Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Transportation is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways for the busy Labor Day holiday travel period. More than 600,000 Tennesseans are expected to travel by car this holiday.

Construction crews will stop all lane closure activity beginning at noon on Friday, September 3rd through 6:00am on Tuesday, September 7th. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists traveling during the busy Labor Day holiday.

“The Labor Day holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “As thousands of people hit the road in Tennessee, we want to ensure they get to their destinations quickly and safely without road construction delays.”

While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers will still be on site in many construction zones. For instance, in Memphis workers will spend the weekend on the I-40/Hernando DeSoto Bridge seismic retrofit project preparing for a major new phase of work. Crews will reduce the bridge to one lane in each direction near exit 1 immediately following rush hour Tuesday morning. The I-40 Bridge will be reduced to one lane east and westbound from Tuesday, September 7th at 9:00am until mid-November.

Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

“During this Labor Day weekend, travelers will notice an increased number of law enforcement personnel on Tennessee’s roadways,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “Our main goal is for everyone to have a safe holiday, so we want to emphasize the importance of buckling up, obeying traffic laws, paying attention, and, above all, never driving drunk or impaired.”

The summer travel season is expected to close with almost 10% more travelers during the Labor Day weekend than during the same period in 2009. AAA Auto Club South projects 658,864 Tennesseans will travel this Labor Day holiday, with 629,301 traveling by car and 18,242 traveling by air. Nationwide travel is expected to be up 10% compared to 2008. Tennessee is anticipated to experience a 9.7% increase in travel through the state compared to last year’s numbers.

For up-to-date travel information, motorists can call 5-1-1 from any land line or cell phone or visit www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway. Travelers can also get instant traffic alerts by following TDOT on Twitter. For a list of available Twitter feeds visit www.tn.gov/tdot/mediaroom/info.htm. Motorists are reminded that texting while driving is against the law in Tennessee, so please use these motorist information tools responsibly.

Nashville, TN

“Colonel Walker has done an extraordinary job restoring the integrity and credibility of the Tennessee Highway Patrol,” said Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell. “Under his leadership, the highest standards of professionalism were expected and transparency in dealing with disciplinary issues was ensured. The Colonel has gained the trust and admiration of the department and his legacy will be one of tremendous respect as a State Trooper and leader of the THP.”

Colonel Mike Walker

Walker began his work as a Tennessee State Trooper in July of 1977. During the next 30 years, he worked as a road Trooper; served stints in both the Training, and Planning and Research divisions; was Director of Driver Licensing and Control; and performed duties as Troop Lieutenant, District Administrative Lieutenant and Director of the Professional Standards division. Walker was appointed Colonel in March of 2006.

“It has been a great ride,” said Colonel Walker, just weeks shy of his 57th birthday. “You can bet when I walk away from here, I will still be the biggest supporter of the Department of Safety, and especially the Tennessee Highway Patrol.”

Walker’s support for a structure to manage investigative and disciplinary processes for the department was instrumental in the organization and development of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), a unit within the Professional Standards Bureau. Highlighting the OPR list of accomplishments is a revamped hiring and promotional process without partisan political influence. Established in 2007, the bureau was recommended in the Kroll Report commissioned by Governor Phil Bredesen.

Colonel Mike Walker receives Award.

Walker has honed the agency’s focus on highway traffic safety, positioning the THP as a lead organization in safety programs. The number of statewide traffic fatalities has declined nearly 25 percent between the years 2006 to 2009. In lieu of this achievement, Colonel Walker received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Award of Public Service in March of 2009 for his leadership in statewide traffic records improvement and the implementation of an electronic crash reporting system for Tennessee.

In addition, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) national law enforcement challenge has ranked THP as the top agency twice over the past five years and in the top-three two times during that period. Agencies were judged on its efforts to enforce laws and educate the public on occupant protection, impaired driving and speeding.

After a 35 percent decline in large truck related traffic fatalities, the THP also received 2009 Commercial Vehicle Safety awards from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

“During his tenure, Colonel Walker has been a true champion of safety,” stated Commissioner Mitchell. “His dedication to reducing highway fatalities has led to a solid partnership with the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the implementation of the Between the Barrels program. The Colonel played a key role in reaching and encouraging thousands of teenagers to become better, safer drivers.”

Colonel Mike Walker

Colonel Walker’s latest achievement was spearheading an upgraded communications system for State Troopers to communicate more effectively. The current 1950s technology was approved for modernization by the 2010 Tennessee General Assembly.

“My biggest concern as the outgoing Colonel is trooper safety, and my biggest regret is not being here to see the improvement of communications technology through,” said Colonel Walker. “Enhanced technology is essential for troopers to remain safe throughout the state. My goal has always been for each trooper to make it home at the end of each shift.”

Walker attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is a graduate of the 57th class of the Northwestern University Traffic Institute’s Police Administration Training program. He began his law enforcement career as a police officer for Signal Mountain.

“I am honored to have enjoyed a long career with the Tennessee Highway Patrol,” Colonel Walker said. “I consider the people I have worked with over the years as my family. Even though I have left the building, I won’t be very far. The THP will always hold a special place in my heart.”

A decision on Walker’s successor will be forthcoming.

About The Tennessee Department of Safety

The Tennessee Department of Safety’s mission is (www.TN.Gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.

Painful memories of 2008’s market collapse still linger for most people. So lest we forget, Consumer Reports Money Adviser’s experts listed some common investor mistakes, pre- and post-meltdown, and how to avoid them the next time around.

(1) Following the herd. This emotional approach to investing often results in buying high and selling low, the opposite of what most of us want to do. But whether the Standard & Poor’s 500 is up a certain amount or your neighbor is making a killing shouldn’t matter to you. Your strategy should be based on your individual goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance, not those of your neighbor. If you follow the herd into an investment you run a good shot at buying near the top. Similarly, the greatest volume of selling is generally near the market bottoms, when the news headlines are the most dire and a turnaround seems most improbable.

What to do instead. Put your investments on autopilot. Set up an appropriate asset allocation and make regular investments at set intervals, regardless of what the market is doing or pundits are prognosticating. If you’re still some years away from leaving the workplace, consider target-date funds, which shift their mix of investments automatically based on your anticipated date of retirement. They were criticized for their inability to protect investors from losses in 2008, but the funds performed well for people who stuck with them over the last two years.

(2) Running for safety. In the aftermath of the 2008 market meltdown, many investors realized that they had too much invested in stocks and too little in bonds and cash. Some reacted by liquidating what was left of their stocks and pouring money into Treasury bonds as a safe haven. Unfortunately, that too could turn out to be a mistake. Should interest rates rise or the U.S. fiscal situation deteriorate, being locked into Treasuries, particularly long-term ones, or just having too large a bond position could mean trailing inflation.

What to do instead. Playing it safe might make sense if you don’t have a long time horizon and can’t wait for the market to recover. But if you want your portfolio to grow over time, you should continue to hold some stocks. If you’re a bond investor, stick to shorter-term issues until the interest rate picture becomes clearer.

(3) Overpaying for past performance. If you buy a fund because its manager delivered big returns in the past, you could end up paying management fees for old returns that he or she might not be able to duplicate. For example, CGM Focus was one of the best performing funds of the past decade, with an almost 18 percent average annual return through July 31, 2009. But Morningstar’s “Investor Return,” which measures the performance that people actually achieve in a fund based on the timing of their purchases, shows that investors lost nearly 17 percent annually during that period.

What to do instead. Hold a mix of index funds and low-cost managed funds. Index funds are the cheapest ways for individual investors to build a diversified portfolio and get what’s basically a market rate of return. Managed funds can fill in niche areas of the market, such as real estate or high-yield bonds, where a conservative manager can avoid some of the scarier investments that might be included in an index fund devoted to that sector.

(4) Counting on your home as an investment. It may be your biggest asset, but you shouldn’t expect to make much money from your home. Historically, real estate has returned only about half a percent a year after taking inflation into account. As home prices climbed over the past decade, many buyers overreached to take on more house than they could afford, assuming they’d make more profit when the property was sold. The plunge in housing values has left many with unaffordable mortgages and homes that can’t be sold.

What to do instead. Don’t base any assumptions of your ability to retire on how much your home might appreciate. Look to your home as a place to live, not as a sure-fire investment.

(5) Being overconfident. Some investors tend to ascribe their gains to their own abilities rather than the whims of the market. And they tend to think that they’re smarter than the average investor on the other side of the trade. That may not be the case, but you’re not competing with the average investor—you’re up against investment pros.

What to do instead. Don’t’ let your confidence lead you to trading more often than you should. Dollar cost averaging into mutual funds within an IRA or 401 (k) gives you psychological distance from the market’s gyration.

About the Consumer Reports Money Adviser

Consumer Reports Money Adviser is a monthly, subscription-only newsletter that answers tough money questions and provides expert financial advice. Its proven information and successful strategies can make any financial decision an easy one. Each month, CRMA provides feature articles and helpful investment, savings, and spending advice that will help prepare consumers for anything life may bring them. For more information visit: www.ConsumerReports.org.

Nashville, TN – Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for July was 9.8 percent, down two-tenths of a percentage point from the revised June rate of 10.0 percent. The national unemployment rate for July 2010 was 9.5 percent.

County non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for July 2010, released today, show that the rate decreased in 87 counties, increased in 5 counties and remained the same in three counties.

Lincoln County registered the state’s lowest county unemployment rate at 6.4 percent, down from 6.7 percent in June. Scott County had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 19.4 percent, down from 20.8 percent, followed by Marshall County at 15.7 percent, down from 16.6 percent in the previous month.

Knox County had the state’s lowest major metropolitan rate of 7.5 percent, down from 7.8 percent in June. Davidson County was 9.3 percent, up from 9.0 percent. Hamilton County was 8.4 percent, down from 9.1 in June, and Shelby County was 9.9 percent, down from 10.5.

Labor Force Estimates – United States & Tennessee

Labor Force Estimates – Tennessee Counties

Information is available on the Internet: www.tennessee.gov/labor-wfd/labor_figures/july2010county.pdf

Today I’m thinking about swimming and how refreshing it is to jump in or dive into the deep water. You are submerged and you become lighter.

A great book in the Bible about diving into Jesus, is the book of Colossians. In the 2nd chapter of Philippians verse 5 it says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ,” that is kind of like jumping in the deep end of the water. Colossians tells us in the 2nd chapter verse 10, “And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” We are submerged in Christ and we are complete in Christ.

Colossians 3:1-3 is what I mean when I say that we ought to be submerged in Christ. Let me read those verses:

1. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God”.
2. “Set your affection on thing above, not on things on the earth”.
3. “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

As a fish depends upon water, we should depend on Christ. A fish lives in the water, breathes in the water, and eats in the water. Take a fish out of the water and it dies. As the fish is dependant on water, Christians are dependant upon Christ.

This is Bro. Shep asking you to think about this.

Matthew 28:18-20 “If you are growing, you are going”

The $33 million project widened a 4.6 mile section of the roadway in Dover, joining a previously reconstructed stretch of State Route 76.

“Projects like this are vital to the mobility and economic development in Tennessee’s rural areas,” said Commissioner Nicely. “The completion of this project marks major progress in TDOT’s efforts to increase access, capacity and safety along this entire route.”

Representative Butch Borchert, who was instrumental in the development of this project, joined Commissioner Nicely at today’s ceremonial opening event.

“This is an important investment in Stewart County’s transportation system and its economic future,” said Representative Borchert. “I want to thank TDOT for working closely with me to prioritize the improvements to this corridor.”

Senator Roy Herron

Senator Roy Herron added, “This project will improve traffic flow here in Dover and provide motorists with a safer and faster commute to Clarksville and I-24. I’m pleased the state could make this investment in Stewart County.”

A number of widening and reconstruction projects on State Route 76 in Stewart and Montgomery Counties have already been completed.

Another project to widen the remaining section of State Route 76 from State Route 120 to just east of the Montgomery County line began in late 2009. The $21 million project is expected to be complete by October 2011.

Market Commentary by Scott J. Brown, Ph.D., Chief Economist

Scott J. Brown Ph.D., Chief Economist Raymond James Investment Services

The July figures on new and existing home sales each fell well short of expectations, and durable goods orders came in much weaker than anticipated. Real gross domestic product (GDP) rose at a 1.6% annual rate in the second estimate for second quarter of 2010 (compared to +2.4% in the advance estimate and a median forecast of +1.4%).

Growth in the second quarter was stronger than it appears, however. Imports, which have a negative sign in the GDP calculation, surged at a 32.4% annual rate, subtracting 4.5 percentage points from overall growth. Domestic Final Sales (GDP less inventories and net exports) – a better measure of underlying domestic demand – rose at a 4.3% annual rate (vs. +4.1% in the advance estimate). That indicates relative strength. But so what? The GDP revisions tell us nothing about the current pace of growth or where we’ll be in the next few quarters – and that is what matters for the overall financial market outlook.

In his highly-anticipated Jackson Hole, Wyoming, speech, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke gave mixed messages. The Fed is prepared to undertake more quantitative easing – buying long-term securities – but does not yet see that the benefits of such a move would outweigh the potential costs. “If deflation risks were to increase,” Bernanke said, “the benefit-cost tradeoffs of some of our policy tools could become significantly more favorable.” So, the Fed is armed and ready to fire (in terms of doing more), but the trigger point has not yet been reached. The economic data over the next few weeks will be important.

Next week, the economic data calendar remains packed. The focus will be on the August Employment Report. The Census Bureau reports that there were 116,000 fewer census workers in mid-August than there were in mid-July, which should push the overall payroll figure into negative territory again. Private-sector payrolls are likely to post a lackluster gain (probably from 20,000 to 50,000; we need about 135,000 or so to keep pace with the growth of the working-age population). The unemployment rate is likely to edge up, reflecting the extension of unemployment insurance benefits. Keep an eye on temp-help payrolls, a leading indicator of new hiring, which improved nicely from October through May, but petered out in June and July.

Indices

Consumer Money Rates

Currencies

Commodities

Bond Rates

Treasury Yield Curve – 8/27th/2010

Treasury Yield Curve

S&P Sector Performance (YTD) – 8/27th/2010

S&P Sector Performance (YTD)

Economic Calendar

Important Disclosures

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. There are special risks involved with global investing related to market and currency fluctuations, economic and political instability, and different financial accounting standards. The above material has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. There is no assurance that any trends mentioned will continue in the future. While interest on municipal bonds is generally exempt from federal income tax, it may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, state or local taxes. In addition, certain municipal bonds (such as Build America Bonds) are issued without a federal tax exemption, which subjects the related interest income to federal income tax. Investing involves risk and investors may incur a profit or a loss.

US government bonds and treasury bills are guaranteed by the US government and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and guaranteed principal value. US government bonds are issued and guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by the federal government. Treasury bills are certificates reflecting short-term (less than one year) obligations of the US government.

Commodities trading is generally considered speculative because of the significant potential for investment loss. Markets for commodities are likely to be volatile and there may be sharp price fluctuations even during periods when prices overall are rising. Specific sector investing can be subject to different and greater risks than more diversified investments.

Tax Equiv Muni yields (TEY) assume a 35% tax rate on triple-A rated, tax-exempt insured revenue bonds.

Material prepared by Raymond James for use by its financial advisors.

The information contained herein has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Data source: Bloomberg, as of close of business August 19th, 2010.

©2010 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. member FINRA / SIPC.

It is part of a nationwide program that coordinates and supports efforts to identify, evaluate and protect historic resources. The Tennessee Historical Commission administers the program in Tennessee.

“These listings highlight some of the diverse places that tell the story of Tennessee’s unique history,” said Patrick McIntyre, executive director of the Tennessee Historical Commission. “Our office is proud of its role in ensuring recognition of these time-honored places that help give Tennesseans a sense of pride in their communities.”

Sites recently added to the National Register of Historic Places include:

Beasley Mounds

This important archaeological site contains a prehistoric Mississippian period (A.D. 900-1450) mound complex, habitation areas and cemeteries. The property has yielded, or has the potential to yield, information on prehistoric Mississippian life ways. The site includes remnants of five earthen mounds and adjoining ridges around an apparent open plaza.

First written about in the 1820s, the site was studied by Edward Myer in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Myer’s interest in the prehistory began as an avocation, but he eventually turned it into his profession, working with the Bureau of American Ethnology from 1919 to 1923. His papers are housed at the Smithsonian Institution. Farmed for many years, the site was planted in a stand of yellow poplar in 1991 as part of a Forest Stewardship Plan. Investigations of the site have continued over the years, including a 2008 mapping and excavation project.

Fairmount Neighborhood Historic District

Containing nearly 500 buildings in Bristol, Tennessee, the Fairmount Neighborhood Historic District represents a variety of architectural styles dating from the 1890s to the 1950s. The majority of the properties at this Sullivan County site are houses, with styles including Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, bungalow and Minimal Traditional. Soon after the King family’s land was divided in 1877, the first houses were built and building in the neighborhood continued until the 1960s.

Originally planned to attract wealthy homebuilders, features like trolleys, a hotel and green spaces were part of the development. As the surrounding area transitioned to a more industrial, economic base in the first half of the twentieth century, Fairmount increasingly became home to a working-class population. The changing demographics present a good example of urban and suburban development in Bristol and this is reflected in the architecture.

First Congregational Church

Built in Chattanooga in 1905, the First Congregational Church is a noteworthy example of the late Gothic Revival style in the city. The church building was designed by Chattanooga architects George Adams and Charles Bearden. Large stained glass windows with Gothic Revival tracery and a brick, narthex tower are primary design features of the church. Local contractors L.C. Alston and A.J. Johnson supervised the laborers working on the building – most of them African American.

With the site close to the street on a well-traveled corner and surrounded by commercial buildings, the church is a visible reminder not only of the Gothic Revival but also of the social history of the surrounding African-American community. The church building served as a religious and community center for the neighborhood for many years. First Congregational Church’s congregation disbanded in 2001. The building stood vacant until the current owners purchased it in 2006 and began rehabilitating it for use as an events venue.

Long Rock Methodist Episcopal Church, South

The circa 1886 church is a one-story brick building located near Huntingdon in Carroll County. Built by local carpenter Hezekiah James Wilcox, the building’s segmental arch windows, main entry and corbelled brickwork, are examples of Italianate detailing. Inside, elegant but simple details include the chancel railing, wainscoting and paneled wood of the pews.

Since its construction in 1886, the church has served as a community center in this rural part of Carroll County. In addition to church services, it has been used for community singing, homecomings and other annual events, local meetings and circuit church events. In 1957, a classroom addition was added to the back of the original church but no other substantial changes have occurred. Three cemeteries associated with the church are included in the nomination, as is the long rock that gave the church its name.

Memorial Stadium

The stadium was built in Johnson City around 1933 to 1935 as a project of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. Since that time, Memorial Stadium has been a central part of the city’s recreation department. Many high school football games, collegiate games and practice games have been held on the field. The National Register nomination states that “the facility serves as a reminder of the changes in the construction of public venues from small and intimate community-based facilities to the larger commercialized facilities of today.”

The sunken bowl of the field and concrete stands make for a more personal, sports-watching experience than occurs in larger modern stadiums. An interesting and important feature outside the stadium is the Spirit of the American Doughboy statue. Designed and built to honor WWI veterans, the statue was later rededicated to include servicemen from other conflicts.

Ridgedale Methodist Episcopal Church

The late Gothic Revival-style Ridgedale Methodist Episcopal Church was constructed in 1925 at the base of Missionary Ridge in Chattanooga. Principal design elements of the church building include the arched stained glass windows, engaged buttresses, steeply pitched roof and dark stained wood interior trim.

The Chattanooga Times reported that the new church could seat 500 in the auditorium and balcony, had dark woodwork, cream-colored walls, natural gum pews and brass lighting. Costing $85,000 to build, the church was not officially dedicated until 1939 when the construction debt was paid. In 1953, as the congregation was growing, a three-story brick education annex was added to the building. Declining membership resulted in the sale of the church to an American Pentecostal congregation in 1994. In 1996, the First Baptist Church of Bozentown purchased the building and they continue to worship there.

Varsity Theatre

Located in Martin, the Varsity Theatre was completed and opened to the public in 1949. Designed by the Clarksville architectural firm, Speight and Hibbs, the building is important for its Art Deco and Art Moderne styling. It features the characteristic streamlined appearance of Art Moderne designs, such as the rounded edges and horizontal lines on the exterior. Art Moderne elements are carried over to the interior of the building, where there also are Art Deco features – such as the lighting and wall decor.

Considered the premier theater in Martin and Weakley County when it opened, it was built for the Ruffin Amusement Company of Covington, Tennessee. Named in honor of Martin’s University of Tennessee College (now the University of Tennessee – Martin), the air-conditioned, 1,000-seat theater was opened with great fanfare, including broadcasting the opening ceremonies on the radio. After being used as a church and years of vacancy, the building has reopened for use as a fitness center and physical therapy clinic.

Woman’s Club of Nashville

Constructed circa 1927 for John Beauregard Daniel, the Classical Revival house in Nashville is 2.5 stories, constructed of hollow-tile blocks and faced with stucco. The most prominent feature of the house is the one-bay, two-story pedimented portico with Corinthian columns. Multi-light windows, a gabled roof with wide eaves and parapet walls on the side elevations are other character defining features.

Classical Revival interior elements include marble fireplaces, original wood doors and moldings, tiled bathrooms and the main stairway. The building is important as an example of twentieth century Classical Revival design in Nashville. Used as the headquarters of the Woman’s Club of Nashville since 1957, an addition was placed at the rear of the building in 1977 and the kitchen has been remodeled, with no substantial changes to the building.

For more information about the National Register of Historic Places or the Tennessee Historical Commission, please visit the Web site at www.tn.gov/environment/hist.

Program Summary

The State of Tennessee’s Department of Economic and Community Development, in concert with the U.S. Department of Energy, is making rebates available to Tennessee residents who replace an existing room air conditioner, central air conditioner, air source heat pump, or gas furnace with a new ENERGY STAR® qualified model.

• Who is eligible? All Tennessee residents who are homeowners or renters.
• What is eligible? ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners, central air conditioners, air source heat pumps, and gas furnaces that replace existing appliances and installed within the State of Tennessee.
• When can I purchase? Appliances must be purchased from April 22nd, 2010 through February 17th, 2012, subject to the availability of funds. Purchases made prior to the official program start date are ineligible.
• How long do I have? Rebates will be paid on a first come, first serve basis, based on the postmark date associated with a complete, signed application with all the required documentation. The total program funding is $5,660,000. When the incentive funds are exhausted, no further rebates will be paid.
• What else do I need to know? There is a limit of one rebate per household. Rebate checks can only be mailed to a Tennessee address or post office box.

Chicago, IL — While most frequently associated with women’s health, age-related hormone changes, often dubbed menopause, can occur in men as well, causing symptoms of fatigue, mood swings, decreased desire for sex, hair loss, lack of concentration and weight gain. Experts estimate that more than 5 million men are affected, yet worry the number may be considerably higher since symptoms are frequently ignored.

Male hypogonadism, as it’s referred to in the medical community, occurs when the testicles do not produce enough testosterone, the hormone that plays a key role in masculine growth and development. When hormone levels drop, men can experience significant mental and physical changes.

“This is a highly prevalent disorder,” said Robert Brannigan, MD, urologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “Unfortunately, we estimate that 95 percent of cases are undiagnosed and therefore untreated. When ignored, symptoms can seriously disrupt one’s quality of life.”

“My body was telling me that something wasn’t right. I was always tired, it didn’t matter how much sleep I got, I constantly wanted to take a nap,” said Michael Andruzzi, a 40-year-old man diagnosed with male hypogonadism and a patient at Northwestern Memorial.

Brannigan explains hormone variations are a normal aspect of getting older. “In females, ovulation comes to an end and hormone production declines in a relatively quick period of time, whereas men experience hormone shifts more slowly, with testosterone levels dropping around one percent each year beginning in a man’s late thirties,” adds Brannigan, who is also an associate professor of urology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Robert Brannigan, MD

Brannigan goes on to explain that by age seventy, the reduction in a male’s testosterone level could be as high as fifty percent or more compared to baseline levels, but notes that aging men are not the only ones at risk. A number of genetic causes can impact males from birth and are usually diagnosed with failure to progress normally through puberty during the teenage years.

Treatment options for male hypogonadism include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) via absorbable pellet implants, topical gels, patches, and injections. Through HRT, doctors can restore sexual function and muscle strength. In addition, men often experience an increase in energy and an improved overall sense of well-being.

“Once I began treatment, I felt better very quickly,” said Andruzzi. “My energy level shot back up; I regained strength and felt I could concentrate much better.”

“We are seeing more men affected by male hypogonadism than we saw ten years ago,” said Brannigan. “However, many men continue to suffer in silence due to a lack of awareness surrounding the disorder. Because male hypogonadism can significantly impact the quality of one’s life, it’s important that men pay attention to their body and openly discuss symptoms with their physician in order to prevent overlooking the cause and avoid missing an opportunity for appropriate therapy.”

Although research to determine the exact association continues, doctors also warn that male hypogonadism has been linked to chronic medical conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It’s also closely associated with infertility.

“This disorder is not something that should be ignored,” said Brannigan, who is working to educate patients and physicians about the symptoms and treatments available in order to ensure therapies are made available to men in need.

Male hypogonadism is most commonly diagnosed through a simple blood test. Brannigan notes hormone replacement therapy is not appropriate for all patients especially those with history of prostate and breast cancer and men trying to conceive. He suggests consulting your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms.

About Northwestern Memorial HealthCare

Northwestern Memorial HealthCare is the parent corporation of Chicago’s Northwestern Memorial Hospital, an 854-bed academic medical center hospital and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, a 215-bed community hospital located in Lake Forest, Illinois.

About Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Northwestern Memorial Hospital is one of the country’s premier academic medical centers and is the primary teaching hospital of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Along with its Prentice Women’s Hospital and Stone Institute of Psychiatry, the hospital comprises 854 beds, 1,603 affiliated physicians and 7,144 employees. Northwestern Memorial is recognized for providing exemplary patient care and state-of-the art advancements in the areas of cardiovascular care; women’s health; oncology; neurology and neurosurgery; solid organ and soft tissue transplants and orthopaedics.

Northwestern Memorial possesses nursing Magnet Status, the nation’s highest recognition for patient care and nursing excellence, and it is listed in 12 clinical specialties in U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 “America’s Best Hospitals” guide. For 10 years running, it has been rated among the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” guide by Working Mother magazine. The hospital is a recipient of the prestigious National Quality Health Care Award and has been chosen by Chicagoans as the Consumer Choice according to the National Research Corporation’s annual survey for 11 years.

Web Site: www.nmh.org/