As the days get shorter, many people notice changes in mood or energy. Seasonal changes can affect mental health, and it’s important to take care of yourself. Stay active, spend time outdoors when possible, and stay connected with friends and family.

Some people experience more than just the “winter blues.” According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most often beginning in late fall or early winter and improving in spring or summer. Symptoms can affect how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. While winter-pattern SAD is most common, some people experience symptoms in the spring and summer, known as summer-pattern SAD.
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If you have noticed significant changes in your mood or behavior with the seasons, you may be experiencing SAD. Support is available—talk with your healthcare provider if these symptoms are interfering with daily life. To learn more, visit the National Institute of Mental Health’s resource on Seasonal Affective Disorder.

PROstate of Mind: The Mindset That Could Save Your Life This September
 
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and the Urology Care Foundation (UCF), the official foundation of the American Urological Association (AUA), is calling on people with prostates to shift into a PROstate of Mind: a reminder to be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to prostate health.
 
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer remains the most common cancer in American men after skin cancer, with 313,780 new cases expected in 2025. Roughly 1 in 35 people with prostates will die from prostate cancer, and in 2025, there are expected to be 35,770 deaths, making it the second-leading cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer.

“Men need to encourage other men to get checked. Sharing my story of being diagnosed at a young age has opened eyes and pushed men to take action,” explained prostate cancer survivor Gabe Canales. “In 15 years of advocacy, I have seen how early detection can change the course of a man’s life, and how waiting too long can take that chance away. We need to normalize honest conversations about prostate cancer and the importance of catching it early. I have been on active surveillance for 15 years, staying on top of medical appointments and making lifestyle changes to improve my health.”
 
Why Proactivity Matters:
When detected early, prostate cancer is highly treatable, with a 5-year relative survival rate of 97.9%. Yet, diagnoses of advanced-stage prostate cancer have been rising steadily, up 5% per year since 2014.

“With early detection, prostate cancer is highly treatable. Screening gives men the chance not only for longer life, but for healthier years with the people they love,” explained Dr. Adam Weiner, a urologic oncologist at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA.
 
Know Your Risk:
Nearly 1 in 8 people with prostates will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. But the odds increase to:

• 1 in 6 for African American men
• 1 in 5 for those with a family history 

Other risk factors include age (most cases occur in people over 65), exposure to harmful chemicals, weight and certain occupations such as farming, firefighting and military service.
 
Know the Symptoms:
In its early stages, prostate cancer may have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can be urinary symptoms like those of an enlarged prostate or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

Talk with your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms:

• Dull pain in the lower pelvic zone
• Frequent need to pass urine
• Trouble passing urine, pain, burning or weak urine flow
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Painful ejaculation
• Pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs
• Loss of hunger
• Loss of weight
• Bone pain

Screening Recommendations:
The American Urological Association recommends:

• People with prostates ages 45 to 69 with average risk should talk to their doctor about screening.
• People with prostates at higher risk (African American, family history) should consider screening as early as 40 to 54.

​Let’s make 2025 the year we all commit to being in a PROstate of Mind — because when it comes to prostate cancer, proactivity saves lives.

Learn more about prostate cancer. Please visit:
 
Urology Care Foundation

What is cholesterol?
Blood cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by your liver. Blood cholesterol is essential for good health. Your body needs it to perform important jobs, such as making hormones and digesting fatty foods. Your body makes all the blood cholesterol it needs, which is why experts recommend that people eat as little dietary cholesterol as possible while on a healthy eating plan.
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Dietary cholesterol is found in animal foods, including meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.
 
What do blood cholesterol numbers mean?
Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). When you go to a health care professional to get your cholesterol checked, this test (also called a lipid panel or lipid profile) will usually check the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your body.

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Having high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and result in heart disease or stroke.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol. HDL is known as “good” cholesterol because high levels of it can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood that your body uses for energy. The combination of high levels of triglycerides with low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol levels can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.
• Total cholesterol, the total amount of cholesterol in your blood based on your HDL, LDL, and triglycerides numbers.

 
Did you know?

• 73.5 million American adults (31.7%) have high low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol.
• But fewer than 1 out of every 3 adults with high LDL cholesterol has the condition under control.
• High cholesterol has no symptoms, so you might not know that your cholesterol is too high – unless it’s measured by a doctor with a blood test.

 
While some risk factors – such as family history – may be out of your control, there are other ways to reduce or prevent high cholesterol, such as exercising, eating a healthy diet, not smoking and taking medication as prescribed. Adults age 20 and older should have their cholesterol levels checked every four to six years.
 
For more information please visit:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Heart Association

​Every year, National Suicide Prevention Week reminds us that every life matters and that hope and help are always within reach. From September 8–14, communities across the country come together to raise awareness about suicide prevention, reduce stigma, and share the warning signs so that we can all play a role in saving lives.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, but it is also preventable. By learning how to recognize signs of distress, reaching out to those who may be struggling, and connecting people with support, each of us can make a difference. The week also provides an opportunity to highlight resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers free, confidential support 24/7.

How You Can Get Involved

• Learn the warning signs: withdrawal, hopelessness, or sudden mood changes.
• Start the conversation: check in with friends, family, or coworkers who may be struggling.
• Share resources: let others know about the 988 Lifeline and local support services.
• Take part in awareness events: many organizations offer webinars, trainings, and community gatherings throughout the week.

​If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline right away. For more information and resources, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

This month, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the RCMS team members marking their work anniversaries. Each of you brings dedication, compassion, and expertise that makes a difference for our patients and community every single day.
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Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission and for the care you provide. Your hard work strengthens RCMS and ensures that our community receives the high-quality healthcare it deserves. Congratulations on reaching this milestone—we’re grateful to have you on the team!

Each September, Healthy Aging Month encourages adults to reflect on their health, lifestyle, and future goals. The 2025 theme, “Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself,” highlights that at any stage of life—whether in your 40s, 70s, or beyond—you can start something new. From trying out a fresh hobby to making healthier choices, this month is about taking steps to thrive physically, mentally, socially, and financially.

Healthy Aging Month began in 1992 to provide midlife and older adults with inspiration to live well and stay engaged. Over the years, it has grown into a nationally recognized health observance, reminding us that a positive outlook and small, consistent actions can help shape a fulfilling future.
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Tips for Healthy Aging
Here are some simple ways to embrace healthy aging this September:

• Stay active in fun ways — Pickleball, walking, or dance classes are great options.
• Explore your community — Visit local parks, trails, or cultural spots.
• Keep up with preventive care — Schedule your annual check-up and screenings.
• Learn something new — Take an online course, try a new recipe, or join a book club.
• Connect with others — Even casual conversations with neighbors or community members can boost well-being.
• Give back — Volunteering offers purpose and connection at any age.

Healthy aging is not just about adding years to your life, but adding life to your years. Small lifestyle shifts—whether physical, social, or financial—can open the door to a healthier, more joyful future.

👉 For more resources and ideas, visit HealthyAging.net.