Q: Ed Burke’s fatal heart attack, reported in the November 2002 newsletters, was a shock and a tragedy, and has tempered my enthusiasm for riding. (Ed was 53 and I’m 59.) The reports say that he had a “family history” of heart problems. What does that mean in the context of strenuous exercise? I assume…
Q: My son is 15 and loves cycling. Will the sport affect his future ability to have children because of pressure on sensitive areas of the anatomy? — Pete V. COACH FRED: First, let’s always remember that it’s not cycling per se that’s said to cause erection or sensation difficulties in some men. Bicycle riding is…
Q: Could you please urge men to get regular prostate exams? I’m recovering from prostate surgery. It’s one of the most common cancers in men, and if you wait until you have symptoms, you’ve missed your best opportunity to cure it. Guys should begin PSA blood tests and digital rectal exams in their 40s and…
Q: I had surgery for prostate cancer six weeks ago. My surgeon says I can train as long as I don’t pedal while sitting on the seat, though I can rest on it. So, I ride an old 10-speed on my trainer in the basement. I pedal in the biggest gear, standing, with the front…
Q: I have marginal hypertension, about 140/95. I don’t smoke, drink, or eat salty foods. I ride 100-400 miles a week. Medication lowers my blood pressure but also reduces my max heart rate by 20 beats. Now I can’t keep up on group rides. Will this medication always limit me? — John G. COACH FRED: Although…
