Men: Heed Warning Signs of Heart Attack

It’s well known that more men have heart attacks than women, but many men ignore their cardiac health or don’t recognize warning signs. To further complicate matters, cardiologists can’t diagnose heart disease until the condition is advanced enough to cause high cholesterol or a blockage – problems that increase the risk of heart attack.

Most heart disease is coronary heart disease, in which arterial plaque build-up narrows blood vessels, lessening the amount of blood and oxygen that reaches the heart. While most men don’t have heart attacks until later in life – the average man gets his first heart attack at age 65 – plaque has been found in the hearts of 20-year-olds. That means that arterial plaque can build up for decades before men develop major problems.

Continue Reading: Men: Heed Warning Signs of Heart Attack

What Does Erectile Dysfunction Mean for Your Health?

The topic of erectile dysfunction (ED) is still one that leaves most men searching for the door. Even in the privacy of a doctor’s office, many men in the U.S. are afraid of what that diagnosis might mean for them. Despite these natural fears, it is very important for men and their partners to take erectile dysfunction seriously and to get help.

Continue Reading: What Does Erectile Dysfunction Mean for Your Health?

Study Links ED to Heart Attack

<b>Study Links ED to Heart Attack </b>“></td> <td> <p>(<a href=NewsUSA) – A new study suggests that men experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) need to worry about more than their sex life — in men with cardiovascular disease, ED can indicate a greater risk of heart attack.

The study of 1,500 men, which was published in “Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association,” found that men with both ED and cardiovascular disease were twice as likely to have a heart attack than men with cardiovascular disease, but no ED. And the worse the ED, the greater the risk.

This research only confirms what doctors have known for years — men need to take ED seriously.

The male organ serves as the barometer of a man’s overall health, with dysfunction often acting as a precursor for other existing or potential health issues. Studies have established that men with ED are more likely to develop heart problems like heart attack, cardiac death, stroke and angina, or chest pain. ED can also be an early sign of diabetes, high cholesterol levels and other physical ailments. Even mild symptoms of ED can mean that there are issues in other parts of a man’s body.

Before addressing ED, men should make sure that they are otherwise healthy. Doctors who specifically deal with sexual dysfunction issues, such as physicians with Boston Medical Group (www.bostonmedicalgroup.com), can identify underlying issues that may be causing ED.

Treatment is available even for men with diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancer and kidney or liver problems, who often have trouble taking oral medications for ED, due to potentially serious systemic side effects. Intracavernous pharmocotherapy (ICP) — a small and minimally invasive injection of a combination of FDA-approved medications — may be a better option. Other alternatives include intraurethral suppository and vacuum suction devices.

Sex is an important part of physical, psychological and emotional health. Men experiencing ED should ask their doctor about treatment options — but only after looking for underlying health issues that may be causing the problem.

Dads, WIN Back Your Health for Father’s Day

<b>Dads, WIN Back Your Health for Father’s Day</b>“></td> <td> <p>(<a href=NewsUSA) – Grandmothers might say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but many American dads should be paying attention to another old saying — the one about eating an apple a day. The experts at the Weight-control Information Network (WIN) want to make sure every dad is feeling jubilant and healthy this Father’s Day and for many more to follow.

So, what can dad do to stay healthy? Getting active can help men maintain a healthy weight. Couch potatoes should start with a level of activity that feels doable and then gradually increase frequency, duration and intensity of their workouts. For example, a person could start out walking 10 minutes a day the first week, then move up to 15 minutes the next week, until he meets his goal.

Moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, weight training and swimming for fun. Chores, walking up stairs and playing with the kids count as healthy physical activities, too.

Of course, even with exercise, men need to watch what they eat. A healthy diet includes whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean meats and seafood, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. And even healthy foods need to be eaten in sensible amounts.

Consider the following information about portion sizes from WIN:

- Cereal. One cup, or the size of a fist.

- Fruit. One medium fruit equals a baseball in size. One-half cup of fresh fruit looks like half a baseball.

- Ice cream. Aim for half a cup, about the size of half of a baseball.

- Lean meats and seafood. Three ounces of lean meat are about the size of a deck of cards

- Low-fat or fat-free cheese. Picture four stacked dice -; that’s about the size of one and a half ounces cheese.

- Rice, pasta or potatoes. One-half cup, about the size of half a baseball.

Men whose waists measure more than 40 inches face an increased risk of serious health problems, including high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, coronary heart disease and some types of cancer. Men are more likely than women to carry extra weight around their stomach, where it may cause more problems than fat located elsewhere in the body.

For more information, see the WIN brochure “Getting on Track.” For a free copy, visit www.win.niddk.nih.gov or call 1-877-946-4627.

New Treatments Help Cancer Patients

<b>New Treatments Help Cancer Patients</b>“></td> <td> <p>(<a href=NewsUSA) – Men facing a diagnosis of prostate cancer have more treatment options than ever before, according to the American Society for Radiation Oncology.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. The American Cancer Society reports that, in 2008, one-quarter of all cancer diagnosed in men was prostate cancer.

But dramatic advances in treatments are allowing more men to beat the disease. Nearly 99 percent of men with prostate cancer now live five years or more after diagnosis.

Since there are several options, it’s important to discuss all the treatment methods with a radiation oncologist, a physician who specializes in treating diseases with radiation therapy, and a urologist, a surgeon who specializes in the urinary tract. They’ll help you decide which treatment plan is best for you. Possibilities include surgery, external beam radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy or prostate brachytherapy.

Sometimes, a combination of treatments proves to be the best way to fight prostate cancer. For instance, some men choose surgery followed by external beam radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy.

External beam radiation therapy involves a series of daily treatments that accurately deliver radiation to the prostate. This method often succeeds in treating cancer. Types of external beam radiation therapy include three dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and proton beam therapy.

Brachytherapy involves treating the cancer by inserting radioactive sources into the gland itself. Seed implants are given by inserting small metal seeds of radioactive iodine or palladium directly into the prostate while the patient is under anesthesia.

In discussing treatment plans with your cancer specialists, be sure to keep your lifestyle in mind. Remember, every man’s cancer and lifestyle are unique. Discussions with several specialists can help you decide on the most effective and suitable treatment for your lifestyle and condition.

The American Society for Radiation Oncology has a brochure to help men and their families better understand their treatment options. Visit www.rtanswers.org or call 1-800-962-7876 for a free copy.

Proton Therapy: A Success Story Made Known on the Today Show

<b>Proton Therapy: A Success Story Made Known on the Today Show</b>“></td> <td> <p>(<a href=NewsUSA) – Proton therapy, a radiation therapy that is growing in popularity among cancer patients, promises astounding results. Thanks to NBC correspondent George Lewis’ “prostate diary” report on The Today Show, Americans now know more about the advantages of proton therapy.

“I went on a radiation vacation,” stated NBC’s Lewis.” If you’re a guy worried about your male components, limiting collateral damage is an important consideration and a major selling point for the advocates of proton therapy.”

Dr. Jerry Slater, head of radiation medicine at Loma Linda University in Southern California, is fond of putting it this way: “Unlike conventional radiation, proton radiation has a well-defined high dose area which can be manipulated to precisely surround an irregularly shaped target.” The result? Protons destroy cancerous cells without damaging healthy cells.

Prostate cancer patients like Lewis, who did his homework, decided proton treatment at Loma Linda was his best option to avoid the side effects he was concerned about.

Another good example is children with cancer, who frequently experience devastating side effects from conventional radiation, such as growth inhabitation, can develop normally after receiving proton therapy treatment. It’s no wonder the nation’s five proton centers cannot keep up with patient demand. As Lewis reported, some patients with limited health care coverage, or patients from abroad, have been willing to personally supplement reimbursement to gain the advantages of proton therapy.

Medicare and most private health insurers cover the costs of proton therapy procedures. A vast majority of cancer patients agree on one thing -; technologies that promote faster healing with fewer side effects prove priceless.

From a physician’s perspective, the aim is to “do no harm” -; however, radiation therapists know that traditional radiation can destroy healthy cells and tissue. In most cases, radiation oncologists cannot deliver enough radiation to destroy tumors without compromising patient health.

In contrast, proton therapy can help patients not only survive cancer, but offer hope for a cure in addition to returning to a normal life afterwards. Lewis said he sailed through nine weeks of proton therapy. “Today, I feel great, and my 40 inch waistline is shrinking as I work on eating less and exercising more.”

For more information, call 800-protons (776-8667) or visit www.proton-therapy.org or www.protons.com.

Know the Facts About Colon Cancer – It Could Save Your Life

<b>Know the Facts About Colon Cancer – It Could Save Your Life</b>“></td> <td> <p>(<a href=NewsUSA) – Colon cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United Sates, yet it is a preventable and treatable disease if diagnosed in its early stages.

As a cancer that almost always develops from abnormal growths, called polyps, in the colon or rectum, screening through a method known as a colonoscopy saves lives by detecting and removing the polyps before they become cancerous.

In celebration of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is dispelling the myths so you have the facts about colon cancer.

Myth: Colon cancer only affects men. According to Dr. Grace Elta, president of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, colon cancer affects both men and women. More than 26,000 women die every year from colon cancer. A more reliable indicator is actually age. In fact, your age is the single most important risk factor. As a result, both men and women should undergo testing for the disease starting at age 50. For individuals 65 and older, Medicare will cover the cost of colonoscopy screening. Still not convinced? A 2007 study showed a 5 percent drop in colon cancer deaths per year, and prevention was among the key factors credited for the decline. So, talk to your doctor about your screening options.

Myth: You don’t need to be screened for colon cancer if you feel fine. Usually there are no symptoms to rely on. When there are symptoms, the cancer may be at an advanced stage. When colon cancer is caught early, most people can be cured. If, however, warning signs are present, they may include: blood in stools, a change in the pattern or frequency of bowel movements, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss. While these symptoms may be caused by other benign conditions, you should consult your doctor.

Myth: You don’t need to get screened if there is no family history of colon cancer. Most people with colon cancer do not have a family member with the disease. In fact, only 10 to 20 percent of people who have colon cancer have a family member who has also had it.

To learn more about the disease or to find a qualified physician in your area, visit www.screen4coloncancer.org.

Pontiac Game Changing Performance Award Hits $1 Million Mark in Scholarships

<b>Pontiac Game Changing Performance Award Hits $1 Million Mark in Scholarships</b>“></td> <td> <p>(<a href=NewsUSA) – The one-of-a-kind, fan-voted Pontiac Game Changing Performance scholarship award is gearing up for another exciting season of NCAA college sports action.

As the official performance machines of the NCAA, Pontiac continues to capture the excitement of NCAA competition and inspire passionate fans to support their favorite schools.

The Pontiac Game Changing Performance program acknowledges NCAA teams and their schools for outstanding athletic accomplishments and team-based achievements by providing resources for university programs and recognition for student athletes. Since the program’s inception, Pontiac has donated more than $1 million dollars to NCAA institutions.

“There are tangible benefits for everyone involved, including college sports fans and especially the students who gain the most in the form of scholarship contributions from Pontiac,” said Chris Hornberger, Pontiac Advertising Manager. “And as GM’s performance division, Pontiac is able to recognize great athletic performances and support NCAA institutions through programs like Game Changing Performance.”

The award invites fans to select the defining moment of the game or even the season during NCAA Division I Football and the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament. Weekly winning schools of the football season and Men’s Basketball Tournament receive a $5,000 contribution to their general scholarship fund and the chance to be awarded the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year. The overall winning performance from each sport earns a contribution of $100,000 from Pontiac to its general scholarship fund. The winning school from each round of the Women’s Basketball Tournament receives a $5,000 scholarship.

Last year, Auburn University was awarded the NCAA Football Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year. “Auburn University and the Auburn Athletics Department are extremely grateful for the $100,000 scholarship that went toward the University’s General Scholarship Fund. The generous contribution by Pontiac has benefited countless Auburn students and will continue to impact Auburn students for years to come. We are thankful to Pontiac for their contribution to college athletics and support of educational opportunities for students across the country,” said Jay Jacobs, Director of Auburn Athletics.

Pontiac contributes even more by awarding a $5,000 scholarship to a college sports fan each week during the football season and the Men’s Basketball Tournament.

In total, close to $400,000 in scholarships are awarded each year to NCAA institutions by Pontiac.

“As we enter our fourth year of the program, I’m looking forward to watching all the game-changing moments on the playing field and creating life-changing moments for NCAA students with more general scholarship contributions from Pontiac,” said Hornberger.

For more information, visit Pontiac.com/ncaa.

Survey Reveals Current Trends in Men’s Health

<b>Survey Reveals Current Trends in Men’s Health</b>“></td> <td> <p>(<a href=NewsUSA) – Men in the United States may not be as healthy as they say they are. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate cases of testicular and colorectal cancer have been on the rise for more than a decade. According to a recent survey commissioned by the American Academy of Family Physicians and conducted by Harris Interactive, almost one in five men age 55+ have not received the recommended screening for colon cancer. And, while 79 percent of the men surveyed said they are in excellent, very good or good health, 42 percent have been diagnosed with at least one of the following chronic conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, cancer or diabetes.

One of the biggest obstacles to improving men’s healthcare is men themselves, the survey indicates. Among the findings:

* Twenty-nine percent of men said they wait as long as possible before seeing a doctor when they feel sick, are in pain or are concerned about their health.

* Men spend an average of 19 hours a week watching television, and more than 4 hours a week watching sports, but only 38 percent of men exercise on a regular basis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 71 percent of men are overweight.

But not all is bad news. Among those men surveyed who indicated they had a spouse/significant other, 78 percent said their spouse or significant other has influence over their decision to go to the doctor. But, what kind of doctor should a man see?

The Academy of Family Physicians recommends that all men have a personal family physician who knows their medical history and is their first point of contact for medical care.

In addition to diagnosing and treating illnesses, family physicians provide routine checkups, health-risk assessments, immunization and screening tests, and personalized counseling on healthy lifestyle choices. They also manage chronic illnesses and coordinate care, when necessary, with other specialists.

For more information on men’s health, visit www.familydoctor.org. For survey methodology, please contact the Academy of Family Physicians Public Relations Department.

ATVs Make Ideal Gifts For Dads

<b>ATVs Make Ideal Gifts For Dads</b>“></td> <td> <p>(<a href=NewsUSA) – Shopping for Dad can be a tough order to fill. For a versatile present that really will get his excitement revving, consider an all-terrain vehicle.

Family fun is perhaps the greatest gift that you can give, and ATVs serve it up in spades. Whizzing through forests or racing down back-country trails can be an experience that Dad and your family may never forget.

Some models, such as the Sportsman X2, even feature seating for two people, so multiple family members can come along on a single ride. The second seat folds into the vehicle’s rear cargo box, so when Dad is riding alone, he’s got plenty of space for extra cargo or gear, making the vehicle an ideal accessory for hunting or camping.

ATVs can provide more than fun, however. In addition to their uses for recreational activities, these versatile vehicles also can serve utilitarian purposes.

ATVs built by Polaris, for instance, can be fitted with a variety of attachments, such as plows, mowers and winches. Mowing the lawn or plowing the driveway can be fast and easy with the aid of an ATV, so Dad won’t have to suffer through any more back-breaking shoveling or yard work.

To view a wide selection of ATV models, including the Sportsman X2, or to shop for a variety of ATV accessories, visit www.polarisindustries.com.
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