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FREE Men's Health Symposium

Health, Wellness & You
Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The urologists of Fort HealthCare Urology Associates are hosting a series of FREE seminars about specific issues related to men’s health on Saturday, October 29 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Fort Memorial Hospital Auditorium in Fort Atkinson. Four topics will be discussed, one beginning at the start of each hour. Each session will average 45 minutes, allowing the remaining 15 minutes of each hour to be open for questions and answers with the physicians. Complimentary refreshments will be provided between presentations. Individuals are asked to register for this event by calling 920-568-5244 or sign up online at FortHealthCare.com/Classes, and select “A Healthier You.”

The Men’s Health Symposium topics schedule is as follows:
• 8 A.M. – “Enlarged Prostate/BPH”, presented by Craig Kozler, MD
• 9 A.M. – “Low Testosterone Levels”, presented by Craig Kozler, MD
• 10 A.M. – “Prostate Cancer”, presented by Christopher Manakas, MD
• 11 A.M. – “Erectile Dysfunction”, presented by Sandra McCabe, MD

Anyone interested in learning more about these health issues and available treatments is invited to attend. Attendees are welcome to come to any one or any number of sessions. Attending all four is not required.

Enlarged Prostate

The prostate is a male reproductive gland. It surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine passes out of the body. An enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older. As the gland grows, it can press on the urethra and cause urination and bladder problems. An enlarged prostate is not cancer, and it does not raise the risk for developing prostate cancer.

Low Testosterone Levels

Also referred to as Male Metabolic Syndrome, or “Low T,” low testosterone describes a group of conditions that influence the level of testosterone production in the body. Metabolic syndrome is a combination of obesity and abdominal fat, unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down, and in men, testosterone production naturally drops every year. These two factors combine to form a problem many men experience – symptoms of low testosterone levels combined with weight gain.

The signs and symptoms of this condition may be difficult to tell from the changes that occur with normal aging. Some of the symptoms may include:
• Sexual dysfunction or reduced sex drive
• Decreased energy
• Loss of body hair
• Depressed mood
• Increase in body fat
• Reduced muscle mass

It is best to discuss the possibility of this condition with your physician. You may be at a greater risk for developing male metabolic syndrome if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or are obese.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the prostate gland. As with any cancer, if it is advanced or left untreated in early stages, it may eventually spread through the blood and lymph fluid to other organs. Fortunately, prostate cancer tends to be slow growing compared to other cancers.

The major risk factors for prostate cancer are age, family history, and ethnicity. Prostate cancer occurs almost exclusively in men over age 40 and most often after age 50. Heredity plays a role in some types of prostate cancers. Men with a family history of the disease have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Additionally, male hormones, particularly testosterone, may play a role in the development or aggressiveness of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms in the early stages. Although advanced prostate cancer can cause some change in urinary symptoms, they are more commonly caused by BPH and other non-cancerous conditions.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), can affect men of all ages, although it is much more common among older men. It is normal for men to occasionally experience erectile dysfunction. However, if the problem becomes chronic, it can have adverse effects on relationships, emotional health, and self-esteem. Erectile dysfunction may also be a symptom of an underlying health condition.

Some of the causes of ED include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, neurological disease, anxiety, depression, stress, tobacco, alcohol or other substance abuse, and other health conditions. Metabolic syndrome is also a risk factor for ED in men older than 50 years, as well as low testosterone or other hormone levels, or physical trauma and injury. There is definitely good news for patients with ED; there are many treatments available to help with this condition.

Doctors Kozler, Manakas, and McCabe are surgeon specialists at Fort HealthCare Urology Associates. The physicians of Urology Associates are experts in the evaluation and care of urinary and male reproductive issues for adults and children. Urology Associates is part of Fort HealthCare’s Fort Medical Group network of clinics, seeing patients by referral or appointment in Fort Atkinson, Cambridge, Johnson Creek, Whitewater or Elkhorn. Most major insurances are accepted including Dean Care, Unity, Physicians Plus and Mercy Care. For more information, go to FortHealthCare.com/UROLOGY. To register for the Men’s Health Symposium, visit FortHealthCare.com/Classes, and select “A Healthier You,” or call 920-568-5244.