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BECKHAM MEDIA GOES ONE ON ONE WITH DR. FRANK J. COSTA, INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED UROLOGICAL SURGEON AND MEN'S HEALTH LECTURER
BECKHAM MEDIA: As one of the nation's leading urologist and experts on men's health, what are your concerns with what you see on a daily basis? DR. COSTA: Men need to take charge of their health, .this requires putting knowledge into action so that outcomes can be positively affected. Linking up with a physician who specializes in men's health is a good place to start. BECKHAM MEDIA: We see increasing numbers of men being diagnosed with prostate cancer, what is this attributed to? DR. COSTA: The increasing number of men being diagnosed with prostate cancer is partly due to more sophisticated detection methods and awareness. BECKHAM MEDIA: When it comes to men getting their regular check ups, it appears minorities, especially African American men are not getting their regular check ups-what can be done, what are you concerned about? DR. COSTA: There appears to be disparity in how minorities receive regular check ups based mostly on socioeconomic considerations.This is evident in African American men who are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer yet often lack access to qualified health professionals and effective screening centers.----- BECKHAM MEDIA: Healthy living, your advise? DR. COSTA: As far as healthy living my advice is; proper nutrition, daily exercise, restful sleep patterns, avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol, avoid or control stress and LAUGH! BECKHAM MEDIA: You currently serve on the GNC Medical Advisory Board, what is your role and your goals with that position? DR. COSTA: I am proud to serve as the MENS HEALTH SPECIALIST on GNC's Medical Advisory Board. GNC is the leading national chain providing vitamin and nutritional supplements to millions. Based here in Pittsburgh the company is committed to providing the highest quality products in the industry. My goal and that of the other members is to provide our medical expertise in product development, consumer education, and promoting strategies for healthy lifestyle to which GNC is committed. BECKHAM MEDIA: As a noted lecturer, what topics are you constantly asked to address? And what expertise do you enjoy sharing with the community? DR. COSTA: The most common topics on which I am asked to speak on are prostate disease, testosterone deficiency, erectile dysfunction, mens health, and urinary incontinence. Men are particularly interested in medications like Cialis and Levitra and testosterone replacement. Because I am board certified in both Urology and Anti-Aging Medicine I am particularly interested in effectively formulating strategies to promote wellness and longevity as it relates particularly to mens health. BECKHAM MEDIA: With a new President in office, what are your thoughts about President Barack Obama and how you think he will help shape the Health Care System? Do you feel we will get universal health care in the United States? DR. COSTA: I am very impressed with President Obama particularly with his ambition, energy and focus. I believe we will finally see real health care reform and hopefully this will translate into affordable health care for all Americans. BECKHAM MEDIA: What are your thoughts about our current medical system, medical insurance, what should we do in the United States to help fix the system where millions are not covered? DR. COSTA: .I have lectured and taught internationally and I can tell you our medical expertise is respected worldwide. I believe all Americans should have health care coverage particularly for catastrophic occurrence with various deductible depending on individual circumstances. I am a passionate advocate of incentives for prevention. People should actively pursue strategies for weight loss which would lower the risk for diabetes ,heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer just to mention a few. Providing incentives for this for example in the form of reduced insurance premiums would be a good start. BECKHAM MEDIA: What are some exciting projects you are working on? When you have time to relax, how do you spend your time? COSTA: Well I have so many things on my plate but some interesting projects I am working on include those that are medically related such as my participation in clinical trials for prostate cancer prevention and expanding more into prevention and wellness medicine. I also have various business interests including a restaurant Lucca which I opened about ten years ago and still hold an interest in. I am very involved in the lives of my four children. I love to keep in shape, cook, collect wine, and listen to music especially my daughter Antoniette who records out of Larry Gold's studio in Philadelphia where she collaborates with The Roots who now are the band on late night Jimmy Fallon Show. BECKHAM MEDIA: How do you accentuate the positive? DR. COSTA: I accentuate the positive by not letting things get me down. We all face adversity in life but it does no good to let it get the best of you. I look to God for guidance but I know I have to dig in to get the job done! CONTACT DR. FRANK J. COSTA: Urology Institute Pittsburgh 4225 Northern Pike Phone: 412-373-2333
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Dr. Frank J. Costa is an actively practicing urologist and men's health specialist. He received his M.D. and completed his residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he maintains a clinical faculty appointment. One of "America's Top Physicians," Dr. Costa is Director of Surgery at the UPMC Monroeville Surgery Center and an attending physician at UPMC Shadyside, UPMC St. Margaret and West Penn Hospital.