Prostate Problems:

A problem that many men are reluctant to take to the doctor, even though the tell-tale signs are often very obvious, is anything to do with the prostate.

The prostate is a walnut shaped gland that sits at the base of the bladder. The tube that leads from the bladder to the outside ( the urethra) passes through the middle of the prostate.

Enlargement of the prostate gland is very common as men get older. This enlargement can cause any or all of the following symptoms.

When you feel the need to pass urine, a toilet has to be found urgently otherwise urine may start to leak out.

When you get to the loo it might take a while before the urine will start to flow

When the flow starts, it may be very slow and it may even be blood-stained, several  times during the day, perhaps even every half hour and your sleep might be disturbed due to frequent trips to the loo at night.

There are two types of prostate enlargement, benign and malignant. Benign means simple enlargement of the prostrate and malignant means that the gland has become swollen because of cancer in the gland. Your doctor can quickly tell the difference between these two types of swelling by putting his finger in your back passage. A smooth gland is likely to be benign and a hard craggy gland could be malignant. A blood test (PSA - Prostate Specific Antigen) can help determine whether or not cancer of the prostate is present.

The two main options for treatment for benign enlargement of the prostate which is much more common is tablets and surgery. An operation means cutting away slices of the prostate until it is much smaller and tablets can shrink the prostate if taken daily for a couple of months. Treatment for cancer of the prostate is more complicated.

Do not be put off by the thought of an examination. Doctors do this kind of thing on a regular basis and are skilled and gentle. Surely it is better, to put up with a few seconds of mild discomfort rather than live with the continuing misery  of prostate problems. A timely visit to your doctor could even save your life!

Skin Cancer:

This is a risk that all men face if they work outside stripped to the waist during the summer. You are not being a big girl’s blouse, if you wear sunscreen, cover up with a tee-shirt and go to your doctor if you notice any changes to a skin mole. Only foolish people deliberately ignore the advice being given to men and women alike. The sun’s rays can be dangerous unless treated with respect.

Osteoporosis:

The bone-thinning disease, affects 1 in 12 men over 50. This disease makes bones more liable to break easily. Like women, men need to eat a well-balanced diet, with calcium-rich foods, like milk, cheese and yoghurt.  Regular weight-bearing exercises like walking also help to keep bones strong.