Columnists

That Men May Live Longer (2)

Today, we bring you the second and concluding part of Prof. Chen Horins Life-Saving Lecture on PROSTATE. TERMINAL DRIPPING: The man begins to notice that after urinating and repacking, urine still drops on his pants. This is the reason why after an older man urinates, he has to ring bell. A younger man simply delivers to the last drop and walks away. Just see an older man coming from the convenience. Sometimes he may clutch the newspaper closely to hide the urine stains, particularly on plain colored trousers.

HESISTANCY

At this point you wait for the urine flow to start. There are two valves that must open for you to urinate – the internal and external sphincters. Both open but because of obstructions in the urethra, you wait longer for the flow to start.

INCOMPLETE EMPTYING

You have this feeling immediately after urinating that there is still something left.

As all these things happen, the bladder begins to work harder to compensate for the obstruction in the urethra. The frequency of urination goes up. Urgency sets in. sometimes you have to practically run into the toilet. Nocturnal also becomes common. You wake up more than 2 times at night to urinate. Your wife begins to complain.

Men being men may not talk to anyone even at this point. Then the more serious complications start.

Stored urine gets infected and there may be burning sensation when urinating. Stored urine forms crystals. Crystals comes together to form stone either in the bladder or in the kidney. Stones may block the urethra.

Chronic urinary retention sets in. The bladder stores more and more urine it can enlarge up to 300cl. An overfilled bladder may leak and this leads to wetting/urinary incontinence. Also the volume may put pressure on the kidney and may lead to kidney damage.

What may likely bring the man to hospital is acute urinary retention. He wakes up one day and he is not able to pass urine.

Everything I have described above is associated with prostate enlargement, technically called benign prostate hyperplasia.

There are other diseases of the prostate like:

1. Prostatitis – inflammation of the prostate

2. Prostate cancer – cancer of the prostate

This discussion is on prostate enlargement. I have bad news and good news. The bad news is that everyman will have prostate enlargement if he lives long enough. The good news is that there are life style changes that can help the man after 40 to maintain optimum prostate health.

NUTRITION: Look at what you eat. 33% of all cancers, according to the US National Cancer Institute is related to what we eat.

Red meat everyday triple your chances of prostate disease. Milk everyday doubles your risk. Not taking fruits/ vegetables daily quadruples your risk. Tomatoes are very good for men. If that is the only thing your wife can present in the evening, eat it with joy. It has loads of lycopene.

Lycopene is the most potent natural antioxidant. Foods that are rich in zinc are also good for men. We recommend pumpkin seeds (Ugbogulu). Zinc is about the most essential element for male sexuality and fertility. Men need more zinc than women. Every time a man ejaculates he loses 15mg of zinc. Zinc is also important for alcohol metabolism. Your liver needs zinc to metabolize alcohol.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION: As men begin to have urinary symptoms associated with prostate enlargement, it is important they look at alcohol consumption. More fluid in, means more fluid out. On alcohol drink less. Drink slowly.

EXERCISE: Exercise helps build the muscle tone. Every man should exercise. Men over 40 should avoid high-impact exercise like jogging. It puts pressure on the knees. Cycling is bad news for the prostate. We recommend brisk walking.

SITTING: When we sit, two-third of our weight rests on the pelvic bones. Men who sit longer are more prone to prostate symptoms. Do not sit for long hours. Walk around as often as you can. Sit on comfortable chairs. We recommend a divided saddle chair if you must sit long hours.

DRESSING: Men should avoid tight underwear. It impacts circulation around the groin and heats it up a bit. While the physiological temperature is 37 degrees, the groin has an optimal temperature of about 33 degrees; Pant is a no-no for men. Wear boxers. Wear breathable clothing.

SMOKING: Avoid smoking. It affects blood vessels and impact circulation around the groin.

SEX: Regular sex is good for prostate. Celibates are more prone to prostate illness. While celibacy is a moral decision, it is not a biological adaptation. Your prostate gland is designed to empty its contents regularly.

THOUGHT: When someone shared something of value with you and you benefit from it, you have a moral obligation to share it with others because someone in your friends list might be saved. The subject is very important please post the message on the largest number of your acquaintances:

Pieces of lemon in a glass of hot water can save you for the rest of your life, says Prof Chen Horin, chief executive of the Beijing Military Hospital.

Even if you are busy, you should look at this message and pass it on to others!

Hot lemons can kill cancer cells! Cut the lemon into three pieces and place it in a cup, then pour hot water, it will become (alkaline water), drink it every day will certainly benefit everyone..

Hot lemons can once again release an anti-cancer drug. Hot lemon juice has an effect on cancerous tumors and shown treatment for all types of cancer. Treatment with this extract will only destroy the malignant cells and will not affect healthy cells.

Secondly, the acids and mono-carboxylic acid in lemon juice can regulate hypertension and protect narrow arteries, adjust blood circulation and reduce blood clotting.

After reading, tell someone else and pass it on to someone you love and take care of your personal health.

ADVICE: Professor Chen Horin points out that anyone who has received this letter is at least guaranteed to save someone’s life… I have done my part, I hope you will help me to spread it too.

Nothing in the foregoing vitiates the need for regular visits to your Doctor. This is the regular prescription for staying fit as you live longer.

Hon. Josef Omorotionmwan is a public affairs analyst and former Chairman, Board of Directors, Edo Broadcasting Service. He can be reached at: joligien@yahoo.com