Men may be catching up in lifespan — the life-expectancy gap between men and women has shrunk to 5.2 years, the narrowest since 1946 — but they still need to pay more attention to their bodies.

Why? Because, men tend to:

• Smoke and drink more than women, and generally lead less healthy lifestyles.
• Avoid seeking medical help as often as women.
• Join in fearless, risky, and dangerous behaviors more often than women.
• Define themselves by their work, which can be stressful and lead to becoming disconnected from their emotional side. This can add to problems in relationships, as well as in jobs and careers.

The good news is that many of the major health risks that men face can be prevented and treated if they are diagnosed early. Therefore, it is important to be in tune with your body so that you can address any concerns with a doctor. Men deserve to pay more attention to their health. And, men should take better care of themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Men are notorious for not going to the doctor. Whether they think they can simply tough it out or they prefer to avoid an uncomfortable conversation about their health, men tend to visit their physician only under extreme circumstances. But advances in erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment options over the last 10 years have had the added benefit of encouraging men to see their doctors. This positive change is perhaps most apparent when it comes to men's sexual health. One example is the once-taboo area of ED, which is more common than many people think: ED affects up to 30 million men in the United States. What a difference a decade makes!!! Before the availability of oral medications for ED, treatment options for men with this condition were limited to injections or suppositories. But that all changed 10 years ago with the introduction of Viagra (sildenafil citrate) tablets, the first oral prescription pill for the treatment of ED, which opened the door for millions of men with ED to seek treatment for the condition.

"The older treatments for erectile dysfunction were not particularly pleasant to use, so a lot of men were reluctant to try them. But the availability of an oral pill made the treatment of ED a much more practical option," says Dr. Steven Lamm, a New York City physician and bestselling author of The Hardness Factor. “Viagra revolutionized the way men to talk to their doctors about ED symptoms and seek treatment.”

As the "ED conversation" brings more men to the doctor's office, physicians say this visit is “an opportunity to talk to men about other important areas of their health, too, such as heart health”. The development of ED is as predictive of an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes as a family history of heart attack, cigarette smoking or elevated cholesterol, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Another analysis showed that almost 90 percent of men with ED were at risk for heart problems because of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or smoking. So, talking to doctors about ED can inspire conversations about addressing a broad range of health concerns.

"More men are visiting their doctor and taking control of their sexual health. This is often the first step in learning about additional health concerns prevalent among men," comments Dr. Lamm. "The conversation may start with ED, but this visit really lets us talk to our patients about many issues that contribute to overall health, happiness and well-being."

It is a fact of life that as you get older you need to pay closer attention to your prostate. Many people feel uncomfortable talking about the prostate, since the gland plays a role in both sex and urination. Still, prostate enlargement is as common a part of aging as gray hair. Half of all men in their sixties, and 90 percent in their eighties, have some Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms. While BPH is not life threatening, it reduces quality of life. Left untreated, BPH can lead to other more serious medical conditions.

Therefore, do you suffer from any of the following:

• High frequency to urinate
• Immediate need to urinate
• Trouble sleeping due to the need to urinate during the night
• Weak or dribbling stream
• Strain to urinate
• Difficulty starting
• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Feeling that bladder is not completely empty after urination

There are a lot of options for treatment, but most produce uncomfortable and embarrassing side effects. The most reported side effects include: Loss of libido, impotence, dizziness, fatigue, postural hypotension just to name a few. Aside from these side effects most treatments take up to 2 months of longer to start working. For a treatment free of side effects and fast acting, choose the natural way to go with Prolobium. Made from the Epilobium plant, Prolobium is a safe, effective treatment for BPH symptoms. Benefits include:

• Safe effective treatment for BPH symptoms
• Significantly more potent in BPH treatment than alternatives
• More cell-specific in treatment
• Effective in 2-4 weeks

Epilobium is not a new herb. It has been celebrated for its health successes throughout Europe for decades, and has just recently been “rediscovered” as a potent treatment for a variety of male and female maladies. Attention was originally focused on Epilobium for its beneficial effects regarding prostate health for men, and urinary tract health for women. The use of Epilobium (Family Onagraceae) was widespread in Central and Eastern Europe as well as in certain areas of North America for centuries to treat these maladies. Numerous Epilobium species have been used as remedies in folk medicine, particularly in Central Europe, for the treatment of prostate disorders and abnormal growths. This pleasant herb and lower tea were first highly recommended by Austrian herbalist, Maria Treben, for ailing men who were suffering with prostate abnormalities. Epilobium gas been and continues to be the subject of numerous studies throughout Europe. Upon further study, it was learned that it is far more potent than Saw Palmetto and has similar, yet more powerful effects for blocking dihydotestosterone (DHT), the common cause of enlarged prostate and hair loss.

In traditional herbal medicine, Epilobium had proven to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It has been used successfully for bladder health maintenance, male health maintenance, hormonal imbalances, and urinary system health. Certain species have been identified as particularly beneficial in inhibiting the enzyme 5alpha-reductase and serving as an anti-inflammatory inhibitor.

The prostate gland is approximately the size of a walnut. Located in front of the rectum and beneath the bladder, it is surrounded by fibrous tissue capsule known as the prostate capsule. The tube that transports urine and sperm—the urethra—begins at the neck of the bladder and travels through the prostate gland.

BPH rarely causes symptoms before age 40, but more than half of men – by the time they reach their 60’s, and as many as 90 percent in their 70’s and 80’s, have some symptoms of BPH (Source: National Institutes of Health). The precise cause of BPH — benign prostatic hyperplasia — is still being researched. It is commonly believed, however, that the levels of two hormones produced by the testes (testosterone, which is converted into dihydrotestosterone or DHT, and estradiol, or estrogen) rise as men age. This leads to growth (hyperplasia) in benign (non-cancerous) prostate cells.

As the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the gland to press against the urethra like a clamp on a garden hose. The bladder wall becomes thicker and irritable. The bladder begins to contract even when it contains small amounts of urine, causing more frequent urination. Eventually, the bladder weakens and loses the ability to empty itself. Urine remains in the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra and partial emptying of the bladder cause many of the problems associated with BPH.

Many studies have been conducted on Epilobium and its beneficial effects regarding prostate health for men, and urinary tract health for women. Click on the “More Info” icon below to read some of these studies.

. . . about Epilobium Order Full Spectrum Epilobium/Prolobium from HealthStyles4URx today!!! 3-Months Supply: $89.95 - plus shipping

One top concern men should discuss with their physicians is cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association, one in three adult men has some form of cardiovascular disease. Keeping an eye on blood pressure and cholesterol levels is one simple way to help ensure a healthy heart.

Diabetes is another important health concern that becomes more common with age, but it can be detected with regular medical checkups. Some risk factors for the disease can be controlled, like being overweight or physically inactive, smoking or having high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol, so it is important for men to discuss these risks with their doctors.

Men are catching up to women in life expectancy, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Although overall life expectancy for men is looking good, the male population still has some unique concerns. Research shows:

• Despite recent declines in heart disease in the general population, the mortality rate for African American men, aged 35 to 44 years, is almost twice that of White men.
• An estimated one-third of men with type 2 diabetes (the most common form of diabetes) don't know they have it. Many are unaware of the disease until they develop problems such as impotence (erectile dysfunction), vision loss, or kidney disease.
• Men commit suicide four times as often as women do, partly because they are more likely to use deadlier means — such as firearms — when they set out to take their own lives.
• These are the worst of the worst – the 10 most dangerous diseases for men. Every man needs to know what he's up against. The good news? Many are preventable.

Click Here to view the Presentation – Top 10 health Concerns for Men

1. Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest in Men

• You've heard the terms a million times. But do you really know the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest? Here's what every guy needs to know. Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest in Men

2. High Blood Pressure in Men

• Many men have it for years and don't know it, while high blood pressure silently damages their arteries. Here's how to make sure you're not one of them. High Blood Pressure in Men

3. High Cholesterol in Men

• With the way men like to eat, the risk of high cholesterol begins as early as our 20s and keeps going up. Find out how to stay ahead of it. High Cholesterol in Men

4. Strokes in Men

• They're the fourth leading cause of death in men, but most guys can't name one stroke symptom. Here's how to recognize and prevent them. Strokes in Men

5. Diabetes in Men

• Diabetes is on the rise, especially among men. Don't be part of the epidemic. Read about the causes of diabetes and how to prevent it. Diabetes in Men

6. Lung Cancer in Men

• It's still the leader in cancer deaths, and young men continue to smoke. But lung cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers. Lung Cancer in Men

7. Colorectal Cancer in Men

• The bad news: It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. The good news: It is often preventable - and men may benefit more from earlier screening than women. Colorectal Cancer in Men

8. Prostate Disease

• What is this troublesome gland, the prostate? How often do you need the dreaded rectal exam? Here's a look at prostate health problems: Prostatitis, BPH, and Cancer. Prostate Disease

9. Testicular Disease

• It is the most common cause of cancer in young men – and, is usually curable. Get the lowdown on testicular cancer and other testicular diseases. Testicular Disease

10. Depression in Men

• Depression in men is serious; suicide is the eighth most common cause of death in men. And, because men may exhibit different symptoms than women, it often goes untreated. Here's what you should know. Depression in Men

Men At Risk® has compiled the following information on the top 10 health risks for men.|

Whether you're a guy who's concerned about staying healthy, or a woman looking out for a man you care about, you need to be aware of major health risks faced by men and the Do's and Don'ts of disease prevention. Take the Men's Health Quiz to discover how much you know (and what you need to learn) about men's biggest health concerns.Answers are below Questions.

Click on titles for more information

1. What should men avoid to prevent impotence?
Eating steak
Smoking
Using cellular phones
Playing sports
All of the above

2. What amount of drinking is considered "moderate" and is not associated with any serious health risks?
1 drink a day
2 drinks a day
3 drinks a day
4 drinks a day
Not drinking at all

3. Which of the following "women's conditions" can also occur in men?
Osteoporosis
Breast cancer
Eating disorders
PMS
Osteoporosis, breast cancer and eating disorders
All of the above

4. Which group is most at risk for testicular cancer?
Men between ages 15 and 35
Men between ages 35 and 50
Men over 50
Any man at any age

5. Which of the following is the number one killer of American males?
Cancer
Accidents
Violent crime
Heart disease

6. Who should have a screening test for colorectal cancer?
Men with a family history of colon or rectum cancer
Men with a diet high in fat and calories, low in fiber
Men over age 50
Men with a history of polyps in the colon
Men with a history of ulcers
Any of the above

7. Male smokers who quit may add years to their lives. How much can a man who quits between age 35 and 39 extend his life?
Less than a year
One year
Two to three years
Five years
10 years or more

8. What percentage of men show signs of hair loss in their 20s?
5%
10%
20%
30%

9. What factors put a man at risk for prostate cancer?
Turning 55
A family history of prostate cancer
A diet high in animal fat
Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables
Turning 55, a family history of prostate cancer and a diet high in animal fat
All of the above

10. It's commonly known that men tend not to live as long as women. But, what is a man's average life expectancy, in years?
50.4
70.2
74.8
78.5
85.0

Answer 01:
Smoking may play a role in causing impotence. Other factors that could lead to impotence – which affects between 10 to 15 million men in the U.S. – include the taking of medicines such as high blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, appetite suppressants and cimetidine (an ulcer drug); psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, low self-esteem or fear of sexual failure; and diseases, including diabetes, kidney disease, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis and vascular disease. Food, cell phones and sports have no effect on a man's risk of impotence.
Source: The National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Source: www.ivillagehealth.com/news/men/content/0,,412648_599511,00.html

Answer 02: 2 drinks a day
For men, two drinks a day are considered moderate. (In women, or a man over the age of 65, this decreases to one drink a day.) A standard drink is defined as a 12-ounce bottle of beer or a wine cooler, one five-ounce glass of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits. Drinking in moderation can even have beneficial effects on the heart, especially for men over 45 who are at greater risk for a heart attack. However, more than two drinks per day can raise the risk for motor vehicle crashes, other injuries, high blood pressure, stroke, violence, suicide and certain types of cancer.
Sources: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health; 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the Department of Health and Human Services

Answer 03:
Osteoporosis, breast cancer and eating disorders all occur in men too, though their prevalence is much greater in the female population. As a result, many men, unaware that the diseases affect both sexes, may fail to recognize symptoms. Likewise, doctors and families often don't suspect these illnesses. This can delay therapy and make disorders difficult to treat.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Answer 04: Men between ages 15 and 35
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer for men aged 15 to 35, and it is more common in Caucasian men than African-American men. But, any man can get it at any age. This is why it's important for men to have routine physical exams and to talk to their doctor if they notice anything unusual about their testicles, like a painless lump or swelling, an enlargement or change in the way their testicles feel, or pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum. If this cancer is detected early, the treatment can be less aggressive, with fewer side effects.
Source: National Cancer Institute

Answer 05: Heart disease
Heart disease is the single biggest killer of American males – but there are many ways for men to lower their risk. They should have their blood cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly, and take steps to lower them if they're high. They should not smoke. They should be physically active (getting 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous activity at least three to four times a week) and maintain a healthy weight. They should eat healthy foods that are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, and avoid drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day.
Source: American Heart Association

Answer 06: Any of the above
Colorectal cancer, which includes both colon cancer and rectal cancer, is usually curable when caught early; detection by screenings could save up to 30,000 lives a year in the U.S. Men with any of the risk factors listed are at higher risk and should visit their doctor to learn when to begin screening tests.
Source: National Cancer Institute

Answer 07: Five years
Here's a great reason to stop smoking: Men who quit between the ages of 35 to 39 could add an average of five years to their lives. This is more than for female smokers who quit between ages 35 to 39 – they add an average of three years to their life expectancy.
Source: U.S. Surgeon General's Office

Answer 08: 20
Approximately 20 percent of Caucasian men will show signs of male pattern baldness by the age of 20. The incidence of male pattern baldness increases 10 percent per decade through a man's life. Hereditary balding or thinning is the most common cause of hair loss. The tendency can be inherited from either the mother's or father's side of the family.
Source: American Academy of Dermatology

Answer 09: Turning 55, a family history of prostate cancer and a diet high in animal fat
The average age of a men diagnosed with prostate cancer is 70; men over 55 are at high risk, as are men with a family history of prostate cancer and men who consume a diet high in animal fat. On the other hand, men with a diet high in fruits and vegetables may actually lower their chances of contracting prostate cancer.
Source: National Cancer Institute

Answer 10: 74.8
A man's average life expectancy is 74.8 years (2003)
The average life expectancy for women was 80.1 years (2003)
It is possible to live longer by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Avoid the biggest health risks by following the guidelines mentioned throughout this quiz. Taking time to de-stress and care for your mental and physical health is not a luxury, it is a necessity. A healthier, happier “you”, makes “you” a better spouse, father, and friend.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics

What most threatens men's health? Find out the leading killers and how to reduce your risk.
Do you know what threatens men's lives the most? The list is surprisingly short, and they are mostly preventable.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2003, just over a million American men died. Nearly 80 percent of them died of heart disease or one of the nine other leading causes of death among American men.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2003
These CDC statistics show men are at higher risk of death than are women in most of these categories. As a result, the average American man lives 5.3 fewer years than does the average woman. In 2003, male life expectancy was 74.8 years. Female life expectancy was 80.1 years.
It is unclear why men have a shorter life span than women do. Inherited traits and male sex hormones may play a role, affecting such characteristics as body fat distribution. Specifically, men are more likely to accumulate fat around the abdomen (apple-shape obesity), which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and stroke. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to put on extra weight around the hips (pear-shape obesity). While unhealthy, this type of fat distribution is not linked as closely to potentially fatal conditions.
Socially sanctioned "male" behavior also may predispose men to premature death. CDC statistics show men are more likely to smoke, drink, use illicit drugs and engage in casual sex than are women — all of which can increase their risk of serious diseases. Males are also more likely to take risks and behave aggressively, which may partly explain why they have a higher risk of dying from accidents, suicide and homicide. Young men are especially at risk. In young men, accidents, suicide and homicide are among the most frequent causes of death. In young and middle-aged men, AIDS is on the top 10 list. While experts are continually working to understand the underlying causes of death in men, one thing is clear: By recognizing the leading threats to your life, you can take steps to reduce your risks — and avoid the leading causes of death.

Source: Center for Disease Control - 2003

by author Julian Whitaker, MD

When it comes to health care, men are like ostriches. We bury our heads in the sand. We are much less likely than women to visit our doctors regularly, take symptoms seriously and live a healthful lifestyle. Maybe that’s one reason why women have a seven-year average survival advantage on us! Yet it’s obviously important that men of all ages become more proactive about their health. And an easy way to start is to follow these 10 basic steps to maintaining health and vitality.

1. Eliminate "White Foods" from Your Diet.
White flour, white sugar and other processed foods are not only devoid of vitamins and minerals, but they’ve also been stripped of their natural fibre. As a result, they rapidly drive up blood sugar levels, which contribute to weight gain, diabetes and a host of other health problems. Avoid breads and baked goods made with white flour, sugar-laden sodas and snack foods. Instead, focus on eating fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.


2. Stay Away from Dangerous Trans Fats.
While it’s important to reduce your overall fat intake, it’s even more important to watch the types of fat you eat. Deep-fried foods and anything made with hydrogenated oils (margarine, peanut butter, shortening, store-bought pastries and cookies) contain trans fats that raise your risk of heart disease. Eat only healthful fats, such as olive oil and the omega-3 oils found in salmon and other cold-water fish, which actually protect against heart disease.

3. Take a Potent Daily Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement.
Although there is no substitute for a good diet, I am convinced that for optimal nutrition, you need to take a high-potency multivitamin and mineral supplement. Even if you are eating right, it’s unlikely that your food contains all the nutrients you need. Poor soil quality, storage, processing and cooking deplete our food of vitamins and minerals. Taking a high quality daily supplement is "health insurance" against possible deficiencies.

4. Include Weight Training in Your Exercise Routine.
Aerobic exercise is great for cardiovascular conditioning, but it’s vastly inferior to weight training in attacking the "flab factor." Recent research has shown that as little as once-weekly resistance exercise can improve muscle strength. Even the busiest or laziest among us can find the time and energy for that. Join a gym, consult a personal trainer or ask an experienced friend to show you the ropes.

5. Maintain Your Optimal Weight.
Current statistics suggest that half of us are losing the battle of the bulge, but maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for yourself. You’ll look better, feel better and reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and other major killers. I know this is easier said than done, but if you just follow the four steps above, you’ll be well on your way.

6. Drink Alcohol Only in Moderation.
You’ve probably heard of the "French Paradox” – that drinking wine protects against heart disease. Repeated studies have shown that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol (all kinds) protects not only against heart disease, but also lowers risk of death from all causes. Remember that moderation is the key!!! While one to two drinks a day are protective, excess alcohol consumption is devastating to health. And, for some, one drink is too many.

7. Protect Your Prostate.
Around the age of 40, the prostate gland begins a growth spurt that results in symptoms such as frequent nighttime urination. The good news is that this condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can be prevented or reversed by taking extracts of two herbs: saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and pygeum (Pygeum africanum). Dozens of studies have shown that these herbs work in improving urinary flow without adverse side-effects. Suggested doses are 160 to 320 milligrams of saw palmetto and 40 to 80 mg of pygeum daily.

8. Reduce Your Risk of Prostate Cancer.
Experts estimate that 80 per cent of all cancers can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices. Avoid saturated and trans fats, which may fuel prostate cancer growth, and incorporate protective foods, such as soy, green tea and tomatoes, into your diet. Soy contains isoflavones with specific anti-cancer activity. Green tea is rich in polyphenols that inhibit the formation of cancer-causing compounds and block the growth of prostate cancer cells. And tomatoes, particularly cooked tomato products, are an excellent source of lycopene, which is linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. In addition, make sure your daily nutritional supplement contains high doses of the antioxidant selenium (200 micrograms) and vitamin E (800 IU), which have been shown to dramatically lower the risk of prostate cancer.

9. Maintain Vigorous Sexual Function.
Most cases of erectile dysfunction (impotence) have a physical cause: You’re just not getting enough blood to the area in question. To improve overall circulation, follow the diet, exercise and supplement recommendations above. If you’re taking drugs, review them with your doctor, as many can worsen erectile function and impair libido. Smoking also significantly impairs erectile function. Several herbs have been shown to improve sexual function. Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow to the penis, and Panax ginseng, oats, horny goat weed, maca and seroctin improve libido.

10. Maintain Close Relationships.
Another thing women seem to do better than men is maintain close relationships. Make a point to strengthen ties with your family and friends. Volunteer work, religious ties, even pets – anything that keeps you involved with others –reduces stress and enhances health. Take charge of your health by incorporating these 10 steps into your life. The rewards of optimal health and well-being will be well worth your efforts.

Men’s Longevity "To Do" List - ReCap

• Eliminate "white foods" from your diet.
• Stay away from dangerous trans fats.
• Take a daily vitamin-mineral supplement.
• Incorporate weight training in your exercise routine.
• Maintain your optimal weight.
• Drink alcohol only in moderation.
• Protect your prostate.
• Reduce your risk of prostate cancer.
• Maintain vigorous sexual function.
• Maintain close relationships.

Julian Whitaker, MD, is the founder of the Whitaker Wellness Institute Medical Clinic in Newport Beach, California, and editor of the monthly newsletter, Health and Healing. Dr Whitaker has also written eight books, including Reversing Hypertension, Reversing Diabetes and Reversing Heart Disease (Warner Books). For more information, visit drwhitaker.com or call 1-800-539-8219.

General Health

• Heart Disease
• Skin Care
• Hair Loss
• Food & Nutrition
• Physical Activity
• Quitting Smoking
• Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch and Ringworm
• Breasts in Males
• Men's Health Web Review

Prostate Health

• Prostate Cancer
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
• Prostatitis
• Prostate Cancer Treatment

STIs

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Genital Herpes
• Chlamydia
• HPV (Genital Warts)
• Syphilis
• How To Reduce Your Risk Of Contracting AIDS
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Reactive Arthritis

Reproductive Health

• Impotence
• Viagra
• Male Infertility
• Testicular Cancer
• Birth Control
• Vasectomy
• Circumcision
• Peyronie's Disease
• Paraphimosis
• Testicular Torsion
• Undescended Testicles
• Diethystilbestrol

Mental Health & Addictions

• Depression
• Stress
• Anxiety & Panic
• Drug Abuse
• Gambling Addiction
• More on Mental Health
• More on Addictions

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