For many men, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common side effect of prostate cancer treatments^1a. Unfortunately, amidst the flurry of questions and concerns surrounding the cancer diagnosis, many men don’t even recall hearing this part of the conversation when they discuss treatments with their doctor. Let’s face it, most everyone’s ability to process new information shuts down as soon as they hear the word “cancer,” and understandably so.

Fortunately, prostate cancer is entirely treatable in the vast majority of cases. However, the treatment is not without potential side effects, and stress urinary incontinence is one of the most common^1a. For most men, it’s a temporary problem. But for some, the leakage can become a permanent, life-altering issue.

Many men resolve themselves to thinking they must just learn to live with incontinence. After all, the prostate surgery likely saved their life, so how could they complain about leaking urine once in a while?

The fact is that SUI isn’t just a nuisance. It can actually cause other health-related issues and can completely destroy a man’s self-confidence and social life¹. For example, the constant worry about odor and leakage can cause a man to withdraw from activities he once loved,including exercise and intimacy with his partner¹. Another problem can result with long-term use of absorbent pads, which can cause skin breakdown that can lead to troublesome and painful skin infections². The problem can negatively impact not only a man’s relationships but also his health—lack of exercise can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Fortunately, there are permanent solutions to post-prostatectomy SUI that can put an end to these troublesome symptoms and help prostate cancer survivors reclaim the active, vibrant life they once knew.

A male urinary sling can permanently restore continence for most men with mild to moderate

Image via Wikipedia

stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The sling is made of sterile surgical mesh (the same type that is used to repair hernias), which works like a hammock to lift and support the urethra, restoring their natural position and their ability to maintain continence. The sling is completely concealed within the body and seems to be well-tolerated by most men³. Sling placement takes less than an hour and, in most cases, can even be performed as an out-patient procedure^1b.

For men with more severe SUI, an artificial urinary sphincter offers a greater level of control in a permanent solution^1c. Also concealed entirely within the body, the artificial sphincter consists of a small cuff placed around the urethra that, when inflated, applies pressure to prevent urine from escaping. The device is discreet and simple to use, restoring continence with very little impact on your normal restroom routine.

The artificial urinary sphincter implantation procedure also takes about an hour and can be performed as an outpatient procedure^1d. The system is an effective long-term treatment for incontinence, having been used for almost 40 years to permanently restore continence for thousands of men worldwide ^4,1

If you have been dealing with post-op SUI for more than 12 months, it’s time to talk to your doctor about the minimally-invasive treatment options available to you. You may even want to involve your significant other in the conversation, as SUI no doubt has an effect on your close relationships. The truth is that SUI is often quite problematic for wives in traditional households—in many cases, she’s the one buying the absorbent products and doing the laundry. Partners can often provide valuable insight for the doctor into the severity of the problem.

I recommend making an appointment with your urologist,primary care doctor or family physician to talk specifically about your UI problem. Perhaps out of embarrassment, or not wanting to “disappoint” their doctor with a complaint about an unwelcome side effect of a life-saving procedure, many patients fail to mention this problem on follow-up visits. You, as the patient, need to be your own advocate. Physicians who’ve never experienced the problem of SUI often don’t realize just how life altering it can be.

Once you’ve evaluated the options and chosen the one that’s best for your unique situation, you will be amazed with the difference it makes in your everyday life. I’ve seen an extraordinary number of patients for whom these procedures have made a tremendous impact in their quality of life. With the wide availability of treatments, there’s no reason to suffer in silence any longer.

Kurt A. McCammon, M.D., FACS, is a practicing urologist specializing in male incontinence and voiding dysfunction and chairman and program director of the Urology Residency Program at the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Va. Earning his medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, followed with residency training in urology at Eastern Virginia Medical School and a fellowship in adult and pediatric genitourinary reconstructive surgery.

This article was written with assistance from American Medical Systems to provide general information about male urinary incontinence and treatment options. For more information about male urinaryincontinence and treatment options available through AMS please visit www.malecontinence.com.

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1. Hunskaar S., Sandvik H. One hundered and fifty men with urinary incontinence. Scand J Prim Health Care 1993; 11: 193-196
2. Rackley R., MD. et al. Nonsurgical Treatment of Urinary Incontinence. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/452289-overview; downloaded May 31, 2011.
3. Klingler H.C., Marberger M. Incontinence after radical prostatectomy: surgical treatment options. Current Opinion in Urology 2006; 16: 60-64
4. Venn S.N., Greenwell T.J., Mundy A.R. The Long-Term Outcome of Artificial Urinary Sphincters. Jol. of Urol. 2000; 164: 702-707.

1005050r1 (01/12)

For sceptical readers, hypnosis is real, and people do spend their lives learning it. There are even degrees on the subject. And when I’m talking about hypnosis, I don’t mean the stuff that you see on stage, which relies mainly on group pressure to get people to do what the hypnotist wants. Hypnotherapy is even recognized by American health Associations.

Okay, the first thing you can do is called autosuggestion. This is based on the concept that if you tell yourself something enough times, you will begin to believe it. So for example in this case, you will tell yourself, “I am self-confident.” Or “my self-esteem is high.” It may seem slightly cliché (depending on what kind of movies you’re into), but the fact of the matter is that that guy staring into the mirror telling himself something will begin to believe it.

Autosuggestion works best if you do it in the morning just after you wake up, and in the evening just before you go to bed. This is because the barriers between your conscious and subconscious mind are lowest, at this point of the day, therefore it’s easier to plant a suggestion in your own mind. Also I recommend that if you want the best results repeat the phrase around five times.

The next form of self-hypnosis that you can use is audio recordings. As mentioned above, we can take advantage of the fact that the barriers between your conscious and subconscious mind are lowered during sleep, by playing an audio recording while you sleep. The main advantage of using audio recordings over doing autosuggestion is that the effects will be much quicker and will probably be embedded into your mind deeper, meaning the effects are more permanent.

You can pick up an audio recording from pretty much any online retailer, for example Amazon or even eBay.

So there you have it. Two simple ways in which you can use self-hypnosis to improve your self-esteem and confidence. If you liked this post, you can pick up your free copy of hypnosis mania at learn hypnosis.

You may contact Rob at robjenkinsnet@gmail.com

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Fell writes a great piece that will give encouragement to both younger and older baby boomers. According to Fell, studies suggest that running doesn’t lead to joint injuries. Fell offers his own example, saying that regular running turned out to be good for his joints. The article mentions Reed Ferber, director of the University of Calgary Running Injury Clinic. According to Ferber, evidence suggests running does not lead to the development of osteoarthritis. Research also indicates that movement is needed for overall joint health.

Fell cautions, however, that running can present problems if you’ve been previously diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

The message is simply to take it easy on those streets and running paths.

But hold on!

Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have come up with some tips that will help you enjoy your favorite eatery….guilt free. The study involved 35 overweight women in the 40 to 59-year-old age group. In a HealthDay article by Jenifer Goodwin, you’ll discover some tips that are easy to implement. For instance, you can order a la carte or split a main course.  The article, well worth reading, offers some great ideas.

My hope is many of us can lose some pounds in the coming year. But if you want some restaurant food now and then, you don’t need to panic.

Being that this is a baby boomer health and wellness blog, I thought it would be a good idea to review some of the top health stories of 2011. As much as I try, it’s hard to keep up on every health and wellness issue. But with the help of HealthDay.com, you’ll have a chance to catch up on news I may have missed.

This article, by HealthDay reporter E.J. Mundell, explores significant issues affecting Americans, from the controversial Health Care Reform Law (with the individual mandate clause requiring Americans to purchase health insurance) to fears that cell phone use could lead to brain cancer. The article briefly touches on news about PSA blood tests.

I hope you’ll enjoy this HealthDay article and stay interested in health news affecting not only baby boomers, but men and women of all ages.

Enjoy the bowl games this season….and please drive safely!

Of course there are still cases that reveal cancer found at the metastatic, incurable stage, but thanks to cancer research, early detection, better therapies and the study of genetics, many people are living longer lives after being diagnosed with cancer, a disease that causes cells to multiply and get out of control.

Four decades ago, President Richard Nixon signed the National Cancer Act, which declared a war on cancer. As pointed out in the following article by HealthDay reporter Amanda Gardner, Dr. Raymond N. DuBois Jr., said, “Back at that time point (when Congress passed the act) cancer essentially was a death sentence.”

Having prostate cancer myself, I am happy that more men (you baby boomers out there!) are getting screened for prostate cancer. Throughout this blog, I have posted articles relating to this disease (as well as my experiences) and when to get screened. Every man needs to start a dialogue with his doctor about prostate issues.

Let’s hope the war on cancer intensifies as we move through 2012.

Review by Scott Keith

For the life of me, I can’t figure out why someone would ingest a strange item, such as a tongue ring. I also can’t fathom why someone would insert a foreign object where “the sun doesn’t shine.” Yet three doctors, combining their medical experiences, have written a thoroughly  amazing, and quite funny book titled, “Stuck Up: 100 Objects Inserted and Ingested in Places they Shouldn’t be.”

This book, by doctors Rich E. Dreben, Murdoc Knight and Marty Sindhian, documents cases where everyday folks, for whatever reason, have swallowed or inserted objects that DO NOT belong in the body. In case you don’t believe these accounts, X-Ray evidence is presented for the reader.

The book reveals the case of a Hong Kong man: “The Sun reported that a man in Hong Kong was found in a pool of blood, the cause of which was a severe rectal tear due to a cucumber up his bottom. He was taken to the hospital, where he reported that this was a suicide attempt.”

The doctors also explain the case of a 17-year-old boy who swallowed several nuts and bolts. They write, “Eventually, he was discharged from the hospital, and he passed the objects. An otherwise boring case except for his explanation as to why he had done it: He ‘felt like a change of scenery.’”

In an email exchange with Men and Health: It’s a Guy Thing, Dreben and Sindhian explain why they decided to write the book.

“The long answer is in our book, which, by the way, we think would be a great stocking stuffer this holiday season, no pun intended. The quick answer is that these types of cases were some of the most memorable learning opportunities that we have experienced during and after our training. Each of these cases provided us with insight into human psyche and, needless to say, a direct line of sight into human anatomy.”

In the email interview with Men and Health, doctors Dreben and Sindhian were asked what items are commonly ingested by patients. “The objects really depend on the culture and the context. For example, children often ingest coins or other small objects that resemble candy. Some incarcerated individuals have been known to ingest sharper objects that might require medical attention and, therefore, get them out of their cells.”

Knight says it’s dangerous to insert or ingest a foreign object. According to the doctor, “These objects can cause blockages in the bowels and perforation, or puncture, of the intestines. There is always the risk of severe bleeding, and while the symptoms at times may only be mild pain, the consequences can be as severe as infection and death.”

After you’ve read this book, consider the take-away message from Knight: “Whatever you do, do not try anything in this book at home…or anywhere, for that matter!”

Soft cover, 210 pages, St. Martin’s Griffin, $12.99, available at Amazon and bookstores.

         Interior entrance door handles and push plates

         Shower floors

         Free weight benches and bars

         Dumbbells

         Mats and all cardio and weight training machine touch points

The comprehensive study measured surface hygiene levels using ATP, or Adenosine Tri-Phosphate, readings. ATP is used to measure surface levels of biological contamination. For more information, this complete study can be accessed on line.

What you can do to stay healthy in the gym?

The responsibility of maintaining the cleanest facilities possible falls on gym owners and managers, and part of their responsibility is educating gym patrons on how to stay healthy while working out. There’s a lot gym-goers can do to protect themselves from contracting germs at the gym. Here are some tips to follow to ensure you get the healthiest possible work-out experience:

         Always wear flip-flops in the shower and when walking around the locker room to avoid contracting a fungal skin infection.

         Use antifungal powder in your gym shoes to stop bacteria and fungus from developing.

         Sweaty socks are a breeding ground for fungi—change socks often.

         Don’t store damp towels or clothing in your gym bag.

         Bring your own soap to the gym.

         Don’t share towels.

         Wash gym shoes in a hot water cycle occasionally.

         Bring your own water bottle to the gym—drinking fountains are heavily contaminated with germs.

         Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth whenever possible.

         Always wipe equipment and machines before use, including mats and cardio machines. Bring your own wipes if the gym doesn’t supply them.

         To avoid getting others sick, don’t exercise when you’re under the weather.

         After working out, wash hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Hygienic cleaning protocols help eliminate illness-causing germs

Every gym has their own cleaning protocols for keeping their facilities clean, but traditional cleaning methods such as wiping down machines with a cloth rag may be leaving a considerable amount of germs behind. Cleaning cloths and traditional mopping can also spread the dead germs, which may turn into a food source for new bacteria. The bottom line: just because it looks clean that doesn’t mean it is clean. So, what can gym owners do to ensure the cleanest, healthiest facilities are provided to their customers.

Hygienic, scientifically-developed methods and technologies can dig through the dirt to reduce the buildup of germs and harmful pathogens that are commonly left behind by traditional cleaning methods. Hygienic cleaning deploys hospital-grade virucide/germicide disinfectants to assure the cleanest possible standards are met, together with microfiber technology, which is 99 percent more effective than other materials at retaining soil and matter. Color-coded microfiber tools and strategies also help to eliminate cross-contamination of germs by designating the specific area of a facility in which each color cloth is used. Other microfiber technologies, such as lightweight flat mops and no-dip mopping procedures, help trap and contain soil and germs with super-absorbent fabric, while reducing water consumption. To combat bacteria-infested locker room floors, showers and toilets, wet cleaning technology and state-of-the-art spray and vacuum techniques provide cleaning results so effective that these surfaces can meet food contact standards.

As the new year approaches and more and more people plan to head to the gym to begin living a healthier lifestyle, it takes a joint effort by both fitness center managers and patrons to reduce the health risks that can be inherent in these environments. By using hygienic cleaning strategies and also promoting healthy hand hygiene habits among customers, gym managers can significantly reduce risks associated with the spread of dangerous germs.

Peter J. Sheldon Sr., CBSE, brings over 20 years of experience in the Building Services Contracting industry to his position as Vice President of Operations and Development of Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System®. Sheldon works closely with the Coverall sales and operations teams to spearhead initiatives that further the Company’s strategic objectives and help the Company develop the most efficient and innovative cleaning processes available. Sheldon is among the elite group of building service professionals to qualify for the Certified Building Service Executive designation.

Sure, you are growing your Mo (or mustache in support of November’s Prostate Cancer Awareness month) but do you know that prostate cancer is not just a disease that affects old dudes? No, most men afflicted are in their 50s. Did you also know that prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men in the U.S.?

You might believe that you know enough about prostate cancer in order to recognize the signs and symptoms if they affected you or someone you love. However, doctors and cancer experts worry about the popular prostate cancer myths might negatively impact your awareness or decisions about taking pro-active decisions about your health. For instance:

Myth #1. Prostate cancer treatment causes impotence

Although it is a fact that 50% of all men who undergo prostate cancer treatment will experience problems with erectile dysfunction, it can be only temporary. A talk with your doctor will inform you on the risks and shed light on popular erectile dysfunction medications, like Cialis, Viagra and Levitra. These drugs don’t come cheap so purchasing Canadian drugs online at heavily discounted rates may be an option. Men that undergo surgery or radiation have experienced potency issues due to the damage to nerves and blood vessels (the same nerves and blood vessels that control erection), as well as lower sex drive due to hormone therapy. However the side effects of surgery, radiation and hormone therapy, typically subside within a year following treatment. Erectile-stimulating drugs can also be prescribed by your doctor until normal erectile function returns.

The risk: If a man believes he will have to live impotent as a result of prostate cancer, he may refuse treatment altogether and increase his risk of death when in actuality only 50% of men suffer erectile issues, temporarily in the 6 to 12 months following prostate cancer treatment.

Myth #2. Prostate cancer is a disease that affects elderly men only

Most people think that only senior men (65 years or older) are at risk for prostate cancer. That’s why when men in their 40s and 50s are diagnosed people think it’s rare or not common.

The risk: If a man believes that you have to be a senior to be at risk of prostate cancer, he may ignore the symptoms of the disease or think that he doesn’t have to worry and avoid or delay treatment if he’s diagnosed.

Myth #3. The symptoms of prostate cancer are obvious

Unfortunately, this is not the case. Prostate cancer in the early stages typically shows zero symptoms. The symptoms, most commonly urinary tract and back issues, become evident only when you are in the advanced stages of the disease and by then the cancer is treatable to prolong life, but no longer curable.

The risk: If you are only looking for the obvious symptoms, you may avoid annual prostate screens. That’s why awareness events like Movember exist, to remind men (aged 40 and up) to get their prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood levels checked annually.

Myth #4. People don’t die of prostate cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 240,000 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011. Still, many men believe that no one man ever dies of prostate cancer.

The risk: The good news is that in most cases, if a doctor catches prostate cancer early on, it’s not only treatable, but curable. However, it’s still the second leading cancer killer for American men. Risk of death occurs if your doctor catches prostate cancer early on and you avoid treatment in belief that the disease can’t kill you.

Bernice Spradlin is an avid hiker and runner. She works at a gym in
Brooklyn, New York, where she gets great inspiration for her freelance
health-related articles and blogs. In her off time, you can often find
Bernice jogging the East River path along the waterfront and enjoying
the cool breeze. Bernice is currently looking for freelance writing
work, and can be contacted at BerniceG.Spradlin@gmail.com

Editor’s Note: If you’re interested in submitting a guest post, please click the “guest post” tab at the top of this blog’s main page. You’ll find submission guidelines. Facts, opinions, research and advice from our guest writers cannot substitute for a visit to your family physician.

In men, a similar shift takes place, only in men, the change is more gradual, and so men will often ignore and dismiss symptoms or simply attribute them to getting older. This change is referred to as andropause or “male menopause.” Symptoms of andropause include muscle loss, weight gain, fatigue, irritability, depression, erectile dysfunction, low libido and yes, hot flashes.

Here are some natural ways that men can avoid hot flashes:

Lose the spare tire – Weight gain, estrogen and hot flashes are all very closely related. Hot flashes are typically caused by elevated estrogen levels. Men who have high estrogen levels are more prone to weight gain. Conversely, men who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience elevated estrogen levels. While relationship between weight and hormonal imbalance is still not entirely understood, many studies suggest that men who exercise regularly can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

Avoid these trigger foods – Hot flashes can also be caused by diet. For instance, spicy foods, such as peppers, curry and chili, can overstimulate nerve endings and cause blood vessels to dilate, resulting in a hot flash. Simple sugars and carbohydrates are also well-known triggers. Sugars and carbs trigger hot flashes by elevating blood sugar, which causes a spike in body temperature. In an effort to cool itself down, the body attempts to “flush” out the heat. Alcohol is another big one. A drink here and there is fine. But excessive alcohol consumption actually raises levels of estrogen within the blood over time, making you more susceptible to symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as estrogen.

Balance hormones naturally – While exercise and diet play a critical role in the management of andropausal symptoms, sometimes lifestyle changes aren’t enough. If you’ve tried hitting the gym and you’ve made it a point to eat the right foods and you’re still not feeling your best, your hormones may require a little extra push to get you back to 100 percent. Restoring hormone balance is easier than you might think and many men notice significant results within the first few weeks of treatment. Men who think that they might require hormone replacement therapy are urged to consult speak with their physician about finding a treatment option that’s right for them.

This post was written by Dr. Bruce Thomas, Sterling Bioidentical Hormones expert. Dr. Thomas is part of BodyLogicMD, a network of physicians across the country who focus on bioidentical hormones to help with symptoms of menopause, andropause (the male menopause), adrenal fatigue, and more negative effects of aging.

For more information, please visit BodyLogicMD

Learn about bioidentical hormones

Adrenal fatigue is explained