Mens Health
While the life-expectancy gap between men and women has narrowed in recent years, it's no secret that men still need to pay more attention to their health. There are several reasons for this. Men are more likely to engage in unhealthy behavior than women are, and are less likely than women to adopt preventative healthcare measures. Also, some men define themselves by their work, which can add to high stress levels; stress is one of the factors that weakens optimal health. Click here for more information.
National Men's Health Week
National Men's Health Week (NMHW) was signed into law on May 31, 1994. The purpose of NMHW is to raise national awareness among men and young boys of the importance of preventive health behavior in the early detection and treatment of health problems affecting men. This special observance is held the week leading up to and including Father's Day, June 9 -15, 2008. By having NMHW during this period, men will receive the greatest attention and focus in our society, thereby enabling the message to reach the greatest number of men and their families.
Action Plan For Lowering Blood Pressure
Experts agree that eating affects ones chances of developing high blood pressure (hypertension), and research shows it can be prevented. A healthful diet, therefore, combined with a balanced exercise program and other lifestyle changes can have significant benefits. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which includes eating less salt and sodium, promotes healthful eating and regular exercise; it's a simple and effective roadmap to success. Click here for more information.
Antioxidant Rich Green Tea May Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk
According to a recent study conducted by researchers at Japan's National Cancer Center in Tokyo, drinking green tea may reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer, other than skin cancer, among men in the United States. According to the details of the report, men who drank five or more cups of the antioxidant rich beverage might halve the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer compared with those who drank less than one cup a day. The study compiled data from 50,000 men aged 40-69, over a period of up to 14 years from 1990. Although the data is promising, more research is needed to confirm these findings. For more information go to the American Journal of Epidemiology, January 2008.
Healthful Bacteria Plus Vitamins and Minerals May Help Common Cold
Researchers recently conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to investigate whether the consumption of a dietary supplement containing probiotic bacteria plus vitamins and minerals over a period of at least three months during winter and spring affects the length, frequency, and severity of symptoms of common cold infections as well as cellular immune parameters. The trial involved 477 healthy men and women who did not receive flu vaccines. The participants were randomly assigned to either the supplement group or a placebo group for three months. The final trial data showed that the intake of a dietary supplement containing probiotic bacteria plus vitamins and minerals during a period of at least three months during cold season may reduce the incidence and severity of common cold symptoms in otherwise healthy adults. For more information go to the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, July 2005.
Antioxidant Rich Green Tea May Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk
According to a recent study conducted by researchers at Japan's National Cancer Center in Tokyo, drinking green tea may reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer, other than skin cancer, among men in the United States. According to the details of the report, men who drank five or more cups of the antioxidant rich beverage might have the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer compared with those who drank less than one cup a day. The study compiled data from 50,000 men aged 40-69 over a period of up to 14 years from 1990. Although the data is promising more research is needed to confirm these findings. For more information go to the American Journal of Epidemiology, January 2008.
Obesity Rates Rise to Epidemic Proportions and the Consequences are Serious - What Can We Do?
Despite the flood of information available to Americans on the risks of being overweight, obesity has risen to epidemic proportions in the last 20 years. Obesity is defined as having a high amount of body fat with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. With the trend of obesity elevating to this extent, it threatens to overtake tobacco as the No. 1 preventable cause of death.
One of the main concerns surrounding obesity can be expressed by this fact: an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 deaths per year may be attributed to obesity. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, being even moderately overweight (10 to 20 pounds for a person of average height) increases the risk of death, particularly among adults between the ages of 30 to 64 years. People who fall into the obese category have a 50 to 100% increased risk of an early death from all causes, compared to people with a healthy weight.
The number of specific diseases associated with being overweight and obese is vast. Being obese raises one’s chances of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and elevated triglycerides (blood fat) while lowering HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol).
In adults, a mere 11 to 18 pound increase in weight increases a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Also, type 2 diabetes, previously known as adult-onset diabetes, has dramatically increased in children because of the rising weight levels in our younger population. Other diseases that are impacted by weight are some types of cancer (such as endometrial, breast, prostate and colon), asthma, and arthritis.
The good news is that in most cases, diagnosing and combating being overweight and obese is simple and the rewards are great. It does not require extensive medical tests, repeated doctor visits, and strange treatment modalities. Even losing just 10% of your body weight can have a positive impact on your health.
References: U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
What is body mass index (BMI)?
Body mass index, or BMI, is a new term to most people. However, it is the measurement of choice for many physicians and researchers studying obesity. BMI uses a mathematical formula that takes into account both a person’s weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. (BMI+kg/m2).
How can one determine their own BMI?
Visit the Centers for Disease Control website to use their BMI calculator.
CDC's Healthy Living Tips For Men
- Eat Healthy
- Maintain A Healthy Weight
- Get Moving
- Be Smoke-Free
- Get Routine Exams and Screenings
- Get Appropriate Vaccinations
- Manage Stress
- Know Yourself And Your Risks
- Be Safe — Protect Yourself
- Be Good To Yourself Source: www.cdc.gov