Getting men back in the game

The clinic is an intimate space with black and red walls, individual privacy rooms and flatscreen TVs usually casting the ESPN sports channel.

“For a lot of guys, they don’t like to talk about their issues, and there’s not a space to come in comfortably and talk about them,” Hartman said. “That’s why we really set up this ‘man cave’ environment.”

Services are centered around testosterone level testing, which is done in house with results provided in about 20 minutes. Their services also expand to cosmetic care and hormone treatment.

“It’s a one-stop shop, and I think that’s what men really value,” Hartman said. “We’re able to help them in a number of different areas, from hormonal health, erectile dysfunction, weight loss and general vitamin health as well.”

Interested customers can come in and receive a complimentary blood test and consultation that would plan out their prospective treatment plan. Clients don’t have to pay until they agree to a treatment plan.

“We want an environment that’s warm and welcoming,” Hartman said. “We aren’t a high-volume clinic, and that’s on purpose because we want to spend a dedicated amount of time with each patient that comes through the door.”

Every new patient receives, on average, one hour of attention from the available care team, Hartman said.

In addition to gauging testosterone levels, the blood draw is used to test for prostate level abnormalities in hopes of catching early signs of cancer. Other services include cosmetic injections, medical weight loss and an invasive treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Testosterone is a hormone that maintains bone density, fat distribution, facial and body hair, sex drive, and more. As an individual ages, their testosterone levels gradually decline beginning in ages ranging from 30 to 40 years old.

Symptoms may include low energy, decreased sex drives and low moods — often correlated with depression — further highlighting the importance of the blood test, Hartman said.

“Oftentimes men do come in talking about depression, and it could be but it could also be a sign of low testosterone, and that’s why it’s important to get tested at least once a year,” Hartman said.

Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, and when they struggle with mental illness including body dysmorphia, it often gets unacknowledged or addressed.

Though Gameday is not a mental health clinic, if blood tests do not indicate abnormal levels, patients can redirect their attention to receiving mental health care.

“That’s one of the reasons why I decided to open up this clinic is to really empower men to take better care of themselves,” Hartman said. “Oftentimes they don’t have the friend group or people to talk to about ways to optimize their health or understand what’s happening to them. This is a great way to empower them and give them tools to optimize their life.”

Mayor Jeff Gee was at the grand opening of the clinic Aug. 16, celebrating not only a new business in Redwood City, but also underscoring the importance of environments where people feel they can ask for help.

“I think ... we just have to get past those internal barriers, or societal barriers and sometimes cultural barriers, and say ‘I need help,’” Gee said. “We need to get to a better place. We’re on the right track but we’re not there yet. The more that we can talk about it helps.”

The driving force for Hartman in this endeavor is to address the lack of education around erectile dysfunction, testosterone levels and other wellness initiatives. Men often will ignore symptoms rather than seek medical attention, and he hopes to make it less intimidating to do so.

“Our North Star is the education element,” Hartman said. “We want to make sure that every patient that comes in walks away with a new piece of information that will help optimize and improve their health.”

For Clinical Director Olivia Svrchek, results are evident even after one consultation.

“The great thing about this job is that I can get 20 to 30 minutes or longer if I need, so there’s plenty of time to be personalized,” Svrchek said. “Every single time someone comes in they leave more knowledgeable and more confident about what they can do about it.”

Since opening two months ago, business has been steady, and Hartman said clients are eager to learn as much as they can. Going forward, he hopes men throughout the Peninsula get their testosterone levels tested.

“We’re lucky enough to be in the Bay, so education is something that people are yearning for,” Hartman said. “If men are experiencing low energy, low libido, low performance drive, it’s a great time to get your levels checked out.”

Gameday Men’s Health is located at 1690 Woodside Road, No. 120 in Redwood City. Go to gamedaymenshealth.com/redwood-city for more information.

ana@smdailyjournal.com

(650) 344-5200 ext. 106