Why Men Die Earlier And Suffer More – this was the theme of the World Congress on Men’s Health in Vienna where I was a presenter and attendee last month. Certainly there are many arguments against the idea that men suffer more than women, but it is a fact that men die earlier. In fact, for every major cause of mortality that affects both men and women, men die faster.
When you look at cancer, not including gender-specific cancers like Breast and Cervical, men have a 60% higher chance of developing the disease and a 40% higher chance of dying from cancer than women. In fact, men have an increased risk of mortality at all ages, increased risk of heart disease and increased risk of alcoholism, suicide and homicide. In the top 10 causes of death, men are winning in 9 of them.
Why is this? Are men genetically programmed to die sooner then women? Is the joke true that married men die before their wives “because they want to?” The difference in life span between men and women has been relatively unexamined because it has been assumed to be based on biology. But this does not appear to be the case. For one, the gender gap in life expectancy changes across countries and across time as well as by age. The gap was only 1 year at the beginning of the 20th century, but grew to over 5 years by 2004. The gender difference is much larger in African countries where AIDS strikes men at higher rates than women and in countries of the former Soviet Union, where the differences in average age of deaths are even more pronounced than in the US.
Perhaps masculinity itself is killing us. It seems that risk-taking behavior, stress and doctor-avoidance may be the best explanations for the gender gap. It is true that men just don’t go to the doctor. Men are twice as likely as women to say they do not have a usual source of health care, and men attend half as many preventive care visits. This leads to half the opportunities to screen men who for disease processes and risk factors for disease such as high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, substance abuse, cigarette smoking and depression or anxiety. Lack of identification of such risks leads to diseases presenting more often and in more advanced stages than among those who are treated sooner.
Male gender roles may play a part in making men feel that they should deal with symptoms or illness on their own. Just as men typically don’t ask for directions when lost, the male may feel it is not “masculine” to seek help for potentially serious medical symptoms. It remains to be seen whether the metrosexual movement will improve the rate at which men seek care for potentially dangerous conditions. However, to the extent that higher mortality can be explained by avoidance of the health care system, it is incumbent upon creators of health policy and providers of health care to make such services more attractive and accessible to men.
Men’s habits and roles also impact their rates of disease incidence, While women are taking on more and more professional roles previously held by men, in the US, 95% of workers in the 10 most hazardous occupations are still men. Men die in workplace accidents at much higher rates as women, even excluding combat deaths, which were the leading cause of occupational deaths in the US when last reported in 2005.
Then there are non-occupational risks that men take. Men have higher rates of alcohol abuse, drive faster and are more likely to eat an unhealthy diet. Men report higher levels of stress and lower rates of stress-reducing activities. Well, then, one might say that men deserve to die younger. However, when disparities are found in risk-taking among ethnic or socioeconomic groups, the usual response is not to blame the group at risk. The socially responsible response is to take a hard look at how the educational and health care systems may have failed that group and what can be done to change that, which promotes risk-taking.
Social policy also impacts the rate at which men access the healthcare system. There are fewer programs that target men as specifically as women. Men are less likely to be insured and are less able to qualify for public insurance, such as Medicaid, than women with children.
It is dangerous to assume that the gap in life expectancy between men and women is biological. Such an assumption stops us from examining social, economic, behavioral, or public policies that may be contributing to higher mortality. In the United States, Men’s health is largely neglected when looking at health policy. This is not as much the case in Europe and Australia, where entire departments of Andrology exist at many academic and governmental health institutions. Such departments include anthropologists and sociologists, policy advisors and health service researchers. Women have strongly advocated for their own health, leading to increased research, public policies favorable to women’s health concerns and health care delivery approaches that specifically address women’s health issues. Men need to do the same, not to take away such programs for women, but to add years to the lives of their fellow man.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
How to Avoid Recession Depression Naturally
Has the economic crisis got you down? A recent National Sleep Foundation poll found that one-third of Americans are losing sleep over the faltering economy. As the economy continues to spiral downward, more people are experiencing economic anxiety which can easily turn into clinical depression – and, unfortunately, experts predict that the economy will only get worse before it begins to improve.
This wave of "recession depression" is creating a plethora of new patients for doctors, who typically treat depression with a drug like Prozac or Cymbalta. Such medications, however, may cause unpleasant side effects such as sexual dysfunction. Fortunately, there are several ways to elevate your mood and prevent depression naturally.
Herbs & Supplements for Depression
St. John's Wort, for example, is a natural herb that increases serotonin levels in the brain – which is the same mechanism of drugs like Prozac. Last year, Science Daily reported that a Cochrane Systematic Review of 29 medical trials found that St. John's Wort is just as effective as standard antidepressants with fewer side effects. The recommended dosage for the treatment of mild to moderate depression is 200 to 1,000 milligrams per day.
SAMe is another popular supplement for depression. As the synthetic form of a compound formed naturally in the body, SAMe elevates mood by increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine. Since SAMe is a natural compound present in every living cell, it has very few side effects. It normally increases energy levels; therefore, it should be used with caution by those suffering from bipolar disorder, as it may induce mania or hypomania. People with Parkinson's disease should avoid SAMe. The standard dose of SAMe is 800 – 1600 milligrams per day. Keep in mind that not all supplements are created equally. Read all labels carefully and discuss the dosage with your healthcare provider.
Nutrition and Depression
Your diet can have a tremendous impact on your serotonin levels and your mood. Too much protein, for instance, may suppress serotonin. Likewise, excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine often leads to anxiety and depression. Choosing the right fats, avoiding simple sugars and getting checked for food sensitivities can minimize the chances that you will suffer from depression even during stressful times.
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Depression
The typical American diet is high in omega-6 fatty acids (found in refined vegetable oils and processed foods) and low in omega-3 fatty acids (found in walnuts, flaxseed, and cold-water fish). In 2004, Prevention magazine reported that six out of ten people suffering from depression found relief by taking fish oil supplements rich in omega-3 fats, according to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. Psychiatrist Andrew Stoll, MD, of Harvard Medical School said, "These results were huge, and the improvements were obvious. Those who got the supplements slept better and felt less worthlessness and guilt. We think omega-3s help your brain use a feel-good chemical called serotonin."
The participants in the study took 2,000 milligrams of an omega-3 fatty acid called EPA daily. You can get EPA from cold-water fish like salmon, but you'll need to take supplements to get 2,000 milligrams a day. Note: You shouldn't take EPA if you're taking Coumadin or fat-blocking medications.
The Effects of Sugar on Depression
In her book Food Addiction, former food addict Kay Sheppard, MA, explains, "Gummy bears and marshmallow chicks can be vicious killers whose effects can lead to depression, irritability, and even suicide. The terrible truth is that for certain individuals, refined carbohydrates can trigger the addictive process."
Refined sugar is an addictive chemical with no nutritional value. Upon consumption, it elevates insulin levels, which in turn elevate endorphin levels. Like serotonin, endorphins are "feel-good" chemicals. However, continuous, excessive consumption of sugar and carbohydrates will cause the body to scale back its own production of endorphins, causing depression. The body will then crave more sugar and carbs in an effort to get those feel-good endorphins back, but you end up feeling like you're chasing your own tail. Meanwhile, high blood sugar levels lead to heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney disorders. To avoid this vicious cycle, reduce consumption of refined sugars and processed foods and opt for more long-term energy producers like complex carbs found in fruits and vegetables.
Food Allergies and Depression
Food allergies can affect your mood as well. Not all food allergies cause immediate reactions. Delayed food allergies, or food sensitivities, are often difficult to detect, but they can have a devastating impact on your mood. For instance, many people have sensitivities to casein (milk protein) and gluten (a protein in wheat, rye, and barley). Eating foods to which you are sensitive can cause mood changes as well as other symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and digestive problems. A simple blood test will let you know which foods, if any, you should avoid.
Heavy Metal Toxicity, High Fructose Corn Syrup and Depression
Heavy metal toxicity is another common cause of depression and fatigue. Metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic may enter our bodies via the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Tuna, halibut, and swordfish, for example, typically contain high levels of mercury.
In January, Environmental Health published a study which found that nearly half of commercial samples of high-fructose corn syrup contain mercury. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a main ingredient in many popular processed foods, from soda pop to bread. Even many "juices" consist primarily of water and high-fructose corn syrup. HFCS causes many, many health problems and can worsen depression just like simple sugars do. (HFCS is like a turbo-boosted simple sugar). Add the concern about mercury, and you should have no reason to consume any of this dangerous substance.
When heavy metals and other toxins build up in your body, they eventually cause toxic overload, which affects the immune, endocrine, neurological, and cardiovascular systems. Unfortunately, in our modern society, it's impossible to completely avoid exposure to toxins like heavy metals. That's why it's helpful to detoxify your body under the supervision of a healthcare provider at least once a year.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies and Depression
Too many processed foods not only contain toxic chemicals, but they also lack the natural vitamins and minerals present in whole foods. When you eat a diet consisting of organic, whole foods, you're less likely to suffer from depression.
"Fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, anxiety and depression – all can be signs of a B vitamin deficiency," reported Psychology Today in 2004. Alcohol, refined sugar, nicotine, and caffeine all destroy B vitamins. Good dietary sources of B vitamins include dark leafy greens, sea vegetables, nuts, eggs, chicken, liver, and fish. Brewer's yeast enriched with B vitamins is a great supplement; dosages vary depending on the supplement.
A lack of vitamin D can lead to depression, too. Last year a study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that two out of five small children have less than optimal levels of vitamin D. While you can get vitamin D from supplements and fortified foods like milk, the best source of vitamin D is sunshine, which produces the ideal form of vitamin D when it hits your skin. So don't let your kids play video games all day! Make sure that they get healthy sun exposure.
Mineral deficiencies may also cause anxiety and depression as well as sleep disorders. Several nationwide studies have concluded that the typical American diet does not include enough magnesium, and stress further depletes magnesium. A deficiency in magnesium can cause depressive symptoms as well as confusion, agitation, and a host of physical problems. To get sufficient levels of magnesium, eat plenty of dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, and fish, plus at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Pumpkin seeds are also a rich source of magnesium.
Calcium deficiency has been implicated in depression too. Foods high in calcium include dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Your doctor may suggest mineral supplementation; the ideal dosage varies with sex and age.
Candida and Depression
Candida are yeast-like fungal organisms that are normally present in the digestive system. For most people, candida are harmless. But sometimes, usually because of poor diet or use of certain medications, candida can grow out of control, causing a condition called candidiasis. Toxic candida byproducts then enter the bloodstream, where they may affect the brain and cause depression. Candida overgrowth may also reduce magnesium absorption in the intestine, which can lead to depression. Signs of candidiasis include oral thrush, white patches inside the cheeks, and frequent yeast infections. If you suffer from candidiasis, ask your healthcare provider about cadida detox options.
Avoid Depression with a Naturally Healthy Lifestyle
If you want to avoid the rapidly spreading recession depression, it's important to maintain a positive state of mind during these tough times. In addition to the suggestions above, you should exercise regularly, drink plenty of pure water, and stick to a regular sleep schedule. It is vitally important to get a handle on your stress level. Meditation or yoga can help with this. Finally, everybody needs healthy emotional support. When you're faced with a stressful problem, talk to a friend or family member about it. Simply getting your problem off your chest will relieve a great deal of anxiety.
The Akasha Center offers several modalities to help alleviate depression, such as nutritional counseling, serotonin testing, food allergy testing, and several detox programs, including candida detox, sugar balancing detox, and heavy metal detox. Schedule your appointment today, and our experienced staff will help you achieve the happiness and peace of mind that you deserve.
This wave of "recession depression" is creating a plethora of new patients for doctors, who typically treat depression with a drug like Prozac or Cymbalta. Such medications, however, may cause unpleasant side effects such as sexual dysfunction. Fortunately, there are several ways to elevate your mood and prevent depression naturally.
Herbs & Supplements for Depression
St. John's Wort, for example, is a natural herb that increases serotonin levels in the brain – which is the same mechanism of drugs like Prozac. Last year, Science Daily reported that a Cochrane Systematic Review of 29 medical trials found that St. John's Wort is just as effective as standard antidepressants with fewer side effects. The recommended dosage for the treatment of mild to moderate depression is 200 to 1,000 milligrams per day.
SAMe is another popular supplement for depression. As the synthetic form of a compound formed naturally in the body, SAMe elevates mood by increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine. Since SAMe is a natural compound present in every living cell, it has very few side effects. It normally increases energy levels; therefore, it should be used with caution by those suffering from bipolar disorder, as it may induce mania or hypomania. People with Parkinson's disease should avoid SAMe. The standard dose of SAMe is 800 – 1600 milligrams per day. Keep in mind that not all supplements are created equally. Read all labels carefully and discuss the dosage with your healthcare provider.
Nutrition and Depression
Your diet can have a tremendous impact on your serotonin levels and your mood. Too much protein, for instance, may suppress serotonin. Likewise, excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine often leads to anxiety and depression. Choosing the right fats, avoiding simple sugars and getting checked for food sensitivities can minimize the chances that you will suffer from depression even during stressful times.
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Depression
The typical American diet is high in omega-6 fatty acids (found in refined vegetable oils and processed foods) and low in omega-3 fatty acids (found in walnuts, flaxseed, and cold-water fish). In 2004, Prevention magazine reported that six out of ten people suffering from depression found relief by taking fish oil supplements rich in omega-3 fats, according to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. Psychiatrist Andrew Stoll, MD, of Harvard Medical School said, "These results were huge, and the improvements were obvious. Those who got the supplements slept better and felt less worthlessness and guilt. We think omega-3s help your brain use a feel-good chemical called serotonin."
The participants in the study took 2,000 milligrams of an omega-3 fatty acid called EPA daily. You can get EPA from cold-water fish like salmon, but you'll need to take supplements to get 2,000 milligrams a day. Note: You shouldn't take EPA if you're taking Coumadin or fat-blocking medications.
The Effects of Sugar on Depression
In her book Food Addiction, former food addict Kay Sheppard, MA, explains, "Gummy bears and marshmallow chicks can be vicious killers whose effects can lead to depression, irritability, and even suicide. The terrible truth is that for certain individuals, refined carbohydrates can trigger the addictive process."
Refined sugar is an addictive chemical with no nutritional value. Upon consumption, it elevates insulin levels, which in turn elevate endorphin levels. Like serotonin, endorphins are "feel-good" chemicals. However, continuous, excessive consumption of sugar and carbohydrates will cause the body to scale back its own production of endorphins, causing depression. The body will then crave more sugar and carbs in an effort to get those feel-good endorphins back, but you end up feeling like you're chasing your own tail. Meanwhile, high blood sugar levels lead to heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney disorders. To avoid this vicious cycle, reduce consumption of refined sugars and processed foods and opt for more long-term energy producers like complex carbs found in fruits and vegetables.
Food Allergies and Depression
Food allergies can affect your mood as well. Not all food allergies cause immediate reactions. Delayed food allergies, or food sensitivities, are often difficult to detect, but they can have a devastating impact on your mood. For instance, many people have sensitivities to casein (milk protein) and gluten (a protein in wheat, rye, and barley). Eating foods to which you are sensitive can cause mood changes as well as other symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and digestive problems. A simple blood test will let you know which foods, if any, you should avoid.
Heavy Metal Toxicity, High Fructose Corn Syrup and Depression
Heavy metal toxicity is another common cause of depression and fatigue. Metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic may enter our bodies via the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Tuna, halibut, and swordfish, for example, typically contain high levels of mercury.
In January, Environmental Health published a study which found that nearly half of commercial samples of high-fructose corn syrup contain mercury. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a main ingredient in many popular processed foods, from soda pop to bread. Even many "juices" consist primarily of water and high-fructose corn syrup. HFCS causes many, many health problems and can worsen depression just like simple sugars do. (HFCS is like a turbo-boosted simple sugar). Add the concern about mercury, and you should have no reason to consume any of this dangerous substance.
When heavy metals and other toxins build up in your body, they eventually cause toxic overload, which affects the immune, endocrine, neurological, and cardiovascular systems. Unfortunately, in our modern society, it's impossible to completely avoid exposure to toxins like heavy metals. That's why it's helpful to detoxify your body under the supervision of a healthcare provider at least once a year.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies and Depression
Too many processed foods not only contain toxic chemicals, but they also lack the natural vitamins and minerals present in whole foods. When you eat a diet consisting of organic, whole foods, you're less likely to suffer from depression.
"Fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, anxiety and depression – all can be signs of a B vitamin deficiency," reported Psychology Today in 2004. Alcohol, refined sugar, nicotine, and caffeine all destroy B vitamins. Good dietary sources of B vitamins include dark leafy greens, sea vegetables, nuts, eggs, chicken, liver, and fish. Brewer's yeast enriched with B vitamins is a great supplement; dosages vary depending on the supplement.
A lack of vitamin D can lead to depression, too. Last year a study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that two out of five small children have less than optimal levels of vitamin D. While you can get vitamin D from supplements and fortified foods like milk, the best source of vitamin D is sunshine, which produces the ideal form of vitamin D when it hits your skin. So don't let your kids play video games all day! Make sure that they get healthy sun exposure.
Mineral deficiencies may also cause anxiety and depression as well as sleep disorders. Several nationwide studies have concluded that the typical American diet does not include enough magnesium, and stress further depletes magnesium. A deficiency in magnesium can cause depressive symptoms as well as confusion, agitation, and a host of physical problems. To get sufficient levels of magnesium, eat plenty of dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, and fish, plus at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Pumpkin seeds are also a rich source of magnesium.
Calcium deficiency has been implicated in depression too. Foods high in calcium include dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Your doctor may suggest mineral supplementation; the ideal dosage varies with sex and age.
Candida and Depression
Candida are yeast-like fungal organisms that are normally present in the digestive system. For most people, candida are harmless. But sometimes, usually because of poor diet or use of certain medications, candida can grow out of control, causing a condition called candidiasis. Toxic candida byproducts then enter the bloodstream, where they may affect the brain and cause depression. Candida overgrowth may also reduce magnesium absorption in the intestine, which can lead to depression. Signs of candidiasis include oral thrush, white patches inside the cheeks, and frequent yeast infections. If you suffer from candidiasis, ask your healthcare provider about cadida detox options.
Avoid Depression with a Naturally Healthy Lifestyle
If you want to avoid the rapidly spreading recession depression, it's important to maintain a positive state of mind during these tough times. In addition to the suggestions above, you should exercise regularly, drink plenty of pure water, and stick to a regular sleep schedule. It is vitally important to get a handle on your stress level. Meditation or yoga can help with this. Finally, everybody needs healthy emotional support. When you're faced with a stressful problem, talk to a friend or family member about it. Simply getting your problem off your chest will relieve a great deal of anxiety.
The Akasha Center offers several modalities to help alleviate depression, such as nutritional counseling, serotonin testing, food allergy testing, and several detox programs, including candida detox, sugar balancing detox, and heavy metal detox. Schedule your appointment today, and our experienced staff will help you achieve the happiness and peace of mind that you deserve.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
What is Integrative Medicine?
People ask me what is Integrative Medicine – the type of medicine we practice at the Akasha Center, where I work.
Integrative Medicine is patient-centered, individualized care that
focuses on preventing disease and enhancing well-being. At Akasha, we integrate around the patient using the full range of proven preventive and
therapeutic approaches to treat illness and also to develop a
strategic plan for every patient to maximize their own health and well-being.
I am writing this while attending a summit on Integrative Medicine at the Institutes of Medicine – part of the National Academies of Science - in Washington, DC. This summit I am attending has brought together the country's leaders in Integrative Medicine like Dean Ornish, Andrew Weil , Mehmet Oz (Oprah’s Dr. Oz) and myself to discuss how we can advance our cause of patient centered health that focuses on wellness, prevention and respect for the body's ability to heal itself. We just heard from Senator Tom Harkin, who is a member of the senate committee crafting health care reform. This week, in his address to Congress, President Obama called for health care reform that not only expands coverage but also expands wellness and prevention. He put this in dollars and cents in the budget he presented yesterday.
This is truly ground-breaking – but obviously needed. At Akasha, we are not outside the mainstream of medical care – we are on the forefront of common sense health care that will be the norm in this country.
Winston Churchill once quipped: Americans always do the right thing…after they’ve tried everything else first.
At the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine, we are already doing the right thing.
If you know of anyone who wants to invest in their own health and well-being, have them call us.
And if you happen to know of anyone who can help support me in offering Integrative Medicine for the poor at the Venice Family Clinic, please call me.
Integrative Medicine is patient-centered, individualized care that
focuses on preventing disease and enhancing well-being. At Akasha, we integrate around the patient using the full range of proven preventive and
therapeutic approaches to treat illness and also to develop a
strategic plan for every patient to maximize their own health and well-being.
I am writing this while attending a summit on Integrative Medicine at the Institutes of Medicine – part of the National Academies of Science - in Washington, DC. This summit I am attending has brought together the country's leaders in Integrative Medicine like Dean Ornish, Andrew Weil , Mehmet Oz (Oprah’s Dr. Oz) and myself to discuss how we can advance our cause of patient centered health that focuses on wellness, prevention and respect for the body's ability to heal itself. We just heard from Senator Tom Harkin, who is a member of the senate committee crafting health care reform. This week, in his address to Congress, President Obama called for health care reform that not only expands coverage but also expands wellness and prevention. He put this in dollars and cents in the budget he presented yesterday.
This is truly ground-breaking – but obviously needed. At Akasha, we are not outside the mainstream of medical care – we are on the forefront of common sense health care that will be the norm in this country.
Winston Churchill once quipped: Americans always do the right thing…after they’ve tried everything else first.
At the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine, we are already doing the right thing.
If you know of anyone who wants to invest in their own health and well-being, have them call us.
And if you happen to know of anyone who can help support me in offering Integrative Medicine for the poor at the Venice Family Clinic, please call me.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
My Integrative Medicine Center
I direct the Men's Clinic at the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine in Santa Monica, CA.
For a virtual tour, follow these links:
http://akasha.videoarmy.tv/embed/656/10530/
For a virtual tour, follow these links:
http://akasha.videoarmy.tv/embed/656/10530/
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