Celebrating Fathers! Men's Health......

It's that time of the year when we celebrate Fathers - Happy Fathers Day! The role of fathers have included being the head of the household, the strong presence, the one who can fix anything, the hero. While we celebrate the men who have made a difference in shaping our lives, whether he is a biological father, step father, big brother, uncle, pastor/teacher/mentor, we must explore the most important topic of health.

Men are most reluctant to visit their doctors. However, it is very important to break through the barriers that prevent men from scheduling and keeping appointments with their doctor. There have been many medical advancements over the years which will help to prevent and treat many diseases leading to a successful outcome.

Here are some questions. Answer them accordingly/honestly (no time for denial)

Have you gained weight? Is your stomach appearing as if you are in your first trimester (first three months of pregnancy)? Carrying excess weight in the mid section increases your risk of having the following:

*Insulin resistance
*Type II Diabetes
*Cancer
*Sleep Apnea
*Stroke
*Heart disease
*High Triglycerides

Do you know your cholesterol levels? Knowing your cholesterol level is important as it serves as an indicator to any risk factors that you may face. If you are 34 years old you should begin to take note of your levels. The normal range should be below 200 mg/dL. The levels between 200-239 mg/dL, you are considered borderline high risk. If your level is 240 mg/dL you are High Risk.


Do you drink excessively? Socially after work or every weekend? Occasionally? Special events? Watch out for your liver. The liver can process alcohol however, excessive drinking may lead to fatty liver, alcohol hepatitis or cirrhosis. Alcohol consumption may also lead to many other diseases.

Do you exercise daily? Sometimes during the week? Weekends? Not much? Never?
Have you had your prostate exam? Exercise is key to maintaining good health! It helps to burn the calories/fat and keep your body in good physical condition.

How are your eyes? At 45 years old, be sure to schedule an exam so that you can be screened for glaucoma.

Blood pressure - high blood pressure is known as a silent killer. Many people have high blood pressure and are not even aware that they have it. Take advantage of those free screenings that are often located by the supermarkets, sidewalks, malls, etc.


Is it time to have a colonoscopy? Are you 50 years or older? It is recommended that you have an exam. However, if you have a family history of the disease, please share it with your doctor.

As you reach the age of 40 it is time to add some more exams to your physical. It is recommended that African American men have their prostate exam by age 45. All others should have their prostate exam by age 50.

Your sexual health is also most important, many men would consider it their #1 priority. Practicing safe sex is key to enjoying an amazing sexual life. Be sure to get tested and treated for any diseases that may occur due to sexual encounters.

Take the appropriate measures to ensure that you can celebrate many more years with your loved ones - Happy Fathers Day!

Have You Already Forgotten About It? Swine Flu

Take a look at this map which was produced by the World Health Organization. This map shows the number of laboratory confirmed cases of the H1N1 Influenza Virus that was reported to the World Health Organization. As a result, WHO has now confirmed the Swine Flu as pandemic. Are you following Up on the Swine Flu?

It is important that we all remain alert and not allow this fast paced world to keep us from being aware of the serious health alerts that remain a very present and important matter. It is extremely important especially to newborns, infants, young children, seniors and those with pre existing health conditions. This is the first influenza pandemic in 41 years. The last pandemic was the Hong Kong Influenza of 1968 which was responsible for about 1 million deaths. Latest Index

Antioxidants - the benefits

Antioxidants are known to protect your cells from free radicals. Free radicals damages the cells as they are molecules that are produced when your body breaks down food, also when you are exposed to the pollutants in the environment. Free radicals are linked to diseases such as cancer, heart disease and many others.

Here are the foods that contains antioxidants:

Poultry
Fish
Some Meats
Fruits
Vegetables
Nuts
Grains

What substances are found in antioxidants?

Vitamin A - liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, egg yolks and mozzarella cheese. Retinol (Vitamin A1), 3,4-didehydroretinol (Vitamin A2), and 3-hydroxy-retinol (Vitamin A3).

Vitamin C - also known as ascorbic acid is found in fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin E - is found in almonds, in many oils including wheat germ, safflower, corn and soybean oils, and also found in mangos, nuts, broccoli and other foods.

Beta-carotene - foods that are orange in color, including sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, squash, apricots, pumpkin, and mangos. Some green leafy vegetables including collard greens, spinach, and kale are also rich in beta-carotene.

Lutein - green leafy vegetables such as collard greens, spinach, and kale (all linked to healthy eyes).

Lycopene- tomatoes, watermelon, guava, papaya, apricots, pink grapefruit, blood oranges, and other foods.

Selenium - is a component of antioxidant enzymes. Plant foods like rice and wheat are the major dietary sources of selenium in most countries. Meats and bread are also common sources of dietary selenium specifically in the United States.

Be informed -make healthy choices!