Issue Date: June 10, 2001
MEN'S BRIEFS
Talk about your midlife crisis
The "internal softening" of men over 40 (caused by decreased testosterone and increased estrogen levels) often provokes panic, but a psychologist says midlife should be a new beginning, not a crisis. "Kiss a fond goodbye to the past. Let go of failed dreams and go forward," says James Sniechowski, who focuses on male issues and has co-written "Be Loved for Who You Really Are", due this fall.
To weather a midlife crisis, he says, talk it out: Seek counseling, join a men's group, confide in your spouse or, in extreme cases, ask your doctor about medication.
And here's a hot flash for men 40 to 55: If you're tired, forgetful, irritable, depressed and gaining weight, you may be going through "the change," or so-called male menopause. Jed Diamond, author of "Surviving Male Menopause: A Guide for Women and Men", says this period brings hormonal, physiological, sexual and spiritual changes. It doesn't get the attention of women's menopause because men are often in denial and don't seek information. To relieve the symptoms, Diamond says, stay physically fit, eat right, reduce stress, check your hormone levels, explore your life calling and embrace mature sexuality.
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A very manly office
It's a match made in Congress: a federal Office of Men's Health to pair with the existing Office of Women's Health. Supporters predict broad bipartisan support will OK the outreach-focused office by year's end.
One sponsor, Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif., has a personal interest in health outreach to men: He was diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer three years ago and, because it was detected early, is in full remission today. "Duke was shot down in Vietnam," a spokesperson says, "but he ranks cancer right up there with his scariest experiences. He wants to get the word out."
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Even up the odds
Cancer kills 50% more men than women each year, and heart disease takes twice as many male lives as female. The numbers are even more lopsided for minority men: African Americans have the worst prostate cancer rate in the world.
But early, regular screening tests could significantly lower death rates, especially in high-risk groups.
Screening recommendations vary, sometimes widely, among reputable groups because each does its own cost/ benefit analysis, says USA WEEKEND Contributing Editor Tedd Mitchell, M.D. "I favor more and earlier screening, with less emphasis on cost saving," says Mitchell, who tells patients at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas:
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Men over 40 need
Annual exam, including history and physical, with checks on height, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, nutrition, fitness, stress.
Men over 45 also need
Annual rectal exam of prostate, PSA test, digital rectal exam for colorectal cancer, stool cards for intestinal bleeding. Every 3 years: flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Smokers also need
Annual chest X-ray (sensitive CT scans soon may replace them).
Free screenings will be offered during national Men's Health Week, June 11-17. Get local plans from the Men's Health Network at 202-543-6461 or menshealthnetwork.org.
-- Frappa Stout
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