Standing up to prostate cancer

“Maintaining a positive attitude can impact everyone around you. Many studies show there is real power in positive thinking.” Many times when one has prostate cancer, being optimistic and having a burning desire to remain healthy goes a long way to ensure that your quality of life is great. Having a positive attitude ensures that you are able to discuss your challenges and fears and to follow the guidelines reached with your healthcare team.

Yes, some days will certainly be difficult that is why we all need a great support network. “Prostate cancer often grows very slowly and may not cause significant harm but certainly some types are more aggressive.” To think that virtually all men above 70years have some form of prostate cancer means we should be spending more time discussing prostate cancer and forming support groups where people with the condition can discuss their fears, discomforts and other challenges and how they manage or overcome them.

My last article for 2016 will focus on steps to take when one is living with prostate cancer. Remember we are all affected directly or indirectly by this condition and it is worth arming ourselves with some vital information.
“YOU CAN’T CHANGE THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE HAD PROSTATE CANCER. WHAT YOU CAN CHANGE IS HOW YOU LIVE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE – MAKING CHOICES TO HELP YOU STAY HEALTHY AND FEEL AS WELL AS YOU CAN.” –American Cancer Society.

Golden steps to stay healthy while living with prostate cancer;

1. EXERCISE

a. Definitely men with prostate cancer who live an active life have a better chance of survival than those who don’t.
b. Your choice of exercise should be appropriate for your age and level of fitness. Remember that by the time you have prostate cancer most people may have several other diseases and exercise will benefit one in all areas.
c. Even 20 minutes of walking a day goes a long way to increase your energy, maintain muscle mass and keep morale high.
2. NUTRITION
a. Eating healthy is hard for most of us and it may even be more difficult while you go through treatment but one needs to make the effort to remain strong.
b. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables while reducing white floor and white rice.
c. Drink a lot of water or low fat milk BUT avoid alcohol, high-sugar beverages and soft drinks.
d. Reduce red meat intake while increasing fatty fish such as salmon and tuna. Remember steaming or baking is preferred over frying.

3. BONE HEALTH

a. Age as well as some of the medication to treat prostate cancer can thin your bones leading to fractures (broken bones) but there is good news since we can adopt strategies to reduce this risk
b. Drink a lot of mineral water rich in bicarbonates and calcium,
c. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, dancing and appropriate weight-training help to strengthen bones.
d. Calcium and Vitamin D may be obtained from low-fat milk, dark green leafy vegetables, tuna, salmon, whole eggs and Sunlight. Dietary supplements may be helpful but should be discussed with one’s doctor.
4. STRESS MANAGEMENT
a. Living with cancer can be stressful and it’s important to adopt daily activities that combat stress
b. Learn to do deep breathing exercises very often in the day
c. Learn to laugh/smile
d. Make time to chat with people, start a hobby, give advise to young ones
e. Have “me-time” every day during which you relax while you imagine something beautiful e.g. a serene place
f. Visit exciting places and people

5. RELATIONSHIPS

a. Make time for those who are close to you.
b. Discuss your fears and theirs and your needs.
c. Always remember you are a team and a good team always wins
6. CAREGIVER SUPPORT
a. Don’t over-do things; give yourself time to relax
b. Get as much information about your condition as possible and seek help when necessary.
c. Always remember to think positive
7. CONTACTS
a. Keep the contacts of all your healthcare professionals including those managing other conditions aside of the prostate cancer.
Remember that these are guidelines since you may have other diseases that will require modifications to our “golden rules. Finally don’t wait for dry weather, learn to “DANCE IN THE RAIN!!”

I wish you all a super 2017 filled with great health and prosperity.


AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)
Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
St. Andrews Clinic/Health Essentials
(www.healthclubsgh.com)


*Dr Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy and fitness nutrition.
Thought for the week – “St Andrews Clinic, open Mondays through Saturdays for Medical Examination. You may just walk in or;
Call 0302-761-188 or send an email to clinicstandrews@yahoo.co.uk for an appointment.

References:
• LIVE HEALTHY – while on androgen deprivation therapy; Ferring Pharmaceuticals
• www.webmd.com ; A VISUAL GUIDE TO PROSTATE CANCER