Brothers, let’s have an honest conversation about prostate health.

As men, especially as we get older, we have to start taking our health seriously—much more seriously than we did in our younger years. Once we reach our 40s and 50s, our bodies don’t bounce back the way they did in our early 20s. What we ignore now can cost us later. At this stage of life, change can’t be accidental—it has to be deliberate, consistent, and intentional.

This message is especially for brothers around the 50-and-up range. This is not the time to play around with our health. One of the most important things we need to talk about is prostate health.

What is a prostate?

The prostate is a small gland that only men have. It’s about the size of a walnut and it sits inside the body, just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. You never see it, but it plays an important role.

Its main job is to help make semen. The prostate adds fluid that protects and helps sperm move when a man ejaculates. So in simple terms, it’s part of the system that allows men to create life.

Statistics show that roughly one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. While it’s more common in older men, younger men are not immune. By age 80, a large percentage of men have cancerous cells in the prostate—many without even knowing it. African American men face a higher risk than other groups, and the early warning signs are often subtle or mistaken for something minor. That’s what makes early detection so important. Catching it early can make all the difference.

Now let’s be real—we’ve all heard it from the women who love us: our wives, mothers, daughters, sisters. They tell us all the time, “Go get your physical. Get checked. Take care of yourself.” And many of us avoid it because we’re uncomfortable—especially when it comes to prostate exams. Let’s be honest: it’s not something most men look forward to. But discomfort is not a reason to risk your life.

There is nothing wrong with getting checked—even if you’re under 50—just to establish a baseline and begin the process. What’s wrong is ignoring the issue altogether. As men, we have to push past ego, fear, and embarrassment. Our families need us here. Our communities need us strong.

The prostate is a small gland that plays a major role in male reproductive health. Problems with the prostate can affect urination, sexual health, and overall quality of life. Prostate cancer often grows slowly and is frequently detected early, which means many men recover fully—especially when they act early. Even in more advanced cases, treatment options can slow the disease and extend life.

Some symptoms we should never ignore include:

As men, there are certain signs our bodies give us that we should never brush off or joke away. If you find yourself going to the bathroom a lot more than usual—especially waking up several times at night—that’s something to pay attention to. Trouble starting your urine, stopping and starting mid-stream, or having a weak flow that doesn’t feel normal are also warning signs.

Another big one is that feeling like you’re done using the bathroom, but your bladder still doesn’t feel empty. Some men experience burning or pain when they urinate, and others may notice blood in their urine or even in their semen. Pain in the lower back, hips, pelvis, or thighs isn’t something to ignore either, especially when it shows up without a clear reason.

Sexual changes matter too—erectile problems or pain during ejaculation are not just “part of getting older.” And if you’re losing weight without trying or feeling worn down and tired all the time, your body could be telling you something’s off.

Now, here’s the key thing to understand: these symptoms don’t automatically mean cancer. They can come from a number of different prostate or urinary issues. But that’s exactly why checking in with a doctor is so important. Waiting it out or hoping it goes away only gives problems more time to grow. Real strength is paying attention, speaking up, and handling it early so we can stay healthy, active, and present for the people who depend on us.

These symptoms can come from several conditions—not just cancer—but that’s exactly why seeing a doctor matters.

Now here’s the good news, brothers: we are not powerless. What we eat and how we live can significantly improve prostate health. Diet and exercise can lower risk, strengthen the immune system, and slow disease progression. But here’s the key—it only works if we are serious. Partial effort brings partial results. This requires a mindset shift.

We have to commit fully—ten toes down.

That means cleaning up our diet. Increasing green leafy vegetables. Foods like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, spinach, and other cruciferous vegetables support prostate health and help fight inflammation. Berries are loaded with antioxidants that help the body remove toxins and combat harmful cells. These foods are perfect for smoothies and easy daily habits.

Reducing or eliminating red meat is another big step. The more we cling to old habits that don’t serve us, the more we delay real change. If we keep saying, “I can’t give that up,” then we have to ask ourselves—how serious am I about my life?

Exercise is not optional. Every walk, every stretch, every workout strengthens the immune system and improves circulation. Fasting, when done safely, can help cleanse the body and reset the system. Consulting a qualified medical professional—or even a holistic doctor who understands both nutrition and medicine—can help guide the process.

Most importantly, brothers, do this for more than just yourself. Think about your family. Think about how much you matter. Think about the hole your absence would leave. Your loved ones want you here—healthy, present, and strong. That alone should motivate us to fight.

This is about discipline. This is about responsibility. This is about faith in action. Faith without works is dead—and this work starts with taking care of the body God gave us.

Let’s stop procrastinating. Start walking today. Build momentum. Get checked. Change how you eat. Make your health a priority.

Let’s get busy, brothers. This isn’t the end—it’s the beginning. And this conversation doesn’t stop here.