Dads to receive special treat on Fathers’ Day
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, La Union – Adult and Pediatric Urologist Neddy Lim conducted a lecture on prostate health and free check-up for male attendees in Bacnotan, La Union on June
11, 2019 and a health treat await Dads this coming Father’s Day at Bacnotan District Hospital (BDH).
A total of 65 individuals attended the activity including the barangay health workers (BHWs).
Dr. Lim said the forum on prostate diseases is part of the Urologists’ Association project to spread awareness on male urinary tract diseases.
BDH Chief Zenserly Pagaduan in pursuing an effective information campaign, acknowledged the crucial role of the BHWs in the dissemination of health information in the community for early diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system, as mentioned in the lectures. It lies just below the bladder, the organ that collects and empties urine, and in front of the rectum, the lower part of the intestine.
It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that empties urine from the bladder.
This gland tends to increase in size as males advance in age, thus, obstructing the flow of urine.
It was also discussed that prostitis or inflammation of the prostate gland is mostly caused by a urinary tract infection and is most common to males less than 40 years old.
Meanwhile, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in males, second to lung cancer. According to the Department of Health (DOH), 19.3 out of 100,000 Filipino males have prostate cancer.
The risk factors are old age, strong familial history, and African-American heritage. Prostate cancer causes pain, frequency and difficulty in urinating; problems during sexual intercourse; or erectile dysfunction.
When blood is seen in the urine or semen; and there is a persisting pain in the back, hips, or pelvis, it is recommended to consult a physician.
This Prostate Awareness Program is done in the hospital quarterly since 2014 to have an early diagnosis of prostate cancer among males in the Central Agri-Tourism Circuit.
Internal Medicine specialist Fred Allison Concepcion also conducted a lecture about hypertension.
These activities are all part of the health advocacy program of BDH and the Province of La Union as a gift to dads in celebration of Father’s Day.
Melanie Holt, GPC Member-BDH/ABN
