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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Dear Mr. Dad: I’m in the early stages of what is going to be a very contested divorce. One of the core issues is that my soon-to-be-ex-wife admitted that she’s been having an affair for the past four years. As if that weren’t bad enough, we have two children that were born during that time...Continue reading