Men's Health
When was the last time you visited you health care provider for a routine checkup? Men, more than women, tend to put off important health check-ups until they start to notice symptoms. These symptoms are sometimes seen by men as a normal part of aging and a condition that is treatable goes untreated.While some tests performed during a routine physical are seen as more than unpleasant (digital rectal exam, for example), it does not change how important it is for men, especially those 50 and older, to have regular checkups. These checkups can catch prostate cancer and other diseases at the early stages. Look at it this way--one unpleasant exam per year could prevent you from needing multiple unpleasant treatments for a condition that worsens because of missed routine exams. Do it for your family—they need you to stay healthy. The following resources provide more information regarding conditions specific to men.
Low Testosterone
Low testosterone affects between 4 and 5 million men and yet only five percent of them are currently receiving treatment. Low testosterone can cause increased irritability or depression, fatigue, inability to concentrate, reduced muscle mass and strength, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased bone density or osteoporosis, and increased body fat. Low testosterone can signficantly impact quality of life and may be linked to more serious diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.In order to increase awareness about this important issue, the Alliance developed the Men's Health and Aging in America Campaign. Learn more about this campaign and low testosterone through the materials below.
The Alliance also sponsored an on-line discussion through Washington Post Viewpoint, with Dr. Andre Guay, in order to raise awareness about low testosterone. Read the transcript and find out what Dr. Guay had to say about:
- What low testosterone has to do with aging
- The pros and cons of various treatment options
- Whether or not testosterone can be a sign of more serious problems
- And much more...
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Fact SheetTalking with Your Doctor About Valve Disease
This quick guide to talking with your doctor about valve disease includes information for patients who think they may have a valve problem, as well as for those who know they have valve disease. This resource can help make these important conversations with your doctor a little bit easier. -
Fact SheetValve Disease: Patient Information
This fact sheet includes basics on valve disease--what it is, how you get it, how you know you have it, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated. It also covers broad treatment options, what to expect after surgery, and a list of helpful resources. -
Press Release2009 Task Force on Aging Research Funding
May 2009
Related topics: Aging Research Alzheimer's Disease Arthritis Brain Health Cancer Cardiovascular Disease Caregiving Diabetes Federal Funding Geriatric Training Health Incontinence Medical Innovation Men's Health Mental Health Osteoporosis Other Diseases of Aging Parkinson's Disease Persistent Pain Research Stroke Vision Loss Women's HealthMore than 65 disease groups, not-for-profit patient advocacy organizations, and foundations urge Congress and President Obama to restore a national commitment to medical research on behalf of America’s aging population. In a report released today, the 2009 Task Force on Aging Research Funding calls for at least a 7% increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in fiscal year (FY) 2010 to halt the erosion of the nation’s research base and facilitate medical discoveries to fight diseases and disabilities that disproportionately affect older Americans.
More resources
