• Did You Know? Women are Quicker to See a Doctor than Men
• Nutrition for Men: A Game Plan for Weight Loss
• Dr. Oz video: Age- Proof Your Body with Vegetables
• Monthly Health Tip
• Monthly Recipe

Why Do Men Skip Health Tests?

Women live 5.1 years longer on average than men. Could the male tendency to avoid doctors have anything to do with it?

The difference between men and women
It’s a fact that women are quicker to see a doctor when they develop symptoms. In contrast, men are more likely to ignore symptoms and hope they go away. Often by the time a man sees a doctor his symptoms may be severe and harder to manage or treat. Men are 24 percent less likely than women to have visited a doctor in the past year, according to recent U.S. government statistics. For an African American or Hispanic male, the odds of having seen a doctor are even lower. The same is true for men ages 18 to 44.

Women live 5.1 years longer on average than men. Could men’s avoidance of doctors and routine checkups have anything to do with that? Not seeing a doctor regularly means that you lose out on important health screenings or early diagnosis. You can feel fine but still have conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure that need treatment. Men may also avoid preventive care. They are a lot more likely than women to need hospital care for illnesses that could have been prevented (pneumonia, for example) or complications from diseases like diabetes or heart failure.

Is seeing a doctor like asking for directions?
The reknowned stereotype for men is that they don’t ask for directions when lost. Perhaps they think they don’t need a doctor’s help either? Men’s attitudes about physicals may have come from their own fathers who avoided doctors. And some boys grew up with the message that expressing pain or sickness was a sign of weakness. According to more than 1,000 men taking part in a 2007 survey commissioned by the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• Thirty-six percent said they see a doctor only when “extremely sick.”
• Fifty-five percent did not have a routine physical in the last year.
• Almost one in five, age 55 or older, had not been screened for colon cancer.

Men also tend to be less willing than women to discuss their health. Women may talk freely about breast lumps, depression, or urinary problems to a friend or a doctor. For some men, talking to a doctor or spouse may be embarrassing if the subject involves their genitals, bowels, or mental health.

If you are a man, you can learn from women that getting suggested screenings and checkups can lead to a longer, healthier life.

Nutrition for Men:
A Game Plan for Weight Loss

Women may dominate the dieting world but obesity is an issue for men, too.
Most men put more thought into how they fuel their car than how they fuel their body. It’s no wonder that obesity is on the rise and that the number of obese men in the U.S. has doubled over the past 25 years. Sedentary habits and overeating have contributed to this epidemic. But the question remains: how to motivate men in a dieting world that is dominated by women.

Ready for a tune-up?
For starters, forget the word “diet.” Begin to manage your food intake – just like you manage your finances, your relationships and your job. Next, think about your health and quality of life. Though your wedding tux may be out of reach, dropping a few pounds and exercising more will improve your fitness, strength and energy. Just check with your doctor before you increase your activity level.

Other benefits of losing weight may include:
• Decreased risk of diabetes, heart attack, some types of cancer, hypertension and sleep apnea
• Better performance in sports
• Longer lifespan (your spouse and kids will appreciate this)
• Enhanced sex life; weight loss may even help with erectile dysfunction

The game plan
Here’s how to get the ball rolling:

Don’t skip breakfast. A morning meal gets your metabolic fire started. Ditch your muffin or donut and have some instant oatmeal with walnuts, eggs and low-fat cheese on an English muffin, peanut butter on whole-wheat toast or a bowl of whole-grain cereal with nuts and fruit.

Cut portions in half. Men like volume. But overeating is probably what got you here in the first place. So cut back on portions, especially when dining out. When cooking at home add more veggies to your meal so you feel like you’re eating more. For instance, add zucchini, mushrooms and onions to your pasta sauce. Use more sauce and less pasta.

Don’t overdo protein. Strength training, along with moderate protein and carbs, is the key to muscle building – not excess protein. Most men get more than enough protein in their diets. Forget protein powders and stick with lean chicken, turkey, fish, eggs and beans. Even veggies and grains have protein.

Focus on good carbs. Carbs are essential for energy and building muscle. Stick with wholesome choices and go for fruits and veggies; whole-grain breads, cereals and pastas; brown rice; and baked and sweet potatoes. Limit cookies, donuts, cakes, large bagels and white flour rolls.

Pay attention to real hunger. Eat when you are hungry and stop when you are full. This includes pushing away from the table when there is still food left. It’s more manly to refuse extra food than to clean the plate.

Snack smart. Endless bowls of chips, ice cream and salted nuts are just some of the snacking downfalls of men. Instead of candy at the vending machine, go for a piece of fruit, a half a turkey sandwich or some low-fat cheese and whole-grain crackers. Keep healthy snacks stocked at the office.

Exercise regularly. There is no better one-two punch for weight loss than regular exercise and good nutrition. Work in some type of aerobic exercise most days of the week. Include strength training two to three times a week to build muscle. This will help increase your metabolism. Check with your doctor before you increase your activity level.

Limit alcohol. Spoiler alert: alcohol has calories. If you care to drink, limiting yourself to two drinks a day will cut the amount of calories you consume. It will also help you avoid gaining belly fat and will enhance your overall health.

Finally, don’t rush it. A goal of one half to one pound a week is the most sensible for the long term. When it comes to permanent weight loss, slow and steady wins the race.

Dr. Oz: Stress Busting Foods
The secret for age-proofing your body may be in your produce aisle.
To learn more, view this video with Dr. Oz.

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Health Hint: What is a calorie? One calorie equals the amount of energy it takes to raise the temperature of one gram of water to 1° Celsius. Most women require 1,600-2,000 calories a day, while most men require 2,000-3,000. Talk with your doctor as the actual amount you may require usually depends on a number of factors including your age, lifestyle and activity level.

June Healthy Recipe: Sweet Pear and Celery Salad

This serves like a gourmet dish, but is simple to prepare. Have it as a first course or serve with sliced grilled chicken for a delicious lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients:
6 large stalks celery, trimmed and diced
2 Tbsp fruit vinegar (cider, raspberry)
2 Tbsp honey
1/4 tsp salt
2 large ripe pears, diced
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, preferably fresh
4 Tbsp chopped walnuts
Fresh ground pepper
4 large lettuce leaves

Directions:
Whisk vinegar, honey and salt in a large bowl. Add pears and stir to coat. Add celery, cheese and walnuts. Stir to combine. Season with pepper. Place a large lettuce leaf on each plate and top with an equal portion of salad. Serve as a side salad or mix with 2 to 3 ounces of cooked diced chicken.

Yield: 4 servings

Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 161 - Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g - Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrate: 19 g - Fiber: 2.7 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg - Sodium: 300 mg