Testosterone's Role in Men's Health

Testosterone’s

Role in Men’s Health

By Brian Steixner, MD

LOW TESTOSTERONE, also known as “Low T,” is a common condition in men as they get older. Testosterone levels peak around age 30 and naturally decline with age. However, because the decline is gradual, many men do not realize the impact that a low testosterone level can have on their quality of life and overall health.

Testosterone is a sex hormone that is produced primarily in a man’s testicles. During puberty, testosterone plays a key role in a man’s physical development; it makes hair grow on the face, builds muscles and causes the voice to deepen. Later in life, testosterone also plays an important role in a man’s sexual function and metabolic health.

Decreasing levels of testosterone have long been considered a natural part of the aging process. The older a man gets, the lower his testosterone levels may drop. Low testosterone levels can have real and important health effects, especially on a man’s sex life. Men with low testosterone may have trouble getting and keeping an erection. The erections they do have may come less often and not as strongly as before. A man’s desire to have sex (libido) also decreases as testosterone drops. In addition, low testosterone has been associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, weight gain, depression, and decreased quality of life due to a lack of energy.

Men experiencing reduced sex drives or erection issues should make an appointment with their primary care provider; a blood test can help identify low testosterone and rule out any serious causes.

Testosterone levels can rise and fall during the day and more than one test may be needed, or a physician may encourage a morning blood test, which is when testosterone levels are highest.

If testosterone levels are low, a testosterone replacement therapy can be prescribed in the form of a topical gel, an injection, a patch or implant. Testosterone replacement therapy can help increase sex drive and energy levels, and may decrease a man’s risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.

The unknowns associated with aging are daunting, but may not necessarily be something men must live with. Low testosterone levels can be supplemented, helping men take back an important part of their lives.

Dr. Brain Steixner is a boardcertified urologist treating men, women, and children for a variety of urological issues at Barton Urology in South Lake Tahoe. Dr. Steixner’s prerecorded Wellness Webinar, “Testosterone in the Aging Man- What exactly is ‘Male Menopause’” is available at BartonHealth.org/Lecture. To view a list of patient services, visit bartonhealth.org/urology or call (530) 543-5400.

TKPOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2021 INTERIM IRRIGATION PROGRAM

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

NOTICE: The TKWC is obligated to advise the TKPOA property owners of the understanding of the laws governing Public/Community water systems licensed by the State of California. Temporary water supply connections to existing or new landscape or household water systems are prohibited when there is a crossconnection unless they have a backflow preventer installed per Title 17 paragraph 7603, tested, and certified by a licensed backflow technician.

Any water source stored (i.e., tanks, barrels, tubs) on, or adjacent to the individual properties (i.e., lagoons, waterways, Lake Tallac, Lake Tahoe) are considered “Auxiliary Water Supplies” and are subject to strict guidelines (California Code of Regulations - Title 17) to avoid the possibility of cross-contamination with the TKWC Water Distribution System.

California Code of Regulations-Title 17

Title 17- Division 1. State Department of Health Services and State Water Resources Control Board, Chapter 5. Sanitation (Environmental), Sub-Chapter 1. Engineering (Sanitary), Group 4. Drinking Water Supply, Article 1. General,

Section: 7583. Definitions, (a) “Auxiliary Water Supply” is any water supply other than that received from a public water supply. (e) “Cross-Connection” is an unprotected actual or potential connection between a potable water system used to supply water for drinking purposes and any source or system containing unapproved water or a substance that is not or cannot be approved as safe, wholesome, and potable. By-pass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices through which backflow could occur, shall be considered to be cross-connections.

Section: 7603. Location of backflow preventers. (b) Double Check Valve Assembly. A double check valve assembly shall be located as close as practical to the user’s connection and shall be installed above grade, if possible, and in a manner where it is readily accessible for testing and maintenance.

If you decide to have a backflow prevention device installed, TKWC requires the assembly be installed by a qualified person, be installed in compliance with Title 17, Section: 7603, the TKPOA Rules and Regulations for Water Service, and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards. The installation shall be inspected by TKWC staff prior to the water service being turn back on. All backflow prevention devices must be tested and Certified by a licensed backflow technician, annually and the results recorded in the TKWC Backflow Program Data Base.

TKPOA property owners interested in installing a “Interim Irrigation Conditions” on their property will be required to submit an application to the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) for approval that includes, application fee, ACC application Form 14-16 Unclassified Modification Application, and site plan. All installations will require inspection by TKWC staff prior to use.

This application and approval process for Interim Irrigation Conditions installation will be subject to all TKPOA – Rules and Regulation for Water Service and Architectural Control Committee Rules. This application and permit allows for safety and control of all our TKWC Water Distribution System for all TKPOA property owners.

Interim Irrigation Conditions

CONDITION 1 – Water Truck Irrigation via hose and/ or temporary irrigation system (No onsite storage)

• Low risk of cross connection • Architectural Control Committee (ACC) Permit required and Inspect by Tahoe Keys Water Company (TKWC) staff • Periodic unannounced inspections – TKWC staff • Enforcement/penalties for non-compliance

CONDITION 2 – On-site storage (tank or water trailer) with no connection to irrigation system

• Low risk of cross connection • ACC Permit required and Inspection required by

TKWC staff • Hose bib backflow preventers required on all external/internal spigots capable of hose connection • Periodic unannounced inspections – TKWC staff • Enforcement/penalties for non-compliance

CONDITION 3 – Installed backflow preventer next to TKWC connection

• Low risk of cross connection • ACC Permit required and Inspection required by

TKWC staff. Backflow device must be tested and certified by licensed backflow technician and results provided to TKWC.

CONDITION 4 – On-site storage connected to existing irrigation system and/or pumped water from surface water or groundwater

• High risk of cross connection • Permitted Only if irrigation system is not connected to domestic water supply, and inspected by TKWC personnel. • Periodic unannounced inspections – TKWC staff • Enforcement/penalties for non-compliance • Immediate TKWC water shutoff until possibility of cross connection eliminated • Disconnection and mandatory installation of backflow prevention device and flow meter to reinstate service if multiple violations

CONDITION 5 – TKWC Water Use Only (No outside source of irrigation water)

• Low risk of cross connection when Irrigation

Prohibition is rescinded • No requirements

Truckee River Operating Agreement (TROA)

The TKPOA nor its property owners currently have water rights under the Truckee River Operating Agreement. Taking water from the lagoons, Lake Tahoe, or Lake Tallac without water rights would be a direct violation of State and Federal law.

There is currently no legal right for any homeowner or the TKPOA to pump water from the Tahoe Keys lagoons for landscape irrigation or any other purpose. A process does exist under TROA with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) through which an individual property owner or the TKPOA could apply for water rights to appropriate water for such use. However, without filing an application with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and being granted an appropriative water right, pumping water from the lagoons would not be allowed.

REFERENCES:

• California Code of Regulations Title 17 Division 1, Chapter 5, Subchapter 1, Group 4 7583 – 7605 • TROA https://www.troa.net/resources.php • Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association (TKPOA) - Rules and Regulations Water Service https://www.tkpoa.com/documents/category/14-policies • For Architectural Control Committee (ACC) application submittal contact Linda Callahan – Architectural Control Department (ACD) Manager at (530) 542-6444, ext. 239 or email lcallahan@tahoekeyspoa.org. Form 14-16 can also be obtained on the TKPOA Website at www.tkpoa.com. • For any additional questions, please contact General Manager Kirk Wooldridge, at kwooldridge@tahoekeyspoa.org, or the TKPOA Office at (530) 542-6444, ext. 224, can also contact the Tahoe Keys Water Company – Water Company/Water Quality Manager Daniel Larson, at dlarson@tahoekeyspoa.org or the TKWC office at (530)542-6451. For additional information and assistance, The TKPOA administrative staff is available by phone at (530) 542-6444 from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, 10:00 am–2:00 pm Saturday and Sunday or via email at info@tahoekeyspoa.org.

Tanner Hart

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General Engineering PO Box 8233 South Lake Tahoe

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BOAT DOCKS

INC 530-541-1111

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