The Industrial Revolution changed America forever, and the Information Era has changed it still further. More than ever before, men are working with their brains instead of their backs. It's great progress, but it does have unintended consequences, including global economic competition and unprecedented levels of stress. Another consequence is diminished physical activity. Now that most men don't need to exercise to earn their keep, many view exercise as kids' stuff, the fun and games that fill childhood — or used to in the days before video games and flat-screen TVs.

America has become a nation of spectators. That deprives ...

Red meat has long occupied a special place in the American diet. Although doctors and dieticians have been hoisting red flags for years, meat has retained its iconic status. In fact, new health warnings have done little to slow the surge in high-end steak houses, to say nothing of the ongoing popularity of hamburger restaurants.

But men who decide to cut down on red and processed meat need alternatives. Fish and poultry are excellent choices. These options are well known, but another has been neglected. It's a humble but healthful choice: beans.

Counting beans When most Americans think of beans, ...

It's no secret that overweight and obesity are big problems in the United States. At present, two-thirds of all Americans need to lose weight, and the number of overweight children and adults is growing at an alarming rate.

And it's no secret that obesity is bad for health. Excess body fat raises levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides while also lowering HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. Obesity impairs the body's responsiveness to insulin, raising blood sugar and insulin levels. But obesity does more than produce bad numbers: it also leads to bad health, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, ...

My senior center is sponsoring a test to check for "peripheral artery disease." The test is free, and they say it's safe and painless. Do you think it's a good idea?