September

This Month In Health is updated with information on monthly awareness topics in health. Read on to explore this month’s topics.

Cholesterol Education Month

Risk of high cholesterol can affect anyone but increases with age. Often called a “silent” condition, it typically has no symptoms. The only reliable way to detect high cholesterol is through testing.

Why does cholesterol screening matter?

  • Keeping cholesterol in a healthy range is important for heart health and overall well-being.
  • Managing cholesterol supports readiness and resilience in military communities.

What You Need to Know About Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to build cell membranes, produce hormones, make vitamin D, and digest fatty foods. However, too much can build up in your arteries and cause heart damage. Here are things to keep in mind:

Good vs. Bad Cholesterol:

  • Total cholesterol: Ideally under 200 mg/dL and preferably 150mg/dL
  • High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): "Good" cholesterol—40 mg/dL or over for men and 50 mg/dL or over in women—helps remove bad cholesterol
  • Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): "Bad" cholesterol can build up and block arteries and should be under 100 mg/dL

Risk Factors:

  • Family history of high cholesterol
  • Poor diet high in saturated fat/trans-fat and lack of physical activity
  • Smoking, stress, obesity, and frequent alcohol use
  • Untreated high cholesterol can lead to:
    • Heart disease or stroke
    • Atherosclerosis: plaque buildup in arteries
    • Reduced or blocked blood flow, increasing the risk of:
      • Heart attacks.
      • Strokes.
      • Peripheral artery disease.

How Often Should You Get Checked?

  • Adults: Age 20 or older every four to six years or as recommended by your PCM.
  • Children with a family history of high cholesterol may need earlier screening.
  • Those at risk: More frequently as advised by your provider.

How to Manage Cholesterol

Good news! There are many ways to manage cholesterol:

  • Choose heart-healthy foods (less saturated fat and more fiber).
  • Stay active with regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Quit tobacco and limit alcohol consumption.
  • Take medications as prescribed if needed.
  • Schedule screening.

Available Resources for Military Families

The TRICARE West Region knows your health matters! Resources are available to you:

Talk with your healthcare provider today about checking your cholesterol. Small steps now can prevent big health problems later.

Prostate Cancer Awareness

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men after skin cancer. Military members and family members, especially those over age 50, should know their risks and talk with their providers about screening.

Why Does Prostate Cancer Awareness Matter?

Early detection of prostate cancer can save lives. This is especially true for a population that may face increased health risks due to service-related factors. Here are additional reasons why prostate cancer awareness matters:

  • Prostate cancer often has no early symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms can then start to appear including difficult, frequent, painful, or bloody urination.
  • Early detection can lead to more treatment options and better outcomes.
  • Staying informed helps protect your health and your family's future.

What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer

It’s important to narrow down key points about prostate cancer:

  • Who Is at Risk?
    • Men over 50.
    • Men with a family history of prostate cancer.
    • African American men have a higher risk of prostate cancer.
  • What Screenings are Available?
    • Prostate-Specific Antigen blood test
    • Digital Rectal Exam
  • When Should You Get Screened?
    • Age 50–75: Talk to your provider about screening options.
    • Earlier for high-risk individuals.

How to Reduce Your Risk:

Seeing your provider or care team regularly is essential for prevention and early detection. You can also reduce your risks of prostate cancer by doing the following:

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Eat the right number of calories by choosing fresh, unprocessed foods.
  • Stay physically active.
  • Avoid tobacco products.
  • Schedule regular screenings and medical exams.

Resources for TRICARE Members

Your health matters to us! To support your prostate and overall health, the following resources are available:

Proactive Connection Saves Lives

Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Playing a proactive role in connecting with those who need it most can save lives.

Know the Risk Factors

When a person’s challenges feel impossible to overcome, they may develop into an emergency. Some may feel that there is no way out and may consider suicide. Stress, isolation, relationship struggles, and financial pressures are all factors that can increase suicide risk.

The military community has its own stressors, including:

  • PCS and transition challenges
  • Deployments
  • Career uncertainty
  • Leaving military service
  • Relationship strain due to military lifestyle

With these unique stressors, it’s important to make sure you are connecting with the right services and the people you trust.

What to Look Out For

Warning signs of suicide can include:

  • Talking about death or self-harm
  • Talking about hopelessness, feeling like a burden, or seeing no way out
  • Isolating from friends, family, or trusted individuals
  • Increased alcohol or drug use
  • Sudden or dramatic changes in mood, behavior, or routine
  • Reckless or risky behaviors

Check in on those that may exhibit these warning signs. Small changes are just as important as big ones.

Take Action

If you are concerned about someone:

  • Ask them, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
  • Stay with them.
  • When possible, remove access to firearms.
  • Connect them to immediate support.
  • Follow up afterwards.
  • If they refuse help, contact command staff or the police.

Asking questions and being present is a proactive way of saving lives.

Resources

Last Updated 9/14/2026