There aren't many publications and Web resources that offer men balanced, science-based, practical news and advice about how they can maintain and improve their health. The Harvard Men's Health Watch, Johns Hopkins's health update called "Spotlight on Men's Health," and the Medical University of South Carolina's men's health E-newsletters are a few that generally do. Here are a few kernels of useful advice drawn from their recent offerings.
A recently posted podcast about prostate cancer from the Medical University of South Carolina says that the condition, in many cases, can be safely left untreated. "One of the largest studies of its kind concludes that most older men with early prostate cancer do not shorten their survival odds if they adopt a 'wait-and-see' approach to the disease," according to the podcast. I came across similar data when I explored this wait-and-see, or "active surveillance," approach for an article last summer.
An interview with Johns Hopkins cardiologist Ty Gluckman explains that after a heart attack it's usually safe to resume sex within three to four weeks. "Normal sexual activity is no more strenuous on the heart than a number of other routine physical activities, such as brisk walking, golf, or carrying 20 pounds of groceries from the car to the house," he says. "Whatever you do, however, don't rush into sex with the feeling that you have to prove your sexual prowess following your heart attack. Take it slow, just as you would with any other type of activity." If you're interested in learning more about how to cope with heart conditions, the U.S. News heart center is rich with resources.
An article about the insecticide chlorpyrifos (trade names Dursban and Lorsban) from the Harvard publication points out the necessity of handling the widely used lawn chemical with care. A recent study, the article reports, suggests that exposure to the chemical lowers men's testosterone levels and affects their sperm quality. "It's great to protect your lawn and garden—but remember to protect yourself, too," the articles advises, noting that the chemicals can persist for years if they're stored indoors away from the sunlight, rain, fluctuating temperatures, and microbes that degrade them in the garden.
Want more? Our men's health page highlights recent U.S. News stories on the cancer treatment known as proton beam therapy, osteoporosis, testosterone supplements, male infertility, and other topics of importance to men.
