As a man, you’ll need to be more conscious of your prostate health as you age. While this does mean going to your doctor for regular screenings and check-ups, there are still other things you can do to stay healthy.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables is not only one of the best ways to improve prostate health, but to stay healthy overall. Try to add green vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, kale, and spinach to more meals, and limit your consumption of red meat to special occasions.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is linked to prostate cancer, among other prostate health issues. This is why it’s crucial that you maintain a healthy weight. Eating a more balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables will help, but so will regular exercise. Speak to your doctor about a diet and exercise plan that will help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Stay Active

Speaking of exercise, it has more benefits than simply helping you lose weight. Regular exercise has been shown to help prevent benign prostate hyperplasia, a condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged. Studies have also shown that men with prostate cancer who walk briskly for at least three hours a week were 57 percent less likely to have their cancer progress than those who were less physically active. Again, you should speak to your doctor before beginning any rigorous exercise regimen, but even walking for 30 minutes a day can improve your prostate health.

Get Some Sun

Sunlight increases the levels of vitamin D in your body, which can help reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Plus, being out in the sun feels good as long as you wear plenty of sunscreen.

an older man at the doctor

Get Screened Regularly

Finally, remember to speak to your doctor about regular prostate cancer screening, especially if you are African-American, of Scandinavian descent, or have a history of prostate cancer in your family. If you are part of any of these groups, you should be screened regularly starting at age 40. All other men should be screened regularly beginning at the age of 55. Everyone is different though, so reach out to us at WFMC Health about when you should begin your regular prostate cancer screenings.

Do you have more questions about prostate health in Salem Oregon? Contact our friendly staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today!

This post was first published on wfmchealth.org.