Building Better Habits: How to Embrace Whole-Body Wellness This August (and beyond)

Celebrating National Wellness Month with Tips from Your Urology Team

This August, Ackerman Urology is celebrating National Wellness Month. First established in 2018, National Wellness Month aims to encourage individuals to prioritize all areas of their health. The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as “the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health”. Wellness is considered a multidimensional concept. The Global Wellness Institute identifies the six most important dimensions as: physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social, and environmental. They advise that individuals think of wellness as a continuum, given that a solid foundation of wellness helps us prevent and overcome disease. August is a time to stop and reflect on our individual state of wellness. Use this month to focus on self-care, establish healthy habits, and create sustainable routines. Maintaining your wellness will work to prevent problems before they start.

Why Wellness Should Include Urologic Health

Urology often gets left out of the wellness conversation, but it plays a major role in quality of life. Good urinary and reproductive health is essential for comfort, confidence, and independence. Preventive care in urology can help detect issues early and support long-term wellness. Urological conditions can impact mental health and increase the risk of mental health issues. There is a reciprocal relationship between urological health and mental health. Psychological issues like stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to urological conditions like increased urinary frequency, urgency, and pain during urination. It is important to maintain strong urologic health in order to achieve an optimum state of wellness.

10 Ways to Focus on Wellness this Month

  1. Establish wellness routines

This month, try to evaluate the areas you need to personally work on to improve your overall wellness. In each of these areas, establish consistent routines that work to improve and maintain wellness. Reflect on your current habits, identify what you want to change, and create a plan that you can stick to in the future. Utilizing a habit tracker could be helpful here.

  1. Take time for yourself

Take time this month to do something for yourself. Whether that means getting a massage or even something as small as buying yourself a coffee. Do something that feeds your soul. This month is an opportunity to look within and work to improve not just your physical health, but your mental and emotional health as well.

  1. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is a crucial factor in promoting wellness. Good hydration can contribute to better energy levels, improved digestion, clear skin, and strong kidney function. It is especially important to stay hydrated in the summer heat. Focusing on hydration can help prevent UTIs, kidney stones, and bladder conditions.

  1. Get moving

Staying active affects all areas of wellness. Try to get moving daily. Doing so works to improve your overall mood, boost your metabolism, and encourage strong heart health. Staying active can also help manage prostate symptoms, as well as supporting a healthy weight, which in turn lowers the risk of developing urologic issues.

  1. Eat mindfully

Food does not just feed your body; it feeds your mind. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, improving digestion, reducing inflammation, supporting immune function, and fueling your mind. There are several foods that have been proven to promote urological health including, cruciferous vegetables, berries, fish, tomatoes, green tea, legumes, pumpkin seeds, cranberry, and hibiscus. The Urology Care Foundation also advises that individuals eat less red meat and dairy products to protect their prostate.

  1. Manage stress

In today’s world, stress is more prevalent than ever, meaning it as important as ever to focus on managing that stress. The CDC explains that learning to cope with stress in a healthy way can reduce your stress. They emphasize the importance of taking care of both your mind and body. They recommend several techniques to manage stress: temporarily unplugging from news and social media, taking time to unwind, practicing daily gratitude, connecting with others, getting enough sleep, exercise, healthy eating, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding drugs/smoking, and keeping up with regular health appointments. Chronic stress can worsen conditions like overactive bladder and erectile dysfunction. Everything is connected, National Wellness Month is an opportunity to determine how you can personally manage your stress.

  1. Prioritize sleep

Sleep is essential for the human body to operate. Getting enough sleep is critically important for both physical and mental well-being, impacting almost every aspect of your overall health. A great habit to have is going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. This helps regulate your schedule and works to ensure you are getting the proper amount of sleep. The NIH recommends that adults get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Prioritizing your sleep has many benefits, including memory enhancement, hormone regulation, and physical/mental healing. In addition, poor sleep has been linked to increased bathroom visits, hormone imbalances, and prostate issues.

  1. Know your numbers

One easy step you can take during wellness month is to make sure you know your numbers: cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, PSA levels, etc. These can be determined by a simple wellness check-up with your doctor, basic labs, and a PSA screening.

  1. Schedule check-ups

Take time this month to schedule your annual check-ups or any other appointments that you have been putting off. Keeping up with your check-ups can save your life. Consistent exams and screenings help you stay ahead of health issues and/or identify any issues in the early stages. Schedule an appointment today with Ackerman Urology for prostate cancer screenings, urinary symptoms, or men’s health evaluations.

  1. Keep track of your wellness

Utilizing resources like a wellness tracker can help you stay on track with your health and wellness goals. Keeping your thoughts, goals, and plans organized in one place can help you maintain your wellness practices.

Small Steps = Big Change

This month, choose 1 to 2 habits you want to focus on this month. Think of your wellness as a daily practice, not a matter of perfection. Wellness is not just the absence of illness; it is the presence of vitality.

Our Commitment to Wellness

At Ackerman Urology, we are here to support our patients at every stage, whether they are addressing a concern or simply staying proactive. We specialize in a variety of areas: men’s health and vitality (sexual health, erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, non-scalpel vasectomies), prostate health (prostate cancer, elevated PSA, enlarged prostate, prostate disorders), bladder health (bladder cancer, blood in urine, overactive bladder, urinary infections), and kidney health (kidney cancer, kidney stones, kidney disorders). Schedule an appointment with Ackerman Urology today and take a step towards wellness. This month, take care of yourself the way you deserve. Start small, start today.

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Carly Camera, MBA

Manager

Carly Camera joined Ackerman Cancer Center in July 2017 and played an integral role in the successful opening of Ackerman Urology in October 2019. She manages all Ackerman Urology locations, overseeing operations, supporting continued growth, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. Carly earned her MBA in Health Care Management and her MBA in Human Resource Management from Saint Leo University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, time spent outdoors fishing or near the water, and watching sports.

Kali Molter, MBA

Community Relations Specialist

Kali Molter joined Ackerman Cancer Center in August 2024 and supports community outreach, marketing initiatives, and engagement efforts. She holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from the University of North Florida. A Jacksonville native and Bishop Kenny alum, Kali is passionate about contributing to and strengthening the local community. She brings experience in hospitality and event management and serves on the Jacksonville Chamber’s NEXTUP JAX Professional Development and Community Engagement committees. Outside of work, Kali enjoys living at the beach, running and yoga, traveling, and is a lifelong Jacksonville Jaguars fan.

Timothy Scott, RTR, RTT, CMD

Manager, Dosimetry, Facilities, & Research

Tim Scott joined Ackerman Cancer Center in 2003 and brings nearly 40 years of experience in radiation oncology and medical dosimetry operations. He oversees medical dosimetry, facilities, special projects, and research and has played a key role in nearly every building project and major technology launch at the center. Tim is passionate about innovation and the development, construction, and commissioning of advanced treatment technologies, including proton therapy. Beyond his professional work, Tim serves as a worship pastor and is a brass musician. In his free time, he enjoys restoring classic cars and spending time on the lake.

Greg Sarkisov, BS

Director of Information Technology

Greg Sarkisov joined Ackerman Cancer Center in September 2019 and oversees all facets of information technology and information security within the organization. Greg has over twenty years of experience in information technology and security. With over six of those years in our practice, he has led initiatives to strengthen our core security and expand the use of various technologies to help aid our staff in providing effective and efficient patient care. Greg holds a Bachelor of Science degree in information systems security from ITT Technical Institute. Outside of work, he stays active in the community and is a member of the IT Council with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. In his free time, Greg enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Jennifer Zelaya, MHA

Director of Human Resources

Jenny Zelaya is the director of human resources at Ackerman Cancer Center and Ackerman Urology, where she oversees all HR functions and fosters a positive, inclusive workplace culture. She holds a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Miami and brings extensive experience in talent management, employee engagement, and regulatory compliance. Fluent in Spanish, Jennifer enjoys staying active outside of work, playing pickleball, golfing with friends and family, and spending time with her golden retriever, Lenny.

Amy Mousa, CPA

Director of Finance and Accounting

Amy Mousa joined Ackerman Cancer Center in November 2021 and serves as the director of finance and accounting. In her role, she oversees financial operations and supports the organization’s strategic and operational goals. Amy holds a Florida CPA license and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from the University of North Florida. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.

Gigi Ackerman Schwartz, MBA

Vice President, Operations

Gigi Ackerman Schwartz joined Ackerman Cancer Center in November 2020 and leads strategic planning initiatives across all departments, directs all aspects of revenue cycle management, and works to develop and maintain relationships with community partners. Gigi holds an MBA from Tulane University. A Jacksonville native, she is involved in several local charitable and civic organizations. She serves as chair of the Art in Public Places Committee for the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, is a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet, and is a trustee of the Jewish Community Alliance and Jacksonville Jewish Center. In her free time, Gigi enjoys playing mahjong, exploring new hobbies with friends, and spending time with her husband and two-year-old daughter.

Baylee Richter, BS

Community Relations Manager

Baylee Richter joined Ackerman Cancer Center in November 2024 and oversees digital campaigns, brand strategy, and community outreach and engagement. With more than eight years of experience in events and marketing, she has led initiatives that strengthen patient engagement, community awareness, and referral growth. Baylee holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, she stays actively involved in the community through her service on the board of the American Lung Association. She also supports the American Cancer Society’s Cowford Ball as a member of the children’s art project committee and contributes to the Jacksonville Chamber’s NEXTUP JAX program, serving on two committees. In her free time, Baylee enjoys spending time with her Australian Shepherd, Cooper, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers.