Men’s Health
June is Men’s Health Awareness month. This month we would like to discuss the health issues that all men face. Historically the health issues men face are often neglected and go unnoticed. At Pathways to Natural Health, we discuss the importance of bringing awareness to the health concerns men face every day. One of the most important steps is beginning the discussion of risk factors for disease as men age. During your appointment, the Doctors at Pathways to Natural Health determine the best screening methods in order to individualize treatment plans, prevent disease and optimize health.
As men age, some hormone levels begin to gradually decline, which is known as andropause. During this time men can start feeling symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, low mood, insomnia, and trouble maintaining muscle mass. Declining testosterone is often attributed to these symptoms but can be related to other hormones such as vitamin D, adrenal, and thyroid hormones.
Maintaining health as men age is vital to preventing disease and improving overall well-being. Some aspects of health maintenance include supporting a healthy body composition, mood, and libido. Below are highlights to help men optimize health and support healthy aging.
Resistance Exercise
As men age, there is increased protein breakdown leading to reduced muscle mass and strength. Resistance exercise has been shown to increase and maintain muscle mass during andropause. Resistance training can include using free weights, weight machines, resistance bands, and using one's own body weight. For beginners, it is recommended to train 2-3 times per week. Also, we encourage patients to inquire about personal trainers and consider joining a gym.
Healthy Diet
Lack of adequate nutrition can increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and decrease muscle mass. Through the Doctors' comprehensive approach, they are able to take a deeper look at one’s diet to make nutrition recommendations. The Doctors also utilize micronutrient testing to provide nutritional analysis by measuring functional deficiencies at a cellular level.
Prostate and Sexual Health
In addition to andropause, prostate function is another aspect of men’s health that changes with age. The prostate is involved in fertility and sexual health. As men age, the prostate can enlarge which can disrupt normal urination and erectile function. A healthy diet and exercise are two ways to support prostate health. Additionally, there are nutritional supplements formulated to contain nutrients specifically for the prostate.
Prostate cancer is the MOST common cancer in men in the U.S., with about 1 in 8 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Thus, the doctors at Pathways to Natural Health recommend early screening along with healthy diet and lifestyle changes.
Cardiovascular Health
1 in 3 men have some form of cardiovascular disease and men are continuing to be diagnosed with hypertension at a younger age. Knowing your blood pressure and having it checked regularly is important because high blood pressure can increase the risk of having a cardiac event. There are additional ways to evaluate cardiovascular health. The Doctors at Pathways to Natural Health run routine screening labs and also use advanced lipid testing to evaluate cardiovascular risk.
Mood Support
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Abnormal symptoms and feelings men face can be a sign of low mood or another mental health concern. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, adequate and restful sleep are just some ways to support mood. Stress management is also an important aspect of balancing mood. There are many nutritional and herbal supplements that support mental health, which is why the Doctors take the whole person into consideration when recommending different nutrients.