Dr Michael Evans talks about the single best thing someone can do for their health and in only 30 minutes a day…

A new medical study published this month in the Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that the use of Propecia (finasteride) may cause persistent sexual dysfunction and impotence in some men who take the medication. The study, by George Wahington University researchers, demonstrated that a subset of men that took Propecia (finasteride) had continued sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction, decreased sexual desire and libido, even after stopping the medication. This new study is one of the first to look at the long-term effects of the use of Propecia (finasteride) even after patients stop the medication.

What was interesting about the study is that the sexual dysfunction was found in younger men (age 21 to age 46) who were taking the medication for cosmetic reasons (prevention of hair loss). The sexual dysfunction may be due to blockage of the conversion of the male hormone testosterone to the more bio-active form of dihydrotestosterone by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme

Watch some of the comments by Dr. Michael Irwig, the lead researcher from George Washington University discuss some of the study’s findings.

In case you were wondering what disease followed October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, November is the American Diabetes Month (as well as “Movember” – a prostate cancer awareness campaign where guys get to grow really cool mustaches in order to raise money for prostate cancer). We’ll be highlighting both diabetes and prostate cancer awareness for this month, primarily focusing on…prevention, since I feel that is the most important aspect of medicine. If we can prevent it, then I don’t have to talk to you as a patient about how to treat it or attempt to cure it.

And how cool would that be?

Want more info on American Diabetes Month? Check out the American Diabetes Association

Find out more about “Movember” and raising awareness for prostate cancer.

The President’s Cancer Panel has released ther 2008-2009 Annual Report on Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What We Can Do Now.

The 150 page report details environmental and chemical exposure as it may increase Americans risk of developing cancer as a result of long-term exposures. Study raises interesting questions regarding the efficacy of government regulation and oversight in United States.