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Run with us and wear Blue because men get cancer, too! J U LY / AUGU S T 2 0 1 3 71 Please join us in scenic Napa for the first Blue Ribbon Run benefitting prostate cancer research and awareness, a disease that one in six American men will be diagnosed with during his lifetime. This year, Napa Valley Urology Associates are joining together with three compassionate sisters, Sarah Dunn, Amy Donaldson and Julie Memmott, natives of Napa, who have been diligently working to raise awareness about prostate cancer. One hundred percent of the net proceeds will go directly to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (www.pcf.org) to help fund prostate cancer research on early detection testing, treatments and potential cures. The run’s route consists of a single loop through Kennedy Park and the scenic Napa River Trail. Participants will be able to run a timed 5k race September 8 at 8 a.m. Kennedy Park, Napa or enjoy walking. There will be awards for top finishers, t-shirts and goodie bags. Participants can join in on organized warm-ups by a personal trainer, peruse vendor booths, enjoy chair massages, raffles and listen to expert speakers on men’s health and advances in prostate cancer treatments. Sarah, Amy and Julie have had three men in their family diagnosed with prostate cancer: their grandfather, who died of the disease; their uncle, who was recently diagnosed; and their father, who was diagnosed at age 57 and is living with stage IV cancer. Prostate cancer occurs more commonly in men over 60, but its prevalence is increasing in younger men. Risk of prostate cancer is also higher among men with a family history of the disease and among African-American men; additionally, obesity increases the risk of advanced disease. Last year, Napa Valley Urology Associates held the first Men’s Health Fair in the Napa Valley. Free health exams & lipid panels for men were provided- including PSA testing combined with prostate exams which can detect early stages of prostate cancer. Over a hundred men attended and many brought their spouses and families. Men who had elevated PSAs were informed of their results. Some results that indicated elevated PSA’s combined with abnormal exams led to successful treatment potentially prolonging and saving lives! The statistics are staggering. According to the American Cancer Society, not including skin cancer, prostate cancer in the United States is— • T he most common cancer in men, no matter your race or ethnicity. • T he second most common cause of death from cancer among men. The prostate is a small walnutshaped gland that sits below the bladder and is a part of the reproductive system. Most prostate cancers Sarah Dunn, Amy Donaldson and Julie Memmott are slow growing and if detected early can be cured. Some types of prostate cancer, however, are aggressive and can spread quickly. Prostate cancer that is detected early—when it’s still confined to the prostate gland—has a better chance of successful treatment. Dr. James Hendricks, a senior urologist at Napa Valley Urology Associates echoes the American Cancer Society’s estimates for prostate cancer in the United States for 2013: About 240,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and about 30,000 American men will die of prostate cancer. Early detection can truly save lives. Dr. Herkanwal Khaira, a robotic fellowship trained urologist with Napa Valley Urology, states, “Advances in prostate cancer research allow us to better determine which cancers require treatment, and with modern, minimally invasive techniques treatment is much safer and has fewer side effects.” Among the latest advances for treating prostate cancer are surgical robots, which permit the surgeon to perform precise, delicate prostate cancer therapy through tiny “keyhole” incisions. Napa Valley Urology Associates provides a range of the most advanced treatment options for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer; this includes active surveillance where men with low risk disease can be monitored and treatment reserved only if the cancer exhibits aggressive characteristics. Approximately three million men in the United States are living with the disease. It can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. Longevity and improved quality of life can be achieved through dietary and lifestyle changes. Sarah, Amy and Julie, along with Dr. Khaira, Dr. Hendricks, Dr. Hildreth and the entire staff at Napa Valley Urology Associates, including Harjit, Susie, Stephanie, Diana, Raquel, Salina and Vanessa, hope to see the community come together to show support for prostate cancer awareness! The Sept. 8 race begins and ends at the new softball complex at Kennedy Park, 2296 Streblow Road, Napa. The route is a scenic, flat, paved course with two water stops, starting at 8 a.m.—before the summer heat! Children under eight are free and strollers are welcome on the course. Participants can register online at www.blueribbonnapa.com If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Harjit Khaira at napavalleyurology@gmail.com, or for more information, you can contact Sarah Dunn at wearblue2@gmail.com. Napa Valley Urology Associates (NVUA) 3250 Beard Rd, Napa 94558 Ph 707.224-7944 www.napaurology.com The staff at Napa Valley Urology Associates advertorial feature


NVLife_JulyAug_2013
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