Category: Pandemic preparedness • Public health preparedness • Swine flu

Category: Pandemic preparedness • Public health preparedness • Swine flu

The UK is having quite a swine flu outbreak, although the authorities aren't owning up to it. As for the public, they are being whipsawed between the usual poles of "it's all hype" and "we're all going to die," with the latter fading in parallel with the fading of effectiveness in selling tabloids. So, yes, there's a lot of dreadful stuff in the news about swine flu, but there's some pretty astute stuff, too. Here's something I ran across in TimesOnline [UK] by Melanie Reid:
Posted by Joven at 11:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: hospital
Top tips for men for living a longer, healthier lives
Thursday, June 4, 2009
By RITA COOK

For men, being healthy can be a state of mind. "Of course, there are some anatomical differences between men and women, but the sources of men's health issues are less tied to that than to their mind-set about their health, their diets and going to see the doctor," says Dr. Alan Kaye, internist at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.

"By changing those attitudes, men can enjoy healthier and longer lives and, most importantly, they'd have better quality of life."

We asked a team of doctors and others at the hospital for advice on how to do that.

Here's what they said:

"Play it safe and buckle up. Men are less likely to wear seat belts, while they're more likely to be the ones speeding down the highway."

Ken Locker, certified athletic trainer

"Find a good woman – and stay with her. Divorced and-or separated men are at much higher risk of mental health issues, including suicide."

Dr. Jim Harris, psychologist

"Find a sport you love. The monotony of working out at the gym gets old. Then what? Instead, find a sport or hobby you love that will help you burn a few calories and improve heart health while you're having fun."

Dr. Gary Weinstein, pulmonologist

"Get involved in the grocery shopping; learn how to read labels and buy healthy foods and snacks. Don't eat the unhealthy snacks in the house, and cook a healthy meal for the family at least once a week."

Angela Clark, director of the Urology Research and Education Foundation

"Get to know yourself. Breast self-exams are common for women, but men aren't encouraged to do self-exams of their testicles enough. It's a way to catch testicular cancer early."

Ken Locker

"See a doctor annually after age 40 and get PSA tests for prostate cancer annually after 50 (or sooner if there are increased risk factors)."

Dr. Alan Kaye, internist

"Get a hobby. It often kick-starts a little exercise, even if it's just gardening or woodworking."

Dr. Sandeep Gupta, allergist

"Get some sleep. Sleep apnea is more common in men than women. It can cause a host of medical problems, including high blood pressure and heart failure. Loud snoring, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness and long pauses in breathing while sleeping can be signs of this serious, insidious disease."

Dr. Nabeel Farah, sleep medicine specialist