Years before Dr. Don Fisher transformed his medical practice into an Age Management office, he provided medical services to HIV patients in Broward County. While treating them, he says, he came to appreciate the power of human growth hormone (HGH).

Fisher prescribed a type of HGH called Serostim (along with testosterone) to hundreds of his AIDS patients who were suffering from wasting syndrome, the weight loss that affects patients with full-blown AIDS. “It enlightened me to realize that even these AIDS patients did super with human growth hormone,” Fisher recalls. “Their immune systems improved. Their weight improved. Their well-being improved. Sex. Everything improved for the most part, and they were on this hormone that I thought was pretty miraculous.”

Florida is home to more age management doctors than any other state -- and they're finding many patients willing to spend thousands to feel like they did in their 20s and 30s.

by Amy Keller

As we sleep, the pituitary gland near the base of the brain secretes a protein consisting of 191 amino acids that flows into the bloodstream. Although the substance, Human Growth Hormone (HGH), remains in the bloodstream for only a few minutes, its impact on the body is dramatic. When HGH binds to receptors on target fat cells, it stimulates the breakdown of triglycerides and suppresses the cells’ ability to store fat. At the same time, HGH triggers the liver to produce a potent anabolic hormone called IGF-1, a messenger molecule that stimulates bone, cartilage and muscle growth.

While levels of HGH peak during the rapid-growth phase of adolescence, they drop off as we age, at a rate of about 14% to 20% per decade. By the time we reach our 60s, our HGH level can be as little as 15% to 20% of what it was during our youth.

Pandemic viral infections like the Swine Flu (H1N1) are a general concern for all of us.  The level of infections will likely rise in the Fall when school resumes.  Other populations at greater risk are those who are in close contact in office settings, people with a lot of public contact (such as teachers, flight attendants, etc.) and families with children attending school.  Those of us in the health field may also be adversely affected.  The above concerns have prompted the following proactive health approach to optimizing your immunity.   Only a very healthy immune system will protect you if you are in contact with this virus.  I personally am recommending what I currently am doing to defend against this potential threat.