Colonoscopy: Is It Time to Go Virtual Colonoscopy
Robert J. Mayer, MD

Is a virtual colonoscopy the colon cancer screening test that everybody should be getting instead of a regular colonoscopy? I thought it was kind of experimental

Vitamin D2 or D3?
Harvey B. Simon, M.D.

You're wise to take vitamin D, but even wise men are likely to be confused by the complexities of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential. Its most well-established role is to increase the intestinal absorption of calcium, keeping bones strong. But important research also raises the hope that vitamin D may help protect against prostate cancer, heart disease, and other disorders

Key Foods and Nutrients Especially Beneficial to Your Health
Doug Cook, R.D.

Men have a lot at stake when it comes to their health. Fortunately there are a few foods and nutrients that can be geared toward a man's unique physiology and will go a long way to reduce the risk of many of the health issues they face

Could Swimming in Cool Water Cause a Heart Attack?
Thomas Lee, MD

When I attempt to go into the outdoor pool at my beach club, I gasp for breath, get dizzy and light-headed, and have to get out. Several years ago, I read an article that some people who are very sensitive to cold water may sustain a heart attack from submersion into cold water. Is this a possibility?

Low Platelet Count Not Necessarily Reason to Postpone Prostate Cancer Surgery
R. Jeffrey Karnes, MD, Urology, Mayo Clinic

Please let me know if it would be safe to undergo surgery with a low platelet count and if there's anything that can be done to avoid complications of the surgery.

Prostate Exam Good First Stop When PSA Levels Increase
R. Houston Thompson, MD, Urology, Mayo Clinic

I have had a PSA of 1.2 for many years. Now a year later my PSA is 2.1. Should I be concerned and check further?

Chest Pain: A Heart Attack or Something Else?
Harvard Health Letters

That dull burning in your chest doesn't seem to be going away, and even feels like it's getting worse. Is it a heart attack, or something else? It's a vexing question, one that millions of people -- and their doctors -- face each year. What's the problem?

Smoking and COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Takes Your Breath Away
Harvard Health

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. And COPD is also a major cause of disability. COPD is not curable but it is treatable. Lifestyle changes and medication can help patients cope with chronic lung disease and live longer, fuller lives. And if you understand COPD, you'll know that most cases can be prevented

7 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease
Kate Meyers

The American Heart Association is hoping to boost America's heart health by 20 percent. How? Here's the AHA's 'Simple 7' checklist to prevent heart disease and stroke

Dry Mouth Can Be a Serious Problem
Harvey B. Simon, M.D.

Call it dry mouth, and it sounds like little more than a nuisance -- but call it by its medical name, xerostomia, and it sounds fearsome. In most cases, dry mouth causes more discomfort than damage, but severe cases can lead to important complications.

All About Gout: Old Disease Becoming More Common
Harvard Health

Gout is still very much with us, and the number of Americans affected seems to be increasing, partly because of the obesity epidemic. It remains a disease that mainly affects middle-aged and older men, although postmenopausal women are vulnerable too, perhaps because they lack the protective effect of estrogen.

HPV Vaccine For Boys?
Harvey B. Simon, MD, Harvard Health

My 14-year-old granddaughter has just completed her third injection of the Gardasil vaccine. I know it's designed to protect her from cervical cancer caused by a virus. But men can get the virus, too. Should my grandson also get the vaccine?

Depression in Men: It's Not About Feeling Sad
Michael Castleman

Because depression in men often doesn't "look" like depression with stereotypical sadness and tears, family and friends may not realize that a man is seriously depressed. As a result, depression in men may go unrecognized because compared with women, men are less likely to admit to emotional problems and seek help. Fortunately, depression can be successfully treated. Here's how

Uncertainty Remains About Drugs to Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer
Howard LeWine, M.D.

My doctor told me that my prostate gland is enlarged. I don't have any symptoms and my PSA test has always been normal. I read that a drug to treat an enlarged prostate may also protect against prostate cancer. Is this something I should consider?

Strong-Smelling Urine not Necessarily Cause for Concern
Amy Krambeck, MD, Urology - Mayo Clinic

Strong-smelling urine has several possible causes. One possibility, diabetes, is a serious medical concern. Other reasons can range from diet -- specifically asparagus -- to a urinary tract infection, which requires treatment. Causes for strong urine odor include

6 Ways to Fight the Flu for Real
Michael Castleman

You don’t have to let the cold and flu season have its way with you. Boost your immune system now

Fit Your Bike For the Perfect Ride
Greg Melville - Men's Life Today

Want to get more out cycling? You'll need to make your bike an extension of you. Here's how.

Live Healthy Now: Have More Sex Later
Michael Castleman - Men's Life Today

If you think you don't have to worry about erectile dysfunction (ED) until your hair starts to turn gray, think again. Even in your early 20s, chances are your arteries are already undergoing changes that may culminate years from now in ED. You'd be smart to adopt a healthy lifestyle now. Here's how

Do men need calcium supplements?
Daryn Eller - Live Right Live Well

Experts have long recommended that women take calcium to stave off osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and makes them prone to breaking. But what about men, who make up 20 percent of the 10 million people who have osteoporosis?

Go From Stick to Thick
Ethan Boldt - Men's Life Today

Even the skinniest guys can put on some halfway-respectable mass and muscle if they work it right. So, if you'd like to go from machinist to Batman, follow these quick, effective tips on how to put on the right kind of weight (muscle, not fat). Here's how

To Lower Prostate Cancer Risk Start With Heart Health
R. Jeffrey Karnes, MD, Urology, Mayo Clinic

There are no formal guidelines, but the advice I give my patients focuses on living a heart-healthy lifestyle. I encourage them to take care of their hearts because recent research has shown that what's good for your heart is also good for your prostate, particularly when it comes to lowering your risk of prostate cancer.

From Frat Brothers to Fat Brothers
John Hanc - Men's Life Today

If staying lean is a struggle, you just might be hanging out with the wrong crowd. Here's how to stop your friends from making you fat.

Be Your Alpha Best
John Hanc - Men's Life Today

Want to be the leader of the pack -- the guy everyone turns to, especially when the game's on the line? The so-called 'alpha male'? You won't have to wear some kind of testosterone patch, and you certainly won't have to take illegal performance-enhancing drugs. One thing you can do, though: Cultivate some alpha attitude. Exactly what is an alpha male?

Prostate Supplements of Dubious Value
Marc Garnick, M.D.

Despite the number of vitamins and supplements that claim to promote prostate health, there is little proof to support their use. They don't help prostate cancer, prostatitis (inflammation and infection of the prostate), or benign enlargement of the prostate gland. In fact, when many of the popular supplements, such as saw palmetto, have been tested, the results have shown no benefit

Get Strong With Olympic Lifts
Ethan Boldt - Men's Life Today

Just because you're not ski-jumping, speed skating, luging or curling, doesn't mean you can't train like an Olympian. We're talking weighlifting techniques called Olympic lifts -- a routine that well-respected exercise physiologists and personal trainers swear by for everyday gym warriors. Just a few of these classic moves go a long way to build strength, speed and agility.

Healthy Habits That Make You Handsome
Greg Melville - Men's Life Today

There are easier, more effective, ways to look like a million bucks than by plunking down that much on some surgical solution. It's true, a healthier lifestyle can actually boost your physical appearance -- targeting everything from your complexion, to those bags under your eyes, to the sheen of your hair. Follow these 10 simple health and nutrition tips

How to Lose a Gut and Keep It Off!
John Hanc - Live Right Live Well

So you've put on a few pounds and gotten yourself a beer belly. Even worse, it's making your heartburn worse! Forget fat-burning pills and belly-reducing gadgets. The real secret to losing that tummy lies not in a bottle or some magical exercise machine, but between your ears. Here's how you really bust a gut

Men's Checkup 101
Michael Castleman - Live Right Live Well

It's great to drop extra pounds and focus on fitness. But for many men, something else should come first -- a checkup. When do men get checkups? Typically, it's when the women in their lives insist on it. The good news for guys who are doctor-averse is that annual checkups are not always necessary. But checkups every few years can be lifesavers. Here's what experts recommend

Supplements: A Guide for Men
Michael Castleman - Live Right Live Well

Visit any health food store or pharmacy, and the supplement aisle seems to extend forever. But do men really need all those vitamins, minerals and herbs? Here's what you need to know if you're a guy

The Ready-for-anything Workout
Ethan Boldt - Men's Life Today

Want to be fit enough to conquer Tibet's highest mountains? Or maybe 'just' pass a fireman's fitness test? All you have to do is master this exercise regimen.

Alert: You're Pushing Yourself Too Hard
Ethan Boldt - Men's Life Today

It's not just macho to push yourself to the limit -- it's considered cool. But how do you know if you're about to take your body beyond that limit and into dangerous territory? Especially in hot weather, there are risks you should you know about. As long as you can read your body's signs, you can prepare for pushing it without going over the top. Here, your body's warning signs and what to do

Treatment Options for Poor Bladder Function
Deborah Lightner, M.D.

This past year, my healthy 54-year-old husband was diagnosed with a neurogenic bladder, which requires him to self-catheterize four to five times per day. This has made the things he used to love doing much more difficult, and it is taking its toll on him emotionally. Are there other options for his condition other than self-cathing?

Is 60 Too Old to be Treated for Prostate Cancer?
Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D.

I've heard that doctors feel men over 60 shouldn't be treated for prostate cancer because they're old enough that they are going to die anyway. Is that so?

Treating Low Back Pain Remains a Challenge
Harvard Health

Back pain is remarkably common. It affects most people during a lifetime. While most back pain gets better quickly, chronic back pain is also common. Yet, the cause of chronic back pain is often uncertain. Even worse, treatment is often ineffective. That's why so many people turn to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

When Should You Seek Emergency Care for Chest Pain
Harvard Health

If you have chest pain or discomfort, how do you know if it's serious enough to warrant emergency medical attention? A few general pointers to help

Prostatitis Often Challenging to Diagnose
Lance Mynderse, M.D.

A lot of men are familiar with certain prostate-related problems, such as the risk of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. But prostatitis is a painful syndrome that men seldom hear about.

Cardiac Rehab Boosts Heart Health
Harvard Health

After having a heart attack or heart surgery, one of the best things you can do for your heart and your long-term health is to go through a cardiac rehabilitation program

Wide Gap Between Top and Bottom Blood Pressure Numbers
Thomas H. Lee, M.D. - Harvard Health

My systolic blood pressure has been between 115 and 125 and pretty steady. The diastolic number is low (55-65) and seems to be falling. Is the difference between these two numbers important, and is the falling diastolic number something to worry about?

Some Blood Vessels More Prone to Blockages Than Others
Richard Lee, M.D. - Harvard Health

Are the coronary arteries more prone to developing blockages than arteries elsewhere in the body? When arteries from other parts of the body are used in bypass surgery, does their tendency to become blocked change?

Are Isometric Exercises Safe For the Heart
Richard Lee, M.D. - Harvard Health

Long ago, I was told that isometric exercises, like weight lifting, shouldn't be done by anyone with a heart condition. Is that still the prevailing wisdom?

Another Reason to Get a Flu Shot: To Protect Your Heart
Harvard Health

If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, what are you waiting for? The hour or so it would take is nothing compared with the time you might spend fighting the flu or something worse

Diet and Health Can Play Role in Prostate Cancer Risk
R. Jeffrey Karnes, M.D., Urology, Mayo Clinic

Although it's difficult to know for certain whether red wine directly impacts the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) count, evidence indicates that a person's overall diet and health can play a role in prostate cancer risk, which could translate into PSA levels

Prevention for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Harvey B. Simon, M.D

Prevention is the best medicine. However, in the case of the prostate, although many effective treatments are available, the role of prevention is less certain. However, some hope for prevention may be on the horizon

Prostate-specific antigen PSA Test Pros and Cons
Patrick C. Walsh

Stop a Killer Before It's Too Late: Its proponents praise the prostate-specific antigen test, or PSA, as saving lives by catching signs of cancer early. But some in the medical field argue that it is overused, leading to unnecessary treatments. Is PSA testing the best weapon against prostate cancer?

After a Heart Attack: Following Rehab Instructions Can Save Your Life
Harvard Heart Letter

One month after their attacks, more than 90 percent of the participants said they were taking all of the medications on the discharge list. In contrast, less than 50 percent were exercising as instructed, had stopped smoking, or were losing weight. Just one-third had enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program, one of the best things you can do to prevent a second heart attack.

Treatment for Enlarged Prostate Based on Severity of Symptoms
Amy Krambeck, M.D., Urology, Mayo Clinic

BPH is a medical term for the enlargement of the prostate gland that occurs as men age. Many options exist to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including watchful waiting, medications, nonsurgical therapies, and surgery. Treatment for BPH is based on the severity of symptoms.

Medical Checklist for Healthy Men in their 30's
Philip Hagen, M.D. - Mayo Clinic Medical Edge

There's no need to be embarrassed about being an infrequent visitor to your doctor's office. At your age, if you are healthy and not taking regular medication, you don't need much health care. But it is wise to focus energy on staying healthy and developing habits that will keep you healthy for many years.

Medical Memo - Hearty Humor
Harvard Men's Health Watch

Mark Twain may have exaggerated a bit when he claimed that "Humor is mankind's greatest blessing." Still, a chuckle a day may help keep the doctor away and perhaps help stave off heart attacks and strokes.

Ten Commandments of Cancer Prevention
Harvard Men's Health Watch

Despite grim statistics, doctors have made great progress in understanding the biology of cancer cells, and they have already been able to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. But instead of just waiting for new breakthroughs, you can do a lot to protect yourself right now.

Vegetarian Diets & Potential Health Benefits
Harvey B. Simon, M.D. - Harvard Men's Health Watch

Most people who choose vegetarian diets are motivated by their personal philosophies, ethical beliefs, or religious convictions. But health certainly is a factor, and if a vegetarian eating plan is constructed properly, it can be an asset to health.

Statins & Prostate Cancer
Harvard Men's Health Watch

The most optimistic information about statins and prostate cancer comes from observational studies, which are less persuasive than randomized clinical trials. And the studies also differ in the doses and duration of statin therapy, the particular statin drugs used, and the characteristics of the population being studied. Still, though the results are far from conclusive, they raise hope that statins may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. And there are biologic mechanisms that could explain this effect.

Genetic Screening for Prostate Cancer
Harvard Men's Health Watch

Genes regulate the growth, multiplication, and death of all human cells. In some cases, abnormal genes are passed down from parent to child. If genes are responsible for cancer, then therapies that target genetic abnormalities should be beneficial.

Proscar & Osteoporosis
Harvey B. Simon, M.D. - Harvard Men's Health Watch

I am 76 years old, and I've had an enlarged prostate for at least 10 years. I've been taking Proscar for about a year, and it seems to be helping quite a bit. I have not noticed any side effects, but I'm worried that if the medicine reduces testosterone levels enough to shrink my prostate, it will also give me osteoporosis. Should I change medications?

Allergic Rhinitis: Your Nose Knows
Harvard Men's Health Watch

It's easy to dismiss hay fever as a minor nuisance. But call it by its proper name, allergic rhinitis, and you'll be on the way to recognizing it as a legitimate medical problem. Add the fact that it affects about one of every five Americans and drains the economy of about $2 billion a year, and you'll see that it's an important problem indeed. Fortunately, it's also a problem that responds very well to treatment.

Sexuality & Seniority
Harvard Men's Health Watch

For many men, sexuality is one of the things that change over time. It's usually a gradual, almost imperceptible process that begins in middle age. Whereas most older men retain an interest in sex, it's generally a far cry from the preoccupation with sex that's so common in youth. Although interest is retained, desire tends to wane. And even when the spirit is willing, the flesh may be weak.