Are Mood Swings Controlling Your Life? It Could Be Your Hormones.

Our hormones can wreak havoc on our emotions, contributing to feelings of stress, anxiety and poor self-esteem, even panic attacks and depression.

Women are twice as likely to suffer from mood disorders and be depressed as men.  But by age 65, the rates of depression between men and women are more equal. Could a major decline in hormone levels be a contributing factor?

Estrogen’s effect on mood in women is well documented. Estrogen raises serotonin, endorphin and certain neurotransmitter levels, which balances mood, promotes a feeling of calm and improves sleep. Progesterone also has a positive impact on mood and has been called a natural antidepressant. In addition, both estrogen and progesterone have a role in cognitive or brain function, which includes our ability to think, learn, focus and remember.

During perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause when hormone levels begin to fluctuate and gradually decline, many women suffer from mood swings, anxiety and panic attacks. At this time, many women also report difficulty concentrating and an overall feeling of “fuzzy” thinking.

Some medical studies, including a University of Michigan report, suggests that changes in estrogen level during perimenopause and menopause can even be a trigger for depression in some women.

But what about men? At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, we know that men are just as affected by the declining level of hormones as women. Among the many reasons for maintaining a balanced level of testosterone is the positive effect it has on mood, self-esteem and quality of life.

In midlife, men often confront a vast number of changes in the workplace, in social settings and at home. Some men find it a challenge to adjust mentally and emotionally. They may lose confidence in themselves, feel tired all the time, irritable or anxious. There is an overall loss of vitality for life.  A diminished sex drive or inability to perform sexually at the same level as when they were younger can make it even more difficult.

Traditionally, men and women who report feelings of depression, anxiety or stress will undergo treatment with antidepressants. Yet decreased sexual desire and delayed orgasm are among the most common side effects of these types of drugs. And that can simply aggravate the situation for someone who is already upset by changes in their libido and capacity for sexual pleasure.

At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, we know that a comprehensive program that addresses diet, exercise, stress management, nutritional supplements and hormone replacement can help lift the cloud of emotional upheaval without harming your sex life.

The good news is that with appropriate therapeutic intervention, the variety of side-effects that come with diminished hormones can be prevented or eliminated.

Most important of all, it is never too soon or too late to take action to bring about a greater sense of calm, balance and happiness to your life. According to a Rand Corporation report, depression results in more absenteeism than any other physical disorder. It costs U.S. employers more than $51 billion in absenteeism and lost productivity.

For anyone experiencing serious depression, it is important to know that depression is one of the most treatable illnesses. The bad news is that the majority of people experiencing depression are not being treated. And that is unfortunate. Depression is not only a serious mental health issue, but also can be a contributing factor in heart disease and a weakened immune system. Don’t delay in getting help.

The Mayo Clinic offers these warning signs of depression:
·      Feeling sad or unhappy
·      Irritable or frustrated over small matters
·      Not interested in your normal activities
·      Reduced sex drive
·      Problems sleeping
·      Change in appetite
·      Restless and agitated
·      Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
·      Trouble thinking and easily distracted
·      Tired all the time
·      Loss of confidence or major feelings of guilt
·      Crying spells
·      Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide
·      Unexplained physical problems such as back pain or headache

If you believe you have starting declining somewhat and are experiencing any of these symptoms, we can help. Call Southwest Age Intervention Institute today and make an appointment to meet with our expert age management specialists. Let’s together get you back on track and enjoying your best days ever.

Stress! How Much Control Does It Have Over Your Life?

Your heart pounds.  Your muscles tighten and your stomach churns.  Your hands get clammy and you start to sweat.  Or your breathing may get so shallow you think you might pass out.  And, this is a chronic thing occurring in your life, right?

What’s going on?  These are typical responses to stress.  Your body is responding in an automatic and primitive way to a perceived danger.  Medical experts call it the fight or flight syndrome.

Here’s what happens.  Before you even have a chance to think about it, a stressful situation kicks off cascade of physiologic changes, starting with a flood of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, often called the stress hormone.  These biological and chemical messengers put the body on heightened alert and prepare us for whatever may happen next.

As a basic mechanism for survival, the fight or flight response may have been a good idea in prehistoric times.  After all, we may have had to fend off attack from a predator or run for our lives.

But it’s not so helpful today when the stressor isn’t a wild animal, but a traffic jam, pressure at work, conflict with a spouse, too many tasks on our “to do” list or an uncomfortable social situation.

Unfortunately, our body is blind to the cause of our stress.  It simply continues to respond the same way it always has.  And that’s the problem.  In prehistoric times, once the stressor was removed, our heart rate returned to normal, our blood pressure went down and our muscles relaxed.

But today, the stressors we perceive as harmful may never completely go away.  We may live under a state of chronic, low-level stress, especially if we are dealing with conflict on a daily basis or frequently feel overwhelmed with our fast-paced lives.

Some people may find their stress is caused by an inability to control difficult situations in their personal or professional lives.  Others may have a very high set of expectations for themselves and what they want to accomplish.  That can be stressful, too.

A little bit of stress can be motivating. Too much can push us over the edge.  Over time, stress can be very damaging to our physical, mental and emotional health.  Our bodies can become exhausted dealing with the constant onslaught of stress hormones and corresponding physiological responses.  When that happens, there can be serious consequences.  Chronic stress is linked to a surprising number of health issues:

• Heart disease & heart attacks
• Asthma
• Impaired immune system making you more susceptible to colds and viruses
• Depression & anxiety
• Nervous habits, including nail biting, teeth grinding or clenching
• Constant tension  & inability to relax
• Eating disorders & gastrointestinal problems
• Obesity, especially fat accumulating around the waist
• Blood sugar fluctuation and type 2 diabetes
• Sleep problems & insomnia
• Brain-related problems, such as memory issues, inability to concentrate and focus
• Stroke
• Headaches
• Back pain & unexplained muscle pain
• Some skin conditions, including psoriasis & eczema
• Lethargy & fatigue
• PREMATURE AGING!

So what can you do to prevent stress burnout?

First, it’s important to recognize what triggers your stress and to determine if there is anything you can do about it.  Stress may be part of our modern life, but there may be steps you can take to reduce its impact on your life.  If you can’t change an unpleasant situation, perhaps you can change your attitude about it.  Ask for help.  Let go of tasks that are low priority.  Take time to relax and rest.  Get enough sleep.   Learn to communicate differently.

Regular exercise can be an excellent way to reduce stress.  So can learning relaxation techniques like deep breathing, taking up Yoga, having a body massage, listening to music or being sexually intimate.  In addition, it’s important to eat well and follow your doctor’s advice on vitamins, nutritional supplements and similar recommendations.

Left unchecked, stress can end your life. This is not to be taken lightly. Don’t let stress take over your life and leave you physically damaged and mentally impaired.  For more information about how you can reduce your stress levels and boost your well being, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rosenstein and the Southwest Age Intervention Institute.

The Role of Hormones in Osteoporosis

A Crippling Bone Disease For Both Men & Women
Osteoporosis is often called the silent crippling bone disease because so many people are unaware they have it until they begin to experience bone fractures in their spine, hips, wrists and arms.

Some estimates show that one of every two American women over age 50 may develop an osteoporosis-related fracture, nearly twice the rate of men.  But it is vital to understand that osteoporosis is not just a woman’s disease. Men are at risk for this chronic, degenerative condition as well.

According to the National Institute of Health, osteoporosis is a significant threat to both men and women in their later years.  The incidence of bone fractures increases with age, resulting in complications that can be disabling or even fatal.

The Biology of Bones
Bone cells are continually being turned over in a natural biological process as new bone is formed and old bone is dissolved.  During childhood and the teen years, the body is always adding new bone to the growing skeleton.

A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, as well as getting plenty of weight-bearing exercise, is critical when we’re young in order to develop healthy bones that will sustain us through life.

We reach our peak of bone mass or bone mineral density around age 30.  This is generally when our bones are the thickest and strongest.  In the decades following, there is a gradual decline of bone mass as the body slows down the formation of new bone.

As an adult, a good diet and regular exercise continue to be vital to keep bones healthy.  But adults are prone to other risk factors that are equally important to whether or not osteoporosis develops.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
A number of risk factors are proven to accelerate bone loss and make you more prone to osteoporosis.  These include:

• Smoking
• Excess consumption of alcohol and drinking a lot of carbonated soda
• Some medical conditions and their treatments, including steroid use for asthma and arthritis, anticonvulsant medication for seizure disorders, antacids that contain aluminum, and certain treatments for cancer, including prostate cancer
• Family history
• Fair-skinned and slender if you are woman 

But you may not be aware that declining hormone levels are also a key factor.

The Role of Hormones

In mid-life, a drop in estrogen, testosterone and progesterone put both men and women on the path for accelerating bone loss, a situation that causes the bone to become weak, brittle and more easily fractured.

If osteoporosis does develop, a fall can easily result in a broken hip, wrist or arm. In extreme cases, simply standing can cause a fracture in the spine.

For women, rapid bone loss can occur during the first few years immediately after menopause – the result of a dramatic drop in hormones, especially estrogen.

Men have larger skeletons and greater total bone mass.  For men, the process toward accelerated bone loss is much more gradual.  However, that risk may change as men age.  For example, by age 70 both men and women will lose bone at the same rate.  In addition, new research shows that not only low levels of testosterone are a factor for men in developing osteoporosis, but low levels of estrogen may have an impact as well.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that hip fractures in older men can be devastating, contributing to a loss of independence and the need to be placed in a nursing facility.  Men also have twice the mortality rate of women after a hip fracture.

At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, a comprehensive anti-aging management plan includes a bone density test.  This simple, painless test involves a dual-energy x-ray exam that measures the health of your bones.  Your score on the bone density exam will help the physician determine your need for both nutritional supplements and hormone replacement therapy.  It is our goal to ensure your risk for osteoporosis is as low as possible.

If you desire to learn more about the active role hormones play in the prevention of osteoporosis and better age management, call Southwest Age Intervention Institute today.  Speak to our team of age management specialists and more importantly, schedule your confidential executive health evaluation so you can get started enjoying healthy living and aging at every age no matter the number.

The Truth About Hormones: A Balancing Act

Helping Men & Women Achieve Optimal Hormone Levels
Most often when we think of hormones, we associate them with our development as sexual beings.  But estrogen, testosterone and progesterone are much more than just sex hormones. They play a critical role in our health, well being and vitality at every stage of life.

Estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, as well as hormones such as insulin, DHEA, thyroid and cortisol, are natural chemical substances produced by the endocrine system.  The endocrine glands, which include the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas and gonads (the ovaries and testes), secrete hormones into the blood stream, where they travel to every major organ and tissue of the body.

Once the hormones reach a specific target cell, the interaction sets off a complex biological process that helps regulate everything from metabolism and the immune system to growth, development, reproduction and the body’s response to stress and injury.

When our hormone levels are in perfect balance, generally around age 30, all of the internal processes in our body are at their peak optimal condition.  But as we age, the endocrine glands no longer produce or secrete hormones at full capacity.  Hormone levels fluctuate and gradually decline, resulting in sometimes subtle, but often significant changes in the body.

Changing hormone levels affect both men and women and can create havoc in numerous areas contributing to conditions such as:

• Weight gain and increased body fat, especially in the abdomen
• Decreased muscle tone, strength and mass
• Change in mental sharpness, focus, memory and ability
• Problems with sleeping
• Low energy and fatigue
• Mood swings, anxiety, irritability or depression
• Reduced sex drive and sexual dysfunction
• Changes in the skin, including loss of firmness, the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and brown “age” spots
• Bone loss and osteoporosis
• Higher levels of LDL, the bad cholesterol, and lower levels of HDL, the good cholesterol
• Increased risk for heart disease, adult onset diabetes and stroke

Menopause versus Andropause
The many challenges women face during menopause are well-documented.  But men also experience body changes during mid-life that alter their physical, mental, emotional and sexual well-being.

The male version of menopause is called andropause – a time when the androgen hormones decline, especially testosterone.  However, andropause is not as clear-cut and much more subtle than menopause.

While menopause brings about a dramatic decline of hormones in women, men typically experience a much slower, gradual reduction that takes place over several decades.  Some studies show that testosterone levels in men may drop 1 percent to 3 percent a year starting in their 30s.

Complications of Menopause
We often tend to think of testosterone being a male hormone and estrogen being a female hormone.  But both men and women produce and need estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, just in different amounts.

For women, a drop in estrogen, testosterone and progesterone at menopause brings about numerous negative side-effects. It also places them at higher risk for many serious, chronic medical conditions, from heart disease and stroke to osteoporosis.

The average age for a woman at menopause is 51, but usually several years prior to that time, menstrual cycles become irregular and a range of menopausal symptoms begin to appear.  That period of time is called perimenopause.

Eventually, as hormone levels decline further, the ovaries shut down and no longer produce eggs.  The menstrual cycle ceases, making childbirth no longer possible.  At this time, the amount of estrogen circulating in the body is dramatically less than it was in their 20s and 30s.  Testosterone and progesterone levels are also reduced.

Women who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries may undergo an immediate “surgical” menopause at any age, which can result in an 80 percent drop in estrogen and a 50 percent drop in testosterone.

Sooner or later, every woman will experience menopause and the related complications that a drop in hormone levels will bring.  But thanks to greater understanding of the body’s endocrine system, we know that the process can be managed to postpone premature aging.

Managing the aging process by carefully supplementing or replacing lost hormone levels will help women avoid troubling and sometimes life-threatening medical conditions, such as:

• hot flashes and night sweats
• vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal tissues, making intercourse uncomfortable
• urinary problems, including increased infections and irritation, as well as sometimes difficulty with bladder control
• decreased sex drive
• problems sleeping
• dry, itchy skin
• thinning hair
• loss of breast fullness
• mood swings and anxiety
• forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating
• weight gain
• increased risk for many chronic medical conditions 

The health concerns that women face after menopause can be significant.  Without the protective benefits of estrogen, women now have an equal risk for developing heart disease as men.  In addition, many women experience significant bone loss during the first few years after menopause, putting them at increased risk for osteoporosis, a potentially crippling condition that causes bones to become brittle and weak.  And finally, hormone imbalances can contribute to weight gain, especially in the abdomen and around the waist, which increases the risk for diabetes and some types of cancers.

Complications of Andropause
For men, hormonal changes are much more subtle.  But by mid-age, many men do experience the complications arising from andropause, a male version of the female menopause.

A drop in testosterone levels may result in a number of complications for men, beginning with erectile dysfunction or a drop in libido – usually for the first time in their lives.  But there may also be a noticeable loss of muscle tone, strength and mass, as well as weight gain with the telltale pot belly.  There could even be less growth of facial hair or breast enlargement.  Andropause also places men at risk for conditions such as:

• Mood swings, anxiety, irritability and depression
• Greater risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and osteoporosis
• Increased number of general aches and pains and stiffness
• Changes in cognitive function such as memory, focus and concentration
• Changes in skin tone and elasticity
• Problems sleeping and low energy

Correcting the Imbalance
At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, we take a proactive approach to turning back the clock.  The goal is to rebalance all of your hormones.  This means reducing levels of insulin and cortisol, which contribute to degenerative diseases and aging, and supplementing hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, DHEA, thyroid and progesterone.  You will not only feel better, but your body will benefit in numerous ways that will postpone premature aging, reduce your risk of serious disease and increase in your lifespan.

The proper regimen of hormone supplements and the dosage that your body requires for proper balance needs careful medical supervision.  Here is an overview of the various hormones and the role that each plays in your body.

Testosterone is produced in the testes in men and in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women.  It is vital for building muscle and strengthening the bones, as well as helping promote a sense of well-being.  It is also essential for maintaining sex drive and reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction in men.

Estrogen is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and body fat.  Estrogen has many positive benefits, including reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease, and protecting the lining of the artery walls, as well as increasing HDL, the good cholesterol and reducing LDL, the bad cholesterol.  It also protects against osteoporosis and possibly Alzheimer’s, promotes healthy skin and helps regulate mood.  In women, it increases vaginal lubrication and thickens the vaginal wall.

Progesterone is produced by the ovaries in women and in the testes in men, as well as in the adrenal glands for both sexes.  Progesterone helps regulate blood sugar, aids in the conversion of fat to energy and strengthens bones. It has a beneficial influence on the nerves and mood, in addition to brain activity.

Thyroid hormones are produced in the thyroid gland, located around the base of the neck.  These hormones are vital for regulating metabolism, cell growth and body temperature.  An underactive thyroid gland can contribute to fatigue, constipation, difficulty concentrating, weight gain, tingling in the hands and feet, and poor tolerance of cold.

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands.  Adrenal steroids or cortisol has an effect on metabolism, blood pressure, the immune system, energy levels and blood sugar levels.  The adrenals help fight infection.  They also send out hormones in response to the “fight or flight syndrome” when the body is under attack by a real or perceived danger, such as emotional stress.  Chronic stress can exhaust the adrenal glands and raise cortisol levels.

DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone is secreted by the adrenal glands.  This hormone is a “precursor” to both estrogen and testosterone.  DHEA can help slow the aging process, improve cognitive ability, increase muscle mass, boost energy levels and the immune system, and increase sex drive.  It also may protect against cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s.

Fine-Tuning Your Hormones
At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, we develop an individually tailored plan for supplementing or replacing hormones based on sound and safe medical practices.  Hormone therapy is almost always prescribed in conjunction with attention to diet, nutrition, exercise, fitness levels and information on lifestyle factors such as stress management and smoking cessation.  A comprehensive plan will offer the most improvement for maintaining physical, mental, emotional and sexual health for a lifetime.

Call now to schedule your private executive health evaluation and learn how Southwest Age Intervention Institute can help you enjoy all the days of your life with exceptional health along the journey.

The Science Behind Hormones & Aging

Imagine finding an elixir that would allow you to have more energy, turn fat into muscle, sleep better, improve your sex life, and feel healthier.

At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, we know there isn’t a magic potion or a quick fix for turning back the clock to the youthful vigor of our 20s. But we do know that using scientific evidence-based medicine that combines diet, exercise and proper hormone balancing can help people achieve their goals, getting them to their desired body weight, shape, fitness and energy level.

Hormone Optimization is The Key

Conventional wisdom says that declining hormone levels are a normal function of aging and just something we must face as part of life. But maintaining a healthy hormonal balance at every decade of life is critical to aging gracefully, whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s or beyond.

Our body’s hormones have a powerful and pervasive influence on just about every function taking place within our bodies. Produced by the endocrine system glands, hormones are the chemical messengers that circulate in the blood, looking for the right target receptors with which to interact and communicate. Nearly every aspect of our mental, physical, emotional, social and sexual capabilities is affected by how well these receptors to respond to the hormonal messages.

Why Is Hormone Balancing Necessary?

Making sure that the hormones are in the right balance offers so many benefits that it just doesn’t make sense not to make it a priority for everyone. In fact, some experts say aging is a disruption of the body’s ability to produce and maintain the appropriate hormone levels for optimal health and well-being.

When the body is in its prime, all of the hormones – estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, thyroid and cortisol – work together to orchestrate the various biological and chemical processes, from cell growth and repair to the menstrual cycle in women. How much or how little of each hormone is made at any one time relies on a complicated feedback system between the brain and the various endocrine glands.

But a decline in these hormone levels upsets the delicate balance that is necessary to keep the body in best shape. It can also set the stage for a variety of problems starting with sexual performance and leading to a greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and depression.

For most women, the dramatic drop of estrogen and progesterone at menopause has a major impact on their enjoyment of life and their overall health. Men undergo hormonal changes in a much more subtle and gradual process called andropause, which signals a decline in the androgen hormones, specifically testosterone. But they too experience serious consequences from a reduction in hormones.

In older men, testosterone can convert to estrogen in a complex process called aromatization, which leads to further imbalance. Higher estrogen levels in men may contribute to greater risk for problems with the prostate, including enlarged prostate gland.

For women, hormonal imbalances may not just be a matter of low estrogen. It might actually be related to estrogen dominance, which occurs when the proper ratio of estrogen to progesterone is altered. This imbalance may result from diet, pollutants in the water and other chemicals in the environment. In addition, estrogen dominance can be aggravated when high levels of cortisol, which occur when the body is under chronic stress, further reduces the amount of progesterone circulating in the blood.

It’s important to understand that replacing hormones with a one-size-fits-all prescription is not an effective or desirable plan. A careful fine-tuning is required to ensure the right hormonal balance is achieved for your particular situation.

Is Hormone Balancing Safe?

In 2007, the original 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study that raised concerns about hormone replacement therapy was shown to have serious flaws. The study only looked at women taking Premarin, an artificial synthetic hormone, not the bioidentical hormones we use at Southwest Age Intervention Institute that closely mirror the body’s own natural hormones. Nearly half the study participants were smokers or had a history of smoking. Some 34 percent were clinically obese. In addition, the average age of the women participating in the study was 63, while most women begin treatment for perimenopausal and menopausal systems in their 40s and 50s.

In 2008, the First Global Summit on Menopause-Related Issues in Zurich, Switzerland concluded that hormone replacement therapy is the first line and most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. The summit also reported that replacing or supplementing hormones offers numerous preventative measures, including:

Protection against estrogen-related bone loss and fractures
Improved quality of life and sexuality by maintaining the health of the urogenital tract in women
Reduced potential for cognitive impairment, including possible decreased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Reduced mortality and risk of cardiovascular disease

What You Can Expect During An Executive Health Physical

At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, we offer a comprehensive executive health physical for both men and women. The exam will include an extensive laboratory workup, history and physical.  At this time, we will evaluate the following biological markers:

• Blood pressure
• Lipid panel, including HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
• Insulin and blood sugar levels
• Thyroid and cortisol levels
• Hormones levels – testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and DHEA
• Fitness, strength, flexibility and balance
• Bone mineral density
• PSA (prostate specific antigen, a marker for risk of prostate cancer in men)

The results of your executive health profile will give the physician a baseline of your hormonal and metabolic health. From there, an individual plan will be designed that includes diet, exercise and hormone balancing.

Supplementing or replacing hormones lost due to the aging process can turn your health around in numerous ways, from strengthening your immune system and improving your mental and emotional outlook, to enhancing your sex life and building stronger muscles and bones.

We have so much more to share with you. Our goal is to help you age well, enjoying all the days of your life feeling great all the way! Call us today at Southwest Age Intervention Institute to schedule your executive health evaluation with one of our age management specialists. Let us help turn the rest of your life into the best of your life.

Can you believe Norm loves his new diet?

It's been more than a month since I've been on my custom program from Southwest Age Intervention Institute. I feel fantastic! I've been terrific at adjusting to my new life style eating program. In fact, I've done so well, I've actually made a major decision about my future eating habits. My nutritionist, Judiann Van Beest, taught me how the body actually uses food as a fuel. Her step-by-step information was a revelation for me. The first 28 days, termed the "induction phase," called for me to focus on eating only specific foods. Good foods. Tasty foods. Satisfying foods. It's not some weirdo diet plan, but the idea was to change the way my body got nutrition and to eliminate those foods that actually were counter-productive. That first 28 days went SO WELL that I'm, for the most part, going to continue eating that array of foods. After 28 days, the program allows me to re-introduce certain foods (some potatoes, corn and certain fruits), but I'm so happy with the results and how I'm feeling I've decided to continue with the foods in the induction phase indefinitely.

Now, a criticism of myself, I've got to be more faithful to my workout program. My incredibly busy schedule simply does not allow me enough time to do the specially designed workout plan every day. Now that the Mavs have won the NBA title, that has got to change. If it doesn't change, my exercise therapist Vanessa's not gonna be very happy with me.

But for now, I'm happy!!!!!!!

The Role of Good Nutrition

Eating the right nutrient-rich foods is essential for maintaining a healthy body. A sound nutritional diet will keep your energy levels high, boost your immune system and fight off illness.

Supplying the body with what it needs is an important part of Southwest Age Intervention Institute’s comprehensive program of health and wellness. The role of nutrition in maintaining a good quality of life and preventing the symptoms of premature aging can’t be emphasized enough.

For both men and women, the  40s and 50s are a time when the bad habits of youth may begin to catch up and set the stage for problems later on. A lifetime of poor eating habits – both too much food as well as the wrong food, can be a recipe for disaster.

The consequences of unhealthy lifestyle choices related to diet and nutrition are serious, with significantly increased risk for developing everything from high blood pressure and high cholesterol to heart attack, stroke, gastrointestinal problems, cancer, and adult onset diabetes. Diabetes is now at epidemic levels in the U.S.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control reports that obesity is one of the major public health concerns today. One in three adults are classified as obese, which puts them at risk for an enormous number of problems. Studies also show that just having excess fat in the abdomen and waist – the middle-age spread or pot belly – raises your risk for colon cancer.

For the most the part, many of these medical conditions are preventable. At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, it is our goal to reverse this trend. We help you work toward correcting nutritional imbalances and reducing your risk for disease. Food is the body’s fuel, and our objective is to keep you fit, active and at the top of your game no matter what your age.

A Tailor Made Plan Based On Your Body’s Needs

Good nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all plan.  Everyone’s needs are different. But we do know the best plan calls for a low-fat diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, lean meats and essential fats, while reducing or eliminating processed fast food and trans fats, refined sugar and simple carbohydrates. We also recommend a regimen of nutraceutical supplements to boost the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and essential fatty acids that your body needs.

This type of diet is not a fad, but a proven means of reducing disease risk and preventing premature aging. For example, the American Institute for Cancer Research reports that fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grains have the necessary minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals and fiber to help fight cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. On the other hand, a diet high in red meat (beef, lamb and pork) and processed meats (bacon, hot dogs and sausage) can increase the risk for developing colon cancer.

Here’s a closer look at how these foods can help keep you healthy:

Phytochemicals are natural chemicals found in fruits, vegetables and beans. They include beta carotene, flavonoids, vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin E, antioxidants and other substances that have many healing properties.

Fiber is found in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and beans. It is the roughage or bulk that the body can’t digest or absorb. Fiber in the diet is helpful in lowering cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugar, and maintaining a healthy colon by reducing constipation, hemorrhoids and preventing colon cancer. High-fiber diets are also good in combating weight gain and obesity.

Protein is found in lean meat, eggs, nuts, beans, some dairy products and some vegetables. Protein is essential for growth and energy, building and repairing body tissues, and production of enzymes, hormones and other substances. It is important to understand that muscle strength and size is less a function of protein in the diet and more about exercise, fitness levels, balanced hormones and overall good health. Most Americans eat more protein than is needed.

What is BMI?

Body mass index is a measure of body fat levels based on height and weight. Calculating BMI is a simple way to determine whether you are overweight or obese compared to the general population. Southwest Age Intervention Institute uses BMI as a screening tool. It is part of an overall evaluation of your health and well being that also includes a comprehensive laboratory blood profile.

Knowing your BMI is useful in developing an appropriate plan to help meet your health and nutritional goals.

To learn more about the age management protocols we have in place to help you age successfully, enjoying your health all the days of your life, call Southwest Age Intervention Institute today. Speak to our expert team of age management specialists and schedule your private consultation so you can get started living extremely well and achieving and maintaining great health.

Four weeks in and wow!

June 7, was the four week anniversary starting the Southwest Age Intervention Institute's custom designed program and to steal the quote from McDonald's, "I'm lovin' it". I haven't felt this good in years. In fact, there's real proof of what's happening to me. I went to my regular doctor, Dr. Phil Aronoff, for an EKG. He took my blood pressure measurements. In just under three weeks, my readings had gone from 148 over 81 to 130 over 70! Remarkable! People are beginning to notice and have asked what I'm doing to lose weight. They've commented on my thinner-looking face. On Monday, I went back to Foundry Big and Tall Supply and exchanged a pair of cargo shorts for a smaller size, the waist was simply too big. I wore them to the Rangers game last night and realized that in a another few weeks they might be too large also.

But this ISN'T about weight loss. It's about feeling better and having more energy. My life is better and it's only been four weeks. The Southwest Age Intervention Institute program, the one they designed for me and the one they'll design for you, really, really works! I can't wait (weight?) to see what the next few weeks bring because the last four have been terrific!

The Many Benefits of Exercise

Exercise is one of the best kept secrets for lifting your mood, keeping your heart strong and healthy, helping your body look fit and trim – even improving your sex life. Don’t underestimate the power of exercise to pump new energy into just about every area of your life.

Combined with good nutrition and hormone optimization, exercise is a cornerstone of the Southwest Age Intervention Institute program for health and wellness.

The best fitness plan will incorporate resistance training with weights to build lean muscle, aerobic exercise to increase heart rate and stretching to improve flexibility and range of motion. Incorporating these types of exercises into your weekly schedule is a proactive way to ensure you remain healthy, vital and sharp at any age. It is one of the best investments you will ever make in your future.

Value Added Benefits

A sedentary lifestyle that ignores the body’s need for exercise is a contributing factor in so many problems associated with aging. A recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine noted that “physical inactivity is one of the strongest predictors of premature aging in adults.”

The old adage, “use it or lose it” is true when it comes to muscle strength. Without some form of exercise, muscle strength can quickly diminish, perhaps even by one half to one pound of muscle mass per year as we grow older.

In addition, a sedentary lifestyle raises the risk for numerous chronic medical conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and osteoporosis. It also can have a negative impact on your brain power, diminishing your cognitive abilities related to memory, focus, concentration and overall ability to think and reason.

On the other hand, a minimum of 20 minutes of exercise three to four times a week can increase your metabolism, lower your blood pressure, strengthen your bones, muscles and connective tissue, and prevent stiff joints and many aches and pains associated with growing older. Building core strength helps with posture and balance to reduce your risk of falling.

Don’t forget the correlation between exercise and a greater sense of well being.  The positive effect of exercise on mood is well-known among athletes. The euphoria or “runners high” many people experience after a vigorous workout is due to the flood of neurotransmitters and endorphins that the body releases. These hormones help reduce stress levels, allowing you to feel better and more able to cope with day-to-day challenges. If you’re having problems with insomnia, exercise during the day is often recommended as a good way to promote better sleep.

In addition, a long-term commitment to exercise will help your body look and feel better, which enhances confidence and self-esteem.

Let’s look at the different forms of exercise and their specific health benefits:

Cardiovascular exercise is any aerobic activity that increases heart rate for a sustained period of time.  This type of exercise, which includes walking, bicycling, swimming, running, tennis, skiing, rowing and dance, strengthens the heart and the lungs to reduce the risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Vigorous exercise allows the heart to become stronger and more efficient at pumping blood and oxygen through the body, which can reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and keep the resting heart rate low. It can also increase your endurance so you tire less easily, including being less “winded” climbing stairs or performing similar activities.

Cardiovascular exercise can also increase your metabolism and help your body burn stored fat, which aids in maintaining a healthy weight.

Resistance training strengthens muscles, bones, connective tissue and joints through the use of any exercise that causes the muscles to contract against an external resistance. This can include weight lifting with free weights or the use of weight machines, as well as push ups, squats, chin ups or other form of exercise where you are working against your body weight.

The benefits of resistance training are extensive, from increasing your metabolism, building lean muscle and reducing overall body fat to remodeling and sculpting the body with greater tone and definition. Weight training is considered one of the best ways to lose weight and take off inches from the thighs, waist and abdomen. It can also build bone mineral density to guard against osteoporosis.

Flexibility training incorporates stretching exercises into your fitness regimen. Why bother to stretch? These exercises can improve blood flow to the muscles, increase your range of motion, reduce risk of low back pain and improve your posture. As we age our flexibility can diminish, so stretching regularly is essential to reduce the risk for a number of health problems, even something as simple as preventing the general aches and pains and stiffness many people feel as older adults. Yoga, tai chi, Pilates, and simple stretching exercises on the floor are all beneficial.

Exercising has a positive impact on your physical, mental and emotional well-being. At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, we will develop a plan that is best suited to meet your overall health and fitness goals. Give us a call today to schedule your private executive health evaluation with our age management team of specialists. Learn how our age management program, complete with the best exercise regimen designed for you, will help you live your best life today and for the rest of your life.

How Healthy is your Heart?

Despite the best efforts of western medicine to combat the problem, heart disease remains the number one killer in the United States. It is the leading cause of death in both men and women.  Stroke comes in third, after cancer. Stroke is also the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States.

These are alarming statistics. Together, heart disease and stroke have a devastating effect, striking a huge segment of the population when they are still in their prime of life.

Even those who survive a heart attack or stroke may find their quality of life suffers, with an associated loss of income or productivity, along with the exorbitant costs of life-saving treatments or long-term medications.

As a society, we used to think of heart disease and stroke as a man’s disease. But that is no longer true. Heart disease and stroke are equal opportunity predators. While breast and other cancers may get more attention in the media, the truth is that women are five times more likely to die of a heart attack than breast cancer. The American Heart Association reports that one in five women in the U.S. has some form of heart disease.

After menopause – either natural or due to a hysterectomy, that risk increases. Menopausal women are two to three times more likely to develop heart disease than younger, pre-menopausal women.

What can we do to reduce our risk? A healthy lifestyle that includes not smoking, some form of stress reduction, eating a low-fat diet high in fruits and vegetables, and at least 20 minutes of exercise three times a week is critical.

But we also know that hormones play a major role in our cardiovascular health and well being.

For women, estrogen’s positive effect on every tissue in the body is well documented. But you may not be aware that estrogen also increases HDL, the good cholesterol, while decreasing LDL, the bad cholesterol. In addition, estrogen helps keep the blood vessels dilated and the lining of the walls smooth, so blood can flow more easily, promoting good circulation. Some studies show estrogen may also reduce free radicals in the blood so they have less change of doing damage to the blood vessels.

The same situation is present for men. Not surprisingly, testosterone is good for the heart, the blood vessels and cholesterol levels. Adequate levels of testosterone have been shown to improve HDL, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation of blood vessel walls, improve heart function and promote heart muscle protein synthesis.

The key to remember is this: heart disease and stroke are preventable. Even though you may not be able to eliminate certain risk factors such as family history and ethnic background (African-Americans are at higher risk), it is possible to gain the upper hand over these two widely prevalent medical conditions.

The goal for everyone should be to develop good lifestyle habits in combination with a medically prescribed plan for supplementing or replacing hormone loss. Careful attention to diet, exercise, hormones and stress will lead to the best plan of attack for reducing the risk and severity of both heart disease and stroke.

At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, we offer the most advanced age management therapies coupled with the education and statistical analysis to help you feel great at every age. We will access not only your hormone levels but every factor associated with helping you age well and enjoy your life to the fullest as it pertains to achieving the correct balances. You simply need to call to schedule your executive health evaluation with our expert team of age management specialists and started enjoying better heart health now.

Not bad so far

I'm loving the program Southwest Age Intervention Institute has designed for me. Last Thursday I spent a sweaty, difficult hour and fifteen minutes with Vanessa who created a workout regimen especially for me and my very bad right leg. There simply are several exercises I cannot do because of a lack of strength and balance in the leg. Vanessa put me through a series of exercises aimed at increasing my core strength. What a workout! And that was HALF of what she's designed for me! I'll get the other half when I visit Southwest Aging Intervention Institute later this week.

Right now, I'm halfway through the eating induction period. I'm amazed at how easy it has been to make the change to a much healthier eating program. Now, that doesn't mean I wouldn't still enjoy a terrific burger, but I'm pretty proud that I'm now giving my body the proper nutrition. More to come later this week.

And say a prayer that the second half of Vanessa's workout regimen doesn't just wear me out.

Libido... Where is yours?

How to get your "Mojo" back

Libido is defined as the desire for an intimate, sexual relationship with a partner.  For many men and women, enjoying an active and passionate sex life is a vital part of a happy and healthy lifestyle.

But perhaps your interest in sex doesn’t seem to be as strong as it was in your 20s, 30s, or even 40s. You’re not sure what’s going on, but you know for sure your libido isn’t what it used to be.

Or maybe your sex drive is still there, but there are complications to your enjoyment, such as men experiencing problems having or maintaining an erection and in women vaginal dryness, disinterest, or discomfort during sex.

Without an active sex life, you may sense that there is something “missing.”  You may feel dissatisfied with life or experience stress and anxiety. There may be the perception of lost vitality and virility if you’re a man, or low self-esteem and feeling less feminine if you’re a woman.

Sex Drive & Hormone Levels – What’s Age Got To Do With It?
There may be a medical reason for a loss of sexual desire or other problems related to sexuality.  Some chronic medical conditions or certain medications can cause erectile dysfunction or problems with sexual arousal in women.

But often, reduced sexual enjoyment is simply the result of declining levels of hormones – an unfortunate side effect of the aging process.

Did you know that starting at age 30, men on average begin to experience a yearly drop in testosterone levels ranging from 1% to 3%?  Many women start to have declining levels of estrogen as early as their late 30s.

The right balance of the sex hormones, estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, along with hormones such as cortisol, thyroid and DHEA, directly correlates to sex drive.  Diminished levels of these hormones play havoc with our libido, our ability to perform sexually and the sensations we experience.


But that’s not all.

The proper balance of hormone levels in our body also affects our overall health and well-being. Hormones have a profound effect on everything from mood and energy level to muscle mass and strength, bone health, skin tone, mental sharpness and focus, blood sugar levels, cardiovascular health, and much more.

It’s no wonder that as we age and hormone levels fluctuate, the body may no longer be in proper balance. As a result, we may begin to see and feel the consequences physically, sexually, mentally and emotionally.

For men, the change may be subtle and gradual. For women, it may be dramatic and abrupt.  But either way, there is the definite realization that they are no longer at their peak performance during sex, work and play.  And that can affect the quality of every aspect of their lives.

Male Menopause – Fact or Fiction?
It’s true. Many men at middle age experience a type of male menopause called andropause.  It may not be the same type of wake-up call that menopause creates in women. But for men, a gradual loss of hormones, especially testosterone, can be extremely impactful on physical, sexual, emotional and mental health.

Lower testosterone levels have a direct relationship to decreased libido and erectile dysfunction and can contribute to weight gain and increased abdominal fat, decreased beard growth, breast enlargement, loss of mental sharpness and muscle tone, even anxiety, fatigue and irritability.

Often, anti-depressant medication is prescribed to combat mood swings and depression.  But anti-depressants can reduce sexual desire further, exacerbating the problem. At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, we know that a holistic approach that restores and balances hormones, and includes a good diet, exercise and nutritional supplements, is the right solution.

Women, Hormones & Menopause
Exactly when women begin to experience the results of hormone loss can depend on many factors, including heredity, nutrition, stress, lifestyle and the age that the menstrual cycle began.

But we do know that as hormone production becomes more erratic, fluctuations and surges can contribute to the many well-documented list of symptoms: sleep disturbance, hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, headaches, depression, along with problems related to sex.

Decreased hormone levels can reduce sex drive and interfere with sexual arousal.  It can also make sex uncomfortable due to several factors. With the loss of estrogen, the walls of the vagina become thinner, less elastic and dry. There may also be changes in the tissues of the urinary tract leading to incontinence and greater risk of infection.

Appropriate hormone replacement therapy can improve your sex life by reducing these detrimental changes to the vagina, especially by improving the elasticity of the vaginal walls and increasing moisture and lubrication.

Not a Quick Fix – A Long-Term Solution
Untreated, hormonal imbalances can lead to a variety of complications and a loss of pleasure in life. Yet often, we may not know what to do about it. And sometimes, we may be embarrassed and prefer not to talk about it. Fortunately, the Southwest Age Intervention Institute has an answer.

By using safe and effective evidence-based medicine, we can help you get back on track. We can restore hormone balance by using a medically prescribed, personal treatment plan designed for your specific needs. Our goal is to stop your hormone levels from declining, restore them to a healthy level and maintain them over time so you can enjoy life to its fullest.

What We Can Do For You
The first step is to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation. A laboratory analysis of your blood will identify your unique biological markers, including your current levels of testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, thyroid, cortisol and insulin.

If your hormone levels are clinically lower than what we consider to be a healthy range, your treatment plan will focus on the best method of adjusting your levels for optimal health and satisfaction.  This may require us to stimulate your body to produce more of the needed hormones, or we may need to prescribe replacement therapy.

The right hormone regimen for you may include creams, supplements or injections.  However, it is important for you to understand that we only use bioidentical hormones – hormones that most closely mimic the body’s natural substances to give you the best results safely and effectively.

Follow-up is critical too.

As the body is continually changing, it is just as important for us to continually monitor your progress. You can be confident that we will continually evaluate your hormone levels to make sure that they are at appropriate levels to ensure the health and safety of your treatment plan.

To learn more about hormones and their role in helping you enjoy a great sex life all of your life, call Southwest Age Intervention Institute today to schedule your confidential executive health evaluation with our team of age management experts. We are here to address all of your concerns and ideally direct you toward a better quality of life, not just sexually, but in all areas as it pertains to your health and longevity.

And so it begins...

Last Tuesday I learned more about my body, my bad habits and my personal medical situation than in any previous day in my 66 years on earth. Weeks ago I'd given my blood and for the following 2-3 weeks Southwest Age Intervention Institute was determining exactly what kind of shape I was in. And not just physical shape, but total shape. I arrived in their Arlington offices at about 12:45 and didn't leave until well after 7p.m. Does that sound like a long day? It was! But what an incredibly informative, insightful afternoon learning how I could defy aging.

The afternoon began with mental agility tests (that's not what they called them, but they tested whether or not doing sports talk for 36 years had significantly rotted my brain. Thankfully it had not!) Such tests also gauged my manu

al dexterity.

Then it was back to the meeting room for a terrific lunch of scallops and snow peas while watching a video explaining the basis of their nutrition program. I'm 66 and I learned basic info I wish I'd had known 40 years ago---except that it didn't exist then.

Next came a 75 minute meeting with nutritionist Judy Van Beest. Her husband, Johann, has basically walked me through this program as kind of overall program guide. Judy, who looks to be about 45 years old, took me through WHY the nutrition program worked, how it was designed and that my personal eating habits had created situations that could be problematic in the near future if I didn't address them.

Honestly, I'd never been shown exactly how the body worked, the glycemic index of foods, how certain foods triggered the release of insulin in the body and that continuously elevated insulin levels work against a body. About 45 minutes deep in this session I wrote myself a note----"This WILL work!" Imagine how stunned I was sometime later that afternoon to find Judy was actually 60 years old! She absolutely does not look it----but then she's in this age defying program.

Next, I went down the

hall to work with physical and exercise therapist, Vanessa. We did all kinds of exercises, meas

urements, body scans and took pictures that I can assure you are not that flattering, but the Institute wants baseline information to measure your progress.

Then came the final and most vital part of the afternoon---meeting with Dr. Jacob Rosenstein, who'll oversee my progress in all areas. We began with a physical to check basics. (Yes, there was a prostate exam!) Then came the most eye-opening hour. The Institute has a virtual dossier on me. The blood work measured everything, good and bad. I'm happy to report some good areas. My cholesterol is good, but there's work to do in terms of "good and bad" cholesterol. I'm deficient in vitamin D and my insulin's way too high. If, in my current condition, I'm to rebuild lean muscle mass I'll need testosterone injunctions (Insert Gordo joke here!) The session went and on and learned more and more. The scans revealed where my extra fatty tissue is concentrated and that I have some significant build-up of plaque in my carotid artery. There's also a touch of arthritis in my back.

It was incredible! The information just kept coming then I learned exactly what MY program would consist of. I got a huge three-ring binder with all of SAII's research and my particular health plan. We reviewed old eating habits, surgeries, family medical history, supplements I'd been taking and medications I had to take. Whew!

After that meeting Dr.Johann van Beest walked me to the pharmacy---their pharmacy! All, and I do mean ALL, the supplements and hormones necessary to correct imbalances were waiting for me. Each month I'll be shipped another month's supply. And, just in case you're wondering, no---this is not special treatment. This is the way any man or woman wanting to defy the aging process gets treated at Southwest Age Intervention Institute.

I'm truly psyched. This program does what it advertises and it will do it for me. Next week comes another meeting with Vanessa, who'll outline my exercise program. I'm gonna have to give up some old, very detrimental eating habits, workout more and understand that my body needs care if it's gonna work for me for many more years.

I'll be keeping you posted. But if what I've written intrigues you why not make the call.

Starting Your Age Intervention Program

At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, your customized program begins with extensive blood work. Our phlebotomist comes to you at work or home, and we work around your schedule. This blood work is the blueprint of your body at your age. We evaluate all major organ systems, hormonal levels, markers of inflammation, and risk factors for disease to determine how you are aging.

You complete detailed history forms so that we may understand your lifestyle, eating habits, past medical history, family health history, activity levels, and age intervention goals. The interpretation of the lab work is important. Where you are in the “normal” range clearly makes a difference. Your goal is to be at the lowest risk for disease and at peak physical, cognitive, and sexual function.

Your Executive Health Evaluation is scheduled at our facility in Arlington, Texas approximately 4 weeks after your blood draw. The day of your evaluation spans 7 hours and includes:

• Ultrasound of the carotid arteries
• Bone density testing
• Body composition scan – determines the distribution of fat and lean in the body
• Fitness Evaluation – to determine proper training zones to burn fat with shorter workouts
• Mental acuity and cognitive function testing – to evaluate risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Lunch – nutritional video
• Meet with our Nutritional Counselor – to teach the principles that allow you to eat healthy for life
• Consultation with Dr. Rosenstein – 2 hours. (He reviews your blood work and test results and performs a physical exam. He designs a personalized treatment plan to correct and optimize hormone imbalances.)

Our Age Intervention Program is a multifaceted approach to age-related change. We address your immediate goals, e.g., weight loss, lean muscle gain, improved energy, mental acuity, and sexual function. In the long term, our most important goal is to help you maintain optimum physical, cognitive, and sexual function while keeping you at the lowest risk for disease – everything from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia – so you can enjoy a good quality of life and not experience decline as typically we would see. By correcting the underlying hormonal and metabolic imbalances, we help you reverse the age-related changes you have experienced.

Days 1 through 30 – You can expect an improved feeling of wellbeing with sharper mental acuity, increased energy, motivation and drive in both your personal and professional life. You will experience renewed confidence and competitiveness. Men typically experience greater sex drive and a spontaneous return of early morning erections with improvement in mild depression associated with declining hormones. Women will begin to see a reduction in menopausal symptoms including decreased hot flashes and night sweats with improved mental outlook.

Days 31 through 90 – You will experience increased physical strength and endurance with reduced recovery time. Weight loss occurs and lean muscle mass gain transforms your body composition. You experience an improvement in cardiovascular conditioning with increased workout and physical activity abilities. Men and women will continue to experience changes in mood and energy while libido and sexual performance continue to improve.

Days 91 through 180 – You will continue to experience measurable and significant body composition changes. Decreased abdominal fat and increased lean muscle mass are seen. For those with osteopenia (loss of bone density), stabilization of bone mass occurs. The risk for diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive dysfunction decreases while improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels are experienced.

Beyond Day 180 – Transformation is possible. Dr. Rosenstein became an age management patient in April 2008. He had remarkable results. Prior to the program, he was on a low-fat diet and exercised daily. Despite this he developed muscle wasting and fat accumulation around his abdomen. While his total body fat was only 21%, his body composition was poor. His abdomen had 26% fat. This type of fat distribution is associated with chronic diseases including insulin resistance, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. In the Age Intervention Program, the fat around his abdomen decreased from 26% to 7%. His total body fat went from 21% to 8%. He lost 14 pounds of fat and gained 17 pounds of muscle. He achieved these remarkable results in only 6 months (180 days).

Monitoring Your Progress
Following your Executive Health Evaluation, monitoring your ongoing progress is a critical part of the Southwest Age Intervention Institute Program. Follow-up blood work and a body composition scan ensure that your program is working as intended. Periodic adjustments or refinements to your program will be made by Dr. Rosenstein as needed.

Your next blood work is performed two months after you start the program. Your blood work is compared to prior results and your progress evaluated. Dr. Rosenstein consults with you once more to determine how the program is working for you and as to what changes should be made. It is vital that hormone levels are maintained at proper levels. From this point forward, dependent on need, blood work is performed every 4-6 months.

At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, our patients are encouraged to interact with both Dr. Rosenstein and staff. We monitor the changes in their program to ensure safety and efficacy. Each patient’s age intervention protocol includes proper diagnostics combined with a precise age intervention treatment plan.

Will I ever get some of that blood back?

Thorough! That's the impression I got when meeting the professionals at the Southwest Age Intervention Institute---thorough. As we talked I became more and more impressed with the singular focus of this place----they were absolutely serious about defying the generally negative feelings people have about getting older. As I've aged to a now still-very-spry 66, I faced these later years wondering what they'd be like and simply hoping I could "age gracefully." But at Southwest Age Intervention Institute, they've developed a proactive program in which we (they and I) take my future into my own hands. Their program stresses both mental and physical approaches to maintaining vitality. They believe passionately in their slogan of "turning the rest of your life into the best of your life."

I walked away both impressed and revved up about starting my individually designed program. Then, the day for the blood test and filing my paper work arrived. And, boy, did I ever understand what "thorough" actually meant! They wanted to know everything about me. EVERYTHING! But then, if you're designing such a program, you've got to know all there is to know about the body and the history the patient. Yes, the forms took some time to complete. But as I worked through the paperwork I realized again how dedicated they were to finding the very best paths to send me down.

Then came the blood work. Because my schedule was ridiculous around NFL draft time, James the phlebotomist visited my office. Let me assure you, I don't like to give blood. I hate the sight of blood. So, I asked if I could simply look away, keep working and have James simply tell me when it was over (though at that point I figured I'd probably know). One stick and the process was underway. I continued to read. James changed vials and drew more blood. More reading. More blood. Five vials in all! Five. That seemed a lot to me but again that word came back to me----thorough! This is not some simple pop-a-vitamin-do-a-push-up-and-it'll-be-OK program.

When we meet again at their Arlington offices May 10 for them to go completely through the program they've designed for me, they'll know everything they needed to know about me. That gives me even more confidence in the team at Southwest Age Intervention Institute. They want me to defy aging, not simply accept decline as a "fact of life." I'll up date you next week on that meeting and the program.

Meanwhile, I'm left with only one question at this point-----will I ever get some of that blood back?

-Norm Hitzges

Discussing Low Testosterone (Low-T) in Men

Andropause and Testosterone

Andropause is the technical term for the changes that men go through as they age.  Between the ages of 40 and 79, a typical American male loses about 20 pounds of muscle, 15% of his bone mass, and nearly 2 inches in height.  After age 40, the testicles begin to shrink and men begin to experience impotence.

Andropause is not only related to a decline in testosterone as higher testosterone levels do not always result in increased sexual prowess. Other hormones (DHEA, growth hormone, thyroid hormone) are also important in andropause. Sexual decline may also be related to a decrease in neurotransmitters in the brain. Certain medications can also aggravate the brain neurotransmission and interfere with a man’s potency.

Produced in the testes, testosterone is the end result of a series of biochemical steps. Testosterone also regulates prostaglandin, which seems to keep the growth of the prostate under control. Testosterone also nourishes all the tissues in the male urinary and reproductive systems.

It is estimated that testosterone levels will drop to abnormally low levels in more than 20% of men after age 50. Testosterone can be affected by medication, by illness, obesity, stress, and lifestyle factors, such as excessive alcohol intake and smoking.

The following is a simple questionnaire for men to determine if their testosterone levels are adequate. How do you score?

1. Are you over the age of thirty-five? 
2. Do you have poor muscle tone? 
3. Are you prone to weight gain, particularly around the midsection?
4. Do you frequently feel weak and tired for no apparent reason? 
5. Is your recovery from exercise slow? 
6. Do you have a low sex drive or symptoms of sexual dysfunction?
7. Do you feel depressed, irritable, or unmotivated? 
8. Do you have difficulty coping with stress? 
9. Do you smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol regularly, or take prescription medicines? 
10. Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes?

Men who have answered YES to any four questions are candidates for possible hormone replacement therapy for Low-T. There are more than 40 million men in the United States experiencing andropause, but the vast majority of them are unaware of it. As the tremendous popularity of Viagra suggests, many of these men have symptoms of male sexual dysfunction, while others find themselves fighting more subtle battles against depression, diabetes, fatigue, insomnia, and obesity - all common symptoms of Low-T that most doctors overlook and attribute to the natural process of aging or stress.

Hormones are the real juice of life. With our Age Intervention Program, we are astonished by how men and women are revitalized in as little as 6 to 8 weeks after beginning testosterone replacement therapy.


Standard Laboratory Tests are Insufficient

Medical science has determined that a man’s bio-available (free) levels decline at an alarming rate of 2% each year, beginning at age 30. This means that a man in his 60’s is functioning with only about 40% of the testosterone he had in his 20’s.

However, when standard laboratory tests are performed, most men typically have only their total levels of testosterone evaluated. Their more important bio-available levels go unchecked. As a result, millions of American men who have symptoms of low testosterone are walking around undiagnosed and untreated.


Benefits of Testosterone

• Enhances muscle mass and strength
• Enhances sex drive and function
• Improves cardiac health and blood pressure
• Improves memory, concentration, and visual acuity
• Improves mood and overall sense of well-being
• Improves overall energy
• Increases bone strength
• Increases tolerance for stress
• Promotes protein-building
• Reduces cholesterol and blood sugar