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Men's Health

Before the Snip Key Info for Your Vasectomy Decision

Posted March 04, 2026

For many individuals, a vasectomy is an excellent medical decision. This common, in-office procedure is a very effective form of male birth control. But as with any medical decision, it is best to be aware of all the factors in play before making a decision. This article will help break down the many factors involved in this reproductive health decision. To Have or Not Have Children, that is the Question First and foremost, those who have a vasectomy do so because they are...

Revolutionizing Urology: Early Detection Made Simple with Dr. Dankoff [Podcast]

Posted December 30, 2025

Dr. Joseph Dankoff of Summa Health discusses ExactVu, a new technology for prostate screening.

Know it. Get it Done: 6 Health Screenings Every Man Needs

Posted June 18, 2025

You’ve probably heard about the modern classic: “Men are from Mars. Women are from Venus.” This well-known book highlights the differences between men and women in communication, behavior and emotions. But there’s another key difference worth noting: their approach to healthcare. Compared to women, men are less likely to seek medical attention when something seems wrong and less inclined to have preventive screenings and regular health checkups with their doctor, according...

5 Ways to Keep Men Healthy as They Age

Posted June 26, 2023 by Kevin Spear, M.D.

Statistically speaking, the truth is men don’t live as long as women. That’s why it’s critical that men of all ages recognize potential health risks and start taking precautions early on. While they can’t change their genes, they can change some of their risk factors by taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle. Some of the biggest health concerns facing men today include heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, type 2 diabetes...

5 Preventive Health Checks You Can Easily Do at Home

Posted June 19, 2023 by Dr. Maria “Alex” Schiaffino, Program Director for Summa Health Family Medical Residency

The saying “early detection is the best prevention” exists to remind us of the importance of discovering disease early so treatment can begin promptly. With most diseases, catching them early leads to better outcomes. Depending on your age and gender, that means scheduling annual screenings for diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol, as well as breast, cervical, skin, prostate and colon cancer. But while these tests are vital to your health, you can’t rely on them alone....

Vasectomy 101 and Summa Health's Vas Madness [Podcast]

Posted February 01, 2023 by Kevin Spear, M.D.

Dr. Kevin Spear leads a discussion on what you need to know about vasectomies, including the procedure itself and post-procedure care.

What Do I Need To Know About Low Testosterone Or Low-T

Posted August 15, 2022

Testosterone is what makes a man look and feel like a man. It’s the male sex hormone responsible for a man’s puberty, fertility and his sexual desire. Produced in the testicles, testosterone works to help boys develop male characteristics, such as body and facial hair, a deeper voice and muscle strength during puberty. Men also need the hormone to produce sperm. In addition, testosterone ensures adequate levels of red blood cells and bone density, boosts mood and aids...

Erectile Dysfunction: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and More [Podcast]

Posted June 23, 2022

Elizabeth Boes, D.O. provides an educational overview of erectile dysfunction. Learn about symptoms, causes, treatment, and more.

Don't suffer in silence: What you need to know about hearing loss

Posted May 02, 2022

Do you often find yourself replying, “Say that again,” during a conversation? Do you have difficulty understanding words while in a crowded place? Does it seem as if your loved one is mumbling or talking quieter than usual? These could be signs of hearing loss. As we age, hearing loss is a common problem. In fact, nearly 25 percent of people ages 65 to 74 and half of those who are 75 and older have disabling hearing loss, according to the National Institutes of Health. You...

Testicular Cancer: An Overview from Prevention to Treatment [Podcast]

Posted April 08, 2022

Dr. Dankoff provides an overview of testicular cancer. Learn about symptoms, prevention, and treatment options.

Feeling the pressure? 8 ways to live a heart-healthy lifestyle

Posted March 28, 2022

Are you feeling the pressure to live a heart-healthy lifestyle? You’re not alone. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). What’s more, nearly half of all adults in this country are living with some type of cardiovascular disease. The good news is you don’t have to be a statistic. While genetics do play a role in heart disease, there are several risk factors that can be reversed. And...

10 early signs of diabetes that shouldn't be ignored

Posted January 10, 2022

High blood sugar can cause gradual, unassuming symptoms that can sneak up on you. Frequent urination and excessive thirst — the telltale signs of type 2 diabetes — are often mild and can easily be attributed to other factors. In fact, most people don’t even know they have high blood sugar until they’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes glucose (or sugar) levels in the body to rise. The problem is ignoring or writing off the symptoms...

Enlarged Prostate Relief [Podcast]

Posted September 27, 2021

Dr. Jospeh Dankoff and Dr. Kevin Spear lead a discussion on prostate health.

Why is it so important to get your flu shot this year?

Posted September 13, 2021

Last winter, the community took several precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. From masks and social distancing to virtual work and school to cancelled events, an unforeseen positive side effect was a less intense flu season. Flu cases documented during last year’s flu season were historically low by a wide margin. Medical professionals haven’t seen anything like it. So with many precautions still in place amidst an ongoing pandemic, you may be wondering: is...

African-Americans More at Risk for Heart Disease

Posted February 15, 2021 by Grace Ayafor, M.D., FSCAI

February is Black History Month, when we recognize African-Americans and those of color who have played major roles in shaping our present culture. February is also American Heart Health month – a time to raise awareness of heart disease. While these two events are different, they are linked in healthcare. Heart disease remains the number one killer of Americans, and African-Americans are 20 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites. We do not...

Is working from home a pain in the neck — literally?

Posted February 08, 2021 by Ann Wargo PT MsMHA CMCP CAPS

Many agree one positive that has come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is the work-from-home order to prevent further spread. No more long commutes and fighting traffic, more time spent with family and less interruption from chitchat around the water cooler. In the United States, it’s estimated nearly 50 percent of the working population is now working at home. But as more and more companies embrace remote working for the long haul, one negative has emerged: new or worsening...

Thyroid disease 101: Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing serious complications

Posted February 01, 2021 by James Salem, M.D.

The thyroid gland has an important job to do in the body. It produces thyroid hormones that help regulate metabolism and the body’s overall temperature. Metabolism is a process that turns food into energy, which is vital to keeping all of our body systems working correctly. This small, but mighty gland impacts just about every area of the body, including heart function, digestive function, muscle control, mood and brain development. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-...

Urologic cancers 101: Be in the know so you can catch it early

Posted January 11, 2021 by Naveen K Arora, MD

Bladder cancer is the most common urologic cancer in both men and women. Each year, about 57,000 men and 18,000 women are diagnosed with the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But, urologic cancers don’t only affect the bladder. They also can affect the kidneys, ureter (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), urethra, and specifically in men, the penis, prostate and testicles. In fact, the CDC states prostate cancer as...

Sports injuries of the knee: ACL and meniscus tears

Posted November 09, 2020 by Ryan J Urchek, MD

You’ve seen it on the soccer field or basketball court: a player plants a foot, twists and goes down grabbing a knee. The problem is most likely tearing of the meniscus (cartilage) or ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Both can be extremely painful and sideline an athlete for months of recovery. A tear usually requires more intervention than a strain or sprain. A knee strain is a stretch or partial tear of a tendon or muscle, while a sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament....

5 health numbers you should know by heart

Posted July 20, 2020 by Melanie K Bortell, DO

As we grow older, wrinkles, fine lines and gray hairs aren’t the only aging factors we need to be concerned about. The real health indicators we should be tracking can’t be found in any mirror — and they affect our heart and other vital organs. These are critical heart health numbers that should not be ignored and include blood pressure, resting heart rate, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the...

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia for a Quick Recovery

Posted January 20, 2020 by Naveen K Arora, MD

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), otherwise known as prostate gland enlargement, is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged prostate can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms as well as bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems. In many men, the prostate continues to grow throughout life. This continued growth enlarges the prostate enough to cause BPH, which means they have urinary issues or their urine flow is significantly blocked. The symptoms of BPH often vary,...

Should I get a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) Test?

Posted November 03, 2019

It can be difficult to face the idea of getting screened for prostate cancer, and many people opt out due to fear, inconvenience, or lack of knowledge of the symptoms. There is clear scientific evidence that screening with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test can help identify cancer early on which makes treatment more effective and reduces the number of deaths associated with prostate cancer. We’ve compiled some valuable information below so that you can discuss with...

Alzheimer's Research Showing Promise for Future

Posted October 29, 2019

Billions of dollars have been spent on researching Alzheimer’s, but it stubbornly continues to affect 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 65. While we are still waiting for a cure, there have been significant advances that have made an impact on the treatment of Alzheimer's and related diseases: New treatments and positive trials on the horizon Currently, the medications on the market for Alzheimer’s only relieve symptoms of the disease. None stop the progression. That being...

Should you get a wearable sleep tracker?

Posted September 17, 2018

Deep, consistent, quality sleep can not only make you feel great during the day; it can also improve your health. Sleep can boost your mood, help you maintain a healthy body weight and help your heart and mind function at tip-top levels. But, for some of us, a solid night's sleep may seem like a dream. Lack of sleep can affect our brain's ability to react properly; so much so, that our body’s overall health can be at risk.

Battling Bladder Control: Male and Female Incontinence

Posted June 26, 2018

Normally associated more with females than males, urinary incontinence affects at least 25 million Americans each year. And while 75 percent are female, the issue can affect any person, at any age. Interesting fact: Incontinence is not a disease, it is always a symptom or cause of something else. There are at least 4 different types of incontinence and a host of causes and issues that can cause bladder leakage.

The Gift of Heart Health

Posted February 06, 2018 by Michael Hughes, M.D.

When you think of February, you may think of Valentine's Day, chocolate and flowers. February also marks American Heart Month, a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. But the good news is it's also one of the most preventable. Making heart-healthy choices, knowing your family health history and the risk factors for heart...

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