Many Americans have already started working toward their New Year’s resolutions, and better health is a common theme. A YouGov poll from 2025 found that nearly a quarter of Americans (22%) want to improve their physical health. While increased fitness and less stress are often top priorities in terms of health and wellness, your urological health is just as important.
At Advanced Southern Westchester Medical in Yonkers, New York, experienced urologist Sherif S. El-Masry, MD, loves helping his patients achieve their goals. To kick off this new year, take a moment to discover three simple steps you can take to improve your urological and reproductive health in 2026.
You know that staying hydrated is important, but it’s often easier said than done. Try to regularly drink water alongside your favorite beverages.
There’s nothing wrong with tea, coffee, or the occasional soda, but all of these drinks can dehydrate you and place extra strain on your kidneys. Regular water intake flushes bacteria from your system and supports bladder health. If your urine is clear or light yellow, you can feel confident you’re doing a good job.
Similarly, eat a nutritious diet that supports your urinary system. Fruits and vegetables such as berries, cucumbers, and melon contain lots of water and can help keep you hydrated. Alcohol and caffeine are OK every once in a while, but they can irritate your bladder, especially if you have incontinence.
Routine screenings and exams are an effective way to catch urological problems, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, and prostate issues because some of these conditions don’t present obvious symptoms.
Dr. El-Masry encourages all of his patients to schedule an annual urological exam around the start of each new year. This is particularly true for men and women 45 and older, as this group is more likely to experience urinary and reproductive issues. A check-up can provide peace of mind and help you plan for the future.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues that support male and female urinary and reproductive health. However, these muscles tend to weaken with age, increasing the risk of incontinence and difficulty emptying the bladder. You can’t stop getting older, but you can support your pelvic floor through regular physical activity, pelvic floor exercises, and maintaining a healthy weight.
In addition, avoid habits like holding urine for long periods and drinking liquids right before bed, which can increase nighttime trips to the bathroom. Both can strain your bladder and increase the risk of issues in the future.
If it’s been more than a year since your last urology check-up, January is the perfect time to make your urological health a priority. Schedule an appointment now by calling Advanced Southern Westchester Medical at 914-375-5700.
