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Article Summary:
Swine Flu is spreading all over the usa. Tamiflu helps prevent but is very expensive and limited. Acai Berry has tamiflu in it and has been proven to stop the swine flu. A Free and Limited trial is going on right now. Everyone should go here and get their supply.
Swine flu
Swine influenza (also swine flu) refers to influenza caused by any strain of the influenza virus that is endemic in pigs (swine).
Signs and symptoms:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in humans the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A few more patients than usual have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Prevention And Treatment:
Tamiflu or any product that contains tamiflu in it such as acai x3.
Tamiflu is used to treat some types of influenza (flu) in patients who have had symptoms of the flu for 2 days or less. Tamiflu works by stopping the growth and spread of the flu virus in your body. Oseltamivir helps shorten the time you have flu symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, fever, and chills.
Where to get tamiflu free trials?
Believe it or not Acai Berry has Tamiflu in it….. By taking Acai Berry you can prevent Swine.. Their is a free trial right now going on so if you want to prevent swine flu make sure you go get your free trial here.
Quit Smoking
If you don’t smoke you can pat yourself on the back. Smoking is the number one enemy for undermining any fitness program. Around one in every six deaths in the US is related in some way to smoking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in the U.S. in 1999 295.5 deaths per 100,000 were ’smoking-attributable’. Circulatory problems caused by smoking can lead to amputations, heart disease and strokes. Breathing problems, like bronchitis and emphysema, are caused or made worse by smoking. It’s never too late to stop smoking even if you’ve tried and failed before. If you only pick one fitness step from this list, pick this one.
Get Fit with Daily Exercise
You don’t need to look far to find a world of information about exercise plans. Some magazines and websites talk of little else so an exercise plan may seem like a complex and unappealing option. Stripped to its bear essentials you really need a system that gets you working for about 30 minutes, three times a week. Exercise need not be a formal activity, it can be built into your normal everyday life, such as walking briskly rather than strolling, taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Anything that is aerobic, such as walking, running, jogging, swimming, rowing, rope skipping, dancing, racket sports, and cycling, helps keep the heart healthy. Ideally, build up to a point where your exercise breaks you into a sweat but not so hard that you can’t hold a conversation.
If you are overweight, or have a medical condition, it is a good idea to seek medical advice before you embark on any exercise program. Exercise, combined with weight loss and a good diet, is the most effective way to get healthy and stay fit.
Get Fit with Tooth Care
You may think this a strange addition to a get-fit plan but consider for a moment the impact good dental hygiene can have on you and other people. Regular check-ups help to prevent dental decay and gum disease. Good dental routines, such as brushing and flossing, helps prevent bad breath and reduces the chances of extractions. One of the first things people look at during a meet-and-greet is teeth. Great teeth can make you a more appealing person to talk to and look at.
Fight the Flab and Get Fit
You’ve been away a long time if you haven’t heard that we’re generally overweight and eating the wrong stuff! Even of you’re not overweight you might consider whether your diet is as balanced as it might be. Obesity puts pressure on the heart and is implicated in cancers, varicose veins, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure and strokes. Reducing fat, sodium, sugars and calories and increasing fiber through vegetables and fruit are good basic guidelines. Coupled with exercise, you are on a sure path to losing weight and getting fit.
Increase Body and Health Awareness
In general terms men are pretty unaware of their bodies and how health and welfare work together. Many men have no idea of their current health status, how to measure it, what to look for or where to turn to for advice if they need it. Men will put up with levels of discomfort or concern that most women find extremely puzzling. The fact that you are reading this suggests you may not be in this category. Keep it up - knowledge is power.
Dealing with Tension Tactics and Fitness
When the pressures of life outstrip a person’s abilities to deal with them, we call this stress. Stress is a normal fact of life but if left unchecked can lead to psychological and/or physical illness. Understanding what causes stress may not make it go away but it can achieve a sense of mastery and therefore control over your life. Stress can have the effect of exaggerating problems and making them appear too complex to manage. Some people find relief from stress reducing methods like relaxation, yoga or exercise. You may need to speak to your doctor for some guidance. Avoid tobacco, alcohol or drugs (unless prescribed).
Do you know what threatens men’s lives the most? The list is surprisingly short.
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.
Here’s a snapshot of the 10 leading killers of American men in 2003, the most recent year for which these statistics are available from the CDC:
Rank Cause Percentage of male deaths
1 Heart disease 28.0
2 Cancer 24.0
3 Unintentional injuries 5.9
4 Stroke 5.1
5 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 5.1
6 Diabetes 2.9
7 Influenza and pneumonia 2.4
8 Suicide 2.1
9 Kidney disease 1.7
10 Alzheimer’s disease 1.5
Total 78.7
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’s 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.
No. 1 — Heart disease
According to the American Heart Association, in 2004, over 410,000 men died of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in both sexes. Because men usually develop heart disease 10 to 15 years earlier than women do, they’re more likely to die of it in the prime of life. About one-fourth of all heart-disease-related deaths occur in men ages 35 to 65.
You can reduce your risk of heart disease by making healthier lifestyle choices and getting appropriate treatment for other conditions that can increase your risk of coronary artery disease, such as high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. Some preventive measures you can take:
* Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products.
* Eat a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-fat foods.
* Maintain a healthy weight.
* Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
* Have your cholesterol tested.
* If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
* Get regular blood pressure checks.
* Take a daily dose of aspirin, if your doctor OKs it.
No. 2 — Cancer
In 2003, the CDC recorded nearly 288,000 men who died of cancer, the second-leading cause of death for both sexes. Lung cancer — 90 percent of it caused by cigarette smoking — is the most common cause of cancer death in both sexes. In 2003, 89,964 men died of lung cancer.
The CDC also notes that prostate cancer and colorectal cancer are the second- and third-leading causes of cancer death in men.
Some preventive measures you can take:
* Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products.
* Eat a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-fat foods.
* Maintain a healthy weight.
* Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
* Limit your exposure to sun and use sunscreen.
* Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all.
* Be aware of potential cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) in your home and workplace, and take steps to reduce your exposure to these substances.
* Have regular preventive health screenings.
* Know your family medical history and review it with your doctor.
No. 3 — Unintentional injuries
In 2003, accidents killed 70,532 men, according to the CDC. Motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause. More than twice as many men as women died in traffic accidents. Male drivers involved in such accidents were almost twice as likely as female drivers to be intoxicated. To reduce your chances of a fatal crash:
* Use your seat belt every time you drive.
* Don’t exceed speed limits.
* Don’t drive after drinking alcohol.
* Don’t drive while sleepy or under the influence of drugs.
The CDC recorded poisoning as the second-leading cause of fatal unintentional injury to men in 2003 — 13,176 men died of it. In comparison, 6,281 women died of poisoning that year. To reduce your risk of poisoning:
* Place carbon monoxide and smoke detectors near bedrooms in your house.
* Have fuel-burning appliances inspected each year.
* Store household products in their original containers.
* Read and follow label instructions for household products.
* Turn on a light when giving or taking medicine and follow label instructions.
* Ventilate areas in which you use chemical products.
* Post the poison control number, 800-222-1222, by each telephone in your home.
Falls and drowning were the third- and fourth-leading causes of fatal unintentional injury to men. In 2003, falls caused 8,910 deaths among men, compared with 8,319 deaths among women. Drowning accounted for 2,632 deaths among men and 674 deaths among women.
Common-sense precautions such as using a safety ladder, placing nonskid mats in showers and tubs, and never swimming alone in a large or unfamiliar body of water can reduce the risks.
Workplace accidents — which include some vehicle crashes, poisonings, falls and drowning — are a significant cause of fatal injury to men, partly because men are concentrated in dangerous occupations such as agriculture, mining and construction.
No. 4 — Stroke
In 2004, over 58,000 men died of stroke, according to the American Heart Association. Although stroke affects equal proportions of men and women, men have better chances of surviving than women do. You can’t control some stroke risk factors, such as family history, age and race, but you can control the leading cause — high blood pressure — as well as contributing factors such as smoking and diabetes.
Additional preventive measures:
* Lower your intake of cholesterol and saturated fat. Get your cholesterol checked.
* Get regular blood pressure checks, and if it’s higher than normal, take measures to control it.
* Don’t smoke.
* Control diabetes.
* Maintain a healthy weight.
* Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
* Manage stress.
* Limit alcohol consumption.
* Talk with your doctor about taking a daily dose of aspirin.
No. 5 — Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
In 2003, according to the American Lung Association, 60,714 men died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of chronic lung conditions that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It’s strongly associated with lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths among men. The main cause is smoking. Men who smoke are 12 times as likely to die of COPD as are men who’ve never smoked.
Some preventive measures you can take:
* Don’t smoke.
* Avoid secondhand smoke.
* Minimize exposure to workplace chemicals.
No. 6 — Diabetes
The American Heart Association reports that in 2004, 35,000 men died of diabetes, a disease that affects the way the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Excess body fat, especially around the middle, is an important risk factor for diabetes. About 80 percent of people who have the disease are overweight or obese.
The diabetes complications most likely to be fatal are heart disease and stroke, which occur at two to four times the average rate in people with diabetes. Men with diabetes haven’t benefited as much from recent advances in heart disease treatment as have men without diabetes.
An estimated one-third of men with the most common form of diabetes don’t know they have it. Many are unaware of the disease until they develop complications such as impotence (erectile dysfunction), nerve damage causing pain or loss of sensation in the hands or feet, vision loss, or kidney disease.
Some preventive measures you can take:
* Maintain a healthy weight.
* Eat a varied diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat foods.
* Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
* Get your fasting blood sugar level checked periodically.
* Know your family’s diabetes history and discuss it with your doctor.
No. 7 — Influenza and pneumonia
In 2003, 28,778 men died of pneumonia and influenza, according to the CDC. These lung infections are especially life-threatening to people whose lungs have already been damaged by COPD, asthma or smoking. The risk of death from pneumonia or influenza is also higher among people with heart disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system due to AIDS or immunosuppressive drugs.
You can reduce your risk of complications and death from pneumonia and influenza by getting immunized. A yearly flu shot is up to 90 percent effective in preventing influenza in healthy adults. The pneumococcal vaccine can reduce the risk of getting pneumonia by more than half.
No. 8 — Suicide
In 2003, the CDC noted 25,203 men committed suicide. Men commit suicide four times as often as women do, partly because they’re more likely to use deadlier means — such as firearms — when they set out to take their own lives. Depression — which is estimated to affect 7 percent of men in any given year — is an important risk factor for suicide. But male depression is underdiagnosed, partly because men are less likely than women are to seek treatment for it. In addition, men don’t always develop standard symptoms such as sadness, worthlessness and excessive guilt. Instead, they may be more likely to complain of fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances and loss of interest in work or hobbies. Alcohol or drug abuse — which is more common in men — can mask depression and make it more difficult to diagnose.
People at risk of suicide may:
* Be depressed, moody, socially withdrawn or aggressive
* Have suffered a recent life crisis
* Show changes in personality
* Feel worthless
* Abuse alcohol or drugs
* Have frequent thoughts about death
* Talk about death and self-destruction
If you find yourself avoiding others, feeling hostile and worthless, thinking about death and using alcohol and drugs to numb your pain, talk with your doctor. In an urgent situation, an emergency room or crisis center can help. Friends or family members may be the first to notice your uncharacteristic behavior. Take their advice and seek help. If you or someone you love is depressed, remove any access to firearms in the home. Don’t expect to be able to overcome the feelings of depression without medical help. This is a disease, not something you can “snap out of.”
No. 9 — Kidney disease
Kidney failure, most often a complication of diabetes or high blood pressure, took the lives of 20,481 men in 2003 says the CDC. Control of diabetes and high blood pressure can prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease. Another cause of kidney failure is overuse of medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) that are toxic to the kidneys.
Some preventive measures you can take:
* Drink plenty of fluids.
* Exercise regularly.
* Maintain your proper weight.
* Don’t smoke.
* Get checked regularly for diabetes and high blood pressure.
* Limit your use of over-the-counter pain relievers.
* Take all medications only as directed.
No. 10 — Alzheimer’s disease
About 4.5 million older Americans — both men and women — have Alzheimer’s disease. In 2003, 18,335 men died of Alzheimer’s, which usually develops in people age 65 or older. But statistically there are more women who have the disease, because women live longer than men — and the older you are, the more likely you are to have Alzheimer’s. The American population has more and more older adults each year. Consequently, the number of people with Alzheimer’s has more than doubled since 1980 and continues to increase. As men live longer because of improved treatments for other conditions, they are more likely to die of Alzheimer’s.
Although experts are doing promising research into preventing Alzheimer’s, currently there’s no proven way to prevent the onset of the disease. Taking steps to improve your cardiovascular health may help:
* Lose weight if you’re overweight.
* Exercise regularly.
* Control your blood pressure.
* Keep your cholesterol levels in normal ranges.
While there is some controversy about whether it’s effective, some research indicates doing intellectually challenging activities may help delay the onset of dementia. It certainly can’t hurt — and it may help maintain your mental fitness.
Putting health risks into perspective
It’s important to understand that this ranking of health risks applies to the entire population of American men, no matter what their age. Although heart disease is the No. 1 lifetime health threat to men, it tops all other causes of death among men in only two age groups: ages 45 to 54, and age 65 and over. From childhood until age 44, accidents are the most significant threat to men’s lives. Cancer emerges as the leading killer only in men ages 55 to 64.
The top killers also vary somewhat among men from different ethnic groups. Black men, whose life expectancy is shorter than that of men from other races, are at higher risk of death by homicide and AIDS. American Indian men are more likely to die of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. More white men die of Alzheimer’s disease than do men from other groups. In men of Asian or Pacific Island descent, the top two killers are the same as for men of other ethnic groups, but their order is reversed — they are more likely to die of cancer than of heart disease. Hispanic men are at higher risk of death by accidental injury, at least partly because the population of Hispanic men is younger than average.
The bottom line: Be concerned about health risks, but don’t panic. Do all you can to lead a healthy lifestyle — eat healthy foods, stay physically active, don’t smoke, get regular checkups and guard against accidents. By making these preventive measures a way of life, you’ll increase your chances of staying vital and active into your 80s and 90s — well beyond the statistical average of 74.8.
Do you know what threatens men’s lives the most? The list is surprisingly short.
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.
Here’s a snapshot of the 10 leading killers of American men in 2003, the most recent year for which these statistics are available from the CDC:
Rank Cause Percentage of male deaths
1 Heart disease 28.0
2 Cancer 24.0
3 Unintentional injuries 5.9
4 Stroke 5.1
5 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 5.1
6 Diabetes 2.9
7 Influenza and pneumonia 2.4
8 Suicide 2.1
9 Kidney disease 1.7
10 Alzheimer’s disease 1.5
Total 78.7
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’s 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.
No. 1 — Heart disease
According to the American Heart Association, in 2004, over 410,000 men died of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in both sexes. Because men usually develop heart disease 10 to 15 years earlier than women do, they’re more likely to die of it in the prime of life. About one-fourth of all heart-disease-related deaths occur in men ages 35 to 65.
You can reduce your risk of heart disease by making healthier lifestyle choices and getting appropriate treatment for other conditions that can increase your risk of coronary artery disease, such as high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. Some preventive measures you can take:
* Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products.
* Eat a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-fat foods.
* Maintain a healthy weight.
* Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
* Have your cholesterol tested.
* If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
* Get regular blood pressure checks.
* Take a daily dose of aspirin, if your doctor OKs it.
No. 2 — Cancer
In 2003, the CDC recorded nearly 288,000 men who died of cancer, the second-leading cause of death for both sexes. Lung cancer — 90 percent of it caused by cigarette smoking — is the most common cause of cancer death in both sexes. In 2003, 89,964 men died of lung cancer.
The CDC also notes that prostate cancer and colorectal cancer are the second- and third-leading causes of cancer death in men.
Some preventive measures you can take:
* Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products.
* Eat a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-fat foods.
* Maintain a healthy weight.
* Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
* Limit your exposure to sun and use sunscreen.
* Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all.
* Be aware of potential cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) in your home and workplace, and take steps to reduce your exposure to these substances.
* Have regular preventive health screenings.
* Know your family medical history and review it with your doctor.
No. 3 — Unintentional injuries
In 2003, accidents killed 70,532 men, according to the CDC. Motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause. More than twice as many men as women died in traffic accidents. Male drivers involved in such accidents were almost twice as likely as female drivers to be intoxicated. To reduce your chances of a fatal crash:
* Use your seat belt every time you drive.
* Don’t exceed speed limits.
* Don’t drive after drinking alcohol.
* Don’t drive while sleepy or under the influence of drugs.
The CDC recorded poisoning as the second-leading cause of fatal unintentional injury to men in 2003 — 13,176 men died of it. In comparison, 6,281 women died of poisoning that year. To reduce your risk of poisoning:
* Place carbon monoxide and smoke detectors near bedrooms in your house.
* Have fuel-burning appliances inspected each year.
* Store household products in their original containers.
* Read and follow label instructions for household products.
* Turn on a light when giving or taking medicine and follow label instructions.
* Ventilate areas in which you use chemical products.
* Post the poison control number, 800-222-1222, by each telephone in your home.
Falls and drowning were the third- and fourth-leading causes of fatal unintentional injury to men. In 2003, falls caused 8,910 deaths among men, compared with 8,319 deaths among women. Drowning accounted for 2,632 deaths among men and 674 deaths among women.
Common-sense precautions such as using a safety ladder, placing nonskid mats in showers and tubs, and never swimming alone in a large or unfamiliar body of water can reduce the risks.
Workplace accidents — which include some vehicle crashes, poisonings, falls and drowning — are a significant cause of fatal injury to men, partly because men are concentrated in dangerous occupations such as agriculture, mining and construction.
No. 4 — Stroke
In 2004, over 58,000 men died of stroke, according to the American Heart Association. Although stroke affects equal proportions of men and women, men have better chances of surviving than women do. You can’t control some stroke risk factors, such as family history, age and race, but you can control the leading cause — high blood pressure — as well as contributing factors such as smoking and diabetes.
Additional preventive measures:
* Lower your intake of cholesterol and saturated fat. Get your cholesterol checked.
* Get regular blood pressure checks, and if it’s higher than normal, take measures to control it.
* Don’t smoke.
* Control diabetes.
* Maintain a healthy weight.
* Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
* Manage stress.
* Limit alcohol consumption.
* Talk with your doctor about taking a daily dose of aspirin.
No. 5 — Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
In 2003, according to the American Lung Association, 60,714 men died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of chronic lung conditions that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It’s strongly associated with lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths among men. The main cause is smoking. Men who smoke are 12 times as likely to die of COPD as are men who’ve never smoked.
Some preventive measures you can take:
* Don’t smoke.
* Avoid secondhand smoke.
* Minimize exposure to workplace chemicals.
No. 6 — Diabetes
The American Heart Association reports that in 2004, 35,000 men died of diabetes, a disease that affects the way the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Excess body fat, especially around the middle, is an important risk factor for diabetes. About 80 percent of people who have the disease are overweight or obese.
The diabetes complications most likely to be fatal are heart disease and stroke, which occur at two to four times the average rate in people with diabetes. Men with diabetes haven’t benefited as much from recent advances in heart disease treatment as have men without diabetes.
An estimated one-third of men with the most common form of diabetes don’t know they have it. Many are unaware of the disease until they develop complications such as impotence (erectile dysfunction), nerve damage causing pain or loss of sensation in the hands or feet, vision loss, or kidney disease.
Some preventive measures you can take:
* Maintain a healthy weight.
* Eat a varied diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat foods.
* Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
* Get your fasting blood sugar level checked periodically.
* Know your family’s diabetes history and discuss it with your doctor.
No. 7 — Influenza and pneumonia
In 2003, 28,778 men died of pneumonia and influenza, according to the CDC. These lung infections are especially life-threatening to people whose lungs have already been damaged by COPD, asthma or smoking. The risk of death from pneumonia or influenza is also higher among people with heart disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system due to AIDS or immunosuppressive drugs.
You can reduce your risk of complications and death from pneumonia and influenza by getting immunized. A yearly flu shot is up to 90 percent effective in preventing influenza in healthy adults. The pneumococcal vaccine can reduce the risk of getting pneumonia by more than half.
No. 8 — Suicide
In 2003, the CDC noted 25,203 men committed suicide. Men commit suicide four times as often as women do, partly because they’re more likely to use deadlier means — such as firearms — when they set out to take their own lives. Depression — which is estimated to affect 7 percent of men in any given year — is an important risk factor for suicide. But male depression is underdiagnosed, partly because men are less likely than women are to seek treatment for it. In addition, men don’t always develop standard symptoms such as sadness, worthlessness and excessive guilt. Instead, they may be more likely to complain of fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances and loss of interest in work or hobbies. Alcohol or drug abuse — which is more common in men — can mask depression and make it more difficult to diagnose.
People at risk of suicide may:
* Be depressed, moody, socially withdrawn or aggressive
* Have suffered a recent life crisis
* Show changes in personality
* Feel worthless
* Abuse alcohol or drugs
* Have frequent thoughts about death
* Talk about death and self-destruction
If you find yourself avoiding others, feeling hostile and worthless, thinking about death and using alcohol and drugs to numb your pain, talk with your doctor. In an urgent situation, an emergency room or crisis center can help. Friends or family members may be the first to notice your uncharacteristic behavior. Take their advice and seek help. If you or someone you love is depressed, remove any access to firearms in the home. Don’t expect to be able to overcome the feelings of depression without medical help. This is a disease, not something you can “snap out of.”
No. 9 — Kidney disease
Kidney failure, most often a complication of diabetes or high blood pressure, took the lives of 20,481 men in 2003 says the CDC. Control of diabetes and high blood pressure can prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease. Another cause of kidney failure is overuse of medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) that are toxic to the kidneys.
Some preventive measures you can take:
* Drink plenty of fluids.
* Exercise regularly.
* Maintain your proper weight.
* Don’t smoke.
* Get checked regularly for diabetes and high blood pressure.
* Limit your use of over-the-counter pain relievers.
* Take all medications only as directed.
No. 10 — Alzheimer’s disease
About 4.5 million older Americans — both men and women — have Alzheimer’s disease. In 2003, 18,335 men died of Alzheimer’s, which usually develops in people age 65 or older. But statistically there are more women who have the disease, because women live longer than men — and the older you are, the more likely you are to have Alzheimer’s. The American population has more and more older adults each year. Consequently, the number of people with Alzheimer’s has more than doubled since 1980 and continues to increase. As men live longer because of improved treatments for other conditions, they are more likely to die of Alzheimer’s.
Although experts are doing promising research into preventing Alzheimer’s, currently there’s no proven way to prevent the onset of the disease. Taking steps to improve your cardiovascular health may help:
* Lose weight if you’re overweight.
* Exercise regularly.
* Control your blood pressure.
* Keep your cholesterol levels in normal ranges.
While there is some controversy about whether it’s effective, some research indicates doing intellectually challenging activities may help delay the onset of dementia. It certainly can’t hurt — and it may help maintain your mental fitness.
Putting health risks into perspective
It’s important to understand that this ranking of health risks applies to the entire population of American men, no matter what their age. Although heart disease is the No. 1 lifetime health threat to men, it tops all other causes of death among men in only two age groups: ages 45 to 54, and age 65 and over. From childhood until age 44, accidents are the most significant threat to men’s lives. Cancer emerges as the leading killer only in men ages 55 to 64.
The top killers also vary somewhat among men from different ethnic groups. Black men, whose life expectancy is shorter than that of men from other races, are at higher risk of death by homicide and AIDS. American Indian men are more likely to die of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. More white men die of Alzheimer’s disease than do men from other groups. In men of Asian or Pacific Island descent, the top two killers are the same as for men of other ethnic groups, but their order is reversed — they are more likely to die of cancer than of heart disease. Hispanic men are at higher risk of death by accidental injury, at least partly because the population of Hispanic men is younger than average.
The bottom line: Be concerned about health risks, but don’t panic. Do all you can to lead a healthy lifestyle — eat healthy foods, stay physically active, don’t smoke, get regular checkups and guard against accidents. By making these preventive measures a way of life, you’ll increase your chances of staying vital and active into your 80s and 90s — well beyond the statistical average of 74.8.
Last Updated: 02/21/2007
© 1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER)
There are a few things that you can do besides eating well and exercising that will expedite your physical transformation:
1. Stay positive
Believe that transformation is possible even when you haven’t seen the changes that you want yet. I am sure that you can site many examples in your life where you didn’t expect something to happen and then whoa, there it was. If you don’t have enough evidence of your own, look around you. Do you know someone who thought they’d never get the job, meet that special person, or lose the weight, and then they did? Haven’t you read amazing stories about people overcoming obstacles and creating tremendous transformation in their lives, many against great odds? These are just people too, like you and me; anyone can overcome.
There is one thing that you can be sure of in life, and that is change. Make sure yours happens quickly, and in the way you want, by staying positive and then taking the steps that you know you should take.
2. Stay in the moment
If you think about your end results, the work becomes overwhelming. Just do what you know you can do today, and when tomorrow becomes today, you’ll deal with that.
3. Keep your expectations low
Don’t expect too much too soon, you’ll only get discouraged. Aiming high is nice to say but truly it is easier to stay positive if you set your sites on realistic, smaller goals.
4. Eliminate temptation
Remove distractions like foods that you don’t want to eat and people who have habits that you are trying to break. Surround yourself with people and materials that mirror the changes that you want for yourself. Hang out with happy, healthy people, read inspiring books, and listen to some great music that motivates you to get moving and take action.
5. Stop using excuses
There are always excuses; I am sure you have heard, or used, them all. When your desire to change becomes greater than your fear of changing, the excuses will go away – nothing will stop you from becoming the new you. Even though you may not be able to change the underlying reasons why you haven’t yet accomplished your goals, you can start by removing some of the actions and thought processes that encourage you to stay stuck. Enough with the excuses!
Remember when you’d run around, climb trees, play games and get your exercise while enjoying every minute of it?
Why not go back to playing for fitness?
Join a softball team, go to the beach with friends and play Frisbee or walk/run along the beach. Take a long hike in the hills and stop for a picnic along the way.
Make your exercise fun again.
A weekend workout doesn’t have to be a 30-minute run, 45 minutes on the treadmill or a spinning class. Go back to the days of getting, and staying fit “by accident” by incorporating it into your life, your family, your weekends.
Think of swimming and running races, and long adventurous bike rides. Include your kids (or someone else’s if you don’t have any of your own at home) – they’ll remind you how to have fun with exercise.
Go ‘vintage’ with your training – put on your PF Flyers and play athlete.
Ask a group of guys what turns them on about a woman, and you’ll sometimes get the predictable answers: full lips, full bosom, full booty.
These are a few quick-and-dirty biological imperatives that will turn many a man’s head. But a lot of women fulfill those requirements already. So what makes certain women boy magnets, and leaves others spending Saturday nights watching Saturday Night Live skits?
As always, men are more complicated than a lot of people give them credit for, and when it comes to turn-ons, the masculine gender has plenty of surprises up their metaphorical sleeve. Here, some of the ways to effectively rev the masculine engine:
1. Standing Tall
Don’t get me wrong: it’s not that we want a woman who can balance a beer tray on her head. It’s what good posture says about her. A woman who stands tall typically a) dresses well, b) exercises often, and c) is confident about her body and what it’s good for. And if she’s proud of her figure no matter what shape or size, that makes men take notice, as well.
2. True Grit
Men know that women cry. Men know that women can get hurt. Men want to be there to help whenever they do. But there’s something insanely attractive about women who can bite their lips, buck up, and grit out some of life’s twists, turns, sprains, and pains.
Note: Before you throw e-daggers my way, I’m not suggesting that it’s not OK to cry or that women shouldn’t seek proper attention when they’re in pain, either physically or emotionally. (Nor am I saying that lots of men don’t need to heed this advice as well.) I’m simply saying we’re often drawn to partners who can walk off life’s minor insults.
3. Baseball Caps
When we were growing up, we used them to show our team allegiances. In college, we used them to hide bed head. Past the age of 30, we mainly wear them to cover our bald spots. But no matter what team we root for, we like a baseball cap the most when it’s worn by a woman. The look sends all kinds of messages about the kind of woman she is: sporty, strong, comfortable kicking back, Sox fan. (All the better if it’s a Cubs hat - she’s an optimist with a great sense of humor.)
4. Software Savvy
Maybe it’s a giant sexual metaphor, but women like men who know hardware, and men like women who know software. Show a guy a woman who knows her way around systems, networks, and connections, and he’ll be dazzled by her smarts - and appreciate her talents.
There’s something sexy about a woman who can click a few buttons and get something working exactly the way she wants it to. (That is, as long as the buttons she pushes aren’t his.)
5. Sexy Shampoo
Men typically are stereotyped as needing visual cues to feel attraction. While it’s true that men need their share of eye candy, they also are mightily turned on by the olfactory sweets, as well. Perfume and body lotion are nice and all, but the smell of her freshly washed hair that’s nestled up under the chin on a Sunday morning is a reminder of all that’s good about relationships.
6. Understated Underwear
Slinky and small lingerie works for anniversaries, birthday surprises, honeymoons, and other seduce-me moments. But the look that makes men feel both comfortable and excited is when she’s wearing boxers (waistband rolled) and a thin-as-can-be T-shirt that’s neither too tight nor too big. Call it supreme sexiness in the understated. The same effect can be achieved by wearing his old dress shirt and a pair of panties.
7. Dirt and Sweat
Of course, men like to see their women dolled up for a night out. But many men appreciate the exact opposite: The woman who hikes, bikes, mows the lawn, hacks trees and branches, and otherwise pulls her weight. Seeing the dirt, mud, sweat, and occasional road rash is something that stokes our primal side.
8. A Few “Duh” Moments
Men like smart women (see “software savvy,” above). But there’s a small part of a man’s brain that wants her to have an occasional dollop of ditziness. Why? Because if she can show that she may not know everything, it reinforces something deep inside a man that he’s needed, that he’s trusted, that he can be there to help.
And it says that when we screw up on occasion (and we will, oh yes, we will), she’ll understand. Hypercompetence is something we just can’t compete with. And ultimately, this game isn’t about competition, it’s about crossing the finish line together.
Belly fat in men: What you need to know
If you are carrying a few extra pounds — whether in the form of belly fat, love handles, a beer gut or potbelly — you’re not alone. In recent years, the number of people who are overweight has increased dramatically worldwide. Two-thirds of American men are overweight or obese. But this is one case where following the crowd is not the best idea, because extra weight — especially belly fat — can be downright risky. And while women often put on extra pounds in the hips, thighs and legs, men are much more likely to gain belly fat.
Michael Jensen, M.D., an endocrinology specialist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., answers common questions regarding belly fat and what you can do about it.
Why is losing belly fat important?
Although the link between belly fat and health is not entirely clear, experts do know that people with a lot of belly fat are at higher risk of health problems than are people who accumulate fat in other areas — and men are more likely than women to put on weight around the waist.
Our bodies are designed to store fat for release during times when there is not enough food. But when we put on weight and never have these lean times, fat cells begin to release fat molecules into the blood at a higher rate. This affects normal metabolism and the way the body uses insulin. These metabolic changes can worsen or increase your risk of health problems, including:
- Diabetes
- Some types of cancers
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Abnormal lipids — high triglycerides and low HDL (”good” cholesterol)
- Insulin resistance
- Metabolic syndrome
When you lose fat through exercise and improved eating habits, you improve your metabolism. This reduces your risk of health problems — and may improve existing health problems.
What role does exercise play in losing belly fat?
To lose weight — and keep it off — you have to get regular exercise. This means doing something active most days of the week. Most people need at least 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise to stay healthy. But to shed the pounds in the first place, you may need longer periods of activity.
Aerobic exercise such as bicycling, swimming or strenuous yardwork — the kind of exercise that gets you breathing hard and gets your heart rate up — is the best kind of exercise to burn fat.
One great way to get regular aerobic exercise is to walk. Using a pedometer, a simple device that measures how many steps you take, can help you make sure you’re getting enough activity. For many men, walking 10,000 steps a day — plus eating right — is enough to stay at a healthy weight. Men with more weight to lose may need to walk farther. You may need to slowly build up the amount of exercise you get. Once you get the weight off, you may not need to do as much exercise to keep it off. But the more weight you lose, the more activity you’ll need to keep the pounds from coming back.
When To Call a Doctor
Seek care immediately if you use medication to treat an erection problem (erectile dysfunction) and the erection lasts longer than 4 hours.
Seek care immediately if you have taken phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (such as Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis) in the past 24 hours and are having chest pain. Tell your health professional you are taking this medication. Do not use any form of nitroglycerin if you have chest pain and have taken Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis in the past 24 hours.
Call a health professional if erection problems occur with:
- Any type of injury to the back, legs, buttocks, groin, penis, or testicles.
- A loss of pubic or armpit hair and an enlargement of the breasts.
Make an appointment to see a health professional within 1 to 2 weeks if an erection problem occurs more than 25% of the time and the problem:
- Occurs with a persistent backache.
- Occurs after you start taking a new medication or change the dose of a medication.
- Is affecting your self-image or sense of well-being.
- Has not improved despite self-care.
If your erection problem is occasional, there is no reason to call your health professional. If it occurs frequently but does not bother you or your partner, you may or may not choose to call your doctor. However, an erection problem that develops suddenly may be a sign of a disease; it is recommended that you see your doctor.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your health professional observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. A single episode of an erection problem is often a temporary and easily reversible problem. Do not assume it will happen again. If possible, forget about it and expect a more successful experience the next time. If you or your partner is concerned about it, talk about the problem and openly discuss your fears and anxieties.
If self-care has not helped after 2 weeks and you are concerned about your inability to have an erection, see a health professional who has experience in dealing with erection problems.
Who To See
Some health professionals, including doctors and mental health professionals, may not feel comfortable discussing sexuality and erection problems. Ask your health professional if he or she feels comfortable with and has experience in working with men who have erection problems.
The following health professionals can evaluate symptoms of erection problems:
- Family medicine doctor
- Internist
- Nurse practitioner
- Physician assistant
- Urologist
If it is possible that a psychological problem is contributing to your erection problem, your doctor may refer you to a health professional such as a:
- Psychiatrist.
- Psychologist.
- Certified licensed social worker.
- Counselor with special training in sexuality or relationship problems.
Dangerously low vitamin D levels may increase the risk of heart disease, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. The solution? Catch some rays
By: Tom McGrath
Frankly, I didn’t really want to die at age 37.
That was the first thought I had three summers ago, when my dermatologist told me that the small pink lump on my left cheek was, in fact, skin cancer. He quickly went about assuring me that, despite the funeral dirge playing in my head, death wasn’t really an option here. I had the mildest form of the disease, basal-cell carcinoma, which hardly ever causes long-term problems. What’s more, removing it would be a simple slice-and-stitch procedure. And that’s just what it was. In the end, the root canal I’d had 2 months earlier was probably more of a near-death experience.
That said, ever since that moment, I — like so many guys nowadays — have become far more conscious of protecting myself from the sun. I slather sunscreen on my fast-burning Irish skin and outfit myself in a series of grimy baseball caps (my fedora phase, thankfully, has passed). Having cheated death at age 37, I’m not about to let it win at age 47.
There’s just one hitch: My attempts to save my skin may ultimately cost me my life. At least that’s the warning a group of researchers is giving sun-phobics like myself. They’re suggesting we’ve grown dangerously leery of the sun and, specifically, that we need more of the ultraviolet vitamin, vitamin D. As evidence, they point to an alarming number of people — particularly those living in the northern part of the United States, and those with dark skin — who are running close to “E” when it comes to D.
Sun Spotting
In 2002, for example, a study of otherwise healthy 18- to 29-year-olds in Boston found that one-third had significantly low vitamin D levels by the end of the winter. A recent article in the journal Nutrition Reviews, which looked at five separate studies, concluded that “prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is higher than anticipated in North America.” Meanwhile, one noted expert on bone and calcium believes that the problem is even bigger than that. “I admittedly have a liberal standard,” says Robert Heaney, M.D., of Creighton University in Nebraska, “but I estimate that as many as 80 percent of people in the United States don’t get enough vitamin D.”
Now, granted, “You need more vitamin D” sounds like what your grandmother might say if she were named Surgeon General (right after she proclaimed beets the national vegetable). But there’s reason to pay attention, since researchers believe that a lack of D — a substance that helps our bodies use calcium and is crucial to bone strength — could be behind much of what ails us here at the dawn of the 21st century, including heart disease, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. Indeed, a 2002 study in the journal Cancer speculated that vitamin D undernourishment may lead to more than 23,000 cancer deaths each year.
“I think this is a major unrecognized epidemic in the United States,” says Michael Holick, M.D., a researcher at Boston University medical center and the most high-profile member of the vitamin D research community. “It affects children and adults of all ages, all races, and both sexes. It’s very significant.”
