BodyLogicMD Doctors Declare Independence from Disease through Prevention

PHOENIX, AZ. - June, 2010 ? Benjamin Franklin once said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." While they might not be "Founding Fathers," the bioidentical hormone doctors at BodyLogicMD, the nation's largest network of highly trained physicians specializing in bioidentical hormone therapy, are Pioneers of preventive medicine, and they all agree that prevention of diseases is paramount.

With June's focus on men's health during National Men's Health awareness month, BodyLogicMD affiliated physicians urge men to put their health first and take part in early screenings and regular checkups to ward of disease and optimize their overall health.

Men are oftentimes reluctant to admit when something is bothering them. This especially holds true for their health. In fact, according to The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men's Health, approximately 30 percent of American men don't have a regular doctor. We've become a nation that takes better care of our cars than our bodies. How many of us would go five or 10 years without changing the oil or checking the fluids? We can only hope our bodies are more forgiving than most automobiles.

"Most men aren't aware that many of the changes that occur as they age are well within the realm of prevention," shares Phoenix bioidentical hormones expert Eric Honing, M.D. "There are many things that men can do to minimize their risk of age-related health challenges and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity and atherosclerosis. Health complications oftentimes feed into one another and what starts out as a minute deficiency can quickly spiral out of control and lead to more serious health conditions."

Regular checkups and preventive screenings are the key to aging gracefully and living better, longer. Here are BodyLogicMD affiliated doctor's recommendations for men to take charge of their health:

• Hormonal health - Hormones aren't just for women. The majority of symptoms that men complain about as they get older are largely due to underlying hormonal imbalances, namely testosterone deficiencies. Waning levels of testosterone can lead to low libido, depression, fatigue, weight gain, irritability and can even cause inflammation - which has been linked to heart disease and various types of cancer. It's recommended that men have their hormone levels tested annually, especially for men age 40 and older.

• Routine physical - Men between the ages of 40 and 50 should schedule a routine physical every two years and once a year for men in their 50's and beyond. Routine physicals are an excellent way for men to keep their bodies in check and it's also a great time to talk with your doctor about unresolved issues, such as weight gain, fatigue, depression and sexual health problems, such as erectile dysfunction and impotence.

• Prostate health - Beginning at age 50, men should undergo prostate screenings, such as digital rectal examinations and PSA blood tests to monitor prostate function and health.

• Colon health - Colon cancer is third most commonly diagnosed malignancy in the U.S. However, thanks to the prevalence screenings such as fecal occult blood tests, colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies, incidences of colorectal cancer have steadily decreased over the past 15 years. The frequency of screenings relies on medical history, family history and other pre-existing risk factors.

• Testicular health - Testicular self-exams save lives. Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer among men between the ages of 15 and 35 years old and can also occur in men well into their 40's, 50's and 60's. Self-examinations should be performed on a monthly basis and men should also consider a thorough testicular examine by a healthcare professional at annual checkups.

• Heart health - When it comes to heart health, many factors come into play. It's important for men to closely monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels as the combination of high cholesterol and high blood pressure could be predictive of atherosclerosis, and sometimes stroke and heart attack. Men should have their blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked every 1 to 2 years.

While all this information can seem like a daunting task, it is critical for men to take care of their health now, to spare themselves of disease and health challenges later on in life.

"What it all boils down to is prevention," stresses Dr. Honing. "It's paramount that men are as proactive as possible when it comes to their health and well-being. I tell my patients that becoming the CEO of their own body is the best they can give themselves. The key to feeling better and living longer is thinking two steps ahead. By taking charge of our health now and taking a defensive stand against disease, we're minimizing the prospect of unnecessary surgeries and medications."

More about Dr. Honing

Dr. Eric Honing graduated from the University of British Columbia School of Medicine in 1992. He completed his internship and residency at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona in 1995. Dr. Honing is a Diplomat of the Board of Anti-Aging Medicine, is board certified in Family Practice and Certified Sports Medicine, and is an active member of the Fellowship for Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.