By now, most health-conscious American men understand the difference between bad fats (saturated fats and trans fats) and good fats (omega-3s and other poly- and monounsaturates). Many also recognize the difference between bad carbohydrates (simple sugars and refined grain products) and good carbs (dietary fiber and whole-grain products). In addition, savvy consumers are finally switching from red meat to fish, poultry, and legumes to get the protein they need.

It's heartening progress, but it overlooks another nutrient that's responsible for more than 100,000 American deaths a year, about three times more than prostate cancer. Perhaps because the problem nutrient is ...

Urinary bleeding can be dramatic and frightening; even the most macho of men might find it hard to see blood in his urine without calling his doctor. But sometimes the call travels in the other direction; many men are surprised and alarmed to get a call from their doctors reporting that the urine that looked clear in the specimen jar actually contains red blood cells (RBCs). Either way, blood in the urine, known technically as hematuria, requires medical evaluation. Although the results are often reassuring, hematuria is a warning symptom that you should never ignore.

Blood can enter the urine ...

I’ve been taking Zocor since my heart attack in 2006. My cholesterol count has come way down, and I haven’t had any heart problems. In the past few months, however, I’ve had some muscle aches. My blood tests don’t show any muscle damage, but my doctor says Zocor may still be causing the problem. He wants me to stop Zocor for a while, but I’m worried about my heart. Is it safe for me to stop?