Retirement planning

Guys,

Don't get embarrassed, and don't put your fingers in your ears. I changed your diapers, though I know you don't want to contemplate that. At this point I know way too much about your grandfather's plumbing as related to his quality of life. I'm just asking that you stay informed about prevention of prostate problems the way that women have learned to stay aware of breast and cervical cancer prevention. I don't want to talk about urology over our future Thanksgiving dinners with your lovely wives and remarkably well-behaved children. I don't want to talk about it at all, and I know you are squirming. We are all more comfortable discussing gingivitis, root canals, and preventive dental flossing. When you think about your daily (and nightly) quality of life, the way you want to live as an older person, don't just plan for your financial needs in retirement! Order the grilled salmon and steamed fresh veggies. I won't mention it again.


Diet and prostate cancer
Much of the research on prostate cancer prevention focuses on nutrition. Key factors include:

Fat. Prostate cancer rates vary greatly from one country to another, with the highest rates appearing in countries where people tend to eat a lot of fat. In fact, the number of prostate cancer deaths in a given country rises in direct proportion to the average total calories from fat in that country's typical diet.

Vegetables. Some studies link a diet high in vegetables to a lower risk of prostate cancer. For example, one study found that men who ate 28 or more servings of vegetables each week had lower rates of prostate cancer compared to men who ate less than 14 servings.

Fish. In one study, prostate cancer was two to three times more common in men who ate no fish as in men who ate moderate to large amounts of fish. Types of fish that are rich in the fatty acids that protect against prostate cancer and other diseases include salmon, herring, and mackerel.

So far, research does not support definite nutritional guidelines for preventing prostate cancer. However, you can reasonably act on these suggestions:

Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Reduce intake of saturated fat and cholesterol.
Limit sweets and salt.
Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation, if at all.
Eat moderate-sized portions and control calories.

Your mommy said so.

© 2007 Nancy L. Ruder