Tsl 08 02 2014

This Issue RSVP

es m ly Ho ter ts 00 uar en 6,0 Q esid n 1 red R ha ve ty e t eli un or D o M PS ex C US Ess To

August 2014

IRONMAN AT 66

RSVP celebrates its 40th year of existence.

PAGE 2 SOLICITATIONS

Don’t become a victim of phone solicitors.

PAGE 4 HOME

Thinking of downsizing?

Consider this.

PAGE 6

Marty Connell, age 66, competed in his first Ironman on July 27. His results were not available by press time.

Local man tackles first Ironman in his Golden Years

By Jon Hochschartner jon@denpubs.com

LAKE PLACID Ñ On the day of this yearÕ s Ironman, July 27, competitor Marty Connell, from the town of Adirondack, turned 66. After 13 years serving as a finish line captain for the Lake Placid triathalon, this was Connell’s first year in the race himself.

Connell said that in this yearÕ s race in Lake Placid, there were 13 competitors from ages 65-70, and only 3 competitors from ages 70-75. Ò The majority of people in this race are 30-35,Ó Connell said.

Connell was racing as part of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Team for Cures, which raises funds for multiple myeloma research. Ò If IÕ m ever going to do the Ironman, this is the reason to do it,Ó Connell said before the race. Ò Taking on the Ironman is not going to cure cancer, but research will.Ó Myeloma, currently an incurable blood cancer, is the second most common blood cancer after nonHodgkinÕ s lymphoma. The MMRF is the worldÕ s largest private funder of myeloma research and has

“If I’m ever going to

do the Ironman, this is the reason to do it.”

— Marty Connell created research models that are serving as a blueprint to accelerate treatments for the disease and other cancers. Connell raced in honor of two immediate family members who have had blood cancers Ñ one survived and the other did not. Ò Being a member of MMRF Team for Cures at this world renowned Ironman event allows me take some direct action in helping to fund the critical research needed for my family and so many others,Ó Connell said.

Jeff Edwards, IronmanÕ s vice president of North American operations, said older competitors were becoming increasingly common. Ò More and more of the folks who are getting older and retiring are

finding hapiness pursuing endurance sports,” Edwards said. Ò We frequently have competitors in their seventies.Ó Edwards said that Ironman volunteers, like Connell, often end up competitors themselves. Ò A lot of folks have been inspired by what they see when they volunteer,” Edwards said. “As a finish line captain heÕ s been in a position to see lots of people fulfill their dreams.

Edwards wished Connell well in the race. Ò IÕ m super excited to follow him all day,Ó Edwards said.

“Hopefully I can meet him at the finish line.”

Speaking prior to the competition, Connell said his three goals were to finish the race, enjoy it, and come out healthy. Ò IÕ ve seen all kinds of things happen to people,Ó Connell said, adding that as a volunteer he frequently had to escort finishing competitors to the medical tent.

The MMRF is the official charity partner of Ironman Lake Placid. The grueling 140.6 mile race consists of a 2.4 mile swim in Mirror Lake, a 112 bike ride through the mountains of the Adirondacks, followed by a 26.2 mile run. Athletes must complete CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

2 - Senior Life

RSVPN ews and Notes

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Summer 2014

Our 40th year!

By Barb Brassard RSVP@logical.net

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Essex County (RSVP) was initiated by Catholic Charities of Clinton and Essex Counties under the Diocese of Ogdensburg in July 1974. It started with one staff member, Sister Madeline Dufore, in an office located at St. PatrickÕ s School in Port Henry. The Moriah Town Hall Office Building has been our location (rent free) since the early years. Barbara Papineau, retired director of the ACAP Nutrition Program, was the next director, followed by Christine Irvine. Patsy Carpenter-McCaughin became director in 1975 and grew the program for 35 years. Patsy retired in 2010 and was replaced by Barb Brassard.

Staff has included Mary Gilbo, Ellis Roderick, Viola LaRose, Anita Brown, Sandy Urban, Ann Glegg, Sandy Beebe, Wendy Manfred, Stacey Stahl, Barb Hume, Dusti Pratt, Ronnie Cunningham, Janet Denney and AnnaBelle Waite. Catholic Charities Diocese of Ogdensburg has been the RSVP sponsor and ardent backer all these years. Sister Donna CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Pictured above, top, volunteers from Elizabethtown are presented awards but Administrative Assistant Patsy McCaughin (far left) and director Christine Irvine (far right).

Pictured above left to right are Karen Miscavage of Clinton County Catholic Charities, Frank Scozzafava, Patsy McCaughin RSVP Director, Carol Ferguson Johnson, RSVP station manager and Edna Coonrod volunteer.

Photos provided

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Senior Life - 3

RSVP From page 2

Franklin followed Father Gratto as our leader and advisor.

Over the years the program has grown and to mark the 20th Anniversary in 1994 a landmark 1,000,000 plus hours had been logged by RSVP volunteers.

RSVP is thankful for all the volunteers who served tirelessly over the years at our partnering stations. RSVP wouldnÕ t be here without our sponsors: Catholic Charities Diocese of Ogdensburg, Corporation for National & Community Services, NYS Office For the Aging, United Way of the Adirondacks, Essex County and the Town of Moriah.

RSVP hopes to be around for another 40 years, working to meet the needs of Essex County and the interests of our volunteers.

In other news, RSVP welcomes Rural Transportation Driver Program volunteers, Norma Manning, Darleen Duffy and Charles Krotz. They work directly with Office for the Aging and Essex County Transportation Department.

RSVP also provides volunteers to Literacy Program and Essex & Franklin Counties. Another new RSVP volunteer Kim Gilbertson recently completed the 12 hour literacy tutor-training course. Director Maria Burke reports that Kim is now ready and equipped with the tools to serve adult learners in our area.

Call 546-3565 or email rsvp@logical.net if you are 55+ and looking to volunteer as a Reading Buddy at Ticonderoga Elementary School, a rural transportation driver or preparing income taxes for seniors during tax season. I can also fill you in on the nearest GrowPictured here is s new Literacy volunteer Kim Gilbertson. ing Stronger exercise class. Kim, a retired teacher, recently moved to Port Henry.

Photo provided

Pictured at top: RSVP volunteers June Turr and AnnaBelle Waite.

Above: Golden Oldie RSVP Staff Patsy McCaughin, Wendy Manfred and Mary Gilbo.

Photos provided

4 - Senior Life

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Summer 2014

Precautions seniors can take when solicited for donations

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harities often target certain groups of people when soliciting donations. Those groups may include past donors and people who have recently attended charitable fundraisers. Such an approach can be very effective. It should come as no surprise that criminals posing as legitimate organizations tend to target specific groups of people as well.

Anyone can be fooled by a fraudulent charity, but such criminals tend to target seniors more than others. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, seniors often make attractive targets to con artists because seniors are most likely to have substantial savings, own their homes and/or have excellent credit. In addition, the FBI notes that elderly victims of fraud and other crimes are less likely to report those crimes out of fear that their families may feel they are no longer able to take care of themselves or manage their own finances.

These factors make seniors especially attractive and vulnerable to con artists, particularly those who prey on well-intentioned men and women by posing as fake charities. But there are steps seniors can take to protect themselves from fraud. * Be skeptical of solicitors. Many con artists will indicate that persons have given to the charity in the past, hoping that prospective victims simply wonÕ t remember if that claim is valid or not. If a solicitor or appeal letter claims that you donated in the past, donÕ t simply take it at face value, especially if you donÕ t recall making such a donation. Get specific information about alleged past donations, checking that information against your own bank

records and receipts. Many donors claim donations as deductions on their tax returns, which also can be used to verify or debunk solicitorsÕ claims. Though not all solicitors claiming a past history of donations are dishonest, this is one way that criminals attempt to create a rapport with potential victims, so such claims should be verified before making any donations. * DonÕ t feel obligated to reciprocate a gift with a donation. Many charities send gifts, be it mailing labels or holiday cards, to prospective donors as a token of appreciation for past donations and as a way of encouraging future donations. Con artists are fully aware of this tactic and may try to imitate it in an attempt to defraud potential victims. No matter if the people behind those mailing labels or holiday ornaments are legitimate charities or con artists, you should not feel compelled to reciprocate a free gift with a financial donation. * Beware of solicitors pressuring you to donate.

Reputable charities should not be on the verge of shut down if you fail to make a donation, so such organizations never pressure prospective donors into making donations. If a solicitor is pressuring you into making a donation over the phone or in person, chances are strong that this person is not representing a reputable charity. In such instances, hang up the phone or, if the solicitor is on your property, politely close the door, ask the solicitor to leave your property and contact the local authorities. * Send donations directly to the charity after independently confirming their address. When making charitable donations, those donations should never be given directly to solicitors. Donations should only be made after you have independently confirmed the charityÕ s address and mailed straight to the organization. Never make a cash donation, as cash provides no paper trail should you want to deduct your donation or should you learn that you were victimized by

Older men and women should be mindful of fraud when solicited for donations over the phone.

a con artist posing as a representative of a reputable charity. * Request personal information not be shared.

Upon receiving a charitable donation, many charities share their donorsÕ contact information with other charities. Such actions are legal as long as no sensitive information is shared. But many donors would prefer their contact information not be shared so they don’t find themselves being inundated with solicitations from other charities. Donors can ask to opt out of having their personal information shared upon making a donation. This is especially important for seniors living on fixed incomes who simply cannot afford to support many causes no matter how compelling those causes are.

Summer 2014

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Senior Life - 5

How to catch up on retirement savings T

he virtues of saving for retirement are extolled from the moment young men and women begin their professional careers.

Such advice is sound, and though retirement is a long way off from the start of oneÕ s career, those professionals who heed these words of wisdom and start saving early are bound to benefit down the road.

But even the best advice can fall on deaf ears from time to time, and many people simply donÕ t save enough for retirement. A 2013 survey from Fidelity Investments revealed just how much financial trouble the average American is likely to be in upon retirement. The survey asked more than 2,000 participants a range of questions on topics, including their health, retirement and saving habits, and found that the average baby boomer, which includes those born between 1946 and 1964, was on track to reach just 81 percent of their retirement income needs.

Those needs include food, shelter and medical care.

The study also found that 40 percent of participants across all generations were saving less than 6 percent of their salaries for retirement. ThatÕ s especially troubling when considering financial planners often advise men and women to save 10 to 15 percent of their salaries for retirement.

Some simple arithmetic and an examination of assets, including retirement accounts and savings, can shed light on how rosy or bleak a personÕ s retirement looks. Young professionals have time to make up for their indiscretions, but men and women over 50 who havenÕ t saved enough for retirement must get to work immediately to ensure their retirement years are comfortable. The following are a handful of ways men and women can catch up on retirement savings. * Start spending less. The easiest way to catch up

on retirement savings is to start spending less. Men and women over 50 know that the sand in their earnings hourglass is running out, and those behind on retirement savings need to make the most of their earnings in the Studies have shown that men and womyears ahead. en are simply not saving enough to fiThat means nance their retirements. But there are a myriad ways for those over 50 to start cutting out any catching up. unnecessary expenses so that money can be used to save for retirement. Examine all of your monthly and annual expenses to find ways to trim some fat. You many want to downsize your vehicle to a less expensive and more fuel-efficient make and model. Golfers can cancel their country club memberships in favor of golfing on more affordable public courses that donÕ t charge hefty annual membership fees. Slashing spending won’t be easy, but doing so is the first step toward catching up on your retirement savings. * Contribute more to your employer-sponsored retirement plan. If you have not been contributing the maximum amount to your employer-sponsored retirement plan, start doing so. This is especially beneficial if your employer matches your contributions. Contributing more to such plans should not

drastically affect your take-home pay now if the plan is a pre-tax plan like a 401(k). * Make IRA catch-up contributions. The Internal Revenue service allows men and women over the age of 50 to make annual catch-up contributions up to $5,500. These contributions must be made to a retirement plan via elective deferrals, and there are additional requirements as well. Men and women over 50 interested in making catch-up contributions to their retirement accounts can learn more at www. irs.gov. * Put more in traditional savings accounts. Though itÕ s best to put as much money into tax-advantaged accounts, if you are already maxing out your contributions to such accounts itÕ s still good to sock away money into a traditional taxable savings account.

ItÕ s unwise to expect your retirement accounts to fully fund your lifestyle in retirement, so you will need, or at least want, a substantial amount of money in savings. The benefit here is the money you put into traditional savings accounts has already been taxed so you wonÕ t incur any bills from the tax man once you begin to use that money down the road. * Postpone retirement. Though itÕ s not ideal for men and women with a target retirement date in mind, postponing the day you call it quits is another way to catch up on retirement savings. Postponing retirement allows you to build a more substantial retirement portfolio while also decreasing the amount of time you will need to rely on that money.

This gives you more flexibility in retirement. In addition, Americans who work longer can increase their Social Security benefit because working longer should allow them to delay the day they start taking Social Security payments. Men and women who can wait until age 70 to accept such payments will receive larger monthly payments as a result.

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6 - Senior Life

Summer 2014

Things to consider before downsizing your home

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nce their kids have left the nest, many men and women over 50 begin to consider downsizing their homes. Downsizing to a smaller home can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, including less home to clean and maintain, more affordable utility bills and lower property taxes. But the decision to downsize is rarely black and white, and men and women often struggle with that decision.

Perhaps the most difficult part of the decision of whether or not to downsize to a smaller home concerns the sentimental attachment many homeowners, especially those with children, have to their homes. The home might be too big for your current needs, but it also was the same place where your son took his first steps and where your daughter lost her first tooth. Saying goodbye to a place that was home to so many memories isnÕ t easy. But thereÕ s more than just sentimental value to consider when deciding whether or not to downsize your home after the kids have grown up and moved out.

Personal finances

Your financial situation merits significant consideration when deciding if the time is right to downsize your home. If your retirement nest egg is not as substantial as you would like it to be, then it would seem as though downsizing to a smaller, more affordable home is a great opportunity for you to start catching up on your retirement savings. But thatÕ s only true if your new home wonÕ t incur any additional expenses that are already taken care of in your current home. For example, your current home may be fully furnished, while a new, smaller home may require you to buy all new furniture because your existing items simply won’t fit. The cost of such furnishings can be considerable. If you plan to move into a condominium, you can expect to pay monthly homeowners association fees, and such

fees are often substantial. So while the condo itself might be smaller, the additional expenses associated with the property may end up making the smaller home more expensive and prevent you from saving more money for retirement.

Real estate market

There are sellerÕ s markets and there are buyerÕ s markets, and ideally you would like to sell your home in a sellerÕ s market. But keep in mind that this might be the same market in which you hope to buy a new home. The nature of the real estate market depends on a host of factors, including geography.

If the city or town where you currently live is in the midst of a sellerÕ s market and you are planning on moving to a location where buyers have the upper hand, then now might be a great time to move. But if you currently live in a buyerÕ s market and hope to move to a sellerÕ s market, then you may end up paying a steep price, even when downsizing to a smaller home. Things may even themselves out if you want to downsize to a smaller home within your current community, but do your homework nonetheless, researching the time of year when youÕ re most likely to get the most for your home and find the best deal on your next place. The advantage men and women considering downsizing have is that they are rarely in a rush to move out of their current home and into their next one. This gives them ample time to make the real estate market work for them.

Space

How much space do you really need? Once the

kids have moved out, couples may feel like all of that extra space is going to waste. But that can be a knee-jerk reaction, and upon a more thorough examination of the space and your needs you may just find that you can put all of that extra square footage to good use after all. If you have always wanted your own art studio, then now might be the perfect time to make that a reality. Always wanted a room devoted to home theater? Get to work on converting your basement from an all-purpose game room to your own private movie theater. If, after considering the space in your home, you find that the extra square footage really is just upkeep you arenÕ t especially interested in doing, then you would no doubt like a cozier home thatÕ s less of a responsibility to maintain.

Downsizing a home is something many men and women over 50 consider after their children have moved out. Such a decision is rarely easy, so homeowners should take as much time as they need before making a final decision to move or stay put.

Summer 2014

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Senior Life - 7

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Summer 2014

Restless leg syndrom affects millions

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illions of people are afflicted with restless legs syndrome, an uncomfortable neurological condition that may lead them to repeatedly move their limbs to find relief. In spite of its name, restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is not limited to the lower extremities, as some of the sensations associated with the condition are felt in the arms as well.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a division of the National Institutes of Health, says as much as 10 percent of the United States population may have RLS. Several studies show that approximately 2 to 3 percent of adults are affected by moderate to severe RLS, which occurs in both men and women, though incidence of the condition is twice as high among women. Although people of any age can be diagnosed with RLS, it is more often diagnosed in middleaged men and women and seniors.

The most common symptom of RLS

is an irresistible urge to move because of uncomfortable, and sometimes painful, sensations deep within the body. The sensations often defy description but can range from pain, aching, creeping, crawling, or prickling feelings. Symptoms may occur at any time but are most evident when the body is at rest, whether sitting down for long periods of time or when going to sleep. Symptoms may increase in severity throughout the night.

Those with RLS frequently experience periodic limb movements characterized by jerking and twitching, which can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Sleep deprivation may carry over into daytime hours and make daily life difficult. Many with RLS also have concentration problems, impaired memory or struggle to perform daily tasks due to exhaustion.

RLS symptoms may vary and change from day to day. Symptoms may subside early in the morning,

but they often reappear and worsen at night.

Considerable evidence points to a dysfunction in the brainÕ s basal ganglia circuits that rely on the neurotransmitter dopamine, which helps regulate muscle movements, as a contributor to RLS. Individuals with ParkinsonÕ s disease often have RLS as well.

RLS may be a genetic condition, as it seems to run in families. Pregnancy, chronic diseases and medications can also aggravate symptoms of RLS. RLS is diagnosed by looking at certain qualifying criteria. Physicians will document symptoms and note when they occur. Treatment may involve a mixture of medications as well as therapies for relieving symptoms.

Medications for RLS may lose their efficacy over time, and doctors may have to work with patients to develop a treatment plan that works.

Aging not always the culprit behind need for cataracts * Diabetes mellitus: Persons with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts than those who do not have diabetes. * Medications: Certain medications have been associated with the development of cataracts. Corticosteroids and chlorpromazine and other phenothiazine related medications have been linked to cataracts in the past. * Nutrition: Men and women who do not eat a nutritious diet may be increasing their risk of developing cataracts. The AOA admits studies examining a potential link between nutrient deficiency and

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any men and women develop cataracts as they approach their golden years.

While aging is the single biggest risk factor for cataracts, there are other factors that can contribute to cataracts, which can afflict people of all ages. According to the American Optometric Association, the following factors can contribute to the development of cataracts. * Alcohol consumption: Studies have shown that higher alcohol consumption can increase a personÕ s risk of developing cataracts.

cataracts are inconclusive, but some studies have suggested there is such a link between the formation of cataracts and low levels of antioxidants like vitamins C and E. * Smoking: Smoking can increase a personÕ s risk for a host of ailments, including cataracts. * Ultraviolet radiation exposure: Persons who arenÕ t adequately protected when exposed to ultraviolet, or UV, radiation have a greater risk of developing cataracts.

When a person develops cataracts, surgery is the only effective treatment. But that does not necessarily mean a doctor will suggest surgery right away.

Cataracts do not typically harm the eye, and delaying surgery does not mean you are less likely to regain your vision if and when you do opt for surgery. Doctors will likely recommend surgery when cataracts begin to impact quality of life, such as making reading or driving more difficult.

Cataracts are often mistakenly considered a byproduct of aging.

But not every aging man or woman will develop cataracts, and not all cataracts are a byproduct of aging. Learn more at www.aoa.org.

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Senior Life - 9

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Summer 2014

Menopause treatment and breast cancer risk

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pon reaching a certain age, women go through the natural process of menopause. This change typically occurs when a woman reaches her late 40s or early 50s.

The transition to menopause happens over several years and results in fluctuations of hormone levels in a womanÕ s body. During this transition, many women experience a variety of symptoms, from mood changes to hot flashes to vaginal dryness.

These symptoms can be so severe they impact daily activities and can impede quality of life. Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, may be prescribed to alleviate the side effects of perimenopause and menopause. However, HRT is not without risks, including an increased chance of developing breast cancer.

According to The Mayo Clinic, HRT, which includes medications containing female hormones to replace the ones the body no longer makes naturally after menopause, used to be a standard treatment for women with severe symptoms. In the largest

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clinical trial to date, a combination estrogen-progestin pill was found to increase the risk of certain serious conditions, including blood clots, heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer. This type of therapy also may make a womanÕ s breasts appear more dense on mammograms, making breast cancer more difficult to detect. When undergone for more than a few years, HRT has been confirmed by multiple studies to increase the risk for breast cancer.

Women concerned about HRT and cancer risk, especially those with a significant family history of breast cancer, generally want to avoid the use of hormone therapies. But what is a person who is experiencing many side effects of menopause that can be so easily remedied by hormone therapy to do? Research into HRT alternatives has discovered a host of natural treatments that can provide relief.

Soy: Soy offers some promising results, especially with regard to relieving hot flashes. Soy is very high in phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. Red clover and flaxseed are other sources of plant estrogens.

Phytoestrogens are less potent than pharmaceutical

estrogen, and scientists believe they do not contribute to breast cancer in the way natural or pharmaceutical estrogen may.

Black cohosh: Black cohosh is a member of the buttercup family and is a perennial plant native to North America. Preparations of black cohosh are made from the roots and underground stems. Black cohosh has long been used by natives of North America to treat malaise, gynecological disorders, rheumatism and other conditions. Black cohosh is now sold as an herbal remedy to alleviate hot flashes and excessive sweating in menopausal women.

The National Institutes of Health awarded more than $7 million to the University of Illinois to study the efficacy of black cohosh and other herbs in treating certain symptoms of menopause.

Dong quai: This herb is in the celery family and native to Asia. In Chinese medicine, dong quai has been considered a Ò female ginsengÓ because of its way of balancing the female hormonal system. As such, dong quai has long been used to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, researchers are unsure if dong quai acts like estrogen or blocks estrogen in the body, as studies have produced mixed results.

Lifestyle changes: Women may need to dress more lightly, use a water atomizer to spray their bodies to cool down and keep their bedrooms cold to alleviate hot flashes.

Vaginal estrogen: If vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse are the primary symptoms, vaginal estrogen rings or suppositories may be necessary.

These provide estrogen directly to the affected area while only allowing very low levels to enter the bloodstream. In turn, vaginal estrogen may not increase breast cancer risk in the same way as other hormone therapies.

Hormone replacement therapy can alleviate menopausal symptoms, but also it can elevate breast cancer risk. Other options are available, and women can speak with their doctors about alternatives to HRT.

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Symptoms of an enlarged prostate

What is an enlarged prostate?

An enlarged prostate, known as prostatitis or sometimes benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is the inflammation of the prostate. What causes the prostate to expand is largely unknown, but the condition has been linked to a few different factors.

It may occur as a result of a bacterial infection or decreased immune function. Others find it is the result of weakening muscles. Genetics and the aging process also play a role in prostate enlargement.

According to Prostate.net, men have a 50 percent chance of getting prostatitis in their lifetimes. Since the condition is so common, some believe that all men could eventually have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate vary in their severity, and a small amount of inflammation can cause major symptoms and vice versa. Information from the United States National Library of Medicine says less than half of all men with an enlarged prostate actually have symptoms of the disease.

Those who do may experience any number of the following: * Weak or slow urine stream * Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying * Increased urinary frequency or urgency

Ironman From page 1

this distance in less than 17 hours to be considered a finisher.

In 2008, the MMRF started an endurance charity program that has since grown to include a select group of world-class events that range from the TCS New York City Marathon to the Empire State Building Run-Up. In 2014, the MMRF Endurance Events Program will raise nearly $3 million with 1,000 athletes, bringing the seven year total funds raised to more than $12.5 million.

* Testicular pain * Pain with ejaculation * Straining to urinate * Continued dribbling of urine * Stopping and starting while urinating For many men, the increased frequency to visit the bathroom is one of the first indicators that there may be an issue with the prostate gland. Those who have slept comfortably through the night may now be rising one or two times per night to urinate.

Many times an enlarged prostate, which leads to an inability to fully empty the bladder, can trigger urinary tract infections. This may compound symptoms and cause additional pain or burning when passing urine, as well as increased urinary urgency.

An infection also may lead to blood in the urine.

Treatment

Medical treatment often helps alleviate the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. A doctor may prescribe alpha-blockers, which relax the muscles around the urethra to help urine flow more freely.

If enlargement is due to infection, antibiotics could be given. Other medications, such as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, reduce the level of a certain form of testosterone called DHT. With less DHT present, the prostate shrinks. If medications do not alleviate symptoms, surgery may be necessary. In some cases, an enlarged prostate may be an indicator of prostate cancer. A doctor may want to run tests to see if cancer is present. Prostate cancer is often very slow-growing, and some people prefer a wait-andsee method of treatment if symptoms are not troublesome.

Understanding enlarged prostate symptoms can help men with the condition feel better faster. Ò We have found ways to get the impossible done with events like Ironman Lake Placid,Ó said Alicia OÕ Neill, director of endurance events for the MMRF. Ò The success of these events is directly correlated to the passion of each athlete who not only takes on the challenge of these strenuous races, but makes a difference in the lives of patients with multiple myeloma. These caring individuals reach out to their friends, coworkers, and family members, who in turn contribute whatever amount they can. It all adds up, and the power of one becomes the power of many.Ó ConnellÕ s race results were not available by press time.

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any men suffer from an enlarged prostate gland. Because an enlarged prostate most often affects men over the age of 50, many younger men may be unaware of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. However, identifying warning signs early can lead to an earlier diagnosis and a more effective course of treatment.

Senior Life - 11

12 - Senior Life

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