pose the question:“ Are we man enough to stand up and take control of our health?” Yes, the future of our generation depends on it.

Men pay less attention to health-related complaints than women, and often do not consult doctors before their problems have persisted for a prolonged period. This might be one of the reasons why the specific health problems pertaining to men have not been addressed adequately for a long period in time. However, it is a fact that:

• Men die younger than women. In 1920, women outlived men only by one year. Today, CDC figures show the life expectancy gap has widened: On average, women survive men by over five years.

• Men are disproportionately affected by non-genderspecific diseases such as Cardiovascular Disease, Liver Cirrhosis and Lung Cancer.

Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women but almost twice as many males die of conditions that affect the cardiovascular system. The average age of a person having a first heart attack is 65.8 for men and 70.4 for women. Risk factors for heart disease include: increasing age; smoking; family history and race( folks with family history of the disease have greater risk); Hypercholesterolemia; Hypertension; a sedentary lifestyle;

diabetes; and obesity. Besides smoking, the following are risk factors for lung cancer: exposure to secondhand smoke; exposure to asbestos or radon; personal history; and air pollution.

The risk of committing suicide is four times higher for men than for women. Men are more prone to suicide because they’ re less likely to openly show depression and have somebody else recognize it early enough to treat it, or to have themselves recognize that they’ re in trouble; I support Prof William Pollack( PhD), assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School’ s, statement that depression may play out in the following ways in men: anger; aggression; work‘ burnout’; risktaking behaviour; midlife crisis; and alcohol and substance abuse;

To help men with depression and to reduce the risk of suicide, doctors, loved ones, and men themselves, need to recognize society’ s model of masculinity:

• Men‘ feel’ more healthy( norm of society re masculinity);

• Men account for the majority of victims of road traffic and serious accidents at work that lead to permanent injury and;

• Consult a general practitioner less often than women.

Overweight and obesity in men is markedly on the rise as seen in the age group from 45 to 64. Excessive weight, a frequent indirect consequence of unhealthy patterns of behaviour, considerably increases the risk of contracting diseases such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes.

A healthy diet strongly contributes to the preservation of health and well-being. Studies revealed that a healthy diet plays a significantly less important role for men than for women. Men tend to eat fruit and vegetables less often than women and prefer rich meals with large quantities of meat.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men. It is the second leading type of cancer death in men, after lung cancer. There is not enough known about what causes prostate cancer and how to prevent it, yet the disease is treatable if found in early stages. This can be a challenge, since prostate cancer can show no symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body. A prostatespecific antigen( PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam should be offered annually for healthy men starting at age 50 or older. Men who are at high risk – such as those who have family history of prostate cancer – should begin testing earlier. A multi-disciplinary approach works best in treatment. A Medical Herbalist( Phytotherapist), Urologist, Oncologist, Psychologist and Dietician can all play a major role in prevention and treatment. Have your prostate checked today.

The majority of men spend approximately two thirds of their lifetime in working life. Therefore, work-related stress factors are of central importance for the health of men. Considerably more men than women indicate that their health is affected because of their occupation( massive pressure of time, heavy physical work, conflicts at the workplace). Invest in some‘ me’ time: a yoga session, hot stone massage, a walk in the park, gardening or start a new hobby.

Botanical medicines are known for their efficacy in treatment of sexual desire, low libido, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Consult a Registered Medical Herbalist( Phytotherapist). I treat the majority of males in my practice with great success. My favourite herbs include Mucuna Pruriens, Withania Somnifera, Tribulus Terrestris and Curcumalonga. There are contra indications with allopathic medicine as well as certain health conditions. A proper consultation is of fundamental importance.

Knowledge comes from learning. Wisdom comes from living … Take action and start living!

Dr. Pierce van Tonder( D. Herb)( SA) is a Board Certified Medical Herbalist( AHG: USA) and Phytotherapist. He is in private practice with a special interest in Chronic disease and General-Well Being of Society. He is a qualified Iridologist, Nutritionist, La Stone Masseur, Reiki Master & Dance Movement Therapist. Visit us at Life Roseacres Hospital, Cnr Castor Rd & St. Josephs St, Symhurst, Primrose. Call 011-842-7651 for appointments or 079-346-0001. Email: drvantonder @ gmail. com or read the blog: http:// drvantonder. wordpress. com

Greek

• 1 / 2 cup olive oil

• 1 / 2 cup lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano chopped( or 1 tablespoon dried oregano)

Food writer Anél Potgieter’ s blog was announced the winner of the 2014 and 2013 Eat Out Food Blog of the Year Award – the first time that someone has won twice in a row. She won SABC2’ s first season of Dinner Divas in January 2013. She also writes a weekly food column for Rapport and is a regular face on SABC3’ s breakfast show, Expresso.

For recipes, visit www. lifeisazoobiscuit. com