unbearable. As a result, men are often diagnosed when their medical issue has already become advanced and may not be able to be treated at all (this appears to be the case in Joe Biden’s recent diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer). Understanding the health concerns for men is the first step toward proactive health management and longer, healthier lives.”

Healthy Men Inc (Men’s Health Month: Why It Matters More Than Ever – Healthy Men)

Men in this age range are encouraged to discuss the health concerns below with their doctors. These discussions can be part of a yearly annual wellness visit. While you may think you don’t need some of these tests, establishing a base line can be useful for continued health monitoring as you age, or as more acute health concerns arise.

• Physical exam: check blood pressure, screen for obesity and assess body composition (waist circumference). Testicular exam and testicular self-exam are important at this age.
• Metabolic screening: fasting blood sugar and fasting lipid profile based on risk and family history.
• Vaccines: influenza, COVID-19, Hepatitis A/B, HPV, Tdap and MMR should be considered.
• STI screening: HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia screening should be considered, and pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PreP) should be discussed.
• Assessment of risky behaviors: discuss any use of tobacco, alcohol, recreational drugs, anabolic steroids, as well as use of seatbelts and helmets and gun safety.
• Family planning: “pre-conception” counseling to educate men that adopting a healthy lifestyle—exercising, eating healthy foods, and avoiding substances—at an early age improves the chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child.

Recommended screenings for adult men over 40

These screenings are similar to those recommended for younger men but start to look at health concerns that most often appear in middle age.

• Physical exam: check blood pressure, screen for obesity, measure body composition and consider prostate exam (in some cases).
• Metabolic screening: fasting blood sugar and fasting lipid profile and estimation of cardiovascular risk.
• Vaccines: influenza, covid-19, Hepatitis A/B, HPV (through age 45), Tdap and MMR. Shingles vaccine is recommended for adults over 50.
• STI screening: HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia screening should be considered, and pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PreP) should be discussed.
• Cardiovascular screening: based on risk and symptoms (may include stress testing or coronary artery calcium score).
• Cancer screening: based on family history and personal risks. May include prostate, colon and lung cancer screening as well as skin exam.
• Eye exam.
• GI screening if you haven’t already started.

Recommended screenings for adult men over 65

Older men should continue to evaluate their health and make lifestyle changes based on conversations with their doctors to ensure they are able to live life to the fullest.

• Physical exam: blood pressure, height and weight, waist circumference and prostate exam.
• Metabolic screening: fasting blood sugar, fasting lipid profile, thyroid function (in some cases).
• Vaccines: influenza, covid-19, Hepatitis A/B, Tdap, Pneumovax/Prevnar and Shingles.
• STI screening: based on risk.
• Cardiovascular screening: abdominal ultrasound, coronary artery calcium score and stress testing based on risk and symptoms.
• Cancer screening: prostate, colon and lung as well as skin exam.
• Osteoporosis: screening should be considered in men over 70, men who lose height over time or have a low impact fracture. Fall risk assessment should be completed.
• Eye exam.

Mental health is an important determinant of overall health and quality of life at every age. Although men are more likely to suffer “deaths of despair” including alcoholism, overdose and suicide, they are far less likely than women to seek out mental health services. Undiagnosed and untreated mood disorders in young men are associated with impaired learning, risk-taking behaviors, use of substances and violence. Adult men with chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease have worse outcomes when they also suffer from depression, and depression is associated with decreased longevity in older men.  Men are less likely to get treated than a women in screening or when signs or symptoms arise until they get in the way or regarding mental health do men make a move and help yourself since no one may do it for you.  Help yourself its June make a change for the best in your health!

“Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting millions worldwide.  In the U.S., over 7 million people aged 65 and older currently live with Alzheimer’s, and this number is projected to nearly double by 2050.   Globally, more than 55 million people live with dementia, with Alzheimer’s accounting for 60–80% of cases.  Women represent approximately two-thirds of U.S. Alzheimer’s patients, reflecting longer lifespans and genetic factors.  Dementia prevalence doubles every five years after age 65, affecting one in three by age 85.”

revivalresearch.org (Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month 2025: Facts and Support)

Key Early Signs & Symptoms of Alzheimer’s:

Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life:

One of the most common early signs is forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or events, and repeatedly asking the same questions. Individuals may increasingly rely on reminder notes, electronic devices, or family members for tasks they previously managed independently, which goes beyond typical age-related forgetfulness.

Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems:

People may struggle to develop or follow plans, work with numbers, or complete tasks like following a familiar recipe or managing monthly bills. Concentration difficulties and taking longer to complete tasks are also common.

Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks:

Everyday activities, such as driving to familiar locations, organizing a grocery list, or remembering game rules, may become challenging. This is more pronounced than occasional age-related forgetfulness.

Confusion with Time or Place:

Individuals may lose track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time, and may have trouble understanding events that are not happening immediately. They may also forget where they are or how they arrived at a location.                                                                                                                                                                      Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships:

Difficulty judging distances, reading, or interpreting visual cues can appear early, affecting tasks like driving or navigating familiar environments.

Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing:

Early Alzheimer’s can cause difficulty finding the right words, repeating phrases, or struggling to follow or join conversations.

Misplacing Things and Poor Judgment:

Items may be placed in unusual locations, and individuals may be unable to retrace steps. Decision-making and judgment, such as handling finances or social interactions, may decline.

Withdrawal and Mood Changes:

People may withdraw from work, social activities, or hobby.

Key Late Signs & Symptoms of Alzheimer’s:

In the late stage of Alzheimer’s, individuals experience severe cognitive decline, loss of independence, and significant physical and communication difficulties, requiring around-the-clock care.

Cognitive and Memory Changes:

In late-stage Alzheimer’s, memory loss becomes profound, and individuals may no longer recognize family members, familiar people, or even themselves in a mirror .  They often lose awareness of recent experiences and may believe they are living in a past time, searching for people or events from earlier in life.  Cognitive abilities such as reasoning, judgment, and understanding of surroundings are severely impaired

Communication Difficulties:

People in this stage may gradually lose the ability to speak, often repeating a few words or phrases, or crying out intermittently. Understanding verbal communication becomes limited, making nonverbal cues like facial expressions, gestures, and touch essential for interaction Despite severe memory loss, they may still respond to stimuli such as music, scents, or gentle touch, which can provide comfort

Physical and Functional Decline:

Late-stage Alzheimer’s involves significant physical deterioration. Individuals may have difficulty walking, sitting, or eventually swallowing They often become inactive for long periods, remaining still with eyes open but not engaging in activities.  Loss of motor control and coordination increases vulnerability to falls and infections, particularly pneumonia

Behavioral and Personality Changes:

Personality changes are common, and individuals may exhibit impulsivity, agitation, or emotional fluctuations. They may also experience hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia as the disease progresses. Emotional responses can still be present, even when verbal communication is lost

Care Needs:

People in the late stage of Alzheimer’s require extensive, around-the-clock assistance with daily personal care, including eating, bathing, dressing, and toileting. Hospice or palliative care may be recommended to provide comfort, dignity, and support for both the individual and their family. Gentle engagement, such as listening to music or hand massages, can help maintain a sense of connection and well-being.
Understanding these symptoms can help caregivers prepare for the challenges of late-stage Alzheimer’s and ensure that individuals receive compassionate, appropriate care.

“This June during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association® is encouraging all Americans to take charge of their brain health.

Today, there are nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. The lifetime risk for the disease at age 45 is 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men. The brain changes that cause Alzheimer’s are thought to begin 20 years or more before symptoms start, which suggests that there may be a substantial window of time in which we can intervene in the progression of the disease.

Experts believe there isn’t a single cause of Alzheimer’s. It’s likely the disease develops as a result of multiple factors. While not a direct cause of Alzheimer’s, the greatest known risk factor is advancing age.”

State Nurses Association (June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month)

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia; accounting
for an estimated 60% to 80% of cases. This progressive brain disease develops slowly but has a huge impact on those who are living with it, their families, and caregivers.

Most individuals also have the brain changes of one or more other types of
dementia. This is called mixed pathology, and if recognized during life is called mixed dementia.

The number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease is growing. The ripple effect is straining families, communities, and the healthcare system, yet talking about the disease on a personal level can be difficult.

FACTS on Alzheimer’s Disease:

“STATISTICS ON APHASIA:

• Estimated Cases: More than 2 million people in the United States are living with aphasia, making it more common than conditions like Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy
• Annual Incidence: Approximately 180,000 individuals acquire aphasia each year, most often as a result of a stroke.
• Public Awareness: Only 40% of people in the U.S. are aware of aphasia and can correctly identify it as a language disorder that impairs communication abilities.
• Post-Stroke Effects: Stroke survivors with aphasia experience a higher incidence of post-stroke depression compared to those without aphasia, highlighting the emotional and psychological challenges associated with the condition.”

National Aphasia Association (How common is aphasia? – National Aphasia Association)