I AM a 55-year-old man in good health. I have read a lot about the Prostate and its problems. Kindly educate me on how to avoid having a Prostate problem.
— Abdul (by SMS)
Prostate-related issues, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer, are common health concerns in men worldwide. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate enlargement is one of the most prevalent prostate-related issues in aging men. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, prostate cancer accounted for around 7.3% of all new cancer cases in men worldwide in 2020. About 1 man in 8 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Several factors and conditions can potentially damage the prostate or contribute to prostate problems. Some of the common factors that may negatively impact the prostate include: Age: As men age, the prostate gland naturally undergoes changes, leading to an increased risk of developing prostate-related issues. The risk of prostate enlargement (BPH) and prostate cancer tends to rise with age, particularly after the age of 50. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances, particularly changes in testosterone levels, can affect prostate health. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a role in prostate gland function, and alterations in its levels may contribute to prostate issues. Diet: An unhealthy diet, especially one high in red meat and saturated fats, may be linked to a higher risk of developing prostate problems. On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats may have a protective effect. Family History: Having a family history of prostate issues or prostate cancer can increase the risk of developing prostate problems. If a close family member, such as a father or brother, has had prostate cancer, the risk for other male family members is higher. Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle may be associated with an increased risk of prostate problems. Regular exercise can promote overall health, including prostate health. Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact prostate health and are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Certain sexually transmitted infections can cause prostatitis, leading to inflammation and potential damage to the prostate gland. It’s important to note that while some factors are beyond one’s control, lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake can positively influence prostate health. Regular prostate check-ups and consultations with healthcare professionals are essential for early detection and management of any potential prostate problems.
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Exercise and blood sugar
I am a diabetic on medications. I want to know if it is true that exercises can lower Blood Sugar.
—- Olujimi (by SMS)
It has been confirmed that exercise can be an effective tool in managing blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes. When you engage in physical activity, your body requires more energy, and this can lead to a reduction in blood sugar levels. The speed at which exercise lowers blood sugar can vary based on several factors, including the intensity and duration of the exercise, your overall health, and your body’s response to physical activity. When you start exercising, your muscles need energy to perform the activity. In response to this increased demand for energy, your body releases glucose from the bloodstream and converts it into usable energy. As a result, blood sugar levels may start to drop during the exercise session itself. The immediate drop in blood sugar levels may continue after you finish exercising. Depending on the intensity and duration of your workout, your blood sugar levels can remain lowered for several hours post-exercise. This effect can be particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes, as it helps improve glucose control. Consistent and regular exercise can lead to more lasting benefits for blood sugar management. Engaging in physical activity over weeks, months, and years can contribute to better glycemic control and may even reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in those at risk. It’s important to note that the speed and magnitude of blood sugar reduction through exercise can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience more rapid drops in blood sugar levels, while others may see a more gradual decline. Individual factors, such as age, fitness level, medication use, and overall health status, play a significant role in how the body responds to exercise.
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Looking young in old age
I am in my fifties. I have seen some people in their seventies still looking very young. Kindly let me know how I can achieve this. Thanks.
— Kate (by SMS)
Good nutrition, exercise, sleep and plenty of water have been linked with a good physical appearance even in old age. Some activities such as regular daily exercises 3 days a week for 40 minutes), an active life with good, positive thoughts and eating a balanced diet have been confirmed to be very good ways of keeping fit and youthful in old age.
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The problem with cancer
I want to know why despite recent advances in Medicine some cancers are still incurable. Kindly let me know which cancers are in this category
—– Gregory (by SMS)
While some Cancers are curable when detected early, it is true that several others can remain difficult to treat. Some of these cancers include: Pancreatic cancer which is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it difficult to remove all cancerous cells completely. Brain cancer: Some brain tumors can be challenging to treat due to their location and invasive nature. Ovarian cancer: It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it more difficult to cure. Liver cancer: Advanced liver cancer is difficult to treat due to limited treatment options. Esophageal cancer: It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, reducing the chances of complete cure. While these cancers may be incurable with current treatments, ongoing research and medical advancements offer hope for improved outcomes and better management in the future. Early detection and personalized treatment approaches remain essential in improving survival rates for many cancer types.
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Warning signs of poor health
I will appreciate it if you can kindly let me know some of the warning signs of poor health
—- Taiwo (by SMS)
Several symptoms can be warning signals that all is not okay with the body. Such symptoms include; Persistent headaches, Chest pains, Chronic fatigue, Mood swings, General body aches and Dizziness. Stomachache is probably the most obvious sign that your body can send. If you do not eat well or you cannot stand some of the food, your stomach will “complain” or you will feel sick. Any symptom that persist for more than three days despite treatment should be reported to a doctor.
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Can I take viagra?
I am a 45-year-old man. I recently noticed that my erection has been getting worse. A friend suggested that I use some sex stimulants drugs such as Viagra. Kindly let me know if this is safe as I am afraid of having a heart attack from the drug.
—- Name:
Viagra is a medication used to treat Poor Erection (Erectile Dysfunction (ED) by promoting blood flow to the penis. When taken a few minutes before a sexual act, it causes the blood vessels to dilate, allowing increased blood flow and resulting in an erection. While Viagra is generally safe and effective for most men with ED, it can have potential side effects and may interact with certain medical conditions or medications. One of the concerns related to Viagra is its potential effect on the cardiovascular system, including the heart. Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or a history of cardiovascular problems should exercise caution when using Viagra. The medication’s effect on blood flow can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may be problematic for people with heart conditions or those taking certain heart medications. In some cases, using Viagra alongside certain heart medications may lead to interactions or adverse effects. It is essential for men considering the use of Viagra to have a thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider, preferably a urologist or a specialist in sexual medicine. The healthcare provider will assess the individual’s overall health, medical history, and cardiovascular status to determine if Viagra is safe and appropriate for them.
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What causes weak erection?
I was healthy till about 6 months ago when I started having weak erections. Kindly let me know the causes and what I can do about it.
—- Danny (by SMS)
Some of the causes of weak erection includes; Lack of Exercise, Dehydration, Chronic stress, Unhealthy diet, Porn addiction, Zinc deficiency, Low testosterone levels, high oestrogen levels, Vitamin D deficiency as well as poor cardiovascular health. In addition, some medical conditions such as Hypertension, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS among others when poorly managed can also cause the problem. In view of the multiplicity of the likely causes, it is always advisable to see a doctor for proper examination and treatment.
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Pains in my testicles
I am a 17-year-old University student with no previous sexual experience. I recently noticed some pains in my testicles. I was told that this part of my development process into adolescence. Kindly let me know if this is true or not.
–—- Brown (By SMS)
This could be true because similar to your hair growing in various parts of your body as you mature, some organs and body parts such as your testicles are also getting bigger and longer. Therefore, the aches and discomfort in your testicles could be from these developments. However, having said this, if the pains persists or it is accompanied by some other developments such as some form of discharge, fever or swelling, you will need to see a Medical Doctor for a proper examination.
