Texoma Living Well Magazine May/June 2018 | Page 37

steps are also effective in controlling diabetes. “Diabe- tes is a big risk factor for heart disease,” Dr. Harrison says. “We worry less about the blood sugar and more about the damage from diabetes to the kidneys and vascular system.” CANCER Know your risks: Men have a greater risk of dying from cancer in general—a 22.8 percent lifetime risk on average versus a woman’s 19.3 percent. Although risk factors vary based on the type of disease, many fall in line with those for heart disease and diabetes, including tobacco use, be- ing overweight or obese, and aging. Heavy or regular al- cohol consumption also contributes. Take action: As with heart disease and diabetes, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and exercis- ing regularly can help cut your cancer risk. Getting recom- mended cancer screenings is also critical, along with being safe in the sun to reduce your skin cancer risks. But Dr. Harrison prioritizes one preventive measure above the rest: “Quit smoking and avoid all tobacco products,” he says. “It’s a primary risk factor for lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and heart disease.” For a physician referral or for more information on men’s health services at a Baylor Scott & White Health location near you, call 1.844.BSW.DOCS or visit us online at BSWHealth.com/MensHealth. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers, Baylor Health Care System, Scott & White Healthcare or Baylor Scott & White Health. TEXOMA AREA Living Well Magazine | MAY/JUNE 2018 37