Men are Bad Pill-Takers

Men are often targets of generalizations. Because I am a man, I feel that it is okay to take some liberties on this issue of medication noncompliance. In my professional experience, men cannot be trusted with complying with medication. Men who are taking antibiotics for infection tend to "forget" doses much more often than women. They also are more likely to stop their treatment early if they are feeling better. It is no wonder that men die sooner than our female counterparts. When men are the primary caregivers for their children, they also forget to give prescribed medicine to them, too. If men are questioned by their medical providers about compliance, they will lie. Men are not shy about asking for shots for their children instead of taking the responsibility for giving oral medications. The children are not pleased.

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Open Letter to Black Men

Dear Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Grandpa, Son:

We need you!

We know that it may seem like the world is against you and you seemingly have little power to change the plight of your future.

But the truth is, you do have power! You have the power to take control of your health.

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All About Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

Diabetes Symptoms

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.

Some diabetes symptoms include:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Increased fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurry vision

If you have one or more of these diabetes symptoms, see your doctor right away. 

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What Is a Man?

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Health Watch Traffic Triples Heart Attack Risk Study Shows Even Passengers Risk Heart Attack in Heavy Traffic; Exhaust Fumes Blamed

Whether you drive, take the bus, or bicycle, being in heavy traffic triples your risk of heart attack within one hour.

Air pollution from car fumes is the likely culprit, suggest Annette Peters, PhD, and colleagues at the Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Center, Munich, Germany.

In a previous study, Peters and colleagues found that a sizeable proportion of heart attacks -- about 8% -- could be attributed to being in traffic.

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