Men’s Health

While many families are focusing on celebrating Father’s Day, we hope to use this traditional holiday not only to honor dads and the important roles they play, but to take a look at a variety of men’s health issues.

First of all, several sports figures have been in the news lately, not because of their athletic stats, but because of their  alleged involvement in steroid abuse.   Anabolic steroids, also known as “the juice” have strong appeal, not only to athletes seeking a “competitive edge”, but to young males trying to quickly increase body weight, muscle size, strength, and endurance while speeding muscle recovery time.  These controlled substances which require a prescription are being illegally obtained at some gyms, by mail, and over the Internet.  Acne, liver damage, and increased risk of heart disease are just a few of the side effects.  There are changes in the reproductive system and decreased immune function, increased aggressive behavior, and physical dependency.  Chronic use can lead to painful and sometimes life-threatening physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms including depression.

In spite of the risks, men, especially young men, rationalize steroid use as “leveling the playing field”.  Often, especially during adolescence, self esteem is closely associated with body image.  Given the unrealistic media images of a lean, muscular body, and extremely low percent of body fat for men, there has been an increase in body dysmorphic disorder among young men in particular.  Boys and men suffering with this disorder look in the mirror and see a thin, weak figure when in reality their bodies are a normal size, or even larger.  Action figures like G.I. Joe now have a larger chest and smaller waist and bigger arms than their earlier counterparts.

A few signs of steroid use include:
• Quick gains in weight and muscle growth that don’t seem normal
• Increased aggressiveness and mood swings
• Compulsive weight training
• Jaundice of the whites of the eyes
• Purple or red spots on the body or unexplained darkness of skin
• Persistent unpleasant breath odor
• Swelling of feet or lower legs
If someone you know is using “the juice”, find medical help since “cold turkey” withdrawal is very dangerous.

Because of their increased   levels of growth hormone and testosterone during adolescence, teenage boys can build muscle with appropriate    training and well-timed, well-balanced sports nutrition.  For specific help with sports nutrition, contact a registered dietician who belongs to SCAN, a sub-group of the American Dietetic Association www.eatright.org, specializing in sports nutrition.  And enlist the services of a certified personal trainer who has experience working with adolescents to help maximize results.

Other important men’s health issues include the rising rate of obesity and its related health risks, particularly heart disease and type 2 diabetes.  If you are close to someone whose visits to fast food restaurants are a concern, arrange a viewing of “Super Size Me” ~ a shocking, entertaining and informative award-winning documentary about the fast and devastating health risks of a fast food diet.  Neither of you will ever look at fast food the same way again!

Recent research shows that men who have just three of the five symptoms of metabolic syndrome as defined by U.S. Cholesterol Education Panel are at increased risk for both heart disease and type 2 diabetes.  These factors       include:
• abdominal obesity –  a   waistline greater than 36”
• elevated fasting blood triglycerides
• low HDL (good) cholesterol
• high fasting blood sugar (glucose)
• high blood pressure (hypertension)

In addition, elevated level of the inflammation indicator, C-reactive protein, also indicates increased risk.

Other health concerns for men include consumption of more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day, which can increase risks for liver disease as well as motor vehicle accidents.

Since men have been conditioned to deny feelings and to resist seeking help for mental health problems, they are at risk for under treatment of anxiety and mood disorders and for other mental health issues.  This can lead to difficulties at the work place and impair the quality of interpersonal relationships.   Employee assistance programs and community mental health centers can provide help.

Since sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for a multitude of health problems for both men and women, partnering up for regular exercise can be a mutually beneficial activity.  Going for an early morning jog together, or an after-dinner walk can be a time to share details of the days events, unwind, and move towards a healthy heart as well as a healthy heart connection.
Best wishes for a safe and fit summer!

Information about anabolic steroids for this article was obtained from article by Patricia Amend, M.A., ACE Fitness Matters Journal Volume 11, Issue 3.