BPH – Benign prostatic hyperplasia — enlargementof the prostate gland — is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It can also potentially cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems. It can also be very uncomfortable, continually.
Don’t let the word benign fool you. If a man is concerned he has BPH, he must see a physician to have it properly diagnosed. Yes it is more common than uncommon. Over 50% of men over 50, 70% at age 60 and 90% of men over 70 have BPH. However, it needs to be properly diagnosed, eliminating more serious condition.
There are now a number of studies, that link BPH with chronic inflammation. Most of our chronic illnesses have inflammation at the root – including diabetes, heart disease, cancers, depression arthritis……..a very long list.And yes, research is showing that people who succumb to covid-19, are doing so because of the intense inflammatory response when the virus invades. Prostatic inflammation and prostate enlargement seem to go together.
A Chronic inflammatory microenvironment is considered to have a contribution in the development of prostate cancer.
Aging and family history are two of the risk factors for BPH. Interesting, so are heart disease, diabetes and obesity – all also inflammatory conditions.
Controlling BPH is very important – not just for comfort. Possible complication can include urine retention, bladder stones, Urinary tract infections. bladder and kidney damage. Yes, there are medications to help control BPH, but as always – let’s look at possible ways we can minimize the BPH, looking at the body as a whole.
Let’s look at some conclusions from a few studies:
2009: “Prostate enlargement due to chronic inflammatory process may progressively conduce to BPH progression. Therefore, some drugs with anti-inflammatory effects could be used in the management of BPH.”
2017 Zagreb Croatia: “Inflammatory cells are quite common in BPH and are seen in prostatic tissue harboring cancer. Recent evidence support theories that chronic inflammation and immune response might be common drivers for both diseases, at least in some cases.”
2013 Milan, Italy: Chronic inflammation could be a predictor of poor response to BPH medical treatment. Thus, the ability to identify patients with chronic inflammation would be crucial to prevent BPH progression and develop target therapies…”. This study finds inflammation is not just part of the cause of BPH, but also interferes with medical treatment.
Urotoday 2017: “men with chronic prostate inflammation in the baseline biopsy had greater LUTS(lower urinary tract symptoms)and prostate volume than men without prostate inflammation during the REDUCE trials. Chronic inflammation is associated with increased risks, and severity and the progression of BPH and LUTS outcomes.”
Take a look at the list of foods recommended for men with an enlarged prostate.
Berries, avocado, tomato, broccoli, green tea….foods with a higher antioxidant component……
We know chronic inflammation rises in the body as we age, as our body’s natural mechanism of anti-inflammatory production decreases. Therefore, once again – we see that lowering the body’s overall inflammatory status is a must in disease prevention – and BPH is no exception.
Chronic inflammation is at the root of all disease, and BPH is no exception, causing our cells to abandon those maintenance and repair procedures…….Inflammation and ROS (Reactive Oxygen species) oxidative stress, break down the proper functioning of the cell, and we age. If we lower our levels of chronic inflammation…….think we can live a better, healthier life….and a much more comfortable one!
We will lower your oxidative stress by 40% in the first month. We have hundreds of studies confirming this, accolades from major medical institutions as the greatest therapeutic medical discovery. Oxidative stress causes chronic inflammation – let’s give your cells the loving they need, calm the flames of inflammation.
Shira Litwack, BSc, Corporate Wellness Specialist, Chronic Care recovery, medical exercise, holistic nutrition, addiction recovery
In Health,
Shira Litwack
Shira has been in chronic care management and prevention for 30 years, researcher, specializing in lifestyle habits including holistic nutrition, medical fitness and oxidative stress reduction. She has created and provided oxidative stress assessments, to help clients identify potential health risks. Lowering chronic inflammation for disease prevention and management is the focal point of BICH.
She partners with companies that provide immediate, affordable, accessible, reliable solutions for populations: Affordable, accessible healthcare, chronic care management, home testing…..Remote Patient Monitoring, Virtual Health, EMR
She is frequently called upon by the media, has her own podcast bringing current research to the public.
Articles featured in: Corporate Wellness Association, European Registry of Exercise Professionals, The National Post, Investment Executive Magazine, Directory of Greater Toronto, Canadian Leukemia & Lymphoma Association, Prostate Cancer Canada, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Anytime Fitness, Today’s Black Woman, Today’s Seniors, Medical Fitness Network, FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), Willow (Breast & Hereditary Cancer Support),Myeloma Canada, Cancer Exercise Training Institute, Urban Poling for Breast Cancer, ROW – Recovery on Water for Breast Cancer, Sirius XM Doctor Radio, Medical Fitness Network
Access Hundreds of Self Tests, rapid diagnostics. Get Tested at Home! Stay at Home! Contact me for Covid-19 self testing with medical consultation Shira@BestInCorporateHealth.com
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, except for skin cancer.
An estimated 164,690 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year.
About 1 man in 9 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime
About 1 man in 41 will die of prostate cancer
PROSTATE CANCER 20/20: A Practical Guide to Understanding Management Options for Patients and Their Families
Dr. Siegel is board-certified in both urology and female pelvic medicine/reconstructive surgery and serves as Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School. He is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in the New York Metro area and a New Jersey Top Doctor.
And my #1 reason – for my love of this man….
Dr. Siegel is passionate about wellness advocacy and educating the community about healthy lifestyle and preventive measures.
Listen to Dr. Siegel on his newest book: PROSTATE CANCER 20/20: A Practical Guide to Understanding Management Options for Patients and Their Families
Dr. Siegel’s previous Books:
THE KEGEL FIX: Recharging Female Pelvic, Sexual, and Urinary Health
MALE PELVIC FITNESS: Optimizing Sexual and Urinary Health
PROMISCUOUS EATING: Understanding and Ending Our Self-Destructive Relationship with Food
FINDING YOUR OWN FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH: The Essential Guide to Maximizing Health, Wellness, Fitness and Longevity
We discuss with Dr. Siegel:
Function of the prostate gland
Enlarged prostate ( benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)) is not prostate cancer
lifestyle for a healthy prostate
parallels between breast cancer and prostate cancer BRCA gene
PSA test – Prostate Specific Antigen a MUST , please do not be misguided by your
Digital rectal exam
family doctor
digital rectal exam
The “trifecta” of treatment……
Dealing with the side effects of prostate cancer treatment, better than ever!
assessing risk/active treatment
erectile dysfunction/ejaculation
penile prostheses ..“Believe it! Like a total knee replacement for disabling arthritis, it converts sexual cripples into sexual confidents
Shira Litwack, BSc, Corporate Wellness specialist, Medical fitness, chronic care recovery
The supplement like a flu shot against oxidative stress…..
Why are we not controlling chronic illness? We must control the wildfire of inflammation and lower oxidative stress. We know oxidative stress is at the root of chronic illness such as cancer, heart disease, depression….We take a flu shot to prevent the flu – one simple supplement to lower your oxidative stress by as much as 40%. 7 patents, 24 peer reviewed studies on pubmed, accolades from American Heart Association, Mayo Clinic, National Institute on Aging….Washington State: “may well become the most extraordinary therapeutic and most extraordinary preventative breakthrough in the history of medicine.”
calendly.com/Shira-Litwack
There is an estimated 750 Billion dollars in U.S. health care waste every year. Our many technologies assure you are not contributing to that $750 billion. Health technology serving the continuum from prevention through chronic illness management.
Lifestyle Management Medical Cost Transparency Best Specialists Choosing benefits Chronic Care Management
Let’s talk: calendly.com/Shira-Litwack
Articles featured in: Corporate Wellness Association, European Registry of Exercise Professionals, The National Post, Investment Executive Magazine, Directory of Greater Toronto, Canadian Leukemia & Lymphoma Association, Prostate Cancer Canada, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Anytime Fitness, Today’s Black Woman, Today’s Seniors, Medical Fitness Network, FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), Willow (Breast & Hereditary Cancer Support),Myeloma Canada, Cancer Exercise Training Institute, Urban Poling for Breast Cancer, ROW – Recovery on Water for Breast Cancer, Sirius XM Doctor Radio
Addressing Men’s Health Issues in Employee Wellness Programs
Men’s health issues are not getting the attention they merit.
The Men’s Health Network states that men die at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death:
heart disease
cancer
stroke
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
accidents
pneumonia and influenza
diabetes
suicide
kidney disease
chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
According to the Men’s Health Network, there is a steady deterioration of the health of American men attributable to:
a lack of awareness
weak health education
unhealthy work and personal lifestyles
According to the CDC, women are 33% more likely than men to seek medical help, although the gap narrows over 50 years of age.
and then there is my favourite line of all I say with the utmost love and affection……
Men are more likely to ask for directions than they are to ask for medical help….
Men’s Health Network study: Men take mediocre care of their health. Almost 70% of men surveyed considered it easier to keep their cars in good condition than care for their personal health. More than 40% of men indicated they would rather resolve issues with their car than address issues associated with their health
“Men care more about their cars than their bodies.”
There is always good news.
Employee wellness programs are a wonderful opportunity to address these issues,
Putting the FIT into Fitness Best In Corporate Health Employee wellness programs
specifically for men. Our duty in a program is to figure out the “fit” in fitness -information is useless unless it is tried, honed and integrated.
Every one of these health issues can be prevented or minimized with regular exercise & physical activity. I specify exercise AND physical activity. Unfortunately, many men tend to be “weekend warriors” – good exercise on the weekend, or playing a sport once or twice a week, but then are sedentary for the remainder of the week.
Exercise and regular daily physical activity are both necessary for the prevention of disease.
Being a weekend warrior carries a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a type of blood clot that occurs deep within a vein and if breaks loose it can travel to the lungs or brain, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism or stroke. Here is a shocking example: Professionals athletes, including tennis super star Serena Williams and Miami Heat Chris Bosh suffer with DVT. We all think – athletes get incredible exercise! The issue is professional athletes spend a great deal of time being sedentary…on airplanes travelling between gigs. It has been referred to as “Economy Class Syndrome.”
There will be a series of articles – each one going far more in depth on each of these top ten causes of death. Here I would just briefly like to discuss the pivotal role of exercise in prevention and recovery + I would like to mention one other men’s health crisis largely attributable to the deconditioned state…..
Lower back pain:
Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide and missing work
Back pain must be checked out as it can be a symptom of more serious diseases including certain cancers, kidney disease……..please do not assume the pain is musculoskeletal.
Exercise helps to correct posture, stretch tight muscles and strengthens the core…..and is a great way to get rid of a beer belly!
Lack of exercise can cause or worsen back pain because of increased stiffness and weakened muscles. Exercise also nourishes the spinal discs, soft tissues and ligaments of the back.
Muscle tone and core strength support the back and keep prevent or dramatically reduce pain. If back pain already exists, consult with a health care professional for guidance.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons the most common reasons for back pain are:
Sedentary lifestyle
poor posture
overweight
Lifting…..greater risk of injury in the deconditioned
smoking
stress
stress related muscle tightness
Even a 15 minute walk can relieve stress related muscle tightness while also encouraging restorative breathing.
Men’s Health Alert: A Beer Belly places more stress on the back than pregnancy
Heart Disease:
American Heart Association states that more than one in three adult men have some form of cardiovascular disease.
Blood pressure: Maintaining blood pressure in a healthy range is key to the prevention of 7 of these top ten causes of death.
And…..if you had high blood pressure and you are on medication for high blood pressure and it has successfully lowered your blood pressure…..you do not get a get out of jail for free card. Hypertension is still a concern.
High blood pressure affects the arteries, heart, kidneys, brain eyes, sexual function, bone loss, sleep apnea….and succinctly put – it is a menace to all aspects of health.
Regular exercise and physical activity are the very best way to prevent high blood pressure, or keep it in a healthy range. This means regularly de-sedentizing every day. Even with a desk job – this is critical to controlling blood pressure.
Those with high blood pressure need to abide by certain guidelines for strength training. Again, always better to work with a medical fitness professional. All aspects of exercise are necessary for controlling blood pressure….Cardio respiratory, strength, stretching, and more meditative forms of exercise, far too often forgotten, are very beneficial.
And gentlemen…..next article I promise as it is just that important……erectile dysfunction.
Men’s health Alert: ED is a beacon of attention for heart disease.
Exercise is vital for keeping strong erections, strong heart health.
Cancer: A MedLine survey teaches us that solid evidence points to the possibility that hypertension is actually a significant risk factor for cancer. At least seven prospective studies have demonstrated clearly that hypertension is a risk factor. We rarely see high blood pressure listed as a risk factor for cancer.
Exercise is associated with lowering the risk of most cancers by as much as 40%. The power of exercise is cancer prevention and cancer recovery is multi faceted. But again, where cancer already exists, I strongly advise people work with a fitness professional specifically trained in cancer exercise training.
Stroke:
American Heart Association:
• Exercise should be prescribed for stroke survivors.
•Exercise prescriptions could significantly reduce disability and the risk of recurrent stroke in survivors who also may face other barriers such as fatigue and depression.
Causes of stroke are deeply related to many of the other issues discussed here such as heart disease and diabetes.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
According to the COPD foundation Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, can Improve circulation and help the body better use oxygen, minimize COPD symptoms and build energy levels to do more activities without exhaustion or a shortness of breath.
Pneumonia and Influenza:
Men’s Health Alert:
Influenza and pneumococcal infection are two leading health risks for men. Men are 25 percent more likely to die from these diseases than women, according to the American Lung Association.
The American Lung Association also states that exercise is vital to a healthy lifestyle in the prevention of respiratory illnesses.
Exercise is key in strengthening immune function and circulation, both very important in the prevention of colds, flu and respiratory illnesses.
Diabetes:
“The American Diabetes Association (ADA) celebrates today’s “modern man” as someone who is more aware of his blood sugar health. The ADA recommends that men “get out, get active, and get informed.” The best way to control your diabetes is to eat healthy and exercise.”
Both cardio respiratory and strength training are very important in diabetes prevention and management. Its our beautiful muscles that transport glucose from our bloodstream to the muscles needing less insulin. Muscles are like a pump, pushing glucose into muscle where it can be used as fuel instead of circulating in high levels in the blood. MUSCLES….not just cause they are so pretty!
Suicide:
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimate that at least 6 million men suffer from depressive disorders, including suicidal thoughts, annually….a men’s health crisis.
Men’s health Alert:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men have higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations than women do. Men binge drink twice as much as women.
According to the American Psychological Association men are far less likely than women to seek help not only for all mental-health problems, but depression in particular.
According to a number of our respected health organizations exercise is greatly beneficial to those suffering from mood disturbances, anxiety, stress, depression for a number of reasons including feel-good brain chemicals – neurotransmitters, endorphins and endocannabinoids.
Kidney Disease:
According to the National kidney Foundation:
High blood pressure and diabetes are the 2 leading causes of kidney disease, so we can refer back to the stellar respect exercise earns in control and prevention of diabetes and blood pressure.
Men with kidney disease are more likely than women to go into kidney failure
Every year, kidney disease kills more people than breast or prostate cancer.
Men’s Health Alert: Renal Cell Carcinoma (kidney cancer) is twice as common in men
Fatty Liver Cirrhosis of the Liver.
Liver Disease: A February 2016 study out of the University of Missouri Medical school found that cardio respiratory exercise may protect the liver from against alcohol-related inflammation and injury. The CDC states alcohol use is responsible for more than 80,000 deaths in the United States each year. Exercise protects the liver by management/prevention of obesity, diabesity, cirrhoses of the liver from fat and alcohol. For those with liver disease, depression can be an added burden, and exercise is recommended here as well. A study out of the University of Haifa, Israel showed resistance training to be very successful for liver health. Results showed that resistance training led to a decrease in liver fat as detected by ultrasound testing.
Oxidative stress: My point of passion in all areas of health education.. oxidative stress. Suffice it to say here that oxidative stress is thought to be at the root cause of most of our chronic illnesses, physiological and psychological. The right exercise is vital for reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Cost of Smoking employees to a company. Micah Berman study 2013
Smoking & Alcohol: We all know smoking and alcohol are hazardous to our health. Here, let’s acknowledge that exercise and regular physical activity are fabulous partners in quit smoking programs and those to reduce alcohol consumption.
As extensive as this article seems, its really not even a warm up as we call it in the fitness world.
Never try and exclusively treat yourself with exercise – but always consider how exercise is a cherished partner in wellness – prevention, recovery and management.
There is much we know about exercise for prevention and recovery from disease, and even more we don’t know yet. And I will always add this proviso…if ever there is presence of disease from metabolic syndrome, cancer, liver disease…….I urge people to seek the guidance of a medical fitness specialist. There are specific guidelines that must be respected, certain forms of exercise are more successful with specific issues, and of course exercise programs much be approved by the patient’s health care professionals.
So men, even if you think you don’t have the time for exercise, or having a “6 pack” is not important to you, its not about that. Yes, the beautiful outer facade of our bodies is a brilliant reward for exercise. But exercise is healing and repairing the damage we do to our bodies every day. The real magic of exercise is in the cell.
A few misconceptions to clear up:
Exercise does NOT have to be in a gym
Exercise & physical activity are different, one does not excuse the other
Many people who exercise daily are still sedentary according to our circulation
A desk job does not necessitate being sedentary
The is a process of eating, exercise and lifestyle habits that fits in with every schedule
A real employee wellness program is sculpted around each person, and their own unique demands. Specific needs and risks of men’s health and women’s health need to be addressed.
Shira Litwack
Medical fitness professional |Cancer Exercise Specialist
Personal & Corporate Health Coach | Fitness For Disease Recovery
Industry Expert Cancer Exercise
Director of International Relations Cancer Exercise Training Institute Master Trainer
Radio talk show host/Guest/Producer Health & Fitness Radio
BSc Psychology & Chemistry
Medical Exercise Specialist
Holistic Nutrition| Addiction Recovery
Total of 18 exercise designations
Shira Litwack, medical fitness professional, Cancer Exercise Specialist , Medical Exercise Specialist, Holistic Nutritionist
Chief Health Enthusiast – Best In Corporate Health
Shira is regularly consulted by Naturopaths, oncologists, health coaches on cancer exercise and exercise adherence.
Has assembled over 20 health and fitness professionals with varying specialties to bring to corporate wellness programs
Platforms include: Speaking, One-one/group health coaching, Retreats, Course development for in house delivery, Metrics to measure success available, Partners always included
Now offering live interactive webinars, just as if each participant has a personal health coach – making corporate wellness programs affordable to all.
Shira has been interviewed & published in hundreds of resources over the last 12 years:
Articles featured in: ezines, ArticlesInk, European Registry of Exercise Professionals, The National Post, Investment Executive Magazine, Directory of Greater Toronto, Canadian Leukemia & Lymphoma Association, Prostate Cancer Canada, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Anytime Fitness, Today’s Black Woman, Today’s Seniors, Medical Fitness Network, FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), Willow (Breast & Hereditary Cancer Support),
Cancer Exercise Training Institute, Urban Poling for Breast Cancer, ROW – Recovery on Water for Breast Cancer
Don’t let the word benign fool you. If a man is concerned he has BPH, he must see a physician to have it properly diagnosed. Yes it is more common than uncommon. Over 50% of men over 50, 70% at age 60 and 90% of men over 70 have BPH. However, it needs to be properly diagnosed, eliminating more serious condition. 
