That’s right ladies – Movember…is…here.
Image(s) licensed by Ingram Publishing
That’s right ladies – Movember…is…here. The month of the year when ‘mo-bros’ (men with mustaches) around the world unite in an effort to change the face of men’s health. I will admit…I don’t by any stretch look forward to the resurrection of ‘the creature’ that grows on my fiancé’s upper lip, but if that is what it takes, I whole-heartedly support the cause – the opportunity to bring awareness to men’s prostate, testicular, and mental health. If mustaches enable men to talk more openly about their health, and encourages them to learn more and take action, then let the mustache live on!
Keep those prostates healthy with these helpful tips:
1. Stay active and exercise:
- Physical activity has been well-documented to decrease symptoms associated with benign prostrate hyperplasia (BPH) like difficulty starting and stopping urination, increased frequency and urgency, and bladder infections. Even walking regularly at a brisk pace can yield benefits.
- Those who engage in regular physical activity also report lower incidences of erectile dysfunction, likely associated with improved body mass index.
2. Butt out and stop smoking:
- A recent systematic review examined the association between smoking and incidence of dying from prostate cancer. Not surprisingly, smoking was associated with an increased risk, in addition to many other harmful and life-threatening conditions. Looking for a place to start? Try reading ‘The Easy Way to Quit Smoking’ by Allen Carr.
3. Forget fried-foods:
- Regular consumption of fast foods, fried foods, and barbequed meats, may stand to increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. High-heat cooking methods have the potential to produce potent carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), while the consumption of red meat and excess dietary fat can contribute to inflammation. Turn towards a whole-foods diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins instead.
4. Learn to love lycopene:
- Lycopene, a beneficial carotenoid found in tomato, tomato products, strawberries, and watermelon, is a strong antioxidant that been suggested to reduce BPH and prostate cancer risk.
5. Avoid plastics (especially those containing BPA):
- Bisphenol A is a chemical used in the fabrication of various plastics and resins, and can be found in plastic water bottles, Tupperware, canned foods, K-cups, store sale receipts, and more. Studies have found that increased exposure to this chemical compound may be correlated with an increased prostate cancer risk, by influencing prostate cancer cell growth. Choose glassware instead and avoid heating plastics at all costs.
It is never too late. Help all mustaches unite by sharing these helpful tips to promote prostate health today!
References:
Ilic, D. Lycopene for the prevention and treatment of prostate disease. Recent Results Cancer Res. 2014;202:109-14.Islami F, Moreira DM, Boffetta, P, Freedland, SJ. A systematic review and meta-analysis of tobacco use and prostate cancer mortality and incidence I prospective cohort studies. Eur Urol. 2014 Sept 18 (epub ahead of print).
Stott-Miller, M, Neuhouser ML, Stanford JL. Consumption of deep-fried foods and risk of prostate cancer. Prostate. 2013 Jun;73(9):960-9.
Tarapore, P. et al. Exposure to bisphenol A correlates with early-onset prostate cancer and promotes centrosome amplification and anchorage-independent growth in vitro. PLoS One. 2014. Mar 3-9(3):e90332.
