CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System

During Men's Health Month, Family Medicine Specialists Drs. Dylan Dean and Justin Du highlight the importance of early screenings and regular checkups, and how delaying them can allow preventable conditions to go undetected. According to Dr. Dean, many patients will wait until they have a heart attack, heart disease or another serious illness before seeking care. But Dr. Du said it's always better to prevent disease rather than react to it, especially since regular screenings help identify risk factors early and address them before they become life- changing conditions. Both note that age 30 is often when abnormal lab results become more common, with colon cancer screening beginning at age 45, while prostate cancer discussions start around 50.

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are celebrating saints like Saint Paul Miki, the Patron Saint of Japan and one of the first native Japanese Christians whose faith endured even in the face of persecution.

As a Jesuit seminarian and gifted preacher, Paul Miki boldly shared the Gospel at a time when Christianity was outlawed in Japan. In 1597, he and 25 companions were arrested and crucified for their faith. From the cross, Paul continued to preach, stating just before his death “After Christ’s example, I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain.” His courage and unwavering trust in God helped sustain the Catholic faith in Japan for generations. St. Paul Miki reminds us that even in the most difficult moments, faith, mercy and hope can leave a lasting impact.