The Men's Health Book : a Guide for the Irish Man PDF
Preview The Men's Health Book : a Guide for the Irish Man
00_MHB-Prelims:Layout 1 17/02/2009 12:19 Page i The Men’s Health Book 00_MHB-Prelims:Layout 1 17/02/2009 12:19 Page ii Disclaimer This book is designed to increase knowledge, awareness and under- standing of men’s health issues. It is not intended to replace the advice that your own doctor can give you. If you are concerned by any of the issues raised in this book make sure you consult your GP, who is there to help you. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information and material contained in this book, nevertheless it is possible that errors or omissions may occur in the content. The author and publishers assume no responsibility for and give no guarantees or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness or up-to-date nature of the information provided in this book. 00_MHB-Prelims:Layout 1 17/02/2009 12:19 Page iii THE MEN’S HEALTH BOOK A Guide for the Irish Man D M R R ARK OWE 00_MHB-Prelims:Layout 1 17/02/2009 12:19 Page iv Blackhall Publishing Lonsdale House Avoca Avenue Blackrock Co. Dublin Ireland e-mail: [email protected] www.blackhallpublishing.com © Mark Rowe, 2009 ISBN: 978-1-84218-165-2 A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior, written permission of the publisher. This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. Printed in Ireland by ColourBooks Ltd. 00_MHB-Prelims:Layout 1 17/02/2009 12:19 Page v I dedicate this book to Edel and our children Malcolm, Tony and Lydia. I also dedicate it to my late father, Brendan Rowe, who inspired me to write it. Finally, I dedicate this book to the many heroes out there who work hard on a daily basis to make a difference to the lives of others. 00_MHB-Prelims:Layout 1 17/02/2009 12:19 Page vi Dr Mark Rowe – Biographical Information Mark Rowe is a General Practitioner with a special interest in men’s health. He graduated from UCD Medical School in 1991 and went on to specialise in family practice and became a qualified member of the Irish College of General Practitioners in 1995, achieving the first place ‘Ellerd Eppel’ award. Since then he has practised as a GP in Waterford City. He also runs a men’s health programme at the Waterford Health Park where his practice is based. He is a trainer with the South-East GP Training Programme. He is also an examiner with the Irish College of General Practitioners. Dr Rowe has published a number of national guidelines and articles Forum in the Irish College of General Practitioners’ journal, . He has given seminars and has acted as guest speaker on the topic of men’s health at a number of events. He ran the New York Marathon in 2007 and fundraised for two charities. His current research interest is in the area of ‘generative space’, which means that by providing inspiring surroundings in the primary healthcare setting you can enhance the esteem and feel-good factor of both patients and staff, with resultant long-term health improvements. vi 00_MHB-Prelims:Layout 1 17/02/2009 12:19 Page vii Acknowledgements It is with deep gratitude that I express my appreciation to the Men’s Health Book following for their contributions to the : • To my patients, whom I am privileged to serve on a daily basis. Also to my colleagues and staff, who assist in that care. • To all the team at Blackhall Publishing: to Elizabeth Brennan for her initial encouragement and to Eileen O’Brien, who reviewed the chapters, set deadlines and suggested improvements. • To Richard Murphy for his creativity, which is evident in the illustrations throughout the book. • Finally, to my dear wife Edel, for her help, support and encour- agement in this, as in all things. vii 00_MHB-Prelims:Layout 1 17/02/2009 12:19 Page viii 00_MHB-Prelims:Layout 1 17/02/2009 12:19 Page ix Contents Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii 1. The Health Hazards of Being Male . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2. A Man’s Got to Chew What a Man’s Got to Chew . . . 13 3. When Size Really Does Matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 4. Exercise – Probably the Best Pill of All . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 5. A Good Heart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 6. Conquer Your Cholesterol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 7. Cancer – The Big ‘C’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 8. The Prostate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143 9. When It Won’t Stay Up – Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167 10. Male Infertility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183 11. Watch What You Catch! Close the Door on Sexually Transmitted Infections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197 12. Know Your Balls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211 13. Alcohol and Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231 14. Stress and Distress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .255 15. Depression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .271 16. Common and Embarrassing Men’s Health Problems . .289 17. Conclusion – Time to Change for Your Better Health .321 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .333 ix 00_MHB-Prelims:Layout 1 17/02/2009 12:19 Page x
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