The Importance of Prostate Screenings

Article Summary: Concerns related to an aging prostate should become high priority for men after the age of 40. Nationwide statistics show that prostate ailments affect 1 in 4 American men over the age of 40.

(c) Kevin Agrawal

Concerns related to an aging prostate should become high priority for men after the age of 40. Nationwide statistics show that prostate ailments affect 1 in 4 American men over the age of 40. Changes in prostate health affect 50 percent of men over 60 years of age and the incidence gets higher as men advance in age. The good news is that regular and timely prostate screenings can effectively serve to monitor prostate health and avoid more adverse, future complications.

The recently updated prostate screenings guidelines released by the American Cancer Society, in March 2010, are not very different from guidelines set in 1997 and 2001. The emphasis continues to be on educating the patient. Physicians should encourage informed decision-making by informing their patients the pros and cons of prostate screenings.

Prostate Screenings

Men suffering from an aging prostate are often oblivious to the physiological changes occurring within the body. Very often, there are no pinpointing factors. Regular screenings will lead to early detections in prostate changes resulting in early diagnosis and therapy.

Prostate screenings are of two types. The first is the Digital Rectal Examination (DRE). This is a simple procedure that involves the insertion of a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to determine the texture, size and shape of the prostate gland. The other is a test that measures a certain enzyme produced by the prostate gland. This enzyme helps to liquefy semen. When levels of this enzyme are high it may signify an existing tumor. However, there are other reasons for the rise. It may be due to the affect of an aging prostate, inflammation or even a bladder infection.

When is the best time to start checking on prostate health? Most doctors recommend that men start an annual prostate screening at the age of 50. However, there are certain factors that call for screenings to begin at an earlier age. African American who are more susceptible to prostate ailments, those who have had a history of prostate ailments in the family, those who are overweight or those who subsist on a diet of red meat and saturated fats, should begin at the age of 40.

Proactive Measures to Support Prostate Health
The use of proactive measures for keeping your prostate in good health is becoming more popular, especially as more men consider the consequences of conventional medication, which often comes with undesirable side effects. Surgery, too, may not have successful results.

How can you take a proactive stance on prostate health? Here are a few tips:

Diet Modification: Researchers have noted that men who follow a more "western" diet that predominantly includes red meat and saturated fats are more inclined to suffer from prostate changes as age advances. Modifying the diet to include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber is believed to help proactively support prostate health.

Weight Maintenance: Men who are overweight or obese have a higher tendency to suffer from an aging prostate. Doctors recommend an active lifestyle, regular exercise and an optimal weight.

Prostate Screenings. Regular prostate screenings can lead to early detection of changes in prostate health.

Nutritional supplementation. Research shows that supplements like beta sitosterol are very useful in proactively supporting prostate health. Beta sitosterol is a plant sterol. Several extensive research studies and clinical trials show its suggestive efficacy in inhibiting the growth of an aging prostate and in supporting healthy urinary flow and functions. Research also supports Vitamin D's role in maintaining prostate health. Minerals like zinc, molybdenum, selenium and a host of others are known to strategically support various healthy functions of the prostate.

About the Author:
Kevin Agrawal
New Vitality is a health supplements company. It develops prostate health supplements which are carefully formulated under the guidance of an elite panel comprised of renowned doctors, nutritionists, chemists and researchers. Whether you want a prostate health supplement, pet health supplement, a personal care product or a health care product, New Vitality is a one-stop shop for all needs.

**NOTE** - Kevin Agrawal has claimed original rights on the article "The Importance of Prostate Screenings" ... if there is a dispute on the originality of this article ... please contact us via our Contact Form and supply our staff with the appropriate details of dispute.

Kevin Agrawal Article Feed : http://www.upublish.info/rssauthor/36797.xml