We all know that a diet low in fat and calories and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is good for our health. But if you have prostate cancer, what you eat may play a role in how your cancer progresses. Your dietary choices may even influence whether you ever develop the disease at all.

Prostate Cancer: Reducing the Risk Through Proper Nutrition
Getting enough vitamins and minerals with a healthy, balanced diet may be one of the keys to warding off prostate cancer.

And using nutrition to your advantage may prove very useful when fighting prostate cancer too. Diet can be a powerful tool, according to Roberta Anding, a registered dietitian, instructor at the Baylor College of Medicine, and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.

So whether your goal is to rid your body of prostate cancer already diagnosed, or to prevent yourself or your loved one from ever getting that diagnosis, some specific foods that are known to protect the body from cancer-causing carcinogens include:

• Tomatoes. Tomatoes are high in lycopene, which could have a protective effect against prostate, lung, and stomach cancers. Multiple studies suggest that high levels of lycopene in the blood are linked with a lower risk of prostate cancer and may even help slow the spread of cancerous cells. Lycopene is most effective if taken in natural form — that is, in food rather than in a supplement — and is particularly potent in cooked tomatoes. You can add tomatoes or tomato products to many dishes.
• Fruits. Diets high in fruits and vegetables have been shown to protect against many cancers. Lycopene-containing fruits including guava, papaya, and watermelon may be especially good for you. And some research suggests that pectin — a common fiber found in apples, apricots, plums, and citrus fruits and used as a thickener in many jams and marmalades — may reduce the number of cancerous cells by as much as 40 percent. Try to work fruit into your daily meals: Have an orange for an afternoon snack, or top off your morning oatmeal with chopped apples.
• Vegetables. Broccoli and cauliflower are especially effective in reducing cancer risk. These cruciferous veggies also are effective in slowing the growth of cancer cells in the body. Add veggies to your favorite dishes or casseroles — or make a big, colorful salad.
• Green tea and soy. While the benefits of these foods in fighting prostate cancer have so far been seen only in laboratory environments, researchers believe they show promise. Try sipping on soothing green tea — or add soy milk to your morning cup of coffee.
• Fish. Fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids (salmon is one example) may help reduce prostate cancer risk. Try to work fatty fish into your menu a few times a week.

"The bottom line on prevention is a plant-based diet with nuts and soy," recommends Anding.

Foods That Increase Prostate Cancer Risk
On the flip side, many foods may contribute to the development or spread of prostate cancer. Research shows, for example, that men who consume a lot of red meat may be at higher risk for the disease. One recent study from the University of California, San Francisco, found that intake of grilled or barbecued meat — especially well-done beef — was linked to twice the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

Other meats and processed foods also are more likely to increase the risk of prostate cancer, so try to keep them off your plate. Instead, get your protein through fresh cuts of lean meats, beans, or legumes.

While low-fat dairy products can be a healthy part of your diet, you may want to take it easy on dairy. Dairy products can contain the same fatty acids found in red meats that may actually increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Your Prostate Cancer Diet and Why It Matters
Foods that can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer, or those shown to encourage progression of the disease, should be avoided if you have or are hoping to prevent prostate cancer.

Your best bet is to stick to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables — especially tomatoes — get plenty of whole grains, and go easy on the red meat and processed foods. Think fresh on your plate to boost your health and reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

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(BlackDoctor.org) -- Wine isn’t the only thing that gets better with age. Did you know that, in some ways, your body actually gets better with age? The changes aren’t dramatic and they certainly won’t turn back the hands of time, but it’s the small things in life that makes it great!

Here are some benefits you can look forward to as the number of candles on your birthday cake grows.

1. Fewer Colds and Other Viruses

You’re less likely to get sick with colds and other minor viral infections after midlife. The reason: Each time your body is exposed to a virus, it develops antibodies that make you immune to that virus in the future. This means that more you age, the more likely it is that you’ll be immune to many—but not all—cold viruses.

2. Milder Allergies

Plagued by allergies? They’ll be less bothersome as you get older. After age 50, the body reacts with less intensity to hay fever and other seasonal allergies, perhaps because older bodies produce less of the allergic antibody.

3. Decreased Tooth Sensitivity

If you’ve always had painfully sensitive teeth, they’ll become less so as you age. That’s because the surface between the enamel and nerves lays down more dentin (the tooth’s inner hard tissue) as teeth age, resulting in extra insulation and a diminished pain response. This may make dental procedures less painful, too. 

4. Low-Maintenance Skin

Say goodbye to problems with oily skin. After age 50, the skin’s oil secretions slow down in both men and women. The shiny look that many people hate will start to improve. And you can shave less often and may stop using deodorant. Due to hormonal changes

changes in the later years, the growth of facial and body hair slows, and sweat glands disappear.

5. A Fitter Brain

Some memory functions, such as vocabulary and long-term memory, continually sharpen if you stay mentally active. Memory can be trained just like muscles. If you make the most of your memory and use it regularly, that portion of your brain can actually get better as you get older. In fact, research shows that memory skills can be honed well into old age.

6. A Youthful Heart

Surprisingly, the heart hardly ages at all and actually can strengthen—as long as you keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check. Although there is some narrowing of arteries with aging, the pumping ability of the heart stays strong throughout life in healthy people. Genes do play a part in the way your heart ages, but the healthier your lifestyle, the more likely your heart will stay strong well into your 80’s and 90’s. Exercise, diet and not smoking are more important than genetics in maintaining the health of the heart after age 60.

7. Heightened Sexuality

A shift in the hormonal balance beginning in the early 50’s can increase a woman’s libido and her ability to have orgasms. Many women also report an increase in the frequency and intensity of orgasms as they grow older. In fact, some research suggests that the frequency of orgasms increases for women in each decade, up until the octogenarian years (age 80–89). But men have reason to celebrate, too. After age 60, the ligaments that attach the penis to the body begin to relax. Assuming a man stays slim, this makes the flaccid penis look longer with each 60-plus decade.

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Depression is a highly common medical condition affecting nearly one out of 10 adults each year, and twice as many women as men. African Americans are no exception. Depression can cause long-standing changes in feelings, self-esteem, activity level and even sleep and appetite. Depression is treatable with medication, psychotherapy and other treatments, which result in 80-90% of people eventually responding well and almost all gaining some relief from their symptoms. However, African Americans carry a heavy burden when it comes to depression because they are less likely than Caucasians to seek mental health services or to receive proper diagnosis and treatment. They are also more likely to have depression for longer periods, resulting in greater disability.

The disparities in mental health for African Americans are based on factors of economics and cultural experiences. High levels of poverty and marginal incomes just above the poverty line affect many African Americans, making them more likely to wait to seek treatment for mental health needs until they reach a crisis point and emergency intervention is needed. They often do not have ready access to primary care where mental health problems can be identified and treated in the early stages. Often family values and traditions are a barrier to seeking help as well. There is a long practice of being stoic and "toughing out" troubles that implies that seeking mental health services is a sign of weakness.

The prominence of religion in the African American community also plays a factor. Many people who could benefit from professional mental health care are urged to rely on faith and prayer much more than therapy. In many instances, seeking counseling is considered a sign of a lack of faith in God and the healing power of divine intervention.

Another cause of disparity is the tradition of suspicion toward medication in the black community, caused by substandard treatment by health care professionals over the years such as the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment. This distrust limits the treatment options for African Americans who generally prefer counseling and therapy.

Lack of insurance coverage also contributes to disparities for African Americans. This results in a reliance on government and non-profit agencies offering mental health services that are subject to diminishing or stagnant budgets. Discrimination in reimbursement to mental health service providers can limit the access of even African Americans who have employment-based insurance coverage.

Racism permeates the culture and economy of this country and is the main barrier to mental health care for black Americans, creating economic disparities and social conditions that are truly distressing. Many African Americans living in poverty reside in areas beset by alcohol outlets, open air drug markets, high incarceration rates, high rates of homelessness, and large numbers of children in foster care without permanent homes, which all have an impact on mental health.

Achieving optimal mental health among African Americans will involve overcoming the myth that it is weak to admit that one is depressed and in need of professional help. Institutions from universities to the religious community and health services providers must help eliminate the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment. A recent book, Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're not Hurting by Terrie Williams uses celebrities' stories to raise awareness in the black community about the importance of getting help for depression and other mental health needs. The faith community especially must also aid in this effort and encourage their parishioners to seek mental health treatment.

Depression in the African American community is often triggered by social conditions, and a societal solution such as universal health care can help reduce the impact of depression. With finances removed from the healthcare equation, African Americans who are less likely to receive care for depression than their white counterparts and who tend to stay sick longer would benefit most through early screening and intervention. Perhaps even more important, we need to engage in a sustained and massive effort to eliminate the stigma of seeking mental health services. People need to know that depression is real, depression is treatable and that help is available.

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The health of African-Americans has improved over the last forty years. Data published in 2011 from the National Vital Statistics System, reveal that the life expectancy of African American women has increased from 68 to 77.4 years.

Many factors have helped improve our health such as regular medical care, exercise, a healthy diet, and timely screening tests. We must be vigilant as we strive to make progress and reach (and hopefully exceed) the life expectancy of white women which is 80.6 years.  Please consult with your doctor or health provider who can help you tailor these summary recommendations to your specific health situation. We need to be aware of these preventative health practices to make sure we are properly screened in order to ensure a healthier future for ourselves and our families.

The recommended screenings by age group are provided below:

• Women Ages 18 to 39
• Women Ages 40 to 64
• Women Ages 65 and up

Recommended Screenings for Women Ages 18 to 39

• Blood Pressure Screening:
  • Have your blood pressure checked every 2 years unless it is 120-139/80-89 Hg or higher. Then have it checked every year.
  • Watch for blood pressure screenings in your area. Ask your health care provider if you can stop in to have your blood pressure checked. Check your blood pressure using the automated machines at local grocery stores and pharmacies.
  • If the top number (systolic number) is greater than 130 or the bottom number (diastolic number) is greater than 85, call your doctor.
  • If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.
• Cholesterol Screening:
  • Between age 20 and 45, you should be screened if you have a higher risk for heart disease.
  • If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.
• Diabetes Screening:
  • If your blood pressure is above 135/80, your health care provider will test your blood sugar levels for diabetes.
  • You will also be tested for gestational diabetes when you are pregnant
  • Your doctor may order a “fasting” glucose as part of your annual or bi-annual physical exam.

• Dental Exam:
  • Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning.
• Eye exam:
  • If you have vision problems, have an eye exam every 2 years.
• Immunizations:
  • You should receive a flu vaccine every year.
  • After age 19, you should have one tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis (TdAP) vaccine as one of your tetanus-diphtheria vaccines. You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.
  • You will be offered the vaccine against human papilloma virus (HPV) if you are between ages 18 and 26.
  • You should receive two doses of varicella vaccine if you were born after 1980 and never had chickenpox.
  • Your doctor may recommend other immunizations if you are at high risk for certain conditions, such as pneumonia.
• Physical exam:
  • You should have two physical exams in your 20s.
  • Healthy young people do not need most blood tests.
  • Your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) should be checked at every exam.


• Breast self-exam:
  • Women may do a monthly breast self-exam.
  • Women should contact their health care provider immediately if they notice a change in their breasts, whether or not they do breast self-exams.
  • A complete breast exam should be done by a health care provider every 3 years for women ages 20-40.
• Pelvic exam and Pap smear:
  • Screening should start within 3 years after first having vaginal intercourse or by age 21.
  • Beginning at age 21, women should have a pelvic exam and Pap smear every 2 years to check for cervical cancer.
  • If you are over age 30 or your Pap smears have been negative three times in a row, your doctor may tell you that you only need a Pap smear every 3 years.
  • Women who have had a total hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed) may choose not to have Pap smears.
  • Women who are sexually active should be screened for chlamydia infection. This can be done during a pelvic exam.
  • Your provider will tell you how to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if you are sexually active.
  • Your health care provider will ask you questions about alcohol and tobacco, and may ask you about depression.

Recommended Screenings Women Ages 40 to 64

• Blood pressure screening:
  • Have your blood pressure checked every 2 years unless it is 120-139/80-89 Hg or higher. Then have it checked every year.
  • Watch for blood pressure screenings in your area. Ask your health care provider if you can stop in to have your blood pressure checked. Check your blood pressure using the automated machines at local grocery stores and pharmacies.
  • If the top number (systolic number) is greater than 130 or the bottom number (diastolic number) is greater than 85, call your doctor.
  • If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.
• Cholesterol screening:
  • Women over age 44 should be checked every 5 years.
  • If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.
• Diabetes screening:
  • If your blood pressure is above 135/80, your health care provider will test your blood sugar levels for diabetes.
  • Your doctor may order a “fasting” glucose as part of your annual or bi-annual physical exam.
• Colon cancer screening: People between the ages of 50 and 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer. This may involve:
  • A stool test done every year.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years along with a stool guaiac test.
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years.
  • Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years.
  • Computed tomographic colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years.
  • People with risk factors for colon cancer such as ulcerative colitis, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or a history of large colorectal adenomas may need a colonoscopy more often.
• Dental exam:
  • Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning.
• Eye exam:
  • Have an eye exam every 2 years.
  • Once you turn 45, make sure that your health care provider checks for glaucoma.
• Immunizations:
  • You should receive a flu vaccine every year.
  • Ask your doctor if you should get a vaccine to reduce your risk of pneumonia.
  • You should have a tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis (TdAP) vaccine once as part of your tetanus-diphtheria vaccines. You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.
  • You may get a shingles or herpes zoster vaccination once after age 60.
• Physical exam:
  • Have a physical exam every 1-5 years.
  • Your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) should be checked at each exam.
  • Routine diagnostic tests are not recommended.
• Breast exams:
  • Women may do a monthly breast self-exam.
  • Women should contact their doctor immediately if they notice a change in their breasts, whether or not they do self exams.
  • A health care provider should do a complete breast exam every year.
• Mammograms:
  • Women over age 40 should have a mammogram done every 1-2 years, depending on their risk factors, to check for breast cancer.
• Osteoporosis screening:
  • All postmenopausal women with fractures should have a bone density test (DEXA scan).
  • Women under age 65 who have risk factors for osteoporosis should be screened.
• Pelvic exam and Pap smear:
  • Pap smears should be done once every 2 - 3 years.
  • Pelvic exams may be done more often to check for other disorders.
  • If your Pap smears have been normal three times in a row, your doctor may tell you that you only need a Pap smear once every 3 years.
  • Women who have had a total hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed) may choose not to have Pap smears.
  • Women who are sexually active should be screened for chlamydia infection. This can be done during a pelvic exam.
  • Your health care provider will discuss how to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with you if you are sexually active.
  • Your health care provider will ask you questions about alcohol and tobacco, and may ask you about depression.

Recommended Screenings Age 65 plus

• Blood pressure screening:
  • Have your blood pressure checked every year.
  • If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be watched more closely.
• Cholesterol screening:
  • If your cholesterol level is normal, have it rechecked every 3-5 years.
  • If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.
• Colon cancer screening: Until age 75, one of the following screening tests should be done:
  • Virtual colonoscopy (computed tomographic colonography) every 5 years
  • A stool test every year
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years along with a stool guaiac test
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years
• Dental exam:
  • Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning.
• Diabetes screening:
  • If your blood pressure is above 135/80, your health care provider will test your blood sugar levels for diabetes.
  • Your doctor may order a “fasting” glucose as part of your annual or bi-annual physical exam.

Note: Patients with risk factors for colon cancer, including ulcerative colitis, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or a history of large colorectal adenomas may need a colonoscopy more often.

• Eye exam:
  • Have an eye exam every 2 years.
  • Make sure your health care provider checks for glaucoma.
• Hearing test:
  • Have your hearing tested every year.
• Immunizations:
  • If you are over age 65, get a pneumococcal vaccine if you have never had before, or if you received one more than 5 years before you turned 65.
  • Get a flu shot every year.
  • Get a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.
  • You may get a shingles or herpes zoster vaccination once after age 60.
• Physical exam:
  • Have a yearly physical exam.
  • With each exam, you should have your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) checked.
  • Routine diagnostic tests are not recommended unless your doctor finds a problem.
  • Your health care provider will ask you questions about alcohol and tobacco, and may ask you about depression
• Breast exams:
  • Women may do a monthly breast self-exam.
  • Contact your doctor immediately if you notice a change in your breasts, whether or not you do self-exams.
  • A health care provider should do a complete breast exam every year.
• Mammograms:
  • Women should have a mammogram done every 1-2 years, depending on their risk factors, to check for breast cancer.
• Osteoporosis screening:
  • All women should have a bone density test (DEXA scan).
  • Ask your doctor about the proper calcium intake and exercise needed to help prevent osteoporosis.
• Pelvic exam and Pap smear:
  • After age 65, most women can stop having Pap smears as long as they have had three negative tests within the past 10 years.

References

• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The Guide to Clinical Preventive Services. Rockville, MD. December 2010.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Cervical cytology screening. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 109. Obstet Gynecol. 2009; 114:1409-1420.
• Smith Ra, Cokkinides V, Brooks D, Saslow D, Brawley OW. Cancer screening in the United States, 2010: A review of current American Cancer Society Guidelines and Issues in Cancer Screening. CA Cancer J Clin. 2010; 60(2):99-119.
• Mosca L, Benjamin EJ, Berra K, Bezanson JL, Dolor RJ, Lloyd-Jones DM, et al. Effectiveness-based guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in women -- 2011 update: A guideline from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2011; 123(11):1243-1262.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended adult immunization schedule -- United States, 2011. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2011; 60(4):1-4. 
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