prostate cancer

MoVember 101: It’s No Shave November

November 2, 2018 by Suzanne Costa Leave a Comment

If you have been wondering why all of the men in your life seem to be sprouting more and more facial hair these days, wonder no more – it’s Movember! (Also known as No Shave November.)

The meaning behind Movember is raise awareness for prostate cancer and testicular cancer and began in Australia more than 11 years ago. Males participating not only talk about why they are participating but also get other men to start talking about men’s health and cancer awareness. Men participating are also encouraged to donate what they would otherwise spend on grooming/shaving to the American Cancer Society.

Don’t worry, ladies, you are encouraged to participate as well… you can forego shaving your legs or cancel the waxing/threading appointment that you have planned for the month.

The Amazing Avocado

January 31, 2013 by Suzanne Costa Leave a Comment

We’ve all seen the avocado at the grocery store or at your favorite Mexican restaurant, but doctors are now stressing the importance and benefits of the avocado that go far beyond being just an ingredient in guacamole.

Some of these benefits include:

– Avocados have been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.

– Avocados have more of the carotenoid lutein than any other popular fruit. Lutein protects against macular degeneration and cataracts, two age-related eye diseases.

– The high levels of folate in avocado are also protective against strokes. People who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower risk of stroke than those who don’t.

– Avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases and helps maintains overall health.

– Avocado is high in oleic acid, which has been shown to prevent breast cancer in numerous studies.

– The vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and glutathione in avocado are great for your heart.

Straight From the Headlines: Having Low Cholesterol Can Ward Off Prostate Cancer

September 28, 2011 by Suzanne Costa Leave a Comment

According to a recent report put out by www.msnbc.com, new studies show that many men may be able to lower their risk of acquiring the most aggressive form of prostate cancer if they keep their cholesterol levels in the healthy range.

The report states that “men whose cholesterol was under 200 had less than half the risk of developing high-grade prostate tumors compared to men with high cholesterol.”

While having high cholesterol is typically a consequence of aging, young people are not in the clear either. Luckily there are preventive measures that anyone can do to help lower their cholesterol levels.

There are four basic ways to help maintain a healthy cholesterol level:
1. Eat a healthy diet
2. Exercise
3. Lose weight
4. Take medicine – in some cases

Some people will need to implement only one of these, while others will require a combination of these tips to help regulate their cholesterol.

Having Low Cholesterol Can Ward Off Prostate Cancer

September 1, 2010 by Suzanne Costa 1 Comment

According to a recent report put out by MSNBC.com new studies show that many men may be able to lower their risk of acquiring the most aggressive form of prostate cancer if they keep their cholesterol levels in a healthy range.

The report states that men whose cholesterol was under 200 had less than half the risk of developing high-grade prostate tumors compared to men with high cholesterol. This information comes from about 6,000 men who participated in a federal cancer prevention study.

In fact, with simple lifestyle modifications — and, if necessary, drug therapy — people often see significant reductions in cholesterol within six weeks.

There are four basic ways to help maintain a healthy cholesterol level:

1. Eat a Healthy Diet- One of the first things to do when trying to lower cholesterol is to take in less saturated fat and eat more smart fats. Try substituting canola oil or olive oil for vegetable oil, butter, margarine and substitute meat for fish. Fruits and vegetables, including whole grains, are good sources of heart-healthy antioxidants but also cholesterol-lowering dietary fiber.

2. Exercise- In addition to lowering LDL or bad cholesterol, regular physical activity can raise HDL or good cholesterol by up to 10%. Even more benefits can be acquired with moderate exercise. Try getting a pedometer and aim for 10,000 steps a day. And try to at least fit in a regimen of brisk walking at least five days a week.

3. Quit Smoking– Smoking lowers levels of HDL or good cholesterol and is a major risk factor for heart disease. So if you haven’t already, try to stop this unhealthy habit.

4. Consider Medication- According to WebMD lifestyle modifications are important, but the benefits of medication, when appropriate, should also be considered. Several types of cholesterol-lowering medication are available, including niacin, bile acid resins, and fibrates. But statins are the treatment of choice for most individuals and can lower LDL cholesterol by 20% to 50%.

Some people will need to implement only one of these, while others may require a combination of these tips to help regulate their cholesterol.