Getting to Know You: Why It’s Important to Tell Your Kids the Story of Your Life
Dear Mr. Dad: My mother passed away several years ago and my father suffers from dementia. They were great parents and are definitely role models for me as I father my own children (ages 7, 12, and 16). The problem is that when my kids ask me questions about their grandparents, I barely have any... CONTINUE READING→
April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month: It’s Time to Support Life-Saving Testicular Self-Exams
Dear Healthy Men: I just read that the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) is recommending against men and boys doing testicular self-exams. What could possibly be wrong with educating young men about how to examine themselves for early signs of cancer? A: I agree completely—and I’m far from alone. In fact, an entire coalition... CONTINUE READING→
Six Tips to Keep Your Prostate Healthy
A prostate is unusual in that it is a male-only organ, yet it is an essential one. This walnut-sized organ, located behind the bladder and below the rectum, secretes an alkaline lubricate that feeds sperm. As a man ages, the cells in his prostate may begin to operate improperly, resulting in various health problems. However,... CONTINUE READING→
New HHS Study Shows Significant Increases in Children Diagnosed with Mental Health Conditions from 2016 to 2020
There’s no question that parents’ mental health is an excellent predictor of their children’s mental health; children of parents suffering from anxiety and/or depression are far more likely to be diagnosed with the same conditions. Unfortunately, most of the research done on parental mental-health influences has focused exclusively or primarily on mothers. As a result,... CONTINUE READING→
Hospitals Must do Better to Address Minority Health
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, ensuring one’s physical health became the priority. As the toll of social distancing and prolonged stay-in-place orders have shown, the importance of addressing mental health and well-being is integral to our COVID-19 response for all, but particularly for people of color. Minority communities across the nation have experienced greater rates... CONTINUE READING→
How Sleep Affects Your Eyes
Everyone knows that a good night’s sleep is vital for overall health, but it’s also essential for keeping your eyes healthy. Many common eye problems such as dry eyes, blurred vision, and even cataracts can be caused or exacerbated by sleep deprivation. Here are some ways that sleep affects your eyes: 1. Lack of sleep... CONTINUE READING→
Why More Young Men Are Getting Into Gardening
Gary, Gary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow? Wait, that’s not how the old nursery rhyme goes. Who is Gary, and what’s he doing in the garden? Chances are Gary is a young guy, somewhere between the ages of 18 and 34. Not only is Gary interested in gardening, he’s likely to spend 100... CONTINUE READING→
What to Do If Your Partner Doesn’t Want Children and You Do
Feeling like you desperately want to have kids while your partner doesn’t may put a lot of strain on your relationship. Some people may harbor more or less irrational fears or negative attitudes towards parenting. In most cases, some myth-busting or consultations with professionals may get to the root of the problem. However, this is a... CONTINUE READING→
The Catastrophe of Men’s Health and How We Can Help
A hundred years ago, women lived one year longer than men, but now they live five years longer than men. And things are getting worse. Currently, the lifespan of men in the U.S. is declining due to alcohol, opioids, and suicide. These trends need to change. I take care of men. I’ve been a urologist... CONTINUE READING→
Fighting the HIV Epidemic Together: Addressing Inclusion for Men of Color in HIV Prevention
I grew up in an affirming faith community that had an AIDS outreach ministry in the early 1990s, which was a radical move during that period and a statement that I hope helps frame my story. For 16 years, HIV has been a major part of my life. Though my HIV status is negative, I... CONTINUE READING→