Importance Of Regular Check-Ups

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what is the prostate?

Basically, the prostate is a male sex gland, about the size of a walnut, located beneath the bladder. It makes the fluid that carries sperm. There are three ways a doctor can check the prostate: a digital rectal exam, a PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test, and an ultrasound. Prostate specific antigen is a substance made by the prostate. Elevated levels in the blood can indicate any of several problems:

Enlarged prostate (or benign prostatic hypertrophy)
This is the most common prostate problem, affecting more than half the men over age 50 in the US, according to the American Cancer Society. This condition is not cancer. But it does lead to discomfort and problems urinating, as the enlarged prostate presses against the urethra. Surgery can relieve symptoms that cause problems.

Acute prostatitis, or infection, can also lead to difficulty urinating or frequent urination, in addition to other symptoms such as fever, chills and lower back pain. Prompt treatment, including antibiotics, can help avoid continued complications.

If a doctor suspects cancer, additional tests, such as x-rays, ultrasound, and/or biopsy may be used. In a biopsy, a small amount of prostate tissue is removed and examined under a microscope for cancer. If cancer is present, treatment depends on how advanced it is, and can include surgery, radiation or hormone therapy.

the 15-minute self-check

Here are some ways to do a self-diagnosis at home. However, please bear in mind that there is nothing better than the medical advice or opinion of your doctor:

Stress Test
Do jumping jacks for 5 minutes. Take your pulse right after you stop. If you are between the ages of 20 and 35, your pulse should be in the range of 135-170 beats per minute. To calculate your beats/min, simply count the number of pulses in 15 seconds and multiply by 4. If your heart rate is more or less than 135-170 beats/min, then I suggest you go see your doctor. You might have cardiovascular disease or problems with your blood pressure.

Mouth Test
Take another 5 minutes to check your mouth and teeth. If you see any tartar build-up or receding gumlines, then go see your dentist. Also, check to see if your throat is red or white. This may indicate bacterial infection.

Genital exam
Don't be shy now. The best way of knowing whether you have a disease "down there" is by probing and looking carefully at any blemishes or rashes. If these exist, then go to your doctor.

Foot exam
Look between your toes and make sure you don't have athlete's foot. Symptoms are: redness of the skin, crusty skin and foul smell. You can treat this problem with topical solutions. Consult your pharmacist.

risk factors

The American Cancer Society recommends regular screenings for prostate cancer for all men over the age of 40. Your doctor may determine that you need testing even earlier, especially if you are a member of a high-risk group (including African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer).

Remember, cancer of the prostate can have no noticeable symptoms in its early stages... and when it's in its early stages, the cancer can more readily be cured. So talk with your doctor about the screenings you need now and in the coming years.

your health, you're responsible

Last but not least, pay more attention to your body from now on. If you experience heartburn for no specific reason, stomach aches, migraines, sleep apnea, joint and bone pain, shortness of breath, rashes, etc... then do not hesitate to call your doctor.

Best case scenario: that bag of Doritos you had for dinner last night is causing it. Worst case scenario: you might be having the early symptoms of a heart attack. Either way, you'll find out the cause and take specific actions to resolve the problem (in both cases, stop eating Doritos for dinner).

Taking care of one's body is a masculine trait, not a sign of weakness. So pick up your phone as soon as possible and make that appointment. Hey, look on the bright side; at least you'll get a day off from work.


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