The DHEA Breakthrough: Look younger, live longer, feel better: My Review

The DHEA Breakthrough by Stephen A. Cherniske
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Although somewhat outdated and a little oversimplified in parts, Stephen Cherniske, does provide some useful information about the therapeutic potential of DHEA when used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, such as good nutrition, stress reduction techniques, exercise and supplementation to increase energy and to protect bone and joint health. One must note, however, that many findings are not based on any long-term double blind clinical studies, which Cherniske does objectively declare throughout the book.

It is incorrect that by the age of 50, growth hormone production in most individuals is too low to measure, as stated on page 57. Indeed, recent work demonstrates that some patients around this age actually suffer from adult growth hormone deficiency - due to pituitary gland damage - and thus require prescription supplementation via daily injections (obviously, not all people of this age are shown to be deficient via GH stimulation testing).

I also wonder where the author draws his evidence for stating that women were the primary inventors up until recently. Although he may have used some ethnographic evidence, one cannot apply such a sweeping notion to the whole of the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods. Indeed, the statement on p 107, “the first tools, it turns out, were not the weapons of men but the implements of women, which clothed, fed, and transported us through the ages.” is not backed up with any anthropological/archaeological credibility. Indeed, the first archaeological evidence we have for tools relate to those created by our predecessor Homo habilis, and not by modern humans at all. Additionally, many experiments and modern analyses conducted on Paleolithic stone tools have shown that many may have been used for butchering purposes. This would suggest a hunting or more male dominated role. Similarly, the subsequent Mesolithic period (following the last Ice Age) shows that modern humans invented a whole new stone tool tradition (called microliths), where tiny tools were adapted and utilized in order to hunt smaller woodland animals (e.g., deer). I could go on but I am veering off course. However, the author really needs to be more precise about what he is referring to.

All that aside, Cherniske has provided some compelling arguments about why one should consider DHEA as an important facet of good health and longevity. I, for one, shall be discussing this issue with my endocrinologist at my next appointment.



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PNA Webinar: Prolactinoma: A Patient's Perspective

The Pituitary Network Association (PNA) is offering a free webinar relating to prolactinomas. Further information about the event and registration details are as follows:

Title: Prolactinoma: A Patient's Perspective Date: Thursday, June 23, 2011 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PDT Details Many pituitary patients have had the frustrating, demoralizing experience of suffering physical and mental health issues - that are then dismissed or improperly treated by doctors who are supposed to show compassion and find the answers. Christina O'Neil-Bourne's story is unique, but it is also similar to that of many patients worldwide. Ms. Bourne is not only talented and beautiful (a former Miss Nevada), she will also present a captivating story we all can learn from! The Webinar Presenter Christina O'Neil-Bourne, M.M.E. Music Teacher PNA Board Member Pituitary Patient Christina O'Neil-Bourne holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in Music Education. She teaches general music and band for the Carson City School District. Christina was named Carson City School District Teacher of the Year 2009, and Carson City Rotary Teacher of the Year 2010. She was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award by President George W. Bush in 2003 for her efforts. Christina is a former Miss Nevada and competed in the Miss America Pageant. She volunteers her time for organizations aimed at bettering the lives of others through education. In 2005, Christina was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor. For nearly two years, she struggled to find a doctor to help her. She found the PNA website and within months was able to get the medical attention she so desperately needed. Thanks to the PNA, she is now able to live an active and healthy life. Presentation Description The webinar Prolactinoma: A Patient’s Perspective, will be hosted by Christina O'Neil-Bourne, M.M.E. She will share the story of her struggle with a prolactinoma, and also provide information on how she has coped with the effects of pituitary disease on her physical appearance, mental health, and relationships.  •  Introduction: Christina O'Neil-Bourne  •  Personal story  •  Discussion of physical, mental, and relationship changes  •  Discussion of how she coped with these changes  •  Life today  •  Advice for others For those who have not registered, please reserve your free webinar seat now at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/510361454 Space is limited. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. System Requirements: PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Sources/links

Pituitary Network Association (PNA)

http://www.pituitary.org/intro.aspx

Your most important asset: Your health

Generally, it is not until we personally suffer from a serious or chronic health issue that we truly understand how dramatic an impact it can have on our lives. We often take so much for granted in this world, as if we expect to live the same way indefinitely. Poor health, however, can rob us of the many wonderful things that we normally possess, such as a rewarding career, good social life, and even the simple privilege of feeling independent. It can thus dramatically impact our financial stability, personal relationships and future goals.

Such a scenario can also affect our loved ones such as family members, close friends, and co-workers, who often have to step in because of our physical limitations. It is crucial, therefore, that we take preventative measures to in order to avoid or alleviate damage to our bodies before it leads to a situation that may become irreversible. It is inevitable that our bodies will age and deteriorate over time, but there are simple measures that we can take in order to maintain as healthy a lifestyle as possible. Indeed, we endeavor to protect our material belongings in the form of repairing, cleaning and insuring them (preventative conservation), so aren’t we being remiss by not looking after ourselves?

Growing up in the western hemisphere, I felt confident that the medical profession had a solid understanding of the human body and that no matter what illness they faced, doctors would by and large be able to diagnose and treat it, accordingly – Ahhh! Those blissful days of pure ignorance… However, the reality is that this is often not the case. Although modern medical care has improved enormously over the last few decades, we are nevertheless a far cry from where we need to be and, as patients, it is important to be proactive in our overall well-being.

As expected, the majority of government funding is directed towards research for the most common types of disorders, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes, and so forth. Millions of people (excluding those from third world countries) therefore continue to suffer with other less common chronic problems that may either go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed… And in some cases, even if they are diagnosed correctly, they may still not be treated sufficiently due to the lack of appropriate treatments that are available for some types of illness. Indeed, some medications carry hefty side effects with them but there is sometimes nothing else available due to lack of clinical trials for that particular disease.

It is crucial, therefore, that you do your homework and make sure that you ask your doctor the right questions. Your doctor is certainly responsible for assisting in your overall medical treatment, but who cares about your future more than you do?

Further information

* WebMD - Better Information, Better Health

* Dr. Andrew Weil – Trusted Health Advisor (Mind & Body)