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Author: Debbie Humphrey

Senior Care in Clearwater, FL and Surrounding Areas

Men and women have unique differences when it comes to their reproductive health. Women are encouraged to have annual mammography and gynecologic exams, and men should have annual physicals that include prostate exams.

The prostate gland is part of the endocrine system, and it is responsible for producing the ejaculate that transports semen out of the male body through the penis. The ejaculate also contains zinc, citric acid, and enzymes that lubricate the urethra and nourish sperm cells.

Several conditions can affect the prostate gland as men age, and they include complications that can range from mild to severe. However, maintaining prostate health is possible by following some basic steps as explained by the Urology Center of Florida.

“Over time, your prostate may start to enlarge, and early on can be asymptomatic. This happens for men around age 40, although it affects a higher percentage of men around age 55.”

An enlarged prostate increases the risk of conditions like:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – Also known as an enlarged prostate, BPH is a noncancerous condition that affects a man’s ability to urinate due to pressure at the base of the bladder that can lead to obstructions in the urinary tract that cause urinary retention.
• Prostatitis – This is inflammation of the prostate that can develop in the form of bacterial prostatitis and is most common in men ages 30-50. The cause is frequently unknown, and the nonbacterial type is harder to treat because symptoms vary from person to person.
• Prostate Cancer – This is more common in men over age 50. The overall cause is unknown, but family history and age are primary risk factors. Early stages of prostate cancer are confined to the prostate gland, but as it develops and becomes more aggressive, it can spread to other systems and become dangerous to the whole body.

Ways to Maintain Prostate Health

• Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help prevent the prostate from growing larger.
• Keep a healthy weight: A healthy weight prevents the exertion of extra pressure on the bladder that may cause changes in the prostate gland.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help maintain a healthy prostate.
• Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and using other tobacco products can lead to prostate cancer, so quit now.
• Get regular screenings: Beginning at age 50, men should have regular prostate screenings to detect any changes. If there is a family history of prostate conditions, screenings should begin sooner.

September is Prostate Health Awareness Month, and at Home Helpers®, our compassionate caregivers help senior men every day by providing exceptional in-home care services to promote senior independence and a healthier quality of life. We gladly help with transportation assistance to doctor appointments and medical screenings to support men in achieving their health goals.

I encourage senior men who could benefit from the help of a compassionate caregiver to take advantage of my no-obligation FREE Consultation so I can assess specific needs and create a customized care plan to make life easier and healthier every day!

We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Home Care Pulse Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providersand to have receivedthese awards in 2024: Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience, as well as being named a Caring.com 2023 Caring Super Star.

We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Holiday, Hudson, Largo, New Port Richey, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Port Richey, Safety Harbor, Saint Petersburg, Seminole, Tarpon Springs, Trinity, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier® 727.942.2539