The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men's Health: Lessons from the Harvard Men's Health Studies (Harvard Medical School Book) [Hardcover]

Harvey B. Simon (Author), Harriet Greenfield (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 17, 2002 | Series: Harvard Medical School Book

"The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men's Health" is the ultimate state of the art in men's health, assembled into a single volume containing a quarter-century's worth of hard-won knowledge -- knowledge that men need to lead longer, healthier lives. And it's assembled here because more than twenty-five years ago, researchers at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health began what have become the largest aggregate studies ever of men's health: the Harvard Alumni Study, the Physicians' Health Study, and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Tracking the behavior and health of more than 96,000 American men over decades, the studies have regularly generated front-page health news, such as demonstrating the health benefits of low-dose aspirin, documenting the reduction in heart disease enjoyed by men who consume large amounts of dietary fiber, scientifically proving the life-prolonging effects of regular exercise, showing which supplements help and which do more harm than good, and much, much more. These studies represent the ultimate resource on what keeps men healthy -- and what doesn't. And it's a resource that's never been needed more than today: ? An American man will be diagnosed with prostate cancer every three minutes this year. ? Two hundred thirty-five thousand men will die from heart disease during the year. ?One-quarter of all sixty-five-year-olds have erectile dysfunction. ? More than half of all American men are overweight or obese. ? Every one of the ten leading causes of death in America is substantially more common in men than women. American women live nearly six years longer than American men. What are men doing about it? ? One-quarter ofAmerican men say they handle worries about health by waiting as long as possible before seeking help. One-third do not have a regular doctor. ? One-half of all American men have not had a physical exam or cholesterol test in the past year. Sixty percent of men older than fifty have not been tested for colon cancer in the past year, and 41 percent have not been tested for prostate cancer.

That's the problem. The solution is "The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men's ""Health." It features the best and most current information on the health-preserving functions of diet, exercise, and over-the-counter drugs and supplements -- the ones that really work, the ones that don't, and the ones that are dangerous. It gives straight answers on when drinking alcohol is beneficial and when it's not. It incorporates programs and advice on behavior modification and stress control. The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men's Health is the most comprehensive, easy-to-use reference to the diseases that are particularly important to men, including prostate cancer and testicular cancer, erectile dysfunction, kidney and bladder problems, and more. And it even features an easy-to-navigate guide to the health-care system that can help men work with their doctors to achieve better health. With the authority that only the world's largest and best-known medical school can provide, and the lively, clear presentation that is the hallmark of Harvard Men's Health Watch, the monthly newsletter edited by Dr. Simon, "The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men's ""Health" is an essential reference for every man -- and for everyone who cares about a man's health.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

While it may not be as hot as the latest issue of Maxim, this new health guide should be required reading for any man between the ages of 18 and 80. The book's success is rooted in the no-nonsense approach of author Simon, the founding editor of the wildly successful Harvard Men's Health Watch newsletter, who has long been urging men to get in shape and stay that way. Simon uses the results of three Harvard studies of more than 95,000 men over the last 25 years to provide five main "answers" (diet, exercise, aspirin and other supplements, moderate alcohol, and behavior modification and stress control) to five main "maladies of men" (disorders of the genital area, sexuality and reproduction, benign prostate disorders, prostate cancer, and kidney and bladder disorders). Along the way, he discusses other topics such as reproductive anatomy, vitamins, depression, Viagra and herbal medications. Though it's packed with provocative data (e.g., "every one of the ten leading causes of death in America is substantially more common in men than women"; "even committed teetotalers who review the data will have to agree that light to moderate drinking appears to reduce a man's risk of angina, heart attack, sudden cardiac death, and ischemic stroke"), the book stays focused on Simon's main message: "Above all, men should concentrate on the basics, on the core issues that remain constant in a sea of change." (Sept.) Forecast: Neither overly serious nor laced with chirpy beer-and-babes humor, this tome should remain a steady seller after trendier books are gone.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

While this excellent men's health guide stands on its own, its research is based on the Harvard Men's Health Watch newsletter and shares common goals with the Harvard Family Health Guide. Simon (medicine, Harvard Medical Sch.; Staying Well), the newsletter's founding editor, aims to empower men to improve their health and to motivate them to change lifestyles for the better. Basing his advice on three long-term Harvard studies that have tracked more than 96,000 men for many years, Simon reviews programs of diet, exercise, supplements, stress control, and medical care, and addresses frequently asked questions (e.g., should I take a daily aspirin?, is wine really good for me?, and should I have a PSA blood test?). Much like a very caring family doctor, Simon presents both sides of issues and lets the reader know what the evidence recommends as best practice. This comprehensive, informative, engagingly written guide is a standout among a slew of similar titles. Highly recommended for most consumer health collections. James Swanton, Harlem Hosp. Lib., New York
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 496 pages
• Publisher: Free Press; First Edition edition (September 17, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684871815
• ISBN-13: 978-0684871813
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #704,121 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #100 in Books > Medical Books > Administration & Medicine Economics > Health Risk Assessment

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best men's medical reference book, June 30, 2004

By 

Gaetan Lion - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men's Health: Lessons from the Harvard Men's Health Studies (Paperback)

This is an excellent medical reference book for men. The information is very well organized into three separate parts: 1) what makes men different, 2) what makes men healthy, and 3) men's main diseases, how to prevent them, test for them, and treat them. The book is quite long at 470 pages. But, it reads easily. And, it makes for an excellent medical reference to go back to when you want specific scientific information on various men's health topics.

The best part about the book is that it is based on extensive medical studies. The advice provided is the result of statistically significant conclusions derived from these studies. Thus, the objectivity, integrity, and intelligence derived from this book is so much greater than from any of the medical authors positioning themselves as the current diet or health care guru.

The book confirms the value of EFV. The ultimately healthy lifestyle consists of a lot of Exercise with a diet that includes lots of Fruits and Vegetables. These three factors (exercise, fruits, vegetables) appear to be universal protectors against all age related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Similarly, the high risk factors regardless of the health risk considered seemed to be always the same, including: smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, lots of saturated fats and trans fats in the diet.

The book has a ton of information besides the self-evident basics mentioned above. There are lots of tables, graphs, and summaries that make the information easy to retrieve. These include info on BMI, PSA test levels, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, recommended frequencies of screening tests, recommended dosage and toxic levels of vitamins and minerals, Glycemic index, life expectancy charts, and lots more interesting stuff.

With the medical knowledge derived from this book, you will be in a far better position to take care of your health and initiate a mutually productive dialogue with your general practitioners and specialists. The World is getting increasingly complex. Technology and science evolve rapidly. Nowhere does this increasing complexity have a greater impact than on healthcare. This book will help you understand your health, risk factors, relevant testing, and cures to be considered.

As we age, we will invariably be faced with some challenging options and decisions. This book is a great road map to help us out along the way. If you are well informed, it takes a lot of anxiety out of the equation. That takes care of a major health risk already [stress and anxiety]. This book is good for you!

Along the same line of excellent health related information, I also strongly recommend another great book from Harvard Health Publications: "Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy" by Walter C. Willett. It is the best book on diet and nutrition I have ever read. And, that is also because it is based on scientific studies, and not on subjective opinions from egocentric blowhards.

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource, December 16, 2002

By 

Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men's Health: Lessons from the Harvard Men's Health Studies (Harvard Medical School Book) (Hardcover)

This book is packed with information on men's health. It covers everything from diet and exercise, through men's maladies (prostate, bladder and problems of the genitals). It covers everything in an easy-to-understand manner that includes many charts and diagrams. In particular I appreciated the section on exercise and stretching, and have revamped my exercise regimen based on this book. I am glad I got this book, and recommend it to all men.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for men AND women, October 22, 2002

By 

N. Goldberg (needham, ma United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men's Health: Lessons from the Harvard Men's Health Studies (Harvard Medical School Book) (Hardcover)

I've read many articles and books on health, but my husband has never been interested. I thought his heart attack might be a wake up call so I bought him Dr.Simon's book. Believe it or not, it's working! David not only is enjoying the book but he's finally getting into prevention. He recommended the book to two of his friends who were concerned about prostate disease and prostate cancer. And to my surprise, I found that I actually learned more from this book about nutrition and fitness than from my women's health books. I highly recommend "The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men's Health" to every man AND woman.