The Senior Scene

Prostate health may be an intimidating subject for some men, which can lead to misconceptions about conditions and treatments. Some men may even avoid visiting a doctor because of what they might learn. Breaking this stigma around prostate issues could help prevent complications from conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate.

Under a doctor’s care, BPH can be effectively treated; over 14 million men in the U.S. seek treatment every year.

To help clear up some of the confusion and fear around prostate health, here is a breakdown of five common misconceptions about BPH:

1. BPH is linked to prostate cancer.

Is it? No. While both conditions affect the prostate gland, BPH is a benign (non-cancerous) condition, and the symptoms can typically be addressed with medications and/or other treatment options.

2. Medication and major surgery are the only types of BPH treatment.

Men with BPH may have options for treatment beyond medications that may offer relief without the risk of side-effects that can come with medications, such as dizziness, headaches, sexual dysfunction, and, in some men, an increased risk of heart and eye issues.

Minimally invasive therapies are available. The UroLift System is a minimally invasive procedure that has been used by 350,000 men worldwide. This procedure lifts and holds enlarged prostate tissue out of the way, without cutting, to stop blocking the urethra. The procedure can be performed using local anesthesia in a physician’s office or ambulatory surgery center, and patients typically return home the same day without a catheter. This option may be an alternative to medications and more invasive surgeries.

The procedure is indicated for treating symptoms of an enlarged prostate up to 100cc in men 45 years of age or older. Individual results may vary. Most common side-effects are temporary and include pain or burning with urination, blood in urine, pelvic pain, urgent need to urinate, or the inability to control the urge. Rare side-effects, including bleeding and infection, may lead to a serious outcome and require intervention. Speak with your doctor to determine if you may be a candidate.

3. Only seniors have symptoms of BPH.

No. Even men in their 40s may experience BPH symptoms, so don’t assume you’re too young to talk to your doctor about BPH. If you are diagnosed with BPH, your doctor can discuss treatment options that fit your needs and help you decide on the best approach.

4. BPH-related urination issues will always disrupt a man’s life and sleep.

A common symptom of BPH is frequent urination. This has the potential to disrupt a man’s day-to-day schedule and sleep cycle, but it’s not inevitable. Proper treatment can help improve quality of life and reduce the need for frequent urination, which can make it easier to sleep through the night–yet another great reason to be proactive about BPH diagnosis and treatment.

5. BPH doesn’t affect a man’s bladder health.

BPH can affect bladder health if it’s left untreated. BPH can be progressive and lead to difficulty in urinating, bladder stones, UTIs, and ongoing need for a catheter. This is another good reason to be proactive and talk to your doctor about prostate health.

Source: Family Features and Teleflex Interventional Urology, manufacturer of the UroLift System.

By Kristen Rueb

The fall and winter seasons mean cold, harsh temperatures will be wreaking havoc on delicate, aging skin. Falling humidity levels kick off annual dry skin season—skin tends to have the same moisture level as the environment it’s in, therefore as the weather gets drier, we do, too. Dips in temperature can exacerbate the problem further and mature, sensitive, or acneic skin types are particularly affected by the changing weather. However, with the proper winter skincare routine, you don’t have to be stuck inside all day and fear the chill of the season. Here’s how to keep dryness at bay and maintain irritation-free skin, year-round:

Avoid harsh exfoliants.

If your skin has dried out during the winter months, take a step back from your harsh chemical or physical exfoliants. This doesn’t mean you need to stop using them completely—exfoliation is important for cell turnover—but pumping the brakes for a few days while your skin resets could prove useful. And if you’re still feeling dry, opt for a natural cleansing oil instead of your usual face wash, which can often strip the skin of natural oils.  

Use a low molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid.

This is recommended for its ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water. It helps your skin retain moisture and assists in keeping its surface smooth and soft. It even helps calm redness or irritation from particularly harsh climates.  

Layer up.

In the winter, it’s all about layering—both clothes and skincare. Start with a serum equipped to handle your toughest skin concerns. For maximum TLC, use a regenerative serum after cleansing. Next up, opt for a cream that’s light enough to layer and calming enough to soothe your winter redness. To form a protective seal over the skin and lock in moisture, apply the cream after the serum.  

Apply morning and night.

Don’t forget to use the serum and cream combo in the morning, after washing your face and before makeup, and in the evening, when your face is clean and ready for bed.  

Don’t forget your eyes and SPF.

Our eyes are sensitive to the cold and dry climate of wintertime because the skin around them is particularly thin. Replenish your delicate eye area with a natural, non-irritating, fast-absorbing eye cream.  

Even though it’s cold outside, the sun’s rays are still powerful. A physical sunscreen, applied in the morning after your serums and creams should be part of your daily routine. Use an SPF of at least 30, and if you are out in the sun for long periods, reapply every two hours.  

Stay hydrated, check your diet.

Drinking enough water helps your skin look dewy, plump, and that just-walked-off-the-beach summer glow.  

Our skin is often a great indicator of what’s going on inside. Monitor what you eat and take notice if your skin flares up or feels extra dry after particular meals or food groups. Always consult a physician before changing anything about your diet.  

Kristen Rueb is a stem cell scientist and director of clinical research at Factorfive.