Dan's Papers - September 14, 2007 - Managing Your Age Wisely

Age Management Medicine (AMM) is an emerging subspecialty of medicine that studies the aging process. Currently there is no formal residency or fellowship in AMM, although, in my opinion within the decade this with become a formal subspecialty of medicine, not unlike cardiology. Patient care is highly individualized and the ultimate goal is using evidence-based medicine to prevent catastrophic health issues. As a bonus benefit, patients usually look younger and feel more youthful.

Hypertension
In May 2003, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) found that 90% of Americans who survive to old age will develop hypertension. Cholesterol High cholesterol is the major cause of coronary artery disease. The National Cholesterol Education Program -Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) recommends cholesterol screening starting at age twenty and once every five years onwards.

Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. In 2002 the United States Preventative Task Force published their recommendations. Screening with digital rectal exam and prostate specific antigen (PSA) to begin at age fifty. AMM usually start screening at age 40.

Colon Cancer
55,000 Americans die each year from colorectal cancer. The United States Preventative Services task Force: Screening for Colorectal Cancer recommends screening starting at age 50. AMM programs usually start screening at 40.

Diabetes Screening
In an AMM program, all patients are screened for diabetes. Fasting blood glucose and gycosylated hemoglobin are used. Osteoporosis Screening

Women
50% of postmenopausal women will have an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lives. The U.S. Preventive Task force on Osteoporosis recommends routine screening for women aged 65. All female patients over age 40 should be screened.

Men
There is currently NO evidence-based guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in men. This is a tremendous disservice to our male population, as approximately 25% of men will eventually experience an osteoporotic fracture. All male patients over age 50 should be screened.

Breast Cancer Screening
In 2001, almost 200,000 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in the USA, and 40,200 women died from the disease. The current recommendation is screening mammography every 12 months starting at age 40. Recently, MRI has been shown to be a usefully screening tool for breast cancer especially in younger women.

Cervical Cancer Screening
Screening should begin approximately three years after the onset of vaginal intercourse but no later than age 21. Screening should be performed annually.

The average American gains 40 pounds between the age of 20 and 40. Every year in the United States, 300,000 adults die from causes related to excess body fat. The key to proper nutrition is low-glycemic foods.

There are multiple benefits to exercise: Improves cardiovascular and respiratory function

Weight loss
Improves functioning of the immune system Together with diet modification, decrease the risk of metabolic syndrome Reduces the risk of osteoporosis

This critical part of the optimal health equation is often ignored. Cortisol is one of the stress hormones made in the adrenal glands. High levels of cortisol affect the way our body utilizes insulin, predisposing us to the metabolic syndrome. AMM programs approach stress management in a formal way.

Hormones are chemical messengers and hormonal balance is essential for optimal health. The goal is to carefully restore key hormones to youthful levels. Levels are carefully monitored with a constant survey for side effects. In conclusion, there is a relatively new sub-specialty in medicine that allows you to manage your aging process. It uses a multimodal approach, based on scientific data, to keep patients healthy and youthful. For more information on Dr. Tameshwar Ammar and his practice, please call (516) 621-1002 or visit his website at www.ama-ny.com.