Maternity Leave: Great Idea, but What About Dad?
Dear Healthy Men: I just read that the United States is one of the only industrialized countries in the world without a paid maternity leave program. Where do you stand on that issue? A: We support it—and we’re glad to see that President Joe Biden and others in his administration have come out in support of...CONTINUE READING→
Overcoming Picky Eating
Dear Mr. Dad: I’m a single dad and I love cook. I make a special point of preparing meals I think my kids will like—or at least eat! But time after time I find myself dumping perfectly good, untouched food into leftover containers, or worse, into the trash. The kids seem to want nothing but...CONTINUE READING→
Nutrition as We Age: Healthy Eating with the Dietary Guidelines
Good nutrition across the lifespan helps prevent chronic disease — and we know that it’s never too late to make improvements to support healthy aging. Older adults are at greater risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer — as well as health conditions related to changes in muscle and bone mass, such...CONTINUE READING→
Casualties in the War on COVID
Dear Healthy Men: You’ve written several columns about the effect that COVID-19 has had on men. What about women? I’ve read recently, for example, that women are being affected disproportionately in the war on COVID because most of the jobs that have been lost were held by women. As Hillary Clinton once said, “Women have...CONTINUE READING→
Six Common Nutrition Mistakes You’re Probably Making
Adhering to a healthy diet is something many people are having trouble with. To make matters worse, there are so many pop culture myths and misconceptions that even if you wanted to do the right thing, you’d have no idea where to begin. In this article, we will discuss six common nutrition mistakes you’re probably...CONTINUE READING→
Why We Need an Office of Men’s Health—Now!
Dear Healthy Men: More than a year ago, I read a column of yours that mentioned that while there are several Offices of Women’s Health in the federal government, there isn’t a corresponding Office of Men’s Health. Is that still true? And if not, why not? A: The answer to your first question is easy: There...CONTINUE READING→
Six Surprising Health Benefits of Growing Plants
Gardening has long been a treasured pastime. It benefits the local ecosystem, provides tasty foods and lovely blooms, and enhances outdoor spaces. Whether you have some potted plants in the kitchen, or a full veggie garden out back, growing plants has surprising health benefits. Maybe you’re someone who took up gardening recently, or perhaps you’re...CONTINUE READING→
Unexplained Aches and Pains
Most of the time, pain has a purpose. It alerts us to injury or forces us to rest or avoid certain activities while the body heals. That’s why random aches and pain are so frustrating. What is your body trying to tell you? And why should you just suddenly start having pain for no reason?...CONTINUE READING→
Heartburn Meds Help, But Have a Downside Too
I instantly knew something was very wrong. I woke my wife and said, “I think we need to get to the ER.” Thirty minutes later, I was hooked up to an EKG, looking up at the ER doctor. My heart had developed a sudden arrhythmia. I had no history of heart disease. Thankfully, I received...CONTINUE READING→
Enjoying Holiday Meals–Without Worrying About the Weight Gain
Well, we got through Halloween, but Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, and New Year’s are still ahead. That means quality time with the family, and plenty of office or school holiday parties (even if they’re only virtual). The holiday season brings a wide mix of emotions and stress—both good and bad—and the temptation of nostalgic holiday treats...CONTINUE READING→