How Men Can Get Healthier
Stacy Gazan, APRN
Marc D. Colton, M.D.
A new program at NCH is taking a broad, holistic view helping men improve their health and increase vitality. NCH’s Men’s Health and Vitality program was created to help men who may struggle with the problem of low testosterone. Marc D. Colton, M.D., Director of Urology for NCH Physician Group, heads up the program, together with Stacy Gazan, APRN, Specialist in Men’s Health and Sexual Medicine. “We take a more comprehensive, integrative approach,” says Colton. “Many of our patients have multiple issues, so we want to be sure to address them all. We want to personalize and individualize their care.” Many men suffer from low testosterone, a condition that is relatively common and can have far-reaching effects. Recent research shows that one in four men over age 30 has low testosterone, though most of them will not develop any symptoms. Testosterone is a hormone that helps govern sperm production and sex drive as well as building muscle and bone mass. The symptoms of low testosterone can include any or all of these: • Erectile dysfunction . Low levels of this hormone can contribute to a man’s inability to keep and maintain an erection. Many other conditions, such as alcoholism, diabetes and high blood pressure, can also interfere with erectile function. • Low sex drive . While many men experience a decrease in sex drive as they age, a low testosterone level can cause a dramatic drop-off.
help boost health as well. For one thing, he requires the men in his care to start using an activity tracker, such as a FitBit. It’s never been easier to track your activity: iPhones now have activity trackers installed automatically, and there is certainly no shortage of apps to help. It’s important to track your activity so you know you are getting the recommended 150 minutes a week of moderate activity. Exercise is well known to have a positive effect on physical, as well as mental, health. The NCHWellness Centers, with classes, personal trainers, and a multitude of equipment for stretching, strengthening, and cardio, are a great place to start an exercise program. Apps can help patients track what they eat and how much they move. Colton also recommends starting a meditation practice, beginning with five minutes a day. “I’m pretty inspirational,” he says. “I can get guys on the right path on my own.” If you are curious about trying it, look for a class around town, possibly at a yoga studio. If patients need outside help, Colton has a cadre of other health practitioners he can refer to for counseling, stress management, a nutritionist or bariatric surgery for severe overweight. Colton is confident that his multidisciplinary approach is the way to go. “If you just treat someone with Viagra or testosterone replacement, it’s like putting a Band- Aid on a gaping wound,” he says. Gazan adds: “By having this holistic approach, and having patients incorporate diet and lifestyle modifications, it will also optimize the medical treatments that we may offer them.”
• Loss of energy . A common symptom of low testosterone is fatigue, which may manifest as having no desire to exercise, and being sleepy despite getting enough sleep. • Decreased muscle mass . Men with low testosterone levels may notice their muscles shrinking, even if their strength is not decreasing. • Increased body fat . Men with low hormone levels may see their fat stores growing, especially around the breast area. • Decreased bone mass . Because testosterone affects bone production, the loss of it may bring about thinning bones and an increased likelihood of fractures. • Memory problems . Although many people notice a dulling of memory as they age, a low testosterone level can affect memory dramatically. Patients who come to the center for treatment will have their testosterone and other blood levels measured. Although some may need to be put on testosterone therapy or another medicine, Colton emphasizes that there are many other factors that can
• Hair loss . Because testosterone contributes to hair growth, a decrease in it may cause a loss of hair.
For more information about NCH’s Program for Men’s Health and Vitality, or to make an appointment, call the office of Dr. Colton at (239) 624-1160
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