UPDATE - Issue 22 - Summer 2005
Prostate care - central to good health
Prostate care
In past editions of Update we have highlighted simple steps that a man can take to minimise the risk of prostate disease. The blinding flash of the obvious is that doing the right things to look after your prostate reduces the risk of all manner of other conditions to which men are prone. Heart disease, diabetes, bowel cancer, strokes, high blood pressure and many other nasty things.
Obesity is the number one problem. Some 14,000 male deaths are attributable to obesity each year. With two thirds of men estimated to be overweight, the scale of the problem is immense. What are the positives of maintaining the right weight? A better sex life, for one. Many erectile dysfunction problems are linked to obesity. Fewer joint problems. Hips and knees certainly appreciate not supporting those extra pounds. ess breathlessness. Increased attractiveness to women and, of course, those old clothes might still fit you if your waist measurement fell below 37 inches!
Exercise and diet are also hugely important as Peter Amoroso explains in his story below.
These are some of the reasons why the Prostate Research Campaign UK believes that Prostate Care is central to men's health. And it is why in future editions, Update will be building on this theme.
Poacher turned gamekeeper
Five years ago, weighing almost 19 stones and measuring 5 foot 9 inches I was not at my best!. Aged 40 years, my waist was 44 inches, my chest 52 inches and my collar size 18 inches. As a doctor, my motto was Do as I say not as I do! It occurred to me one day as I puffed up one flight of stairs that I was not a good advert for my profession. A friend of mine, Frank Xavier, had recently been diagnosed diabetic. He was three years older than me and less overweight. His doctors encouraged him to ward off the diabetes by slimming down. As a hospital theatre orderly, Frank was setting a fine example to his consultant anaesthetist colleague (me). Enough was enough. I decided to shed weight and change my ways.
Lifestyle
The key to losing weight and keeping it off is lifestyle. I had to change my eating habits, the type of food, the timing of meals and the type of food consumed. I added exercise to my daily routine and I increased the amount of water that I consumed every day.
The saying Eat breakfast like an emperor, lunch like a king and dinner like a pauper is spot on. The body needs a kick start in the morning and a constant supply of energy through the day but does not need fuelling up at night.
Exercise
Exercise is essential. I recently asked a patient before surgery whether he could walk in the park for an hour or so without stopping. 'Why?' was his response. He had never done such a thing! You should aim to walk 10,000 steps each day. Not every one needs to train for the London marathon as I did but I recommend it to all the readers as a life enhancing experience and one that you will remember forever. After shedding seven stones and training for eight months I completed the 2002 Marathon in just over five hours. If I can do it, anyone can!
I have continued to maintain a steady weight of 12 stones for five years. I feel more energetic, happier and healthier than ever before. My measurements? 40 inch chest, 34 inch waist and 15.5 inch collar. Happy Living !
Peter Amoroso