Being an Involved Dad–Even from the Road
Dear Mr. Dad: I’m a professional baseball player and during the season, I’m on the road a lot. I love my job, but I hate being away from my kids (ages 6, 9, and 13)—and I know they’re not happy about it either. How can I stay connected to them when I’m away? A: What... CONTINUE READING→
Why Hackers Love Electronic Medical Records and How to Keep Yours Safe
When you think about computer hackers who want to steal your personal information, you probably assume that they’re after stuff like your credit card accounts and Social Security number. While cybercriminals wouldn’t turn down the chance to get a hold of this type of personal data, they’re actually even more interested in your electronic medical... CONTINUE READING→
Joining a Blended Family with Teenagers
Dear Mr. Dad. I’m marrying a woman who has two teenagers from her previous marriage. This is my first marriage and, although I like her kids, I’m a little worried about how I’ll do as a stepfather of teens. Any suggestions? A: About half of all marriages are remarriages for at least one of the partners,... CONTINUE READING→
Fatherhood is Full of Surprises
Dear Mr. Dad: I just found out that my girlfriend is pregnant. I have no idea what to expect. Can you give me a few hints? A: Congratulations—you’re in for a long, wild ride! Becoming a dad involves new responsibilities, new pressures, and new expectations to live up to. For some of us, this little jolt... CONTINUE READING→
We Are Fully the Men Our Grandfathers Were
Upon reading Nellie Bowles great piece “The Dawning of Sperm Awareness” in the New York Times about the conundrum of our dropping sperm counts, I asked myself: “Am I coming across as a disruptor by not being particularly worried that we are headed toward extinction?” I thought it a good opportunity to unpack the beef behind this belief. Sperm... CONTINUE READING→
Using Antibiotics Correctly
Did you know that for every human cell in your body, there are five to 10 bacterial cells? All those bacteria help educate our immune system, regulate our metabolism and prevent colonization by harmful pathogens. The majority of bacteria in the human body live in the gut, making up what’s called the microbiome. Gut bacteria... CONTINUE READING→
22 Discipline Ideas That Really Work. Part 2
Last week I introduced the first 11 of my 22 field-tested strategies for disciplining toddlers. Here are the remaining 11. Get down to your child’s level. When you’re talking to your child—specially to criticize—kneel or sit. You’ll still be big enough that he’ll know who the boss is. Don’t lecture. Instead, ask questions to engage... CONTINUE READING→
How Sperm Mapping Can Save Japan
There I was, lecturing at the leading Japanese male fertility society at their annual meeting in Kobe, Japan and it hit me: Japan has a serious infertility problem. And they really need Sperm Mapping. Children of Men Here’s the drone view. Japan has one of the lowest birth rates in the developed world (1.46, 2.1 is self... CONTINUE READING→
22 Discipline Ideas That Really Work. Part 1
Dear Mr. Dad: You’ve talked about how futile it is to discipline an infant. That makes sense. But what about toddlers? A: At one time or another, all parents struggle with discipline—establishing limits, enforcing limits, and getting their kids to speak to them respectfully and do what they’re supposed to do. But discipline isn’t only about... CONTINUE READING→
The Top Five Trends and Truths in Men’s Health
Maybe it’s the way I’m built, but I tend to focus on the big picture whenever possible. I think it was Confucius who said: “A lion chased me up a tree, and I greatly enjoyed the view from the top.” Second that. Although I am caught up in the nitty gritty of daily medical practice, I also... CONTINUE READING→