St Pete Urology’s 5 Essential Resolutions for Men in 2026

As we welcome 2026, the entire team at St Pete Urology wants to wish our patients and community a happy and healthy new year. Every January brings renewed motivation for positive change, and there’s no better time to prioritize your urological health than right now.

This year, instead of generic fitness goals that fade by February, consider making specific, actionable commitments to your urological well-being. Research shows that men who take a proactive approach to urology-related health issues experience better outcomes, fewer complications, and improved quality of life. Whether you’re concerned about prostate health, dealing with recurring kidney stones, or simply want to maintain optimal urinary function, 2026 can be your healthiest year yet with the right strategies in place.

Make Prostate Health a Priority This Year

Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men during their lifetime, making it as common as breast cancer in women. Yet according to a 2026 survey by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 72% of men between ages 40 and 49 reported never being screened. When detected early through PSA screening, prostate cancer is 99% curable.

St Pete Urology’s board-certified specialists, including Dr. Nicholas Laryngakis and Dr. Reid Graves, recommend that men begin discussing prostate health with their urologist at age 50 for those at average risk. African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should start conversations at age 45 or even earlier.

A PSA test requires only a simple blood draw and can identify potential issues before symptoms develop. Recent European research followed more than 160,000 men for 23 years and found that those invited for regular PSA checks were 13% less likely to die from prostate cancer. For every 456 men tested, one life was saved—a statistic that underscores the critical importance of screening.

Don’t let another year pass without knowing your baseline PSA level. Schedule your screening early in 2026 and make proactive prostate care a cornerstone of your health routine. Learn more about prostate cancer screening and diagnosis to understand what the process involves.

Stay Hydrated to Prevent Kidney Stones

Dehydration ranks as the leading cause of kidney stone formation, particularly during Florida’s hot summer months. The American Urological Association recommends consuming 6-8 glasses of water daily to flush minerals from your kidneys and bladder before they crystallize into painful stones.

For men with a history of kidney stones, proper hydration becomes even more critical. Studies show that increasing fluid intake by just 2 liters per day can reduce stone recurrence by up to 50%. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, staying well-hydrated dilutes the substances in urine that lead to stones.

Make 2026 the year you finally establish a consistent hydration routine. Carry a reusable water bottle, set hourly reminders on your phone, or infuse water with fresh fruit if you find plain water unappealing. Your kidneys will thank you.

If you’ve experienced kidney stones before or want to learn prevention strategies, explore our comprehensive guide on living and managing kidney stones.

Schedule Your Overdue Urological Checkup

Many men postpone medical appointments, often waiting until symptoms become severe. According to CDC data, men are significantly less likely than women to visit a doctor for preventive care or wellness visits. This delay in seeking medical attention can allow treatable conditions to progress unnecessarily.

A urology examination involves a thorough evaluation of your urinary and reproductive systems. Dr. Adam Oppenheim and Dr. Ankur Shah at St Pete Urology emphasize that patients shouldn’t feel embarrassed—urologists examine these areas professionally every day, with a singular focus on identifying and treating medical concerns.

During your appointment, expect discussions about urinary frequency, flow strength, nighttime bathroom visits, and any discomfort you’ve experienced. Men in their 40s and 50s should particularly pay attention to changes in urinary patterns, as these often indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or other manageable conditions.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that early detection during routine exams catches problems at stages when treatment is most effective and least invasive. If you’re unsure what happens during a urology visit, read about what to expect at your first urology appointment.

Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor with Daily Exercises

Kegel exercises aren’t just for women—men benefit significantly from strengthening their pelvic floor muscles. These exercises improve bladder control, reduce post-surgery incontinence, and can even enhance erectile function.

The pelvic floor consists of muscles that support the bladder and help control urine flow. To perform Kegels correctly, contract the muscles you’d use to stop urination midstream. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds. Repeat this 10-15 times, three times daily.

Research published by the American Urological Association shows that men who consistently perform pelvic floor exercises after prostate surgery experience faster recovery of urinary control. Even men without current urological issues benefit from preventive pelvic floor strengthening.

Make January 2026 the month you incorporate Kegels into your daily routine—perhaps during your morning commute, while watching TV, or before bed. Within 4-6 weeks, most men notice improved bladder control and stronger pelvic floor function.

Maintain a Urological-Friendly Diet in 2026

Your dietary choices directly impact prostate and kidney health. Studies indicate that diets high in processed sugars and saturated fats increase risks of kidney stones, urological cancers, and urinary tract infections.

Focus on incorporating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your meals. Blueberries and cranberries offer particular benefits for urinary tract health. Limit sodium intake, as excessive salt contributes to kidney stone formation and can exacerbate bladder control issues.

For men concerned about prostate health, research from the Mayo Clinic suggests that plant-based foods rich in antioxidants may reduce cancer risk. Consider reducing red meat consumption and increasing fish, nuts, and vegetables in your diet.

If you’re managing BPH symptoms, certain foods and beverages can irritate the bladder. Coffee, alcohol, spicy foods, and acidic fruits may worsen urinary frequency and urgency. Learn more about overactive bladder management and dietary modifications that help.

Protein is essential for muscle health, but excessive amounts strain the kidneys over time. Ensure you’re consuming appropriate protein levels for your body size and activity level, choosing healthy natural sources like fish, poultry, beans, and legumes.

CONCLUSION

As 2026 begins, St Pete Urology encourages you to make urological health a priority. The five resolutions outlined above—prioritizing prostate screening, staying hydrated, scheduling checkups, strengthening your pelvic floor, and maintaining a healthy diet—provide a practical roadmap for better health this year.

Small, consistent changes compound over time. A daily water bottle habit prevents kidney stones. Annual PSA tests catch cancer early when it’s most treatable. Ten minutes of Kegel exercises daily improve bladder control. These aren’t overwhelming transformations—they’re manageable steps toward a healthier you.

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen or problems to escalate. Our team of board-certified urologists stands ready to partner with you in achieving optimal urological health. Contact St Pete Urology at (727) 478-1172 to schedule your 2026 wellness appointment. Our office at 830 Central Ave, Suite 100, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 serves patients throughout the Tampa Bay area with comprehensive, compassionate care.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and proactive 2026.

References

• Prostate Cancer Foundation. (2026). Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Survey findings and screening recommendations. Retrieved from https://www.pcf.org/2026-pcam-press-release/
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2023). Eating, diet, & nutrition for kidney stones. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/eating-diet-nutrition
• American Urological Association. (2024). Urinary incontinence: Clinical guidelines for treatment and management. Retrieved from https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/incontinence
• Mayo Clinic. (2024). Prostate cancer: Symptoms, causes, and prevention. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20355650