As men age and they begin to realize that their bodies can no longer do what they once did, they begin to ask certain questions.

Why am I going bald and how can I stop it?  Male pattern baldness can be hereditary and as such, there is currently no cure.  Men have tried all kinds of snake oil cures, but the best thing to do when going bald is to accept it and avoid the comb over at all costs.  Some men look really good in a hat, like Indiana Jones, but men should remember not to let the lack of hair destroy their confidence.  Patrick Stewart should give hope to those losing their hair.  Rogaine has been used by some men with success, but it is important to consult a doctor when considering using any medication for a long period of time.

When should I get my prostate examined?  This is the one thing that all men dread.  You’re going to do what?  Where?  The prostate exam has become controversial in recent months because some studies have shown that they do not actual save men’s lives and are thus superfluous.  Wasting a doctor’s and a patient’s time for something that seems to lack efficacy is an inefficient use of resources that could be better spent elsewhere.  However, since the studies are still in question, it is important for men to follow whatever the current recommendations are – as long as those recommendations come from science and not the insurance company that would rather not pay for any tests.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?  Testosterone is the hormone that makes a man a man biologically speaking.  The production of it during puberty results in more body hair, a deeper voice and muscle development.  It is also responsible for a healthy sex drive and the continued ability to create muscle.  As men age, testosterone production gets lower.  The results are predictable – lower sex drive, less ability to create and maintain muscle tone.  That doesn’t mean that men have to live with lower testosterone.  There are natural supplements that are supposed to increase the body’s production of the hormone that may help some men maintain their normal level of testosterone.  It may also be important to note that a man may have a lowered level of testosterone and still be within healthy medical guidelines.

Should I stretch before I participate in physical activities?  Gone are the days after a night of hard partying when it would be easy to get up, play six hours of basketball, go home and shower just to do it again.  Six hours of basketball now brings out pains that men never knew they could have.  Unfortunately, the guidelines for stretching are dependent on the sport and are still in dispute.  Every credible resource agrees that stretching after a workout has benefits in helping the tendons and ligaments adjust to the muscle.  Consulting a training professional about stretching will help any man looking to improve physical fitness.