afpop, Portugal’s largest foreign residents’ association, hosted its inaugural Men’s Health seminar as part of its Movember campaign on November 23 at HPA Alvor.
Forty people attended the information and discussion session, which was presented by the eminent Portuguese urologist, Professor Tiago Rodrigues.
The presentations expelled some myths about prostate issues, outlining the differences between enlarged and cancerous prostates, detection and treatments, and presented a new water-laser technology for easing the problems associated with an enlarged prostate.
afpop CEO Michael Reeve said he was delighted with both the number of people who participated and also the excellent presentation and discussion. “I didn’t know how many people would want to attend such a session on what is a notoriously personal matter for most men. I was expecting a few perhaps but was astonished when the numbers grew and also very pleased that a number of wives attended to show their support,” he said.
At the end of the presentation, the wives were invited to go for coffee to provide a more relaxed atmosphere for the discussion session and, again, Michael expressed his surprise at how open the conversations were. “There really was a very open and often humorous exchange of views and questions, which everyone took part in,” said the organiser.
After the seminar was concluded, HPA provided a free PSA test for any of the attendees who wished to take it, which most of the attendees did.
One concern that Michael Reeve expressed was that the location made it difficult for more people to attend. “We received a number of requests from people who couldn’t get to Alvor, although some attendees did travel quite a way to be there, but we are mindful that this is something that others would benefit from. We are discussing the options for future sessions in other locations, perhaps also in Lisbon in the new year. I’m also working on a list of other potential subjects that we could arrange on specific and general health issues, and we hope to have a plan for 2024 to include other topics and other venues.”
For more information about afpop and the benefits of membership, you can visit their website www.afpop.com, or email them on info@afpop.com
