By Melinda Smith
Washington, DC
31 August 2006
 


Workaholics probably already know too many hours spent at the office do not contribute to good health.  A survey of thousands of Americans confirmed the link between too much work and high blood pressure.  VOA's Melinda Smith has more on that study, as well as new findings that daily aspirin may be good for older men worried about prostate problems.

-----

A sample of America's workforce

Not surprisingly, researchers concluded that long days at work also left little time for outside recreation and rest.  Medical experts say a sedentary lifestyle and little sleep put you at risk for high blood pressure, as do poor eating habits and diabetes. 

Researchers say it is a good idea for older men to take an aspirin daily

The condition, also known as an enlarged prostate, causes frequent urination, difficulty in urinating or a weak urine stream. One in four men over the age of 40 are said to be affected. 

Twenty-five hundred white males were in the study.  There was a 50 percent lower risk of developing an enlarged prostate among those who took daily aspirin or ibuprofen.  The study said the strength of the aspirin or ibuprofen tablet did not matter.  Researchers did not suggest older men take a daily aspirin unless it was already prescribed for other reasons.