July 2009
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Men's Health As each year passes, we discover better and more advanced ways to stay healthy. And Men's Health Magazine is there for you every step of the way, helping you to ensure a more healthy, complete life. Every issue comes with insightful articles on how to look good, feel great and take control of your life, providing practical and sound health advice that can add to your vitality and longevity. 
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What All Men Need To Know
Health Guidelines for men of all ages
As for everyone, periodic complete physicals are very important. Men need to be screened for cancer, heart disease, lung problems, gastrointestinal disease, and prostate health. When discovered early, most problems are more easily treated. Your general health and family history are the main factors in a person's life to determine their future. We will provide you with direction and resources on how to live a healthy lifestyle. Most physicians advocate tailoring the frequency of physicals and exams according to your personal & family history of medical problems. After age 50, everyone should get annual physicals. Those with heart disease, diabetes, and/or a family history of some cancers (colon, prostate, rectal) may need to start annual physicals as early as 25 years old.
You should have at least two physicals during your 20s. Men need to be screened for testicular cancer between 18 and 40 years of age. Self exam should be taught & encouraged, as well as safe sex information and screening for STDs. Your height and weight should be checked, which is used to calculate your BMI (body mass index) – a BMI over 25 is a warning sign that means, if you don’t improve your diet & exercise, you will be at risk for future problems such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic low back pain, chronic arthritis of the knees, hips, ankles & feet, and even some cancers. Blood pressure should be checked, and diphtheria/tetanus boosters should be given every 10 years. Your most significant risks for death & serious disease are due to accidents (motor vehicle accidents due to alcohol or recklessness), alcohol/drugs, and sexually transmitted disease. Use of seatbelts and safe sex procedures are very important. Regular surveillance for HIV, hepatitis B & C, and syphilis should be done if you have multiple sex partners. If you smoke, drink alcohol excessively, or use drugs, we strongly urge you to stop. Regular exercise is very important for a healthy lifestyle, at least 3 ½ hours per week of aerobic, core, and strength training is strongly recommended.
Most men in their 30’s & 40’s enjoy relatively good health even with bad habits. Complete physicals in this age group will continue to be every 3-5 years, though more frequent exams may be recommended if you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or certain cancers. You will be seen more often if you are overweight because diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea will start appearing this early, even if you are feeling good. These conditions will cause you a lot of problems as you get into your 50’ & 60’s if they are not corrected early on. Regular exercise and a healthy diet need to be strongly encouraged in this group – they are young enough & wise enough to understand they need to develop these healthy habits early on.
The 40’s can be a time of major change for those who haven’t heeded our advice up to this point. If you are overweight and don’t exercise, you probably have diabetes and high blood pressure by now, and you may have sleep apnea. If you smoke & have a family history of heart disease, there is a good chance you already have significant blockages, putting you at risk for a heart attack or stroke. Those with these risk factors should get annual exams. You will probably be recommended to get a stress test. Those who follow a healthy lifestyle can continue exams every 2-3 years. Screening for prostate cancer starts at 40. This is especially important for African-Americans, who are at higher risk for early prostate cancer.
In the 50’s, screening for heart disease and cancer becomes more intensive and everyone should be getting annual exams by now. Healthy lifestyles are continue to be stressed, especially a healthy diet & adequate exercise. Those with a family history of heart disease before age 60 will need a stress test. Colon cancer screening by colonoscopy starts at 50, even with no family history. Those with a close family member with colon cancer before age 65 will be recommended for earlier screening.
In the 60’s, surveillance should continue on an annual basis. Regular exercise is stressed to preserve mobility, prevent arthritic pain, prevent osteoporosis, and preserve a general feeling of well being. You need to be screened for depression and stress that can start occurring about now as you get ready to retire and perhaps are dealing with your own or a relative’s life stresses.
In the 70’s and beyond – surveillance is more dependent on your own past medical history and lifestyle than your family history. Treatment should be tailored according to your personal history.
 | Men's Health Advisor If it affects a man's health you'll read about it in Men's Health Advisor, the monthly newsletter from the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic. Heart disease, stroke, arthritis, potency, supplements, exercise, injury-prevention - it's all there. |
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Healthnews Straight talk on the medical headlines. From the publisher of the New England Journal of Medicine comes HealthNews. Get the full story behind the sound bites and find out what it all means for you. Every month, you'll read about the latest developments in cancer prevention, stroke, HRT, heart disease and more.
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The biggest threats to men's health are mostly preventable. Here's what you need to know to live a longer, healthier life.
Do you know the greatest threats to men's health? The list is surprisingly short — and prevention pays off. Consider this top 10 list of men's health threats, compiled from statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leading organizations. Then take steps to promote men's health and reduce your risks.
No. 1 — Heart disease Heart disease is a leading men's health threat. Take charge of heart health by making healthier lifestyle choices. For example:
Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fiber and fish. Cut back on foods high in saturated fat and sodium. If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's treatment recommendations. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Maintain a healthy weight. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control. Manage stress.
No. 2 — Cancer Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men — mostly due to cigarette smoking, according to the American Cancer Society. Lung cancer is followed by prostate cancer and colorectal cancer. To prevent cancer:
Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Maintain a healthy weight. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-fat foods. Limit your sun exposure. When you're outdoors, use sunscreen. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Consult your doctor for regular cancer screenings. Reduce exposure to potential cancer-causing substances (carcinogens), such as radon, asbestos, radiation and air pollution.
No. 3 — Injuries The leading cause of fatal accidents among men is motor vehicle crashes, according to the CDC. To reduce your risk of a deadly crash:
Wear your seat belt. Follow the speed limit. Don't drive under the influence of alcohol or any other substances. Don't drive while sleepy.
Falls and poisoning are other leading causes of fatal accidents. Take common-sense precautions, such as using chemical products only in ventilated areas, using nonslip mats in the bathtub and placing carbon monoxide detectors near the bedrooms in your home.
No. 4 — Stroke You can't control some stroke risk factors, such as family history, age and race. But you can control other contributing factors. For example:
Don't smoke. If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's treatment recommendations. Limit the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet. Try to avoid trans fat entirely. Maintain a healthy weight. Include physical activity in your daily routine. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.
No. 5 — COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of chronic lung conditions, including bronchitis and emphysema. To prevent COPD:
Don't smoke. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Minimize exposure to chemicals and air pollution.
No. 6 — Type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes — the most common type of diabetes — affects the way your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Possible complications of type 2 diabetes include heart disease, blindness, nerve damage and kidney damage. To prevent type 2 diabetes:
Lose excess pounds, if you're overweight. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat foods. Include physical activity in your daily routine.
No. 7 — Flu Influenza is a common viral infection. While a case of the flu isn't usually serious for otherwise healthy adults, complications of the flu can be deadly — especially for those who have weak immune systems or chronic illnesses. To protect yourself from the flu, get an annual flu vaccine.
No. 8 — Suicide Suicide is another leading men's health risk. An important risk factor for suicide among men is depression. If you think you may be depressed, consult your doctor. Treatment is available. If you're contemplating suicide, call for emergency medical help or go the nearest emergency room. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
No. 9 — Kidney disease Kidney failure is often a complication of diabetes or high blood pressure. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's treatment suggestions. In addition:
Eat a healthy diet. Limit the amount of salt you consume. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Lose excess pounds, if you're overweight. Take medications as prescribed.
No. 10 — Alzheimer's disease There's no proven way to prevent Alzheimer's disease, but consider taking these steps:
Take care of your heart. High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's. Avoid head injuries. There appears to be a link between head injury and future risk of Alzheimer's. Maintain a healthy weight. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Avoid tobacco. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Stay socially active. Maintain mental fitness. Practice mental exercises, and take steps to learn new things.
Your bottom line: Take health threats seriously Health risks can be scary, but there's no reason to panic. Instead, do everything you can to lead a healthy lifestyle — eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, quitting smoking, getting regular checkups and taking precautions in your daily activities. Adopting these preventive measures will increase your odds of living a long, healthy life.
10 symptoms not to ignore
10 critical symptoms to take to your doctor.
You already know that the obvious signs and symptoms — chest pain, abdominal pain or unexplained bleeding — are generally good reason to seek immediate medical care. But, the not-so-obvious symptoms may leave you questioning whether you need to see a doctor.
Here's a list of warning symptoms worth reading. You may find some of the symptoms surprising. But, be aware of the significance of these symptoms and when it's important to seek timely medical care. It could make a difference in your quality of life and may even save your life.
Don't ignore these symptoms Don't ignore the following 10 signs and symptoms — some of which are not obviously alarming. But, trust that your body informs you of its needs. While some messages are more urgent than others, milder but persistent symptoms may also signal trouble.
1. Unexplained weight loss If you find you're losing excessive weight without intending to do so, see your doctor. Unintentional excessive weight loss is considered to be a loss of more than:
5 percent of your weight within one month 10 percent of your weight within six to 12 months
An unexplained drop in weight could be caused by a number of conditions, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), depression, liver disease, cancer or other noncancerous disorders, or disorders that interfere with how well your body absorbs nutrients (malabsorption disorders).
2. Persistent fever If you have a normal immune system and you're not undergoing treatment, such as chemotherapy for cancer, a persistent low-grade fever — over 100.4 F — should be checked if it lasts for a week or more. If you have a fever with shaking chills, or a high fever — greater than 103 F — or if you're otherwise severely ill, see your doctor as soon as possible.
If you have an immune system problem or take immune-suppressing drugs, fever may not be a reliable warning sign and your primary doctor or oncologist can tell you what would signal a need for an evaluation.
Persistent fever can signal hidden infections, which could be anything from a urinary tract infection to tuberculosis. At other times, malignant conditions — such as lymphomas — cause prolonged or persistent fevers, as can some medications and conditions, and reactions to certain drugs.
Fever is common with treatable infections, such as urinary tract infections. But if a low-grade fever persists for more than two weeks, check with your doctor. Some underlying cancers can cause prolonged, persistent fever, as can tuberculosis and other disorders.
3. Shortness of breath Feeling short of breath — beyond the typical stuffy nose or shortness of breath from exercise — could signal an underlying health problem. If you ever find that you're unable to get your breath or that you're gasping for air or wheezing, seek emergency medical care. Feeling breathless with or without exertion or when reclining also is a symptom that needs to be medically evaluated without delay.
Causes for breathlessness may include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, asthma, heart problems, anxiety, panic attacks, pneumonia, a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism), pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension.
4. Unexplained changes in bowel habits See your doctor if you have any of the following:
Severe diarrhea lasting more than two days Mild diarrhea lasting a week Constipation that lasts for more than two weeks Unexplained urges to have a bowel movement Bloody diarrhea Black or tarry-colored stools
Changes in bowel habits may signal a bacterial infection — such as campylobacter or salmonella — or a viral or parasitic infection. Among other possible causes are inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.
5. Mental status changes Immediate medical evaluation is warranted if any of the following occur:
Sudden or gradual confused thinking Disorientation Sudden aggressive behavior Hallucinations in someone who has never had them
Changes in behavior or thinking may be due to infection, head injury, stroke, low blood sugar or even medications, especially ones you've recently started taking.
6. New or more severe headaches (especially if you're over age 50) Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:
A sudden and severe headache, often called a thunderclap headache, because it comes on suddenly like a clap of thunder. A headache accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, rash, mental confusion, seizures, vision changes, weakness, numbness, speaking difficulties, scalp tenderness or pain with chewing. A headache that begins or worsens after a head injury.
These headache symptoms may be caused by stroke, blood vessel inflammation (arteritis), meningitis, brain tumor, aneurysm or bleeding on the brain after head trauma.
7. Short-term loss of vision, speaking or movement control If you have these signs and symptoms, minutes count. These are signs and symptoms of a possible stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Seek immediate emergency medical care if you have any of the following:
Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of your body Sudden dimness, blurring or loss of vision Loss of speech, or trouble talking or understanding speech A thunderclap headache Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness or a fall
8. Flashes of light The sudden sensation of flashing lights may signal the beginning of retinal detachment. Immediate medical care may be needed to save vision in the affected eye.
9. Feeling full after eating very little Feeling full sooner than normal after eating and having persistent nausea and vomiting that last more than a week are warning signs that should be checked by your doctor. There are many possible causes, including pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer and ovarian cancer.
10. Hot, red or swollen joint These warning signs may occur with a joint infection, which requires emergency care to save the joint and keep bacteria from spreading elsewhere. Other causes may include gout or certain types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis.