September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month!

Northwell Health and the American Cancer Society debut a new video

To view this video, visit www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyrelationships/#open-dialogue

This is a great video. As an African American man who survived prostate cancer, I believe we all need to understand the importance of being screened. Prostate cancer not only affects you—it affects everyone around you. This video helps make that message clear. I definitely recommend it to my 1199 brothers and sisters.

What all men need to know!

Early detection of prostate cancer saves lives. Although it’s the second leading type of cancer among men, increased screenings and early treatment have led to improved outcomes. Guidelines suggest that if you are a 45- to 69-year-old man, with an average risk, you should discuss testing with your doctor. Make sure to tell your doctor about your medical and family history, which can help determine whether you should begin testing at an earlier age. Remember: You won’t know until you go!

Michael Vanacore

Patient Navigator

Michael Vanacore has been a Patient Navigator with Northwell Health Plainview Hospital for over 10 years. About four years ago he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. “That was an extreme wake-up call,” he said. “It really shined a light on how important healthy living can be.”

Michael was told he had a very aggressive form of the disease. To treat it, he underwent radiation therapy every day for eight weeks and then had hormone therapy every six months. While it wasn’t easy, his condition, which he monitors two times a year with his doctor, is now under control.

Michael is grateful that his health benefits made it possible for him to receive excellent care. Now he wants to use his experience to spread the word about the importance of screening to his fellow 1199ers and the emergency workers at the firehouse where he volunteers. “With my 1199 benefits, I’ve been treated by the greatest doctors out there, with no out-of-pocket expenses,” he said. “But I want everyone to know that if I didn’t have a PSA test, the cancer would have metastasized and it would have been a slow killer.”

As part of his health journey, Michael joined WeightWatchers® through the Benefit Funds and began going to the gym and walking his chihuahua. “I come from an Italian family where it’s always ‘eat, eat, eat,’” he said. “But I realized if I don’t take care of myself, nobody else will.” So far, Michael’s lost over 15 pounds, is going to the gym regularly and is feeling great.

And Michael has more good news: He recently got engaged, making him even more motivated to take the next steps on his health journey. “Knowledge is power when it comes to your health,” he said. “With the FYB magazine and the Healthy Living Resource Center, the Benefit Funds give us the tools we need, which is spectacular. There is not enough thanks I can give for that!”