Lifestyle changes, support advocacy for prostate cancer
Published:Wednesday | May 1, 2024 | 12:09 AMKeisha Hill/Senior Gleaner Writer
Being diagnosed and living with prostate cancer can profoundly alter a man’s perspective on life. It’s a challenging experience emotionally and physically, often evoking feelings of fear, worry, stress, helplessness, or anger. Such reactions are common, yet there’s no prescribed way to navigate them; everyone responds differently.
Major Richard Reese is a member of the support group Brothers United Against Prostate Cancer. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015, and shared that with support, diet, exercise and lifestyle changes can play an important role in mitigating the effects of the diagnosis. According to Reese, who was speaking at a virtual forum hosted by Wellness Men Mastery, since leaving the military he has been very diligent with his annual medicals, adapting to a change in lifestyle, and becoming a part of the support group.
“I have influenced, I think, about 50 persons so far to either get tested or proceed with the intervention. I really never knew so many of my friends and associates had prostate issues, not until I shared my experience. I realised that almost every second person that you know, in this age group – I am 67 – would have had some symptom or was on some stage towards treatment. So, it is a significant number of persons,” Reese said.
Continuing, he said, “As men, we do not open up, or try to get help, unless we know or hear that someone we know is being treated.”
Reese stressed the significance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, highlighting its importance for all men, whether diagnosed or not. Establishing healthy habits ensures a better quality of life, irrespective of one’s current health status.
“The excesses that I would have engaged in, for example, alcohol, red meat, excess starch, I have now reverted to fish, more vegetables, fruits, [and] grains. I have also reverted to more water. So having been diagnosed with chronic or bladder stone disease, the water and the lime juice mix is now my new beverage. And of course, I drink tea,” Reese highlighted.
The new lifestyle change he shared cannot happen overnight, but you are forced to adapt, given your diagnosis. “I am really forced to make that change. With the hormone injections that I am receiving, there is loss of muscle tone, so I have to now be even more rigorous with my exercise regime.”
Another vital aspect he mentioned is reducing and effectively managing stress. He mentioned the necessity for individuals to find ways to relax, and suggested walking as a beneficial alternative.
“Walking is great, preferably with a group, about three, four times a week, at least. Getting that fresh air; just going out there; and remember that when you are exercising, in whichever form it takes, it allows your body to get tired and hopefully improves your sleep. Your sleep qualities are fairly good indicator of your state of health. If you are not sleeping well, that in itself is a problem,” Major Reese said.