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Health Hochul defends NYS vaccine mandate for health care workers BY JULIA MORO During her Wednesday briefi ng in Albany, Gov. Kathy Hochul urged everyone eligible to get vaccinated as we head into the fall and winter seasons and defended her vaccine mandate for all health care workers in hospitals and nursing homes. The state issued the mandate on Aug. 28 requiring that all health care workers get at least the fi rst dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 27. However, a federal judge temporarily blocked the state’s order on Sept. 14, after workers sued, claiming their Constitutional rights were being violated as the mandate disregarded religious exemptions. Hochul said she will not ��rostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men in the United States after skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. It is also one of the most treatable types of cancer, with high survival rates. While the screening process is often quick and painless, many men are intimidated by the exam and therefore put it off, according to urology experts at NewYork-Presbyterian. In fact, research shows that men — regardless of income or ethnicity — are less likely than women to regularly schedule doctor visits for preventive care. This includes prostate exams. “There are so many men who are afraid of what they think being evaluated for prostate cancer entails that they completely avoid the topic,” says Dr. Alfred Winkler, chief of urology at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and an assistant professor of clinical urology at Weill Cornell Medicine. “Our goal is to offer comprehensive services that can help men get the preventive care and screenings they need so they can stay healthy.” Dr. Winkler and members of his team get state the facts about prostate cancer, as well as dispel some common misconceptions about be making any amendments to the regulations and left out the religious exemption intentionally. “It’s the smart thing to do, we have to continue the mandates,” Hochul said. “I’m not aware of a religious exemption from any organized religion. In fact, they’re encouraging their members to get vaccinated.” Eighty-two percent of New Yorkers above the age of 18 have at least one dose of the vaccine. Hochul said vaccine rates are trending upwards as more mandates are put in place. “That is affecting people’s decisions,” Hochul said. “If you did not know enough on your own to do this, at least prostate cancer screenings. Fact #1: When getting screened for prostate cancer, a rectal exam is not always necessary. According to Dr. John Graham Jr., a urologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and an assistant professor of clinical urology at Weill Cornell Medicine, prostate cancer screening does not always mean having a rectal exam. “Look at your first appointment with your doctor as a conversation,” he says. “You can expect a blood test if you consent to it and a digital rectal exam can be a part of your exam if that’s something that you feel comfortable proceeding with after a conversation with your doctor.” Fact #2: The earlier you catch it, the more treatment options you will have. Prostate cancer is highly treatable if caught early. According to the American Urological Association, men should start prostate cancer screenings beginning at age 55 for those with average risk. But men should really begin talking with their doctor in their 40s to see if they need prostate cancer screening earlier than age 55 based on their risk level. Treatment can vary depending COURIER LIFE, S 12 EPTEMBER 17-23, 2021 some of you are doing it now because it’s a requirement of your job and that’s the effect we wanted to have.” The state has until Sept. 22 to respond to the lawsuit. Hochul said they will appeal the Sept. 14 ruling. “We are going to make sure that we defend the right of the state of New York to ensure that anyone in a health care facility will not have to worry that they’re going to contract a virus from one of the people who are supposed to protect their health,” Hochul said. Hochul addressed some concerns over whether or not this mandate will result in a loss of health care staff. The governor said that hospitals are supposed to already have on the stage of diagnosis. “Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient,” says Dr. Graham. “It’s not a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach — it’s all individualized.” Dr. Winkler adds, “The earlier a patient deals with this issue, the more choices they have. The longer a person waits and the more they delay, the narrower those choices become.” Fact #3: An abnormal PSA test does not always indicate prostate cancer. While helpful in early prevention, a PSA test — a blood test that is used to screen for prostate cancer — is not always 100% accurate. A PSA test can be abnormal for many reasons other than prostate cancer. One reason could be an enlarged prostate, a noncancerous, common condition that impacts men as they get older. “PSA tests are just one piece of the overall screening puzzle, and discussing this test with a urologist can be helpful,” says Dr. Meenakshi Davuluri, an attending urologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and an assistant professor of clinical urology at Weill Cornell Medicine. Fact #4: Black men have a higher risk of prostate cancer. Studies show that one in seven Gov. Kathy Hochul delivers a COVID-19 update in the Red Room at the State Capitol on Sept. 15. Mike Groll/Offi ce of Governor Kathy Hochul temporary staffi ng plans available and will send state support to hospitals if that issue arises. “I think people need to start realizing that when you stand up and say, ‘I want to Black men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. “African American men are two times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and are more likely to be diagnosed with a more aggressive form of cancer,” says Dr. Davuluri. “So screening for those high-risk populations is very important.” Fact #5: Family history increases risk. If your father, your brother, or another close relative has had prostate cancer, be sure to tell your doctor. They may want you to be screened earlier since a family history increases the potential risk of prostate cancer. The bottom line: If you are in a high-risk group, speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of yearly rectal exams and PSA tests. Fact #6: You may be asymptomatic and still have prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can be silent, often with no discernible symptoms until the cancer has spread outside the prostate. “Early, treatable stages of prostate cancer are almost always asymptomatic,” says Dr. Graham. This is why preventive screenings are so important. Fact #7: As you get older, your risk of prostate cancer increases. After you turn 65 years old, your be a public health offi cial,’ in any capacity, we count on you to be healthy yourselves,” Hochul said. “I am pleading with them: this is not intended to be dictatorial, it’s intended to save lives.” risk of prostate cancer increases exponentially. About six in ten men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are over 65. Fact #8: Overall physical health and lifestyle play a role. According to Dr. Winkler, healthy lifestyle changes can make a difference in reducing the risk for prostate cancer. His recommendations: �� green, leafy vegetables. �� “Following healthy dietary guidelines, making simple lifestyle changes, and getting recommended screenings can all reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but men in highrisk groups should be under a physician’s care,” says Dr. Winkler. Protect yourself by getting screened for prostate cancer. Learn more about prostate cancer treatment at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital by calling 718.230.7788. To read more stories of science, care, and wellness, please visit: NewYork-Presbyterian’s Health Matters blog at https://healthmatters. nyp.org. �� Urology experts dispel common myths and misconceptions about prostate cancer and the preventive screenings involved. /health-matters.nyp.org /health-matters.nyp.org /health-matters.nyp.org /nyp.org