Focus on men's health

Prostate health

The prostate is a gland about the size of a walnut. It sits beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine flows. The prostate gland produces fluid that supports sperm and carries sperm during sex.

As men get older they are at more risk of developing problems with the prostate. Cellular changes, inflammation or enlargement of the gland may occur.

Help maintain your prostate health

• Eat zinc-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds, oysters, whole grains and legumes. Zinc is found in high concentrations in the prostate gland and plays a role in healthy hormone metabolism.
• Selenium and vitamin E are important antioxidants that may help to protect the prostate from free radical damage. Brazil nuts, garlic, seafood and brown rice contain selenium. Raw nuts and seeds, whole grains and green leafy vegetables are great foods to boost your vitamin E intake.
• Reduce your caffeine intake. Caffeine may irritate the bladder and aggravate any urinary symptoms that can occur with prostate problems.
• Regular check-ups. Yes, it’s awkward and uncomfortable, but it is vital that men over 50 see their healthcare professional for regular prostate examinations so that any changes can be detected early.

Bone health

Men get osteoporosis too.

Men generally have a greater bone density than women and they tend to lose bone mass at a slower rate than their female counterparts. However, one in three Australian men over the age of 60 will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis.

The hormone testosterone plays an important role in maintaining bone mass. When levels of testosterone decrease the bones can become thinner and the muscles can become weaker. This leaves the bones at greater risk of fracture.

Manage your risk of developing osteoporosis

• Calcium strengthens bones and tissues and is found in dairy foods, dark green leafy vegetables, sesame seeds and almonds.
• Vitamin D, for calcium absorption and muscle strength, is found in eggs, oily fish and adequate exposure to sunlight.
• Regular exercise builds muscle strength and bone mass. Weight-bearing exercise is best and includes activities such as running, walking and tennis.
• Don’t smoke and don’t drink alcohol excessively. These are known risk factors for the development of osteoporosis in men.

Emotional wellbeing

Getting older sees many changes in life and sometimes this can be difficult to cope with. Your role in life changes when you retire, or you may be facing health issues that you never thought would affect you. Men are less likely to talk about how they are feeling or seek help for health problems.

Staying socially active is essential for maintaining emotional wellbeing and preventing feelings of isolation when you’re feeling blue.

A Men’s Shed may be just the thing to support men’s emotional health. Men’s Shed supports men by:

• Getting you involved with your community 
• Raising your awareness of men’s health issues
• Providing an environment for you to interact with men from all walks of life
• Teaching you new skills

To learn more about Men’s Shed and find out how to get involved visit the Australian Men's Shed Association website: http://www.mensshed.org/

References available on request