Best bets for back pain

Hot and cold compresses, physical activity, exercise, and safe lifting techniques help men to heal and to prevent low back pain. Recent research shows that acetaminophen (Tylenol and generics) has limited benefit for low back pain, but it remains appealing because it is safer for the stomach than other over-the-counter pain relievers. But acetaminophen is still a reasonable thing to try before moving on to less stomach-friendly options, such as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and common aspirin. More »

Know your triglycerides: Here's why

Triglycerides are fatty substances (lipids) in the blood that, like “bad” LDL cholesterol, may contribute to risk of heart attacks and strokes. Unless triglycerides are very high, they do not require medication to lower them. Men with mildly to moderately high triglycerides are advised to exercise, lose weight if they are overweight, improve their diet, and reduce alcohol consumption to lower their risk and bring triglycerides to the normal range. Men at above-average cardiovascular risk with high triglycerides can benefit from taking a cholesterol-lowering statin drug. (Locked) More »

Not all processed foods are unhealthy

Processed foods may contain trans fat, added sugar, and sodium that can be unhealthy. Healthy diets emphasize whole (minimally processed) foods, but certain processed foods may offer convenience and nutritional value. These include canned vegetables or fish and frozen produce. Reading the ingredients of processed foods can help in assessing their nutritional value. (Locked) More »

Protect your vision from glaucoma

Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss among older men. Most cases are caused by high pressure inside the eyeball, which damages the nerve that connects the eye to the brain. People with glaucoma may also have eye pressure in the normal range, but the treatment is still to take medication, often in the form of eye drops, to reduce eye pressure. Detecting and treating glaucoma early can slow down vision loss. Some people may need extra help from laser or surgical procedures. It’s important to learn how to apply medications as instructed to get maximum benefit from drug treatment. (Locked) More »

Prostate cancer: Treat or wait?

After prostate cancer diagnosis, certain men with low-risk cancers can choose to monitor the cancer very closely and treat when the disease progresses. This allows a man to delay or avoid the risks of treatment. The approach is called active surveillance with intention to treat. Bothersome and potentially permanent side effects of treatment include erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. By choosing active surveillance, some men can avoid the risks of treating a cancer that may be unlikely to cause them serious harm within their life span.     (Locked) More »