|
Men's Health Month
|
Men should visit their doctors regularly in order to talk about their overall health, ask questions, establish a relationship with their doctor, and get the recommended preventive health screenings.
|
| About Us | |
A not-for-profit ministry of
Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust Inc.
Church of the Brethren Insurance Services provides ancillary coverage for ministers and other employees of congregations, districts, and camps.
Medical and ancillary plans are available to Brethren-affiliated employer groups.
Long-Term Care Insurance is available for all members of the Church of the Brethren, their family and friends, and employees of Church of the Brethren-affiliated agencies, organizations, colleges, and retirement communities. |
Contact Us
1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120
|
|
Greetings!
Are you taking good care of your mouth? Your dental health is as important as the health of every other part of your body. Strong teeth and gums will help you enjoy the nutritious fruits and vegetables that are ripening all around us in June. Check out this article from Delta Dental for some summer tooth tips.
 In some ways, men and women are like apples and pears --- similar, but not quite the same. Although men's health and women's health are equally important, there are specific medical concerns that affect each sex. June is Men's Health Month, and the guide posted to the left of this letter offers several important screenings and tips that men should consider to make the most of their health.
Testosterone is often considered "the male hormone," but it affects women's health, too. As its balance shifts in older male and female bodies, the risk of health problems increases. Learn about two testosterone-related conditions called metabolic syndrome and andropause in the article below.
These two conditions, like many others, can be addressed and possibly prevented by getting regular medical attention. Rigorously following a preventive health schedule is a way to take full advantage of your Brethren Medical Plan benefits and keep your body in good condition. Check out a sample preventive health schedule from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield below.
Have a joyous June! We're overjoyed to serve your insurance needs this month and every month.
Scott, Tammy, and Connie
|
|
Gearing up for summer sports
|  With warmer weather and longer days, the summer months inspire many people to be much more active. Though you've may have already stocked up on sunscreen and summer sports gear in preparation, here are some precautions to take when it comes to your teeth, too --- Always use a mouth guard for contact sports. Do you have kids who are running the bases this summer? If so, be sure to have them fitted for a mouth guard before the season starts. After all, you want to celebrate a successful slide into home with cheers and hugs --- not an emergency dentist trip.1 By the way, that advice goes for you, too. Whether you're participating in your office summer volleyball league or showing off your slow pitch skills against company rivals, make sure you wear a mouth guard.1 That's one way to ensure that the water cooler crowd is talking about your sweet spike instead of your newly toothless grin.  Keep an eye on the sports drinks. A cold sports drink is a refreshing way to help recover after a hard summer workout or run. Unfortunately, for routine consumption, most sports drinks aren't doing your teeth any favors thanks to the sugar and citric acid they contain.2 Before you buy a beverage for routine consumption, check out the label. Choose one that's sugar-free or stick with water instead. If you're trying to avoid artificial sweeteners and want to choose a full-sugar sports drink, you may want to brush your teeth after you consume it. One low-sugar, high-protein drink you might consider chugging after your workout is chocolate milk. Research suggests that its balance of water, protein, sugar, carbohydrates, and sodium makes it perfect for post-exercise consumption.3 Sources: 1 http://oralhealth.deltadental.com/Search/22,DD130 2 http://oralhealth.deltadental.com/Search/22,20818 3 http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/superfoods/chocolate-milk-after-workout/ Learn more about taking care of oral health at www.mouthmattersil.com. Adapted from an article provided by Delta Dental of Illinois. |
|
The effects of testosterone
Increased incidence of metabolic syndrome
|
Testosterone is a powerful hormone found in both male and female bodies. As it decreases in men and increases in women in later years, the risk of experiencing metabolic syndrome increases. Metabolic syndrome is a combination of physical disorders that indicates a greater risk of developing serious health issues like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This condition is marked with symptoms such as abdominal obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Effects on Women
As testosterone levels progress during menopause, the incidence of metabolic syndrome also climbs at a steady pace. As estrogen levels decrease, increased testosterone can contribute to the formation of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. Females tend to develop the disease approximately 10 years after men, during their menopausal years.
Effects on Men
As a symptom of aging, a man's testosterone levels tend to decline during his 40s --- commonly referred to as andropause or male menopause. As hormone levels decrease, males have more difficulty maintaining physical and mental health; they may experience increased fatigue, lower sex drives, and weakened skin, bones, and muscles. Testosterone deficiency is also linked with night sweats, insulin resistance, erectile dysfunction, lower ambition, loss of muscle mass, and weight gain in the waist.
As abdominal obesity increases, males can also develop metabolic syndrome. With stress management, exercise, proper nutrition, dietary supplements, and androgen replacement therapy, testosterone levels can be increased to combat andropause symptoms.
To determine if you at risk of developing metabolic syndrome as a result of increased or decreased testosterone, contact your doctor. He or she can test your hormone levels and prescribe treatment to combat the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. Content © 2009 Zywave Inc. Definitions supplied by Wikipedia.com.
|
Are you getting your preventive care?
|
It's true what they say --- an ounce of prevention is certainly worth a pound of cure! That's because preventive care services can help you establish a healthy lifestyle and may help you avoid a more serious illness in the future. No matter what your age or gender, at every stage of life there are certain recommended preventive care services you should receive. Periodic physical examinations, vaccines, and a full scope of diagnostic testing such as cholesterol screenings, gynecological exams, and mammograms are all important to maintain good health. Be an informed health care consumer. Take full advantage of your applicable preventive care services. Click here to access a preventive care schedule to see what care is recommended for you or members of your family.
|
|
|
