THE HEALTHY MAN
The fact that you're reading these words means (a) you're ready to take charge of your health or (b) someone who loves you gave you this book and you thought you'd better scan a couple of pages in case you get quizzed later.
If it's (b), give yourself some points for honesty. But stick around for a few more pages. You might find that healthy living is not nearly as oppressive or difficult as you might think. And even if you're not ready for us now, be glad we're on your bookshelf for when you are ready.
But chances are most men are already in the (a) category. More than ever, men are being better about their healthand they're seeing some real dividends for their investments. Not long ago, the average life expectancy for men was about 70 years. Now the Bureau of Health Statistics says we can expect to live to at least 72two extra years of lifeand that number will keep rising the earlier we take responsibility for our health and fitness.
But we can't rest on our laurels. Women have an average life expectancy of 79 and don't kid yourself that their seven-year lead is because of some genetic advantage. Fact is, women hang in the game of life longer for one reason: They take better care of themselves.
"For example, when women have a problem, they're more likely to see their doctors and get it checked out," says Kenneth Goldberg, M.D., director of the Male Health Center in Dallas and author of How Men Can Live as Long as Women. As Dr. Goldberg explains, what we dismiss as overly cautious behavior can turn out to be a lifesaver. "The more attention they pay to their health, the sooner they will nip problems in the bud. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to ignore some very obvious signs and put off seeing a doctor as long as possible. But this 'manly' view of things is what causes men to die sooner."
So consider Encyclopedia of Men's Health your playbook, your game plan for greater health. To write it, the editors of Men's Health magazine polled the leading experts in every fieldfrom neurology to urology. We've packed this volume with thousands of tips for dealing with or getting rid of mental and physical ailements.