A Pharmacist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Mr Lanre Alege on Sunday called for lifestyle changes to minimise the risk of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).

Alege made the call in a lecture entitled: "Minimising the Risk of BPH" at the monthly Keep Fit Exercise for members of staff of the UITH held at the Kwara Stadium.

According to him, the lifestyle changes include; nutrition, limitation of alcohol intake, exercise, sitting habit, dressing mode and regular sexual intercourse.

He described Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), as a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland.

Alege explained that studies in some developed countries had shown that 50 per cent of men in their 60s and about 80 per cent of those in their 80s suffered from Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).

"The prostate gland is a secretary gland in the male reproductive organ which is a disease common in men aged 50 and above," he stated.

According to him, as the prostate gland expands, it squeezes the urethra or causes the muscles around the urethra to contract, making it difficult to urinate.

"Frequent urination, especially at night, reduces or weakens the flow of urine, difficulty or hesitation in starting urine or holding urine or feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder after urination," he said.

"Consumption of red meat everyday triples the chances for prostate disease. Milk intake everyday also doubles the risk while not taking fruits and vegetables multiply the risk.

"Men should avoid tight under wear, as it impacts on circulation around the groin and heat up a bit. Regular sex is good for the prostate," he said.

The Acting Head of Department, Nursing Services, Mrs Elizabeth Aina, lauded the management of UITH for sustaining the programme.

According to Aina, the importance of exercise in improving the physical, mental, social and emotional build up cannot be over emphasised.

The state Director of Sports, Mallam Tunde Kazeem, noted that the attendance was not encouraging and charged UITH Heads of Departments to encourage their staff to always participate in the programme, considering its importance. (NAN)