Thursday is Thriving Thursday as part of Parks and Recreation Month in July. Our BPH blog, a blog that strives to raise awareness of BPH (prostate enlargement) and help BPH patients live a good quality of life. Our world may be in a state of pandemic, and many older men with BPH are feeling uncomfortable symptoms like Frequent Urination, a slow or weak urinary stream, urges, struggle to start or stop urination, and the sensation of urine remaining in the bladder. Imagine getting up many times in the night to go to the bathroom and losing sleep and energy for the next day. That’s not thriving. However, all hope is not lost for men with BPH. Managing symptoms and getting support from the BPH community and loved ones may help men thrive again.

What can you do if you or someone you know has BPH? Spread awareness. Some people don’t even know BPH by name, even if they are all too familiar with frequent urination especially at night. Encourage men who haven’t done regular health checkups to see their doctor. The sooner you can catch BPH, the earlier you can implement healthy lifestyle practices, one of which happens to include safe visits to the park to go for a walk or jog, to reduce the impact of BPH. Plants thrive in the park from good nutrition and water. If you have BPH, you too should be eating and drinking well. Work with your doctor to plan a nutritious meal that is suitable for you, free of any allergens or food containing high sugar and fat. If you are open minded to traditional medicine, you may consider seeing a naturopathic doctor or TCM practitioner too, keeping in mind any allergies or current medications you may be taking.

Men with BPH can learn a lot from Parks and Recreation Month- the appreciation of staff who keep the park clean and safe is akin to appreciation of the doctors and specialists who keep our community healthy and safe. Learn to thrive regardless of BPH by managing your symptoms and regaining relief and quality of life!