Men's Health Archive

Research shows that older people who are socially engaged and keep their minds active are more likely to remain mentally sharp. But what specific activities should people do? And does it matter if they start late in life or sooner?

Human papilloma virus (HPV) causes about 40,000 cases of cancer every year. A long-term study of the HPV vaccine finds it offers protection against many strains of the virus, yet many teens haven’t had this safe, effective vaccine.

There are several treatment options for kidney stones. Which is best for you may depend on size and number of stones and their location in the kidney. Imaging and blood tests can help your doctor determine the right course of treatment.

If you’re trying to take 10,000 steps a day, it can be discouraging to miss that well-known target. But why is 10,000 steps the goal? And is it really necessary to take that many steps every day?

While Father’s Day gets less sentimental build up than Mother’s Day, it may still bring out intense emotions for many men even if they are not parents themselves.

News briefs

New findings show a dramatic increase in the number of men taking a conservative approach to low-risk prostate cancer. According to a Harvard-led study published Feb. 19, 2019, in JAMA, use of active surveillance — which involves monitoring the cancer and delaying treatment unless it progresses — almost tripled from 2010 to 2015. The data come from the records of 165,000 men with prostate cancer. Researchers found that among men with low-risk prostate cancer (slow-growing cancer that's not considered life-threatening), active surveillance jumped from 15% in 2010 to 42% in 2015, surgery fell from 47% to 31%, and radiation dropped from 38% to 27%. Other studies also have also shown increasing rates of active surveillance in low-risk cases.

Why the shift? The authors point to national guidelines that now recommend active surveillance in such cases, as well as favorable research findings. "Emerging evidence has shown that active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer is an effective alternative to surgery or radiation, associated with similar and excellent chances at long-term survival," notes Dr. Brandon Mahal, the study's lead author and a radiation oncologist with Harvard-affiliated Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center.

We think of measles as a minor viral infection in children that goes away without compilcations, but it can have complications, and they can be serious or even fatal. Here's how to protect yourself, your circle, and your community — and why you should

Gravity is not kind to your body as you age. Nor are childbirth, an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and the hormone declines that lead to muscle loss, loose skin, and thinning hair. Worry about having your partner see your sagging skin or generous waistline can discourage you from having sex, or you may demand that sex take place only under the covers, with the lights out. Needless to say, these conditions don't leave much room for a sense of closeness or inspired lovemaking. Often, a preoccupation with your appearance while making love will prevent you from initiating or responding to sexual advances.

A negative self-image isn't always rooted in your appearance. Career setbacks or other disappointments can lead to feelings of failure and depression, both of which sap desire. For men, episodes of impotence can undercut confidence in their masculinity.